baymeadows

[sosmooth]

WE HAVE TO SAVE IT !!! im 28 years old and...... i work there, i grew up
there, i go there everyday, my dad worked there, my mom worked there,
my freinds party it up there, i learned there, i won there, and then
again i lost there, bay meadows is my 2nd home the people are great.
I wanna show my kids one day wat i saw, wat i grew up wit, the only
good thing in san mateo really. does everything have to be torn down
because the rich wanna get richer? Everyone will want it to come back
after its torn down and made into houses and buildings we dont need.
This place keeps me out of trouble lol i need it to stay. ITS NOT
ONLY FOR THE OLDER PEOPLE ITS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO.

[Diamond Dog]

Gambler's anonymous for you.


WE HAVE TO SAVE IT !!! im 18 years old and...... i work there, i grew up
there, i go there everyday, my dad worked there, my mom worked there,
my freinds party it up there, i learned there, i won there, and then
again i lost there, bay meadows is my 2nd home the people are great.
I wanna show my kids one day wat i saw, wat i grew up wit, the only
good thing in san mateo really. does everything have to be torn down
because the rich wanna get richer? Everyone will want it to come back
after its torn down and made into houses and buildings we dont need.
This place keeps me out of trouble lol i need it to stay. ITS NOT
ONLY FOR THE OLDER PEOPLE ITS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO.

[sosmooth]

lol you prob right

[Diamond Dog]

There's always Golden Gate Park.


lol you prob right

[chris24g76]

sigh If only Bay Meadows had an English class.

[Marko]

I agree with the guy...Bay Meadows is a unique place on the Peninsula, it'll be knocked down for new buildings that contribute very little to a varied feel and differing use options...oh look, another Starbucks, mobile phone store, and dry cleaners, just what we need!

[Diamond Dog]

Well, I'd rather have "another Starbucks, mobile phone store, and dry cleaners" than the current geographic and cultural eyesore we have now.

I'm tired of hearing the various excuses against closing it. Oh, it's historical. Seabiscuit ran there. Horse racing is a legacy of San Mateo. Zzzzz...

And yes, marko, "unique" is right: Watching midgets whip-prod horses around a dirt track ten times a day and having low lifes betting their food stamp money on the outcome is quite unique. You might say it's even abberrant.

Give me my doubleshot latte, my new Q phone, and my highly starched shirts instead ANY DAY.

SHAVE Bay Meadows off the landscape. And while we're at it, get rid of all the golf courses. Talk about a\nother waste of precious land.



I agree with the guy...Bay Meadows is a unique place on the Peninsula, it'll be knocked down for new buildings that contribute very little to a varied feel and differing use options...oh look, another Starbucks, mobile phone store, and dry cleaners, just what we need!

[As If]

WE HAVE TO SAVE IT !!! im 28 years old and...... i work there, i grew up
there, i go there everyday, my dad worked there, my mom worked there,
my freinds party it up there, i learned there, i won there, and then
again i lost there, bay meadows is my 2nd home the people are great.
I wanna show my kids one day wat i saw, wat i grew up wit, the only
good thing in san mateo really. does everything have to be torn down
because the rich wanna get richer? Everyone will want it to come back
after its torn down and made into houses and buildings we dont need.
This place keeps me out of trouble lol i need it to stay. ITS NOT
ONLY FOR THE OLDER PEOPLE ITS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO.

Sosmooth, Your post was quite entertaining. There are alot of other things for the "next generation", all you have to do is read this forum. Go ahead get involve.

Just one suggestion, You are 28 yrs old. That slang writing just doesn't look well. I am not being mean just giving you an advice. Keep that slang on the mess, myspace, etc. not in the forum. Show your kids how to spell and talk it will help them in the future especially in their job environment. "k" lol..

[chris24g76]

I agree with As If.

I would like to see Bay Meadows stay. In reference to Diamond Dog’s comment, I can’t think of a better way to spend my food stamps.

However, after reading Sosmooth’s statement, I was ready to head down to Bay Meadows with a sledge hammer and tear the place down myself. If that’s all that’s left to represent the track, then I think its fate is sealed.

Sad.

[sosmooth]

lol you ... dorks got my point tho right so dont knock it

[Roger Slocum]

