Arcadia News, CA Local News

Copper wire thieves target businesses, causing thousands in damage

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:02:18 +0000

Thieves are breaking into warehouses in West Rancho Dominguez, stealing copper wiring and causing significant financial losses for local businesses.

The criminals have been using heavy-duty power tools to cut through iron gates, leaving business owners frustrated and struggling to recover.

The thieves targeted local printing business L.A. Press on Main Street, cutting through a six-foot-tall gate to access electrical boxes. While the stolen wiring was valued at less than $1,000, the repair costs and business interruption have been substantial.

Photos shared with KTLA show the aftermath of copper wire thefts at local businesses in West Rancho Dominguez on Sept. 26, 2025.

Kevin Kaing of L.A. Press described the devastating impact of the thefts not just in repairs but also loss of business. "We all had it repaired. It costed like $22,000," Kaing said. "We were down like today with no production."

Multiple businesses in the area have been affected. Nearby oil wells were forced to shut down after vandals cut through fences and removed copper wiring. Some local residents have suggested that a nearby homeless encampment along Broadway might be responsible for the repeated thefts.

Business owners report that the criminals are becoming increasingly bold, breaking into warehouses almost nightly and stealing equipment. Despite repeated outreach to city officials and local law enforcement, no suspects have been arrested.

Photos shared with KTLA show the aftermath of copper wire thefts at local businesses in West Rancho Dominguez on Sept. 26, 2025.

The pattern of theft has created significant challenges for local businesses. Initially mistaking the damage for a power outage, Kaing discovered the extent of the theft after investigating his facility.

"I walked through the yard to take a look, and sure enough, the other Cabinet will open, and all the copper wire were exposed," he said.

Local authorities continue to investigate the series of thefts, with business owners hoping for a resolution to protect their properties and livelihoods.

Santa Anita horse racing consensus picks for Saturday, September 27, 2025

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:17:29 +0000

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Trouble viewing on mobile device? See consensus picks

Enjoy the consensus horse racing picks online? Subscribe

Sign up for Ponies Express newsletter and get the latest news and tips on wagers for weekend Horse Racing at Santa Anita and other Southern California tracks in your inbox. Subscribe here.

Children’s Hospital LA laying off 439 healthcare workers by late October

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is laying off 5.8% of its workforce in Southern California as part of a strategic realignment triggered by rising costs and budget cuts in Medicaid and Medi-Cal healthcare programs.

“Due to declining federal and state reimbursements, emerging policy changes affecting funding, and escalating costs of healthcare delivery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) must take steps to secure the hospital’s long-term viability for millions of children in need of care,” wrote Mamoon Syed, chief people officer with Children’s Hospital in a recent letter filed with the state’s Employment Development Department.

The hospital plans to cut 439 positions out of nearly 7,550 throughout its healthcare system by Oct. 28.

CHLA chief executive officer Paul Viviano said in a recent statement that the layoffs were “necessary to ensure CHLA can continue to survive in this uncertain climate.”

The CHLA statement said that 253 of positions are permanent layoffs while the remaining 186 people will be offered the option to transfer to “adjusted roles” at facilities in Arcadia, Bakersfield, Encino, Santa Monica, South Bay, Valencia and its main campus at 4650 W. Sunset Blvd. in East Hollywood.

Positions include nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatric social workers, respiratory care practitioners, financial consultants and a language and cultural specialist.

Medicaid, funded jointly by states and the federal government, provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, a health insurance program that provides healthcare services for low-income individuals.

In June, executives at CHLA announced that its Center for Transyouth Health and Development, which provides gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgeries, would close this summer.

CHLA had been one of the oldest, largest public providers of gender-affirming care, especially for lower-income patients, in the United States.

The EDD filing was made as part of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act — commonly referred to as WARN, which are required when an employer lays off more than 50 employees. All affected employees are notified at least 60 days before their terminations are scheduled to occur.

National Merit 2026: Los Angeles County scholarship semifinalists announced

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:44:43 +0000

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced on Wednesday, Sept. 10, its 2026 list of semifinalist high school students who will now compete for a share of about 6,930 scholarships worth almost $26 million. Winners will be announced nationally between April and July next year. This is the 71st annual competition.

High school juniors — 11th graders — entered the 2026 academic competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. More than 1.3 million juniors, in about 20,000 high schools, entered the competition by taking the qualifying test.

The highest-scoring students in each state represent the pool of semifinalists who, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, represent less than 1% of United States high school seniors.

The next step for a semifinalist to become a finalist is to complete the required application that includes their SAT or ACT scores, an essay and a letter of recommendation by a high school official.

Also see: Semifinalists from Orange County and the Inland Empire

Finalists are then chosen on the basis of academic record, their participation in community and school activities, how they have demonstrated leadership ability, employment, awards and honors received.

From the group of about 16,000 semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level.

Students will be notified in February 2026 if they are finalists. All National Merit Scholarship winners are selected from this group of finalists, and about half of those are expected to win a scholarship from three categories.

National Merit $2500 Scholarships: Every finalist competes for one of 2,500 scholarships that are awarded on a state-representational basis

Corporate-sponsored scholarships: In 2026, about 830 corporate-sponsored awards will be given out by about 150 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria (such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located)

College-sponsored scholarships: About 150 colleges and universities finance about 3,600 awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor’s institution

The National Merit Scholarship winners, chosen on the basis of accomplishments, skills and potential for college success, are selected from the February finalists group. Winners are notified, on a rolling basis, in 2026 from April to July.

The 2026 scholarship winners join the nearly 389,000 past winners who have earned the title of Merit Scholar.

Here is the list of semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program in Los Angeles County by school location and the school name:

Agoura Hills

Agoura Hills HS

Hennessey, Grace
Lieblich, Garin
Mayer, Noah

Alhambra

Alhambra HS

Wu, Brendon E.
Zhang, Alvin J.

Mark Keppel HS

Chang, Keira I.
Li, Kalina S.

Arcadia

Arcadia HS

Gao, Logan
Lin, Cayden
Lo, Jake
Lu, Elly
Lu, Ruixuan
Lu, Turner
Nguyen, Minhtam
Rizzo, Jason
Wu, Kevin
Yang, Drew
Yuan, Rachel

Bellflower

St. John Bosco HS

Paredes, Gian Miguel

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills HS

Albert, Ezra
Matcuk, Xander

Brentwood

Heritage HS

Aaron, James
Jin, Caroline

Burbank

Burbank HS

Pay, Sebastian

International School Los Angeles

Procter, Griffin

Calabasas

Viewpoint School

Abdou, Joseph S.
Kim, Allison E.
Mukherjee, Jishnu

Canyon Country

Canyon HS

Nguyen, Angelina D.

Carson

California Academy of Mathematics and Science

Lee, Yumi
Penetrante, Joel
Sun, Owen

Cerritos

Gretchen Whitney HS

Andal, Jacob T.
Binny, Vivasvat
Chung, Chloe
Fong, Katelyn
Ganapathy, Sanjay
Giron, Andrei Santino L.
Jacob, Shawn P.
Kang, William J.
Kim, Katie
Lim, Benjamin K.
Muraliraj, Olivia V.
Park, Keenan S.
Prabhu, Niharika
Tang, Benjamin Q.
Virk, Aaryan N.
Zhang, Maximo

Chatsworth

Sierra Canyon School

Gofnung, Aiden
McGowan, Nikhil

City of Industry

Workman HS

Lin, Yisong

Claremont

Claremont HS

Fong, Caleb J.
Merla, Arnav N.
Mussey, Gabrielle
Shrivastav, Aabhisaar A.
Vinall, Luke I.

Webb Schools

Lee, Alexander
Liu, Yiyang
Lu, Yihui
Ng, Tobey
Tang, Candice

Covina

Charter Oak HS

Flores, Nash P.

Culver City

Culver City HS

Frigola, Emma
Johnson, Rhys E.
Marcus, Leo R.
Ono-Lemire, Naoki

Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar HS

Chang, Shelby
Eun, Irene
Hu, Junxi
Huang, Brian
Li, Tyler
Lin, Cristina
Liu, Cynthia
Lu, Eireen
Park, Lawrence
Tien, Nathan
Wang, James
Wu, Valerie
Ye, Asia
Zhang, Rongjia

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock HS

Simmons-Saadia, Lazare J.

El Segundo

Da Vinci Science HS

Long, Jadon T.

El Segundo HS

Antil, Aarush

Vistamar School

King, Mairin

Glendora

Glendora HS

Angeles, Maegan
Boyer, Tessa
Deshmukh, Ariya
Lin, Emily
Patel, Yash

Granada Hills

Granada Hills Charter HSAkopian, SarkisBowden, JasonKim, William

Hacienda Heights

Glen A. Wilson HS

Guo, George

La Cañada Flintridge

Flintridge Preparatory School

Bae, Alexander
Cooper, Samuel
Khoury, Bahia
Sanok, Nathan

La Cañada HS

Baha, Adam
Chen, Nathaniel
Chen, Victoria
Hwang, Min
Kakuk, David
Krider, Jonathan
Lee, Madison
Luk, Thalia S.
Maimone, Selena
Mercer, Lila
Penanen, Tanmay
Simonian, Jessica

St. Francis HS

Toche, James J.

La Crescenta

Crescenta Valley HS

Buda, Sophia
Carrillo, Sonia
Kahdian, Daniel
Kim, Bailee
Ludes, Madoka
Oh, Andrew
Vesselinov, Angelina
Yang, Joshua Jun-Hua

La Puente

Bishop Amat Memorial HS

Guzman, Jerren V.
Magaling, Jaedon A.

Los Angeles

The Archer School for Girls

Wang, Melinda

Brentwood School

Albert, Ruby
Cohen, Jacqueline
Gu, Eric
Kim, Lucas
Moon, Ethan

Benjamin Franklin HS

Seiler, Ivan V.

Geffen Academy at UCLA

Brennan, Victoria
Essner, Everson
Sanghai, Pranay

Le Lycee Francais

Duhaut-Bedos, Solal

Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies

Piri, Ibrahim
Shwartz, Micah Z.

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

Sie, Bernard

Loyola HS

Friedman, Jacob P.
Kim, Aaron
Musitano, Jack A.
Nakatsu, Joseph
Pa Ortiz, Diego A.
Vaghaiwalla, Rishad
Yuan, Muge

Marlborough School

Bae, Mia
Chen, Rachel
Fischer, Leah
Hsieh Schumacher, Sonia
Maehara, Alicia
Merges, Abigail
Siegel, Sarah

John Marshall HS

Waggoner, Raphael I.

Marymount HS

Chang, Melaina E.
Cohen, Marlena E.

Mesivta Birkas Yitzchok

Krich, Hillel

Notre Dame Academy

Nishimuro, Jessica

Shalhevet HS

Katzin, Sonya

Windward School

Cohn, Charlie
Linton, Leila J.
Oh, Madeline H.
Rutman, Aidan M.

Manhattan Beach

Mira Costa HS

Campbell, Miles
Henry, Audrey
Jackson, Catherine
Malis, Emilia
Murphy, Lachlan
Rothermel, Mary
Sulaiman, Brianna
Tarnay, Collin

North Hollywood

North Hollywood HS

Chang, Connor H.
Felts, Henry C.
French, Daniel C.
Hwang, Katie M.
Jaspan, Marlowe E.
Kim, Danny
Lim, Vincent H.
Mishra, Shashwat
Newhall, Lev S.
Ohshima, Suzuko D.
Olinger, Natalie N.
Putnam, Jack C.
Yang, Jerry A.
Zhao, Connor Z.

Oakwood School

Walpert, Noah

Science Academy STEM Magnet

Ernst, Frederick I.
Kunnath, Pranav P.
Lee, John D.
Lee, Ryan M.
Rowe, Xavier M.

Pacific Palisades

Palisades Charter HS

Kim, Caleb
Smith, Audrey

Palos Verdes Estates

Palos Verdes HS

Kim, Logan J.
Wang, Wesley K.
Yim, Charles T.

