Sagebrush owner Bob McCord dies at 69
Rare brain disease attributed
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Bob McCord

Bob McCord, an active member of the Calabasas community and owner of the popular Sagebrush Cantina in the city's Old Town district, died in his sleep early May 12 as a result of a rare brain disease. He was 69 years old.

McCord was recently diagnosed with CreutzfeldtJakob disease (CJD), a degenerative and incurable brain disease. McCord died within three weeks of his diagnosis, according to Judi Uthus, spokesperson for the cantina.

McCord opened the popular restaurant and bar in 1976 and it fast became a local entertainment hotspot. Now considered an area landmark, the restaurant also serves as a showcase for McCord's antique circus artifacts, including carousels and calliopes.

"He just was Calabasas," said Don Janero, who worked with McCord and has been a close friend for more than 30 years. "There was nothing here 34 years ago. He pioneered the area. He built this thing from a little 20by-20 to what it is today."

There is a variant of CJD known as mad cow disease, however McCord was diagnosed with classic CJD, which is unrelated. Most people infected with classic CJD have either a family history of the disease- called familial CJD- or develop it for unexplained reasons- called spontaneous or sporadic CJD- according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's mostly naturally occurring," said Arleen Porcell of the CDC, who was not familiar with McCord's case. "It's not black and white. It's one of those mysterious things. Some people just get it and there's not much information out there about it."

City Councilmember James Bozajian knew McCord for nearly 12 years, and called him one of the area's most recognizable and colorful personalities.

"Bob will be most remembered for helping to transform the Sagebrush Cantina into a local landmark during its three decades under his management," Bozajian said. "Ironically, the Sagebrush is probably more closely associated with Calabasas than any other single business establishment- even though, technically, it lies just over the city border in Woodland Hills. Although he is now gone, his contributions to our community will serve as a tribute to his memory for many years to come."

McCord remained closely tied to the local community, helping to raise funds for local schools, candidates and special programs. He also served as president of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce in the mid-1970s.

"I've appreciated all he's done as a pioneer and legend continuing a long line of interesting pioneering and legendary people in the Old Town area as well as larger area of Calabasas," Councilmember Dennis Washburn said. "We'll all miss him. He's done an awful lot to create an image, identity and character for our community."

In 1997 McCord was awarded the Bill Van Gieson Memorial Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. He was also recognized in 2006 by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation as a business leader who added culture and vitality to the community.

McCord was a supporter of the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, Tip A Cop and the Sheriff's Star Program, and was host to a number of charitable motorcycle rides. He also helped sponsor the Calabasas Method Fest Independent Film Festival and Spotlight the Arts. He is survived by his mother, Wanda McCord; sister, Penny; and son, Robbie. A memorial service will be at noon tomorrow, Fri., May 16, at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries in Hollywood Hills.