Well here we go again, name calling and disrespect for the opinion of others when diverse opinions is exactly what this FORUM is all about.
Diamond Dog has his opinion and although I may respect it, I may also respectfully disagree;
Paving over all of the last GREEN in San Mateo in order for you to feed your desire for LATTE and STARCHED SHIRTS while you TEXT your boy and girl buddies on your new phone from yet another new phone store with yet another new phone deal with 10 more new cell sites upon the coastal hilltops,
while you stand still in trafic wall to wall at the intersection of HWY. 92 and WHATEVER in your new Toyota Hibred? When you might have had the chance of your lifetime to actually enjoy a day at the races without having to spend any food stamps to do so. You can actually go to the races for only entertainment purposes, especially if you love horses. Those who love horse's do not whip prod them to do anything they would not do naturally.
If you actually knew anything about horseracing? Maybe a little STARBUCKS would wake you up to the fact that those MIDGETS use them as a tool to guide and encourage it is not a source of abuse.
My Father sir is 4 foot 10 inches TALL he is not a MIDGET he is a "MAN" who at 100lbs. was able to guide 1200lb race horses around a 1 mile track, sometimes winning, sometimes losing and some times finding himself on the ground with 10's of thousands of lbs. crashing down on top of him. He did so from 1940 until 1954 when head injuries ended his career and unlike the highly paid atheletes of today that sir was the end.
My Father sir never whip proded a horse in his life, he loved the horses he rode and all of those MIDGETS as you describe them, love the horse they are riding also, for that horse at any time during that race can kill them.
Think about that when you drive by Bay Meadows Phase II years from now, with LATTE from the new STARBUCKS in hand.
But, Hey maybe when you need to entertain friend, family, or business associate some day on a GOLF COURSE that is not there anymore, you will think about your comments today and wonder where did all that PRECIOUS LAND go? And think to yourself? Why do I now have to belong to a COUNTRY CLUB? And the answer will pop into your mind that you once supported the destruction of all the Municipal Golf Course's along with BAY MEADOWS!
How ironic would that be?
In summary lets try to be a little nicer to each other in these forums, it was not meant to be as a place of disrespect. SOSMOOTH has a point that deseves to be voiced and believe me when passion for a subject is there sometimes the key strikes go amiss!
For all I know some of your comments were tongue in cheek?
Hope you all understand my point of view and whether you disagree or agree I will welcome and look forward to your comments.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Midgets? You have got to be kidding me. Where does this come from? I tell you this, some of the toughest, wisest, and hard-as-nails people were shorter than average. Vince Lombardi 5'5". Mike Tyson 5'9", Jimmy Doolittle, 5'5. Since Diamond Dog judges people's contributions by height, how does he rate Mother Theresa at 4'10" ? The Oakland Raiders were named after Jimmy Doolittle's Raiders who flew a unbeleivable hazardous suicide mission over Tokyo in the opening months of the WWII war with Japan. Jimmy Doolittle and the Raiders. Little Jimmy Doolittle. He also developed the octane levels for our present gasoline products. Amazing things came from this small package.

I have met many a jockey. And they are as hard as steel. They could knock you on your flabby behind with a comment like that. Don't misjudge on height my friend, you could be very surprised. My own mother was barely 5 feet tall. Blinded at 29 she raised three tough as nails sons in the ninth ward of Chicago, a street tough existence not easy for a 6" tall man. And her grandson, my son, played professional football and stands over 6"4". Midget indeed.

[Roger Slocum]

Geez! I woulda thot by now there woulda bin more response to the last 2 blog's on this subject.
Cat got your tongue Diamond Dog?... (3-dots courtesy of ole' Herb)!
Mr. Beedle most eloquently added another nail under the hammer, thank you
Mr. Beedle.
Yet I still have to wonder where all the others who undoubtably have an opinion concerning this subject are?
We are talking Bay Meadows and I quote Diamond Dog here "the midgets"
who are able to do every day what I doubt Diamond Dog would be willing to ever attempt. Does Diamond Dog even try to understand the art of handling a horse?...(thank you ole' Herb)
There are a lot of cyber nameplates used in these blogs, I chose to use my real name, I never did understand the need for custom plates.
Now that I think about it tho, maybe I will try another blog name, SLOWCUMOTION, what do you think DIAMONDDOG?...(THANKS HERB).

[mrs.frankb]

Bay Meadows is an historical treasure. With the promose of a future, it could be a jewel. The track belongs to all of San Mateo county and not just the city of San Mateo.

The hoofbeats of many great equine athletes have pounded over that track for nearly three-quarters of a century. Now, it will be relegated to another "housing/commercial complex" Didn't the dismal failure of the old Tanforan teach these people anything? Do they think their ticky-tacky little overpriced "workforce" units are going to help anyone? How about the "workforce" at the track? How many jobs will be lost?


While on the subject of economics,racing is a rich sport. It attracts owners of the ilk of Jenny and Sid Craig. Robert Wagner and major sport figures and stars. They bring their money to town and rent our limos to take them to shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants, drink in our bars and sleep in our hotels. What a waste.

[Roger Slocum]

Mrs.frankB
was cool, she forgot to mention, however, that Bing Crosby raced horses at Bay Meadows and that he loved them just as much as golf...
I continue to wait for Diamond Dog?

[mrs.frankb]

Roger - thanks - and, sorry - I did forget about Bing and Walter Matthou and John Forthsythe and lots of others - and I won't even try to name the famous jockeys and horses that thrilled cheering fans.

I also believe this is ill-timed because racing nationwide - as an industry - seems to be on the upswing and we could be part of that positive growth.

Mrs.

[Diamond Dog]

I didn't intend to offen your father or all the other jockeys. I was merely exercising sarcasm in making my argument, a technique which those of you in the SAVE BAY MEADOWS camp always loves using.

Meanwhile, if those horses could talk, maybe they'd tell a different story.

And again, this "entertainment" defense is a joke. If that's the case, let's get rid of the gambling portion.

Yeah, right.




Well here we go again, name calling and disrespect for the opinion of others when diverse opinions is exactly what this FORUM is all about.
Diamond Dog has his opinion and although I may respect it, I may also respectfully disagree;
Paving over all of the last GREEN in San Mateo in order for you to feed your desire for LATTE and STARCHED SHIRTS while you TEXT your boy and girl buddies on your new phone from yet another new phone store with yet another new phone deal with 10 more new cell sites upon the coastal hilltops,
while you stand still in trafic wall to wall at the intersection of HWY. 92 and WHATEVER in your new Toyota Hibred? When you might have had the chance of your lifetime to actually enjoy a day at the races without having to spend any food stamps to do so. You can actually go to the races for only entertainment purposes, especially if you love horses. Those who love horse's do not whip prod them to do anything they would not do naturally.
If you actually knew anything about horseracing? Maybe a little STARBUCKS would wake you up to the fact that those MIDGETS use them as a tool to guide and encourage it is not a source of abuse.
My Father sir is 4 foot 10 inches TALL he is not a MIDGET he is a "MAN" who at 100lbs. was able to guide 1200lb race horses around a 1 mile track, sometimes winning, sometimes losing and some times finding himself on the ground with 10's of thousands of lbs. crashing down on top of him. He did so from 1940 until 1954 when head injuries ended his career and unlike the highly paid atheletes of today that sir was the end.
My Father sir never whip proded a horse in his life, he loved the horses he rode and all of those MIDGETS as you describe them, love the horse they are riding also, for that horse at any time during that race can kill them.
Think about that when you drive by Bay Meadows Phase II years from now, with LATTE from the new STARBUCKS in hand.
But, Hey maybe when you need to entertain friend, family, or business associate some day on a GOLF COURSE that is not there anymore, you will think about your comments today and wonder where did all that PRECIOUS LAND go? And think to yourself? Why do I now have to belong to a COUNTRY CLUB? And the answer will pop into your mind that you once supported the destruction of all the Municipal Golf Course's along with BAY MEADOWS!
How ironic would that be?
In summary lets try to be a little nicer to each other in these forums, it was not meant to be as a place of disrespect. SOSMOOTH has a point that deseves to be voiced and believe me when passion for a subject is there sometimes the key strikes go amiss!
For all I know some of your comments were tongue in cheek?
Hope you all understand my point of view and whether you disagree or agree I will welcome and look forward to your comments.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Diamond: Why is it necessary to get rid of the gambling to legitimize horse racing? They go hand in hand, and this adds excitement. I know, I know, you'll mention people losing all their money. Freedom's a bitch, ain't it? I love the freedom of it all.

[mrs.frankb]

The real gamble may be getting all those apartments filled and that shopping center profitable when it is competing with so many others and the internet.
But, gambling surely had something to do with the decision - some LOVE
to judge others and tell them what to do. The same people who rant about betting on the horses play the stock market...and brag when they make money. Betting on horse racing is just more colorful and exciting. This is just another case of double standards.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

The betting on horses and "gambling" argument is just so moronic. When children grow up they become adults. But sometimes, mentally, we have these adults with child-like thought patterns.

Adults like to gamble, drink alcohol, have sex, and even eat vegetables. Some adults even like to NOT gamble, drink alcohol, or eat vegetables. Yet here we are again, someone named DiamondDog brings up GAMBLING.

Grow up already. If you don't want to gamble then don't. Do what many people do when they visit Vegas: Enjoy the other activities such as eating, shows, or shopping. And leave the gambling to those who want to.

[Roger Slocum]

I didn't intend to offen your father or all the other jockeys. I was merely exercising sarcasm in making my argument, a technique which those of you in the SAVE BAY MEADOWS camp always loves using.

Meanwhile, if those horses could talk, maybe they'd tell a different story.

And again, this "entertainment" defense is a joke. If that's the case, let's get rid of the gambling portion.

Yeah, right.
So where do we go from here,this place, this time and find a solution?
Obviously, Diamond Dog is a fool, with no real solution other than, for god sakes folk's do not gamble? While we shave all the green ? And no doubt DIAMOND DOG has never bet a penny on any thing? NFL? Pools at work?
I would have thought the Dog would have had more in the gut, than what He/She wrote? Maybe what you need is more STONES,DUDETTE !
The DOG failed to respond to so many opportunity's?
Dog, You QUOTE me, but did not respond to what all I posted ?
So for the record (33, 45, or even 78) I have never been, nor am I now a member of any camp, IE "Save Bay Meadows" .
Do I advocate the preservation of Bay Meadows? Yes I do, but I do so for reasons you cannot even comprehend? For your mind does not truly appreciate what is real, you seem only able to try to determine what LATTE you will have each morning and whether your shirts are stached or not?
Did you see the DERBY today, did you note in your brain that those are the most pampered animals? All of them are, whether a $1000.00 claimer or a $Million purchase, just like every child born in the USA has a chance to become The President of the USA, so every spring every foal born has the chance to be a Kentucky Derby winner.
Maybe you would enjoy some time with a horse? And those who work with them. Give it a try some time DOG?
Hey,I grew up on the track, I grew up loving horses and yes I find nothing wrong with betting on the one I may think will win, I also bet on the NINERS, do that make me a FOOL?

[mrs.frankb]

Horseracing in many civilied places in the world is known as the "Sport of Kings" - in our case this year it was the Queen of England who graced historic Churchill Downs to watch America's best 3-year olds compete inh the first leg of the Triple Crown.

The Queen was splendid with her wonderful pink hat complimenting her
pearl-white curls. I was comfortable in my old jeans and sweatshirt
with my hair "undone" as I wagered 28.00 on the internet (and won a 186.00)
while I cheered my horse down the stretch. What a great day.

I don't think we'll be seeing the Queen - she probably has seen all the condos and malls she can stand...too bad.

[Roger Slocum]

There is a place on this earth where both human and aminal come together?
It may be the ZOO for some? It could be the local pound for others? The young one who doe"s not have a home?
For me it is the race track, the sound of the pounding hoofs with the breath pushing out of the nostrils, the sight of the pricked ear's. The tail twirling in the wind and becoming straight out as the horse knows that he, or she is winning the race.
Believe me when I say This DOG, the horse, just like any of us knows whether he/she has won or lost.
Your assumption that any horse is punished is simply BOGUS and in realalty does not deserve a response!
As always, however, you are invited to debate this issue?

