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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The journey from immigrant to civic leader is a classic American story, and Councilman Paul Cheng's path exemplifies this transformative experience with remarkable emotion. Arriving on Christmas Day 1977, Cheng recalls his family's pursuit of opportunity amid the challenges of being visibly different in a predominantly white Orange County neighborhood.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Cheng's philosophical approach to governance. He shares his pre-meeting ritual of praying over each council member's chair while playing Beatles music to create a harmonious atmosphere—not as political theater, but as a personal commitment to seeing beyond differences. "If I pray for somebody, I'm invested in their success," he explains, revealing how personal practices inform his public service.

Truly a nice coversation.

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I sit with Digital marketing expert MJ Finstrom shares practical strategies for enhancing your business's online presence through effective email marketing, social media tactics, and artificial intelligence tools. We dive deep into building meaningful customer relationships in the digital space while maintaining authenticity and the human touch in all your marketing efforts.

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