How A High School Theater Became The City’s Cultural Heart

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/