[sosmooth]

^^^^^^ yupp best 1:39 in my life or 1:13 for 6 furlongs. im glad this is still going, its nice to see what people think about something.

[Roger Slocum]

If you haven't yet and if you are still of a curious mind, why not visit Bay Meadows now? You really only have a short time left if you care.
No races, no gambling, just horses in training and people learning and working together at the profession they have chosen and believe in and are willing to learn more.
Those of you with a mind to can go to the TRACK now, experience its architectural grace and begin to wonder why a devolper and City Council would be so willing to destroy it? If not for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Enjoy it while you can San Mateo, learn about it while you can, for soon it will be gone, a thing of the past covered in concrete.

[mrs.frankb]

Those who couldn't wait to sweep the racetrack under the carpet
and have a great little condo development have had a rude shock.
They cannot run their fair without accompanying races...Jerry Hill
is scrambling - they can always use Alameda or Golden Gate he says.
What a lovely day that would be - Give the kids a ride in San Mateo,
drive across the bay to Golden Gate for a race, drive back to San Mateo for a hot dog, drive back...

This genius is running for Assembly - Scarey isn't it?

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Those who couldn't wait to sweep the racetrack under the carpet
and have a great little condo development have had a rude shock.
They cannot run their fair without accompanying races...Jerry Hill
is scrambling - they can always use Alameda or Golden Gate he says.
What a lovely day that would be - Give the kids a ride in San Mateo,
drive across the bay to Golden Gate for a race, drive back to San Mateo for a hot dog, drive back...

This genius is running for Assembly - Scarey isn't it?

Jerry Hill has been an instrumental voice in getting rid of our nice little race track. And now he feins shock and anger over this decision. What a PHONY hypocrite liar.

Notice how QUIET the San Mateo City Council is on this matter? They have their fingerprints all over this decision to get rid of the track.

Of course Jerry Hill will replace our Horse Track and those 700 jobs with this new housing for the Homeless. Quite a trade. If anyone votes to continue this guy's career in politics this would be a great injustice.

[mrs.frankb]

I believe that the San Mateo Council's decision to turn our historic race track into a nest of condos, apartments and another (yawn) mall was made because the majority of the Council believed racing fans to be of much lower "class" than they were. I believe they honestly thought they were doing their city a favor. They were probably spurred on by Hill - who worked to keep his hand on the controls of the Council he had sat on for so long.

It is obvious that they never thought it through... If Hill wins his bid for Assembly and his seat is filled by a member of this Council our county actually won't have more inept leadership - we'll just have more inept leadership at a higher level.

[Roger Slocum]

With thoughts of you all, who put up with San Mateo political idiocity on a daily basis I have only this to say today.
There they Go!!!!!!!!!!!! And it’s a whale of a good start!!!!!!!!!!
In anticipation of a TRIPLE CROWN!
I am only rooting for Street Sense and hoping for another historic move on the far turn.
If he runs the same, not one of the others can come close, if he is closer to the pace and fires the same it will be over at the 1/4 pole.
So here's! to hearing, "Street Sense, is winning The Preakness and running away with it by 3 and a 1/2 lengths!"
However it is still a horse race and even though only 8 others challenge this time, one of them is Circular Quay,
one of my original Triple Crown picks? Two others ran well in The Derby? Then there are a couple who's trainers were only working them toward this race? The weather may change all plans as well? So!
I will have cocktail in hand, after picking up the doggie poops, mowing the lawn and planting a couple of Virginia Creeper's along the wall of the old garage.
While I watch every step that Street Sense takes! And hope he can do what Barbaro would have.
That being said:
What will the San Mateo County Fair be like without Horse Racing?
No $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$?
Much smaller? Only KIDDIE RIDES? Ask now before it is too late, what the fair operators might think of bringing their equipment to San Mateo? for little or no return?
Ask The City of Pleasanton/Alameda County how their Fair would fair if there were no Horses on the track? Does anyone remember if it is true that Secretariat trained at Pleasanton?
How will any of the County's fund their Entertianment Expense W/O racing income?
GOOD BYE SAN MATEO COUNTY FAIR as you have known it for years.
But thats OK you will all love, the petting zoo and all those floral exhibits and all the silly sales people selling the best food choppers ever invented? OH and all of the 6 legged, 2 headed animules you might be able to gock at?
Do not, however expect good fair food! But heck you will still be able to judge and bid on some awsome 4-H raised animules? If they still even want to enter? I just love those little piggies, reminds me of a movie, or was it a book?
For all of this insanity please do not thank any of your county horse racing and Bay Meadows protectionists, but please do send your appreciation of the new and improved county fair to all of your local county legistlators?
Yes once again San Mateo will be Known for its world famous San Mateo Floral Exposition. Thats about it!

[Roger Slocum]

One in the same? Reopen this issue, or hide in your closets while your city is taken away? What a joke this all has become, destroy history and an icon for only a few $ more?
Peace, Love and Woodstock!

[Roscoe_Beedle]

I believe that the San Mateo Council's decision to turn our historic race track into a nest of condos, apartments and another (yawn) mall was made because the majority of the Council believed racing fans to be of much lower "class" than they were. I believe they honestly thought they were doing their city a favor. They were probably spurred on by Hill - who worked to keep his hand on the controls of the Council he had sat on for so long.

It is obvious that they never thought it through... If Hill wins his bid for Assembly and his seat is filled by a member of this Council our county actually won't have more inept leadership - we'll just have more inept leadership at a higher level.

You hit the nail right on the head! This is what was behind much of this. The other juicy fruit was the increase in taxes this new development represents. Property taxes, fees, endless revenue to the City.