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Chadwick School

Liu, Moshi
Maas, Cadence
Rosenbaum, Matthew
Ross, Alistair
Somers, Derek
Zeng, Spencer

Home school/Online School

Oh, Joshua

Pasadena

Blair HS

Griffin, Joel

La Salle HS

Lai, Cory

Maranatha HS

Lee, Griffin

Pasadena HS

Karapetyan, Maria
Monson, Jacob
Nash, Zachary
Nunes, Zalea
Sinclair, Megan

Polytechnic School

Benitez, Joseph
Burt, Clive
Chen, Evan
Cheung, Ginny
Cho, August
Chui, Alexander
Delbridge, Madeleine
Engstrom, Ellery
Fish, Filiz
Ismagilov, Daniel
Shin, Brandon
Venuturupalli, Akhil
Zhang, Allison
Zhang, Michael

Westridge School

Chen, Zihan
Liu, Meicen
Tan, Olivia

Redondo Beach

Redondo Union HS

Buttari, Giulio
Choi, Lorelei
DiLallo, Zander
Kang, Katelyn S.
Lerch, Felix
Swift, Sheamus
Thomson, Mackenzie
Yook, Jonathan

Reseda

Reseda HS

Gupta, Siona

Rolling Hills Estates

Palos Verdes Peninsula HS

Anand, Anish A.
Chiou, Ryan C.
Cho, Inu J.
Choi, Nathan H.
Chu, Audrey M.
Kang, Yejun
Kim, Isaac H.
Kwon, Aiden J.
Lee, Luke
Li, Aaron
Ramanuja, Nikhil
Tseng, Kaili Y.
Tu, Micah K.
Wong, Nathaniel L.
Wu, Katie E.

Rosemead

Rosemead HS

Chen, Jasmine G.

Rowland Heights

John A. Rowland HS

Chu, Avery L.
Tan, Jeremy
Tao, Elaine
Zhou, Jesse

San Gabriel

Gabrielino HS

Mak, Carter L.
Shao, Tianyu
Tang, Ethan A.

San Marino

San Marino HS

Chan, Brandon C.
Chou, Winston L.
Chuang, Brandon N.
Hsu, Olivia
Huang, Kay N.
Lee, Ryan H.
Phan, Kiefer L.
Song, Xiangjie N.
Tran, Sarah M.
Wu, Benjamin S.
Wu, Eason M.
Yang, Adelynne E.

Santa Clarita

Academy of the Canyons

Chung, Aiden

Santa Monica

Cossroads School

Rao, Sissi A.

New Roads School

Farrell-Katseanes, Hayden
Rose, Milo

Santa Monica HS

Bendersky Boreth, Eli
Choe, Camille
Glasser, Sabrina
Knauf, Carly L.
Naini, Kaveh

Sherman Oaks

Notre Dame HS

Braithwaite, Alexander
Cruz, Benedict Henry
Le, Ethan
Mcauliffe, Katherine

South Pasadena

South Pasadena HS

Asakura, Mason
Chang, Alexa
Chung, Elizabeth
Kano, Sarah
Kowal, Anna
Singer, Solana
Van Kerkhove, Gihan
Vandevelde, Rose

Studio City

Campbell Hall

Reyblat, Eli

Harvard-Westlake School

Abrahamson, Zachary R.
Aguilar, Miles S.
Assil, Sydney D.
Bakaya, Vikrant
Benardo, Samuel L.
Bowse, Brando K.
Chen, Ethan Z.
Dai, Markenever
Dai, Mikenever
Daub, Lauren
Drouin, Adrian
Ferrie, Jessica
Glass, Calder J.
Graczyk, James E.
Graff, Kayla A.
Higashi, Anju
Jeon, Ella M.
Jo, Andrew H.
Lee, Seoyoon
Liftin-Harris, Silas M.
Louie, Robinson J.
Majumdar, Lyra
Mayer, Chase
Meyer, Max S.
Park, Audrey E.
Ramberg, Sally M.
Rosen, William L.
Ryu, Erin Y.
Sarvaiya, Nikhil
Schlessinger, Shimon
Schwartz, Levi R.
Scoville, Cordelia T.
Tran-Lee, Emma
Yam, Melanie H.
Yilmaz, Darren R.
Yuan, Chen
Zahiri, Cyrus C.
Zhang, Ka Yan

Sun Valley

Francis Polytechnic HS

Barraza Saucedo, Eduardo

Tarzana

Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies

Kovalev-Sheinberg, Sarah M.
Wachs, Sylvia M.

Temple City

Temple City HS

Hu, Neil
Liao, Eric
Prasad, Manu
Sabol, Hakan
Trieu, Logan

Torrance

South HS

Han, Andrew
Jang, Junue

West HS

Lee, Augustine
Moon, Katherine
Que, Kaden
Sayano, James
Shao, Warren
Wong, Benjamin

Valencia

Valencia HS

Kim, Andrew
Kozakis, Devin

West Ranch HS

Arangil, Rohit
Avalos Lujan, Florencia
Chang, Brandon W.

Van Nuys

Van Nuys HS

Lee, Ian

Venice

Venice HS

Gibson, Rickia R.

Walnut

Walnut HS

Chen, Elise C.
Chen, Xinyue

West Hills

Chaminade College Preparatory

Kogan, Marc

Westlake Village

Oaks Christian School

Mitterberger, Carolin
Pak, Emma

Westlake HS

Basamakov, Alexander
Gowda, Khushi
Kwon, Chenya
Liu, Angela
Wang, Chloe
Wu, Krystal
Xie, Benjamin

Winnetka

A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School

Gharibian, Andrew
Markarian, Sevag
Vakian, Sevag

Woodland Hills

William Howard Taft HS

Marletti, Jakob D.
Nabat, Seth J.
Simpson, Jack A.

High school students interested in applying in future years need to talk to their school counselor to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT test. Registration is through the high school and not by the students. For information on the competition, tinyurl.com/mrx4t933

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was established in 1955 and is an independent, not-for-profit group that does not operate with government assistance.

The goals of the organization are to reward academically-dedicated students, encourage academic excellence at all levels of education, promote a deeper respect for learning in general and to encourage individuals and organizations to sponsor scholarships.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who demonstrate “exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.” www.nationalmerit.org

How an Arcadia teen is tackling wildfires with AI-powered drones

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:38:00 +0000

High school student Anika Jha pulled an all-nighter the night before an English midterm last year. But she wasn’t cramming for the exam.

Instead, Jha spent the night researching and jotting down 15 pages of bullet-pointed notes — the seeds of a project she’d plan to dedicate her adolescence to.

“I was thinking about how terrible wildfires are and I discovered some awful statistics about how wildfires would grow almost twofold in the coming decades” Jha later said, recalling that night. “And so I made a brainstorming document.”

Now a sophomore at Arcadia High School, 15-year-old Jha is the inventor of Fire Drones, a prototype system designed to detect, monitor and suppress fires before they spread.

Jha drafted the idea for Fire Drones her freshman year, before the Eaton and Palisades fires exploded in the two regions on Jan. 7, destroying more than 16,000 structures and leaving 31 people dead — 12 in the Palisades and 19 in Altadena.

While the flames did not reach Jha’s Arcadia home, she says the “dystopian” image of roaring winds and ash are ingrained in her memory.

“I think being in that situation really showed me the importance of all the work that I’m doing. Having that personal connection makes all the difference to creating a better solution,” Jha said.

Anika Jha, a 15-year-old inventor and the creator of Fire Drones, is designing a prototype system that spots signs of wildfire early and assists firefighters with real-time data. Anika uses a small drove to help develop the prototype system in Arcadia on Monday, Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

1 of 3

Expand

The Los Angeles fires are not the last to hit the West Coast this year.

In 2025 alone, there have been 5,362 reports of wildfires, totaling at least 354,878 acres burned and 16,344 structures destroyed.

And just last week on Aug 7, the Canyon fire, straddling the Los Angeles-Ventura county line near Val Verde west of Castaic, burned in a remote area east of Lake Piru. Initially estimated at about 30 acres, within two hours, the fire had burned through 1,051 acres of brush. It has currently scorched 5,370 acres.

Wildfires are increasing in frequency, severity and duration, with climate change creating extremely dry conditions, such as drought, heat waves and high winds, according to the World Health Organization.

Current approaches to managing wildfires involve detecting them afar and transferring rescue workers to use a combination of fire retardants and water to quell them. But Jha says the method needs updating.

Jha’s vision for Fire Drones: “solar-powered, autonomous drone systems running 24/7 over more remote areas where the wildfires usually start or spike and especially over dry regions.”

For an early model of the drone, Jha purchased a ready-made drone on Amazon to experiment with. She’s now working on coding and equipping the drone with sensor technology, infrared cameras and other components that would allow the drones to detect changes in the environment, as well as an AI algorithm that would feed them topography and weather information. And to directly combat fires, the drones will deploy bio-degradable, fire-extinguishing bombs to subdue the flames until personnel arrive.

For Fire Drones, Jha nabbed two first-place awards last year: NASA’s Dream With Us Design Challenge and the City of STEM Innovation Challenge in Los Angeles.

Officials at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection say they see a future where Jha’s drones are practically applied.

“It’s inspiring to see young innovators in our community developing tools to help protect lives and property,” officials said.

“This kind of creative thinking complements Cal Fire’s existing drone program, where we already use aerial platforms with heat-detection technology to locate hotspots and assess fire behavior. Advancements like this student’s prototype could enhance our efforts by improving early detection and wildfire reconnaissance as we continue to adapt to California’s changing fire environment.”

Jha is also behind apps focused on earthquake prediction and youth health, which she developed as part of the Technovation program. With users across more than 40 countries, the apps won Jha the Grand Prize and Technology Prize in the Technovation Girls competition and the Diana Award.

When she’s not coding, programming, inventing or simply in class, Jha enjoys exploring her creative side. She’s the author of two children’s books and practices art, ice skating, badminton and writing poetry in her spare time.

But she doesn’t plan on slowing down with Fire Drones. She’s still programming the hardware and sensors and working on the AI components. Her next step for the technology, she says is to reach out to and partner with fire prevention initiatives in California.

“The technology could be applied in all sorts of disasters from tsunamis to earthquakes, to even just 911 emergencies,” Jha said. “I wonder how many lives could be saved if we had aerial technology getting to places faster.”

Arcadia man, and former TV analyst, sentenced to 5 years for fraud

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:16:29 +0000

A former Arcadia resident who was a frequent guest on financial-television news programs then became a fugitive from justice was sentenced Monday, Aug. 4, to five years behind bars for defrauding investors out of at least $2.7 million.

Also see: Former Arcadia man accused of lying, losing millions of dollars of investors’ money

James Arthur McDonald Jr., 53, pleaded guilty in April to one federal count of securities fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A restitution hearing will be held later.

McDonald has been in federal custody since June 2024, when he was arrested in Port Orchard, Washington, after being a fugitive since November 2021, when he failed to appear before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to face allegations that he had defrauded investors, prosecutors said.

According to his plea deal filed in Los Angeles federal court, law enforcement who searched McDonald’s Washington state home found a fake Washington, D.C., driver’s license bearing McDonald’s photograph and the name “Brian Thomas,” among other items.

McDonald was the chief executive and chief investment officer of two companies: Hercules Investments, based in downtown Los Angeles, and Redondo Beach-based Index Strategy Advisors. He frequently appeared as an analyst on the CNBC financial-television news network, prosecutors said.

McDonald also falsely told clients that ISA, his other firm, was a registered investment adviser, even though he had withdrawn ISA as a state-registered investment adviser firm in May 2019. He sent ISA clients false account statements, including for one client who invested about $351,000 and later needed the money to make a down payment on a home. The client was informed by McDonald that much of the money had been lost, and the investor never got his full investment back, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Surrogate speaks out about Arcadia couple with 21 children in home

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 17:57:00 +0000

By JAIMIE DING and HALLIE GOLDEN

A woman who almost served as a surrogate for an Arcadia couple now under investigation by authorities said she backed out after the couple asked her if any of her friends would like to carry a child for them too.

The request as well as conflicting information she was getting left the woman, Esperanza, unnerved and she decided not to sign a surrogacy contract with Silvia Zhang, who offered her $60,000. Esperanza spoke to The Associated Press on the condition that her last name not be used because she has not shared her surrogacy experience publicly.

The home of Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan is seen on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Arcadia, Calif., where a number of children were removed from the couple’s home after a child abuse allegation in May, according to Arcadia police. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Zhang, 38, and her husband, Guojun Xuan, 65, are now the target of an investigation by local and federal authorities after their infant child was taken to the hospital with a traumatic head injury in May. Authorities have since taken 21 children from the couple’s custody, many of whom were born by surrogate, said Lt. Kollin Cieadlo of the Arcadia Police Department, near Los Angeles.

ALSO SEE: 21 children taken from Arcadia couple after arrest for child neglect; surrogacy business questioned

Surrogacy is an agreement between parties for a woman to become pregnant, typically through an embryo transfer, and deliver a baby for the intended person or couple to raise.

