Four new police officers started patrolling Arcadia on December 24, 2000, Christmas eve. Their names are Jennifer Casillas, Brett Bourgeous, Jay C. Huang and Sal Piscopo.
Arcadia police officers Robin Letorneau and Matt Kraut were given Life Saving Medals and Citations for saving the life of a 54-year-old man in a smoke-filled room at the Santa Anita Inn.
Arcadia Police Department Agent Bruce Smith was given the Arcadia Police Department Life Saving Medal for saving an unconscious man named Ben Noodleman.
First Avenue Middle School celebrated the 26th birthday and life of teacher Jennifer Castillo with a ceremony and the release of over 900 balloons. She taught 6th grade Algebra and introductory Spanish. She died February 8 of heart failure.
Elizabeth Cox, Josh Silverman, and Corey Stubbs were honored by Mayor Mickey Segal for saving the life of crossing guard Richard Bauer. The students were making a video about life in Arcadia when he had a heart attack. They called 911.
Jennifer Consalvi and Julie Gu, both of Arcadia High School, went to Washington DC to participate in the Presidential Classroom Scholar's Program. They met with Congressman David Dreier and Ralph Nader.
Highland Oaks PTSA gives service awards and installs its Executive Board on May 28, 2003. Yoshiko Hayashi and Dick Grumm received "Very Special Friend" awards. Teacher Teresa Sarrail received the Honorary Service Award. Volunteers Cindy Forillo and Stephanie McNutt also received the Honorary Service Award. Lisa Lucas was installed for a second term as PTSA president.
Arcadia Public Library received a $30,000 donation from the Friends of the Arcadia Library volunteers. The money will help pay for programs and materials.
Grant Chu, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ming R. Chu of Arcadia, received a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Arcadia Unified School District ranked among the top performers in LA County by the Academic Performance Index ratings. AUSD received an overall rating of 826 out of a possible 900 points.
Arcadia Battalion Chief Don Shawver received a request to report for special duty at the Pentagon six hours after the first terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He went to help as a safety officer.
The 35th annual Public Schools luncheon was held at the Masonic Center to honor 26 National Merit Scholarship students. The Foothills Middle School Sixth Grade Chorus performed.