City Council denied a move by Rancho Santa Anita Property Owners' Association to stop construction of a large new home in its neighborhood. Mayor Bob Harbicht commented, "This is the land of the free."
Increases in total attendance and total parimutuel handle, compared to last season, and a decline in daily average were in evidence in figures released after the November 16 close of the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.
A $3 million building project to increase stable capacity by 150 stalls is underway at Santa Anita Park. Completion, which is planned before the start of the Oak Tree meeting, will bring the total number of stalls to 2,100. The project is discussed in detail.
As part of a $2.6 million capital improvements program, Santa Anita Park race track has built a 2-story addition to the east end of the club-house. The 2nd story patio will be open during the Oak Tree meet, with a third story to be constructed next year.
Santa Anita Companies has announced earnings for the year ending December 31, 1981. Revenues were up 23.5%. Shares of the two companies, Santa Anita Operating Company and Santa Anita Realty Enterprises, Inc., are offered on the New York Stock Exchange under the name Santa Anita Realty Enterprises.
Oak Tree begins its 12th season on October 17. An 8 page supplement included several articles about the Oak Tree meet: special events, charitable contributions, etc.
Because of negative reactions by neighbors, it is "very doubtful" that Santa Anita Park race track will put a helipad on the north side of its property.
The Oak Tree Racing Association has allocated $365,000 to the University of California, Davis, Veterinary School for the study of the heart and lungs of the thoroughbred.
Article discusses Arcadia Historical Society's search for a home for Anita Baldwin's piano as well as other artifacts. The piano, shipped around Cape Horn, is now located at Anoakia, Anita Baldwin's former home.
The 6th annual fall racing meeting closed November 3 and the directors of the Oak Tree Racing Association held a celebration. Vice President and General Manager Ray Rogers is pictured.
Deed restrictions designed to maintain architectural and landscaping standards for the Santa Anita Oaks area have been replaced by the Arcadia City Council with a special zone designed to accomplish the same end.
The Board will decide May 11 which two of four elementary schools to close next fall. Bonita Park is the most likely candidate for closure. Comments pro and con on the four schools under consideration (Santa Anita, Holly Ave., Bonita Park and Baldwin Park) are given.
Oak Tree Racing Association's autumn season will begin October 17. The 25 day session offers 16 stakes races with record purses. Several new features including Pick Six wagering will be offered.
The 1980 Oak Tree Racing Association season set records in attendance, parimutual handle, wagering and horsemen benefits. Awards for the meet are enumerated: John Henry was voted Horse of the Meeting. Sandy Hawley won the riding championship.
Summary of the amount of money wagered during the most recent meeting. For the 24 day Oak Tree meet, $74.5 million was bet. Of that, $62.6 million was returned to bettors. The balance went back into circulation through various channels, including state and local taxes.
The Santa Anita Oaks Homeowners Association works closely with Gary Dorn whose late father Raymond Dorn was named agent in the deed allowing subdivision of the area. Article discussed deed restrictions on development that do not expire until 1985.