Arcadia names new council member after mayor pleads guilty as Chinese spy
The Arcadia City Council has appointed John Han to fill the District 3 seat left vacant after former Mayor Eileen Wang resigned on May 11, following federal charges that she secretly acted as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China.
Wang, 58, who was elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2022 and had been serving as mayor on the council’s rotating basis, pleaded guilty to one felony count of acting as an unregistered foreign agent — a charge carrying a maximum of 10 years in federal prison. Her sentencing is set for October 6.
Following a competitive application and interview process involving five candidates, the Council voted at its June 16 meeting to appoint Han, a longtime Arcadia resident, to serve the unexpired District 3 term through the November 3 general election.
At his first meeting, Han participated in approving the city’s budget, a multi-family development project, and new refuse and recycling rates.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve Arcadia during this pivotal time,” said Han. “I am committed to upholding the high standards that have long defined Arcadia by working closely with my fellow City Council colleagues and the City’s dedicated employees.”
Arcadia is a city of approximately 55,000 residents in the San Gabriel Valley, about 13 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, with a population majority of roughly 59 percent Asian.
Hermosa Beach closes $3.2 million deficit, eyes November sales tax measure
The Hermosa Beach City Council voted June 23 to adopt a balanced Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, closing a $3.2 million structural deficit through $4.5 million in spending cuts — including workforce reductions, deferred vehicle purchases and departmental budget trims of up to 10 percent.
The city eliminated two full-time and several part-time positions, downgraded one full-time role, terminated consultant contracts and paused $1.1 million in annual contributions to its rainy-day reserves — while keeping those reserves at 18 percent, above the Government Finance Officers Association-recommended minimum of 16 percent.
“We worked closely with staff to analyze each department budget and save every dollar while protecting the community services our residents value,” said Mayor Mike Detoy. “We’ve reduced spending, deferred purchases and streamlined operations to achieve this balanced budget. But our work is far from over — County negotiations and major projects are on the horizon, and we need to plan accordingly to protect our community’s quality of life.”
The budget news is not entirely encouraging going forward. Hermosa Beach faces projected cost increases of approximately $3.1 million from pending Los Angeles County contract renegotiations for fire services, lifeguard services and beach maintenance, with an estimated $1.6 million in annual cost increases moving forward. Substantial unfunded capital improvement needs — including street and sidewalk repairs and major projects like the City Yard and Pier — also loom.
At the same June 23 meeting, the Council directed staff to prepare ballot language for a local half-cent sales tax measure for the November 3 general election, aimed at developing a dedicated local revenue source to protect service levels and address long-term infrastructure needs.
San Gabriel residents get chance to weigh in on trash rate hike at July 8 town hall
San Gabriel commercial, residential and multi-family property owners will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed Athens Services solid waste rate increase at a town hall meeting Wednesday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adult Recreation Center, 324 S. Mission Drive, in the Padillo Room.
The town hall precedes a formal Proposition 218 public hearing set for Tuesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 425 S. Mission Drive, at which the proposed rate adjustments for commercial and multifamily properties will be considered. Under Prop 218, property owners have the right to formally protest rate increases before they take effect.
Translated versions of the public hearing notice are available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Residents with questions may contact the San Gabriel Public Works Department at (626) 308-2825.
Malibu opens race for two City Council seats starting July 13
The City of Malibu will open its nomination period for two City Council seats on Monday, July 13, with candidates having until August 7 to file — extended through August 12 if any incumbent chooses not to run. The seats will appear on the November 3 general election ballot.
Nomination packets may be picked up in person at the City Clerk’s Office at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, during posted office hours. Before raising or spending any campaign funds, candidates must first file a Declaration of Intent to Solicit and Receive Contributions Form and Fair Political Practices Commission Form 501 with the City Clerk. Both forms are available at www.MalibuCity.org/Elections.
“I encourage everyone who cares passionately about our city, our residents, and our fragile rural environment to consider throwing their hat in the ring,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “Unlike the contentious partisan elections at the state and national level, the general election for seats on the City Council is nonpartisan and focused on issues that matter to our local community.”
To schedule an appointment to pull nomination paperwork, email City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn at KPettijohn@MalibuCity.org or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 228.
