Cheng runs for City Council
Arcadia resident Paul Cheng, who moved with his mother to a home on Wistaria Avenue more than six years ago when his father died while his parents were living in San Marino, held a media event Saturday, December 12, at the shopping area on the northwest corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Duarte Road next to El Pollo Loco to announce that he is running for Arcadia City Council in the April election (4 1/2-minute video highlights below).
The 33-year-old Pasadena attorney, who was born in Taiwan and moved when he was an infant to Anaheim Hills, where he was rasied for most of his life, says he is concerned about rising crime in Arcadia, and a lack of strict monitoring of child molestors living in town.
He also says there needs to be a more thorough crackdown on businesses that are not paying taxes and that the City needs to be more efficient and responsible with its spending.
Cheng, who says he does not want the campaign for three of five available Council seats to focus on the Asian race and culture of several of the candidates versus the others who are Caucasian, was introduced at his event by several council people from area cities such as Monterey Park, Rosemead, and Walnut, with others from South Pasadena and a representative from Sheriff Lee Baca’s office coming to support Cheng’s candidacy, as you’ll see in the video below.
Loading ...
We locate the 
If Paul Cheng says he doesn’t want his candidacy to focus on Asian vs Caucasion candidates, why is every single person highlighted on this video ASIAN?
Common, Paul. Are you truly concerned about the welfare of Arcadia? Or is your real agenda to promote yourself and your recently-launched law practice?
Editor’s note: This comment was submitted under a false/invalid e-mail address, therefore anonymous.
If i remember correctly, Mr. Paul Cheng was on the Arcadia Channel a few months back defending a massage parlor in Arcadia that was shut down for prostitution. Our council members presented comments and evidence from customers of the “massage parlor” admitting it was a brothel…Please Paul, how can you go on camera and say you want to reduce crime and make our city safer if you’re defending brothels and promoting prostitution in Arcadia.
I absolutely agree with Maria Foley. Paul says that this upcoming election is not an Asian-vs-Caucasian election. Yet, almost all of the speakers above are Asian. What surprised me the most was 00:20 seconds into the video, one of Paul’s campaign supporters emphasized the Asian population and the three Chinese candidates running for council. What does the demographics of our community have anything to do with the campaign? Does it matter what the ethnicity of the council candidates are? Im offended that the Cheng team would try and split the Arcadia community in two.
Dear Maria:
Someone sent me this page and I wanted to thank you for your comments. I am so happy that you brought to light a very serious issue.
The key to a better Arcadia is having all races come together and to effectuate the interests of all Arcadians. I was VERY concerned that at the last press conference it was one homogenous group.
That must change.
That must change because Arcadia is not one race or social group. That must change because that which divides us is much less than that which unites us.
When I was a prosecutor I didn’t pick and choose color, sex, sexual orientation, etc. WRONG is WRONG.
And in this case, a separation of the races (even if it is not intentional) is WRONG. The press conference was mainly for Chinese press. However, your words make sense in light of how it looked.
Over the next few months I hope I can sit down with people of other backgrounds and get to know them.
It is my hope that at the next press conference it is not filled with one type or group of people.
Maria, I hope that you will be willing to stop by the office and meet me.
Your words are piercing. I hope that everyone that reads your post really thinks about their views of race, as I am, while responding.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. It really shows you care about Arcadia. And I hope that I will have the opportunity to serve you one day.
Very Respectfully Yours,
Paul Cheng
Dear Karen:
Indeed, I was defending a massage parlor for being shut down. The reason it was shut down was because Arcadia has a city ordinance that says that massages cannot be the primary business. (As a former Deputy City Attorney I agree with such ordinances because they are made to prevent prostitution).
I defended the massage parlor because they were being shut down although another was allowed to remain open. The first massage parlor actually advertised on Craigslist as a massage parlor. When the investigators came to check on him the business was (conveniently) closed — it should be noted the inspections occurred during regular working hours. The owner admitting that he placed those Craigslist ads. He was allowed to remain open.
My client never advertised on the internet. She was investigated twice and the acupuncturist, both times, was not in. Code Enforcement admitted that any time there was a violation my client attempted to correct them. The City Council presented evidence that people had posted online that it was a brothel. No one verified who these “people” were. Essentially, there were anonymous postings. Furthermore, I was quite stunned that the City Council even knew where to go find these websites.
My argument was simple. Either you close all massage parlors that violate the law or you leave them open. You should not pick and choose based on vague rationale. That sets a dangerous precedent.
My argument remains unchanged. As stated earlier, I know why we have those laws. But if we have those laws, why should some be allowed to dance around it? Why even have laws in the first place?
We need a City Council that is focused on enforcing the law, not create exceptions to them. That was the main point of my argument, not defend a house of prostitution.
Karen: it would be illogical for anyone to want a brothel in their community. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your passion is exciting because it shows that in Arcadia, people really care about the community. This energy creates the synergy that will make Arcadia into an even better place! Thank you for being part of it.
