This week, the Joint Committee on Fairs, Allocation and Classification (Committee) held an informational hearing on California Fairs to address the fact that many fairs are struggling in light of minimal state financial support.  Assembly Member Susan Eggman (D-San Joaquin), the Committee Chair, stated she wanted to get a better understanding of the most pressing needs of the fair network and work collectively to meet those needs.

Members of the Committee heard from a variety of panelists that are directly involved in the network of fairs.  A common thread throughout all the testimony was the need to invest in infrastructure, such as sewer and water systems, updating buildings, and bringing them into compliance with disabled access laws.

Aside from funding, Assembly Member Eggman inquired into what administrative changes could be implemented to provide some cost-relief to the fairs.  John Quiroz of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) - Division of Fairs and Expositions outlined a variety of efforts that have been put in place by CDFA to reduce overhead costs, including the ability to conduct “financial reviews” in lieu of full-scale audits and a reduction in many of the mandatory reports each fair must submit to the state.

Assembly Members Brian Dahle (R-Lassen) and Frank Bigelow (R-Madera) stressed the importance of the fairs and fairgrounds in rural areas.  These facilities are often the only place for community events and serve a vital public safety role - warming and cooling centers for the community during harsh weather and as staging facilities during disasters/emergencies.

In closing, Assembly Member Eggman thanked all the panelists and stated that work needs to be done to address the infrastructure needs.

For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Analyst Nick Konovaloff at 916.447.4806 or nkonovaloff@rcrcnet.org or RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate Paul A. Smith at 916.447.4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.