Civic Center History

Thirty seven acres of agriculture land on both side of Garfield from Florence Avenue to Gage, Granger, and Toler, was rezoned to Civic Center District on April 11th. A 2-year effort to establish off-street parking at Eastern and Ludell failed. The Argus Helicopter Surveillance Service was initiated on August 15th as an aid to apprehend criminals in the city.

1970 City Council Actions

In other Council action the area from Lubec to Clara on Eastern Avenue was designated the Central Business District, while the 7100 Block area on Garfield was zoned as the Civic Center District.

As each additional phase of the Master Beautification Plan brought a new look to the City, angle parking was reinstated at the completion of the landscaping of the center islands with Bird of Paradise plants, palm trees and other flora. 

In a welcome financial move City Hall employees received a 5.6% pay raise commencing in July, while the Councilmen had to be content with the usual $150.00 a month paid to them.

The Cultural Heritage Board named the Gage Mansion and the Lugo Adobe as centers of the newly created Historical Area Zones.

1970 -The Formation of Bell Gardens Police Department

The biggest story of the year was the formation of the Bell Gardens Police Department. Upon the recommendation of the Los Angeles Grand Jury the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departmetn increased the cost of protection to such a point that the City Council felt compelled to consider the possibility of its own force.  The Council voted on January 26th to accept the study of City Parking Enforcement Officer Billie Holston, which recommended formation of a police department.

Ferice Childers was appointed Chief of Police beginning February15th.  Chief Childer's, a founding member of the Downey Police Department was aided by Captain Alfred Cracolic and 27 men: 4 detectives, the remainder sergeants and patrolmen.  A clerical staff of 4 received incoming calls, kept records and dispatched patrol cars.  A monitoring system was installed to survey all areas.  The Motorola Company provided a sophisticated radio communication system for the department.  Mercury patrol cars were refueled at the City Park from a 10,000 gallon tank and still are,  providing great savings.  Uniforms selected by Chief Childers are blue shirts, navy slacks, short jackets, and Sam Browne belts, containing .38 revolvers.  The Bell Gardens Police Department held open house on June 29th and officially began patrol duty on July 1st and other business.