Friday, October 8, 2021 (4:00 pm)

(Oct. 8, 2021) From the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom –

AB 1057 enables law enforcement to seize ghost guns under gun violence or domestic violence restraining orders, SB 320 strengthens procedures ensuring the relinquishment of firearms 

AB 1191 requires analysis of crime gun data to track gun violence trends 

AB 887 allows domestic violence survivors to file restraining orders online and SB 538 enables electronic filing and remote appearances 

SB 264 prohibits the sale of guns or ammunition at Orange County Fair and Event Center

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed legislation to enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence and bolster the enforcement of California’s nation-leading gun safety laws, including measures to strengthen gun violence restraining orders and analyze crime gun data to track trends impacting communities across the state.

“California has the strongest gun safety laws in the nation, but we’re reminded every day that we can’t afford to be complacent in the fight against the gun violence epidemic in this country – we can and must do more,” said Governor Newsom. “Today’s action strengthens enforcement of our common-sense gun safety laws, helping ensure that dangerous individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms surrender their weapons and advancing other lifesaving polices to make our communities safer.”

SB 320 requires the implementation of uniform procedures to ensure individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms due to a domestic violence restraining order relinquish their weapons. The bill also strengthens coordination between courts and law enforcement when there has been a violation of a relinquishment order. AB 1057 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) allows law enforcement to seize ghost guns under gun violence restraining orders and domestic violence restraining orders, expanding an important tool to protect survivors.

AB 1191 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) requires the Department of Justice to analyze crime gun data to trace the history of firearms used in crime and identify trends, providing important insight on how these guns are trafficked. SB 264 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) prohibits the sale of guns or ammunition at the Orange County Fair and Event Center. Gun violence prevention experts warn that gun shows can create a venue to circumvent gun safety laws.

Increasing access to the courts, AB 887 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-Marin County) enables domestic violence survivors to file restraining orders and temporary restraining orders electronically, and SB 538 by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) requires courts to enable electronic filing and remote appearances for domestic violence restraining orders and gun violence restraining orders.

Expanding access to California’s address confidentiality program, Safe at Home, the Governor previously signed AB 277 by Assemblymember Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), which requires the application and related notices for the program to be available in at least five languages. AB 673 by Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) supports domestic violence shelter service providers by ensuring the timely distribution of grant funding administered by Cal OES.

A full list of today’s bills is below:

• AB 673 by Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) – Domestic violence.
• AB 887 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-Marin County) – Domestic violence: restraining orders.
• AB 1057 by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) – Firearms.
• AB 1191 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – Firearms: tracing.
• SB 264 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Firearms: the OC Fair and Event Center.
• SB 320 by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) – Domestic violence protective orders: possession of a firearm.
• SB 538 by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) – Domestic violence and gun violence restraining orders.

California pioneered statewide gun safety protections, approved by voters in Proposition 63, to ban possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and require background checks to keep ammunition out of the hands of dangerous people. Since assuming office, Governor Newsom has signed multiple bills aimed at reducing gun violence, including strengthening gun violence restraining orders, regulating the sale of firearms and ammunition and accelerating the regulation of ghost guns.

The 2021 state budget includes a $200 million investment in the CalVIP program to support initiatives designed to break the cycle of violence in disproportionately impacted communities. The budget also invests $11 million to facilitate outreach,  education and training efforts related to gun violence restraining orders and $10.3 million for local law enforcement agencies to support the seizure of firearms from individuals prohibited from possessing them.

The Governor advanced a series of initiatives to support survivors of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for local service providers, a partnership with the Women’s Foundation of California to raise private funds that support domestic violence organizations and private sector partnerships to provide free accommodation and transportation to survivors fleeing violence. California has also launched “text-to-911” capability throughout the state and the 2021 state budget includes $15 million in funding for Cal OES to administer grants that support domestic and sexual violence prevention efforts.

Thursday, September 30, 2021 (1:57 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center will host several large events in October and November, including three weekends of the food fest 626 Night Market OC.

♦ 626 Night Market OC – 3 weekends! Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 22-24
The iconic California festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Come happier and hungrier together with friends and family! Hours: Friday & Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-10 p.m. (Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-10); Friday, Oct. 22, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 23-24, noon-10 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
How much: $5 admission plus fees. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available. Get more info at 626nightmarket.com.

