New jobs coming to Seal Beach – Hooray!

Seattle based Dendreon is planning on leasing 180.000 sf in Pacific  Gateway Business Park to produce their new prostate cancer drug PROVENGE ®.  The drug will be especially helpful for advanced prostate cancer.

The company expects to have the permits by the fourth quarter of this year and then the build out may take up to one year. Dendreon said once the drug is approved by the FDA it will begin manufacturing in its present facility in New Jersey and quickly open other  plants in three states…including Seal Beach, CA.

Also Marshall’s is opening a new store this fall at Shoppes in Rossmoor

CVS will have a mew pharmacy in a redeveloped 2 story building  at 3401 Katella.. CVS pharmacies need from 10 to 50 employees depending on how busy a store is.

Seal Beach based Clean Energy Fuels Corp., founded by T. Boone Pickens,  expects to hire 20 people in the next 12months at their headquarters at 3020 Old Ranch Parkway. 

For the complete coverage please go to: http//www.oc180news.com/article/West_Orange_County_Features/West_OC_Business/Jobs_and_Recent_West_Orange_County_Business_Developments/18567

What’s Up in Huntington Beach?

Huck Finn Fishing Derby

Last Saturday was a great day at the pier for 250 kids and their families in the 46th Annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby.  As the children, up to age 15, grabbed their lucky spot, parents watched on and untangled fishing lines.  Sponsors donated so many prizes that no one went away empty handed.  The top prizes were bikes donated by Sport Chalet along with a full assortment of fishing gear and fishing trips.  Let’s Go Fishing donated enough bait for everyone.  Members of Fish Talk Radio presented many prizes and secured donated items including fishing trips, poles, and other tackle.  Poles and assistance were available from the Department of Fish and Game.

Children’s Library to Host Concert for Record Breaking Summer Reading Program’s Participants!

This year’s Summer Reading Program, “Home Run Readers”, is breaking previous year’s records.  The final tally for the 2008 program was 5056 participants.  So far, with less than a week to go, an amazing 5123 children have signed up for the 2009 program!  Sponsored by the Angels Baseball Foundation and the Beach Pit BBQ, this year’s program has been wildly popular.  With so many children signed up, the children’s librarians are extra appreciative of the teen volunteers.  Upwards of 200 young adults have volunteered their time to staff the prize desk, read aloud to children, help at Storytime or shelve books this summer.  This is another record breaker, as last year’s volunteers tallied in at around 160.  To top it all off, on August 14, the final day of the program, children’s musical performer “Razzle Bam Boom” will be making a special appearance outside at the Central Park Bandstand.  There will be two shows at 11 am and 1 pm, free for anyone who participated in the program and their family members.  Hot dogs, drinks, and snacks will be on sale.  Since this day will most likely be a scorcher, guests are advised to bring sunscreen and hats! Public Comment Meeting on Downtown Specific Plan Draft EIR

Downtown Specific Plan Update
The Planning Department and Economic Development Department will hold a public comment meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 P.M at City Hall, Room B-8, to take comments related to the adequacy of the environmental issues analyzed in the Downtown Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).  Hodge & Associates, the consultant who prepared the Draft EIR, along with city staff, will be present to answer questions and record comments on the Draft EIR.

Vandalism in Gibbs Park

Gibbs Park, also known as Butterfly Park, is on the west side of Graham between Warner and Heil Avenue.  During this past weekend an unknown person(s) broke the tops off about ten of the younger trees in the park.  These trees had recently been planted by a Boy Scout troop.  The police department is looking into this vandalism, but at this time there are no suspects or witnesses to what occurred.  The police department is also making extra patrol checks of the park, which has a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. park curfew.raft EIR is available on the Planning Department website at:
http://www.surfcity-hb.org/Government/Departments/Planning/major/DTSP.cfm.  For additional information, contact Jennifer Villasenor, Associate Planner, at (714) 536-5271.

Fantasy Football “Cheat Sheet” — The Best for Beginners

The Country’s Easiest Fantasy Football Draft Sheet -A Fantasy Draft Sheet for Beginners.
From Seal Beach Willie

What you have to understand is that a fantasy draft is not rocket science!  This is a game for crying out loud so have some fun and don’t overestimate draft “knowledge.”  Its 50% luck and the other 50% is in the list at the bottom of this page!

A couple of guys in your league are going to draft 2 or 3 of the very best players in the NFL ….. and get nothing out of their pick. (Like the guys who drafted Tom Brady land Thomlison last year and Reggie Bush the year before) A couple of gals are going to draft some guy you never heard of cause they think he’s cute…and he’ll probably score 20 TD’s.

