Arcadia FYI Fri, 01 May 2026 18:57:16 -0700 https://arcadiafyi.com/ en-us © 2026 Arcadia FYI yes Arcadia, CA, USA 13b094bc-ce8b-5e36-a3db-c3445cdb4a95 Christine Zito episodic false Welcome to Arcadia FYI!: Your host, Christine Zito, sharing with you the inside scoop on everything happening in and around the city. Bringing you the latest news, current events, and fun topics, featuring insightful conversations with local business owners, community spokespeople, and our city leaders. Also your opportunity to let me know what you want to hear or what questions you have at arcadiafyi.com

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Arcadia FYI, Christine Zito, events in Arcadia, Arcadia news Christine Zito https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6ok4konc1d1e9myehacegrlwca4v?.jpg Arcadia FYI https://arcadiafyi.com/ Floods, Fires, And The Cleanup Crew Floods, Fires, And The Cleanup Crew A burst water heater, an overflowing toilet, a kitchen full of smoke residue, or a home sitting vacant after a wildfire can flip your life overnight and the hardest part is often simply knowing what to do first. On Arcadia FYI I sit down with Amy Moufarrege from SERVPRO to break down what property damage restoration actually looks like. from water damage cleanup and drying to smoke and soot cleanup, mold prevention, and the rebuild work that brings a house back to how it was before the loss.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> A burst water heater, an overflowing toilet, a kitchen full of smoke residue, or a home sitting vacant after a wildfire can flip your life overnight and the hardest part is often simply knowing what to do first. On Arcadia FYI I sit down with Amy Moufarrege from SERVPRO to break down what property damage restoration actually looks like. from water damage cleanup and drying to smoke and soot cleanup, mold prevention, and the rebuild work that brings a house back to how it was before the loss.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/after-the-flood/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-19111748 Fri, 01 May 2026 18:00:00 -0700 902 Arcadia FYI, ServePro of Arcadia, Amy Moufarrege, Eaton Fires ,flooding, house flooding, mold 2 3 full false How A Parents Choir Built Community, Culture, And Confidence How A Parents Choir Built Community, Culture, And Confidence I have a talented show for you. A hidden gem of Arcadia takes the mic: the Arcadia High School Chinese Parents Choir. What started as a group of school boosters became a confident, 40-voice ensemble that now brings joy to city festivals, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations across the San Gabriel Valley. We sit down with members Heidi, Ming, Juan, Marilee, and Lillian—plus their artistic director Marie, a professionally trained lyric soprano—to trace how carpools and bake sales turned into breath support, harmonies, and a stage presence that lights up a room.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> I have a talented show for you. A hidden gem of Arcadia takes the mic: the Arcadia High School Chinese Parents Choir. What started as a group of school boosters became a confident, 40-voice ensemble that now brings joy to city festivals, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations across the San Gabriel Valley. We sit down with members Heidi, Ming, Juan, Marilee, and Lillian—plus their artistic director Marie, a professionally trained lyric soprano—to trace how carpools and bake sales turned into breath support, harmonies, and a stage presence that lights up a room.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/arcadia-high-school-chinese-parents-choir/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18687800 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0800 1838 Arcadia FYI, Chinese Parents Choir, Parents Choir, culture, arcadia community, arcadia high school 2 2 full false Arcadia Politics, Plain Talk with Councilman David Fu on Recall and Cost of Housing Arcadia Politics, Plain Talk with Councilman David Fu on Recall and Cost of Housing  I sat down with Councilman David Fu for a candid look at his recall challenges and how Arcadia really works—what keeps the city safe and solvent, and where theatrics can hijack the public square. 

We explore the city’s “virtuous circle”—top-tier public schools attract families, stable property values support revenue, and that funding sustains public safety. It’s a loop that works when leaders resist showboating and ask subject matter experts the right questions. That’s especially true on complex issues like homelessness, where empathy meets legal constraints. 

The conversation also dives into fire insurance pressures in high-risk zones and the rising trend of orchestrated public comments. Meanwhile, the city keeps moving—balanced budget, fully staffed fire for the first time in years, and a police department rebuilding with competitive pay.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]>  I sat down with Councilman David Fu for a candid look at his recall challenges and how Arcadia really works—what keeps the city safe and solvent, and where theatrics can hijack the public square. 

We explore the city’s “virtuous circle”—top-tier public schools attract families, stable property values support revenue, and that funding sustains public safety. It’s a loop that works when leaders resist showboating and ask subject matter experts the right questions. That’s especially true on complex issues like homelessness, where empathy meets legal constraints. 

The conversation also dives into fire insurance pressures in high-risk zones and the rising trend of orchestrated public comments. Meanwhile, the city keeps moving—balanced budget, fully staffed fire for the first time in years, and a police department rebuilding with competitive pay.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/plain-talk-with-councilman-david-fu/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18573022 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800 2980 Arcadia FYI, Councilman David Fu, Recall, Arcadia City Council politics 2 1 full true How A High School Theater Became The City’s Cultural Heart How A High School Theater Became The City’s Cultural Heart A city can spend decades wishing for a stage—or it can build one that becomes the neighborhood’s favorite seat. I sit down with Christine Lee, president and CEO of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, to share how Arcadia transformed cafeteria concerts and borrowed auditoriums into a state-of-the-art venue that students and families can claim as their own. From the first blueprints to opening night, this is the story of a community that funded a dream and now fills it with music, theater, and memory.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> A city can spend decades wishing for a stage—or it can build one that becomes the neighborhood’s favorite seat. I sit down with Christine Lee, president and CEO of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, to share how Arcadia transformed cafeteria concerts and borrowed auditoriums into a state-of-the-art venue that students and families can claim as their own. From the first blueprints to opening night, this is the story of a community that funded a dream and now fills it with music, theater, and memory.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/how-a-high-school-theater-became-the-citys-cultural-heart/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18310416 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0800 1835 Arcadia FYI, Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, Christine Lee, The Letterman 1 12 full false What Makes A City Feel Like Home During The Holidays What Makes A City Feel Like Home During The Holidays 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18268762 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0800 1964 Arcadia FYI, Downtown Arcadia, Christmas, Holiday Fair 1 11 full false Who Built A City’s Soul: The Baldwins, Memory, And The People Who Preserve It Who Built A City’s Soul: The Baldwins, Memory, And The People Who Preserve It 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18154633 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0800 1861 Arcadia FYI, Arcadia Historical Society, Ed Andersen, Arcadia History 1 10 full false Trick-or-Treat, Inside Downtown Arcadia’s Events, Partnership, To Small-Business Growth Trick-or-Treat, Inside Downtown Arcadia’s Events, Partnership, To Small-Business Growth 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18046492 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0700 2713 Arcadia FYI, MJ Finstrom, Donna Choi, Halloween, Arcadia 1 9 full false How A Historic Racetrack Became A Safer, Busier, And Olympic-Ready Venue How A Historic Racetrack Became A Safer, Busier, And Olympic-Ready Venue 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-18025182 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0700 2158 Arcadia FYI, Santa Anita Park, Pete Siberell, horse racing. Enchant 1 8 full false Inside Arcadia Unified: Stability, Choice, and the Whole Child Inside Arcadia Unified: Stability, Choice, and the Whole Child 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.


Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.


Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17956370 Sat, 04 Oct 2025 19:00:00 -0700 2640 Arcadia FYI, Dr. David Vannasdall, Arcadia Schools, best schools 1 7 full false Beatles, Prayer, and City Planning: Conversation with Paul Cheng Beatles, Prayer, and City Planning: Conversation with Paul Cheng 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17837896 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0700 3676 Arcadia FYI, City Councilman Paul P. Chang, Arcadia City Government, local politics, local government 1 6 full false Building Your Online Brand: Email, Social Media, and AI Strategies Building Your Online Brand: Email, Social Media, and AI Strategies  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. 

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]>  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. 

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17760850 Sat, 30 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0700 2859 Arcadia FYI, MJ Finstrom, HUTdogs, email marketing, SEO, social media marketing, AI 1 5 full false A Conversation with Mayor Sharon Kwan, First Asian Woman Mayor of Arcadia and Former Mayor April Verlato A Conversation with Mayor Sharon Kwan, First Asian Woman Mayor of Arcadia and Former Mayor April Verlato 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17644569 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0700 3489 Arcadia FYI, Mayor Sharon Kwan, April Verlato, first Asian Mayor of Arcadia, homelessness, community safety 1 2 full false Hydration, Grilling, and Hidden Summer Nutrition Wisdom Hydration, Grilling, and Hidden Summer Nutrition Wisdom 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. 

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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. 

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17527993 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0700 1946 1 3 full false Arcadia's Hidden Champion: From Drifter to Business Owner to Kids Books Arcadia's Hidden Champion: From Drifter to Business Owner to Kids Books 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.


Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> 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.


Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17445235 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1951 Nadine Sachiko Hsu, Arcadia FYI, community, pro drivers drift, woman business owner 1 2 full false Downtown Arcadia: Building Community on First Avenue Downtown Arcadia: Building Community on First Avenue What does it take to create a downtown from scratch? In our premiere episode, we pull back the curtain on one community's remarkable journey to build the heart of a city.

Join host Christine Zito as she welcomes the movers and shakers behind Downtown Arcadia—Donna Choi, MJ Finstrom, and former Mayor Peter Amundsen—who share the untold story of how citizen desire transformed into community reality. 

Subscribe to Arcadia FYI for more stories about the people, places, and events that make this community special. Visit ArcadiaFYI.com to suggest future topics that matter to you!

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> What does it take to create a downtown from scratch? In our premiere episode, we pull back the curtain on one community's remarkable journey to build the heart of a city.

Join host Christine Zito as she welcomes the movers and shakers behind Downtown Arcadia—Donna Choi, MJ Finstrom, and former Mayor Peter Amundsen—who share the untold story of how citizen desire transformed into community reality. 

Subscribe to Arcadia FYI for more stories about the people, places, and events that make this community special. Visit ArcadiaFYI.com to suggest future topics that matter to you!

Tell me what you want to hear at https://ArcadiaFYI.com/

]]> https://arcadiafyi.com/downtown-arcadia-patriotic-festival/ Christine Zito Buzzsprout-17369687 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0700 1648 downtown arcadia, patriotic festival, Mayor Peter Amundson, Donna Choi, MJ Finstrom full false