The Association will prepare a profile of the San Gabriel Valley within the coming month. A second project will be to organize themselves to deal with the "incoherence of Los Angeles County government."
The Disaster Preparedness Plan is ready for adoption by the City Council. It includes contingency plans for the handling of earthquakes (as well as recommendations for building standards to help present earthquake damage), floods, fires and hazardous structures.
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.
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.
Fire Chief Gene Mahoney, with City Council approval, is instituting an apprentice fireman program, in which the men will take training classes at PCC while actually employees of the Arcadia Fire Department.
Fire Chiefs of 19 Foothill cities met this spring and have worked out a strike force plan for more efficient fire fighting. Since the dry conditions make this potentially the worst fire season since 1920, this could mean great savings. A strike force will consist of 5 units directed by a team leader.
The Planning Commission directed the planning staff to prepare a resolution permitting Maranatha High School to operate at its present North Santa Anita location.
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.
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.
Anoakia annexation by Arcadia effort underway. Because of a law change, the major landholder can no longer determine an area's status. On January 21, 1975, a petition was presented signed by 33 registered voters in the area around Anoakia.
A confrontation between the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diversion Program and Ron Weber, Executive Director of the Regional Office of Criminal Justice Planning, has resulted in a renegotiation of the start for this project. Meant to provide counseling services to youths of seven area cities, it was delayed in opening, and the Board of Directors wants and extension on their funds and contract to prove themselves.
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.