Category Archives: Board of Directors
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Thursday, December 21, 2023 (8:30 am)
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in January
Winter Fest OC, Through Jan. 7
Southern California’s largest Winter Fest returns! This year, we’re introducing an outdoor ice skating trail and a real snow play area, including snowball-throwing zones, sledding and a snow carousel for the little ones. Also, we’ve got an all-new holiday market featuring talented local artisans. Returning attractions include sliding down the thrilling 150-foot-long ice tubing slide and a tour through the magical “North Pole Journey” with four unique lands filled with wonder, interactive discoveries and more.
When: Through Jan. 7, 2024
Schedule:
New Year’s Eve celebration at Winter Fest OC
Sunday – Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Jan 1-7
Monday – Friday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 2 – 10 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot A
How much: Adults $55, children 3 – 12 are $50, children 2 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Winter Fest OC
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, Jan. 19
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animalsWhen: Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
Crossroads of the West Gun Show, Jan. 19-21
When: Friday-Sunday, Jan. 19-21, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Jan. 19, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 21. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building, Anaheim Building, Main Mall
How Much: General admission: Three-day ticket $22 (Friday-Sunday), two-day ticket $20 (Saturday & Sunday). Children 12 and under are free with a parent or guardian. Single-day tickets are not available online or in person. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Crossroads of the West Gun Show
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Jan. 25
When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Centennial Farm Workshop: Fruitful Pruning, Jan. 27
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned fruit tree enthusiast, enhance your pruning skills with this insightful class. Dive into the optimal timing for pruning various fruit trees, including stone fruit, citrus and avocado. This class covers the essential techniques of pruning and delves into why Southern California’s pruning season is unique compared to the rest of the United States.
When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Jan. 24.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More Info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Orange County Brick Convention – LEGO® Fan Expo, Jan. 27-28
Brick Convention is the greatest LEGO® fan event! Bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO® building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 2024
Schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 27, Session I: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Session II: 3 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 28, Session I: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Session II: 3 – 6 p.m.
Please note that each session offers the same exhibits and activities.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How Much: General admission is $15 online or $18 at the door. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Brick Convention
SoCal World Guitar Show, Jan. 27-28
Buy, sell or trade music-related items including new, used and vintage guitars, amplifiers, sound equipment, pedals, violins, drums, banjos, parts, books, clothing and more. Meet authors, appraisers, vintage dealers, retail sellers, builders, foreign and domestic buyers, collectors and professional musicians.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 27-28, 2024
Schedule:
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: General admission for adults and children 12 and up is $20. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit SoCal World Guitar Show
Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Night, Jan. 31
Save the date for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Fair. There will be opportunities to meet college, university and international school representatives, as well as workshops on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) demonstrations and more.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit NMUSD College & Career Night
Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm.
When: Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm Pig Cam
Want to keep tabs on our pigs all year long? Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam
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, tacos and burritos.
When: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau
Heroes Hall
Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space will rotate themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Excluding holidays and all-grounds events).
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall
Coming up in February
Repticon, Feb. 3-4
Experience the animal kingdom and explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more!
Everything to support your hobby will be available: feeders, cages and other supplies. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby in a family-friendly expo.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 2024
Schedule:
Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission $12, children 5-12 $6, children 4 and under are free. Military, first responders and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets are $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Show
Great Train Show, Feb. 3-4
Great Train Show is the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show. Train shows are designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families and those who are just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4, 2024, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building
How much: $12 – Saturday admission (Saturday ticket good for both days)
$11 – Sunday admission. Free for children 11 and under. Cash only at the door. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Train Show
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, Feb. 7
Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities:
Self-guided tours
Radish seed planting
Chick education
Oxen demonstration
Crops education
See livestock animalsWhen: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, 9 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More Info: Visit Discovery Day
UVSA Tết Festival, Feb. 9-11
The Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California is recognized as the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival. UVSA’s Tết Festival is an avenue to help people understand and appreciate Vietnamese culture in many ways: vibrant arrays of traditional food, performances, entertainment and cultural exhibitions.
