Dear Alhambra Neighbors,
As we welcome the Year of the Snake, I wish you and your families happiness, health, and prosperity. Lunar New Year is more than a celebration — it’s a reflection of the values that unite us: family, hard work, resilience, and looking out for one another. No matter our backgrounds, these values make Alhambra the strong, vibrant community it is.
This year began with challenges. The windstorm and Eaton Canyon fire reminded us how unpredictable life can be, and national events continue to shape the world around us, sometimes in ways that feel overwhelming and uncertain. But here in Alhambra, what matters most is what we share. Regardless of where we come from, what language we speak at home, or how we celebrate the new year, we all desire and deserve the same fundamental things: safe neighborhoods, good schools, clean streets, and responsive local government. These are not political issues — they are community priorities. And when we work together, we make real progress.
Through the difficult couple weeks in the beginning of the year, I was deeply moved by the kindness and resilience of our community. In the days after the windstorm, when I stopped by our local stores to pick up coffee and pastries for our first responders, businesses refused to take my credit card and insisted on donating to the frontline workers who keep us safe. As I visited our City Departments with my council colleagues, I saw first-hand the dedication of our staff, who had stayed overnight on the job. I later learned some had been evacuated with no home to return to, yet they still showed up every day to serve this community. Many of our neighbors volunteered to help at the Pasadena Convention Center and set up donation sites right here in Alhambra for anyone in need. This is who we are. This is the Alhambra spirit — lifting each other up in times of crisis. I am so proud to be part of this incredible community.
As we look ahead, we must continue strengthening our community ties and preparing for future challenges. The windstorm and fires exposed gaps in our emergency response that we need to address so that we minimize potential harm in the future. Events like these remind us that preparedness starts with building strong community ties. Knowing our neighbors and watching out for one another are indispensable. I’m working with my Council colleagues and City staff to improve our preparedness and resilience, but we need your help too.
Get involved:
Join a Neighborhood Watch program – Strengthen community connections and keep our neighborhoods safe. Reach out to your neighbors, introduce yourself, and sign up as a block captain today!
Sign up for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training – Learn life-saving skills to help your family and neighbors in an emergency. Training is available in multiple languages. Call 626-588-2378.
Beyond disaster preparedness, we’re working on many key projects to improve Alhambra:
Strategic Plan – to identify city priorities and allocate resources accordingly.
Expanding Neighborhood Watch Programs – to improve public safety and emergency preparedness.
Traffic Calming Policy – to control speeding and improve pedestrian safety.
Hazard Mitigation Plan – to reduce risks from natural disasters.
ACT Bus System Improvements – to expand the network, improve accessibility and efficiency of our bus system.
Historic Preservation Ordinance – to protect Alhambra’s history and character.
Sustainability Plan – to build a greener, more resilient future.
Stay connected:
Visit our city website (cityofalhambra.org) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Public comment is now easier! You can share your comments or concerns at the start of City Council meetings — no need to wait until the end of the meeting. We want to hear from you.
Have a question or idea? Email me anytime at nwang@alhambraca.org. I’m here to listen.
Lastly, this will be my final Mayor’s Corner until my next term in 2028. While my time as mayor is coming to an end, I remain a dedicated council member and will continue contributing to this newsletter in the years ahead. Let’s work together to keep Alhambra strong, safe, and connected!