How can it be that no one is calling for either a recall of these people or at least NOT VOTING FOR JERRY HILL.

[Linda Slocum Lara]

In response to Rosco Beedle -

I agree, and I hope that some concerned citizens will step forward with a recall plan, especially now in light of the fact that this whole develpment plan appears to be reduced.

Alot of concerned citizens in San Mateo have been working very hard regarding the preservation of Historic Bay Meadows Race Track and it's rightful place in our community's culture and heritage. There has been great concern for the workers and all the jobs that will be lost. It would be nice if another group of concered citizens that have been aware and watching all of the proceedings for the past few years on this subject would be willing to advance a recall effort.

There is a definite problem according to Joint Powers Board and the CalTrain / transportation representatives re: the Hillsdale train station re-location. There is no short term plans in sight and funding available to cover the train station upgrades and the undercrossings at 25th, 28th and 31st Avenues. This changes the whole meaning under the umbrella of a so called "Transit Oriented Development". It doesn't sound very "Transit Oriented" to me anymore. Also, the huge decrease in the amount of revenue now for the city is really something to be concerned about and changes the whole premise the development plan was sold to the city on, and then the city in turn sold it out to the public one way and now that has all been reduced, even though the developer, mayor and council members deny this reduction. This reduction will also translate to less BMR units, which is a hot button for this city. Carole Groom's insistance on "one" more BMR unit at the proposed new development next to Ironwood on Delaware and the lack of response to the Ironwood residents concerns, has resulted in a suit against the city. So how can they accept a reduction in Bay Meadows Phase II and the amount of BMR's it was to provide?

Some have mentioned the ineptness of our city and county leadership regarding this whole issue. It is sad but true, the regular citizenship of San Mateo, the concerned citizens that came to meeting after meeting, and voiced their thougths and opinions about the troubles of this development, and have written to the newspapers about time and time again, have basically been ignored and un-responded to in their concerns.

Now that the city leadership and the county (Jerry Hill) have realized that their consistent revenue provider (not always top dollar) but still reliable and consistent, Bay Meadows might go away sooner than they all thought taking this revenue away as well, they are all freaking out and scrambling to maintain that revenue coming into their coffers until the bitter end when the wrecking ball hits. This is shameful but laughable. All of a sudden Jerry Hill has announced his deep concern for the workers and their families that will lose their jobs and the funding that will put a strain on the city and county budgets. And what about our fair? They are all suddenly concerned about the fair going away if we don't have horseracing anymore.

These negative impacts on our community have all been presented to all the powers that be for several years now.

It's just that they do not want to listen to their constituents, they only listen to big business, developers, lawyers, real estate, corporations etc. etc. their hand picked CAC's, not the public that they supposedly represent.

As much as what our city leadership does that is good and beneficial, they also sometimes make bad choices, or at least ones that don't coincide with the wishes of the people. My message here is not meant to disregard the positive things that our leaders have done and support.

HOWEVER.....

The majority of the residents in San Mateo are able to see thru what has been happening by our arrogant leadership that was unwilling to allow our community a vote on this very, very big and controversial issue. I'm sure those residents would support a recall effort.

I hope that no one has given up on the race track versus the Bay Meadows Phase II development, thinking that it is inevitable that it will be developed. Perhaps there is still hope that the recetrack can remain, because the potential development bill of goods appears to be some what unraveling at this point.

There are PLENTY of other developments happening around the city, plenty, plenty, plenty. I think we can do without Bay Meadows Phase II and take steps for our city and county to embrace and support Bay Meadows Racetrack, allowing it to remain and provide even more benefit, additional entertainment and revenue for the city, it will just take a little creative thinking and open minds.

Linda Slocum Lara
San Mateo, 45 years

[mrs.frankb]

I would join any effort to save Bay Meadows - it is - and should be regarded as a historic landmark. It should be under the control of the county - not the City of San Mateo - Ideally, both the fairgrounds and track should have an elected - NOT appointed citizen panel that helps oversee and protect these vital resources. This panel should be made up of reps from each area of the county.

The Sheriff and the Bay Meadows fiasco points out what happens when we don't exercise our right to vote.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Anyone who supported or still supports saving Bay Meadows should make sure NOT TO VOTE FOR JERRY HILL.

Jerry Hill was a main proponent of this tear down of Bay Meadows. He worked primarily behind the scenes. The San Mateo Fair will soon also be gone as we now learn how important race funds are for the survival of the Fair.

You will notice one thing. Now that the fate of the Track is pretty much set in stoine, these same public officials are running away from it. No finger prints.

Jerry Hill needs to be defeated. Send a message.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

In response to Rosco Beedle -

I agree, and I hope that some concerned citizens will step forward with a recall plan, especially now in light of the fact that this whole develpment plan appears to be reduced.

Alot of concerned citizens in San Mateo have been working very hard regarding the preservation of Historic Bay Meadows Race Track and it's rightful place in our community's culture and heritage. There has been great concern for the workers and all the jobs that will be lost. It would be nice if another group of concered citizens that have been aware and watching all of the proceedings for the past few years on this subject would be willing to advance a recall effort.

There is a definite problem according to Joint Powers Board and the CalTrain / transportation representatives re: the Hillsdale train station re-location. There is no short term plans in sight and funding available to cover the train station upgrades and the undercrossings at 25th, 28th and 31st Avenues. This changes the whole meaning under the umbrella of a so called "Transit Oriented Development". It doesn't sound very "Transit Oriented" to me anymore. Also, the huge decrease in the amount of revenue now for the city is really something to be concerned about and changes the whole premise the development plan was sold to the city on, and then the city in turn sold it out to the public one way and now that has all been reduced, even though the developer, mayor and council members deny this reduction. This reduction will also translate to less BMR units, which is a hot button for this city. Carole Groom's insistance on "one" more BMR unit at the proposed new development next to Ironwood on Delaware and the lack of response to the Ironwood residents concerns, has resulted in a suit against the city. So how can they accept a reduction in Bay Meadows Phase II and the amount of BMR's it was to provide?

Some have mentioned the ineptness of our city and county leadership regarding this whole issue. It is sad but true, the regular citizenship of San Mateo, the concerned citizens that came to meeting after meeting, and voiced their thougths and opinions about the troubles of this development, and have written to the newspapers about time and time again, have basically been ignored and un-responded to in their concerns.

Now that the city leadership and the county (Jerry Hill) have realized that their consistent revenue provider (not always top dollar) but still reliable and consistent, Bay Meadows might go away sooner than they all thought taking this revenue away as well, they are all freaking out and scrambling to maintain that revenue coming into their coffers until the bitter end when the wrecking ball hits. This is shameful but laughable. All of a sudden Jerry Hill has announced his deep concern for the workers and their families that will lose their jobs and the funding that will put a strain on the city and county budgets. And what about our fair? They are all suddenly concerned about the fair going away if we don't have horseracing anymore.

These negative impacts on our community have all been presented to all the powers that be for several years now.

It's just that they do not want to listen to their constituents, they only listen to big business, developers, lawyers, real estate, corporations etc. etc. their hand picked CAC's, not the public that they supposedly represent.

As much as what our city leadership does that is good and beneficial, they also sometimes make bad choices, or at least ones that don't coincide with the wishes of the people. My message here is not meant to disregard the positive things that our leaders have done and support.

HOWEVER.....

The majority of the residents in San Mateo are able to see thru what has been happening by our arrogant leadership that was unwilling to allow our community a vote on this very, very big and controversial issue. I'm sure those residents would support a recall effort.

I hope that no one has given up on the race track versus the Bay Meadows Phase II development, thinking that it is inevitable that it will be developed. Perhaps there is still hope that the recetrack can remain, because the potential development bill of goods appears to be some what unraveling at this point.

There are PLENTY of other developments happening around the city, plenty, plenty, plenty. I think we can do without Bay Meadows Phase II and take steps for our city and county to embrace and support Bay Meadows Racetrack, allowing it to remain and provide even more benefit, additional entertainment and revenue for the city, it will just take a little creative thinking and open minds.

Linda Slocum Lara
San Mateo, 45 years

Don't get caught up in this "Transit Oriented" development claptrap. It's a ruse. Take a look at Bay Meadows I. Cars everywhere, filling up garages and on the streets. The transit oriented development is crap. It's the argument needed to convince people this is a wonderful solution. This has always been a Tax Revenue project.

[Diamond Dog]

Where "human and animal come together" indeed.

I think you should amend that to: "Where horses are used like objects for the enjoyment of human sport.


Jockey Baze suspended for whip use on horse
The Associated Press

SAN MATEO — Russell Baze, the winningest jockey in thoroughbred racing history, was suspended for 15 days and fined on Sunday for using his whip on an injured horse who later died.
Baze, who has 9,826 career victories, was headed to an easy win aboard Imperial Eyes in the first race Thursday at Bay Meadows when the horse took a bad step and broke down in the deep stretch. According to a Bay Meadows spokesman, Baze urged Imperial Eyes forward after the horse recovered from the initial bad step, using his whip twice.

Imperial Eyes still finished second, but had a broken bone in his left front leg. The 4-year-old gelding was euthanized after going into distress while his handlers contemplated surgery.

Though Imperial Eyes’ trainer said he didn’t blame Baze for the horse’s death, saying Baze couldn’t have known the extent of the horse’s injury, the Hall of Fame jockey was repentant.

“I’m not going to try to defend what I did,” said Baze, who rode two winners at his home track Sunday. “There is no way to defend it. I made a bad decision in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry. ... Hopefully, this will not be the defining moment of my career. Hopefully, I’ll be judged on the right decisions I’ve made in the past and on the right decisions I’ll make in the future.”

Bay Meadows’ board of stewards held a hearing on Baze’s conduct Saturday and fined him $2,500 and suspended him from Sept. 2-16. Baze will miss 11 race programs. Baze, 49, broke Laffit Pincay Jr.’s record for career victories on Dec. 1, 2006, winning his 9,531st race aboard Butterfly Belle at Bay Meadows.

In June, a veteran jockey who kicked his horse in the stomach before a race was suspended for 30 days and fined $1,000 by Philadelphia Park officials. Victor Molina said the feisty horse flipped in the starting gate and his head struck the jockey flush in the chest. Molina’s chest went numb and he lost his cool.


There is a place on this earth where both human and aminal come together?
It may be the ZOO for some? It could be the local pound for others? The young one who doe"s not have a home?
For me it is the race track, the sound of the pounding hoofs with the breath pushing out of the nostrils, the sight of the pricked ear's. The tail twirling in the wind and becoming straight out as the horse knows that he, or she is winning the race.
Believe me when I say This DOG, the horse, just like any of us knows whether he/she has won or lost.
Your assumption that any horse is punished is simply BOGUS and in realalty does not deserve a response!
As always, however, you are invited to debate this issue?

[Linda Slocum Lara]

To Diamond Dog:
There is no excuse for the jockey Victor Molina that kicked his horse purposefully. The jockey was injured, lost his temper and reacted.....no excuse, just fact. Hence he was punished for his actions.

