An episode of cable television channel AMC's show "Mad Men," that was filmed on location at Rod's Grill on Huntington Drive in Arcadia, last October, was shown this past week on the network. The episode is called "Far Away Places" and stars Jon Hamm as Don Draper, and Jessica Pare, as his wife. In this period drama, they are supposedly at a Howard Johnson's motor lodge (motel and restaurant).
Arcadia AAUW presents Carol Dennis with their 2012 Woman of Achievement Award. Past President Betty Harris received a certificate from the National AAUW for her 50 years of membership.
Arcadia High School student Nathan Chou earns rare perfect score on Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC Exam. Chou is one of just 11 students in the world that reached perfection on this test. Nathan was born and raised in Arcadia.
Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte schools all forced to lock down this week due to phoned in threats of a gunman on 4 separate campuses. On Thursday, September 12, the caller contacted Arcadia Police Department, reporting "he was at Arcadia High School and that he was going to start shooting students with an assault rifle." A second call was received during the police search of the campus that told officers to back off or they would be shot. No suspects of weapons were found.
Arcadia seeking volunteers for charter review committee to update the City's charter, a document that defines the organization, its powers, functions and essential procedures. Last review update was 1998.
Arcadia tackles coyote issues at February 7 City Council meeting, deciding to trap and kill them. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wrote a letter to Mayor Tom Beck with a plea to not trap and kill but to use deterrents instead.
Arcadia Transit launches expanded shuttle service with three fixed routes starting June 16. It will also operate as a Dial-a-Ride service for senior citizens and the disabled. Arcadia Transit has served the community since 1975.
Arcadia Veterans Day recognition. City of Arcadia is compiling a comprehensive list of veterans to honor and recognize them. Please call Arcadia Community Center at 626-574-5130 to make sure your name is on the list.
City of Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic proclaims March 2 "Bobbie the Bobcat's New Friend: Day of Kindness" for Barnhart School's student-created book launch. It will be read at Arcadia Public Library on Read Across America Day.
Dana Middle School's iconic concrete monument topped by an iron anchor was destroyed and removed this summer to prepare for renovations of the school's courtyard. Former students were upset over the loss, as it represented school pride. Joann Steinmeier, School Board President, said the anchor itself has been preserved and will be showcased in a fenced area in a new, smaller courtyard.
Don't forget to send in your ballots, Arcadians. The April 10 Arcadia City Council election ballots were sent to all registered voters on March 12. Voters can mail them or drop them off at Arcadia City Hall, 240 W. Huntington Drive. Brief summary of each candidate is given.
Four-story downtown building approved. It will be a mixed-use apartment/commercial building at corner of First Avenue and Wheeler Street behind 24-Hour Fitness.
Gary Kovacic is Arcadia's mayor for the sixth time since 1998. Mayor Pro Tem is Roger Chandler. Mayor Kovacic is in the final year of a second consecutive four-year term. Due to term limits, he will have to step away from Arcadia City Council for at last two years after he concludes his current term as mayor, next April.
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.
Guilty verdict delivered to Lawrence Joseph Farry, 25, who was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter, in the death of former Arcadia resident Joan Milazzo in August last year. Farry struck Milazzo with his car in the Del Sur area of North County San Diego. Milazzo grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, graduated from Alverno High School in Sierra Madre and was a member of St. Rita Catholic Parish in Sierra Madre.
Iconic Arcadia Chamber of Commerce building celebrates 50 years on November 12. A 1965 time capsule to be opened with tours of the building remodel. The building is round and all glass. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 19, November 5, 2015. See also Mountain Views News, p. 7, November 14, 2015 (time capsule was opened and contained film strips, films, and papers).
Last week's fake bomb threat at Arcadia High School by a 14-year-old student, who was arrested, caused a lockdown of almost 4,000 students and personnel for several hours. This had a great impact on the school. Thousands of dollars of hot lunches were wasted, additional revenue was lost when all school activities in the afternoon and evening had to be canceled, and overtime had to be paid to maintenance workers.