I have a talented show for you. A hidden gem of Arcadia takes the mic: the Arcadia High School Chinese Parents Choir. What started as a group of school boosters became a confident, 40-voice ensemble that now brings joy to city festivals, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations across the San Gabriel Valley. We sit down with members Heidi, Ming, Juan, Marilee, and Lillian—plus their artistic director Marie, a professionally trained lyric soprano—to trace how carpools and bake sales turned into breath support, harmonies, and a stage presence that lights up a room.

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I sat down with Councilman David Fu for a candid look at his recall challenges and how Arcadia really works—what keeps the city safe and solvent, and where theatrics can hijack the public square.

We explore the city’s “virtuous circle”—top-tier public schools attract families, stable property values support revenue, and that funding sustains public safety. It’s a loop that works when leaders resist showboating and ask subject matter experts the right questions. That’s especially true on complex issues like homelessness, where empathy meets legal constraints.

The conversation also dives into fire insurance pressures in high-risk zones and the rising trend of orchestrated public comments. Meanwhile, the city keeps moving—balanced budget, fully staffed fire for the first time in years, and a police department rebuilding with competitive pay.

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A city can spend decades wishing for a stage—or it can build one that becomes the neighborhood’s favorite seat. I sit down with Christine Lee, president and CEO of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, to share how Arcadia transformed cafeteria concerts and borrowed auditoriums into a state-of-the-art venue that students and families can claim as their own. From the first blueprints to opening night, this is the story of a community that funded a dream and now fills it with music, theater, and memory.

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I sat down with Donna Choi, MJ Finstrom, and Diana Bacero as they share the story of the Downtown Arcadia Holiday Fair and why it evokes such a special, hometown feel: a curated mix of makers and local shops, Macy’s on-site with Shiseido facials, hand-thrown ceramics, vintage hand-glittered ornaments, jewelry, charcuterie boards, and specialty foods. Food and drink fuel the stroll with Goki Cafe’s beloved Mexican hot chocolate, Mount Lowe’s seasonal brew and cider, D’Accino wines, and nearby restaurants like All India Cafe and Matt Denny’s ready before or after your shopping run. A live DJ keeps the energy high with surprise giveaways while families bounce between the kids’ zone, face painting, Santa photos, and story time with Mrs. Claus.

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What makes a city feel like home? In this episode of Arcadia FTY, I follow the journey through Arcadia’s past—where a land deal by Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin set the stage for incorporation in 1903, and where his daughter, Anita, turned ambition into institutions that still shape daily life. Along the way, my guest, Ed Anderson, president of the Arcadia Historical Society, helps us map stories onto streets: County Road becoming Duarte Road, the first racetrack shuttered by law, World War II balloonists training on future fairways, and Santa Anita Park rising from dust to international renown.

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A tiny nonprofit team, Downtown Arcadia, maps out a safe, walkable Halloween Haunting while revealing how email, giveaways, and partnerships turn community moments into real support for local businesses. We share routes, vendors, volunteer strategy, candy needs, and why collaboration beats algorithms.

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What if a 90-year-old racetrack could feel brand new without losing its soul? I sit down with Pete Siberell of Santa Anita Park to unpack how a true Arcadia icon blends world-class racing, safer practices, and community-first programming to create a destination that locals and visitors love. From the backside’s daily rhythm to the thrill at the finish line, Pete takes us through the work it takes to keep the place vibrant all year.

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If you’ve ever wondered what a great public school district looks like from the inside, this conversation pulls back the curtain with rare honesty and heart. I got the opportunity to sit with Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall to trace how Arcadia Unified pairs long‑term stability with thoughtful innovation—and why families from far and wide aim to enroll here.

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