| | Published July 4th, 2012
| Los Arabis Fire Station Uninhabitable For Now
| | By Cathy Tyson |  | | Front of the vacant Los Arabis Fire Station in Happy Valley. Photo Cathy Tyson
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"We've had lots of issues with this station, it's approximately fifty years old," said Ron Guelden, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Facilities Manager, about Station 16 on Los Arabis Road just off of Happy Valley. Fire personnel moved out a couple of weeks ago after one firefighter noticed a funny smell and called Guelden. "We definitely have a water leak and rodent intrusion issues," said Guelden.
Air and dust samples were taken by County Risk Management - the fire department's insurance carrier, to check for mold and evidence of rodent infestation. Once reports are in documenting the extent of the problem, Guelden will look at potential solutions and present them to Fire Chief for the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Daryl Louder.
About a year ago, this particular station was on a short list for possible closure due to a large budget deficit. It's unclear at this time what will happen with Station 16, but for now the firefighters and fire trucks have moved to Station 15 on Mt. Diablo Boulevard across from El Charro.
During a tour of the facility, Guelden pointed out that they kept the original structure, which has visible evidence of water damage from the ceiling, that houses the fire truck garage, but adjacent rooms are not seismically up to date - one is used as a functional, but not fancy, workout room. Personnel have sleeping quarters, a modest kitchen and living area in a large trailer adjacent to the aging building.
It's no secret that the Contra Costa County Fire District is having serious struggles with their budget, with a staggering $12 million shortfall for fiscal 2010-2011. County Supervisors just crafted a $75 parcel tax for a period of seven years, which will be on the November 6 ballot, that would help remedy the situation. The Fire District is primarily funded by a small portion of property taxes, which have declined in recent years.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA