'Lucky' Baldwin Statue Unveiling Set

The much anticipated unveiling of a bronze statue depicting Arcadia's founder, Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin is set for April 16. Designed by Southern California-based artist Alfred Paredes, the statue will sit in the Rose Garden, just west of the Arcadia Community Center.

Margaux Viera, Baldwin's great, great granddaughter, donated the cost of the statue itself. The city will cover the costs of the pedestal, base, lighting and other accouterments up to $25,000. It will also be responsible for maintaining the statue.

Arcadia has a trust fund for public art, established by Westfield as part of the deal the firm struck with the city to expand the Santa Anita Mall in 2005. The money for the city's portion of the statue will come from this fund.

"Having Elias J. 'Lucky' Baldwin memorialized in the form of a statue has been a dream of mine," Viera told Patch. "It gives me great joy and peace to know that this monument will stand for generations to come. I hope that E.J. 'Lucky' Baldwin's legacy is never forgotten and this representation of him will help to achieve that. This gift is not only to Arcadia, but to all of California and our United States of America. Elias Jackson was one of California's greatest pioneers!"

If you go:

• Unveiling takes place at 4 p.m.
• The Arcadia Community Center is at 365 Campus Drive, on the corner of Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive
• Reserve your spot at the dedication by calling 574-5460