- Paul Cheng Appointed Arcadia Mayor; District 3 Vacancy Process Underway
- Arcadia’s Proposed Budget Available Online
- Waste Management Scholarship for Arcadia High School Seniors
- America 250th Home Decorating Contest and 4th of July Celebration
- Pardon Our Dust – We’re Getting Ready for Concerts and Movies in the Park!
- Free Fair Housing Workshop for Arcadia Landlords and Tenants
- Safety Spotlight: Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Launch
Paul Cheng Appointed Arcadia Mayor; District 3 Vacancy Process Underway
At its May 19, 2026, meeting, the Arcadia City Council appointed Council Member Paul P. Cheng as Mayor following the resignation of Eileen Wang from office, she represented District 3. Mayor Cheng who represents District 4, will serve the remainder of the unexpired term. Council Member David Fu of District 1 was also appointed to serve as Mayor Pro Tem, following the established rotation for Council Members.
At the same meeting, City Council voted unanimously to proceed with an appointment process that includes an application and in-person interview. Applications were accepted between May 20 – 29, and seven eligible applicants were invited to a Special Meeting on June 2 to share more about their qualifications. After completing the interviews, City Council postponed the appointment process to the June 16 City Council Meeting. The appointee will serve the remainder of the District 3 term until the November 3, 2026, General Election.
More information about the upcoming November General Election and key dates will be available at www.ArcadiaCA.gov.
Arcadia’s Proposed Budget Available Online
The community is welcome to view the City’s Proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 and the five-year Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan. This year’s budget process started with a Budget Study Session with the City Council on May 5, with adoption scheduled for the June 16 meeting.
Arcadia’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 General Fund Operating Budget proposes an expenditure budget of $100.1 million, which includes $485,000 in new programs and services, and makes $4.8 million in transfers to the Capital Improvement and Equipment Replacement Funds.
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) serves as Arcadia’s roadmap to maintain its infrastructure and buildings, purchase large assets, and undertake large construction projects in the coming years. Based on the type of work being performed, extended timeframes, and greater costs, most capital projects require several years to complete. Projects that remain unfinished at year-end are carried forward into the next fiscal year, until the work is done. For FY2026-27, capital projects total $7.3 million and include upgrades to the Arcadia Public Library, Council Chambers, the Community Center, as well as replacing old lighting throughout the City with energy-efficient LEDs. To support water quality standards, a significant investment is also planned to expand the treatment capacity at Orange Grove Well.
The Equipment Replacement Fund is used to replace existing assets that have reached the end of their useful life. For the upcoming year, $4.4 million in replacements are planned, including $1.5 million for the Police Department’s new dispatch and records system, $1.3 million to reconstruct a radio communication tower, and vehicle replacements for the Water Division, Streets Division, and Police Department.
Attend the June 16 meeting or tune in here to see what's included in the new budget.
Waste Management Scholarship for Arcadia High School Seniors
Waste Management (WM) and the City of Arcadia are proud to announce the launch of its Environmental Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors who are residents of the City of Arcadia.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be a graduating senior currently residing in the City of Arcadia
- Must be in good academic standing
- Must be attending a four-year university, community college, or trade school in the 2026 fall term
Apply online by 9:00 a.m. July 1, 2026. Scholarships range in the amounts of $500 to $1,500. Scholarship awards will be presented at an upcoming Arcadia City Council meeting.
America 250th Home Decorating Contest and 4th of July Celebration
The City of Arcadia is hosting a month-long celebration for America’s 250th anniversary, culminating in a community-wide celebration on Saturday, July 4 at Santa Anita Park.
Family-friendly activities for all ages, and even pets, run throughout June and early July, designed to honor the nation’s history, celebrate local pride, and recognize the brave individuals who served our country.
Calendar of Events:
- All of June: Home Decorating Contest – Decorate your home the month of June and email photos of your decorated home along with your Arcadia address to [email protected] by June 22. Winners will be announced by the Arcadia Beautiful Commission at the July 2, Summer Concert and Movie in the Park.
- June 5: All-American Table Tennis Tournament – A 50+ event at the Arcadia Community Center.
- June 14: Flag Day Photos - Fly your American flag, post a photo, and tag us @ArcadiaCAgov for a chance to be featured in The Buzz Brochure!
- June 16: Children’s Stars, Stripes, and Style - Patriotic-themed activity or craft celebrating America's history and independence at the Arcadia Public Library.
- June 19: Red, White, and Blue Bingo – A 50+ event at the Arcadia Community Center.
- June 27: 1776 by David McCullough – A book discussion at the Arcadia Public Library.
- June 29: Stars, Stripes & Sidewalk Chalk Decorations - Decorate your driveway, post a photo, and tag us, @ArcadiaCAgov.
- July 1: Liberty Loot Crawl – Wear your most patriotic attire and visit any City facility between 2-4pm for a free treat.
- July 1: Children’s Firework Salt Painting & Trivia – Firework salt craft and trivia at the Arcadia Public Library.
- July 2: Patriotic Picnic – A 50+ event at the Arcadia Community Center.
- July 2: Patriotic Pet Contest and Summer Concert & Movie in the Park - Dress your pet to impress and enter them in our patriotic pet contest right before the concert and movie in the park.
The grand finale, America’s 250th Celebration, is on July 4th at Santa Anita Park starting at 6 p.m.! This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, games and activities, food, a free patriotic drone show and much more! 
Attendees can also participate in a meaningful “Letters to Service Members” station, where guests can write messages of appreciation and encouragement to active-duty military personnel. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the drone show will begin at 9 p.m. pre-registration is encouraged for general admission and options to purchase box seats are also available at Ticketmaster.
Pardon Our Dust – We’re Getting Ready for Concerts and Movies in the Park!
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You may notice crews are busy installing a new fence along West Huntington Drive. The new installation will be a permanent fixture to create a barrier from traffic just in time for summer events happening on the City Hall Lawn.
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Plus -- mark your calendars for two weekends of delicious food, fun, and unique vendors at the 626 Night Market this summer! Happening June 19-21 and August 14-16, from 3 to 11 p.m., at Santa Anita Park. Secure your tickets now at www.626NightMarket.com.
Free Fair Housing Workshop for Arcadia Landlords and Tenants
The Housing Rights Center (HRC), in partnership with the City of Arcadia, will present a free Fair Housing Workshop for Arcadia landlords and tenants. The virtual workshop will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Workshop will cover important topics for renters and landlords, but all are welcome to attend. Mandarin interpretation will be provided.
Topics include:
- Overview of federal and state fair housing laws
- Disability accommodation & modifications: What is required and how to request/respond
- Source of income protections, including Section 8 and other rental subsidies
- Rent increase limits and eviction protections under the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482)
Registration is required on Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kL4jqG_FQdKtVx_YaEESkA.
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Safety Spotlight: Wildfire Risk Reduction Program Launch
The Arcadia Fire Department has officially launched its Defensible Space Assessment Program to help residents reduce wildfire risk and better protect their homes and neighborhoods.
Fire Prevention Specialists Angelina and Wendy are working directly with homeowners in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, providing valuable tips, resources, and guidance on creating and maintaining defensible space around properties. Simple steps like clearing dry vegetation, trimming trees, and maintaining a safe buffer zone around your home are essential during wildfire season. Home hardening methods such as attic vents, tempered windows, and noncombustible fencing will also be shared with homeowners.
Learn more about the program and wildfire preparedness by visiting: www.arcadiaca.gov/fhsz
Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the Wildfire Risk Outreach Interest Form to receive updates about future wildfire preparedness initiatives, community outreach opportunities, and resources using the online form.