HERE’S HOW YOUR LEAGUE WILL WORK.
Let’s assume your league is 10 players.
Let’s assume you draft 3 QBs, 4 RBs, 4WR’s, 2 TEs, and 2 Ks. That’s 15 players total.
Let’s assume each week you are going to have to play: 1 QB, 2RBs, 2 WRs. 1TE and 1K.

HOW TO PICK

1-Most important thing to remember is each players  “bye” week. Not too important on  your first few picks but MAKE SURE you consider the Bye week by the time you have made  your first             5 picks.  Doesn’t make much difference until then.

The picks in the list below favor RB’s as early picks. So if your league doesn’t give points for yardage adjust your “Cheat Sheet” as follows:
2-move  the top five QBs up to the top 5 spots.
3-then leave the top 10 RBs in the next 10 spots
4-then move in another 4 QBs and 4 top WRs to spots 16 thru 24.
The list below also gives too much emphasis to WRs.  We can’t imagine taking a WR before taking the guy throwing the ball to him?
That’s a total of 23 top players.  No matter what number you had in the draft you now have at least two great players  1 great QB and 1 great RB (maybe a very good WR but I’d wait another turn for a WR unless somebody super is still available.) On the next round if you can get another top RB – but pick one on another team than your first RB is on. For your 4th pick – If you haven’t yet drafted a WR… there will be some great ones still available. If there is a REALLY good one that goes w/your QB take him  – – although it is doubtful that will happen because when someone drafts…say Tom Brady, somebody else is going to take Randy Moss before that guy gets to pick again.

5- Once you gotten a QB and 2 RBs…and the best WR out there you’ve gotten most of
your team on just four picks! Don’t worry about Ks or TEs until after you’ve  gotten
2QBs, 3RBs and 3WR’s.  Most kickers have pretty similar totals and when one kicker
is 20 pts behind another guy at the end of the season ..its not because he  couldn’t
kick…its because his QB couldn’t get him close enough.

6-OK you now have the guts of your “1st” team; a top QB,
2 good RBs and a great receiver. Your probably going to play
those 4 players every week you can.  Now look thru the rest
of the list while your waiting for your next chance and pick the
best player available. Hopefully another RB and WR.

REMEMBER THIS….YOU  ARE GOING TO WIN OR LOSE BASED ON FOUR GUYS ON YOUR TEAM!

IF A KEY PLAYER GETS HURT…GET RID OF HIM QUICKLY AND GET A REPLACEMENT.  IN FANTASY YOU WANT TO WIN GAMES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.  DON’T WAIT AROUND FOR THE PLAYOFFS!

Remember to carry a copy of your cheat sheet with you in the days leading up to your draft.  When you hear that Beanie Wells hurt his ankle and got carried off the field…make a note next to his name..maybe an arrow pointing down so you know to downgrade him on draft night.  Is Plaxico Burress going to go to jail or is he going to be able to play this year?

The picks you see on our list are where they are based on how we expect them to do THIS year  but you can also look at how they did last year and see if that reminds you of anything.