The children range in age from 2 months to 13 years, with most between 1 and 3.

Federal authorities’ role in investigation

Esperanza is one of at least eight women who say they were aggressively pursued by the couple to serve as surrogates. The women, many of whom were first-time surrogates, say they were given misleading or incomplete information about the couple’s family situation and intentions. Some, like Esperanza, did not move forward with carrying a child for the couple. Another who did, Kayla Elliott, is now trying to get custody of a baby she birthed in March for the couple.

Silvia Zhang, 38, of Arcadia was arrested May 9, 2025 on suspicion of child endangerment after her 2-month-old baby was shaken by a nanny and ended up in a hospital. She has not been charged. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services took her 21 other children. (Photo courtesy of the Arcadia Police Department)

1 of 8

Expand

Arcadia police say the FBI is involved in the investigation over whether the couple misled surrogates around the country. The FBI has not confirmed its investigation. Elliott said she was interviewed by the FBI at the end of May.

Elliott worked through a business called Mark Surrogacy, according to the contract she signed and shared with the AP. California state records show a company called Mark Surrogacy Investments LLC registered at the company’s Arcadia home until this June. Elliot’s contract listed an El Monte address for the company. An AP reporter visited that location Thursday and did not find anyone who recognized the names of the couple or Mark Surrogacy.

Zhang did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment. Lawyers for Mark Surrogacy did not respond to emails seeking comment, nor did a fertility clinic involved in the embryo transfer.

In social media posts, other women who say they served as surrogates for Zhang and Xuan outlined suspicious actions including the couple not fulfilling payment obligations and weren’t present for the children’s births. Many women contacted by the AP did not respond or said they would only speak after securing an attorney.

Injured infant draws concern

Zhang and Xuan were arrested in May after a hospital reported that their 2-month-old infant had a traumatic head injury, the result of a nanny at the home violently shaking the baby, according to Arcadia police.

Arcadia police did not file charges at the time, in order to finish a full investigation, Cieadlo said, and detectives were looking into possible child abuse charges and anticipated presenting a case in a few weeks.

The couple told police that they “wanted a large family” and produced what appeared to be legitimate birth certificates, including some from outside California, that list Zhang as the mother of the children, Cieadlo said. Xuan was listed as the father on at least some of the birth certificates, Cieadlo said.

Potential surrogate backs out

Esperanza’s dealings with Zhang began in 2023. She had posted in a Facebook group for people interested in surrogacy and received a message from Zhang.

Zhang said she and her partner already had an 8-year-old daughter in China but were having fertility issues. Zhang said she was working with a surrogate who was already pregnant but that she wanted “twins,” so she was pursuing a second surrogate. But Esperanza said things started to feel amiss after Zhang asked if she had any friends who also wanted to be surrogates.

“She said that she’s a realtor in Arcadia and that’s how she has a lot of money and was able to afford a lot of surrogates at the time,” Esperanza said.

Esperanza backed out of the surrogacy after the lawyer for the couple abruptly hung up on her while discussing the contract. She said the document said the couple would implant two embryos instead of one and the section requiring background information on the couple was cut out. The couple became angry when she decided not to move forward.

Esperanza showed text messages to the AP that showed Zhang offering $3,000 more if she agreed to keep going, and another $2,000 bonus after a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Surrogate who wants custody of child

Elliott gave birth to a baby girl in March. She chose to be a surrogate because she “really wanted to give somebody a family.”

The Texas woman began the process when Mark Surrogacy reached out to her directly on Facebook. She signed a contract listing Xuan and Zhang as the intended parents. The contract said Elliott would receive $65,000 in a series of payments by the end of her 16th gestational week.

Elliott became wary when early in the pregnancy she flew to California to meet the couple and only Xuan showed up. As the process went on, Elliott had almost no direct contact with the Xuan and Zhang, which is uncommon in surrogacy. Most of the messaging was through texts and emails with representatives from the agency, who discouraged her from reaching out to Zhang.

“The agency was always like, ‘Oh, they’re very busy people,’” she said.

When she learned that the couple had at least two other surrogates having babies for them, she was told by the agency “they just want a big family.”

Elliott flew to California for the embryo transfer, which was done at Western Fertility Institute in Los Angeles. The clinic declined to comment on the investigation.

Ex-Sherman Oaks man who worked as a movie producer and accountant charged in suspected $12 million fraud
1 of 3
Silvia Zhang, 38, of Arcadia was arrested May 9 on suspicion of child endangerment. (Photo courtesy of the Arcadia Police Department)
Expand

An Arcadia couple arrested two months ago on suspicion of child neglect after their 2-month-old baby boy was hospitalized and whose 21 other children were taken away, remain under investigation, police said.

It wasn’t clear how many of the children, ranging in age from two months to 13 years old, were born from surrogate mothers. Several women told KTLA they bore children for Silvia Zhang and contracted with Mark Surrogacy Investment.

Public records show Zhang is listed as manager for Mark Surrogacy and her residence on the 600 block of West Camino Real Avenue is the same address for the company. An agent for the company filed a document with the state ending the company on June 13. Zhang is also listed as a manager for another defunct company called Hope Surrogacy in Pomona.

Zhang, 38, and her husband, Guojun Xuan, 65, couldn’t be reached for comment on Wednesday.

The couple said they wanted a large family, Arcadia police Lt. Kollin Cieadlo said.

The primary focus by police is the child-abuse case, but they are working with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and federal officials to determine if there were other crimes, he added.

Zhang and Xuan haven’t been arrested on charges related to the other children or Mark Surrogacy.

FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said she cannot confirm or deny an investigation.

The 2-month-old baby remains in the hospital, Cieadlo said.

It wasn’t clear if the baby’s siblings are in foster care or with relatives. The Department of Children and Family Services declined to say.

“While we recognize the public’s interest in the details about the lives of children and families who come to our attention, DCFS is bound by state confidentiality laws that prevent the department from discussing potential involvement with families,” said Shiara Davila-Morales, a DCFS spokeswoman. “These laws are in place to protect children and families from further emotional distress while delicate family matters are resolved.”

Police say that surveillance video shows the nanny, Chunmei Li, 56, of Arcadia, on May 5 violently shaking and hitting the baby who became unconscious. There is an arrest warrant out for Li who has not been found.

The baby wasn’t taken to a hospital until two days later, after he started having seizures, police said, adding that the infant was admitted with traumatic head injury and intracranial bleeding.

The hospital staff notified police about possible child abuse.

On May, 9 police arrested Zhang and Xuan on suspicion of felony child endangerment or neglect. Booking records show they were released from custody on May 13. They have not been charged.

DCFS took other children into protective custody that day. Fifteen of them were in the Arcadia house, which, according to public records, has nine bedrooms and 12 bathrooms in 10,287 square feet. The other children were in other Los Angeles County residences, Cieadlo said.

Arcadia police asked anyone with information about the case to call them at 626-574-5168. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to lacrimestoppers.org.
Related Articles

Where to watch July 4th fireworks shows in the LA area, June 28-July 6

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:37:27 +0000

Celebrating July 4th at a fireworks show after a barbecue or a picnic with family and friends is a tradition all across the United States.

This year we’re celebrating the 249th birthday of the founding of the United States of America — of the document stating the “Unanimous Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen United States” from Great Britain — that was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

Start planning to see professional fireworks or drone shows beginning June 27 this year — some events include a festival before the “light up the sky” displays. Most shows have free admission. Some shows, however, require advance ticket purchase.

In addition, these annual events (but no fireworks) are popular on July 4 day: the Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade in Sunland, and the Fourth of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. These are included under the July 4 entry.

Here is a sampling of July 4th events listed first by date, city/neighborhood, and time of festival (if any) before the 9 p.m. fireworks or drone shows in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Also see: In the wake of ICE raids, some Southern California cities are cancelling July 4th events

June 28

Lakewood

City of Lakewood Block Party and Fireworks Show: The event includes a “Family Fun Zone” and “On the Block Food Court,” 4-9 p.m. Fireworks show, 9:15 p.m. Free admission. Check the website for details. The Block Party stretches from the city’s civic center parking lot at Hardwick Street, southbound on Clark Avenue to Del Amo Boulevard. www.lakewoodcity.org/News/Annual-programs-community-event-stories/Civic-Center-Block-Party

Montebello

Independence Day Spectacular: The city of Montebello presents the event that includes games, live music and food, 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for seating. Parking: Shuttle service, 3-11 p.m., every 30 minutes, from various parking areas including Applied Technology Center, Montebello City Hall, Chet Holifield Park and Montebello Intermediate School (see other locations listed on the link). Grant Rea Park, 600 Rea Drive. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/243dcy8c

Monterey Park

Independence Day Celebration – Monterey Park: The city of Monterey Park presents the event that includes live music and food trucks, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Barnes Park, 350 S. McPharrin Ave. 626-307-1388. www.montereypark.ca.gov/687/Independence-Day-Celebration

Arcadia

Downtown Arcadia Patriotic Festival and Drone Show: The festival with vendor booths and live entertainment, 5-9:30 p.m. on First Avenue between Diamond Street and Huntington Drive. Sign up on the website link to enter the “Big Give Away” drawing. You must be present to win. Drawing is at 7 p.m. on the First Avenue Middle School stage. Drones fly, 9 p.m. First Avenue Middle School, 301 S. First St. Flyer and details on the “Big Give Away,” www.arcadiadt.com

June 29

Lake View Terrace

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez’s Independence Day Drone Show and Beach Party: The fourth annual event includes swimming, a children’s zone and food trucks, 5-9 p.m. Drone show at 9 p.m. Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. cd7.lacity.gov/events/4th-annual-drone-show-beach-party

July 2-4

Hollywood

Hollywood Bowl’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular: Earth, Wind & Fire and Thomas Wilkins conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. July 2-4. Tickets $47 and up (depending on the date; see children’s tickets on the website). Location, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. www.hollywoodbowl.com/. https://tinyurl.com/3z7atve3

July 3

Moorpark

Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Gates open and activities and games begin, 4 p.m. Concerts: 5 (Ignition) and at 7:30 p.m. (Raymond Michael, a tribute to Elvis Presley). Flag presentation and National Anthem, 6:45 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair and picnic dinner. Food court. Admission, $8, in advance (free for babies younger than one year); $10 at the door (cash-only). Limited parking at the park; $5 for parking (must be purchased in advance and also, everyone in vehicle must have tickets purchased in advance). Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. 805-517-6300. Details about the event, rules to follow and parking: tinyurl.com/22szjudy

Norwalk

Independence Day Festival and Fireworks: Event includes a Kids Zone and food trucks, 4-9:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Holifield Park, 12500 Excelsior Drive. 562-929-5702. Click on the July 3 date to see the flyer: tinyurl.com/33szvh4z

Lynwood

City of Lynwood Independence Day Celebration: The event includes live entertainment, lawn games, bounce houses and food trucks, 5 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Lynwood City Park, 11301 Bullis Road. 310-603-0220, Ext. 319. www.lynwoodca.gov. www.facebook.com/mylynwood.ca

Baldwin Park

Independence Day Spectacular: Activities include carnival rides, giant slides and food vendors, 5:30-10 p.m. Music by Trouble Man, a tribute to Marvin Gaye, 6:45 p.m. Acrobatic dancers, 8 p.m. Fireworks, around 9:30 p.m. Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier Ave. 626-813-5245. Details: tinyurl.com/msfprj2y

Duarte

City of Duarte Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show: Live music by Latin Soul Band, family play area and food trucks/vendors, 5:30 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Duarte Sports Park, upper baseball fields, 1401 Central Ave. 626-357-7931. Details: tinyurl.com/3s8nx9bn

San Gabriel

Independence Day Drone and Laser Light Show – San Gabriel: The city presents the celebration that includes craft activities, a watermelon eating contest, games, live music and food trucks, 5:30 p.m. The drone and laser light show, 9 p.m. Must be pre-registered to attend. Bring your own blanket or low-back lawn chair for seating. Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Gabrielino High School, 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Preregistration: click on the link from here and go to Special Event: tinyurl.com/yrbcd7dr

South El Monte

Independence Day Fireworks Festival – South El Monte: The city kicks off Independence Day early with games, music and food vendors, 6-9:30 p.m. Live music by Steel Rod, 7-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. South El Monte High School, 1001 N. Durfee Ave., South El Monte. 626-579-2043. Email: rec@soelmonte.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/w6bajph3

