Helping Hands: Arcadia's Santa Anita Park Becomes a Hub

In an unexpected twist, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia has become a vital support center for those affected by the nearby Eaton Fire. People from all walks of life—evacuees and volunteers—flocked to the race track on Saturday to find help and offer support. Originally set up near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the donation center was relocated to Santa Anita Park after the Rose Bowl grounds were needed for a fierfighting command post. Many evacuees stumbled upon a heartwarming sight: a group of street-vendor friends had taken it upon themselves to feed anyone who stopped by. The race track has set aside a section for this food effort, accepting donations until Sunday evening.

On Saturday, people in need found a treasure trove of essentials, like clothing and bottled water, carefully laid out across the parking lot. It was like a swap meet, but with a serious cause. Santa Anita Park decided to cancel this weekend's racing to focus their attention on the wildfire relief efforts. Trade areas have been roped off for different tasks. Southern California Edison has set up its base camp in the northern parking lot to work on restoring power. Meanwhile, the track remains open for horse training in the mornings and for simulcast wagering. It's truly a race against time as various organizations collaborate to provide relief. Even with all the activity, community spirit thrives. Everyone is pitching in, hoping to make a difference during these tough times.

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