Thursday, MARCH 21 - MARCH 27, 2013
Community News, Arts & Opinions Since 1996
Matt Denny’s raises over $46,000 for Childhood Cancer research at St. Baldrick’s event BY TERRY MILLER
San Gabriel Unified saves some ‘green’ As being environmentally conscious has become the new corporate trend, the San Gabriel Unified School District decided to get into the act. And it paid off. District officials recently announced they have saved more than $2 million on
energy since 2007, which is money that can go back into the classroom. George Carney, an energy specialist with the district, said they undertook the process for two reasons. “There was a consenPlease see page 10
Former Temple City Mayor Cathé Wilson to be released from prison in June BY TERRY MILLER
Cathé Wilson seems to be looking to a higher power when she was sentenced in 2011 to state prison. -Photo by Terry Miller
Arcadia firefighter Travis Ring gets a gentle but overall shave from Kim Sargis of Del Sol Salon. Stlyists from the salon have donated their time and expertise for the past 11 years to help with this fundraiser. -Photo by Terry Miller
‘Baby factories’ in Arcadia? City of Arcadia forms a Task Force to look into the matter brows across the San Gabriel Valley. The Arcadia Weekly has learned that other locations including Extended Stay may also be involved in similar schemes in Arcadia, Monrovia and surrounding cities. However, Arcadia Asst. City Manager Jason Kruckeberg says that the city is wellaware of what is going on not only at the Santa Anita Inn. “A number of the rooms over there are being
For several weeks there have been uncorroborated reports that embattled former Temple City mayor Catherine (Cathe) Wilson had been released
from prison and was resting at home. Beacon Media has confirmed that Wilson, Please see page 13
Norooz celebrated in Pasadena BY TERRY MILLER
rented by pregnant individuals. They city has been aware of that for quite some time,” Kruckeberg told Beacon Media.” We have started a Task Force with some outside agencies to address this issue…” he said Wednesday. Kruckeburg said the city has been in contact with Los Angeles County Health dept. as this issue would fall under their jurisdiction; also the city has contacted Franchise Tax
Congress officially recognized Norooz in recent years and henceforth the rich cultural traditions of Iran have been brought forth to Pasadena thanks to one unique woman in Pasadena who put together another spectacular event last Thursday. Dr. Nazee Rofagha, who spearheaded the Annual Iranian New Year Celebration in March didn’t disappoint those 300 who attended this year. Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced the Norooz Resolution 2
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BY TERRY MILLER It was reported last week that a motel in Arcadia is allegedly being used as a ‘baby factory’ housing expectant mothers from overseas, in particular China, to have their children born in the United States and thus garner immediate US citizenship for that child. Reports from several outlets say that the Santa Anita Inn is being used as a “ maternity hotel.” While the practice is not illegal, it is raising a lot of eye-
Volume 18, No. 12
BY SHEL SEGAL
St. Baldrick’s annual fundraiser for childhood cancer research took place at Matt Denny's Ale House on Thursday March 15 for the 11th consecutive year. What a night it was. Hundreds of people from all walks of life attended this year’s event. Men and women from San Gabriel Valley and beyond garnered sponsors to raise money for Childhood Cancer Research – provided they shaved their heads in solidarity with those children being treated for various childhood cancers both locally and nationwide. Stylists from the popular Arcadia coiffeur's, Del Sol Salon volunteered their time as they do each and every year. The men and women of Del Sol treated the men of The Arcadia Fire and Police Departments, Monrovia Fire Department, and many other brave souls to very gentle head shaving - all for a marvelous charity. Del Sol hairstylists Kim Sargis, Ralph Romero, Aaron Rivera, Rose Hewitt, Ilene Clark, Susan Richards, Marissa Melendez and Ailen Jayramillo were this year’s illustrious team that kept the removal of Please see page 23
sierramadreweekly.com
Traditional Persian dances started off the brief entertainment at Norooz. -Photo by Terry Miller