Admiration is Justify-able. Horse racing's newest and still undefeated Triple Crown Winner returns to home turf Santa Anita Park for a victory lap. The Triple Crown means winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
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 shooting. Lt. John Corina, a detective for Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, said video footage from the Gold Line train and businesses near the scene of the shooting last Friday, of two teenagers, supports the border agent's version of the story, that three teenagers attempted to rob him. One teen was shot dead. The border patrol agent is unnamed.
Crown in sight. Jockey Mike Smith and horse trainer Bob Baffert like their horse Justify's chances in the Belmont Stakes on June 9. (Photo of Smith and Baffert).
Crystal Ball 2013: Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation's fundraising gala will take place October 19. Jane Wuo and John Wuo are this year's honorees. Co-chairs are K. Heiner Vogelbach, M.D., and Christine Antonovich. Motown legendary singer Smokey Robinson will perform.
A federal investigation of a San Gabriel Valley-based Asian crime syndicate led to the arrests of 18 suspected Red Door gang members in several San Gabriel Valley cities, including Arcadia. The effort was dubbed "Operation Paint it Black." Authorities seized seven guns, 12,500 ecstasy pills, 2,230 marijuana plants and a Lamborghini. The 18 were indicted on drug trafficking and international marriage fraud charges.
A gathering of athletes. Arcadia's Santa Anita Park hosts champions as team members of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah's trainer Bob Baffert compare treasures from being the best in their sport. Photos and captions only.
H. B. London, Jr., of Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian group that opposes gay marriage, spoke at the 2011 Mayor's Community Breakfast, about the importance of compassion and unconditional love in the family. Outside there were some 90 protestors that support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Horse racing at Santa Anita. Derby Darlings. Roadster, Game Winner are strong 1-2 punch in Santa Anita Derby for trainer Bob Baffert. Santa Anita Derby is a prep race for Kentucky Derby.
Jockeys from Santa Anita Park played a charity basketball game against Holy Angels School, to benefit Holy Angels School of Arcadia and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Mike Smith (photo) wins second Bill Shoemaker Award as most outstanding jockey at Breeders' Cup. He had three wins over the weekend at the 30th annual Breeders' Cup, held at Santa Anita Park. Lists past Bill Shoemaker Award winners.