Hawaiian Gardens

Independence Day Celebration: Event includes live music and food trucks, 7 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Fedde Sports Complex, 21409 Elaine Ave. 562-420-2644. Details: tinyurl.com/3mxkncfh

July 4

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood: The theme park is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (see website for early access ticket, 8 a.m.). Fireworks display around 9 p.m. Admission $149 July 4 with online purchase, ages 10 and older; $143 ages 3-9; check the website for other ticket prices including Universal Express for bypassing general queue at most rides and shows. Parking $35 ($10 after 5 p.m.); $55 preferred ($20 after 5 p.m.); $75 at the front gate. Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. General information, 800-864-8377. Admission, 866-258-6546. www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Details on July 4th event: tinyurl.com/mrepb3tp

El Segundo

El Segundo’s The 4th of July at Recreation Park: Daytime events include contests, games, races, arts and crafts vendors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nighttime events include live music, food booths and fireworks, 5-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Bring a blanket for seating. Admission is by wristband (four free wristbands per adult with an updated 2025 Rec ID Card for residents of El Segundo; $5 for non-residents and available for purchase at the Clubhouse and Checkout Building in Recreation Park through July 3; $5 at the door; see details and the requirements needed for the recreation ID card on the website). Recreation Park, Stevenson Field, Holly Avenue and Eucalyptus Drive. City of El Segundo Recreation and Parks, 310-524-2700. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/2fdfvu5e

Sunland

Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade – Star, Stripes and Mountain Vibes: The Sunland-Tujunga and Shadow Hills Rotary Club and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council host the parade, 10 a.m. July 4. Route: Foothill Boulevard at Mount Gleason Avenue/Summitrose Street; west on Foothill to Sunland Park Recreation Center (8651 Foothill Blvd.). www.facebook.com/Sunlandrotary. Flyer: tinyurl.com/ypt8ptda

Simi Valley

Fourth of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Event includes craft activities, old-fashioned lawn and picnic games, patriotic music, presidential bingo and special appearances and talks by presidents (look-alikes), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. Free for outdoor activities. Admission is charged for the museum, Air Force One Pavilion and the special exhibit “Dead Sea Scrolls” (purchasing a timed tickets for museum exhibits in advance is recommended). Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. 800-410-8354. www.reaganlibrary.com/events. Schedule details: www.reaganfoundation.org/events/annual-4th-of-july-celebration-2025

Santa Barbara

Fourth of July Celebration: Food and vendor booths, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Cabrillo Boulevard, sidewalk at West Beach). Also, live music at the West Beach, beginning at noon. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. West Beach (West Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street). 805-897-1962. calendar.santabarbaraca.gov/event/fourth-july-celebration-4136. santabarbaraca.gov/things-do/city-events/fourth-july-celebration

Pasadena

Foodieland Food Festival and Drone Light Show – Rose Bowl: The multicultural food festival on July 4, 3-10 p.m. (however, the festival runs 1-10 p.m. on July 5-6; no drone shows on these dates). Drone light show, 9 p.m. July 4 (only). Admission $8; free for ages 5 and younger. No admission sold at the door. Purchase on Eventbrite link. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. Facebook: tinyurl.com/bdd7v3zv. Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/2yf4snt3

Simi Valley

Star-Spangled Rock ‘N Country Jam and Fireworks Celebration: Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley presents the event that includes music, a kid’s fun zone, beer and wine garden, food booths and arts and crafts vendors. Doors open, 3 p.m. July 4. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Free admission. A VIP admission is available: $100; $45 ages 12 and younger (includes barbecue dinner, 4-6:30 p.m., dessert, 5:30-8 p.m.; shaded seating near the stage and other perks; more information and to purchase here: starspangledsimi.com/vip-tickets). Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Parking: Simi Valley Metrolink Station, 5050 E. Los Angeles Ave.; Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran St.; 5-Star Parking onsite, $25, purchase here: https://starspangledsimi.com/event-info). Location, Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Kiwanis Club, 805-807-5100. starspangledsimi.com

Commerce

Independence Day Celebration – July 4-5: The city of Commerce presents its two-day event: carnival (tinyurl.com/2zxdxf8m) and recreational swim beginning at noon, with a Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, 4 p.m., and a Laser Light Show, 9 p.m. July 4. Day two, noon-10 p.m. with carnival and activities, and with music by Sangria (5 p.m.) and Fast Times (7 p.m.) and a fireworks show, 9 p.m. July 5. Fees for carnival and recreational swim. See the flyer for details for both days and for area neighborhood shuttle bus information (free shuttle). Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2tjhrtdp

Alhambra

City of Alhambra’s Fourth of July Celebration: Event includes games, live entertainment and food vendors, 4-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Almansor Park, 800 S. Almansor St., Alhambra. 626-570-3242. Details and flyer: tinyurl.com/4zykx4uh

La Crescenta

Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration – Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association: The 18th event, gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks around 9 p.m. Live music and food trucks (food and beverages sold separately). Bring a blanket or chairs for seating (no stakes allowed). Tickets in advance $9 (answering machine gives ticket purchase locations before July 4 or see the flyer on the website); $10 at the gate. Ages 7 and younger are free to attend. Check the website for locations to purchase tickets in advance. La Crescenta Elementary School, 4343 La Crescenta Ave. (enter from the 2800 block of Prospect Avenue), La Crescenta. 818-275-4959. Email: info@cvfireworks.com. Details: www.cvfireworks.com/

Pomona

Fairplex presents Kaboom!: Event includes monster truck show and music by Past Action Heroes, 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Tickets in advance online $14 (grass viewing); $28 (bleacher); $42 (trackside) (at the gate on July 4, respectively, $15; $35; $45). Parking: at Gate 17, in advance online $21.50 (at the gate on July 4, $25 and credit card only). Also, credit card only for admission and alcohol sales (some food stands may accept cash). Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Drive. www.facebook.com/fairplex. and www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom

West Covina

Independence Day Celebration: The event includes a variety of activities games, DJ Phil, live music by the Dreamboats, and food vendors, gates open 4 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Parking: limited at the venue; check link for parking and shuttle options. West Covina Sportsplex, 2100 S. Azusa Ave. 626-919-6966. Event details: tinyurl.com/9rm2ee2c. Flyer on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestCovinaCity/

Burbank

McCambridge Park– July 4th Concert and Drone Light Show: The concert opens with the Ultimate Rock Band, 5 p.m., followed by Bruno and the Hooligans, a tribute band to Bruno Mars. Drone light show, 9 p.m. (launched from the Starlight Bowl, currently closed). Location, 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank. Details: www.starlightbowl.com

Lancaster

Fourth of July Extravaganza – Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center: The City of Lancaster presents the event that includes a car show, family activities and food trucks, 5-10 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. (free to enter the grounds); grandstand seating, opens at 6 p.m. (grandstand seating requires a ticket, $8); band performs, 7 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center, 2551 W. Ave., H. www.cityoflancasterca.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/ursnwbh

Porter Ranch

Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd Church: Gates open, 5 p.m. Fireworks, about 9 p.m. Food vendors. No tailgating. Use parking areas around the church. Location, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. 818-831-9333. www.shepherdchurch.com/4th

Ventura

Ventura Rotary 4th of July Fireworks and Family Picnic: Rotary Club of Ventura presents the celebration with live entertainment, children’s activities and food trucks, gates open, 5 p.m. Fireworks, around 9 p.m. Tickets $12 ages 13 and older; $6 ages 4-12; a family-of-four admission is $36, only available as pre-sale on the website (and must enter gate together on “family ticket”). Admission is cash-only at the gate. Bring your own blanket for seating and picnic items. No alcohol, no glass, no pets, no smoking (see other rules on the website). Ventura College Athletic Fields, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. www.venturafireworks.com. Details and to purchase admission in advance on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/39mpj642

Westlake Village

Fireworks Spectacular – Westlake Village: The 10th annual event includes activities, food and beverages for sale. Gates open, 5 p.m.; Event begins, 6 p.m.; Fireworks, 9:10 p.m. Also, fireworks may be seen from the area surrounding Westlake Village Golf Course, including the Westlake Village Golf Course Range, and at Calvary Community Church (5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village; gates open 7 p.m.; bring a blanket or chair; no pets allowed; calvarywestlake.org). There is no parking on-site at the golf course; only drop-offs; follow signage for free, off-site parking off of Lakeview Canyon and Townsgate roads. Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village. 818-706-1613. Flyer: www.facebook.com/wlv.org. Details: tinyurl.com/54ueyszb

Whittier

Whittier’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular: Listen to music by Legacy plus family activities and food trucks, gates open 5 p.m. Watch the fireworks display from the park and surrounding areas, 9 p.m. Admission $5; free for ages 17 and younger and veterans with ID. York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. Whittier Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 562-567-9400. www.whittierprcs.org/home-communityservices. Flyer: tinyurl.com/376sx45r

Ojai

Ojai 4th of July Fireworks Show: Gates open, 5:30 p.m. Live music by Power On, 6 p.m. Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. No alcohol, glass or pets. Pre-sale tickets $12; $6 children; price options for families of 4, 6 and 8 (in advance on the Eventbrite link; plus fees). Tickets available at the gate $15; $7 children (family passes not sold at the gate). Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. Details: 4thofjulyinojai.com. To purchase tickets in advance online on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/4z6ye7hr

Palmdale

Palmdale Amphitheater – Concert

Former executives from Pomona and Arcadia get prison time for selling fire-prone dehumidifiers

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:44:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Two Southern California executives were sentenced to prison Monday for their roles in a scheme involving sales of defective and fire-prone Chinese-made dehumidifiers.

Simon Chu, 70, of Pomona was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison and fined $5,000 by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer. The judge in downtown Los Angeles also sentenced Charley Loh, 67, of Arcadia to three years four months in federal prison and fined him $12,000, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Both men were convicted at trial in November 2023 of conspiracy and failure to furnish information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The criminal jury in Los Angeles federal court acquitted each defendant of wire fraud.

Chu and Loh were, respectively, chief administrative officer and the chief executive officer of Gree USA Inc., an Industry-based subsidiary of a Chinese appliance company that imported, distributed and sold to retailers dehumidifiers for consumer purchase.

Federal consumer product safety rules require manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products to report immediately to the agency information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.

The jury found that as early as September 2012, Chu and Loh received multiple reports that their dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire.

The executives also knew that they were required to immediately report the product safety information to the CPSC, according to the DOJ.

Despite their knowledge of consumer complaints of dehumidifier fires and test results showing problems with the dehumidifiers, Chu and Loh failed to disclose their dehumidifiers’ defects and hazards for at least six months while they continued to sell their products to retailers for resale to consumers, according to the DOJ.

The DOJ argued that as part of the scheme, Chu and Loh deliberately withheld information about the defective and dangerous Chinese dehumidifiers from the retail companies that bought the devices; the insurance companies that paid for damage caused by fires resulting from the dehumidifiers; and the CPSC.

Loh and Chu continued to sell the Chinese dehumidifiers to retailers with false certifications that the products met safety standards; caused a company employee to solicit materials that would falsely portray to an insurance company that the dehumidifiers were safe and not defective; and sent an untimely report to the CPSC that falsely stated that the dehumidifiers were not defective or hazardous, according to federal prosecutors.

Also in 2023, Gree USA was ordered to pay a $500,000 fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC that millions of dehumidifiers sold to U.S. consumers were defective and could catch fire.

Gree USA pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act. The fine, along with provisions to pay restitution to victims, was part of a $91 million resolution with three related Gree companies that represented the first corporate criminal enforcement action ever brought under the CPSA, according to the DOJ.

Court filings show the Gree companies knew their dehumidifiers were defective, failed to meet safety standards and could catch fire. But the companies only reported and recalled the dehumidifiers after consumer complaints of fires.

Related Articles
Manhattan Beach’s new fire chief comes with nearly 25 years of experience
Fire departments in Southern California urge residents not to use fireworks on July 4th
Crews stop brush fire near Dodger Stadium
Crews clean up after fire in duct system at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown LA
In the LA fires aftermath, photography exhibit showcases hope

DoorDash makes a delivery: $200,000 to 20 restaurants struggling after wildfires

Fri, 30 May 2025 18:37:14 +0000

Paola Guasp, owner of Amara Kitchen in Altadena, talks about the fires impact in front of what remains of her restaurant. DoorDash gathered local restaurant owners impacted by the LA wildfires to distribute and celebrate recipients of the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Amara Kitchen. (Photo by Conner Terry, Contributing Photographer)

Paola Guasp stood in front of the burned ruins of her Altadena restaurant Friday, May 30, to thank the helpers, ponder the future and share stories with others in the Los Angeles restaurant community.

