The surprising Anna May Wong. Like many, author Katie Salisbury was startled to learn of the star, then couldn't stop looking. Wong was a famous Chinese-American movie star in the 1920s and 1930s and had her own television series in the early 1950s. Salisbury's nonfiction book about Wong's life is titled Not Your China Doll. The author is half-Chinese and grew up in Arcadia.
The 70th annual Arcadia Festival of Bands set for Saturday, November 18. It has grown into one of the most popular marching band reviews in Southern California and is the longest-running event of its kind in the state. Photo of Arcadia High School Band and Color Guard. Kevin Sherrill is the Band and Percussion director at Arcadia High School. The parade's grand marshal is retired Arcadia Fire Department Captain Neil Conrad.
Guns and hoses: local firefighters speak out on first responders and the Utility Users Tax (UUT) aka Measure A. The repeal of the UUT would result in dramatic loss of service in fire and police departments. Photo includes Brian Ursettie, Nick Wiegand, Chen Suen, Jeremy Conrad, Thomas Devlin, Kevin Valentine.
Arcadia Unified School District revives middle school athletics. In 1995, the middle school sports program was dismantled when the district transitioned junior high to the middle school model (6th-8th grades), then the focus veered heavily toward academics. On December 3, 2015, First Avenue Middle School faced off with Dana Middle School for the first time in two decades.
San Gabriel Valley police officers and firefighters, including Arcadia Police Department and Arcadia Fire Department, competed in a charity basketball tournament at Arcadia High School to benefit Special Olympics Southern California. It was organized by Arcadia Police detective Walter Ashby.
Arcadia Presbyterian Church's 100th anniversary (centennial) will feature a choral and organ concert. John Henken will conduct the chorus and Tabitha Henken will be the organ accompanist.