However, Russell Baze made an honest mistake in judgement. There is no way he could have possibly known the extent of the horse's injury after just taking a bad step. Horses take bad steps all the time without injury.

Russell is a very experienced and accomplished jockey and anyone that knows him, knows he would never take advantage of a horse or a situation. He didn't need the win, he is already the winningest jockey in history. He is a very compassionate man that cares deeply for the horses and I have seen him pull up a horse on numerous occassions when he thought they were injured. He would never sacrifice the well being of a horse for his own personal gain or for the entertainment benefit of humans.

Horsemen more than anybody know and understand that unfortunately sometimes horses get injured and have to be put down. Sometime our pets get sick or injured and have to be put down as well. Are our pets around for our human entertainment and companionship? Yes they are.

Diamond Dog, I assume from your post that you are expressing compassion for the demise of the horse. I would suggest you put your compassionate energy into trying to stop the uneccessary slaughter of our American horse population and exporting the meat to foreign countries for consumption. Now that's a cause to get behind ! Leave Bay Meadows, horse racing and Russell Baze alone !

[Rogers Ruffian]

Well here we go again, I was wondering since we had not heard from Diamond Dog for months on this subject how long it would be for a post in protest of the use of a whip in horse racing which in the dogs opinion is animal abuse simply for the entertainment and gambling interest of humans.
To think that any Jockey would purposely put a horse in danger is absurd the Jockeys life depends on remaining on the back of the horse and not on the ground being trampled by those coming from behind.
To think that a Jockey with Russell Baze' experience would do that is just plain silly.
Horses take miss steps during a race as well as a trail ride, so do humans and some times we sprain an ankle or worse, but most times not.
When a Jockey does feel that a horse has broken down they are immediately pulled up as is what was shown a few years ago with Chris Antley at the finish line in the Belmont Stakes, they will immediately jump off and care for the horse as he did cradling the front left leg of a champion in his arms in order to keep Charismatic from putting weight on that leg again until the track vets could arrive, he saved the horse' life that day. The horse took a misstep trying to win.
Some times Jockey's can't do that, especially on Nat'l TV mosttimes they do at race tracks all over the world and no one but the fans there see it. Sometimes it is very violent and the horse will actually snap a front leg in half and somersault sending the Jockey hurling forward to land on the track 20 or 30 feet beyond the misstep, thats when other Jockeys try to save that life, pulling up, changing direction and clearing a path of safety for all others in the race.
This has been a part of horse racing for hundreds of years it happens and it is an accident, not unlike the deaths that have occurred in any other sport. Does Nascar stop because Dale Ernheart tried a pass he shouldn't have during the final lap of a Daytona 500? He also could have killed the driver he was trying to pass was it stupid or a mistake or intentional? Yet Nascar goes faster? Are concussions in Football deadly? Yes, but does the NFL still play football games? Are neck injuries in any human sport deadly? Yes, but do they stop playing those games? It is not the whip that causes the injury it is the misstep. We all take those from time to time and in my opinion you have also once again.
The horse racing industry employs the best vets and stewardship inorder to insure the safety of both horse and jockey and like all sports it does its best to do so, an ambulance follows behind each race in order to be there as quickly as is possible.
In closing I might even venture that horse racing is far beyond the others in ensuring that safety always comes first.

[mrs.frankb]

Well said -

[SaveBayMeadowsTrack]

Hi I'm a school teacher in San Jose and I hope to take my students on a field trip to Bay Meadows Race Track. There is so much history there. My students just love to watch the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral over and over again. They know that Seabiscuit raced there. I'm trying to give them an experience that will be gone. I use to ride horses as a child and would collect Breyer Models of famous race horses like Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Swaps and Manowar. The stables I use to ride at was shut down.
I love to watch the horses and appreciate the sport and jockeys.

Yes, the GREEDY DEVELOPERS have had their way in SAN JOSE and our Fair Grounds are gone. I loved going there when I was a kid to see the animals, rides, concerts, and booths. It's ALL GONE due to construction of high density housing. I cried when the last ORCHARD in Willow Glen in SAN JOSE was torn down. NOW it's being developed into condos where there is not enough room for 2 neighbors to back out of their garages at the same time. Every neighbor will look out and see each other. It's so tight.

I ENJOY Friday nights live at Baymeodows. It's a diversion from just movies and eating out in San Jose with spending a half an hour looking for places to park. Is there going to be anything else to do except movies, dinner out or going to bars for the young and the old? DON'T Ruin San Mateo LIKE the DEVELOPERS and POLITICIANS have already done to SAN JOSE. KEEP SAN MATEO, BAYMEADOWS, SEABISCUIT, RUSSELL BAIZE and everything else about BAY MEADOWS alive for FUTURE GENERATIONS and PEOPLE from out of town like me to enjoy:)


SEABISCUIT and horse racing gave people people a sense of hope during the depression in the 1930's. It was a diversion and something else to think about than the pain everyone was feeling at the time. These times are depressing with almost everything torn down to high density housing and already crowded freeways and parking lots. Wait until the current high density projects all over the Bay Area are finished and the thousands of people move in. Then what, what will we do for fun? How will we escape for a moment and dream about being on the back of a race horse at Bay Meadows? PLEASE Keep it.:)

[SaveBayMeadowsTrack]

Hi I'm a school teacher in San Jose and I hope to take my students on a field trip to Bay Meadows Race Track. There is so much history there. My students just love to watch the race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral over and over again. They know that Seabiscuit raced there. I'm trying to give them an experience that will be gone. I use to ride horses as a child and would collect Breyer Models of famous race horses like Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Swaps and Manowar. The stables I use to ride at was shut down.
I love to watch the horses and appreciate the sport and jockeys.

