57-year-old Richard Henry Solis of Arcadia faces two felony counts of grand theft from elder and six counts of petty theft from elder. The alleged crimes involved Solis claiming the victims had injured him with their vehicles and then asking for money for medical expenses or stealing their belongings, reportedly stealing $100,000 from the victims.
Santa Anita Park. In another major reform growing out of the deaths of 23 horses at Santa Anita Park, California state regulatory agency to order thorough exams in future race horse deaths.
Santa Anita Park. Task force to explore race horse fatalities. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey opens investigation to determine any criminal wrongdoing.
Arcadia. Is horse racing addicted to drugs? Medication use is widespread, and critics say it contributes to deaths like those at Santa Anita Park. Half of the three dozen horses that died at Santa Anita Park in the 12 months before the current meet were on at least one anti-inflammatory medication, a major focal point in the investigation into equine deaths at the racetrack. Critics argue overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, masks the injuries of horses and increases the chances of a fatal breakdown. The California Horse Racing Board’s research indicates 90% of breaks stem from preexisting injuries. Animal rights organizations say these medications likely contributed to the deaths of 23 horses at Santa Anita Park since the season began December 26, 2018.
Legislation. In the wake of 23 horse deaths at Santa Anita Park, California legislators are pushing for a new bill that targets racetrack oversight. It would allow state to suspend a venue’s license over safety concerns. Senator Bill Dodd, Democrat-Napa, and Assemblyman Adam Gray, Democrat-Merced, introduced the legislation and announced plans to have a joint oversight hearing on horse racing safety in the next month.
Santa Anita Park. Jockeys’ Guild wipes whip plans. California Horse Racing Board accepting comments on ‘corrective safety measures.’ Jockeys’ Guild postponing an apparent stunt in which jockeys planned to ride without whips. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) is currently accepting comments for a proposed statewide change that would limit the use of whips, or riding crops, to “corrective safety measures.” The guild is opposed to the change. Thoroughbred Owners of California asked the jockeys to cancel the plan, according to Terry Meyocks, guild president and CEO.
Santa Anita Park: DA to examine death of 22 horses at track.
Additionally, Rep. Judy Chu calls for hearings into the treatment of horses at the nation’s racing venues
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is investigating whether the 22 horse deaths at Santa Anita racetrack in the past three months were the result of criminal wrongdoing, authorities said Friday.
The probe began this week following the death of the 22nd horse Thursday.
20-year-old man Jason Scott Gustin found guilty of attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend in Arcadia. On August 22, 2016, according to testimony at trial, Gustin met near Arcadia and sat in his car to talk when he pulled out a knife and slashed her throat and then began strangling her. As the victim tried to escape, he stabbed her multiple times. She ran away to a nearby convalescent home. He was arrested a short time later after he showed up at his mother’s workplace in Arcadia.
Santa Anita Autumn Meet starts this Friday in Arcadia. It is a 22-day meet, beginning September 28 through November 4, and will include world class racing and Santa Anita’s Oktoberfest.
Historic preservation coming to Arcadia. City is in process of drafting ordinances on historic preservation aimed at safeguarding historic districts, structures and buildings. Ordinances are expected to provide defined procedures and criteria for property owners and communities to judge their historic relevance. Correction: see Arcadia Weekly, p. 10, February 22, 2018 and another correction Arcadia Weekly, p. 13, March 1, 2018. Correction to the Historic preservation coming to Arcadia article. Arcadia Weekly recently ran an article about the Arcadia City Council drafting a historic preservation ordinance. It incorrectly read, "The draft would demand the consent of 60% of property owners along with Planning Commission review and City Council adoption." The corrected statement reads, "The Draft Historic Preservation Ordinance proposes that at least 60% of properties within the district must contribute to the historic significance of the district and 75% of the property owners within the district need to consent to the designation."
How Santa Anita Park became one of America's most popular horse racing venues. In 1907 the original Santa Anita Race Track opened, and 27 years later, the new Santa Anita Park, in the current location, was opened. Santa Anita Park has hosted famous races Santa Anita Handicap, Breeders' Cup, the 1984 Olympics equestrian events, and famous race horses Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, John Henry, and American Pharoah (Pharoah is correct spelling). (American Pharaoh).