Guasp’s Amara Kitchen on Mariposa Street was lost to the Eaton fire, hitting pause on four years in a town she’s learned to love.

“It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to lose a building, but as you can see, also a whole community,” she said. “I don’t know the future. How long will it take to rebuild and who will I be by then? I love Altadena. You can still feel and see how beautiful Altadena is.”

Amara Kitchen was one of 20 restaurants from the footprint of both Eaton and Palisades fires to each receive $10,000 grants from DoorDash, the San Francisco-based technology company. Other awardees include Go China in Pasadena, Mother Moo Creamery in Sierra Madre, Renovo in Arcadia, and Altadena haunts Café de Leche and Side Pie.

The $200,000 boost are going to small business, family-owned, independent restaurants that are facing an uncertain future, but in the days after the fire, showed leadership, courage and resilience, “preparing meals for first responders, identifying new ways to run their business despite tremendous damage and disruption,” said Maggie Polachek, social impact manager for DoorDash.

The company’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, partnering with the small business online platform Hello Alice, is offering financial help to small restaurants. Its next grant application deadline is June 20.

Restaurateurs affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires join Maggie Polachek of DoorDash, fourth from left. Recipients of $10,000 grants from the tech company are, from left, Naomi Mendoza; Sandra Cordero; Kay Okumura; Polachek; Paola Guasp; Kim Vu; Shannon Djie; and Karen Clemens. DoorDash donated to 20 restaurants from Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Santa Monica and Los Angeles. (Photo by Conner Terry, Contributing Photographer)
Kim Vu, owner of Sorry Not Sorry bar and restaurant in West Los Angeles, talks about the impact of the Palisades fire on her small business. DoorDash gathered local restaurant owners impacted by the LA wildfires to distribute grants from its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Amara Kitchen, a restaurant destroyed during the Eaton fire. (Photo by Conner Terry, Contributing Photographer)
1 of 5
Restaurateurs affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires join Maggie Polachek of DoorDash, fourth from left. Recipients of $10,000 grants from the tech company are, from left, Naomi Mendoza; Sandra Cordero; Kay Okumura; Polachek; Paola Guasp; Kim Vu; Shannon Djie; and Karen Clemens. DoorDash donated to 20 restaurants from Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Santa Monica and Los Angeles. (Photo by Conner Terry, Contributing Photographer)
Expand

Kim Vu, owner of Sorry Not Sorry bar and restaurant in West L.A. said restaurateurs often do everything from tend bar or prep dishes before completing administrative duties at the end of the day and are the last people who ask for help.

“Thank you for understanding that we need help too,” she said.

Vu said the grant money will go toward expanding the restaurant’s gathering spaces, which she offers free to women’s groups, minority and LGBTQ communities.

Other restaurant owners said the grants will help them keep employees on the payroll and repair appliances, restoring their confidence that they can stay in business.

Anish Saraiya, director of Altadena Recovery, the commission formed by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to organize rebuilding the Altadena community, said Barger’s Friday announcement that 90% of residential lots in Altadena have been cleared means help for struggling businesses can come into focus.

“We’re concerned about making sure our business community gets through this as well as our families because we can’t have our homes without our businesses and our businesses can’t survive without homes,” Saraiya said.

Karen Clemens, owner of Mother Moo Creamery in Sierra Madre, remains worried that business hasn’t improved, even with the advent of warmer days.

“It’s a happy business, I’m in ice cream, but I’m finding that business has declined,” she said. “This grant will help me weather the storm but I’m worried about the future because people are not coming back.”

Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, said the group’s Back in Business program that helps businesses find new space or connect with resources. She’s confident Altadena can feel and look like a community again.

“I tell everyone we’re in Recovery Plus, we’re truly in the rebuild,” Matthews said. “DoorDash helping restaurants return to full strength is a step in that direction.”

Other restaurants that received grants are in Glendale, Inglewood, Los Angeles, Malibu, Newbury Park, San Marino, and Santa Monica.

Related Articles
Vets, rescuers, nonprofits still finding homes for LA-area wildfires’ rescued animals
Months later, Eaton fire’s 4-legged survivors still hope for forever homes. Meet 6 of them
Swanson: Some heroes play pickleball – ask Eaton Fire survivors
Vigil mourns lives lost in Eaton fire, urges equity for community during recovery
Long Beach man pleads guilty in Eaton fire FEMA relief fraud

One Injured After Suspected Marijuana Lab Explodes In Arcadia

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:28:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A man was sent to the hospital after an explosion at a marijuana lab in Arcadia on Monday afternoon.

Arcadia first responders were dispatched after authorities received calls of an apparent structure fire at the 11700 block of Goldring Road.

When members of both the Arcadia Police Department and Arcadia Fire Department arrived at the scene, medics began to treat the injured man. He was later transported to the hospital because of the severity of his burns. Authorities withheld the identity of the victim and his condition is unknown at this time.

After firefighters cleared the building and deemed the building safe to enter, investigators determined the explosion may be related to a local marijuana lab extracting Butane Honey Oil or Butane Hash Oil.

The Los Angeles County Hazardous Material Team will dismantle the lab and ensure the area is safe for further investigation.

A similar incident occurred in mid-October when a suspected marijuana grow operation exploded in Canoga Park. Authorities quickly responded to the scene as a massive fire engulfed the commercial building located near the Topanga Division precinct of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Arcadia police are still investigating the incident.

Medina Spirit, Kentucky Derby Winner That Failed Drug Test, Dies During Workout At Santa Anita Park

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:20:47 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Medina Spirit, the horse that failed a drug test after placing first in this year’s Kentucky Derby race, died Monday at the race track at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

According to Craig Robertson, the attorney for Medina Spirit’s trainer Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit suffered a heart attack after a workout.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 12: Exercise rider Humberto Gomez takes Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entrant Medina Spirit over the track during a training session for the upcoming Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 12, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

“Following the completion of a routine morning workout, Medina Spirit collapsed on the track at Santa Anita Park and died suddenly of a probable cardiac event according to the on-site veterinary team who attended to him,” track officials said in a statement.

Blood, hair, and urine samples from the racehorse were taken immediately after Medina Spirit’s death and sent to the California Horse Racing Board. A full necropsy will be performed by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to determine an exact cause of death, according to track officials.

Medina Spirit, on the right, at the Kentucky Derby. (credit: John P. Wise/CBS)

The 3-year-old colt was the first-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby in May, but the win is now under investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission after Medina Spirit tested positive for the anti-inflammatory steroid betamethasone.

Medina Spirit went on to a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and third in the Preakness Stakes, but was banned from participating from the Belmont Stakes.

Baffert and his attorney say Medina Spirit tested positive due to the use of a topical ointment known as Otomax to treat a skin condition, not an injection intended to enhance the horse’s performance.

In a statement to Thoroughbred Daily News, Baffert said his entire barn has been devastated by the news of Medina Spirit’s death.

“Medina Spirit was a great champion, a member of our family who was loved by all, and we are deeply mourning his loss. I will always cherish our proud and personal memories of Medina Spirit and his tremendous spirit,” the statement said.

Medina Spirit’s death would be the 21st at the track this year, following the death of Restiany on Thanksgiving Day.

Newsom Appoints Assemblyman Ed Chau As Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 23:32:03 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Ed Chau, the assemblyman representing Monterey Park, was appointed Monday to serve as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

(credit: asmdc.org)

Chau, 64, was first elected to represent the San Gabriel Valley’s 49th Assembly District in 2012. The district includes Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City, and portions of Montebello and South El Monte.

Chau was born in Hong Kong, but grew up in Los Angeles, going on to USC and earning his law degree from the Southwestern University School of Law. He practiced law for more than 20 years, and also spent time as an engineer for IBM and as a programmer for the Unisys Corporation. He served for 12 years on the board of the Montebello Unified School District, and also spent 10 years a judge pro tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Chau will fill the position created by the retirement of Judge Robert J. Perry. Chau’s term ends next year, and it’s not immediately clear if a special election will be called to replace him in the Assembly.

Newsom also made two other appointments to the Los Angeles Superior Court bench – Deputy Public Defender Donald A. Buddle, Jr., 42, of Santa Clarita, and Supervising Deputy Federal Public Defender Patricia A. Young, 42, of Los Angeles. Buddle and Young are replacing retired judges Michael A. Tynan and Ramona G. See, respectively.

Racehorse Dies At Santa Anita Park, 20th Such Incident This Year

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 03:30:14 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Restiany, a four-year-old racehorse, died due to a training injury sustained on Thursday, November 25 according to state officials.

Records indicate that Restiany is the 20th racehorse to die at Santa Anita Park this year – the ninth by training fatality. Two of the deaths are listed as “unknown,” while the final nine were racing deaths.

Restiany’s cause of death is listed as musculoskeletal by the California Horse Racing Board. Despite being in the midst of a short offseason, Restiany’s fatality occurred during training.

Still just a colt, Restiany had two first-place finishes in 10 career races. He was owned by Guy Pariente and trained by John Sadler.

In 2019, 23 horses died at Santa Anita Park which caused an investigation by then Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.

Santa Anita Park, located in Arcadia, ended its fall season on October 31, and is slated to begin the winter season on December 26.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Beat His 71-Year-Old Mother And Prompted Evacuation Of Arcadia Neighborhood

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:58:30 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Police arrested 31-year-old Michael Jonathan Price after he allegedly beat his 71-year-old mother and prompted the evacuation of an Arcadia neighborhood Thursday after refusing to comply with officers’ commands.

Authorities were called to a report of battery at about 9:40 a.m. Thursday in the 400 block of East Camino Real Avenue. The elderly woman had been repeatedly punched on the head and face by her adult son, and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Arcadia police officials said.

Price was outside the home when officers arrived, but failed to comply with their commands and went inside the home, according to police. Officers set up a perimeter and evacuated nearby homes as they tried to get the suspect to surrender.

Police said Price eventually exited the residence and was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Arcadia Police Department’s jail and charged with violation of elder abuse. His bail has been set at $250,000.

Residents in the area have been allowed to return to their homes and normal traffic on Camino Real Avenue has resumed.

Avoid the area of Camino Real between Second Ave and Sixth Ave due to police activity. https://t.co/E6uV2Nj7ta

— Arcadia PD (@ArcadiaPD) November 18, 2021

Anyone with information can contact Arcadia police at (626) 574-5151.

Woman Killed In Car-To-Car Shooting And Crash On 210 Freeway In Arcadia, Shooter Still At-Large

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 01:00:34 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A woman was killed Saturday in a car-to-car shooting and crash on the 210 Freeway in Arcadia, and the gunman remains at-large.

The incident occurred at about 9:05 a.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway, near the Baldwin Avenue offramp.

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol searched for evidence after officers received a report of a black Mercedes that had crashed into a wall at the offramp near Baldwin Avenue. Upon arrival to the scene, they found that the victim had also been shot.

“They determined that a car-to-car shooting had occurred. At least one round was shot at another vehicle. It was a female, Hispanic adult in the vehicle. They called the fire department to render aid, and she was, unfortunately…she succumbed to her injuries,” CHP Officer Vince Ramirez said.

The woman was pronounced dead on the scene and the suspect’s vehicle took off.

(credit: CBS)

The incident prompted a Sigalert, forcing authorities to close down all eastbound lanes and divert traffic at Michillinda Boulevard. The backup stretched for miles.

Businessman Harry Shaymoyan said the traffic was so bad that he had to take side streets to get to his store on time.

“There were still, like, a lot of overflow from the side streets,” the store owner said. “It took me about 25 minutes, you know, to get here. Usually, it’s like a 13 to 15 minute drive.”

Investigators are not sure what prompted the shooting and are asking drivers with dash-cams who might’ve been in the area at the time to check their cameras for possible video of the incident.

Shamoyan said he’s stunned at such violence on a busy highway in broad daylight.

“We saw all those shootings going on in the Orange County area. I worry about that,” he said.

The LA County Coroner’s office is on the scene and will be working to identify the woman, who is believed to be in her 40’s, and notify her family.

So far, CHP has yet to release a description of the shooting suspect’s vehicle.

After being closed for hours, traffic on the 210 Freeway is finally moving again.

https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14984641/2021/09/File-from-iOS-1.mp4

(Witness video of the scene courtesy of Bonnie and Bob Shockey.)

