HQH Chinese American Equalization Association demands electoral changes. It alleges the city of Arcadia is in violation of the California Voting Rights Act and should convert from at-large voting to a by-district system to allow more Asian American representation on the Arcadia City Council.
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.
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.
Arcadia City Council makes changes to Historic Preservation Ordinance. Council member Tom Beck speaks about saving Clara Baldwin Stocker's home, which is facing possible destruction. See hard copy in VF City Council (2010-2019).
Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds “no evidence of intent to conceal information” by Arcadia Councilmember Tom Beck. He was alleged to have committed campaign violations related to timely reporting of contributor information in Arcadia’s municipal election.
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.
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.
Arcadia's proposed plastic bag ban has been tabled until after the outcome of a similar statewide referendum on the November election. Mayor Tom Beck first introduced the ordinance. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 17, May 5, 2016.
The Asian-American Association for Arcadia, a new community service organization in the city, has been formed to act as a bridge for new immigrants to become involved in the mainstream of Arcadia life. David Ma is chairman of the group.
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.
Arcadia city considers ban on some restaurant takeout containers (polystyrene, aka Styrofoam). Restrictions on straws, utensils also under review. Arcadia Council Member Tom Beck introduced the idea and Council Member Paul Cheng is enthusiastic about it. Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager and Development Services Director, said the City will work with restaurants and the Chamber of Commerce to implement the ordinance. The Cheesecake Factory is already using eco-friendly containers and utensils.
Low voter turnout sends Tom Beck, Roger Chandler and Sho Tay to Arcadia City Council. Just over 20% of the 29,382 registered voters mailed in the ballot. See hard copy in VF City Council Elections 2014.
Arcadia incumbents appear to hold onto their seats. Semi-official results of City Council election. District 2-Tom Beck (northwest area, the neighborhoods surrounding Santa Anita Park on the north and west); District 5-Roger Chandler (the southeast area).
Mayor Tom Beck recognizes Arcadia High School Advanced Theatre students at July 5 Arcadia City Council meeting for winning First Place Sweepstakes Trophy twice this year. Arcadia High School Theatre Director Steven Volpe in photo with his students.
Arcadia City Council has two new members and a former city councilman has returned, according to semi-official results of the all-mail ballot election. Tom Beck, a retired attorney, and Sho Tay, a retired businessman, are new. Roger Chandler is the returning councilman.
The Asian American Expo is a 2-day event happening this weekend at Pomona Fairplex, featuring vendors and food booths. One exhibitor is Peter Chen, owner of Accurate Development in Arcadia, who introduced temperature-controlled toilet seats to visitors.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta allows lawsuit over Arcadia City Council appointment to proceed. HQH Chinese American Equalization Association and Arcadia Voters Rights Group are suing to challenge the appointment of Michael Danielson, representing District 5, which was vacant after the death of Council Member Roger Chandler. Danielson's term expires upon certification of the November 8 election results.
John Wuo was named the new mayor of Arcadia on Tuesday, April 19. He is the first Asian-American to be appointed to serve in the position for a full year. He wants to build a community auditorium.