Popular "Star Wars" talents to head fundraiser on May 4 at Chalice Collectibles at The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia, 400 South Baldwin Avenue. All proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Foundation. Pictured is Kat Cressida, the voice of Princess Leia in popular video games. See also Arcadia Weekly, pp. 1, 15, March 28, 2024.
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.
Community rallies around Arcadia Donuts' owners Francois Ung and Shally Ung. In recent weeks, they've been doing fundraisers for victims and survivors of the mass shooting at a Monterey Park dance studio one year ago, which claimed the life of their friend Andy Kao. Surveillance video shows someone broke into Ung's car and stole the fundraiser money. A Gofundme is set up if people want to help the couple recover the money.
Obituary/death notice. Victor Vener, Cal Phil and Pasadena Pops founder, dies at 78. Vener brought outdoor concerts to the Santa Anita Park Race Track, The Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, Rose Bowl, and others.
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.
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 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 High School teen Naomi Stillitano is the new Rose Queen. Naomi is a dancer, actor, born in Italy, is the 135th person crowned. Includes some biographical information.
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.
Young women begin journey to becoming 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Queen. More than 30 hopefuls attend first day of Royal Court tryouts at the historic Tournament House on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. Former Rose Court members, including Sahanna Rajnikantha of Arcadia, share stories and answer questions from the 2024 Court hopefuls.
Asian night markets share a common language: food. Evening events draw thousands to LA, Orange, and San Diego counties. In 2012, the first 626 Night Market took place at Old Town Pasadena. Then the event moved to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia and it has become a signature event, becoming kind of synonymous with Arcadia, says Jason Kruckeberg, assistant City Manager, and Development Services Director.
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.