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

Governor Signs Legislation to Bolster California’s Nation-Leading Gun Safety Laws, Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

(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.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021 (10:39 am)

OC Fair & Event Center receives grant from SBA

OC Fair & Event Center has been notified that it will receive a Shuttered Venue Operator Grant from the Small Business Administration of approximately $4.888 million.

The grant will help to replace the revenue lost from 2020 when the OC Fair performances in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre summer concert series were canceled.

The SVOG grant money must be spent specifically on replacing the lost revenue and it will be earmarked to offset costs from the 2021 Hangar performances and Pacific Amphitheatre concert series.

CEO Michele Richards said the grant is “very welcomed relief from a lost concert season.”
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Sunday, July 25, 2021 (2:06 pm)

A statement from OC Fair & Event Center

The OC Fair does not condone hate or racist symbolism on our fairgrounds. Our security staff and the OC Sheriff’s Department routinely patrol the fairgrounds to monitor threats to the community. We have reviewed our procedures and security will continue to take all necessary action in the future.

Saturday, July 24, 2021 (6:38 pm)

COVID vaccination station coming to the OC Fair

The Orange County Health Care Agency will administer COVID-19 vaccines at a special vaccination station at the 2021 OC Fair. The clinic will be in the Costa Mesa Building starting Wednesday, July 28 and going through the run of Fair, which ends on Aug. 15.

Initial days of operation will be Wednesday–Friday, and back again on Sunday, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The county plans to administer approx. 100 vaccines daily. Depending on public feedback and activity at the clinic, that number could increase to up to 200 vaccines daily and the county will adjust hours of operation accordingly.

No appointments are needed for OC Fair guests, staff or partners.

For more information, visit https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccine-resources

Thursday, June 10, 2021 (3:16 pm)

Fair Board pays tribute to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

During May’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, members representing the Community Affairs Committee paid tribute to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

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

View entire presentation

Thursday, April 29, 2021 (9:27 am)

Take a quick survey to help OC Fair & Event Center

Community input is important to us. Please take this short survey to assist OC Fair & Event Center.

TAKE SURVEY

The survey expires May 6. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

 

 

Thursday, April 8, 2021 (1:01 pm)

FAQs about the 2021 OC Fair

The theme of this year’s OC Fair is “Time For Fun,” and we can’t wait to celebrate this summer from July 16 through Aug. 15.

When will tickets for the OC Fair go on sale?

Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets. The 2021 OC Fair will be July 16-Aug. 15, open Wednesdays-Sundays. 

Do I have to purchase my tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster; you will be able to select a date between July 16 and Aug. 15 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Advance online ticket sales will help ensure we stay within our capacity limits. Bonus: no transaction fees for Fair admission tickets! 

What if I buy tickets for the wrong day?

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please select your ticket date carefully before purchasing. 

Will tickets be available at the gate?

No. We cannot guarantee tickets will be available for purchase at the gate during the run of the OC Fair. Please purchase your tickets online in advance. We’d hate to have to turn you away if we are at full capacity, and parking fees are non-refundable. 

I am fully vaccinated. Do I have to wear a mask at the fair?

No. Masks are only required for unvaccinated guests inside OC Fair buildings. 

What are the other restrictions?

There is limited capacity at the 2021 OC Fair, so advance tickets are required. In addition to a mask requirement for unvaccinated guests indoors, and increased sanitization, we will have more elbow room on the fairgrounds, distancing will be encouraged and some events will be on hold. 

Will you be selling a season pass this year?

No. Due to capacity limitations, the Super Pass will not be for sale for the 2021 season.

What about my 2020 Super Pass?

If you purchased a 2020 Super Pass and did NOT request a refund, your pass will be valid for any day of the 2021 OC Fair. Those existing pass holders will receive 2021 passes in the mail prior to opening day of the OC Fair. Refunds are no longer being offered at this time.

Will you offer free or discounted admission days?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Will Opening Day be free?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Can military/veterans get in free?

No. To comply with public health directives, this year’s OC Fair will be a limited-capacity event. We are sorry that we will not be able offer all admission options that were available in the past.

Will you offer any ride or food promotions?

Yes! We will have Taste of Fair Food on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring $3 food options. The Read & Ride program for kids (ages 5-11) will also be available during fair time. Unlimited ride wristbands will not be available this year.

Will you have unlimited ride wristbands?

No, not this year. Carnival tickets for rides and games are available for purchase in packs of 40, 100, and 200. We recommend purchasing in advance online or getting the FunPass app to avoid lines on the fairgrounds. 

I have a free voucher from the 2020 virtual 5k/Goodwill donation. Will that still work?

Yes. Virtual 5k participants can bring their voucher any day of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. Goodwill donors can bring their voucher any weekday (Wednesday-Friday) of the 2021 OC Fair for one admission. These printed vouchers have been accounted for in our capacity limits. 

What about my 2020 concert tickets?

