As the United States goes to war with Iraq and the threat of retaliatory terrorist attacks raised the national threat level to High Risk Orange, the cities of Monrovia and Arcadia are prepared for the worst. City officials are talking about emergency response. The city has developed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where representatives from all city departments can gather to organize and respond to any emergency.
Arcadia Fire Department received Fire Engine No. 343 from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). The number is significant and it has been specially dedicated by the state to the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who died on September 11, 2001.
Emergency response officials from around Los Angeles County gathered at the Arboretum for a workshop on disaster preparedness, especially to prepare for the outbreak of a pandemic flu.
Arcadia Methodist Hospital staff have a drill to practice responding to a dirty bomb detonation, imagining a scenario in which terrorists explode a bomb with radioactive material at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale.
A package of new and increased city service fees designed to eliminate a potential budget shortfall will take effect on September 1, 2008. The higher fees are expected to bring Arcadia nearly $512,000 in the new fiscal year, by increases in fire services, swim classes, business licenses, plan checks and library services.
Arcadia held its 7th annual Law Day on Saturday, May 14, 2005. About 230 people attended this year-twice as many as last year. Lawyer and former Arcadia mayor Gary A. Kovacic founded the event and planned it in conjunction with the Arcadia Chinese Association.
A memorial service was held at Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church to honor the life of Liya Lu, a 31-year old native of China who was killed in August and put in a trashcan in Arcadia. Her boyfriend Isaac Campbell is a suspect.
Arcadia Unified School District and the city are collaborating on a $150,000 effort to open a youth center at the Arcadia High School cafeteria and extend school library hours for after school hours. This would take some afternoon pressure off the Arcadia Public Library.
New City Manager Don Penman will promote Public Works Services Director Pat Malloy to the Assistant City Manager position and will promote Community Development Administrator Jason Kruckeberg to the job of Development Services Director. The City Council still needs to approve these appointments.
Arcadia City Council has approved $55,000 to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce for services such as providing information on the city to brokers, real estate agents, merchants, business people, new residents, and the general public. The Chamber prepares a monthly community calendar, a business hotline, a newsletter, an annual Civic Directory, a bi-annual map and a business directory. The city also lets the Chamber use the building they're in for no charge.
The Reverand Roger Sonnenberg of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Arcadia led an Easter sunrise service Sunday at Wilderness Park. The outdoor service has been an annual tradition for more than 40 years.
Arcadia's Paramedic Membership Program continues to accept enrollments from both Arcadia residents and businesses. For $42/year ($40 if paid in lump sum), all permanent residents of a member's household or permanent employees of a business in the city will receive emergency paramedic ambulance transportation without direct cost. The subscription program was first offered to Arcadia residents and businesses on December 1, 1994.
Methodist Hospital expects an increase in the number of emergency patients using its facilities because of the closure of the emergency room at Santa Teresita Hospital in Duarte.
Arcadia city officials have approved across-the-board fee increases that are expected to generate $500,000 in revenue this year. Parking tickets will go up from an average of $40 to $50. Other fees going up include building permits, towing fees, business license fees, water, street, and engineering services.
Cities of Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia are seeking funding for fire training from the federal government (FEMA). They want to establish a training facility on federal property in Arcadia near the 210 Freeway and Santa Anita Avenue.