When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 9-11, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 9, 4 – 10 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, Lot I
How much: General admission info coming soon. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Tết Festival
Centennial Farm Workshop: Chocolate bliss – A Valentine’s truffle making class, Feb. 10
Join chef Vina at Centennial Farm for a delightful two-hour journey into chocolate making. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, you’ll learn to craft exquisite ganache, decorate with gourmet toppings and roll your own truffles with fair-trade cacao chocolate. We’ll provide gift boxes for your handmade treats. Indulge your chocolate passion and create delicious memories! This is the perfect experience to share with a loved one, friend or coworker.
When: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Feb. 6, 2024.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: $40 fee covers ingredients and any handouts. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 4 days (96 hours) of a class, as supplies and ingredients will have been ordered. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
Fight Club OC, Feb. 15
Pro boxing and pro MMA.
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.
First fight starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How Much: General admission is $65, military $55, free admission for children 4 and younger. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Fight Club OC
SoCal Swordfight 2024, Feb. 16-18
SoCal Swordfight is the largest historical European martial arts event in the United States, attracting competitors, attendees and instructors from around the world. The event features 25 tournaments across multiple weapon sets and divisions, more than 80 hours of classes and lectures on a variety of historical and modern weapons and self-defense techniques, first aid/CPR/AED and active-shooter response certification, antique weapons and more. If you have ever wanted to learn more about medieval history, weaponry or swordfighting, this is the event for you.
When: Friday – Sunday, Feb. 16-18, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Huntington Beach Building
How much: $30 – single day Spectator Pass, $50 – full weekend Spectator Pass, $150 – full event registration and access to classes. Additional costs: tournament participation, certification and celebrity courses. Free for children 8 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SoCal Swordfight OC
OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, Feb. 22
When: Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Administration Building or virtually on Zoom
More Info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information
Gem Faire, Feb. 23-25
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Buy directly from wholesalers and importers. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.
When: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 23-25, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 23, noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, Main Mall, Santa Ana Pavilion
How Much: General admission is $7, children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Gem Faire
Jurassic Quest, Feb. 23-25
You’re gonna need a bigger weekend. The world-famous, life-size dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest are meticulously painted and animated to be realer-than-real. Whether you’re 3 or 103, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.
Don’t miss the Spinosaurus, T-Rex and so much more!
When: Friday – Sunday, Feb. 23-25, 2024
Schedule:
Friday, Feb. 23, noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 24, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Los Alamitos Building, Anaheim Building, OC Promenade, Main Mall
How Much: General admission is $22, seniors 65 and over $19, children under 2 are free. Parking is $12.
More Info: Visit Jurassic Quest
Centennial Farm Workshop: Backyard bantams – Your guide to urban chicken keeping, Feb. 24
Join us for a unique urban ag-venture tailored for Southern Californians looking to embrace backyard chicken-keeping within the confines of city living. In this course, attendees will discover the world of bantam chickens, the ideal choice for enthusiasts with limited space and keen to comply with city ordinances while maintaining good neighborly relations. Learn about the diverse breeds of these petite and charming chickens, including which are prolific egg producers. Instructor Adam Waugh will guide you through the essentials, from designing the perfect coop to providing optimal nutrition and health management. Plus, get advice on navigating your city’s specific chicken-keeping regulations.
When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 10 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by Feb. 21.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How Much: $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Refund policy – There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded (not booking fees).
Parking is free.
More Info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes
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Thursday, November 9, 2023 (11:58 am)
OC Fair Board of Directors votes in new leadership
COSTA MESA (Nov. 8, 2023) – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors has named Nick Kovacevich as Chair and Barbara Bagneris as Vice Chair.
Kovacevich, who previously served as Vice Chair, replaces Newton Pham as Chair. The Board voted in new leadership at its Oct. 26 meeting.
