On the evening of February 3rd, the City of Arcadia, a prominent Chinese-American hub in Los Angeles County, held a solemn inauguration ceremony for its new Mayor and Deputy Mayor at the City Council Chamber. In the presence of over 200 elected officials, community leaders, and residents, Mayor Eileen Wang and Deputy Mayor Paul P. Cheng officially took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of a new chapter in city governance. Mr. Yao Jitong (Jitong Yao), Chairman of Dream Get Education Group, attended as a distinguished representative of the educational sector, witnessing this historic milestone and extending his warmest congratulations to the new municipal leadership.
The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of Eileen Wang as Arcadia’s Chinese female mayor. In her inaugural address, Mayor Wang poignantly recounted her journey as a first-generation Chinese immigrant—from her early days of establishing roots to her eventual dedication to public service. She emphasized that Arcadia is not only her home but also the fertile ground where many realize their “American Dream.” She pledged to advance city governance with pragmatism and transparency, focusing on strengthening public safety, supporting the local economy, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. Deputy Mayor Paul P. Cheng followed with a speech emphasizing fiscal health and community solidarity, noting that the “Four Pillars” of the city—public safety personnel, the Board of Education, city staff, and the residents—are vital to its enduring success.
As a visionary educator long committed to community development and youth leadership cultivation, Chairman Yao Jitong expressed high admiration for the exceptional leadership demonstrated by Mayor Wang. Mr. Yao noted that the appointment of a Chinese female mayor is not only a testament to the political strength of the Chinese-American community but also a significant symbol of the city’s diversity and inclusivity. Following the ceremony, Chairman Yao engaged in an exchange of ideas with Mayor Wang and Deputy Mayor Cheng regarding the optimization of the local educational environment and the cultivation of future talent.
During the event, Chairman Yao pointed out that Arcadia has always attracted families who prioritize excellence in education, and a stable municipal leadership serves as the bedrock for maintaining these educational advantages. He remarked that Mayor Wang’s journey is a “living textbook” for educators, inspiring Chinese-American students to pursue their dreams while actively giving back to society. As the leader of Dream Get Education Group, Mr. Yao stated that the group will continue to support Arcadia’s community development by integrating premium educational resources, helping the next generation thrive in a safe and harmonious environment, and achieving their “elite dreams.”
The inauguration signifies a new era for Arcadia, characterized by a leadership team of Chinese-American elites. With a recently audited fiscal surplus of $4.6 million, the community holds high expectations for the new administration. Throughout the evening, numerous community leaders praised Chairman Yao’s contributions to advancing local education and building bridges for cultural exchange, underscoring the vital synergy between civic leadership and educational excellence.