Motorist Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured In Crash Triggered By Suspected DUI Driver Friday In Arcadia

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 19:45:29 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Authorities with the Arcadia Police Department said Saturday a suspected drunk driver may have triggered an accident that killed a motorist in another vehicle and seriously injured the passenger.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and Las Tunas Drive. A male motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Sgt. Steven Castillo of Arcadia PD.

The victim’s injured passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle, and was then rushed by paramedics to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.

“The driver and solo occupant of the second vehicle appeared uninjured, but was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” Castillo said.

The driver was taken to Huntington Memorial for further evaluation.

“The suspect’s vehicle was traveling east on Las Tunas Drive at a high rate of speed,” Castillo said. “The suspect lost control of the vehicle, which crossed over the raised median and collided with the victim vehicle, in a head-on type collision.”

Arcadia police urged anyone with information regarding the crash to call them at 626-574-5151 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Fire Danger Level Raised To ‘Extreme’ In Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 05:34:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The fire danger level is now “extreme” in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, authorities said Wednesday.

That means campfires of any kind are banned there from now until next February.

The change comes just a month after the fire danger level was raised to “very high” a month early.

With outside temperatures soaring and our vegetation drying out, our fire officials have changed our fire danger level and fire restrictions to Extreme. That means NO campfires, smoking, or open flame anywhere in the forest. Read the Forest Order at: https://t.co/dEEozoq4yU pic.twitter.com/Bs5K7hBPoy

— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) July 14, 2021

“Fuel moistures on the forest are very dry, this condition combined with high temperatures support rapid fire spread,” Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a statement. “By restricting the use of fire throughout the forest, and increasing staffing levels, the objective is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire starting.”

The new fire danger level ushers in more restrictions in the forest, including: using fire or stove fires throughout the national forest and national monument, smoking, welding or operating an acetylene or other torches, and discharging firearms, air rifles or gas guns, except in authorized public shooting ranges.

However, people with valid permits for the Forest Service or hunting with a valid California hunting license may still discharge firearms, according to their permit or license.

Violating the forest order is punishable by up to $5,000 to $10,000, and up to six months in jail.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Closes EB 210 Freeway In Arcadia For Hours; 1 Dead

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 03:02:52 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A multi-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon closed the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway in Arcadia for hours.

A multi-vehicle crash forced the closure of the 210 Freeway in Arcadia. (CBSLA)

The crash was reported shortly before 3 p.m. on the eastbound 210 Freeway at W. Huntington Drive.

According to initial reports, between four and six vehicles were involved in the crash. At least four people were taken to area hospitals in unknown condition and one person died at the scene, authorities said.

A SIG Alert was issued for an unknown duration and California Highway Patrol officers called for a hard closure of the freeway.

All lanes of the freeway were reopened by 8 p.m.

Fire Danger Level In Angeles National Forest Raised To ‘Very High’ A Month Early

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:55:56 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The U.S. Forest Service raised the fire danger level in the Angeles National Forest to “very high” on Wednesday, a month earlier than usual.

(credit: Angeles National Forest)

Extreme heat and record drought conditions have led to dry, dead grasses and vegetation in the Angeles National Forest, and with this week’s dangerous heat wave, an increase in gusty winds could be disastrous, according to Angeles National Forest officials.

“We’re easily a month or more ahead of fire weather conditions for this time of year,” Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a statement.

Forest officials say they wanted to raise awareness of the tinderbox conditions in the forest ahead of the Fourth of July, which is traditionally its busiest day. Last year, more than 20 wildfires started over the holiday weekend, and the Angeles National Forest expects to again break visitor records this year.

Visitors can still have open wood and charcoal fires in approved “developed” campgrounds and picnic areas where steel rings or stoves are provided, while propane and jellied gas stoves and grills are permitted in non-developed areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles or developed recreation sites. Drivers were urged to stay on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass, to avoid sparking a fire.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on national forest lands, and a violation can result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. Anyone found to have caused a wildfire is liable for all costs of suppressing a fire.

1-Year-Old Ejected From Vehicle After Car Collides With A Hydrant At End Of A Police Pursuit

Sun, 30 May 2021 02:01:33 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A car that hit a fire hydrant in Arcadia may have previously been involved in a pursuit with Pasadena Police.

The car collided with the hydrant before hitting a wall and overturning.

A 28-year-old woman was driving with two children, a 1-year-0ld and a 2-year-old, inside the vehicle. The 1-year-old was ejected from the car during the collision.

All of the passengers were taken to the hospital and are expected to be okay.

Routine Traffic Stop In Arcadia Turns Up Stolen Mail, Glass Pipes For Drugs

Sat, 22 May 2021 19:52:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A routine traffic stop in Arcadia Saturday turned up some stolen mail and two glass pipes used for ingesting methamphetamine, authorities said.

Officers stopped a suspicious vehicle about 2:10 a.m. in the area of Alta Oaks Drive and Grandview Avenue, the Arcadia Police Department reported.

The recovered stolen mail was not from Arcadia, but surrounding areas, police said, adding that the suspect had recently been arrested for similar charges, as well as a prior conviction for mail theft.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

5-Year-Old Gelding Mantra Euthanized After Fracturing Ankle In Race At Santa Anita Park

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:58:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A 5-year-old gelding was euthanized after fracturing an ankle during a race this weekend at Santa Anita Park.

Mantra “pulled up in distress” during Sunday’s ninth race, park officials said. The horse managed to cross the finish line in last place, and was vanned off. He was later euthanized due to a fractured right front ankle.

Mantra had 24 races in his career, with two first-place finishes. He is the sixth horse to die during Santa Anita’s winter/spring meeting.

The track is getting ready to allow fans back in to the stands on April 2 after being closed to the public for more than a year because of the pandemic.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Owner Sought After Large Tortoise Found Crossing Santa Anita Avenue In Arcadia

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 18:21:36 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A really big tortoise was found crossing a busy thoroughfare in Arcadia, and now its finders are hoping to get him home.

The tortoise, estimated to be between 50 and 65 pounds, was found crossing Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia Sunday.

Jeff Camacho says his family had to wrestle the big guy into the back of their car to keep it out of the road.

“He didn’t appreciate his apprehension but I think he will be happy once he’s back in his yard,” Camacho wrote in a Facebook post.

The family says they are actively trying to find the tortoise’s owner so it can go home.

Violent Crash Into Power Pole Leaves Driver Dead In Arcadia, 2 Hurt

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:31:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – One person was killed and two more injured when a car slammed into two power poles in Arcadia late Sunday night.

Feb. 21, 2021. (CBSLA)

The collision occurred at 11:37 p.m. in the area of Las Tunas Drive and El Monte Avenue, according to Arcadia police.

A car was carrying three people, traveling east on El Monte Avenue, when the driver lost control and went off the road, careening into two power poles and a flood control fence.

The driver was killed at the scene, police said. The person was not identified.

The two passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Southern California Edison crews was repairing the damaged power poles. There were no reported outages.

It’s unclear if drugs or alcohol contributed to the wreck.

Arcadia Father Of 10-Year-Old Twin Girls Dies After Contracting COVID-19

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:55:45 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The family of an Arcadia father who died after contracting COVID-19 is now urging the public to follow health guidelines.

John Scherer, 60, was a loving father and a Steelers fan who died Jan. 19 after contracting COVID-19. (CBSLA)

John Scherer, 60, was a loving father and a Steelers fan who worked at Warner Bros. Pictures. Scherer and his 10-year-old twin daughters all contracted the virus, but the girls were able to recover.

His ex-wife, Zoe Uttley, said Scherer waited too long to go to the hospital, and by the time he called 911, he could barely breathe. Once he was in the hospital, she said he suffered from a blood clot that turned into sepsis. He did Jan. 19.

The family said it has been difficult to find closure without a proper funeral.

“And the last thing the twins saw of their dad was him with a house full of firefighters and paramedics rolling him out on a gurney, and I think that’s a hard visual for everybody, but especially when you’re 10,” Uttley said.

The family also had to re-home the girls’ dog, Benny, because they could no longer care for him.

4-Year-Old Horse Euthanized At Santa Anita Park After Fracturing Ankle During Workout

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:26:16 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A 4-year-old gelding who fractured an ankle during a workout at Santa Anita Park is the fourth racehorse to die during the track’s winter/spring meeting.

Natural History fractured his left front ankle during a workout Saturday. He had 13 starts, two victories, and most recently finished third in a claiming race on Dec. 27.

“Horse was transported for diagnostic examination and it was determined by the attending veterinarian to be an unrecoverable injury,” a statement on the track’s website said. The horse’s trainer was identified as Bob Hess Jr.

Sixteen horses died in racing or raining-related incidents during Santa Anita’s 2019-20 winter/spring meet, which ended June 21, 2020. There were no horse deaths or injuries during the track’s autumn meet, which ended on Oct. 25.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Methodist Hospital In Arcadia Convenes Triage Team After Meeting Criteria For Crisis Care Mode

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 14:05:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Methodist Hospital in Arcadia has posted a dire message on its website to people seeking care at its facility: medical care may be withheld from patients unlikely to survive COVID-19.

(credit: CBS)

Methodist Hospital of Southern California told employees in a memo the Arcadia hospital is now caring 233 patients, more than half of whom are COVID positive and in isolation. Under the county’s checklist for crisis care mode, Methodist Hospital says it has now met that criteria.

The hospital says they have been forced to convene a triage team to “review the severity of all critically ill patients at Methodist Hospital.” Patients, meanwhile, were advised to be aware of the limited options for medical care and let hospital staff know in advance of they have an advance healthcare directive, a “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” order, and if they do not want blood products or life-saving treatments, like mechanical ventilation or a surgical procedure to prolong life.

“If a patient becomes extremely ill and very unlikely to survive their illness (even with life-saving treatment), then certain resources currently limited in availability, such as ICU care or a ventilator, may be allocated to another patient who is more likely to survive,” the hospital’s message said.

Unraced Filly Euthanized After Fracturing Leg During Workout At Santa Anita Park

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:06:30 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — An 2-year-old filly who had never raced had to be euthanized after fracturing her leg during a workout at Santa Anita Park.

Penelope Rose fractured her right front humerus while galloping during a workout Wednesday. She was taken for a diagnostic examination with radiographs and it was determined by the attending veterinarian to be an unrecoverable injury.

She’s the 16th horse to die in racing or training-related incidents at the track this year.

The filly’s death is the first since June 20, when 4-year-old colt Strictly Biz fractured a right knee on a gallop out after a race and had to be euthanized. There were no racing or training fatalities during Santa Anita’s 16-day autumn meet, which ended on Oct. 25.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Police Investigate Whether Gunfire Was Fired During Arcadia Home Break-In

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:42:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Authorities are investigating whether a resident exchanged gunfire with several suspects who allegedly broke into his home Tuesday night in Arcadia.

Arcadia police report that the burglary attempt occurred in the 1400 block of Glencoe Drive at 7:15 p.m.

The resident discovered three male suspects who had broken into his home, police said. He told investigators that both he and one of the suspects then exchanged gunfire. However, police have not yet found evidence that shots were fired.

There was also no evidence that anyone was struck by the shots, police said.

The suspects fled and were last seen running south on Glencoe Drive.

No surveillance video has been released. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should call detectives at 626-574-5151.

Fresh Evacuation Issued As Stubborn Bobcat Fire Containment Delayed

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:10:07 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Authorities issued new mandatory evacuation orders Thursday in the stubborn Bobcat Fire as flames continued to threaten homes in the Antelope Valley.

People dine at tables set up in the parking lot of a restaurant in Monrovia, Calif., as smoke rises from the Bobcat Fire burning in the San Gabriel Mountains on Sept. 16, 2020. (Getty Images)

The Bobcat Fire has burned 55,617 acres and was 9% contained as of Thursday evening. Authorities have now revised their full containment expectations until late October. Despite some close calls, no homes have been destroyed so far.

Evacuations were ordered for residents in the foothill areas just north of the fire, including for the community of Juniper Hills in the southeast Antelope Valley.

Residents in Paradise Springs, including the areas east of Devils Punchbowl Road, south of Big Pines Highway, north of the Big Rock Creek and west of Jackson Lake were also told to evacuate.

“We’re all set, we packed early this morning, we got everything together, all of our valuables, things we wanted to have, paperwork and stuff like that, pictures,” said Juniper Hills resident Peter Trono, who has lived in the area for 36 years.

He said he and his 96-year-old mother are prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

“Last night, we saw the flames on the ridge line itself and that’s where we became really concerned,” he said. “I hope my neighbors all get out and they’re all safe, and I just pray we come back to a home and if we don’t, it’s just stuff, right?”