Kovacevich is the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is an entrepreneur who co-founded several successful businesses including KushCo Holdings, which merged with Greenlane in 2021, and BigRentz, an Irvine-based technology company. Kovacevich is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University where he captained the men’s NCAA II basketball team. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.
“It has been a great experience serving on the OC Fair Board and I am excited about the opportunity to lead us for the next year, working with my colleagues and the community,” said Kovacevich. “We are in terrific financial shape as we head into the 2024 OC Fair season and our Master Site Plan work has begun. This is truly an exciting time for OC Fair & Event Center.”
Bagneris has been a principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010. She was a senior financial controls analyst at L-3 Interstate Electronics Corporation from 2008 to 2010 and held multiple positions at the Boeing Company from 1980 to 2008, including business analyst and program financial controls analyst. Bagneris is past president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Orange County (CA) Alumnae Chapter. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, Fountain Valley. Bagneris has served on the Board since 2014 and resides in Orange.
Exiting Chair Pham will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, as he has since 2016.
Two new members have recently joined the Board. Tanya Bilezikjian and Dimetria Jackson were appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September.
Bilezikjian, of Anaheim, has been chief of staff and vice president at MNS Engineers Inc. since 2023. She held several positions at Michael Baker International from 2005 to 2023, including vice president and civil engineer. She was a staff engineer at Environmental Engineering and Contracting in 2004. She was a water resources control engineer for the San Diego and Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Boards from 2001 to 2003.
Jackson, of Irvine, has been a broker associate for eXp Realty of California since 2021 and principal at the Law Offices of Dimetria Jackson since 2018. She was a contract attorney for Lexolution from 2019 to 2021. Jackson held several positions at Nano Financial Holdings-Nano Banc EVP from 2017 to 2018, including general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer. She was a freelance attorney for Montage Legal Group from 2011 to 2012 and 2016 to 2019.
Board officers typically serve one-year terms and 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.
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Friday, September 8, 2023 (11:52 am)
Gov. Newsom announces to new appointments to OC Fair Board of Directors
COSTA MESA (Sept. 7, 2023) – Gov. Gavin Newsom today announced two new appointments to the 32nd District Agricultural Association, Orange County Fair Board of Directors.
Tanya Bilezikjian, of Anaheim, has been Chief of Staff and Vice President at MNS Engineers Inc. since 2023. She held several positions at Michael Baker International from 2005 to 2023, including Vice President and Civil Engineer. She was a Staff Engineer at Environmental Engineering and Contracting in 2004. She was a Water Resources Control Engineer for the San Diego and Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Boards from 2001 to 2003.
She is a member of the California Stormwater Quality Association and Co-Chair of its 2023 conference. Bilezikjian is a member of the Anaheim Public Utilities Board of Directors. She earned a Master of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine.
Dimetria Jackson, of Irvine, has been a Broker Associate for eXp Realty of California since 2021 and Principal at the Law Offices of Dimetria Jackson since 2018. She was a Contract Attorney for Lexolution from 2019 to 2021. Jackson held several positions at Nano Financial Holdings-Nano Banc EVP from 2017 to 2018, including General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer. She was a Freelance Attorney for Montage Legal Group from 2011 to 2012 and 2016 to 2019.
She was Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability for Golden State Foods from 2012 to 2016. Jackson held several positions at First American Trust from 2000 to 2009, including Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary. She is a member of the Collaborative Courts Foundation Board and the International School of Orange County Board of Trustees. Jackson is a Past President of the Orange County Bar Association. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Dartmouth College.
These positions do not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation.
Read the full announcements here: gov.ca.gov/2023/09/07/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-9-7-23/
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Thursday, October 27, 2022 (2:36 pm)
OC Fair Board names Newton Pham as Chair
COSTA MESA – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors has named Newton Pham as Chair and Nick Kovacevich as Vice Chair.
Pham, who previously served as Vice Chair, replaces Doug La Belle as Chair. The board voted in new leadership at its Oct. 27 meeting.
