A Message from Mayor Cao - Eaton Fire

To the Arcadia Community,

The past few days have been a harrowing experience for Arcadia and the entire region. From destructive winds and fires to the overwhelming loss and devastation that followed, this has been an unprecedented disaster for much of Los Angeles County. Please know that I stand with you through every moment of this tragic event and my heart goes out to those in our neighboring cities who have lost their homes and loved ones. As we continue to navigate these challenges in the coming days, I want to assure you that we will face this together and emerge stronger as a community.

To Arcadia's first responders and city staff who bravely serve on the front lines of this emergency, I cannot say thank you enough. There are not enough words to express the immense gratitude and appreciation we all feel for those whom, without a second thought, put the safety of our community first. To the Arcadia Firefighters who deployed to the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, working tirelessly to protect lives and save property - we look forward to welcoming you home.

In Arcadia, Public Works Services crews are working around the clock to clear debris and restore our City. Police officers are helping secure evacuation areas and clear roadways, responding to every call for service throughout. Meanwhile, the Community Center and the Library were used to support evacuees, providing a place for respite as well as coordinating donations and transportation to shelter. Emergency response is wholly a team effort, and I am immensely proud of the Arcadia team who remains steadfast in the face of so much adversity. Thank you for keeping our City informed and running smoothly.

To our business community, local organizations, and partners who have stepped forward to provide critical resources with incredible generosity, you represent the very best of Arcadia. A special thank-you to Santa Anita Park, who has served as such a valuable resource for collecting and distributing donations to those in need. Your compassion reminds us of the strength and unity that make our community so extraordinary.

During this incident, the City of Arcadia entered Unified Command, enabling us to harness every available State and Federal resource. Once we transition into recovery, I will work to ensure that Arcadia receives the support and resources necessary to help our community fully recover.

To the residents of Arcadia, your resilience is truly inspiring. From the moment the evacuations were issued, you followed the guidance of our safety officials, prioritizing not only your safety, but the well-being of your neighbors. Through a multi-day power loss, displacement, and constant uncertainty, thank you for your continued patience and support.

In the coming days, let's continue to look out for one another, be kind to our neighbors, and together, we will rise stronger than before.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Cao, Mayor of Arcadia