1-Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Bye: 9.
2-Matt Forte, RB, Bears. Bye: 5.
3-Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
4-LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
5-Chris Johnson, RB, Titans. Bye: 7.
6-Steve Slaton, RB, Texans. Bye: 10.
7-Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Bye: 8.
8-Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
9-Steven Jackson, RB, Rams. Bye: 9.
10-Randy Moss, WR, Patriots. Bye: 8.
11-Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
12-DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4.
13-Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. Bye: 10.
14-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos. Bye: 7.
15-Kevin Smith, RB, Lions. Bye: 7.
16-Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints. Bye: 5.
17-Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
18-Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants. Bye: 10.
19-Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
20-Frank Gore, RB, 49ers. Bye: 6.
21-Marques Colston, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
22-Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
23-Peyton Manning, QB, Colts. Bye: 6.
24-Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
25-Roddy White, WR, Falcons. Bye: 4.
26-Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
27-Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts. Bye: 6.
28-Drew Brees, QB, Saints. Bye: 5.
29-Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Bye: 5.
30-Greg Jennings, WR, Packers. Bye: 5.
31-Steve Smith, WR, Panthers. Bye: 4.
32-Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
33-Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
34-Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
35-Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
36-Derrick Ward, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
37-Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers. Bye: 4.
38-Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
39-Antonio Bryant, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
40-Terrell Owens, WR, Bills. Bye: 9.
41-Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
42-Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns. Bye: 9.
43-T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
44-Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
45-Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers. Bye: 5.
46-Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers. Bye: 5.
47-Ryan Grant, RB, Packers. Bye: 5.
48-Donald Brown, RB, Colts. Bye: 6.
49-Ray Rice, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
50-Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
51-Lee Evans, WR, Bills. Bye: 9.
52-Wes Welker, WR, Patriots. Bye: 8.
53-Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders. Bye: 9.
54-Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts. Bye: 6.
55-Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers. Bye: 8.
56-Santana Moss, WR, Redskins. Bye: 8.
57-Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
58-Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons. Bye: 4.
59-Dallas Clark, TE, Colts. Bye: 6.
60.Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings. Bye: 9.
61-Thomas Jones, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
62-DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles. Bye: 4.
63-Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills. Bye: 9.
64-Reggie Bush, RB, Saints. Bye: 5.
65-Derrick Mason, WR, Ravens. Bye: 7.
66-Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
67-Jay Cutler, QB, Bears. Bye: 5.
68-Matt Schaub, QB, Texans. Bye: 10.
69-Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos. Bye: 7.
70-Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Bye: 8.
71-Joseph Addai, RB, Colts. Bye: 6.
72-Chris Cooley, TE, Redskins. Bye: 8.
73-Greg Olsen, TE, Bears. Bye: 5.
74-Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
75-Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals. Bye: 8.
76-Kevin Walter, WR, Texans. Bye: 10.
77-Hines Ward, WR, Steelers. Bye: 8.
78-Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
79-Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos. Bye: 7.
80-Devin Hester, WR, Bears. Bye: 5.
81-Fred Jackson, RB, Bills. Bye: 9.
82-Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns. Bye: 9.
83-Laveranues Coles, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
84-Torry Holt, WR, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
85-Donald Driver, WR, Packers. Bye: 5.
86-David Garrard, QB, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
87-Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
88-Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons. Bye: 4.
89-Josh Morgan, WR, 49ers. Bye: 6.
90-Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants. Bye: 10.
91-Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets. Bye: 9.
92-Lance Moore, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
93-Brian Robiskie, WR, Browns. Bye: 9.
94-Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
95-Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
96-Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 8.
97-Zach Miller, TE, Raiders. Bye: 9.
98-Owen Daniels, TE, Texans. Bye: 10.
99-LenDale White, RB, Titans. Bye: 7.
100-Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers. Bye: 5.
101-Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
102-LeRon McClain, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
103-LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. Bye: 4.
104-Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. Bye: 9.
105-Shonn Greene, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
106-Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. Bye: 9.
107-Nate Washington, WR, Titans. Bye: 7.
108-Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 4.
109-Jeremy Shockey, TE, Saints. Bye: 5.
110-John Carlson, TE, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
111-Willie Parker, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
112-Chris Chambers, WR, Chargers. Bye: 5.
113-Mark Sanchez QB NY Jets  Bye: 9.
114-Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
115-Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings. Bye: 9.
116-Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
117-Heath Miller, TE, Steelers. Bye: 8.
118-Justin Gage, WR, Titans. Bye: 7.
119-Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens. Bye: 7.
120-Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings. Bye: 9.
121-Devin Thomas, WR, Redskins. Bye: 8.
122-Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
123-Brent Celek, TE, Eagles. Bye: 4.
124-Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
125-Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins. Bye: 8.
126-Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
127-Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
128-Dustin Keller, TE, Jets. Bye: 9.
129-Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens. Bye: 7.
130-Leon Washington, RB, Jets. Bye: 9.
131-Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks. Bye: 7.
132-Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
133-Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants. Bye: 10.
134-Kevin Curtis, WR, Eagles. Bye: 4.
135-Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Panthers. Bye: 4.
136-Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
137-Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
138-Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots. Bye: 8.
139-James Davis, RB, Browns. Bye: 9.
140-Mark Bradley, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 8.
141-Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants. Bye: 10.
142-Patrick Crayton, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
143-Chris Henry, WR, Bengals. Bye: 8.
144-Matt Stafford, QB, Lions. Bye  7.

And here’s an alphabetical list of kickers.  Most important thing for you is to MAKE SURE you don’t have the same bye week for your kickers!  Very Important. Gostkowski is probably
the best kicker on the list…but if Brady is hot he won’t be kicking so many field goals. Succop (at K.C.) and Feely (at Jets) may be bailing out their team of the new QBs fail to click.

