The Breeders' Cup, known as the world championship of horse racing, was held at Santa Anita Park last Friday and Saturday. The event has helped the local economy in Arcadia, with an estimated $50 million spent on restaurants, hotels, wagering, taxis, etc.
Monrovia's Aztec Hotel is showcasing fine art in its non-profit Aztec Art Center Route 66 Gallery. Visitors are not just from Monrovia, but from Pasadena, Duarte and Arcadia. A painting by Manuel Barillas is pictured. The hotel is owned by Kathie Reece-McNeill. The hotel was designed in 1925 by English architect Robert Stacy-Judd and was inspired by Mayan and Aztect structures. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
An exhibit at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum spotlights Route 66. It features photographs of motels, restaurants, and some ephemera. It runs until March 28, 2009.
A September grand opening is tentatively planned for Heritage Park Arcadia, a 54-unit development at 150 W. Las Tunas Drive. It provides housing for low income seniors and meets the special needs of elderly.
The city's efforts to save homes beneath the fire-ravaged hillsides from a flood of mud and debris have been praised, but mud and debris are still flowing onto Highland Vista, Monte Place, Vista and Santa Anita Avenues.
Three sites are being considered for senior and/or low-income housing. They are: Marketowne at 150 W. Las Tunas Drive, the old Westerner Hotel at 161 W. Colorado Place, and the old Mounted Police site at 600 E. Live Oak Avenue.
Neighboring residents in Sierra Madre and Arcadia strive to solve traffic issues and pedestrian safety concerns near Sierra Vista Park at the intersection of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Monterey Lane in Sierra Madre.
In an opinion piece, writer Frank C. Girardot laments the suicide of Hunter S. Thompson. He shot and killed himself on Sunday, February 20, 2005. He had written two of his famous works, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", and "Strange Rumblings in Aztlan", when he lived in an Arcadia hotel in 1971.
Arcadia-based Girl Scouts Mt Wilson Vista Council has launched a $3.9 million fundraising campaign to deal with the councils growth in the San Gabriel Valley. Marlee Matlin is the honorary campaign chair.
Mount Wilson Vista Girl Scout Council will host a benefit dinner to raise funds for its "Pathway to Promise" program. The program reaches out to girls in underserved areas such as Montebello, El Monte, Rosemead and San Gabriel.
Carlos Martinez and Christian Martinez were found guilty of the 2004 murder of Alberto Castillo, a Texas man, at a Motel 6 in Arcadia. Peter Santisteven, another suspect, is awaiting trial.
The city Planning Commission approved a plan for a senior citizen condominium complex across the street from the Santa Anita Park race track. It will be 78 units. A 58-year old motel will be demolished.
The Royal Court for the 2004 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade includes Christina Mills (Pasadena), Megan Chinen (Pasadena), Laura Stassel (La Canada), Stephanie Barnes (La Canada), Katherine Koch (Pasadena), Erinne La Brie (Arcadia) and Natalie Matsumoto (San Marino).
Ambassador Jason C. Yuen, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, will be grand marshal of the 49th Festival of Bands Parade in Arcadia.