An ancient Chinese maternity tradition, from the Sung Dynasty (960-1275 AD), known as "Zuo Yue Zi," is translated as "doing the month."It refers to the care of a Chinese woman during the first month after giving birth. The practice is explained here by Wei-Chen Tung, a former registered nurse at Arcadia Methodist Hospital and now an assistant professor of nursing at University of Nevada, Reno. The practice requires new mothers to follow a strict diet and rest for 3-4 weeks following a pregnancy. Tung says a lot of Chinese women still practice this, so hospitals should be aware of this part of Chinese culture. Maternity tourists--women who want to come to the United States to give birth to a full-fledged American citizen, have given rise to businesses that cater to them, such as the maternity home that was shut down in the 1300 block of South Palm Avenue in San Gabriel on March 8. It had been 5 townhomes illegally converted into a maternity home.
Arcadia Chief of Police Louis Sihler is seen standing in front of a car, leaning with his arm through the open window. He is wearing a uniform shirt and tie with badge.
Arcadia city officials are cracking down on "maternity tourism" boarding houses by dedicating a full-time police detective to investigate the issue. Maternity or birth tourism is a phenomenon in which women, often from China, pay a handsome fee to have their babies in the United States, so the children can be citizens. While that is not illegal, at least five establishments have been shut down for violations, such as unlawfully operating boarding house businesses in residential zones.
Arcadia Community Theater Players prepare for the play,"Visit to a small planet" by Gore Vidal. L-R are: Don Owens, Ron Brown, Donna Good, Doug Lance, and Diane Flaaten.
Arcadia Methodist Hospital celebrated its 53rd Annual Holiday Homes Tour. All proceeds go to support The Next Generation of Care campaign, toward a new patient tower, expanded Emergency department, and additional ICU beds.
Arcadian Luben Balabanoff, a Bulgarian by birth, was in Dresden, Germany when it was bombed during World War II. Retired now, he has spent the last 10 years making travel films and touring with them.
Arcadia students receive diplomas. Class of 1983--Arcadia High School, First Avenue Junior High School, Dana Junior High School, and Foothills Junior High School. Arcadia Tribune staff photos by Jay Hoover and Louis Nunez.