Akers, David K, Philadelphia Eagles
Andrus, Shane K, Indianapolis Colts
Bironas, Rob K, Tennessee Titans
Brown, Josh K, St. Louis Rams
Brown, Kris K, Houston Texans
Bryant, Matt K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buehler, David K, Dallas Cowboys
Carpenter, Dan K, Miami Dolphins
Coutu, Brandon K, Seattle Seahawks
Crosby, Mason K, Green Bay Packers
Czech, Piotr K, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dawson, Phil K, Cleveland Browns
Elam, Jason K, Atlanta Falcons
Feely, Jay K, New York Jets
Folk, Nick K, Dallas Cowboys
Gano, Graham K, Baltimore Ravens
Gostkowski, Stephen K, New England Patriots
Gould, Robbie K, Chicago Bears
Graham, Shayne K, Cincinnati Bengals
Hanson, Jason K, Detroit Lions
Hartley, Garrett K, New Orleans Saints
Hauschka, Steven K, Baltimore Ravens
Janikowski, Sebastian K, Oakland Raiders
Kaeding, Nate K, San Diego Chargers
Kasay, John K, Carolina Panthers
Lindell, Rian K, Buffalo Bills
Lloyd, Rhys K, Carolina Panthers
Longwell, Ryan K, Minnesota Vikings
Mare, Olindo K, Seattle Seahawks
Mehlhaff, Taylor K, Minnesota Vikings
Nedney, Joe K, San Francisco 49ers
Nugent, Mike K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prater, Matt K, Denver Broncos
Rackers, Neil K, Arizona Cardinals
Rayner, Dave K, Washington Redskins
Reed, Jeff K, Pittsburgh Steelers
Romero, Alex K, San Francisco 49ers
Scobee, Josh K, Jacksonville Jaguars
Succop, Ryan K, Kansas City Chiefs
Suisham, Shaun K, Washington Redskins
Tynes, Lawrence K, New York Giants
Vinatieri, Adam K, Indianapolis Colts

Tonight is the night to Continue Height Limitations

By Mike Bulbe
This Monday night the City Council will hear a developer who wants to build over the height limit of 25 feet, the height limit established in Old Town in the last general election.  73% of the voters in Seal Beach said no more three story buildings with Measure Z!

Residents must come to the meeting on Monday, August 10, at 7 PM in the council chambers on Eighth Street. Tell the council you support the 25 foot height limit.

It is hard to believe that we are still facing the same battle, but we really are, and all over again.

On a second note there is a movement to annex Sunset Beach into Seal Beach. If Seal Beach incorporates Sunset Beach, there is potential to create additional costs to the city because Seal Beach may be required to supply police, fire, lifeguard, and other services.  The cost of additional employees could result in greatly increased pension costs to the city over the years, already an enormous obligation. Come to the council meeting and ask to see the plans for the annexation of Sunset Beach so we can all be informed before the council votes. The long term obligations could be far reaching, and could result in fewer services all over the city if we spread ourselves too thinly.  Let’s not rush into this before we have time to be informed of all the long range consequences.

A note of explanation: Sunset Beach is now county land starting from the old water tower on PCH, and runs south to Warner Avenue where the Jack In The  Box sits on the corner.  The county is forcing Sunset Beach to join a city, any city. Huntington Beach has a greater ability to absorb the costs because it is a much bigger city but Huntington Beach doesn’t want to absorb Sunset.  The county wants to be rid of the costs of administering Sunset Beach.  Do we in Seal Beach want the costs?

Come to the council meeting Monday night!  Tell the council “No more three story buildings in Old Town!”  Ask for more information on the annexation of Sunset Beach into Seal Beach, and ask to delay the annexation.

A few minutes with Bob Hope

To those of  our youngsters growing up and not knowing who Bob Hope was and what  our country meant to him I’d like to tell you a little. 

Although Hope was born in England he came to America and became a consummate Yankee.  Hope never wore his patriotism on his sleeve to get attention but his volunteer work for U.S. troops in harms way and his annual Christmas tours to dangerous war zones will never be forgotten by any who saw them. 

Bob had the ability to gather the most glamourous stars of the day to travel with him. Such as: Raquel Welch, Betty Grable, Ursula Andress,  Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, Joe Di Maggio, Joe Namath, Jack Jones, and Don Rickles. 

Bob had very definite political opinions but he never expressed them during these tours. He attacked Democrats and Republicans equally with his wit…because, after all,  half of  his audience belonged to each party. 

To experience some of his humor here’s a little video from You Tube that we know you will enjoy.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBr9cm9EWJQ

Brad Pitt Speaks Out in Support of Gay Marriage

Promoting his new movie, ‘Inglorious Bastards’, Bratt Pritt opened up to Parade magazine about his feelings on love, the right to marry and how he would feel if one of his children were gay.