Pham is an executive vice president and head of leveraged finance at California Bank and Trust, the California division of Zions Bancorporation. Prior, he was the principal financial analyst in charge of corporate development at Mitsubishi Materials U.S.A. from 2012 to 2014, senior analyst at McGladrey Capital Markets LLC from 2007 to 2012 and equity research associate at Smith Barney, Citigroup Global Markets from 2004 to 2007. Pham is a graduate of San Diego State University. He lives in Fountain Valley and has served on the Board since 2016.
Kovacevich is the CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is an entrepreneur who co-founded several successful businesses including KushCo Holdings, which merged with Greenlane in 2021, and BigRentz, an Irvine-based technology company. Kovacevich is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University where he captained the men’s NCAA II basketball team. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.
Exiting Chair La Belle will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
Board officers typically serve one-year terms and 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.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2022 (4:26 pm)
State of the Fair report presented to Board of Directors
On June 23, the OC Fair Board reviewed a presentation from CEO Michele Richards on the mid-year state of the Fair.
The report covered the agency’s budget process, our place in the fair industry, bringing mission and values into focus, engaging the community, new business development, transparency, technology, workforce development, the financial outlook and opportunities and challenges.
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Tuesday, April 5, 2022 (10:57 am)
OC Fair Board updates mission, vision statements
As part of the Strategic Plan work the OC Fair Board of Directors voted to update OCFEC’s mission, vision, value and purpose statements:
Mission: Creating equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences
Vision: Orange County’s town square – the safe place where the community gathers and finds value
Values: Safety, People, Integrity, Stewardship, Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion, Excellence, Community & Neighborliness
Purpose: The OC Fair & Event Center is the 32nd District Agricultural Association (32nd DAA), a California state institution that is organized in accordance with the California Food and Agricultural Code. The 32nd DAA’s purposes under the Code are: 1) to hold fairs, expositions and exhibitions in Orange County to exhibit the industries and industrial enterprises, resources and products of every kind or nature of the state, with a view toward improving, exploiting, encouraging and stimulating them; and 2) to construct, maintain and operate recreational and cultural facilities of general public interest in Orange County.
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Thursday, January 27, 2022 (4:11 pm)
OC Fair Board votes to fly PanAfrican flag in honor of Black History Month in February
OC Fair & Event Center celebrates and welcomes all communities. Today the OC Fair Board voted to approve the Community Affairs Committee’s recommendation to adopt a policy to fly the PanAfrican flag at OC Fair & Event Center each February in recognition of Black History Month.
A flag-raising ceremony is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. at the OC Fair & Event Center administration building and all are welcome.
This is the full text of the resolution that was approved:
RECOMMENDATION The Community Affairs Committee’s recommendation to the Board of Directors is to approve the proclamation and resolution below, and adopt a policy to fly the Pan-African flag at the OC Fair & Event Center each February in recognition of Black History Month.
BACKGROUND PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 32ND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION REGARDING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND THE EQUAL REPRESENTATION OF DIVERSITY PRESENTED AT THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
WHEREAS, the mission of the 32nd District Agricultural Association (the “District”) is the celebration of Orange County’s communities, interests, agriculture and heritage; WHEREAS, the District recognizes and affirms the Black/Afro-American community as one of the communities that makes up the fabric and heritage of Orange County;
WHEREAS, in fulfilling its mission, the District is proud to celebrate the Black/AfroAmerican community;
WHEREAS, February is observed across the United States as a month to recognize, educate, and celebrate the history of Black/Afro-American contributors to American history, infrastructure, politics, entertainment, education, business/entrepreneurship, science/technology/engineering/math, anthropology/culture, and global civil/human rights movements; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the District recognizes the Pan-African/Black Liberation flag as a symbol of welcoming and inclusiveness of the Black/AfroAmerican community specifically and of all ethnically diverse communities generally;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the District hereby proclaims February as Black History Month at the OC Fair & Event Center;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the District hereby reaffirms the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination as core institutional values of the District and the OC Fair & Event Center;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby reaffirms its policy prohibiting discrimination by the District on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, and, in proclaiming Black History Month at the OC Fair & Event Center, expressly notes that this prohibition applies to discrimination against any person on the basis of their race, ethnicity, or nationality; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby directs that the PanAfrican flag be flown every February henceforth alongside all official flags that are displayed on the District’s property, as a symbol of the District’s belief in the equal dignity of all persons who visit the Fair’s grounds and of the District’s commitment to welcoming and including people of all backgrounds and identities to the OC Fair & Event Center; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors, in the continued belief in the equal dignity of all persons who visit the Fair’s grounds and commitment to welcoming and including people of all backgrounds and identities to the OC Fair & Event Center, hereby proclaims that no community member be left in the dark, unrepresented by the OC Fair & Event Center.
