Arcadia's Baldwin Stocker Elementary School and Pasadena's Roosevelt Elementary have been nominated for National Blue Ribbon honor. The program recognizes some of the highest performing and most improved schools in the nation.
Santa Anita Park kicks off racing season with new events and Hollywood tie-in to HBO television series "Luck." There is a new Luck Lounge and a new Kids Zone.
The body of 41-year-old Monrovia woman Carina Yong-Yi Sun was found in a vehicle at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on January 9, 2012. The cause of death has tentatively been ruled suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Obituary/death notice. An emotional farewell to Arcadia firefighter Andy Michael Troncale. He died at age 52 of cancer. Funeral services were held January 30, 2012 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, interment at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
The next Arcadia city council election in April will be an all-mail ballot, that is saving the city thousands of dollars. The five candidates for two seats are Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic, John Wuo, Sho Tay, Henry Nunez and Mary Dougherty.
HRTV and Santa Anita Park have announced plans for a first ever non-fiction documentary film competition entitled "A Day at the Races" for film students and filmmakers wishing to make a five-minute or less Santa Anita-based film. First prize is $10,000.
Historical background on plans to build a performing arts auditorium in Arcadia, starting in 1977-1978. The Arcadia Auditorium Foundation (AAF) was formed by Charles Gilb, Gloria Horstman and Joe Sargis. The building did not come to fruition but the money has supported music programs at Arcadia Unified School District over the years. Now that Measure I is funding a Performing Arts Center at Arcadia High School, the AAF will fund the ending expenses of the construction. Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic has been a long-time advocate of an auditorium. See hard copy in VF "Arcadia Performing Arts Center."
Spotlight on Mexican restaurant called Original Peppers Mexican Grill and Cantina, a family-oriented, family-owned restaurant at 181 Colorado Place, that has been serving the area for almost 40 years. Chef Amador Cortez has been running the kitchen for over 30 years. Co-owner is Virginia Disegna.
HBO Television show "Luck" will hold open casting call February 12 for extras and season two will begin production. Shown in picture are actor Nick Nolte and Carolyn Conley, from HRTV.