Santa Anita Park, a successor to Lucky Baldwin's original racetrack, which stood in what is now the nearby Arcadia County Park, is one of the world's most glamorous racing facilities. The fine Art-Deco grandstand by famed architect, Gordon Kaufmann, and the extensive gardens feature fascinating topiary, statuary and commemorative monuments honoring some of racing's most famous horses, jockeys and trainers. Jim Cavener will share historical tidbits along the way. These two walks are not lengthy, nor particularly strenuous, and facilities, water fountains and restful benches are abundant. Close by this Long Beach city-owned property, just across Virginia Country Club golf course, is another magnificent residential enclave of the magnitude of Pasadena's San Rafael district, Santa Monica's Adelaide Blvd., and Redlands' Highand Avenue.
Homes are mostly tasteful, sinfully expensive and marvelously maintained.
After our visit to the Los Cerritos historic site we'll drive through the Country Club greens, park again, and Jim will lead a stroll of this opulent section of Bixby Knolls. The afternoon can easily be divided, if energy and durability should lag. Both are level, not strenuous or lengthy. Meet in parking lot of Rancho Los Cerritos, north end of Virginia Road.