Arcadia Fire Chief Kurt Norwood announces his retirement. He began his career in Arcadia in March, 1987 as a firefighter. His last day will be July 9. See also Mountain Views News, p. 6, June 18, 2016.
Investigators have concluded that the failure of a pump on a fire engine was likely caused by a mechanical and/or design defect. The failure occurred on July 4 at a car accident scene where David Contreras died. Chief Dave Lugo may pursue litigation with manufacturer Kovatch Mobile Fire Apparatus. See related story, Arcadia Weekly, July 11, 2002, p. 8 and Arcadia Weekly, July 18, 2002, p. 1.
Arcadia Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials spill at San Carlos Road, on January 21, 2013 at 1:00 PM. The spill was contained and was not released into storm drain system. The substance was identified as muriatic acid. Neutralization techniques were implemented to abate the hazard.
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.
The Arcadia City Council has agreed to create new positions for deputy fire chief and fire division chief in the fire department. The salary range is $93,000-116,000 for the deputy fire chief and $85,000-105,000 for the fire division chief.
Interview on the 20th anniversary of Santa Anita Derby Day 5k, with Santa Anita Park Directory of Special Projects Pete Siberell (photo). See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
Alice Wang will be inducted as 2012 Citizen of the Year and Santa Anita Park's Pete Siberell will be sworn in as 2012-2013 Chamber President at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner on April 19, 2012 at Santa Anita Park's elegant Chandelier Room.
On January 1, 1997, Arcadia's float will be the community's 84th consecutive entry in the Rose Parade, but it may be the last one due to lack of funds.
Santa Anita Park concluded its 2002-2003 season on April 20 with a total of more than $1 billion wagered during the 85-day meet. Average daily handle was $11.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately 2% from 2002.
A brush fire caused by a suspected arsonist broke out at 1:42 PM in the Santa Anita Canyon right on the Sierra Madre and Arcadia border last Monday. Flames reached within 100 feet of homes in Arcadia, but no structural damage was reported.