Arcadia mayor sworn in as League of California Cities division president

Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao became the next board president for the League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division after a ceremony Thursday at Santa Anita Park.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Arcadia on the Division’s Board of Directors and appreciate the chance to lead as President,” Cao said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the other cities in the Division to make the organization an even stronger voice for the cities we represent.”

Cao was sworn in as president of the division after serving on its Executive Board. He was elected to the Arcadia City Council in 2022.

At the swearing-in ceremony U.S. Army Deputy Under Secretary Mario Diaz delivered remarks, and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger administered the oath of office to Cao and the entire panel of Executive Board officers. County Assessor Jeff Prang and Sheriff Robert Luna also spoke at the event.

“We are pleased to install Michael as our Division President and know his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the Division in the coming year,” LA County Division Executive Director Jennifer Quan said in a statement. “His leadership in Los Angeles County is important to advancing the strategic priorities of Cal Cities and of cities throughout the state.”

Cao, a medical doctor with a specialty in cardiology, “is a longtime public servant … (who) has spent his life in service of others,” according to a city statement that noted Cao’s experience leading a Critical Care Airlift Team in the U.S. Air Force and providing medical care for his patients.

Public safety issues top Cao’s policy agenda.

He opposes “zero bail,” which refers to the county’s decision last year to eliminate cash bail for nonviolent crimes.

“In 2023, Arcadia joined numerous cities in opposing the implementation of the zero bail schedule in Los Angeles County,” according to the city statement. “Arcadia maintains that this schedule, which eliminates cash bail for nonviolent crimes, does not prioritize public safety and is harmful due to its one-size-fits-all approach. Mayor Cao supports revisions to the bail schedules that discourage reoffenders and restore the full capacity of the justice system.”

Cao also supports the efforts of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force. 

“With a major mall in its borders, Arcadia understands firsthand the devastating impacts of smash-and-grab incidents,” city officials said. “Mayor Cao has been vocal about supporting the efforts of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force through Cal Cities and the Arcadia Police Department … (and) maintains the need for an aggressive response to retail crime that better protects the public and California retailers.”

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is also legislation Cao and Arcadia council members support.

“Mayor Cao will continue to back smart legislative reforms that address unintended consequences (of Proposition 47) and hold repeat offenders accountable,” officials said.

The LA County Division, comprised of 85 municipalities, is the largest of the League of California Cities’ 16 regional divisions. 

“Elected city officials and professional city staff attend division meetings throughout the year to share what they are doing and advocate for their interests in Sacramento and regionally,” according to the city statement. “The Division strives to provide its members with information and resources to assist in providing high-quality service to cities and residents.”

More information on the LA County Division and Executive Board is online at calcities.org/los-angeles-county-division.

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