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Friday, December 17, 2021 (2:25 pm)
Fair Board pays tribute to International Day of Persons with Disabilities
During December’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, members paid tribute to International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was Dec. 3, 2021.
The presentation slide is below (click to view pdf):
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Thursday, November 18, 2021 (12:03 pm)
OC Fair Board revises committee assignments
At its Nov. 18 meeting, the OC Fair Board of Directors revised its committee structure and added two new committees.
Leadership Committee:
• Chair La Belle and Vice Chair Pham
Purpose:
This committee provides executive support to the Board and acts on behalf of the full Board during emergency situations.
Focus:
• Consult with CEO
• Develop Board meeting agendas
• Address Board issues
• Conduct annual safety/security meeting
• Initiate strategic planning
• Complete the strategic planning process and provide ongoing monitoringFinancial Monitoring and Audit Committee:
• Director Kovacevich and Director Bagneris
Purpose:
This committee monitors the organization’s financial position and ensures financial controls are in place.
Focus:
• Monthly financial oversight
• Annual budget review
• Annual audit process
• Participate in the scoring process for key RFPs, including for carnival servicesFacilities Committee:
• Director Ruiz and Director Aitken
Purpose:
This committee reviews buildings and grounds related projects and issues and recommends site planning direction
Focus:
• Construction projects
• Capital expenditures
• Master site planningGovernance Committee:
• Director Cervantes and Director Rubalcava-Garcia
Purpose:
This committee ensures compliance with all Board policies and regulatory requirements
Focus:
• Policy updates
• Bagley-Keene open meeting compliance
• Annual form 700 reporting
• Annual required Board trainingCommunity Affairs Committee:
• Director Bagneris
Purpose:
This committee oversees the Board’s relationship with the community
Focus:
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Relationships with local, county and state officialsEntertainment and Business Development Committee – NEW
• Director Rubalcava-Garcia, Committee Chair; Director Cervantes
Purpose:
This committee, in coordination with staff, evaluates opportunities at all District entertainment venues and pursues business development opportunities
Focus:
• Pacific Amphitheatre programming enhancement opportunities
• Hangar and Action Sports Arena programming enhancement opportunities
• Development of year-round and fairtime business opportunities
• Utilizing Board contacts and relationships for sponsorship and new event sales opportunitiesGovernmental Relations Committee – NEW
• Director Aitken, Committee Chair; Director Pham
Purpose:
This committee evaluates opportunities for expanding programing with the county and cities in Orange County and monitors legislative matters.
Focus:
• Legislative monitoring
• Evaluate City and County programing opportunities
• Annual “State of the District” presentation
• Monitor the development of the Joint Powers Authority initiativeCentennial Farm Foundation Liaisons
• Director KovacevichHeroes Hall Veterans Foundation Liaisons
• Director Cervantes and Chair La Belle -
(11:54 am)
Fair Board pays tribute to Native American Heritage Month
During November’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, members paid tribute to Native American Heritage Month.
The presentation highlighted the contributions Native Americans have made to Orange County’s communities, education and heritage, and to agriculture throughout California.