Los Angeles County Arboretum selects new CEO, Michael Desplaines. He has more than two decades of experience in historic property development and restoration, public garden management, environmental education and fundraising. He begins in July. He previously served as president and CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia. He replaces Richard Schulhof, who retired after 14 years as CEO.
Shining light on our area's 10 most well-mannered. Pamela Hillings Tegtmeyer compiles an annual list of the Ten Most Well-Mannered Persons in the San Gabriel Valley. Richard Schulhof, CEO of Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens made the list for treating everyone with respect and showing graciousness.
Los Angeles County Arboretum welcomes visitors amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, although the visitation experience has changed, with safe distancing between guests encouraged.
Arboretum kicks off summer. Visitors to the 127-acre botanical garden and historical site, once the heart of Rancho Santa Anita--can enjoy seeing peacocks and the "Twilight Music and Cocktails at the Peacock Cafe Terrace."
Two corporate executives found guilty in first-ever criminal prosecution for failure to report under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Simon Chu, 68, of Chino Hills, and Charley Loh, 65, of Arcadia, found guilty. They sold defective dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai in China. See hard copy in VF.
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.
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).
Meet Rose Queen Naomi Stillitano. Profile on the Arcadia High School senior, who is ready to welcome new year in style going down Colorado Boulevard. See hard copy in VF Tournament of Roses. See also: Learn more about the 2024 Rose Court's six princesses, p. A5.
Arcadia's Gilb Museum celebrates 20th anniversary with a new exhibit and guided tour with a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's collections. The Museum Education Center will offer demonstrations of current and upcoming educational programs. Includes a history of the Museum. See hard copy in VF "Museums-Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage."
Santa Anita Park's opening day for thoroughbred racing will be September 29. Los Angeles County Arboretum's 75th Anniversary Gala honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger takes place on October 14.
Arcadia City Council poised for historic changes. In a pair of firsts, the Arcadia City Council will have majority of women and three Asian-American members on the dais. New council members are:
District 2--Sharon Kwan
District 3--Eileen Wang
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao
See hard copy in VF City Council (2020-2029)
Bay Area horse racing track Golden Gate Fields in San Francisco to close permanently later this year. After the Golden Gate Fields meet ends, The Stronach Group said it will focus on moving horses from the Bay Area to Arcadia, with a goal of increasing field sizes and adding a fourth day of racing to the weekly schedule at Santa Anita Park, beginning in January. See hard copy in VF. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 28, July 20, 2023.
Two related stories.
Early to the party - Voting: Poll workers say regional centers are swamped on first day of in-person balloting.
Scattered paper jams, tech glitches don’t spoil first in-person day at the polls. many of 2020’s early voters showed up to voting centers before they even opened on Saturday, Oct. 24, the first day of in-person balloting in Los Angeles County.
But much to the relief of voters and elections officials, the kind of polling-place meltdowns that left voters angered and election officials worried back in March, when the county debuted its $300 million network of vote centers, did not repeat. Back in March, for the primary, many voters were left seething after tech glitches delayed the opening of some sites and even forced the Hollywood site to close down.
But Saturday’s voting played out much more smoothly. And when issues did pop up, they appeared to have been resolved quickly in most cases.
Behind the scenes, poll workers reported paper jams and other tech issues, some of which caused short delays.
Many voters were certainly eager to cast their ballots. Several voting centers saw a line wrapped around the building before they opened. Such hubs included large polling locations, such as the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Arcadia, stocked with 45 of the county’s new voting devices.
Arcadia Unified School District named the Best School District in Los Angeles, 4th best in the state, according to Niche.com's newly released 2024 rankings. Niche is a prominent school and neighborhood review website. See hard copy in VF Schools-History-2021-2030