【ANN NEWS, LOS ANGELES】
The Arcadia Chinese Association（ACA）in Southern California held its 2026–2027 presidential and board installation ceremony on the evening of August 7 at the Arcadia Community Center.
Tao Peng officially took office as the association’s new president, leading the ACA into the new term under the theme of “Connect, Communicate, Collaborate,” with plans to further strengthen community services and promote dialogue and cooperation among diverse ethnic communities.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu attended the ceremony and administered the oath of office to Peng and the new board members, joining attendees in marking the Arcadia Chinese Association’s 44th year.
Arcadia Mayor Paul Cheng led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and presented certificates of appreciation to outgoing board members, recognizing their service and contributions to the association and the community over the past year. Vice Mayor David Fu, newly elected District 3 City Councilmember John Han, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto and others also attended the ceremony.
More than 100 people gathered for the event, including representatives from the Arcadia Police Department, Fire Department, school district, Chamber of Commerce and community nonprofit organizations, as well as longtime ACA sponsors, board members and community supporters, to witness the new board take office.
Peng succeeds Elizabeth Lau, who served as president for the 2025–2026 term. Under the annual theme of “Respect, Resilience, Responsibility,” Lau led the association in continuing a range of community service initiatives. During the ceremony, she and the outgoing board members received certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the ACA and the Arcadia community over the past year.
Peng has been actively involved in ACA affairs for many years, having served multiple terms as secretary-general and vice president, giving him extensive experience in the association’s operations and community services. Most members of the new board will continue serving, while two new members have joined, bringing new energy to the organization.
In the new term, the ACA will make “Connect, Communicate, Collaborate” the central focus of its work, further strengthening ties with the city government, public safety agencies, school district, business community, nonprofit organizations and diverse ethnic communities to bring together more community resources.
The association will also continue to organize annual programs including Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year celebrations, Law Day, twice-yearly electronic waste recycling events, and appreciation events for police officers and firefighters, serving Arcadia residents through concrete action.
“Together, we can better serve Arcadia and our community,” Peng said.
With the new board officially taking office, preparations are also underway for the ACA’s annual charity gala, scheduled for December 6 at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia. The association warmly invites members of the community to attend, build connections and come together in support of the ACA’s charitable and community service initiatives for the new term.
ANN NEWS reporter reporting from Arcadia.
