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.
The death of 3-year-old Talmin Moye II, caused by driver Sara Bravo in a stolen car during a police chase, reopens issues of police chase policies. Lieutenant Ken Harper of the Arcadia Police Department said the police officers were justified in pursuing a stolen car.
The death of former Arcadia Police Chief Charles Mitchell does not affect the $117,864 consulting contract between him and the city. The money due Mitchell will be paid in monthly amounts of $4,911 to his estate.
The death of retired Pasadena police lieutenant David Henry Richter, 55, of Arcadia, was thought to be a suicide. But now detectives are investigating it as a possible homicide.
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.
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.
John Shear is gone but never forgotten at Santa Anita Park. Retired Paddock Captain John Shear died Tuesday at a rehabilitation facility in Arcadia. He was 102 years old.
Marriage between Group W Cable and city of Arcadia becoming less amorous. Spokesman for Falcon Cable TV said Monday his firm would court Arcadia only if city is divorced from Group W.