Don’t throw around the phrase “change” and “hope”. We have all heard enough about “change” during the last presidential election. Speaking of presidential elections, presidential candidates are required to be residents for 14 years. It would not make sense for someone to run a community that he hasn’t been a part of. I read in the short introduction above that he has only lived in Arcadia for 6 years. How can he possibly have enough experience and knowledge to run Arcadia as a councilman? I question the qualifications and experience of this candidate. What has he done for our community…what has he done for Arcadia?
Dear Concerned Arcadia Resident:
Thank you for your post. I think your point is valid. Some recommend using politics to increase their business. In fact, I have seen many Councilmen in their respective cities use City Council as a platform to increase business.
You can always do some research on our firm. Here is one trial I recently did. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/09/prweb1398134.htm.
You can also stop by the firm anytime you want.
In regards to your comment, I have been in business for over 3 years. If you consider 3+ years a “recently-launched law practice” I guess you are right.
Our firm is running on all cylinders. We have to make lots of sacrifices (financially) to run for office. But I am happy to do so if it betters the community.
Thanks for posting. Your concern is absolutely valid and should be addressed for any candidate.
Arcadia is going down the tubes. These new residents are killing us. They don’t know how to speak English. Before they came Arcadia was a safe place. Go back to where you came from !
Paul, i don’t care about the legalities of that case or whether one “massage parlor” stays open and others don’t. I care for the well-being of Arcadia. WRONG IS WRONG! The fact is, that after our council and code enforcement(paid for by OUR tax dollars) presented evidence from their investigation that the massage parlor you were defending was a brothel, you still chose to defend them. Can you honestly tell me that you are truly putting Arcadia first? Or your own financial gain. Im disgusted that you would chose to defend a whore house in YOUR own city.
You will understand why i must remain anonymous. Hearing you talk about Arcadia the way you are upsets me. How can you disrespect and deny Arcadia law enforcement officers of their efforts. Rather than acknowledging APD and suggesting improvements, you chose to make remarks about how dangerous our city is and how residents refuse to leave their houses without fear of being robbed and stabbed. Thank You for on our efforts. You don’t and will never know what it’s like to put your life on the line and serve Arcadia. You will never know the stress we feel when we make a simple traffic stop. You will never know how it feels to do your job knowing there’s a chance you might not go home to your family. Im sorry sir, but i can’t help but feel disrespected.
Dear “Karen”:
Any assumption that this business was a “whore house” is completely unfounded.
That would be like someone saying to you that you really are not “Karen Lin” because someone online said so but using “Karen Lin” as a pseudo name to make outlandish statements.
What is clear is that the first business violated the law, yet they were let go. That is what was clear.
The issue then becomes whether creating exceptions are acceptable in light of municipal code violations. I would say that it is not.
We asked for consistency. Unfortunately, that did not occur.
As a side note, I represented the person pro bono. That means that I did not charge for my representation. As such, I believe the assertions being made are emotionally charged.
But thank you for your email. I hope your energy can be directed to making Arcadia an even greater place. City Council meetings occur every other Tuesday. It would be great if you could come and voice your concerns.
Dear Officer:
I agree that suggestions that need to be made on how to combat the issues that all Arcadians face: safety.
And I totally agree that police officers put themselves on the line.
Studies show that police officers actually have a 10 year less life span than the general public.
So for those that believe the aforementioned is mad for no reason; he/she is justified. Men and women in uniform put themselves out there so that we do not have to.
Nonetheless, a short clip of one conference is not the entire position of a candidate.
For those that cannot understand why the Officer is angry and should be more sensitive to Arcadians’ concerns know that when I used to work with those in uniform I ALWAYS told them one thing: their safety is of the utmost concern. I have rarely met a police officer that has not met a crazy person at a traffic stop.
As a side note, I wanted to suggest to all citizens what one could do to help our officers at a traffic stop. IF you are stopped by a police do the following:
1. DO NOT stop in the middle of the street.
2. DO NOT stop your car where the police officer cannot choose what window to go to.
3. DO NOT reach for your wallet
4. DO turn on your interior lights (if at night)
5. DO try to park on a side street with little traffic.
6. DO open up your windows
7. DO put your hands on the steering wheel.
8. DO put your hands on the headrest in front of you if you are in the backseat.
9. DO be respectful — they are not out to get you. The officers especially do not like giving tickets. It is a necessary evil so that people don’t get run over.
* 10. DO thank the police when you see them. It does make their day.
Excellent post. Thank you for your hard work. Happy Holidays.
Criticism will always be there. We just have way more avenues now to get it in front of many people.
Sometimes you just need to step away and wait. See what he is going to do, then decide if he is doing a good job or not.
Haters will hate…and there is plenty going at either side. Best not to focus on it all. I’d rather wait and see on things. If he fails, then at least I know I gave him a chance….
If he succeeds…then I’m sure plenty will still talk badly of him. Comes with the job.
I just saw the signs for Paul Cheng, I am interested to see how this race will go as the postings show ardent discontent with the candidate(s). We do have free speech, like the most recent post indicated, there will be people who find fault in everything- that goes with everything. Skepticism is important as it keeps us in check and holds politicians responsible to their constituents.
