Grace Clark has retired after more than 21 years with the Arcadia Public Library. She was City Librarian for a number of years and has been head of the Technical Services Department for the past 15 years.
Fire Chief Gene Mahoney has been placed on indefinite leave of absence without pay. Since Mahoney came to Arcadia in 1973, the Fire Department has been prey to internal tension. Bob Dick has been named acting Chief.
With the tax base increase having been approved by the voters on April 15, both Unions representing teachers in Arcadia presented new contract terms to the School Board.
Arcadia Paramedics have been asked to assist in field training of paramedic trainees from PCC. The Fire Chief said that there is great reluctance to do so, but agreed that Arcadia Paramedics received their training from Los Angeles County and Beverly Hills Fire Departments and should repay this service by helping new trainees.
Biographical profile of Helen Lawrence, who retired May 1977 from the Arcadia Public Library after almost 21 years, the last 10 of which were as head of the Circulation Department.
Fire Chief Gene Mahoney, with City Council approval, is instituting an apprentice fireman program, in which the men will take training classes at PCC while actually employees of the Arcadia Fire Department.
Thirty-two first year teachers and various administrators have received notices that they may not be rehired. If a revenue increase fails in the April 1975 election, Arcadia will be $1 million short.
Both the teachers and the Arcadia Board of Education ratified an existing contract, with some changes agreed upon by all involved. Salaries were excluded from discussion due to Prop. 13. The contract extends through June 30, 1980.
Bruce Polay has been named the new conductor of the Arcadia High School orchestra. The 28 year old teacher had been teaching at Long Beach High School.
Arcadia Fire Capt. Jerry Broadwell died when a roof collapsed during a commercial blaze in Arcadia Wednesday. See VF "Broadwell, Jerry (1928-1975)" for a hard copy.
The Arcadia Teachers Association (ATA) as an affiliate of the California Teachers Association and the NEA was for many years considered the bulwark of professionalism in Arcadia. Now the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has gained important inroads.
Fire Chiefs of 19 Foothill cities met this spring and have worked out a strike force plan for more efficient fire fighting. Since the dry conditions make this potentially the worst fire season since 1920, this could mean great savings. A strike force will consist of 5 units directed by a team leader.
Lyle W. Alberg has been chosen City Manager from more than 100 applicants. He has had more than 20 years experience in city government and will assume the post vacated by Lyman Cozad as of January 1, 1978.