Arcadia, California

Arcadia, California
Name	Arcadia
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label	Arcadia
Coordinates	34, 7, 58, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	California
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Los Angeles
Established title	Founded
Established date	1903
Established title1	Incorporated
Established date1	August 5, 1903
Government type	Council–manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Paul Cheng
Leader title1	Mayor Pro Tem
Leader name1	Michael Cao
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	11.13
Area land sq mi	11.11
Area water sq mi	0.02
Elevation ft	479
Population total	56681
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Pacific
Utc offset	−8
Timezone DST	PDT
Utc offset DST	−7
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	91006–91007
Area code	626
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	06-02462
Blank1 name	GNIS feature IDs
Blank1 info	1652666, 2409758
Website	https://www.arcadiaca.gov/

Arcadia, California. A city in Los Angeles County, Arcadia is situated in the San Gabriel Valley region of the Greater Los Angeles area. Incorporated in 1903, it is known for the world-famous Santa Anita Park racetrack, the expansive Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and its highly regarded public schools. The city has evolved from its Rancho Santa Anita origins into a affluent residential community with a significant Asian American population.

History

The area was originally part of the Tongva people's territory before becoming part of the Spanish mission system. In 1839, the Rancho Santa Anita land grant was awarded to Hugo Reid by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado of Alta California. The land later passed to Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin, a prominent California Gold Rush entrepreneur, who established a vast ranch and built the Queen Anne Cottage that still stands at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The city was officially incorporated on August 5, 1903, with its development accelerating after the arrival of the Pacific Electric Railway's Yellow Car line. The opening of Santa Anita Park in 1934, founded by Charles H. Strub, cemented the city's identity, though racing was suspended during World War II when the facility was used as the Santa Anita Assembly Center for Japanese American internment.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city encompasses a total area of 11.13 square miles, with the vast majority being land. It is bordered by Pasadena to the west, Sierra Madre to the north, Monrovia to the east, and Temple City and San Marino to the south. The city's topography is relatively flat, lying at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, with the prominent peak of Mount Wilson visible to the north. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden occupies a large portion of the city's eastern side, featuring historical landmarks like the aforementioned Queen Anne Cottage and the Hugo Reid Adobe.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 56,681. The city is notable for its large and influential Asian American community, which constitutes a majority of the population. Major ethnic groups include Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Japanese residents. This demographic shift, particularly since the late 20th century, has significantly influenced the city's culture, commerce, and culinary scene. The median household income is substantially higher than both the California and national averages, contributing to its status as an affluent suburb.

Economy

While primarily a residential community, Arcadia has a strong commercial base anchored by the Westfield Santa Anita shopping mall, one of the largest in the San Gabriel Valley. The city is also the corporate headquarters for several notable companies, including Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Santa Anita Park remains a major economic driver, hosting prestigious horse racing events like the Santa Anita Derby and the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which attract international visitors. The healthcare sector is robust, with institutions like Arcadia Methodist Hospital (part of USC Arcadia Hospital) being a major employer.

Government

Arcadia operates under a council–manager system. The city council consists of five elected members, including a mayor and mayor pro tem, who serve part-time and appoint a professional city manager to oversee daily operations. The city provides police services through the Arcadia Police Department and fire protection through the Los Angeles County Fire Department under contract. Arcadia is represented in the California State Legislature and the United States Congress by members whose districts include the area.

Education

Public education is administered by the Arcadia Unified School District, which is consistently ranked among the top districts in California. Its schools include Arcadia High School, First Avenue Middle School, and several elementary schools such as Highland Oaks Elementary School. The district is known for high academic achievement, particularly in programs like the International Baccalaureate and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The city is also served by branches of the Los Angeles County Public Library system.

Notable people

Many notable individuals have been associated with the city. Famed animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney once had a residence and studio there. Olympic gold medalist and swimmer Janet Evans grew up in Arcadia. The city is the hometown of professional baseball player Mike Montgomery and actress Brenda Song. Fictional characters from the city include the protagonists of the Disney Channel series *The Suite Life of Zack & Cody*, which was set at the fictional Tipton Hotel in Boston but established the characters as being from Arcadia.

Category:Cities in Los Angeles County, California Category:1903 establishments in California Category:Populated places established in 1903