Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, February 13, 2021

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 13, 2021 


CONGRESSWOMAN 

NAPOLITANO AND STAFF 
MOURN THE PASSING OF 

HECTOR ELIZALDE

 (WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano 
(CA-32) and her staff mourned the passing 
of Hector Elizalde, beloved Deputy District 
Director and Military/Veterans Liaison, who died 
yesterday morning due to complications from 
COVID-19, releasing the following statement:

 “We have lost a true champion for veterans, a dear 
friend, a wonderful employee and colleague, and 
a dedicated, caring gentleman in Hector Elizalde. 
For the past nearly 11 years, he was truly devoted 
to his job of defending, advocating for, and serving 
veter-ans and their families, and tackling any 
problem that came his way.

 

“Since his passing, the outpouring from people 
whose lives he touched has been im-measurable, 
because he was a true believer in public service. 
A sharp dresser, but very humble individual, he 
didn’t seek or want praise. He was there for everybody. 
He served not only the people of the 32nd 
District, but all of LA County, as Chair of the Los 
Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission.

 

“He truly loved and was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. He was kind, thoughtful, and helpful 
to everyone he met. His laughter and the way he cared for oth-ers will forever live on in our memories.

 

“From the bottom of our heavy hearts, we express our deepest condolences to Hector’s family, friends, and 
all who mourn with us. It was an honor to serve alongside him and know him. He will be deeply missed.”

 

Further information, including funeral services, will be announced when available.


NEWS FROM THE GREAT RACE PLACE

By Joan Schmidt

 
Guest speaker Pete SIberell gave an excellent, informative Santa Anita Park presentation at the Arcadia 
Chamber’s February Community Connection.

 Lucky Baldwin had a racetrack from 1909-1911 at the current Santa Anita County Park until 
California outlawed gambling. In 1933 wagering became legal. Christmas Day 1934, Santa Anita Park 
officially opened; Anita Baldwin had sold 310 acres. In 1998, Frank Stonach purchased the Park for $126 
million; the Stonach Group also owns Golden Gate Fields (northern CA), Gulfstream (Florida) and Pimlico 
and Laurel (Both Maryland).

 Last year, Santa Anita brought $1.1 million in revenue to Arcadia. Before the Covid, SA provided 
1160 jobs annually. Currently there are over 1000 trainers, jockeys, exercise riders and grooms working at the 
Park.

 Besides racing, Santa Anita has been utilized for Arcadia F.D. Training, parking for events: City 
(Snowfest) and County (Household Hazard/Waste Collection). There is a Sprint Chute and Infield Horse 
Corral. The Park has hosted the Breeders Cup. Events have included 626 Night Market, In-and-Out Burger 
Company Picnic, and “City Lights” event.

 Santa Anita is a great community supporter. The Foothill Unity Center holds its awesome “Back 
to School Event” at the track, and 
Santa Anita just recently donated 
$11,000 to the Center from a 
Calendar Sale.

 Racing news:Three of 
Bob Baffert’s horses received 
highly coveted Eclipse Awards: 
“Authentic” was “Horse of the 
Year” and “Three Year Old Male”; 
“Improbable”, “Older Dirt Male”; 
and “Gamine”, female sprinter. 
Drayden Van Dyke mounted 
Authentic in his maiden race, won 
easily and noted he was “my favorite 
2yr.old.” (Photo of Drayden after 
winning on Authentic in March, 
2020)

 Santa Anita’s Winter-
Spring Meet runs from December 
26-June 20. Opening Day had no 
fans, but record betting. On January 
16, we were thrilled when “Big 
Fish”, mounted by Juan Hernandez 
and trained by Dave Hofmans, won 
the “California Cup Derby Stakes”, 
proving he can win on both the turf 
and main track.

 Current Jockey Standings: 
Juan Hernandez/26 wins; Umberto 
Rispoli/25; Joel Rosario/23; Abel Cedillo/19 and Flavien Prat/19. Over the weekend, there’ll be some Stakes 
Races. Be sure to catch them on TV G!


PLEASE STAY SAFE!

SOCIALLY DISTANCE!

WEAR A MASK! 

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com