What’s New

COSTA MESA (Oct. 22, 2026) – At today’s meeting, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors again named Barbara Bagneris as Chair and Robert Ruiz as Vice Chair to serve as Board leadership in 2027.

The Board has continued with significant projects in the past year and the nominating committee noted the importance of continuity in asking the current chair and vice chair to continue in their positions.

Bagneris and Ruiz were voted into their current leadership positions in November 2025. Bagneris and Ruiz have each previously served as Board Chair.

Bagneris has been principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010. She was appointed to the Board in 2014 and lives in Orange.

Ruiz has been secretary-treasurer at Laborers Local 652 since 2003, where he was a field agent from 2002 to 2003. He was appointed to the Board in 2014 and resides in Irvine.

Board officers are nominated for office by a committee of fellow Board members. Board members are appointed by the Governor of California and may serve more than one term.

Board meeting Oct. 22, 2026
Filipino American History Month Proclamation recipient Christina Zabat-Fran

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proclaim October as Filipino American History Month, honoring Christina Zabat-Fran for her contributions to the legal profession and the community. An Orange County native, attorney and business adviser, Zabat-Fran made history as the first Filipino American president of the Orange County Bar Association in its 125-year history. She also co-founded the Filipino Lawyers of Orange County to advance representation, professional development and community within the legal profession.

The proclamation was presented by Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia on behalf of the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

Board meeting Oct. 22, 2026
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation recipient Yesenia Rojas Cervantes

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proclaim September as Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring Yesenia Rojas Cervantes for her advocacy for immigrant families, working families and the Latino community in Orange County. Cervantes is the first migrant deputy to represent Guanajuato residents living abroad in the state’s congress. Her work focuses on advancing fair treatment, dignity and access to resources for immigrant families.

The proclamation was presented by Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia and Director Dimetria Jackson on behalf of the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.