The fire crossed Highway 2 near the junction with Highway 39, which is south of Juniper Hills, officials said.

These are in addition to evacuation warnings which have been in place for several days now for the San Gabriel foothill communities of Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

Fire officials said on Thursday that they are primarily fighting the fire with air drops to get a line around it. They say once the fire makes it to the desert floor, it should hopefully slow down.

There was some good news in the firefight, as evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday afternoon for about 300 homes in Arcadia and Siera Madre which had been in place since Sunday.

“Welcome home Arcadia,” the Arcadia Fire Department tweeted Wednesday evening. “Continue to be vigilant and stay alert as Arcadia remains in an evacuation warning status should fire conditions change.”

Meanwhile, to the west of the fire, crews continued to successfully protect the historic Mount Wilson Observatory and the nearby television and radio broadcast towers which are valued at about $1 billion.

On Tuesday, the flames got within 500 feet of the Observatory.

“The area around Mt. Wilson and the southwestern edge of the fire remains active where crews continue to protect the Mt. Wilson Observatory infrastructure,” the U.S. Forest Service wrote on its incident information page Wednesday.

At the north end of the fire, the focus was to try to contain the spot fires across Highway 2 after an approximately 1,000-acre spot fire crossed the highway Tuesday in the Cooper Canyon area.

Meanwhile, all 18 National Forests in California will remain closed through at least Monday, Sept. 21, due to the historic number of wildfires burning up and down the state. All 18 national forests have been closed since Sept. 9.

On Wednesday, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that over 3.3 million acres have burned so far this year.

The Bobcat Fire broke out a little after noon on Sept. 6 amid triple-digit temperatures near the Cogswell Dam and the West Fork Day Use area. The fire is churning through thick vegetation and dry brush in steep terrain, some of which has not burned in more 60 years.

The cause is under investigation.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a smoke advisory into Thursday for nearly all of L.A. County. Thick smoke and ash continues to hang over the foothill neighborhoods just south of the Angeles National Forest.

Evacuation Orders:

Residences within the area north of Angeles Crest North and between Clear Creek Station and Hwy 39.

A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at Santa Anita Park, located at 285 W. Huntington Dr. in Arcadia. To reach Red Cross LA, call 1-800-675-5799.

Evacuation Warnings:

The foothill communities of Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

Residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave.

Residents of Juniper Hills, South of Fort Tejon Rd East of 96th St. East, and south of Valyermo Rd. west of Bobs Gap Rd.

Road Closures:

Highway 2 closed from east of Angeles Forest Highway to Big Pines.

Highway 39 closed from San Gabriel River Bridge to Highway 2.

Upper Big Tujunga Cyn Rd closed Angeles Forest Highway to Highway 2.

Crews ‘Ready’ For Bobcat Fire As Flames Reach Mount Wilson Observatory

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 05:09:22 +0000

MONROVIA (CBSLA) – A massive wildfire burning in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia came within 500 feet of the Mount Wilson Observatory, fire officials said Tuesday.

Several radio and TV communication towers are positioned near the Observatory and sit directly in the path of the Bobcat Fire. Twelve L.A. County Fire Department companies have been stationed around it for protection.

U.S. Forest Service crews were also positioned near the site Tuesday afternoon.

The #BobcatFire is within 500 ft of the Mt. Wilson Observatory & crews are in place ready to receive the fire. Strategic firing is taking place in the south where air operations are strengthening dozerlines. Crews are working a spot fire that crossed Hwy 2 near Buckhorn. pic.twitter.com/33rI3dNet2

— Angeles_NF (@Angeles_NF) September 15, 2020

The fire grew considerably Tuesday morning as firefighters worked tirelessly to protect both the Mount Wilson Observatory in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel foothill communities which remain under threat.

The Bobcat Fire had burned at least 41,231 acres as of 10 p.m. Tuesday. Containment dropped from 6% to 3% between Monday and Tuesday. No homes have been destroyed.

Smoke rises behind the Mount Wilson Observatory as the Bobcat Fire burns in the Angeles National Forest on Sept. 14, 2020 near Pasadena, Calif. (Getty Images)

“We’re really lucky that we don’t have Santa Ana conditions right now,” said retired firefighter Glenn Faulk, who lives in Monrovia. “If we did, all bets would be off.”

The reduction in containment was due to the exponential growth in the size of the fire, coupled with crews being unable to increase containment lines, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

Faulk said, after working for nearly 30 years in the same steep terrain, he understands the current struggle.

“It’s really hard to defend when the fire’s blowing the flames right back at your face,” he said, adding that while the flames burn downhill slowly, they burn uphill in an instant.

An evacuation order is in effect for about 300 homes in Arcadia and Sierra Madre. Arcadia Fire Department told CBSLA it has so far successfully kept the blaze out of its neighborhoods.

Sept. 14, 2020. (U.S. Forest Service)

The Bobcat Fire broke out a little after noon on Sept. 6 amid triple-digit temperatures near the Cogswell Dam and the West Fork Day Use area. The fire is churning through thick vegetation and dry brush in steep terrain, some of which has not burned in more 60 years.

The cause is under investigation.

An evacuation order in portions of Arcadia and Sierra Madre applies to all residents north of Elkins Avenue and east of Santa Anita Avenue.

Evacuation warnings remain in place for Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

Bobcat Fire Smoke, Evacuations Force Santa Anita Park To Postpone Its Opening Day

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:06:41 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Santa Anita Park will push the opening day of its autumn season to Sept. 25 due to conditions caused by the Bobcat Fire.

Neighborhood residents watch as the Bobcat Fire burns on hillsides behind homes in Arcadia, California on September 13, 2020 prompting mandatory evacuations for residents of several communities living along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. – California wildfires have shrouded much of the western United States in thick smoke and unhealthy air quality. Of the at least 33 people killed by the blazes since the beginning of summer, 25 died this week alone. Dozens were still missing on September 13. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

The racetrack remains closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic, but live racing was scheduled to start up again on Sept. 19. But with the Bobcat Fire still burning in the Angeles National Forest above Arcadia, Opening Day has been postponed.

RELATED: Poor Air Quality Prompts 2-Day Closure Of Los Angeles Zoo

“Our local community has been deeply impacted by the Bobcat Fire burning for more than a week in the mountains behind us,” Aidan Butler, executive director of California operations for The Stronach Group – which owns Santa Anita Park – said in a statement. “The current weather pattern has kept the smoke in the valley and the air quality is quite poor right now.”

Santa Anita is also being used as a Red Cross evacuation zone for the community, which includes many of the park’s horsemen, Butler said.

RELATED: Natural History Museum, Irwindale Speedway Postpone Weekend Events Due To Poor Air Quality

Smoke from the wildfires and the terrible air quality have also impacted training schedules, so the park will fill extra races throughout the meet to give horsemen the opportunity to run their horses. according to Steve Lym, Santa Anita’s VP Racing & Racing Secretary.

Entries for Opening Day, Sept. 25, will be drawn on Sunday Sept. 20, as scheduled, park officials said.

Father Identified After Deadly Shooting At Arcadia House Party, Shooter At Large

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:44:01 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The 23-year-old man who was shot and killed at an Arcadia house party last week has been identified by the coroner’s office as Gustavo Lopez.

Lopez was gunned down in the 2800 block of Carolina Way on the night of August 31.

About 25 people were gathered for a party at a home, which was rented out.

Arcadia police said there were shots fired around 8:49 p.m. and Lopez was found on the patio of the home with two gunshots wounds.

(Courtesy: Family Photo/GoFundMe)

He was taken to the hospital for emergency surgery but died from his injuries hours later.

The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear but Arcadia police said it appeared there was some type of argument that night.

A GoFundMe for Lopez says he was “trying to stop a fight” between other people and then after noticing assailants were armed, he started to run away and was fatally shot.

According to family, Lopez leaves behind a wife, an 18-month-old son and other loved ones.

A 23-year-old was taken into custody after the incident on separate charges, but a shooting suspect has not yet been taken into custody.

The GoFundMe for Lopez has raised more than $8,500 so far.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Argument Leads To Shooting Outside Arcadia House Party, Man Dead

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:27:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A man was shot and killed outside a house party in Arcadia Sunday night.

Aug. 31, 2020. (CBSLA)

The shooting occurred at 8:40 p.m. outside a home in the 2800 block of Caroline Way, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim was shot several times following an argument, the sheriff’s department said. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital, where he died. His name was not released.

One person was detained at the scene, according to Arcadia police Lt. Kollin Cieadlo.

About 25 people were attending the party at a home which appeared to have been rented, Cieadlo told reporters.

“It looked like a rental,” Cieadlo said.

Sheriff’s detectives are assisting Arcadia police in the investigation.

There have been several shootings at house parties across L.A. County in recent weeks.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 26, gunfire erupted during a party at another short-term rental mansion in the wealthy L.A. neighborhood of Beverly Crest, killing one man and leaving a second man wounded.

On Aug. 4, a woman was killed and two others wounded after shots were fired at a mansion party, also in Beverly Crest.

On Aug. 11, five people were wounded in a shooting at a large party at a warehouse in an industrial area in the South Los Angeles County community of Harbor-Gateway.

The L.A. City Attorney announced criminal charges Friday against four people, including two young TikTok stars, in connection with several recent parties at mansions in the Hollywood Hills.

On Aug. 5, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a public order authorizing the L.A. Department of Water and Power to shut off utilities at homes which host large gatherings, parties or events.

Home-sharing giant Airbnb announced last week that it had suspended or removed more than 50 L.A. County rental homes from its app after receiving complaints or noting policy violations. The move came just a few days after Airbnb’s decision to ban parties and events at listings globally until further notice.

The city of Glendora also reported last week that it had fined the organizer of an illegal mansion party and made at least one arrest after shutting down a giant party at a million-dollar home.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Applications Accepted Now For US Forest Service’s 2020 Women-In-Wildfire Basic Training Camp

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 21:59:27 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A few good women are wanted to become U.S. Forest Service firefighters.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking 30 women to attend its fourth annual 2020 Women-in-Wildfire Basic Training Camp. The week-long training camp starts Nov. 16 and will be led by female firefighters with more than 60 years of combined experience.

The camp will train women in basic firefighting techniques and fire behavior through classroom and hands-on training, in preparation for entry-level wildland firefighter jobs throughout California and surrounding states. Students will practice on Forest Service fire engines, hand tools and advanced firing techniques.

Students who complete the physically challenging training camp, which includes passing the federal firefighter’s work capacity test, will receive their Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certification.

Selected applicants will be provided meals and will live at the Little Tujunga Hotshot base in Sylmar for the duration of the camp. Training material, specialized equipment and clothing will also be provided.

Applications to attend the camp are being accepted now through Aug. 23. Women can submit their applications here.

State Board Puts Los Alamitos On Probation After Rash Of Horse Deaths

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:30:48 +0000

CYPRESS (CBSLA) – The California Horse Racing Board voted Friday morning to put the Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress on probation following a rash of horse deaths so far this season.

At a special teleconference meeting, the board placed Los Alamitos on probation for the next 10 days and ordered the track’s staff to come up with an action plan. The board had the option of shutting down racing at the track, but chose not to.

According to a CHRB spokesperson, at least 19 horses have died while racing or training at Los Alamitos this year. Another 10 died of gastrointestinal issues or other illnesses.

Los Alamitos is the only course in California that never halted racing during the coronavirus pandemic, albeit continuing racing behind closed doors.

The death of horses at Southland race tracks has received intense scrutiny over the past few years, with Santa Anita Park in Arcadia receiving the brunt of the attention.

At least 50 horses have died while racing or training at Santa Anita since December of 2018, including 15 this season.

Santa Anita halted live racing on March 27 in response to the pandemic, but resumed it May 15, also without spectators.

A state investigation released in March found no evidence that illegal medication or procedures contributed to the deaths of the 23 horses who died at Santa Anita between Dec. 30, 2018, and March 31, 2019.

In June of 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill giving the CHRB the authority to halt racing at Santa Anita if it so chooses.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Former Arcadia High School Student Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:18:09 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A former Arcadia High School student has been arrested on child sex abuse charges.

Arcadia Police Department reported Tuesday that 18-year-old Dylan Chan was taken into custody on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, using a minor for sex acts and possession and distribution of child pornography.

The arrest came after investigators served a search warrant at his home back on June 24, police disclosed. The evidence seized from the home lead to Chan’s arrest.

The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault and exploitation involving current and former Arcadia High students, police said. Its unclear if any other arrests have been made in the case.

