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Ben Zhang hosting Arcadia Unified School Board campaign kickoff event on Feb. 17
Ben Zhang. | Courtesy photo
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Jordan Green
jgreen@beaconmedianews.com
Ben Zhang, who is seeking a position on the Arcadia Unified School Board of Directors, is hosting a campaign kickoff event today. Located at the Meizhou Dongpo restaurant on 400 S. Baldwin Ave., the event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. and will conclude with a dinner at 6 p.m.
Zhang is a business owner, project manager and community volunteer in Arcadia. He currently manages a senior living facility, works with local non-profits such as the Arcadia Police Foundation and American Red Cross, along with establishing several developments throughout San Gabriel Valley.
At the age of 15, Ben took on a role in local political campaigns, volunteering for numerous city council and state senate candidates. In September 2021, Ben was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Arcadia Police Foundation, where he has worked with law enforcement to improve public safety and reinstitute the Arcadia K-9 unit.
“Our school district has failed families and teachers alike in its response to the COVID-19 epidemic. Parents, students, and teachers are frustrated by an inefficient testing policy, confusing rules, and a lack of distancelearning options,” Zhang said. “In addition to engaging more with parents and our community, we must acknowledge and tackle the mental health crisis in our schools in order to foster a safe environment for our students.”
There are five distinct focuses that Zhang plans to attack if he becomes a member of the Board of Directors. Those include • Improve our district’s COVID-19 response, including: a more efficient testing policy, better distancelearning options and more flexibility for students • Keep an open dialogue and foster a collaborative environment with parents and our community • Implement a districtwide focus on student mental health awareness • Collaborate with local police and law enforcement personnel to make student and campus safety a top priority • Ensure Arcadia Unified stays one of the top districts in the country
So far, he has received several endorsement from local officials, including 55th Assemblyman Phillip Chen, Arcadia Mayor Sho Tay, Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem Paul Cheng and the Chairwoman of the Chinese American Federation Phoebe Chen.
The gathering is free for all to attend, as Zhang’s campaign staff will be handing out contributor information sheets in which attendees will be able to donate to his campaign.
Arcadia citizens will be able to vote for the open Board spot during the Primary Election on June 7.
Community rallying so Pasadena youth can thrive amidst pandemic
Louis Prejean
lprejean@beaconmedianews.com
AGoFundMe fundraiser to help the The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena has raised over $6,600 of its $10,000 goal.
“Ranging from learning loss to increased mental health issues to lack of social stimulation, pandemic recovery has become the urgent, dedicated focus of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena,” said the page’s organizer.
The Pasadena Boys & Girls Clubs shared what they are doing to meet the need of the community: • Offer every Club member academic support, including tutoring weekly for kids in need. Over 30 tutors have provided thousands of minutes tutoring Club members since the pandemic began. • Pair every middle school and teen member with a mentor, who checks in with them daily and provides critical emotional and mental health supports.
• Offer a safe, hands-on space for kids to discover, play, and explore, like by climbing the rock wall and making fun and messy art.
According to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena, the funds will be used for highimpact academic programs, including tutoring, and for emotional and mental health supports for all members.
OpenX, an independent ad exchange network for publishers and demand partners, recently agreed to match $5,000 towards the campaign if it reaches its $10,000 goal.
Visit here if you are interested in making a donation or sharing the fundraiser online.
