Arcadia has a new emergency notification system called Alert Arcadia. Anyone can sign up to receive messages via phone voice mail, e-mail, and/or text.
Arcadia stresses emergency preparedness ACTION. ACTION stands for Arcadians Caring Together Improves Our Neighborhoods. The purpose of the Emergency Preparedness Program is to prepare and respond effectively to major emergencies by establishing and maintaining an emergency management system which coordinates preparedness, response and recovery phases for natural and technological disasters and national security emergencies.
Arcadia declares fiscal emergency. Budget cuts may hurt city services. After an analysis of expenditures and revenues, Arcadia City Council adopted Resolution 7242 and declared a fiscal emergency.
Arcadia wants you to be prepared for any disaster or emergency. September is National Preparedness Month. Every household should have a disaster kit (food, water, medications, flashlight, and a multi-tool).
Power still out in parts of Pasadena. The California Emergency Management Agency's acting secretary Mike Dayton is touring the cities most impacted by the windstorm. His visit is considered a precursor to a state declaration of emergency, which would pave the way for state and federal assistance. Arcadia City Manager Don Penman said damage to public buildings and recovery efforts are expected to top $2 million, and that damage to private property could run several million more.
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) has proposed legislation to improve emergency and disaster preparedness by California's public utilities. Recent windstorm disaster highlighted the need to be better prepared.
State official views damage caused by last week's windstorm. California Emergency Management Agency's acting secretary Mike J. E. Dayton toured 8 San Gabriel Valley cities that were hardest hit, including Altadena, Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Temple City, San Gabriel and Alhambra, to assess the damage. He will determine whether state or federal assistance may be applicable.
The windstorm that hit San Gabriel Valley on November 30-December 1 leaves lessons. Utilities and city officials study what went wrong to be better prepared in future emergencies and disasters. Southern California Edison (SCE) restored power to the last of its 433,925 customers by Thursday--one week after the storm--and is now the subject of public criticism and a probe by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for "prolonged power outages." Crews in Pasadena and surrounding cities are still clearing the streets.
Arcadia officials urge residents to report wind damage from the overnight windstorm that hit on November 30 and December 1, to help with efforts to receive state and federal emergency assistance. Damages in the city may reach the millions of dollars. Residents are asked to report their storm-related costs to the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, 211a.org or by calling 211.
California Governor Jerry Brown declares a state of emergency in response to the recent windstorm that caused about $75 million in damage, primarily in the San Gabriel Valley. The declaration allows city governments to be reimbursed for up to 75% of the cost of the damage through state and federal agencies. It also allows state agencies to assist in the recovery.
Pension reform is happening with Arcadia city employees. Arcadia City Council approved an ordinance last week whereby police officers and firefighters hired by the city are now required to pay their full employee share, or 9 percent, of their pension costs--an amount previously covered by the city. In addition, tentative agreements are in place with 4 out of 5 employee unions, to have members pay their full share by the next 3 years. Annual increases in employee costs during that period would be offset by equivalent annual raises. Other San Gabriel cities may follow suit.
A recent audit of fire department response times in 12 cities shows San Marino and Pasadena firefighters were the quickest in responding to emergency calls. The report covered April, May and June. San Marino's and Pasadena's average response times were 4:03 and 4:02, respectively. Arcadia's average, in comparison, was 4:21.
GPS in bait package leads to arrest of two Canoga Park women who drove through Arcadia in a stolen car. The arrested women are Devon Ricco Menendez and Unique Rios. The GPS-equipped decoy package was left out in the southeast portion of the city. See also Mountain Views News, p. 7, March 26, 2016. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 12, March 31, 2016.
San Gabriel Valley cities struggle to get up and running in the wake of a powerful Santa Ana-fueled windstorm that downed trees and caused power outages. In Arcadia, damage to trees in the Los Angeles County Arboretum was extensive. Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic said the storm downed more than 500 trees and seven buildings had been red-tagged. Damage estimates were pegged at more than $1 million. Santa Anita Park reopened for simulcast wagering yesterday. Photos.
Arcadia K-9 unit to speak at Arcadia Community Coordinating Council meeting in November. Sergeant Jeremy Lachenmyer, K-9 officer Kota and Officer Travis Sargent will be the speakers.
Veterans Administration (VA) opens clinic medical offices in May in San Gabriel Valley, in Arcadia, eight years after a VA clinic closed in Pasadena. It is called San Gabriel Valley Community Based Outpatient Clinic and provides--on an interm basis--basic clinical services that do not require surgery, such as physical exams and X-rays. Veterans also will have access to primary care, mental health care, telehealth and basic lab services. It will remain operational for 3-5 years and eventually be replaced by a permanent, full clinic. It is at 7 West Foothill Boulevard.
Arcadia Unified School District adds Common Core Days to the 2014-2015 school calendar. This means students will be released at 11:40 on 9/18, 10/9, 11/6, 1/8, 2/5, 3/5, and 5/14.
Significant changes to Arcadia Transit System include ending the dial-a-ride service and switching to fixed route system. The dial-a-ride program will remain in service to seniors and the disabled.