The State of California's Proposed Sale of
The OC Fair & Event Center
Updated 9/27/10

In May 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger offered a multi-faceted proposal to State politicians in an effort to balance California's more than $26 billion budget deficit. In this proposal, the sale of surplus or underutilized assets was considered. The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC, 32nd DAA) was included as an underutilized asset.

In October 2009, the State's Department of General Services (DGS) released a Request For Proposals (RFP) regarding the potential sale of the Orange County fairgrounds (OC Fair & Event Center).

In January 2010, the DGS accepted seven bids submitted for the RFP. The company with the highest offer, Craig Realty Group with $56.5 million, was selected as the winning bid for the RFP and the State proceeded in the RFP process reviewing Craig Realty Group's bid details. In March 2010, the DGS rejected Craig Realty Group's and the other six bids because the bid were determined to be too low.

In April 2010, it was announced that the City of Costa Mesa was in exclusive negotiations with the State to purchase the OC Fair & Event Center. In May 2010, the City submitted a proposal to the State which included an agreement where the City owned the title to the property and a private company, Facilities Management West, would operate and manage it. In June, the Governor's office announced approval of the City's proposal and planned to proceed in taking any necessary legislative and procedural requirements.

In August 2010, the State released a second Request for Proposals (RFP) in the event the current proposal by the City of Costa Mesa is not successful.

In September 2010, the Board sent the Govenor's office an explanatory letter and historical information that put in question the rightful ownership of the property.

Below is a variety of information about the proposed sale: