By the 2010 census, Asians and Pacific Islanders will make up more than half of the population in Arcadia and 10 other communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
In a letter sent to Mayor Tom Beck, the HQH Chinese American Equalization Association demands district voting in Arcadia. The association claims at-large system dilutes influence. According to 2010 U.S. Census, Asians represent 60% of the city's population of 56,364 and about 46% of its registered voters. The letter points out that no more than 2 Asian Americans have served on Arcadia City Council at the same time. Beck said Arcadia doesn't have the problem of Asians being underrepresented.
Second of five articles about Asian immigrants concerns the differing cultural stresses that arise when East meets West. See hard copy in VF "Population" item #42.
Third article in a series of five about new Asian residents deals with the problems faced by the new arrivals. See hard copy in VF "Population" item #43.
A report by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center found that Asian Americans in Southern California lag behind the general population in voter turnout. The report also provides city-specific electorate and turnout numbers. Asian American voters in Alhambra, Arcadia, and Rosemead made up roughly one-third of the electorate.
Harry Lee, a 73-year-old Chinese American sheriff from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, is visiting Arcadia as part of a fundraising tour for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy Disaster Relief Fund. He will be attending the Oak Tree Racing Association's Mid-Autumn Festival luncheon.