♦ Gem Faire, Oct. 8-10
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.  Hours: Friday, Oct. 8, noon-6 p.m. (wholesale preview 10 a.m.-noon); Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Costa Mesa Building and Santa Ana Pavilion
How much: $7 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at gemfaire.com.

♦ Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 8-31
Pumpkin patch featuring kiddy rides, petting zoo and inflatable slides, bounce house and obstacle course. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Lot C
How much: Entrance is free; prices for activities and pumpkins vary. Parking fee varies. Get more info at seasonaladventures.com.

♦ Fight Club OC, Oct. 14
Pro Boxing & MMA live inside The Hangar. The most fun you can have on a Thursday night in the OC! Hours: Thursday, Oct. 14 & Nov. 11, 7 p.m. (happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Main Mall
How much: $60 general admission tickets available via Fight Club OC. Parking is $10; enter at Gate 1 off Fair Drive.
More info: Visit socafights.com

♦ OC Japan Fair, Oct. 15-17
The 11th annual OC Japan Fair will give everyone the opportunity to experience and learn about Japan, from observing Japanese traditions to learning (and tasting!) the Japanese culinary culture that’s been designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Hours: Friday, Oct. 15, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 16, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Los Alamitos Building and Lot I
How much: $10 general admission. Parking is $10. Get more info at oc-japanfair.com. 

♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, Oct. 28
OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings. The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.

♦ OC Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktoberfest, Oct. 29 & 30
In partnership with the amazing Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festivals, this event will feature unlimited beer tasting, live music, costume contests and ghoulish decor. Live music includes Lit with special guests MEST and Handsome Devil on Oct. 29 and A Flock of Seagulls with special guest The M80’s on Oct. 30. Hours: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 29-30, 6 p.m.-midnight
Where on the fairgrounds: Plaza Pacifica
How much: Friday, Oct. 29, general admission is $47.50-$55 and VIP is $57.50-$99; Saturday, Oct. 30, general admission is $47.50-$67.50 and VIP is $57.50-$99.50. Parking is $10. Get more info at theboohaha.com.

♦ The Original OC Swap Meet, Oct. 30
This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.                                            Hours: Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Enter at Gate 10
How much: Free admission, $10 parking (credit card only). 
More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

 Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center

♦ Farmers Market – Every Thursday
 Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos. 
 Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org 

♦ Heroes Hall – Now open for self tours Wednesdays-Sundays
 Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans.
 Hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

♦ Centennial Farm – Now open daily
Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.
 Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (except holidays and all-grounds events)
Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property; enter at Gate 1
More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

At a Glance: November Highlights
 The SDCCU OC Running Festival, Nov. 5-7
Fight Club, Nov. 11
Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival, Nov. 11-13
Repticon, Nov. 13-14
IMS Outdoors Southern California, Nov. 19-21
Seasonal Adventures Tree Lot, Nov. 22-Dec. 19
Night of Lights OC, Nov. 26-Jan. 2

(10:09 am)

Heroes Hall will be closed from Oct. 1 through 12 as the team installs a new exhibit. 

Through Their Eyes: Artwork by Active Military and Veterans is a juried show featuring artwork from 23 U.S. military veterans from the Southern California region. The artists have expressed themselves through a variety of mediums including sculpture, photography, painting, carving and woodworking. Their subject matter is as unique as they are and ranges from combat scenes to flowers and surreal portraits. But there is one thing they all have in common: they have all served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The exhibit will run from Oct. 13, 2021, through Jan. 20, 2022.

View a list of artists and get more info about the exhibit

Heroes Hall at the OC Fairgrounds
Open Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5  p.m.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 (2:03 pm)

During September’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, members paid tribute to National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The presentation highlighted the contributions Hispanics have made to Orange County’s communities, education and heritage, and to agriculture throughout California. 

View full presentation 

Thursday, September 23, 2021 (4:46 pm)

SACRAMENTO (Sept. 21, 2021) – Melahat Rafiei, 44, of Anaheim, has been appointed to the 32nd District Agricultural Association (Orange County Fair Board).

Rafiei has been Secretary at the California Democratic Party since 2021. She has been Principal at Progressive Solutions Consulting since 2009 and a Co-Founder of WeCann since 2017. Rafiei was Executive Director at the Democratic Party of Orange County from 2007 to 2009 and a Board Member at the Community Action Fund from 2007 to 2013. She is a delegate for the California Democratic Party and a member of Democratic National Committee and the City of Anaheim’s Cultural and Heritage Commission. 

View governor’s official announcement