Nearly 800 schools compete in the Arcadia Invitational, the 56th annual high school meet of stars of track and field, from the state and throughout the country. It is a 2-day competition at Arcadia High School. Photo of South Pasadena High School's Mia Holden.
Pasadena Symphony announces Brett Mitchell as new music director, beginning a 5-year tenure on April 1. The Pasadena Symphony makes up half of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops Organization, and officials said Michael Feinstein will continue as conductor of the Pasadena Pops, which presents an annual summer concert series at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
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.
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.
Monterey Park mass shooting one year later. City still lives in massacre's shadow. Permanent memorial to the 11 victims is still in planning stages. In Arcadia, doughnut business owners Francois Ung and his wife Shally Ung remember and honor their friend Andy Kao, a victim of the shooting at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio on January 21, 2023, with a pledge that they will send proceeds from sales at their Arcadia Donuts store on January 20 and 21 to the Monterey Park Hope and Resiliency Center and the Andy Kao Memorial Ballroom Dance Group to assist funding the nonprofit organizations. See also related article, "Who were the Monterey Park shooting victims? A year later, a reflection," Pasadena Star News, p. A13, January 21, 2024.
Equestfest thrills thousands in parade prelude. Equestrian units participating in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade took part in Equestfest, presented by Santa Anita Park yesterday. It was hosted at Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. One unit was the Spirit of the West Riders, based in Arcadia, California.
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).
The 70th annual Arcadia Festival of Bands set for Saturday, November 18. It has grown into one of the most popular marching band reviews in Southern California and is the longest-running event of its kind in the state. Photo of Arcadia High School Band and Color Guard. Kevin Sherrill is the Band and Percussion director at Arcadia High School. The parade's grand marshal is retired Arcadia Fire Department Captain Neil Conrad.
The USC Arcadia Hospital helds its Crystal Ball fundraiser on October 7 to honor cardiologist Dr. Heiner Vogelbach for his 40 years of dedication to USC Arcadia Hospital (formerly Methodist Hospital). The entertainment was by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Some of Vogelbach's career information is included.
Arcadia Veterans Day recognition. City of Arcadia is compiling a comprehensive list of veterans to honor and recognize them. Please call Arcadia Community Center at 626-574-5130 to make sure your name is on the list.
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.
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."
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 through the years: Mayor Paul Cheng hosts 48th Annual Community Breakfast and State of the City on September 6, 2023 at Le Meridien hotel at 130 West Huntington Drive. Ed Andersen of Arcadia Historical Society and Rotchana Sussman, owner of White Springs Cafe, are featured speakers.
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.
Right woman for the job. New Athletic Director at University of Southern California (USC) Jennifer Cohen brings integrity to Trojans program. She has 30 years of collegiate athletic experience, including the past 7 years in the same post at University of Washington. Cohen was born in Arcadia.
USC's new Athletic Director (A.D.) Jennifer Cohen says integrity will be key. After similar job at Washington, Arcadia native Cohen is excited for a chance to lead Trojans.