Fans commiserate in closing of their beloved bookstore. 78-year-old Karen Kropp, owner of The Book Rack, a bookstore in Arcadia, has closed the store on First Avenue, after taking over the reins 18 years ago. Declining sales worseneed by the pandemic, as well as her upcoming 80th birthday, precipitated the closure. The store's address was 204 South First Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006.
Old Town Monrovia's Underdog Bookstore--an LGBTQ-owned book shop uplifting diverse authors and local presses--fights intolerance with inventory. Bookseller Muse Lee was confronted by a customer, a woman who felt "oppressed as a white person" and voiced objections that included racism and homophobia. Emily Lindley-Rodriguez, who works in Arcadia, is saddened to hear of the hate experienced at Underdog.
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.
Hospitals battle overcrowding. Staff shortages, post-pandemic surges have created less-than-desired service. Dr. Emily Johnson, an emergency medicine physician at USC Arcadia, Keck Hospital of USC and Associate Medical Director at the Los Angeles General Medical Center speaks about her experience with the issue.
All-Area Girls Soccer. Mimi Dominguez from Bishop Amat is Player of the Year. First Team Midfielder Skye Escobedo and Defender Destiny Delgado are from Arcadia. Second Team Midfielder Alaina Lee and Goalkeeper Ainsley Stephenson are from Arcadia.
Monterey Park shooting aftermath. Lunar New Year is typically a festive and family affair, but was marred by a mass shooting in Monterey Park, which killed 10 at a dance hall. David Lee, co-president of Arcadia Chinese Association, said Lunar New Year is supposed to be "a happy time for family reunions because Chinese tradition and culture is very family-oriented."
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart's Hart House is open in Monrovia at 602 West Huntington Drive. This fast food is all plant-based, no additives or hormones, artificial colors, preservatives, or high fructose corn syrup and it's delicious. Karen MacNair of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce waas present at the ribbon cutting.
Homeless numbers count due today. First tally since 2020 Pandemic start, affects nonprofit services, political races, and government. Karen Roberson, Founder and Director of Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that provides temporary shelter to unhoused families in Rosemead, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Monrovia and Arcadia, said finding homeless families can be a difficult task and believes that population is undercounted.
Pasadena Pops concert at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Michael Feinstein conducts the orchestra in music made famous by Judy Garland, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Liza Minelli on August 13 at 7:30. Guest performers include Melissa Manchester, Nicole Henry and Maddie Baillio.
Arcadia's Vietnam War Monument redecorated by Chris Tran and his fellow Boy Scouts Troop 104, with funds donated by Jason Lee, an Arcadia lawyer and City Council candidate for District 5. The City of Arcadia's 24th annual tribute to Veterans and Military Families will be held on Saturday, May 28, 10-1 at Arcadia County Park. The event is hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Arcadia High School receives several local donations after hosting 27th annual Orchestra Benefit Dinner, a rundraising event for Arcadia Music Club. Jason Lee is pictured. He is an Arcadia City Council candidate.
Arcadia's Jason Lee donates $10,000 to Arcadia Police Foundation. He presented the check to Mary E. Hansen, the founding board member and Vice President of the Arcadia Police Foundation.
Arcadia doctor helps found PPE donation group. Dr. Karen Tsai, co-founded DonatePPE.org along with Bay Area engineer Deyu Kong. The organization has donated some 2.2 million items of PPE (personal protective equipment) to hospitals, schools and homeless shelters during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Arcadia Chinese Association Installs New Board of Directors.
The incoming Arcadia Chinese Association Officers and Board Members for 2020-2021 are as follows:
President: Connie Qun Liao
Co-President: Diana Chang
1st Vice President: Susan Guo
2nd Vice President: Mary Huang
. 3rd Vice President: Lily Lam
Treasurer: Alice Wang
Secretary (Interim): Mary Huang
Presidential Counsel: Edward Wong
Directors: Jamie Lee, Francine Chiu, Joanna Liang, Sherry Liang, Sherman Shi, Stella Gu, Winnie Li, Arnold Chien, Sage Zeng.