Disaster planning, incorporated in Arcadia's Master Plan, is now being polished for final approval. Contingency plans are designed for fire, earthquake, plane crash, etc.
Don Alcorn, a 20-year veteran of the Arcadia Police Department, has been named to the new post of Emergency Services Coordinator by the Arcadia City Council. Alcorn's job is to prepare an emergency plan that will cover any aspect of any possible disaster, from earthquake to fire to nuclear disaster.
The much-discussed ordinance governing types of roofs that can be used in Arcadia will be given a second reading at council meeting of August 17 and become effective 30 days later. Ordinance divides city into two zones: hazardous fire area in foothills and non-hazardous in lowlands.
New roofs and additions or alterations involving 50% of the total square footage of the roof must conform to Class A standards for buildings in hazardous fire areas, the foothill areas. Home owners in non-hazardous fire areas will be allowed use of either Class A or Class B roofing materials. In addition, alterations or repairs involving 25% or less of a roof area may use any existing material. The Council gave final approval by a three to one vote. (See 1603AN for correction.)
Newcastle, Australia will help celebrate Arcadia's Diamond Jubilee with a band concert and party. It is hoped that Arcadia Park, in Newcastle, will be ready in time for a dedication in September.
Newcastle, Australia will help celebrate Arcadia's Diamond Jubilee with a band concert and party. It is hoped that Arcadia Park, in Newcastle, will be ready in time for a dedication in September.
Local 280 of the Parimutuel Guild of California voted not to strike Santa Anita Park on opening day. The track had made contingency plans in preparation for the threatened strike but the clerks endorsed the proposed contract raising clerks pay at satellite wagering sites.
A dozen city management officials attended the California Specialized Training Institute's five-day course on earthquake preparedness. Plans call for all of the city's 46 management employees to complete the course by the end of the year.
Arcadia is in the process of developing a comprehensive hillside building code to cover the integrity of the hillsides as well as safety from fires, mud slides, etc.
A surprise disaster drill gave the police and fire departments and the Methodist Hospital a valuable exercise. Arcadia High School drama students portrayed the victims.
The Board of Education has authorized a study of the district's Personnel Division. The $5000 study will include recommendations for organization and staffing as well as a procedure manual.
The City Council will consider two urgent ordinances December 21: 1. Setting hillside building standards. 2. Permitting a special earthquake study of the Raymond Fault which runs beneath Foothills Junior High School.
By a 6 to 1 vote the Planning Commission on May 24 approved a new zone: R-M (single-family mountainous residential). The proposed ordinance will need to go before the City Council for adoption.
The Fire Department has a new, green $150,000 fire engine on loan from the California Office of Emergency Services. It is specially equipped to handle large brush fires.
The Planning Commission and ultimately the City Council are going to have a very difficult time prohibiting further lot splits in areas where splits were OK'd before the present laws limiting this practice.