Chan is being held in the Arcadia City Jail.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact detectives at 626-574-5160.

Arcadia Police Seek Help Finding At-Risk Missing Person

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 05:06:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The Arcadia Police Department is trying to locate an at-risk missing person.

Steven Ellington, 59, was last seen on Wednesday around 7 p.m. in the area of Huntington Dr. and Baldwin Ave. Ellington’s family believes he may have boarded a Metro or Foothill Transit bus and is no longer in Arcadia.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help returning Ellington home safely. He has a cognitive disability and may not be able to identify himself or return home on his own.

Ellington is described as an African American male, 5′ 4″ and 160 lbs. He has short black hair and dark brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve black T-shirt, camouflage pants, black socks, and black shoes with white tips.

If you have information or see Ellington, please call 9-1-1 or contact the Arcadia Police Department Dispatch Center at (626) 574-5123.

Original Din Tai Fung Location In Arcadia Permanently Closed After 20 Years Due To ‘Current Economic Climate’

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 03:34:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The popular Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung has closed its original United States location in Arcadia after 20 years due to the “current economic climate.”

The chain shared the news on their Instagram writing, “As a result of the current economic climate, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our first U.S. location.”

“Din Tai Fung USA has always been a family-owned restaurant. We first opened this location over 20 years ago to introduce Taiwanese cuisine, culture, and our signature Xiao Long Bao to our guests here in the United States. Since then, through the gracious support of our community, we have been able to share the Din Tai Fung experience throughout the West Coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this location, making this decision all the more heartbreaking. ⁣”

View this post on Instagram

As a result of the current economic climate, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our first U.S. location. ⁣ ⁣ Din Tai Fung USA has always been a family-owned restaurant. We first opened this location over 20 years ago to introduce Taiwanese cuisine, culture, and our signature Xiao Long Bao to our guests here in the United States. Since then, through the gracious support of our community, we have been able to share the Din Tai Fung experience throughout the West Coast. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this location, making this decision all the more heartbreaking. ⁣ ⁣ We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to serve you at our Westfield Santa Anita location.⁣

A post shared by Din Tai Fung (@dintaifungusa) on Jun 10, 2020 at 12:00pm PDT

⁣
“We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to serve you at our Westfield Santa Anita location.⁣”

The restaurant also announced their other locations in are reopen for dine-in services after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To promote social distancing, the restaurant is reservation only. Reservations could be made on their website or through Yelp.

Weekend Access To Chantry Flats Temporarily Closed Due To Heavy Traffic, Return Of Hot, Dry Conditions

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:11:35 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Even as much of the state reopens, the Angeles National Forest will temporarily close weekend access to the Chantry Flat recreation area starting Saturday.

The Angeles National Forest has been experiencing exceptionally high numbers of visitors who have likely been hungry for outdoor recreation as stay-at-home orders ease in California.

Chantry Flat, already one of the most popular areas of the forest and the third busiest entry into the Angeles National Forest, has been plagued with more visitor cars than parking lots can handle. Heavy traffic and illegal parking on narrow mountain roads have constricted roadways and hampered access for emergency crews, Angeles National Forest officials said.

With hot, dry conditions returning to the forest, authorities will close Chantry Flat on Saturdays and Sundays, starting this Saturday. The popular picnic area will remain open on weekdays.

Angeles National Forest officials say they are working with state and local partners to find solutions to the recent overcrowding and heavy traffic on mountain roadways.

2-Year-Old Filly Is 15th Horse To Die At Santa Anita Park This Season

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 21:00:23 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Another horse has died while training at Santa Anita Park, becoming the 15th to die in racing or training-related incidents at the racetrack this season.

Lightsaber, an unraced 2-year-old filly, died Sunday in what the California Horse Racing Board said was a training-related death. Lightsaber reportedly broke her left hind leg during morning workouts and was euthanized after attending veterinarians determined the injury was unrecoverable.

Santa Anita Park remains closed to the public, but restarted live racing on May 15 after closing on March 27 because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Fifteen horses have died since the season started in late December. Lightsaber is now the 50th horse to die at the park since December of 2018, but an investigation by state regulators last year determined most of the horses had “pre-existing pathology.”

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

2 Racehorses Die In Separate Incidents At Santa Anita, Los Alamitos Race Tracks

Tue, 12 May 2020 16:56:19 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Two racehorses died after suffering training injuries at Southern California tracks last weekend, according to state officials.

Tailback, a 4-year-old gelding, died Sunday at Santa Anita Park, according to the California Horse Racing Board, while Rowboat Romeo, a 2-year-old colt that had not raced before, died Saturday at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Both horses were euthanized after suffering injuries, CHRB spokesman Mike Marten said.

Rowboat Romeo had participated in a 220-yard workout the day he died, according to the Daily Racing Forum. He is the 13th horse to die at Los Alamitos in racing or training-related incidents during this race season.

Los Alamitos is the the only track in the state to hold live horse racing since Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered non-essential businesses to shut down to slow the spread of coronavirus. Fans, however, are prohibited from Los Alamitos during the shutdown.

Tailback is the 14th horse to die in racing or training-related incidents at Santa Anita Park this season. Racing at the track was suspended in late March.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Coronavirus: Pregnant Women Get Care At Outdoor Birthing Center

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 03:49:49 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Many expectant moms are concerned about how the coronavirus could impact them and their unborn.

A birthing center in Arcadia set up a drive-thru medical tent to help with prenatal care and checkups since hospitals have limited beds and are a potential source of transmitting the virus.

Organizers say this keeps moms protected from exposure to coronavirus patients.

“We really want to keep that space clean and available as much as we can for the moms and the babies,” said midwife Chemin Perez.

Health officials are still learning about the virus and how it can affect babies and pregnant women.

The birthing center is state-licensed and accepts Medi-Cal, offering another option for concerned moms during this uncertain time.

Large Bear Roams Arcadia Neighborhood

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 20:44:17 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – A large bear was making its way through an Arcadia neighborhood Wednesday morning.

March 25, 2020. (CBS2)

The bear was spotted in the 300 block of Topaz Place sometime before 4:30 a.m., in the San Gabriel foothills. At one point, it crossed the street and appeared to rummage through some trash cans.

Arcadia police have been notified, but it’s unclear if California Department of Fish and Wildlife had been called in.

Bears are a common sight in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Back in February, a bear wandered through a Monrovia neighborhood for several hours, strolling up and down sidewalks and driveways and hanging out on porches before it was tranquilized by CDFW officials and moved to the Angeles National Forest.

Another Racehorse Dies, Two Days Before Santa Anita Opening Day

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:43:42 +0000

ARCADIA (CNS/CBSLA) —Santa Anita’s opening weekend reportedly was marred by the death of another racehorse — though the latest fatality happened on Thursday, two days before Saturday’s rescheduled opening day.

Truest Reward, a 3-year-old gelding, died during a period when the track was closed to workouts but open for jogging and galloping, according to the Los Angeles Times, which said the horse broke his left front leg on the training track, considered the safest surface.

Thursday was supposed to be Santa Anita’s opening day, but forecasts of rain prompted track officials to postpone the first day of its 83rd winter meeting until Saturday, when 11 races were run without incident.

Santa Anita — and the sport in general — have faced increasing pressure from animal-rights activists amid the death of at least 38 horses at the track over the last year, which included 2017 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Battle of Midway while training at the track on Feb. 23 and Mongolian Groom, who was euthanized after suffering a fatal injury in the Breeders’ Cup
Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 2.

The California Horse Racing Board is set to issue a report next month on the horse deaths.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office concluded Dec. 19 that there was no criminal wrongdoing connected to the deaths, but offered a series of recommendations aimed at improving safety at racetracks in California.

The district attorney called on state regulators to develop safety enhancements to reduce horse deaths, including possible enhanced penalties for rules violations, establishment of a tip line for people to report violations or animal cruelty allegations and mandated inspections of racing and training facilities, and reviews of necropsy and veterinary records of horses that have
died.

The report also made recommendations aimed at identifying pre-existing conditions in horses that could lead to breakdowns, establishing track-maintenance protocols — including special measures during rain or extreme weather conditions, and creation of “safety codes of conduct” for owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians and others who care for horses.

The report noted that officials at Santa Anita have implemented a series of safety-improvement measures that “have reduced the number of fatal racing and training incidents.”

This state-of-the-art technology reflects a new standard of care within Thoroughbred racing — a standard that puts the health and safety of horses and riders first,” said Belinda Stronach, The Stronach Group’s chairman and president.

Man Found Burned After Suspected Drug Lab Explodes In Million-Dollar Arcadia Home

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:51:13 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — Police were called to a report of a car crash at a million-dollar Arcadia home, but instead found a suspected drug lab that had exploded.

Officers were sent to the 2500 block of South Second Avenue at about 10:50 p.m. Monday to check out a report of a car that had crashed into a home. They didn’t find any sort of collision – but they did find there had been an explosion at the home.

The officers’ preliminary investigation found the explosion was possibly related to a cannabis extraction lab. Hazardous materials were also found inside the home, so a hazmat team was called to the scene and nearby residents were briefly evacuated until it was deemed safe.

One man was taken to the hospital with burn injuries.

The home where the suspected drug lab was found has an estimate value of over $1 million. Arcadia is known more for its good schools and tree-lined streets than drug activity.

Another Horse Euthanized At Santa Anita Park Bringing Total Of Deaths To 71 Since 2018 Season

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 01:09:43 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Another horse has been euthanized at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia bringing the total number of horse deaths to 35 since Dec. 26 and 71 since the 2018 season.

GQ Covergirl, a 6-year-old mare, sustained what is described as a bilateral forelimb injury while on the inner training track Friday morning, according to park spokesperson Mike Willman.

FILE — The main track sits empty at Santa Anita Park on March 10, 2019, in Arcadia, Calif., after horse racing was temporarily suspended following a slew of horse deaths. (Getty Images)

Per recommendation from the attending veterinarian, the mare was euthanized.

GQ Covergirl, trained by Doug O’Neill, won her last two starts, most recently a five-furlong turf sprint at Santa Anita on Oct. 4, her seventh start of the year.

A 3-year-old gelding was euthanized at Santa Anita Park on October 19.

The track has been under extreme scrutiny since the rash of deaths at Santa Anita started garnering more media attention this year than in seasons past.

Animal rights advocates, along with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and other politicians, have demanded racing stop until an investigation into the exact cause of deaths can be completed.

Racing at Santa Anita was temporarily suspended in February – following the 19th horse death — and again for most of March – following the 21st horse death — so experts could conduct testing on the park’s three tracks – the main, training and turf tracks — to try and pinpoint the issue.

On March 31, just two days after racing had resumed, a 5-year-old gelding named Arms Runner had to be euthanized after being injured during a race when he fell following a collision with another horse while both were transitioning from the turf course to dirt.

In mid-March, Santa Anita officials announced a series of new measures to help bolster the safety of horses at the track, including restrictions on certain medications, requiring trainers to get permission in advance before putting a horse through a workout and investing in diagnostic equipment to aid in the early detection of pre-existing conditions.

In April, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced the creation of a task force to investigate the deaths.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Another Horse Euthanized At Santa Anita Park — 34 Have Died Since December

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 23:11:58 +0000

ARCADIA (CBSLA) — A 3-year-old gelding was euthanized at Santa Anita Park Saturday — the 34th horse to die there since December 2018.

Satchel Paige, named for the legendary baseball Hall-of-Famer, suffered an injury to his left leg during the fifth race, officials said.

Jockey Ruben Fuentes was not injured.

Mike Marten, spokesman for the California Horse Racing Board, confirmed to City News Service that the horse was euthanized.

The track — and the sport in general — has been under extreme scrutiny since the rash of deaths at Santa Anita started garnering more media attention this year than in seasons past.

Racing at Santa Anita Park was halted for most of March while examinations were conducted on the track.

Animal rights activists have also held a steady stream of protests outside the park demanding an end to horse racing.

Saturday evening, the Stronach Group issued the following statement:

“Satchel Paige, a three-year-old gelding, was humanely euthanized after the fifth race on Saturday, October 19th at Santa Anita Park. After being pulled up at the 3/8th pole, Satchel Paige was immediately evaluated by a team of on-track veterinarians, led by Santa Anita Park veterinarian Dr. Dana Stead, and transported in the equine ambulance. Dr. Stead observed that the horse had suffered an open fracture of his left front ankle and made the decision to humanely euthanize the gelding.”

Stronach Group is a real estate and entertainment company that owns and manages race tracks in North America as well as one in Austria.