Interview on the 20th anniversary of Santa Anita Derby Day 5k, with Santa Anita Park Directory of Special Projects Pete Siberell (photo). See hard copy in VF Santa Anita Park 2011-2020.
A new HBO series called "Luck" starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte will begin filming in October at Santa Anita Park, during the Oak Tree meet. The pilot of "Luck" was filmed there too. "Luck" is a provocative look at horse racing--the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players," according to HBO. HBO is due to film at least two seasons of the series at Santa Anita Park, said Pete Siberell, director of special projects at Santa Anita Park.
Actress and model Bo Derek has photographed jockey Chantal Sutherland nude, inside Santa Anita Park's elegant Turf Club Chandelier Room, for June's Vanity Fair magazine.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce has named Alice Wang "Arcadia's Citizen of the Year" for 2012-2013. Alice has been a very active volunteer with Arcadia Public Library Foundation, Assistance League of Arcadia's Operation School Bell, Tzu Chi Foundation's MWLA, Arcadia Historical Museum, Arcadia Police Department, Arcadia Chinese Association and Foothill Unity Center.
Arcadia City Council last week approved expanding the kinds of outdoor special events allowed at Santa Anita Park race track, and in the adjacent parking lot areas, including concerts, carnivals, and farmers markets. The change will allow the track to host the California Philharmonic summer concerts and possibly Cavalia, a Cirque du Soleil show. Councilman Roger Chandler said the amendments made to the city's municipal code allow a very large and underused piece of land, specifically the south parking lot, to be used and to generate additional income for the track.
Section B covers Arcadia Chamber of Commerce April 10 installation and awards dinner and 1983 citizens of the year. Contains articles and photographs and biographies of personalities.
The television cable channel HBO filmed a pilot called "Luck" at Santa Anita Park last spring, starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte. The writer and producer is David Milch, who also wrote for the "Deadwood" television series. Santa Anita Park officials hope the pilot is picked up as a series. Its exposure on HBO could mean more revenue for the race track.
Santa Anita Park saves historic "100 to 1 Club" sign from the demolished bar of that name and refurbishes it for a new 100-to-1 Club at Santa Anita Park racetrack.
Santa Anita Park's Derby Day 5K race brings out over 5,500 runners, the largest turnout in the race's 20-year history. The 5K is a fundraiser, with approximately $10,000 raised for Arcadia Historical Museum, Arcadia High School and CARMA, an organization devoted to caring for retired horses.
Santa Anita Park is looking to renovate the Chandelier Room, which is part of Turf Club. It would be gutted and turned into a "night club." The Chandelier Room has been around since the race track opened on Christmas Day, 1934 (probably not true, according to Sandy Snider). Its giant chandeliers were imported from Versailles in France.
Celebrity and super model Tyra Banks' television show "Top Model" did a photo shoot at Santa Anita Park Race Track, using semi-nude models. Pete Siberell, Director of Community Service at Santa Anita Park, described it as "kinda sleazy."
Santa Anita Park opens 2012-2013 winter/spring meet on Wednesday, December 26, 2012. World class jockeys like Joe Talamo, Rafael Bejarano, Garrett Gomez, Mike Smith, among others, will be competing.
A multi-million dollar remodeling at Santa Anita Park will include a restoration of the Chandelier Room to its former glamour. The room is nearly 80 years old (probably not true, according to Sandy Snider), and is the most popular event venue at the track. Other portions of the grandstand will be renovated and will remain true to the architectural and design style of the Art Deco period that originally inspired it.
Gene Glasco, Arcadia's new city clerk, was sworn in April 17, 2012. He will hold the position for four years, following his election on April 10, 2012. He has lived in Arcadia Highlands since 1954.
Santa Anita Park opens its 76th winter/spring 2012-2013 meet with mostly sunny skies and an appearance by KISS (rock group) front man/singer Gene Simmons. On-track attendance was 27,273 this year.