The second annual Arcadia Education Foundation "Connect to the Future" telethon will be on March 6. It is believed to be the only student-produced telethon in America.
Three firefighters and a fire technician will be laid off February 1 in the latest cost-cutting move in the city's five-year struggle to balance the budget.
Seven firefighters were injured in Arcadia house fire on White Oak Drive. The Arcadia Fire Department (AFD) required assistance from Monrovia, Sierra Madre, El Monte, and Los Angeles County. Six from AFD were treated at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. The seventh firefighter, from Sierra Madre Fire Department, remained hospitalized in stable condition at St. Luke's Hospital in Pasadena. The house sustained extensive loss. Nearby residents wondered if the AFD needed so much help from outside fire departments because of recent cuts to the AFD.
During last Tuesday's City Council meeting, Council member Robert Harbicht accused Arcadia Firefighters of opposing April's Measure A in order to hurt the city's financial position to the extent that the city consolidates the Fire Department with Los Angeles County.
The new 11,700 square foot fire station in West Arcadia will house three separate areas for dormitories and locker and dressing rooms, making recruitment of female firefighters easier.
A roof collapsed on top of firefighters battling an intense blaze at 122 White Oaks Drive Sunday, pinning two firefighters to the ground and injuring four others who rushed in to rescue them.
The preliminary design for the Arcadia Historical Museum has been approved by the city council but more money is still needed to build the museum. Fundraising will be done by the Arcadia Historical Society.
The Arcadia Educational Foundation conducts fundraising efforts that enhance opportunities for students. Scholarships were awarded to five seniors and money was presented to AUSD.
The Arcadia and Monrovia fire departments have merged dispatch services, earning Arcadia $60,000 the first year and $80,000 a year in subsequent years.