Motorcyclist Kenneth Doherty, 32, of Los Angeles, died from a hit-and-run collision with a car, described as an electric blue Mitsubishi. The driver of the car left the scene.
Some members of Arcadia Christian Academy's boys basketball team acted as heroes after a 65 year-old woman lost control of her Mercedes and ran it through a group of children and adults in Eagle Rock, where the team attended a game. The boys ran to the scene and helped lift the car off two children and an adult. There were no fatalities.
Police arrrested an Arcadia juvenile after he allegedly sideswiped a United States Mail carrier's vehicle and then fled the scene at Second Avenue and El Dorado. His license plate was left at the scene.
Investigators have concluded that the failure of a pump on a fire engine was likely caused by a mechanical and/or design defect. The failure occurred on July 4 at a car accident scene where David Contreras died. Chief Dave Lugo may pursue litigation with manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Fire Apparatus. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8 and Arcadia Weekly, July 18, 2002, p. 1.
Charles Cooper continues his series "Memories of Arcadia" with a story about the Santa Anita Assembly Center for the Japanese, where at its height, it housed more than 18,000 people. Japanese had a long local history, dating back to workers on the Santa Anita Ranch, and local residents had the uncomfortable feeling of seeing friends behind the wire at the track.
Former Arcadia High School baseball coach Mike Parisi was arrested June 8 on suspicion of cocaine possession and of being under the influence of the drug. The Arcadia school board dismissed him. He will begin a 2-week trial period in drug court on August 7, where he will undergo counseling, drug testing, and a 12-step program.
Ruth Gilb, president of the board of directors of the Arcadia Welfare and Thrift Shop, says the store is a vital part of the community. Not only is it a retail store, it is a social service facility that provides assistance to people with financial, family, and personal problems.
In a joint venture, the Monrovia and Arcadia redevelopment agencies have created a new logo which reads "Huntington Crossing" and it will top the sign where the 210 Freeway crosses Fifth Avenue.
Updated homeless ordinance in Arcadia raises more questions than answers. Arcadia installs 65 "No Camping" signs within city limits. The anti-camping ordinance, updated in 2021, makes accommodations for people experiencing homelessness that are camping by necessity, but does so in a way that is consistent with case law and includes restrictions on where, when and in what manner camping is allowed on public property.
Rusnak Motors gets a 6-month extension to its exception from ARA 172, a resolution that prohibits car sales unless new cars are also sold. The Council also acted to amend the central business district ordinance to allow service stations with a conditional use permit.
Sign of the changing times in Arcadia. The new Rusnak Mercedes Benz showroom at Santa Anita Avenue and Santa Clara Street will be opening soon. It is perhaps the single largest development in Arcadia's history. Car wash owner and former mayor George Fasching joked on his business sign that the new building was an NFL stadium.
Arcadia Unified School District has launched new online application for its meals program. For each student that qualifies for free or reduced-priced meals, the savings can equal more than $1400 per school year. Under the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) adopted by the state, school districts will receive additional money for each student that qualifies. Arcadia High School students that qualify can also waive AP and SAT fees, graduation will be free, and get a reduced rate for Grad Night.
The Arcadia City Council debated the issue of more parking on the west side of Baldwin Avenue, next to the Hub Center, between Duarte Road and Naomi Avenue. The Council approved the revision to the adult business ordinance, adopted an anti-loitering measure for gang members, and more.
Exploring new opportunities within Arcadia Police Department. Youth ages 14-18 are encouraged to join the Explorer Program, where they may experience a civilian ride-along, searches for evidence, command post operations, crime prevention surveillance, and more.
Star Wars stars to meet fans, raise funds for charity at Chalice Collectibles signing event at The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia. The event raises funds for two of Lucas Films's favorite charities: The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Foundation. See also Arcadia Weekly, pp. 1, 15, March 28, 2024.
Ultimate Autokraft Repair owners Geenie Furguiele and Ronald Taylor say they run a shop that is 100% honest, located at 140 E. St. Joseph Street, Arcadia. Consumers may request free inspections of their cars from Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) after their car has been serviced to determine if they have been defrauded by repair shops. Furguiele and Taylor encourage their customers to do just that. Call (866) 881-1332 for inspection.
Arcadia city council will vote on an ordinance prohibiting loitering by members of street gangs. The ordinance defines a "criminal street gang" as three or more people with a primary activity to commit offenses, such as murder, assault, robbery, or drug-related crimes. There are eight active Asian gangs within the city.
Former Arcadia Police Department officer Christian Blesch gets 180 days in jail for pilfering more than $40,000 from the Arcadia Police Officers Association. He has paid back the amount stolen and resigned.