This newsletter shares important updates, stories, and events happening right here in our community. Below, you'll find a table of contents featuring the top stories of the month. If you're interested, simply click the link to read the full article.
Join Arcadia's First Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Arcadia Fire Department is launching a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to strengthen community preparedness during emergencies. The City of Arcadia's first CERT program will begin with a three-day CERT Basic Training course on March 7, March 14, and March 21, 2026, conducted in partnership with the City of Monrovia.
CERT training provides residents with essential disaster preparedness and response skills, including basic first aid, fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. These skills are designed to help individuals safely assist themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies when professional response resources may be overwhelmed.
Recent events, including the January fires, have highlighted the importance of personal preparedness in the early stages of an incident. CERT training emphasizes personal safety, situational awareness, and appropriate action when conditions allow and under the direction of the Arcadia Fire Department.
Residents interested in strengthening their emergency preparedness skills and volunteering to serve their community in times of emergency are encouraged to participate. Review the flyer below for training details and registration information!
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State of the City Presented by Mayor Sharon Kwak
RSVP to join Mayor Sharon Kwan as she presents Arcadia's State of the City: Breaking the Mold, on January 22, 2026. The State of the City will be presented at the new Hilton Arcadia where Mayor Kwan will reflect on the past year, celebrate our successes, and offer a look ahead into Arcadia's future. Mayor Kwan will also be joined by her daughter, Charisma Chen, who will be speaking on the topic of women in leadership.
The event will take place at the Hilton Hotel (123 W. Huntington Drive) from 4pm to 6pm.
Interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP by January 8, 2026 by calling (626) 574-5113.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Former Mayor James "Jim" Helms
Elected to the City Council in 1967, Jim served eight years, including a term as Mayor from 1971 to 1972. He was the first Council Member to vote in favor of the development that became Santa Anita Fashion Park, now the Shops at Santa Anita, a major contributor to Arcadia's local economy. Beyond City Hall, Jim was active in the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and chaired major civic celebrations. He was twice named Arcadia's Citizen of the Year.
Jim also devoted decades to Methodist Hospital (now USC Arcadia Hospital), serving on the Foundation Board for more than 25 years, including as board chair and Director Emeritus. He served as chairman of the Arcadia United Way, president of the San Gabriel Valley Legal Aid Society, and was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, Arcadia Episcopal Church, and many other organizations.
Jim is survived by his two daughters and a wide network of friends, colleagues, and community members. His vision, integrity, and commitment to Arcadia leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Stolen Gardening Equipment Recovered -- Help Identify the Owners
Following a months-long investigation into the theft of gardening equipment by local street gangs, the Arcadia Police Department successfully recovered a substantial amount of suspected stolen property. Investigators are now seeking the public's assistance in identifying the rightful owners of the recovered items.
The stolen gardening equipment was recovered during the execution of search warrants at residences in Los Angeles and Orange County in October 2025. Among the items found were various commercial gardening and landscaping tools, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, pressure washers, pole saws, and chainsaws. Additionally, two firearms and a large amount of cash were also seized during the operation.
The total estimated value of the recovered equipment is $100,000. Investigators believe the property may belong to multiple victims, but many of the items lack identifying marks, making it difficult to trace owners without assistance from the community.
The Arcadia Police Department urges anyone who believe they may be the rightful owner of the recovered equipment to contact investigators at (626) 574-5168 or (626) 274-5163, and reference case number 2503893. Victims should be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as serial numbers, receipts, photographs, or detailed descriptions of the items.
Sustainable Post-Holiday Cleanup Tips
Start off the New Year strong by sustainably removing your Christmas tree, Christmas lights, present boxes and wrapping paper, and batteries! See flyer below for details.
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- Join Arcadia's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Mayor Sharon Kwan presents Arcadia's State of the City
- Honoring the life and legacy of Former Mayor James "Jim" Helms
- Stolen Gardening Equipment Recovered -- Help Identify the Owners
- Helpful Reminders for the Holidays
Join Arcadia's First Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Arcadia Fire Department is launching a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to strengthen community preparedness during emergencies. The City of Arcadia's first CERT program will begin with a three-day CERT Basic Training course on March 7, March 14, and March 21, 2026, conducted in partnership with the City of Monrovia.
CERT training provides residents with essential disaster preparedness and response skills, including basic first aid, fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. These skills are designed to help individuals safely assist themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies when professional response resources may be overwhelmed.
Recent events, including the January fires, have highlighted the importance of personal preparedness in the early stages of an incident. CERT training emphasizes personal safety, situational awareness, and appropriate action when conditions allow and under the direction of the Arcadia Fire Department.
Residents interested in strengthening their emergency preparedness skills and volunteering to serve their community in times of emergency are encouraged to participate. Review the flyer below for training details and registration information!
Register Here!
State of the City Presented by Mayor Sharon Kwak
RSVP to join Mayor Sharon Kwan as she presents Arcadia's State of the City: Breaking the Mold, on January 22, 2026. The State of the City will be presented at the new Hilton Arcadia where Mayor Kwan will reflect on the past year, celebrate our successes, and offer a look ahead into Arcadia's future. Mayor Kwan will also be joined by her daughter, Charisma Chen, who will be speaking on the topic of women in leadership.
The event will take place at the Hilton Hotel (123 W. Huntington Drive) from 4pm to 6pm.
Interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP by January 8, 2026 by calling (626) 574-5113.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Former Mayor James "Jim" Helms
Elected to the City Council in 1967, Jim served eight years, including a term as Mayor from 1971 to 1972. He was the first Council Member to vote in favor of the development that became Santa Anita Fashion Park, now the Shops at Santa Anita, a major contributor to Arcadia's local economy. Beyond City Hall, Jim was active in the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and chaired major civic celebrations. He was twice named Arcadia's Citizen of the Year.
Jim also devoted decades to Methodist Hospital (now USC Arcadia Hospital), serving on the Foundation Board for more than 25 years, including as board chair and Director Emeritus. He served as chairman of the Arcadia United Way, president of the San Gabriel Valley Legal Aid Society, and was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, Arcadia Episcopal Church, and many other organizations.
Jim is survived by his two daughters and a wide network of friends, colleagues, and community members. His vision, integrity, and commitment to Arcadia leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Stolen Gardening Equipment Recovered -- Help Identify the Owners
Following a months-long investigation into the theft of gardening equipment by local street gangs, the Arcadia Police Department successfully recovered a substantial amount of suspected stolen property. Investigators are now seeking the public's assistance in identifying the rightful owners of the recovered items.
The stolen gardening equipment was recovered during the execution of search warrants at residences in Los Angeles and Orange County in October 2025. Among the items found were various commercial gardening and landscaping tools, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, pressure washers, pole saws, and chainsaws. Additionally, two firearms and a large amount of cash were also seized during the operation.
The total estimated value of the recovered equipment is $100,000. Investigators believe the property may belong to multiple victims, but many of the items lack identifying marks, making it difficult to trace owners without assistance from the community.
The Arcadia Police Department urges anyone who believe they may be the rightful owner of the recovered equipment to contact investigators at (626) 574-5168 or (626) 274-5163, and reference case number 2503893. Victims should be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as serial numbers, receipts, photographs, or detailed descriptions of the items.
Sustainable Post-Holiday Cleanup Tips
Start off the New Year strong by sustainably removing your Christmas tree, Christmas lights, present boxes and wrapping paper, and batteries! See flyer below for details.
