Congressman John Campbell (CA 48) originally proposed selling the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa and moving the Fair to the Great Park in Irvine. Here is a chronology of what happened during 2004.
April 29, 2004 - OC Register reports Assemblyman John Campbell wants to sell the Fairgrounds to help close the California budget gap. Campbell believes the Fairgrounds property could be better used for parks, housing or retail opportunities and could bring up to $300 million. Costa Mesa City Manager Alan Roeder says the idea, "strikes a sour note." Campbell also suggested turning the Fairgrounds over to the County, "After all, it is not the state fair, it is the Orange County Fair. Shouldn't Orange County run it?"
August 5, 2004 - In the OC Register, Costa Mesa goes on the record opposing the sale of the Fairgrounds after the Fairgrounds is listed in the California Performance Report as a property to be sold for redevelopment. Costa Mesa City Manager Alan Roeder says that the City has no interest in selling the Fairgrounds. "Our general plan is designed to balance both housing, jobs and traffic impact. (The fairgrounds) is not designed to accommodate the level of traffic (suggested by the state.)" He continues, "We see no need nor any value in creating 'the housing and retail development' unless the state is suggesting that it step into the role of land-use planner and usurp local government control."
August 26, 2004 - The OC Register reports the Fair Board passes a resolution opposing the sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds.
September 9, 2004 - Costa Mesa City Council passes a resolution against rezoning the Fairgrounds. Council also passes a resolution disagreeing with the State that the property is "underutilized."
And that is how Congressman John Campbell got Costa Mesa into the bind the City is in now.
Correction: The district was incorrectly listed as the 47 when it should be the 48. Thanks to Lou Penrose in John Campbell's office for pointing out this typo.
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