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RESOLUTION NO. 5961
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING LIVE HORSE
RACING AT SANTA ANITA PARK AND ENCOURAGING
THE OWNERS OF THE SANTA ANITA COMPANIES TO
CONTINUE TO CONDUCT LIVE HORSE RACING AT
SANTA ANITA PARK, ONE OF THE NATION'S PRE-
EMINENT HORSE RACING FACILITIES
WHEREAS, Santa Anita Park is one of the pre-eminent horse racing facilities in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, Santa Anita Park and the retention of live horse racing at this facility are
vital components ofthe City of Arcadia's identity, history and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the retention of live horse racing at Santa Anita Park and the on-going
economic vitality of Santa Anita Park are also critical to the City's fiscal health; and
WHEREAS, it is the City's long-term vision to retain live horse racing at Santa Anita
Park and to preserve it's unique improvements including the existing grandstand structure;
and
WHEREAS, the City recently adopted a new General Plan that designated Santa Anita
Park's southerly parking lot as "Commercial"; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the General Plan and said "Commercial" designation is to
assist in facilitating free market forces to introduce new, compatible uses to Santa Anita
Park's southerly parking lot, so long as any new development is implemented through a
specific plan pursuant to the California Government Code or an equivalent planning process
adopted by the City, and so long as said new development is carefully planned to:
. Respect the City's existing community character, one of well preserved, peaceful, and
safe residential neighborhoods; and
. Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to existing and established neighborhoods and
commercial areas within the City; and
. Recognize and incorporate the unique attributes of live horse racing and the existing
race track improvements.
WHEREAS, several articles have appeared in major news publications concerning the
possible new ownership of the Santa Anita Cornpanies, which owns Santa Anita Park, and
a possible plan to move all Los Angeles area thoroughbred horse racing to Hollywood Park;
and
WHEREAS, this action would, in all likelihood, result in the closure of the Santa
Anita Park and the termination oflive horse racing in the City; and
WHEREAS, if Santa Anita Park closes and live horse racing is terminated, the City
will lose significant revenue each year, which will result in severe financial consequences
for the City and negatively impact the City's ability to provide a superior level of municipal
service to residents; and
WHEREAS, if Santa Anita Park closes and live horse racing is terminated, the City
will also lose a major industry that has played a vital role in the history and heritage of the
City which dates back to its founding days; and
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WHEREAS, Santa Anita Companies and the City have always been strong partners
in their support of the City's residents and their many organizations, events and programs.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Arcadia strongly supports the business
of live horse racing at Santa Anita Park.
SECTION 2. The City Council recognizes the significant historical, cultural and
financial importance that Santa Anita Park and live horse racing have to the City of Arcadia
and its residents.
SECTION 3. The City Council acknowledges and appreciates the Santa Anita
Companies for their generous contributions to the City.
SECTION 4. The City Council strongly urges the Santa Anita Companies to remain
a responsible corporate citizen by continuing to conduct live horse racing at Santa Anita
Park, one of the nation's finest horse racing facilities.
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SECTION 5, The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of November, 1996.
ATTEST:
/c~
Mayor/of the City of Arcadia
Pro Tem
AD
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
04 II l1/~J!;,
Michael H. Miller
City Attorney
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF ARCADIA )
I, JUNE D. ALFORD, City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution No. 5961 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of
Arcadia, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said
Council held on the 5th day of November, 1996 and that said Resolution was adopted by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmember Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young and Kuhn
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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Ci erk of the Ci Arcadia
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