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.
Arcadia High School takes first in the JPL Regional Science Bowl and is headed to nationals in April. See also Mountain Views News, p. 9, January 29, 2022.
Pasadena Pops presents in concert "Michael Feinstein Sings Broadway" at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, July 29. Future concerts include "The Music of Queen" on August 26 and "Hollywood Blockbusters" on September 9.
Housing grades. Every city and county in California is required to plan for adequate housing across income levels. This newspaper grades each jurisdiction in the state by looking at lower-income housing permits. Arcadia got an F.
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.
Santa Anita Park race track hosts 2023 Horse Racing Women's Summit (HRWS) on September 29. Over 150 women from 13 states and Canada gathered for the second HRWS to advance racing by empowering women.
Class of 2023 graduations happening in Arcadia include:
June 1-Arroyo Pacific Academy graduation at Arroyo Pacific Academy, 325 North Santa Anita Avenue.
June 8-Arcadia High School graduation at Santa Anita Park Racetrack, 285 West Huntington Drive.
Also, June 6-Gabrielino High School (located in San Gabriel) graduation will be held at Santa Anita Park Racetrack.
High school track and field notes. Local athletes starting to leave an impression. The Covina Invitational takes places March 29-30, Arcadia Invitational takes place April 5-6, and Mt. SAC Relays on April 18-20, but there are some standout competitors such as Reena Hsieh of Arcadia and Arcadia juniorLayla Roslan.
The Towne Singers perform "Light Fantastic" on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 5:00 P.M. at Arcadia Performing Arts Center at 188 Campus Drive, Arcadia, California.
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.
Obituary/death notice. Family, friends mourn loss of Arcadia resident Arekel Carranco after fatal hit-and-run on Huntington Drive on June 30, by a 17-year-old driver.
City of Arcadia will reopen City Hall and other facilities to the public as part of the Safer At Work and in the Community Order issued by Los Angeles County. Beginning June 15, open facilities now include City Hall, Arcadia Fire Department, Public Works, and city parks and open spaces. The Arcadia Police Department, Community Center, Arcadia Public Library and Museum remain closed. Arcadia City Council meetings will still be conducted virtually in June.
Application deadline looms for Arcadia small-business grants totaling $1 million. The applications are due December 29, 2022 and the program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The grants can be used for physical improvements to a company's place of business, updating digital marketing and branding and other improvements focused on attracting new customers. Contac Arcadia Economic Development Division for more information.
Chen Suen becomes first Asian American fire chief in Arcadia. He takes over from Barry Spriggs who retired November 8, after 29 years of service. Suen is an Arcadia resident. He emigrated from Taiwan. He graduated from Arcadia High School, and attended Loyola Law School, UC Irvine, and Santa Ana College, before spending the last 18 years with Arcadia Fire Department.
Fire Chief Michael Lang is leaving Arcadia Fire Department to be Fire Chief at Manhattan Beach. He was with Arcadia Fire Department for 21 years, including 5 as chief. He starts at Manhattan Beach Fire Department on June 21.