If you purchased tickets for the 2020 entertainment season and did NOT receive a refund, your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled 2021 date. Please check pacamp.com for the lineup. 

Does my concert ticket include Fair admission?

Yes. Tickets to concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre or The Hangar that occur during the 2021 OC Fair include same-day admission to the OC Fair. Parking is not included. 

Will there be Action Sports Arena performances?

No. Action Sports Arena will be closed; typical motorized sports and rodeo shows will not take place during the 2021 OC Fair. 

Can I be a vendor?

The application deadline to be a vendor, sponsor or platinum partner at the 2021 OC Fair has passed. 

Can I perform at the OC Fair?

The application deadline to be a part of the community entertainment program at the 2021 OC Fair has passed. 

Will there be competitions this year?

Yes. Competition guides are available on our website at ocfair.com/competitions.  Entries are now open.

We will continue to add information to our website at ocfair.com/oc-fair as it becomes available.

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Other frequently asked questions:

Is the swap meet open?

No. The OC Market Place, also known as the weekend swap meet, is no longer operating at OC Fair & Event Center. The company that was contracted to operate the OC Market Place through a formal agreement with OC Fair & Event Center has opted not to reopen. 

Why can’t the OC Fair run the OC Market Place?

As a state agency, OC Fair & Event Center is not permitted to operate a swap meet business.

However, a new event, the Original O.C. Swap Meet on May 29, will likely welcome many of the same vendors as the former swap meet. More info on our event calendar.

Is the farm open?

No. Due to the vaccination site on the fairgrounds, the entrance to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall is inaccessible. The farm and veterans museum will reopen July 16. 

Is the campground open?

No. OC Fair & Event Center’s campground and RV parking site is still currently closed.

For a list of upcoming events at OC Fair & Event Center, go to ocfair.com/events.

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Got another question? We are working hard to plan for the 2021 OC Fair, but there are still a few things pending. We appreciate your patience as we work out the logistics! If you have a question regarding a specific issue, please use our contact form. 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 (2:50 am)

County opens vaccine Super POD at OC Fair & Event Center

The County of Orange opened a large COVID-19 vaccination site on March 31 at OC Fair & Event Center and it is expected to provide up to 2,000 inoculations per day, with that number increasing as vaccine supplies increase.

The site features both drive-up handicapped-access lanes as well as a walk-up area where vaccines are administered indoors. Vaccines are by appointment only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit othena.com to book an appointment.

“OC Fair & Event Center always stands ready to serve the community in times of need and there is currently no greater need than helping provide the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Orange County,” said  OC Fair & Event Center Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “The Board and staff of the OC Fair are proud to assist with this vaccine rollout as we continue to be a valuable resource to the people of Orange County.”

Rubalcava-Garcia joined OC Supervisor Katrina Foley and other officials to welcome the media to the opening of the vaccine site at a press conference on March 31.

For more information on vaccines and on COVID-19 in Orange County, visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com.

Friday, March 26, 2021 (12:08 pm)

Fair Board pays tribute to Women’s History Month

At yesterday’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, CEO Michele Richards, representing the Community Affairs Committee, paid tribute to Women’s History Month.

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

 
View the full presentation: ocfair.com/womenshistorymonthocfec/

Thursday, March 25, 2021 (11:08 am)

Dates announced for 2021 OC Fair!

Today the OC Fair announced dates for the much-anticipated annual event – July 16- Aug. 15. The theme is “Time for Fun,” celebrating the joy of the return of Southern California’s favorite summer festival.

“We are grateful to plan for an exciting, and safe, OC Fair this year,” said OC Fair Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “This milestone will allow the community to come together to celebrate the future and generate much-needed opportunities for economic development and growth in Orange County. The Board and staff have done a fantastic job of responsibly managing our finances and preparing to meet safe reopening guidelines to not just make it through the pandemic, but to emerge resilient and ready for 2021 and beyond.”

OC Fair officials have been working closely with public health agencies to develop protocols to keep fairgoers safe while bringing back carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, competitions, animals and more to fair fans. The plans for the 2021 OC Fair are based on health agency projections for the summer, but could change if warranted by public health conditions.

Advance ticket sales will be required and limited capacity will give fairgoers more elbow room. The number of concessions, rides and shopping vendors will be reduced and spaced out to provide more distance between each. Admission tickets will go on sale May 1 on ocfair.com.

“We have worked through many different scenarios for the 2021 OC Fair and we are so excited to move forward with this plan because it means that we really can bring back the fun, and that’s why I love this year’s theme,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We want everyone to continue to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated so we can finally celebrate summer together again.”

The Fair Board voted to keep ticket prices at the 2019 OC Fair rates, $12 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday), and $14 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The current plan is for the fair to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as it traditionally has been. There is a change to move Friday into weekend pricing and OC Fair will absorb the online ticket sale fees.

Announcements regarding concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar will be coming soon.