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.
Duarte students revisit how Rotary Club defied status quo and changed law. Duarte Rotary Club was kicked out of Rotary in 1978 for admtiting women as members. The group fought the ruling for 9 years before winning its case at the US Supreme Court in 1987. Rotarians Mary Wilson of Duarte and Rosie Mares of Arcadia, among others, celebrated this historical victory during International Women's Day.
World AIDS Dayspotlights those who have died. This is the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day. One event is being held at The Arboretum in Arcadia, a breakfast hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Paul Edmonds will be the speaker.
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).
Lightscape, a 1-mile trail of art installations that celebrates the holiday season at Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, runs selected dates November 17 through January 2, at 301 North Baldwin Avenue.
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 Unified School District celebrates successful 10th annual #ArcadiaFirstDay social media campaign with pictures of the first day of school. It has become a cherished tradition in the community.
Decorated vet to celebrate 100th birthday. U.S. Air Force vetean Edward Lopez was a fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. Born in Los Angeles and living in Arcadia for more than 50 years, he is one of the last living members of the Air Force's 365th Fighter-Bomber Group known as The Hell Hawks, a reserve fighter squadron in the U.S. Marine Corps. See hard copy in VF People.
Going for gold in their 80s and 90s. Sneiders Family Fitness in Arcadia celebrates their 30th year hosting the Senior Games Powerlifting Championship. Competitors ranged in age from their 50s to 90s.
Celebrate Arcadia's favorite peafowl today 10am-2pm on Peacock Day, a family event at Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 North Baldwin Avenue.
Diners line up to get last meal at Rod's Grill in Arcadia. Restaurant that has served generations of people closes on Sunday (yesterday). Hundreds of diners made a final pilgrimage to Rod's Grill in Arcadia at 41 W. Huntington Drive, along Historic Route 66. Rod Wellman started the restaurant in 1946 in Alhambra. The Arcadia location opened in 1957 offering 10 cent coffees and 40 cent slices of pie a la mode. Wellman's sons Barry and Brian took over years later, then Manny Romero bought it about 25 years ago and kept its vintage vibe. Romero was an immigrant from Mexico. He died in 2021. Television shows such as This is Us, Mad Men, Last Man Standing, and Luck, had filmed episodes there. See hard copy in VF. See also Pasadena Star News, p. A3, A4, February 9, 2023.
Arcadia Senior Services is partnering with Arcadia Chinese Association to celebrate Chinese New Year on Friday, February 3, at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive. It's an event for age 50 and over and the cost is $10 per person.
Monrovia man Yi Chen gets 4 years in prison for fraud in a student visa scheme to get Chinese immigrants into the U.S. unlawfully. From June 2015-February 2021, Chen was the CEO and owner of two so-called educational consulting companies in Alhambra and Arcadia that charged foreign students thousands of dollars for "guaranteed" admission to a college that would lead to the issuance of an F-1 student visa. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 2, October 6, 2022.
Pasadena native and World War II veteran Weston Embree celebrates 100th birthday. Embree's father Guy founded Embree Buses Inc., a Pasadena institution. Weston Embree met his wife Shirlee, originally of Arcadia, at the Methodist Church.
Another homeless village set to open in Baldwin Park. 16-unit tiny home complex will house families in need. It's called Serenity Homes, 13167 Garvey Avenue in Baldwin Park. Senator Susan Rubio, D-West Covina, celebrated the opening with elected officials from all over the San Gabriel Valley, including from Arcadia, Azusa, Glendora, La Puente, Monrovia, San Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City and Mount San Antonio College. It is the second tiny homes village opening in Baldwin Park within a year and serves as a model for how cities can expand homeless services.
Mardi Gras raises $140,000 for new technologies at Methodist Hospital. It was the Methodist Hospital Foundation's 27th annual Mardi Gras Food Fest celebration, held in person, at Sirona's Restaurant in Santa Anita Park. Dr. Elias Tarakji, M.D. was crowned King of Mardi Gras. Event co-chairs Dino Clarizio, his wife Hope and daughter Jenna were recognized for their hard work. Dr. Tarakji has served on the Hospital Board since 2016, was Chief of Staff in 2016, among other leadership roles.
Westfield Santa Anita kicking off Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, January 20. It's the Year of the Tiger. Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay will join Westfield representatives and community partners to unveil a 7-foot-tall golden tiger as the centerpiece of this year's Center Court decorations. A gold "wishing well" will be installed so shoppers can donate to Asian Pacific Community Fund. Westfield will announce a Gift with Purchase promotion.
Obituary/death notice. Arcadia to celebrate life of City Council member Roger Chandler on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:00, prior to the City Council meeting at 7:00. Chandler served on City Council for almost 24 years.
Arcadia kicking off holiday season with annual tree lighting celebration on December 2, at Arcadia Transit Plaza, at the corner of Santa Clara Street and North First Avenue. Mayor Sho Tay will light the official Christmas tree. and Santa Claus will visit.