Supervisors Vote to Explore Partnerships With Del Mar Fairgrounds Group

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to explore potential partnerships with the state organization that operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which could lead to increased local oversight of the facility.

Ron Roberts and Greg Cox, the board's chairman and vice chairman, asked county staff to report back in two months.

Adam Day, who heads the state 22nd District Agricultural Association board, told City News Service the proposal came about one month after he reached out to the supervisors.

The state agency operates the fairgrounds, the San Diego County Fair, the summer horse racing season, a satellite wagering facility and hosts numerous trade shows. According to Roberts and Cox, the 22nd DAA is the most financially successful District Agricultural Association in California, with an annual budget of $90 million.

The association's financial success means the county would not take on any extra financial burdens in asserting control over the facility, according to the two supervisors. The county could also ensure the future of the fairgrounds amid the state's budget crisis, they said.

They said more local oversight could also ensure the future of the facility.

"This is an asset we've been using, so I think we should have a voice there," Supervisor Bill Horn said.

A partnership with the county could provide several benefits, including enhanced local input, increased transparency, employee protection and flexibility to respond to local needs, Day said.

"These dramatic changes, if possible, would provide a positive boost of confidence to the residents of San Diego County that the fairgrounds truly belong to all residents of San Diego County," Day said.

The supervisors noted that Gov. Jerry Brown is exploring options to shift all District Agricultural Associations to local control.

Day said he has been in discussions with the governor's office and doesn't expect state interference with any plan to shift authority over the fairgrounds.

The association could pave the way toward finding a new model that would benefit rural county fairs all over California, Day said.

In other board action today, the supervisors withdrew a proposal to designate Pauma Valley as a "colonia," a Spanish term referring to rural settlements along the U.S.-Mexico border, which would put it in a better position to qualify for federal infrastructure grants.

The board also voted unanimously to adopt a resolution declaring that structures in unincorporated areas damaged in last month's roughly 2,500-acre Shockey fire near Boulevard were eligible for permit fee waivers.

"This will give them added assistance to get their feet back on the ground and back into their homes," Supervisor Dianne Jacob said.

-City News Service