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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What happens when a city's first Asian woman mayor takes office during a time of significant challenges? Mayor Sharon Kwan joins former Mayor April Verlato for a candid, solutions-oriented conversation about Arcadia's future. 

The homelessness crisis takes center stage as Mayor Kwan reveals how recent legal changes finally allow the city to address the issue effectively. "Now the law is in our favor," she explains, detailing how Supreme Court decisions have freed municipalities from previous constraints that limited enforcement of anti-camping ordinances. Former Mayor Verlato provides historical context on how the Martin v. Boise case had previously tied the city's hands, necessitating controversial solutions like tiny homes that are no longer required.

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On this Episode of Arcadia FYI, USC Arcadia Hospital dietitian, professor, and author, Victoria Buxton-Pacheco shares some great insights on summer nutrition, hydration needs, and healthy eating strategies during hot summer month. She also challenges outdated health recommendations including the "8 glasses of water" rule and offers practical advice for staying nourished when it is hot and you don’t feel like eating. 

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Ever wonder what it takes to be a trailblazer in a male-dominated world?  Nadine Sachiko Hsu shares her remarkable journey as the first female drift racer in America, and how that experience shaped her into the multi-talented creator she is today. Nadine is a business owner and an establish Author of children books. Truly and inspiring story.

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