A special 8 page supplement offers a variety of articles on the Santa Anita Park track, its history, activities, facilities and its contributions to the community.
Santa Anita Park will have thoroughbred racing from December 26 through April 22, a season expanded by two weeks. The horse racing bill AB 3383 provided other changes in the sport that will affect Santa Anita Park.
The California Museum of Science and Industry in Los Angeles has applied for a 2 week fair race meeting, to be held at Santa Anita Park Race Track from September 30 to October 10, 1979.
Jim Helms, General Chairman of Diamond Jubilee, presenting plaques to chairmen of various committees. Left to right: Ruth Gilb and her husband Councilman Charles Gilb (behind); Floretta Lauber, former Mayor and community coordinator of Diamond Jubilee events; Kel Mason, Chairman of Parade; Della Mason (in black dress); Carla Maggio (in white), an administrative assistant to Mr. Helms; Marilyn Daleo, Publicity; and Jean Cope.
A spokesperson for Santa Anita Consolidated has indicated that there is no intention of moving the Santa Anita Park race track to the $100 million sports complex proposed for the City of Los Angeles by Hollywood Park, Inc.
30 people were injured on opening day at Santa Anita Park when two men became involved in an altercation. One dropped a gun and this was enough to cause a wave of panic which spread through the crowd.
The City Council is considering collecting taxes on free admissions to the Santa Anita Park race track. It would mean considerably greater income for the City.
Aerial view looking west from a position approximately over Santa Fe railroad tracks between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Street closest to camera is First Avenue, running north/south, and we see its intersection with Wheeler Avenue in lower left portion of photo. Almost vacant lot on northwest corner of Wheeler Avenue and First Avenue is where Sawmill Restaurant was built in about 1977 (Sawmill Restaurant closed in early 1990's). Foundation work on South side of Wheeler Avenue at corner of First Avenue is for medical building which became 65 N. First Avenue. (Former site of Arcadia Public Library until 1961.) Post Office is largest building in center of the block on north side of Wheeler Avenue. Large white area is parking area for Santa Anita Park Race Track.
Arcadia would lose approximately $472,268 yearly if Santa Anita Park race track were to close down and the 324 acre facility were to be developed with low density residential units. Losses would be partially offset by $190,750 in new property taxes and $278,482 miscellaneous taxes. New city services would account for a 6.18% increase in the city budget.
The current racing meeting will open Thursday December 27. Sunday racing will be inaugurated for the first time in Arcadia. Track officials are uncertain as to how the energy crisis will affect operations.