This newsletter shares important updates, stories, and events happening right here in our community. Below, you'll find a table of contents featuring the top stories of the month, along with a brief summary. If you're interested, simply click the link to read the full article.
- Joint Fire Training Center Receives $2 Million in Federal Funding
- Debris Removal Plan Underway for Wilderness Park
- Meet Arcadia's 2025 Senior of the Year
- Arcadia's 2026 Board & Commission Openings -- Apply Now!
- Safety Spotlight: Arcadia Fire Department's 2025 Annual Report
Joint Fire Training Center Receives $2 Million in Federal Funding
The facility will be constructed on 30,000 square feet of land at the Angeles Forest Service Headquarters, adjacent to the 210 Freeway. Plans include a four-story training tower with live fire training capabilities, classroom space, and residential simulation features -- allowing firefighters to practice hose deployment, laddering, rappelling, roof operations, and high-angle rescue exercises. 
Pictured: Firefighters practice laddering on Training Tower
The project is made possible through a $2 million federal grant, which was awarded by Congresswoman Judy Chu in February 2026. While the project was originally estimated at $2.2 million, rising costs place the latest estimates closer to $2.7 million. The next phase of the project includes a detailed site assessment and design process. Future updates will be shared on ArcadiaCA.gov/fire.
Debris Removal Plan Underway for Wilderness Park
When the Bobcat Fire swept through the hillsides above Wilderness Park in 2020, it left the slopes bare and unstable. Just over a year later, powerful rainstorms in December 2021 sent mud and debris rushing down into the park, burying trails, picnic tables, and facilities under more than eight feet of mud, and washing away part of the Los Angeles County bridge that provided access to the park. Since then, Wilderness Park has remained closed to visitors due to the unsafe and unnavigable conditions in the park.
Without new vegetation to absorb rainfall, the park's steep slopes remain at risk for flooding and debris flow. Heavy rains can soak and loosen soil on steep hillsides, causing destructive mudflows. Inspections after storms in February 2024 and 2025 confirmed no new debris flows were found, allowing the City to move forward with the debris removal design at Wilderness Park. On February 17, the city Council approved a $358,000 agreement to begin the Wilderness Park Debris Removal Design, an essential first step before any physical cleanup can begin. This design phase will produce construction plans, cost estimates, safety measures, and permit applications to create a "shovel-ready" project and is estimated to take up to one year to complete.
Funding for the actual debris removal is already in place, with approximately $4.7 million from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and $1.5 million from FEMA. Arcadia has also applied for a regional grant to fully reimburse the cost of the design phase. Once the design is complete, cleanup work can begin -- bringing Wilderness Park one step closer to restoration and reopening.
Meet Arcadia's 2025 Senior of the Year
The City of Arcadia is proud to announce Marilyn Mazone as the 2025 Senior of the Year. Marilyn has been a steadfast and beloved presence in the Arcadia community for many years, generously volunteering her time and energy to enrich the lives of others. For the past 15 years, she has been a dedicated volunteer with the Arcadia Travelers Club at the Arcadia Community Center, working at the travel desk and as a tour escort. She also served as the Travelers Club representative on the Senior Citizens Commission from 2019 to 2022, having since returned to serve on the Commission.
Beyond the Community Center, Marilyn has volunteered for the Breeders' Cup International Horse Racing Championship at Santa Anita Park, contributing her time to a major international event that brings visibility and pride to Arcadia.
Her dedication, warmth, and lifelong commitment make her truly deserving of this recognition. Marilyn was recognized at the Arcadia City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, and will be honored at the Older Americans Recognition Lunch hosted by the LA County Commission for Older Adults and the Department of Aging and Disabilities in May 2026.
Arcadia's 2026 Board & Commission Openings -- Apply Now!
The City of Arcadia is inviting residents to apply for open seats on several City Boards and Commissions. This is a meaningful opportunity to shape Arcadia's quality of life and contribute to the community we call home.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a registered voter, and a current Arcadia resident. Vacancies are available on the following bodies: Arcadia Museum Commission, Human Resources Commission, Library Board, Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, and the Senior Citizens Commission.
Applications are available at ArcadiaCA.gov/boards_commissions and must be submitted by May 22, 2026. Appointments are expected to be made at the City Council Meeting on June 16, 2026 -- in-person attendance is not required. For questions, contact the City Clerk's Office at (626) 574-5455 or email CityClerk@ArcadiaCA.gov.
Safety Spotlight: Arcadia Fire Department's 2025 Annual Report
The Arcadia Fire Department is pleased to announce the release of its Annual Report for 2025. This comprehensive report offers a detailed look at the work the Department has done over the past year to serve, protect, and connect with the Arcadia community.
Inside, readers will find key insights into operational performance, major accomplishments, and future goals, as well as an in-depth look at the essential functions of the Fire Department. From responding to major incidents to ongoing fire prevention efforts, the Arcadia Fire Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
To read the full Annual Report, visit the Arcadia Fire Department's page here.
