Arcadia's official city birthday party will be held August 5, a date that reflects the official declaration of Arcadia cityhood by the Board of Supervisors, back in 1903. The 100th birthday party includes a scavenger hunt, the release of the anthology "Visions of Arcadia," unveiling the bronze peacock statue at Peacock Corner, a mixer at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, and a birthday party at the Community Center. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 18, July 31, 2003.
Arcadia government officials and centennial committee members are planning a yearlong civic celebration beginning January 1, 2003. On January 18, a gala event will honor people who have served the city. The history of Arcadia's incorporation, including the decision to use August 5, 1903, as the official date, is included.
Arcadia Methodist Hospital is celebrating its 100th year in 2003. This article traces its history back to 1903 when the hospital started in downtown Los Angeles.
The FBI will settle a lawsuit brought by Josh Connole for $100,000. He was wrongly jailed for the SUV (sport utility vehicle) arson attacks in the San Gabriel Valley, including a dealership in Arcadia, in August 2003.
Arcadia's Centennial (1903-2003) approaches and the Arcadia Centennial Celebration Commission is planning on a year-long, citywide celebration for the city's 100th birthday. In photo, a baseball cap to commemorate the centennial, is on sale at Arcadia Public Library.
"Visions of Arcadia", the anthology of essays celebrating the city's centennial, will be out in time to be presented at the city's 100th birthday party on August 5. The book was edited by Councilman Gary Kovacic. The printing cost over $15,000.
Local residents and merchants have bought commemorative street banners which bear the inscription "Celebrating Arcadia's Centennial: 1903-2003" alongside their own name. Banners will be up January 1 and will hang until December 31, 2003.
Isaac J. Campbell, 32, of San Gabriel, is wanted for questioning in the death of his girlfriend Liya "Jessie" Lu. He is suspected of killing her and dumping her body in a trashcan in the 1700 block of South Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia.
A water main broke on December 22,2008, creating a large sinkhole on Orange Grove Avenue, just west of Santa Anita Avenue, near the intersection with Hyland Avenue. The rupture opened a hole about 25 to 30 feet across and 5 feet deep.
Arcadia Police Department held a "topping off" luncheon and ceremony after setting the symbolic final piece of structural steel on the new police facility. The final completion date will be mid-to-late-summer, 2003.
The United States Department of Justice made a formal apology in a letter to 27-year-old Joshua Connole for arresting him after sport utility vehicles (SUV) were vandalized at dealerships in West Covina, Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia. He is now no longer a suspect and lives in Oregon.
Arcadia celebrated 100 years of cityhood with a cameo appearance by Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin, portrayed by John Reuter. Activities included a scavenger hunt, author book signing for Visions of Arcadia, and the unveiling of the bronze peacock topping the fountain. The peacock was sculpted by Dave Chapple.
The Jack Lantz Big Band will perform big band swing music on April 27, 2003, at the Arcadia Community Center as part of the Arcadia centennial celebration.
Former Arcadia High School baseball coach Mike Parisi was arrested June 8 on suspicion of cocaine possession and of being under the influence of the drug. The Arcadia school board dismissed him. He will begin a 2-week trial period in drug court on August 7, where he will undergo counseling, drug testing, and a 12-step program.
The body of Liya Lu, a 31-year-old woman, was found in a back yard on Baldwin Avenue. Her American name is "Jessie". She was last seen on August 11. See also 30907AN.