Arcadia burglary ring busted after morning raids in Pasadena, Altadena. A multi-agency task force arrested Shawn Ashton Sykes, 21, and Koreana Channise Muhammad, 19, both of Altadena. Prior to the raids, Kenneth Wayne Jaynes, 21, of Altadena, was arrested at the scene of the March 13 residential break-in in the 1100 block of West Foothill Boulevard.
The Arcadia Chinese Association honored its new president Dr. Wayne Lin. The association, which began seven years ago with 25 families, represent 1300 today.
Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson defends his speaker of choice at next month's Mayor's Community Breakfast. He has invited H. B. London, of Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian group that opposes same-sex marriage. Residents and activists upset about this choice are organizing two counterevents of their own. Activists are planning a "peaceful" demonstration March 4 outside Arcadia Community Center and a bar-b-que at Pasadena's Unitarian Church for all families. Focus on the Family was founded in Arcadia by Dr. James C. Dobson and believes marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. Amundson said the event is not about sexuality but about the Arcadia family.
Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson's selection of Reverend H. B. London, Jr. to speak at the community breakfast on March 4, is drawing criticism from some residents and gay-rights activists. London is a vice president of ministry outreach at Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian group that opposes gay marriage. Some residents are asking Mayor Amundson to reconsider and they feel Focus on the Family delivers hateful messages. The city estimates it will pay between $5000 and $5500 for its contribution to the event, which will include the speaker's plane fare.
Arcadia Post Office has a screw loose, really. Controversy and rumors abound in the re-positioning of the blue mailboxes in the rear parking lot of the post office at 41 Wheeler Avenue.
Arcadia Rotary Club and Arcadia Chinese Association (ACA) announce plans to restore Fort Rotary, a two-story western-style Boy Scout fort in the foothills behind Monrovia. This is historic, the first coordinated project between these two organizations. Architect Kevin Le from Le Architecture in Monrovia, has already volunteered his time to help. The project is expected to cost up to $140,000. So far, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has pledged $25,000, ACA has pledged $25,000 and Arcadia Rotary has pledged $22,000 on behalf of Mary Hansen of Arcadia.
Arcadia Rotary Club's Salute to Seniors Luncheon May 8, 2018 will honor Mary Hansen, the Arcadia 2018 Senior of the Year. She has 46+ years of volunteer work throughout the city. See hard copy in VF Senior Citizen of the Year.
Arcadia's Jason Lee donates $10,000 to Arcadia Police Foundation. He presented the check to Mary E. Hansen, the founding board member and Vice President of the Arcadia Police Foundation.
Arcadia Weekly columnists:Jake Armstrong writes general news, p. 1; Patrick Basham provide commentary, p. 3; Charles Cooper reports on Arcadia news, p. 1, 18; John LaRocca reports on real estate, p. 20; Bill Lee reports on real estate, p. 20; Eph Konigsberg reports on fruits, p. 24; Julia MacKenzie-Miller and Terry Miller write restaurant reviews, p. 8; and Luis Romero writes general news, p. 1.
Arcadia Welfare and Thrift celebrates 80 years with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Pictured are Arcadia Mayor Robert Harbicht, Arcadia Welfare and Thrift President Terry Totten, and a large group of supporters and friends. The store has helped the less fortunate, particularly the homeless.