Anita Baldwin statue to be unveiled at Le Méridien Hotel in Arcadia
The Anita May Baldwin statue at the Le Méridien Hotel will be unveiled on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. Anita is the daughter of city founder, Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin. The statue will be featured on the opposite end of the Huntington Drive islands’ hotel property.
“We are very excited to be bringing Anita back to Arcadia,” said Mayor Sho Tay in a statement released by the city. “I would like to thank the Shen, Liu and Chen Families, Jeff Lee, the Dextra Baldwin McGonagle Foundation, Heather D. Gibson and Margaux L. Gibson, and the Arcadia Historical Society, for their generous donations.”
“On behalf of the Baldwin family, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Arcadia City Council, the Arcadia Historical Society, the Le Méridien Hotel and all those who have supported this effort to pay homage to my great-great grandmother, Anita May Baldwin,” said Margaux Gibson. “This magnificent statue of Anita will showcase a strong woman who was ahead of her time. I am proud to call Anita May Baldwin my great-great grandmother, and I am truly proud to be a part of this historic project.”
The Anita statue was sculpted by local artist and southern California native Alfred Paredes — who created the Lucky Baldwin statue on the corner of Huntington Drive and Holly Avenue — and is aptly named, “A Legacy of Charity” in honor of Anita’s contributions to life in early Arcadia and throughout California.
Arcadia City Council elections make history. For the first time, Arcadia City Council will have majority Asian and majority female representation. Unofficial results for Arcadia:
District 2--Sharon Kwan
District 3--Eileen Wang
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao
Arcadia City Council poised for historic changes. In a pair of firsts, the Arcadia City Council will have majority of women and three Asian-American members on the dais. New council members are:
District 2--Sharon Kwan
District 3--Eileen Wang
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao
See hard copy in VF City Council (2020-2029)
California Attorney General Rob Bonta allows lawsuit over Arcadia City Council appointment to proceed. HQH Chinese American Equalization Association and Arcadia Voters Rights Group are suing to challenge the appointment of Michael Danielson, representing District 5, which was vacant after the death of Council Member Roger Chandler. Danielson's term expires upon certification of the November 8 election results.
Election 2022. Tallies continue for city council races in San Gabriel Valley. Semi-official results for Arcadia:
District 2--Sharon Kwan in lead with 42%, Bob Harbicht with 31%, Tracy Jensen Han with 25%.
District 3--Eileen Wang has 61%, Sheng Chang has 38%.
District 5--Dr. Michael Cao has 42%, Jason J. Lee has 33%, Michael Danielson has 21%, Daniel Malki has less than 10%.
Fire Chief Michael Lang is leaving Arcadia Fire Department to be Fire Chief at Manhattan Beach. He was with Arcadia Fire Department for 21 years, including 5 as chief. He starts at Manhattan Beach Fire Department on June 21.
Going for gold in their 80s and 90s. Sneiders Family Fitness in Arcadia celebrates their 30th year hosting the Senior Games Powerlifting Championship. Competitors ranged in age from their 50s to 90s.
Horse dies from training injury at Santa Anita Park. Echosmith, a baby gelding, 3-years-old, from Ireland died Sunday. The horse was owned by Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Michael Nentwig, and Ray Pagano. His trainer was Jonathan Wong and jockey was Jessica Pyfer.
L-Line Extension. Claremont Councilman Ed Reece to chair light rail line board, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Board of Directors. The extension of the L-Line (formerly Gold Line) from Glendora to Pomona is 40% finished and scheduled for completion in early 2025. Reece will oversee the extension to Claremont and Montclair. The light rail line serves Arcadia, Pasadena, East Los Angeles and Los Angeles's Chinatown.
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).
Los Angeles County Arboretum selects new CEO, Michael Desplaines. He has more than two decades of experience in historic property development and restoration, public garden management, environmental education and fundraising. He begins in July. He previously served as president and CEO of the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia. He replaces Richard Schulhof, who retired after 14 years as CEO.