Some have criticized Pitt and Jolie for not setting a better example for their children by getting married.  Pitt’s was not shy about sharing his feelings about marriage equality or the right for people to live their lives the way they wish to live them.

He’s found a “soul mate” in Jolie, Pitt said, but he insisted he meant what he has said in the past about not marrying her.

“When someone asked me why Angie and I don’t get married, I replied, ‘Maybe we’ll get married when it’s legal for everyone else,’ ” he said. “I stand by that, although I took a lot of flak for saying it, hate mail from religious groups. I believe everyone should have the same rights.”

Pitt told Parade he takes exception to anyone trying to dictate how someone should live and who they should love.

“Just the other night, I heard this TV reverend say that Angie and I were setting a bad example because we were living out of wedlock, and people should not be duped by us,” Pitt told the magazine. “It made me laugh.

“What damn right does anyone have to tell someone else how to live if they’re not hurting anyone? How many times do you think real love comes to someone in a lifetime? If you’re lucky, maybe two or three.”

People should be able to be happy, Pitt said, and that includes his children.

“Would it bother me if a child of mine turns out to be gay? No, not one bit,” he said. “Listen, I want my kids to live the lives they want to live. I want them to be fulfilled. I hope I teach my kids to be who they really are.”

To read the full article in Parade Magazine click here.

Only Four Summer Concerts Left

Eisenhower Park continues to draw crowds to  the summer concert series. 

This is a great family venue so grab a blanket to sit on the grass or a portable chair – – – don’t forget something to eat and drink – – and get your fanny down there before the series ends on September 2.  Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

-August 12th – Sugah Daddy

-August 19th – Identity Theft

-August 26th – Regular Guys

-September 2nd – Elm Street Band

Old Town Real Estate is booming …again!

Two homes on opposite corners of Ocean and 7^th both have “Sale Pending” signs on them.  Combined total prices of about $9 million.

Congratulations to Jim Klinsanin’s Bay Realty and Seal Beach Realty. These were two high potential  properties on the “Gold Coast.”

Here’s a Cheap Date idea for this weekend

THE GRUNION ARE RUNNING…the grunion are running.  YAHOO!

                 Aug 7 –Friday              11:30 PM – 12:30 AM                                                                                                                    Aug 8 -Saturday             11:00 PM – 12:05 AM

Times are approximate. You can add one hour before and after times shown.  These are the last two nights of a four night run ….and the last two nights are usually the best.

Grunion must be captured by hand only. You can’t dig holes to trap them. 16 and older need a fishing license. Don’t be wasteful. Take only what you will eat.

Sit and watch the full moon shine on the ocean and enjoy the romance of a night fishing.  Who cares if you catch any?

Orange County Fairgrounds Up for Sale?

Just as many are enjoying the last few days of the Orange County Fair, news has surfaced of a potential sale of the OC Fairgrounds due to the California Budget crisis.   A group has started a Save the OC Fair petition to try and stop the sale of the fairgrounds to an OC investor group.  The petition website states the following:

Due to the current budget crisis in the state of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed the idea of selling off a number of “under-utilized” fairgrounds, arenas, and parks owned by the state to generate immediate revenue.

While this plan has been under consideration for quite some time, a resolution signed by the Fair Board, during a secretive and impromptu meeting with inadequate notice to the public on July 15th , actually put the plan in motion by offering their support in selling the fairgrounds to a non-profit entity.

Ironically however, less than one week after the resolution was signed, a non-profit organization, “The Orange County Fair and Events Center Foundation”, was announced – Formed by members of the Fair Board themselves! These being the same members who fell under scrutiny last year for taking advantage of their positions by using up hundreds of concert tickets, partaking in extravagent lobster dinners behind the scenes of the fair, and so on.

The shady and left-handed tactics used in signing the resolution to sell the Fairgrounds, as well as establishing the non-profit company to subsequently purchase the land has, by design, kept the neighboring home owners, citizens of Orange County and the Business Owners who utilize the O.C. Fairgrounds in the dark regarding the plan – Until JUST NOW!!

Other sites considered for sale, where adequate notice was given, were able to stop the proceedings by gaining a large amount of local support and providing a substantial amount of proof that the site is not “under-utilized”.

The closed-door plan to sell the O.C. Fairgrounds has caught many un-suspecting residents of Orange County by surprise. Working with extremely limited time, we wish to stop the sale of the fairgrounds based on the heritage it brings to Orange County, the programs it houses to benefit our children, and the many small businesses that count on it for their survival. Following such a deceptive start, if the venue is sold there is no guarantee of what may take its place and/or how it will be run.

To sign the online petition click here.

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