This newsletter shares important updates, stories, and events happening right here in our community. Below, you'll find a table of contents feature the top stories of the month. If you're interested, simply click the link to read the full article.
Mayor Eileen Wang and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cheng Sworn In
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On February 3, the Arcadia City Council held its reorganization ceremony. At the ceremony, Eileen Wang was sworn in as the Mayor, and Paul P. Cheng was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. Under the City's Charter, the Arcadia City Council reorganizes every nine and one-half months, allowing each Council Member to serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem once during their four-year term. Outgoing Mayor Sharon Kwan, who made history as Arcadia’s first Asian female mayor, formally passed the baton to Mayor Wang. Supporters, community members, and well-wishers were in attendance to recognize Mayor Kwan for her service and to welcome Mayor Wang as she begins her term.
View the State of the City
On January 22, former Mayor Sharon Kwan delivered Arcadia's State of the City address, Breaking the Mold. The digital State of the City first premiered at the new Hilton Hotel in Arcadia and can be viewed through this link.
Arcadia Launches Revamped Websites
The City of Arcadia officially launched its new and improved website on January 16. The refreshed website features a cleaner design, improved navigation, an updated interface, and better mobile compatibility—making it easier than ever to access City news, services, and resources.
The website introduces a new "search-forward" design that streamlines access to information and services, enabling users to quickly find what they need without navigating multiple pages. Residents can easily pay bills, access information on City programs and events, and download the latest news directly from the homepage.
To better serve the Arcadia community, the new website offers information and services in more than 200 languages. Enhanced language access allows users to type or speak in their preferred language, helping to remove barriers to service. The AI-driven chat function, which has answered more than 36,000 user questions in 2025 alone, also returns to the new site to provide faster, more intuitive assistance.
In addition to the City's main website, Arcadia's departmental pages and the Visit Arcadia website have been refreshed with updated designs and enhanced functionality. These updates ensure a more consistent experience across City platforms, making it easier for residents and visitors to find information about Arcadia and its services. The City will continue refining the website based on community feedback as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and communication.
Audit Confirms City's Strong Financial Position
Arcadia's annual independent audit confirms the City ended Fiscal Year 2024-25 in a strong financial position, reporting a $4.6 million surplus that exceed earlier projections.
These positive results reflect responsible financial planning, disciplined spending, and stronger-than-expected revenues, as well as increased sales, property, utility, and hotel tax collections. Higher investment earnings and additional grant funding also contributed to the City's solid financial standing.
On the expenditure side, savings were largely driven by normal timing delays in capital improvement projects and lower-than-anticipated personnel costs, with several planned projects continuing into the current fiscal year. As a result of the favorable audit, the City will move forward with setting aside $1 million to help manage and smooth long-term pension costs.
"Our employees are the foundation of Arcadia's success, and our labor agreements reflect their vital contributions to the community," said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. "The City Council's foresight to invest in our workforce contributes to Arcadia's long-term vitality, helping our community remain a place where people want to live, work, and play."
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 audit is available on the City's website at ArcadiaCA.gov.
LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw Registration Now Open!
The LA28 Olympic Games have opened registration for their ticket draw. Additional details and registration information can be found here.
Safety Spotlight: Officers Stop Burglary in Progress
On December 27, 2025, Arcadia Police responded to a reported disturbance on the 1100 block of South First Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered signs of a possible break-in and detected movement inside the home. Acting quickly, the officers entered the residence and detained four individuals, interrupting the suspects as they were ransacking the house with the residents still inside. The four suspects were arrested on multiple felony charges and the case remains under investigation.
Remember, a locked door is your first line of defense at home. Taking a few simple precautions like securing exterior doors with deadbolts and installing window guards or stops can help protect your home and loved ones. As always, see something, say something! Report suspicious activity to the Arcadia Police Department.
- Mayor Eileen Wang and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cheng Sworn In
- Arcadia Launches Revamped Websites
- Audit Confirms City's Strong Financial Position
- LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw Registration Now Open!
- Safety Spotlight: Officers Stop Burglary in Progress
Mayor Eileen Wang and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cheng Sworn In
On February 3, the Arcadia City Council held its reorganization ceremony. At the ceremony, Eileen Wang was sworn in as the Mayor, and Paul P. Cheng was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. Under the City's Charter, the Arcadia City Council reorganizes every nine and one-half months, allowing each Council Member to serve as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem once during their four-year term. Outgoing Mayor Sharon Kwan, who made history as Arcadia’s first Asian female mayor, formally passed the baton to Mayor Wang. Supporters, community members, and well-wishers were in attendance to recognize Mayor Kwan for her service and to welcome Mayor Wang as she begins her term.
View the State of the City
On January 22, former Mayor Sharon Kwan delivered Arcadia's State of the City address, Breaking the Mold. The digital State of the City first premiered at the new Hilton Hotel in Arcadia and can be viewed through this link.
Arcadia Launches Revamped Websites
The website introduces a new "search-forward" design that streamlines access to information and services, enabling users to quickly find what they need without navigating multiple pages. Residents can easily pay bills, access information on City programs and events, and download the latest news directly from the homepage.
To better serve the Arcadia community, the new website offers information and services in more than 200 languages. Enhanced language access allows users to type or speak in their preferred language, helping to remove barriers to service. The AI-driven chat function, which has answered more than 36,000 user questions in 2025 alone, also returns to the new site to provide faster, more intuitive assistance.
In addition to the City's main website, Arcadia's departmental pages and the Visit Arcadia website have been refreshed with updated designs and enhanced functionality. These updates ensure a more consistent experience across City platforms, making it easier for residents and visitors to find information about Arcadia and its services. The City will continue refining the website based on community feedback as part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and communication.
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Audit Confirms City's Strong Financial Position
Arcadia's annual independent audit confirms the City ended Fiscal Year 2024-25 in a strong financial position, reporting a $4.6 million surplus that exceed earlier projections.
These positive results reflect responsible financial planning, disciplined spending, and stronger-than-expected revenues, as well as increased sales, property, utility, and hotel tax collections. Higher investment earnings and additional grant funding also contributed to the City's solid financial standing.
On the expenditure side, savings were largely driven by normal timing delays in capital improvement projects and lower-than-anticipated personnel costs, with several planned projects continuing into the current fiscal year. As a result of the favorable audit, the City will move forward with setting aside $1 million to help manage and smooth long-term pension costs.
"Our employees are the foundation of Arcadia's success, and our labor agreements reflect their vital contributions to the community," said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto. "The City Council's foresight to invest in our workforce contributes to Arcadia's long-term vitality, helping our community remain a place where people want to live, work, and play."
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 audit is available on the City's website at ArcadiaCA.gov.
LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw Registration Now Open!
The LA28 Olympic Games have opened registration for their ticket draw. Additional details and registration information can be found here.
Safety Spotlight: Officers Stop Burglary in Progress
On December 27, 2025, Arcadia Police responded to a reported disturbance on the 1100 block of South First Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered signs of a possible break-in and detected movement inside the home. Acting quickly, the officers entered the residence and detained four individuals, interrupting the suspects as they were ransacking the house with the residents still inside. The four suspects were arrested on multiple felony charges and the case remains under investigation.
Remember, a locked door is your first line of defense at home. Taking a few simple precautions like securing exterior doors with deadbolts and installing window guards or stops can help protect your home and loved ones. As always, see something, say something! Report suspicious activity to the Arcadia Police Department.