It’d be great to see this guy overcome the impressions people may have of him. It’s not as though Arcadia is “bad neighborhood,” the people who don’t like it should bring up what they want changed to their city. I don’t know much about this Paul Cheng candidate, but at least he speaks his mind and fights for a better community. Good luck man, it’s never easy to be in the spotlight and politics can be a platform to do good, but along with it comes scrutiny.
I am a white woman, 66 years old. I’ve lived in Arcadia for 43 years, I still remember the racist attitudes I saw. Many people spoke recently of how much Paul’s campaign means to the Asian community. Yes, indeed it does. But it also means a lot to us whites, hispanics, Latinos. It means a lot to everyone who has seen or experienced prejudice in any form.
It means Arcadia is finally beginning to walk its talk, to live what it has professed to believe, that all people are created equal, that everyone has the chance to succeed, that, no matter what your race, gender or economic background, you can become part of it.
Mr. Cheng helps me to believe that even with the hate-speak, acrimony and divisiveness that perhaps there IS really someone who’s still willing to put himself in the spotlight and try to make a change.
Mr. Cheng:
As with past City Council elections, the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association has always allowed candidates who desire to address our membership the opportunity to present their views and position in a question and answer forum. I am sure that if you contact the APOA President, Troy Hernandez, you and other candidates will be afforded this opportunity. As a member of the APOA PAC, I look forward to hearing your comments, as well as comments from all other City Council candidates.
I’ve lived in Arcadia for 39 years. My children and my grandchildren were all raised and schooled in Arcadia. This city has been our hometown for many years and we love seeing it grow. Now, i believe change is vital to a growing and thriving community and i also agree with the points that Cheng mentioned above…but i get the impression he’s just like every other politician. I’m afraid he’s far too young and inexperienced to be a councilman. He’s only 33 years old…younger than both my sons. It’s probably safe to say that he’s only been out of college for 7 or 8 years. He’s too inexperienced and still has many life lessons to learn. I’ve been told that Cheng is also unmarried and without children. What does he know about family values in Arcadia? What kind of experience does he have with raising kids in Arcadia and putting them through the Arcadia school system? I’ve never even hard the name Paul Cheng before. Perhaps it’s because he hasn’t been around long enough to do much for Arcadia. Please don’t take this comment the wrong way; Mr. Cheng sounds like an upstanding Arcadia citizen and i applaud him for that. I’m glad someone as young as him is eager to make Arcadia better. But he still has a lot to learn about life. Maybe you can start a family here and learn to love Arcadia like we do. God bless you Paul.
I think being a political leader has more to do with a clear insight of the future prospectives,improvements,progress and understanding the responsibilities better.It has nothing to do with the age but if one is a good leader,motivator,one who understand his/her responsibilities better,good team player and a true person who can inspire the entire city to do good can be a leader irrepective of the age.Nevertheless,the younger enthusiasts should be given a fair chance to prove themselves.In Arcadia City Council, I believe young blood is needed.
Mr. Cheng,I know the right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character. You should be proud of what you are doing. Remenber–a politician looks forward only to the next election; A statesman looks forward to the next generation. Dont back down!!
I agree with Mr. Bingham. Being old and having children are not what makes for a good politician. We need a city councilman who cares about our community’s well being and have his own opinions and stick to them.
What he said about the sex offenders did give me a scare however whether we like it or not, these sex offenders exist. Would you rather be aware or concealed? I guess it is always difficult to impose strict rules and do the unconventional. I’m less interested in finding a candidate who is trying to ride the waves of public opinion than I am in finding a candidate who will stand up for what he believes in.
I think there is a need for change – A change that would bring an out-of-the-box perspective to accomplishing goals for our community. Paul Cheng excelled in his schooling so I believe he can make a difference. He appears to be a good citizen who is respectful of the law. I hope we can encourage more young people to run for office to strengthen Arcadia’s ability to be pro-active and forward thinking in its approach.
hello Mr.cheng. we are students from Arcadia High School. Week ago we went to Mr.cheng’s office in arcaida to volenteer, and he was really nice to us. shacking our hands and told us alot story when he was young. and he also told us how he will lead arcadia to nicer and better. and we, the next generation want live nicer and better and that’s why we need a person who has great personality and great leadership. and that’s why we need you paul cheng!!!
Mr. Cheng, you seem to have a lot of enthusiasm and truly want to do good by the people. I have an impression of all politicians being skilled truth stretchers, power-hungry, egotistical individuals. I hope you don’t get sucked into the political limelight and forget what you started out to do. Myriad politicians began with good intentions, but the power and fame changed them and their intentions. If you are elected, keep speaking and acting for the people and not the pocketbooks of the wealthy. Maybe we need some fresh ideas for our city instead of the same old traditional ones. Never be too comfortable, always strive for improvement. Hope you can fill that role as you seem to be the most open of all city council candidates to hear the people and do something for us.