Arson is suspected in a $150,000 fire that gutted a brand new office building at 411 South First Avenue on September 11. The building housed the law offices of Pike, Wilson and Cosso.
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.
Arcadia Methodist Hospital is seeking approval from the California Department of Health for a $15 million building program. Included would be a 3-story addition to house emergency services, remodeling, and a parking structure.
The Arboretum was awarded a $25,000 emergency grant from the Institute of Museum Services. The funds will be used to repair the damage that occurred during a windstorm in February.
Arcadia firemen warned local residents to be particularly concerned with fire dangers in the wake of a garage fire that did $40,000 damage at 231 Carolwood Drive, threatening nearby homes and brush-covered hillsides.
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.
The Arcadia Police Department's non-emergency business telephone numbers have been changed to the following: Front desk, 570-5150; Administrative offices, 574-5178; Investigation division, 574-5160. The change is due to the switch to Pacific Bell Centrex System which gives priority to emergency services in the event of an emergency.
The City Council, in emergency session, cancelled its contract with City Refuse Service and awarded an emergency contract for 90 days to Best Disposal Co. of Monrovia.
Chief wants new fire station built. After a year of study using computer technology, Arcadia Fire Chief Jerry Gardner has recommended to the City Council that a fourth fire station be built in vicinity of Sixth and Live Oak Avenues.
Photograph of Mayor Don Pellegrino, Fire Chief Jerry Gardner, Arcadia Police Department Capt. Gordon Schneiders going over plans of new emergency dispatch and 9-1-1 communications center during groundbreaking ceremonies held last week.
If the lottery initiative on the November ballot passes, Santa Anita Park race track could go out of business, dragging down with it reserves that the city of Arcadia obtains from the track's handle, according to Robert Sweeney, executive vice president and general manager of the California Thoroughbred Association.
Fine-year-old Kevin Watchler, who lives near the city's main fire station, wrote a letter to the Fire Department prompting a visit at his home be half a dozen firefighters aboard the department's newest engine.
Ordinance governing roofs given first reading by City Council Tuesday night. Following second reading and 30-day waiting period, Arcadians who construct new roofs will be required to use specific fire-retardant materials.