Creative Housing Options in Arcadia (CHOA). Local efforts to address the lack of affordable housing and homelessness. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, a group of about 30 community members met at The Hills Church in Arcadia for a 2-hour "Sharing Session" to learn about what is being done in the city to address these issues. Safe Parking Programs were discussed. Arcadia City Council member Eileen L. Wang and Arcadia Mayor April Verlato attended.
Star Wars stars to meet fans, raise funds for charity at Chalice Collectibles signing event at The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia. The event raises funds for two of Lucas Films's favorite charities: The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Foundation. See also Arcadia Weekly, pp. 1, 15, March 28, 2024.
Longtime Arcadia City Clerk Gene Glasco retires. Glasco has served 12 years as its elected City Clerk. In 2022, Arcadia voters approved an update to the City Charter that eliminated the position of the elected City Clerk. With Glasco's retirement, the City Manager will appoint a City Clerk. Most of the traditional City Clerk duties are currently performed by professional staff in the City Manager's Office, ensuring uninterrupted service to the public. Photo of Glasco with Arcadia City Council. See press release dated April 18, 2024 in VF for full-text.
Arcadia High School names Eric Elias as head football coach. Elias is a former assistant coach and an Arcadia alum. He was offensive coordinator at Cantwell Sacred Heart this past season, and has had previous coaching experience at Buena Park, Schurr, and Arroyo.
Star Wars celebrities to gather for fan event at Chalice Collectibles in Arcadia to raise funds for charity. Chalice Collectibles is one of the biggest independent retail stores selling Funko Pops (mostly vinyl pop culture figurines). Chris Bartlett, the voice and human behind C-3PO and 1-JAC on the Disney Plus streaming series "Obi Wan Kenobi," Kat Cressida, the voice of Princess Leia in "Star Wars: Rebellion," "X-Wing Alliance," and "Star Wars: Rogue Squadron," Misty Rosas, who portrayed Kuiil and Frog Lady on "The Mandalorian," and Leilani Shiu, who portrayed Teeka the Jawa on "Obi Wan Kenobi," Tatooine Jawa and offworld Jawa on "The Mandalorian" and other roles on "The Book of Boba Fett" will be there to sign toys and stuff. Chalice Collectibles is located in The Shops at Santa Anita (mall), 400 South Baldwin, Suite 2, Arcadia, CA 91007.
Pasadena Symphony announces Brett Mitchell as new music director, beginning a 5-year tenure on April 1. The Pasadena Symphony makes up half of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops Organization, and officials said Michael Feinstein will continue as conductor of the Pasadena Pops, which presents an annual summer concert series at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Arcadia firefighters raise funds to help fight pediatric cancer. Arcadia firefighters have been involved with Saint Baldrick's Foundation for over 15 years, said Arcadia Fire Chief Chen Suen. Arcadia firefighters are shown in photo.
2024 ELECTIONS - Pasadena City College: Four candidates compete for two Board of Trustee seats on the March 5 election. Voters elect a trustess from each of the seven districts in an area that includes Arcadia, a portion of El Monte, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Temple City. Area 2 candidates are Kevin D. Strotz and James Aragon. Area 6 candidates are Ryan Liu and John Quintanilla.
Arcadia Assisteens Auxiliary accepting applications February 1-28. It is a co-ed auxiliary that provides community service opportunities for high school students. Assisteens staff the Book Buddies Program, in partnership with Arcadia Public Library, and volunteer at the Assistance League of Arcadia's Bargain Box Thrift Shop. A group photo of Assisteens is shown.
USC Arcadia Hospital announces leadership changes. The appointments will "better serve its community and align with Keck Medicine of USC health system." Colleen Wilcoxen, is now chief nursing officer. Robert Begg has been named Vice President of Human Resources and will supervise workforce training and development. Beginning January 29, Lisa Johnson will serve as the USC-AH chief quality officer.
Monterey Park mass shooting one year later. City still lives in massacre's shadow. Permanent memorial to the 11 victims is still in planning stages. In Arcadia, doughnut business owners Francois Ung and his wife Shally Ung remember and honor their friend Andy Kao, a victim of the shooting at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on January 21, 2023, with a pledge that they will send proceeds from sales at their Arcadia Donuts store on January 20 and 21 to the Monterey Park Hope and Resiliency Center and the Andy Kao Memorial Ballroom Dance Group to assist funding the nonprofit organizations. See also related article, "Who were the Monterey Park shooting victims? A year later, a reflection," Pasadena Star News, p. A13, January 21, 2024.
Rose Parade 2024. SOI RV Club is a primo event for RV enthusiasts. The Sports Coach Owners International (SOI) has been organizing Rose Parade rallies for 45 years. They park at Santa Anita Park and attend multiple events including Equestfest, Bandfest, and some horse racing at the track.
Los Angeles County Arboretum celebrates 75th anniversary with an Arboretum Foundation fundraiser event honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for her ongoing support. The event raised $241,000 for the education programs and care of the 125 acre Arboretum gardens and landmark structures. Also in attendance Michael Desplaines, CEO of the Arboretum, Susan Kranwinkle, Annette Castro Ramirez, and Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer (all in photos).
Arcadia High School senior Naomi Stillitano was named the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 2024 Rose Queen, the135th Rose Queen. The Royal Court (photo) will ride on a float in the 135th Rose Parade on January 1 and attend the 110th Rose Bowl Game.
Young women begin journey to becoming 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Queen. More than 30 hopefuls attend first day of Royal Court tryouts at the historic Tournament House on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. Former Rose Court members, including Sahanna Rajnikantha of Arcadia, share stories and answer questions from the 2024 Court hopefuls.
Asian night markets share a common language: food. Evening events draw thousands to LA, Orange, and San Diego counties. In 2012, the first 626 Night Market took place at Old Town Pasadena. Then the event moved to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia and it has become a signature event, becoming kind of synonymous with Arcadia, says Jason Kruckeberg, assistant City Manager, and Development Services Director.
Track, music world revered Jerry Moss. Jerry Moss, co-founder of A & M Records in 1962, was known as a big horse racing fan and owner of the great mare Zenyatta, the only female to win Breeders' Cup Classic in 2009 at Santa Anita Park. He was also a member of the California Horse Racing Board. He was 88 when he died on August 16 in his Bel Air home.
La Verne's mayor Tim Hepburn to lead as President of San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. The other newly elected leadership includes: Claremont Mayor Ed Reese, first VP, Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem April Verlato, second VP, and City of Industry Mayor Cory Moss, third VP.