Article discusses severe budget and staff cuts at the Arboretum. Since 1975 the staff has been cut by 40 percent. The most recent county budget cut another $250,000 from the department.
George Watts has been named city manager of Arcadia. Watts discusses areas of concern: finances, redevelopment, senior housing. Biographical notes included.
The Les Brown Band of Renown will perform at the annual Picnic Concert at the Arboretum. Brown is back by popular demand due to the overwhelming success of last year's concert.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed an ordinance lifting a 25-year-old ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at County botanical gardens, including the Arboretum in Arcadia.
The proposed $1.2 million in program cuts will affect almost everyone in the Arcadia Unified School District. Discussed here is the recommended 47% reduction in support services staff, including counselors and nurses.
Preparations for the sixth annual Health Fair to be held at the Santa Anita Fashion Park mall are discussed. Numerous local community organizations will be participating.
Beginning on January 25, Tony Bristol, owner of the Texaco station at 529 East Live Oak Ave., will have gasohol for sale. Bristol believes his is the first station in Arcadia to offer gasohol.
The Arcadia school board has passed a tentative 1982-83 budget of $18.5 million. Budget discussions will continue throughout the summer, with final adoption before the beginning of the fall term.
The John Panatier Nature Center at Arcadia's Wilderness Park houses a wide variety of display: stuffed and live animals, rocks and minerals, etc. Programs offered at the Center are discussed.
A shuttle service with Chinese-speaking drivers will begin in November between San Gabriel Valley, including Arcadia, and the LA International Airport.
Declining enrollment over the past few years has hurt the Arcadia school system financially, since income is based on attendance. The 1984-85 budget totals over $20 million. Last year the school district went $300,000 over budget. Cuts will have to be made to accommodate the finances for the upcoming school year, but they will mainly be made in areas outside the classroom.
The Board of Education has begun deliberations on cutting programs to match the $1.2 million in budget cuts that must be made. Sixty teachers may be terminated. Other possible program cuts are discussed.
The Atlantic Richfield Company has contributed $25,000 to the Arboretum to ensure resumption of several programs cut with the passage of Proposition 13.