For the first time, the majority of the candidates in this April's City Council elections are Chinese immigrants. Seven candidates are vying for the three open seats. The candidates are Mayor John Wuo, Sheng Chang, Sho Tay, Shao Hua Wen, Peter Amundson, Bob Harbicht, and Pamela Blackwood.
Arcadia City Council denies consideration for first application in the Friendship Cities Program, proposed by council member Sho Tay for a friendship between Arcadia and Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China. A majority of council members are concerned about the politics in supporting a city in China that is currently embroiled in the South China Seas protests, such as Hong Kong.
Ugly side of politics--a letter naming Arcadia city councilman Sho Tay claims Arcadia property value will fall 30 percent because of the new zoning recommendations that City Council is considering. Sho Tay denies the letter came from him.
Dr. Sheng Chang has been elected mayor of Arcadia. He is the first Asian-American mayor of Arcadia. In 1994, he was the first Chinese-American Arcadia City Council member.
Asians make up more than 47% of the city's total population of 53,421. The largest group is Chinese-American. John Wuo discusses what makes Arcadia such an attractive city for Asians.
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.
Chinese American Business Association community speakers David Lee and Kirk King of Arcadia talk about how Chinese are reticent to protest the immigration reforms, but they are deeply divided on the issues.
This article is a continuation of a special report about the Asian communities in transition in the San Gabriel Valley. Observers think Asians are blending Asian and American influences into forging a distinct Asian-American identity. A chart shows Asian population becoming majority in many San Gabriel Valley cities.
Experts question donations for travel. Delegation from Arcadia City Hall given $30,000 from two Chinese firms and one local developer for trip to Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in China and Taipei, Taiwan. Government and ethics experts say the cash donations to the City of Arcadia for this trip raises concerns about transparency and influence. The trips are designed study sister city relationships, learn about the culture and talk to Chinese and Taiwanese officials. Those traveling include Mayor John Wuo and his wife, Council Sho Tay and wife, Councilman Tom Beck, City Attorney Stephen Deitsch, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto, Fire Chief Kurt Norwood, Recreation Director Sara Somogyi, Public Works Director Tom Tait, and George and Sandy Wuo, who are relatives of the mayor. See VF Sister City.
Several members of the Arcadia Chinese Association, in addition to Chinese groups from other cities called a press conference together to discuss the recent proposed trip to Taiwan for Police Chief Ronnie Garner.
Westfield Santa Anita kicking off Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, January 20. It's the Year of the Tiger. Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay will join Westfield representatives and community partners to unveil a 7-foot-tall golden tiger as the centerpiece of this year's Center Court decorations. A gold "wishing well" will be installed so shoppers can donate to Asian Pacific Community Fund. Westfield will announce a Gift with Purchase promotion.
Arcadia City Council actions proving to be divisive. Charges of campaign finance misdeeds and board racism alleged. Arcadia finds itself a town divided with feelings split about Councilman Sho Tay, who was passed over last month when it came time for his ceremonial turn for mayor. On one side, several people are accusing Tay of campaign finance fraud for spending money, donated to him, on behalf of two other candidates. Others are accusing City Council members of racism for bypassing the selection of Tay for mayor during its annual reorganization.
Arcadia Police and City Clerk investigate Arcadia City Council candidate Sho Tay's mail-in election ballot collection effort. Tay had enlisted the help of students from the Democratic Club at Arcadia High School to offer residents of Arcadia stamps for the mail-in postcard. See hard copy in VF City Council Elections 2014.
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.
Chinese-Americans getting political. Residents becoming more active as they back recall of Governor Gavin Newsom and other conservative efforts. Photo shows women gathering signatures outside 99 Ranch Market in Arcadia.
City of Arcadia hosts 45th annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Mayor Sho Tay will deliver the State of the City Address on February 7 at the Arcadia Community Center.