San Gabriel Mountains monument expands. United States President Joe Biden OKs sabout 106,000 acres added to federally protected area with promise for more resources.
Creative Housing Options in Arcadia (CHOA). Local efforts to address the lack of affordable housing and homelessness. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, a group of about 30 community members met at The Hills Church in Arcadia for a 2-hour "Sharing Session" to learn about what is being done in the city to address these issues. Safe Parking Programs were discussed. Arcadia City Council member Eileen L. Wang and Arcadia Mayor April Verlato attended.
National monument expansion possible. Report claims United States President Joe Biden plans to add a third more land to the protection of the San Gabriel Mountains.
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.
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.
San Gabriel Mountains-Veterans seeking expansion of forest. Advocates ask White House to add acreage to federal protection. Iraq War veteran Steve Dunwoody leads veterans struggling with PTSD on hikes through the Angeles National Forest. The veterans group joins legislators, cities, tribal, and environmental groups in support of adding forest land to the San Gabriel Mountains monument. The proposed addition borders the cities of Santa Clarita, Monrovia, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre, as well as Los Angeles communities of Sylmar, Tujunga, and Sunland. Twin bills from House of Representatives Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena and U.S. Sentor Alex Padilla, D-Calif. propose an expansion that would grow the monument by one-third.
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.
Arcadia Assisteens Auxiliary accepting applications February 1-28. It is a co-ed auxiliary that provides community service opportunities for high school students. Assisteens staff the Book Buddies Program, in partnership with Arcadia Public Library, and volunteer at the Assistance League of Arcadia's Bargain Box Thrift Shop. A group photo of Assisteens is shown.
Native American tribes seek expansion of national monument with more than 100,000 acres. Indigenous leaders say more parts of the San Gabriel Mountains are "sacred lands." They are calling on the Biden administration to go further in protecting the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
President Biden sending official to hear public views on the proposed expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Chantry Flat, a hiking and picnic spot north of Arcadia and Sierra Madre, closed for several years, is proposed for inclusion in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
Millions take part in annual earthquake drill called The Great Shake Out. From schools to food banks, Los Angeles County learned how to drop, cover, and hold. Municipalities whose local government employees participated include Arcadia, Glendale, Glendora, Culver City, Cudahy, Inglewood, Lakewood, Diamond Bar, Covina, Burbank, and many more.
With the House of Representatives leaderless and legislation going nowhere, President Biden has been urged to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. More cities, elected officials, ask president to use his executive power to add acreage to the area, including Alhambra, Monterey Park, Santa Clarita and South Pasadena. The proposed addition of 109,000 ares to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument includes forest sections just above the cities of Monrovia, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre, and up to Santa Clarita.
Los Angeles County Court official says zero-bail policy working as intended. Risk is deciding factor in determining if suspect is released without payment. Zero bail eliminates the financial requirements for release from all but the most serious offenses prior to arraignment. Police will instead cite and release, or book and release, suspects for a majority of misdemeanors and some felonies. Serious and violent crimes (such as killing, kidnap, robbery, assault with deadly weapon), are not eligible and still retain previous bail amounts. More than a dozen LA County cities have joined a lawsuit attempting to reverse the policy. Attorneys for the cities, include Whittier, Downey, Beverly Hills, and Arcadia, argue the Superior Courts have balanced the system too heavily in favor of offenders, so much that "victims and public safety are given a zero value."
Los Angeles County National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists named. They will now compete for a share of scholarships worth almost $28 million. Those from Arcadia High School students are Isaac Cheng, Hongji Dai, Casey R. Kim, Kaitlyn A. Kwan, Caroline J. Ji, Jeffrey Oo, Steven H. Shi, Philip Tan, William Wong, Felicia Ye, Katelyn A. Yu.
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.
Public lands: additions sought for San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, push bid to expand area by 109,000 acres by designating the western Angeles National Forest as part of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The San Gabriel Mountains are north of Arcadia.
Bill seeks addition to forest landscape. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, hopes to expand San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by 100,000-plus acres with the San Gabriel Mountains Protection Act, written by Representative Judy Chu. The San Gabriel Mountains are north of Arcadia.
Officials urge students to seek out new program that addresses mental health crisis in Los Angeles County schools. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn urges students to take advantage of the county's School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) program, which helps assess and respond to potential school threats. The campaign's tagline, "If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't" was developed through focus groups at Saugus and Arcadia High Schools. People can access START by telephone at 213-739-5565 or email: START@dmh.lacounty.gov to connect with a mental health professional.
Dallas Stars' Robertson enjoys record-setting season. Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars left wing, was born in Arcadia and moved to Michigan when he was 10.
Ed Andersen, president of Arcadia Historical Society, presents a local history program at Arcadia Public Library on March 11 at 2:00. The topic is The San Gabriel Valley in 1877: through the lens of Carleton Watkins (photographer).