"Captive Girl" Susan (aka 'Genie') Wiley's father Clark Wiley committed suicide. Clark Wiley shot himself minutes before he was to have appeared in Alhambra Municipal Court on charges of child abuse. The article was written by Dick Lloyd. With related stories "Note tells instructions for funeral (p. 1)," "A story he wanted to tell sealed by death of father (p. 6)," "Changed laws could have averted tragedy (p. 6)," and "Mrs. Wiley shelters at welfare agency: custody hearing Monday (p. 6)." A 13-year-old girl named Susan Wiley was reportedly a prisoner in her home for all her life until a social worker discovered the child abuse. Susan's parents Clark Wiley and Irene Wiley were arrested. The family home is at 6722 Golden West Avenue, in a county area of Arcadia. Susan Wiley was living in an environment of total isolation and deprivation and was malnourished. She cannot talk, is deformed, barely able to walk and is not toilet trained. She has been placed in the care of Children's Hospital. The child has come to be known by the alias "Genie." See hard copy in VF Wiley, Susan aka "Genie".
Filing opens December 26 for candidates for three seats on the School Board. The seats up for re-election are: Lewis May - just completed his first 4 year term; George Frempter - 8 years; Gloria Horstman - appointed to fill the vacancy created by the death of Gary Mills. The election will be held April 5.
Fire Chief Gene Mahoney has been placed on indefinite leave of absence without pay. Since Mahoney came to Arcadia in 1973, the Fire Department has been prey to internal tension. Bob Dick has been named acting Chief.
Helms elected chamber president. James Helms, Jr. was elected president of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Jim Clarke is vice president and president-elect. Clarke is owner of Clarke Directory Publications, Inc. Other officers are treasurer Dick Closson and budget director Lyle Cunningham. Carol Libby and Roy Long will be honored as Citizens of the Year. See hard copy of newspaper in Box 51.
H.O.Y. and David Ireland will team up to give a Brown Bag Forum at the Arcadia Library covering such topics as Loneliness, Death, Depression, and Being Single.