Yes, the GREEDY DEVELOPERS have had their way in SAN JOSE and our Fair Grounds are gone. I loved going there when I was a kid to see the animals, rides, concerts, and booths. It's ALL GONE due to construction of high density housing. I cried when the last ORCHARD in Willow Glen in SAN JOSE was torn down. NOW it's being developed into condos where there is not enough room for 2 neighbors to back out of their garages at the same time. Every neighbor will look out and see each other. It's so tight.

I ENJOY Friday nights live at Baymeodows. It's a diversion from just movies and eating out in San Jose with spending a half an hour looking for places to park. Is there going to be anything else to do except movies, dinner out or going to bars for the young and the old? DON'T Ruin San Mateo LIKE the DEVELOPERS and POLITICIANS have already done to SAN JOSE. KEEP SAN MATEO, BAYMEADOWS, SEABISCUIT, RUSSELL BAIZE and everything else about BAY MEADOWS alive for FUTURE GENERATIONS and PEOPLE from out of town like me to enjoy:)


SEABISCUIT and horse racing gave people people a sense of hope during the depression in the 1930's. It was a diversion and something else to think about than the pain everyone was feeling at the time. These times are depressing with almost everything torn down to high density housing and already crowded freeways and parking lots. Wait until the current high density projects all over the Bay Area are finished and the thousands of people move in. Then what, what will we do for fun? How will we escape for a moment and dream about being on the back of a race horse at Bay Meadows? PLEASE Keep it.:)

Bay Meadows gives us a sense of open space and FREEDOM in this HIGH DENSITY vision of politicians and developers!:o

[mrs.frankb]

Saving Bay Meadows would be a dream but I believe its too little too late. In past years, politicians supported and took pride in Bay Meadows. At least one of the office holders owned racing stock that was stabled there. Today's politicians - are not proud of the Meadows. I believe - and this is just my take on it - that the Meadows was not classy enough for them - Somehow I can't imagine any of them enjoying dollar beer at Friday Nites Alive or rushing to the track to get their free totebag. I also believe that is true for some of the members of the Fair Board who should have been fighting this tooth and nail, now spearheading the sale.

In their great wisdom, they got carried away by taking out a site that to some of us is packed with colorful history and completely forgot to do a responsible job and consider the negative economical impact.

If, by some miracle, the track were saved, safeguards to prevent something like this happening again should be taken.

I am waiting for the day when someone will want to build condos and maybe an attractive stip mall over Golden Gate Cemetary.

[frankie boon]

We only have a week or so before people start mailing back their absentee ballots on the San Mateo City Council Vote. Start writing letters to the San Mateo newspaper editors expressing your desire to vote out Matthews and Lee (incumbents) and vote in Arnold and Sanchez:
letters@dailynewsgroup.com, letters@smdailyjournal.com, letters@examiner.com, smctletters@bayareanewsgroup.com

San Mateo residents should replace two incumbents hell bent on ruining the quality of life for us. Time to vote out incumbents Matthews and Lee, and vote in Arnold and Sanchez this November. Why? Matthews/Lee are responsible for bringing in, repeatedly, so-called “high-density, transit-oriented developments” wherever they can stick them in San Mateo (think Bay Meadows and 1250 new “high density” condos). These are really poor developments cramming too many people onto too small plots of land, creating years of traffic congestion, with only the “hope” that new condo buyers won’t use their cars. This is a pipe dream. There are no restrictions on new cars in these pricey developments - if they are really “transit-oriented” developments then why not ban cars altogether? This in turn brings in more pollution from new idling cars on our roads, more congestion to City streets, and more greenhouse gases that would otherwise be non-existent. Further, because “high-density” projects cram too many people onto what should be fewer single-family home sites (like the majority of San Mateo), the quaint nature and neighborhood-feel is completely lost – good by “San Mateo” hello “San Francisco”. Plus, these incumbents seem free to change the nature of our neighborhoods without soliciting feedback from affected residents. Finally, Matthews/Lee publicly state they want MORE high-density housing “to increase supply, decrease demand, and lower the price of housing in the area.” So, residents get more greenhouse gas, years of congestion/construction, AND lower property values. I’m voting for Arnold/Sanchez to stop the madness!

[frankie boon]

To all of you 7000-plus San Mateo residents who signed the petition to democratically vote on the future of San Mateo and the Bay Meadows 20-year construction project, NOW is your time! Time to vote out San Mateo City Council incumbents Matthews and Lee who were responsible for thwarting your democratic vote on the project. Their campaign “literature” doesn’t dare mention “Bay Meadows” or their actions regarding this project. Wonder why? They continue to pooh-pooh the legitimate traffic and quality-of-life concerns of actual residents in favor of out-of-state land owner/developer/leasing company interests. The incumbent city council held “public” study sessions with these same stakeholders at night in remote locations. They continue to force “high-density” developments on residents, increasing congestion, traffic and greenhouse gases, in addition to their overall stated goal of “lowering property values” in San Mateo. They refuse to listen to residents and supported the goons who harassed residents collecting signatures for the Bay Meadows vote. Well, people are responsible for their actions, so let’s vote in Arnold and Sanchez (who oppose “high-density” developments) and vote out Matthews and Lee. Their actions speak louder than their rhetoric. Let your voice be heard on November 6, the same voice that was denied a democratic vote on the Bay Meadows construction project.