ListenSan Diego Speaks: Selling the Del Mar Fairgrounds?
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June 12, 2009 – Sharon Heilbrunn gets local reaction to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's suggestion of selling the Del Mar Fairgrounds to help balance the state budget.
Video Transcript:
GLORIA PENNER (Host): Nothing is sacred in this budget crisis, not even a day at the fair. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed selling some state-owned properties including the Del Mar Fairgrounds. KPBS digital reporter Sharon Heilbrunn brings us the story on this, the opening day at the county fair. SHARON HEILBRUNN (KPBS Reporter): Charlie Boghosian got his first job at the San Diego County Fair when he was 14, hustling corn on the cob to fairgoers. Nearly thirty years later he's the owner of Chicken Charlie's, a stand that sells, well chicken of course, but also deep fried twinkies and avocados. Every summer he watches millions of people come to the fair. It's been around since the 1930s and so has the Del Mar Racetrack. But, both of these traditions could be in jeopardy. That's if the state of California sells the Del Mar Fairgrounds to help close its $42 billion deficit. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed this idea in May, estimating that the property is valued between $350 and $650 million dollars. It's not the only state-owned property that could be for sale, others include San Quentin State Prison and the Los Angeles Memorial Colosseum. The fairgrounds occupy more than 400 acres of idealic real estate and it actually generates revenue for the state. Hundred of events are held on the grounds annually including the San Diego County fair, and Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing, a $3.9 billion dollar industry. We wanted to know what you think about the possible sale, so we listened in at a public meeting held earlier this week with members of the 22nd District Agricultural Association. Here's what people had to say, starting with Chicken Charlie, who we met earlier. CHARLIE BOGHOSIAN (Owner, Chicken Charlie's): The question is you sell it, you take the money, and you use it to help you with the deficit, and then you gain more deficit in the next year or two. Then what do you sell? Where do you stop and what do you do after a few years when you've sold the whole state? Then what? JERRY HAGER (Entertainer): Since 1935 this land has been the sight of fun, adventure, discovery, excitement and escape for millions of San Diegans. LINDA LUTZ (Employee, San Diego County Fair): The historic racetrack and fair would be a critical loss to our communities. An economic catastrophe for so many businesses, both big and small. HEILBRUNN: Now, the San Diego County Fair opens today. Whether or not it changes ownership in years to come remains to be seen. We want to know if you think the fairgrounds should be sold. Log on to kpbs.org/sdweek and leave us a comment. For kpbs.org, I'm Sharon Heilbrunn.
Comments
crg // June 12, 2009 at 7:36 p.m. ― 5 months, 1 week ago
The fairgrounds and racetrack have been for years and will be for years to come a vital, living part of the North County, and indeed, the San Diego community. We have enjoyed the events there, especially the fair, races and 4th of July fireworks for over 30 years.
We must not lose this historic and well-used venue!! Please!!!
Thank you,
Carol Gorton
Encinitas
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simplyean // June 16, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ― 5 months, 1 week ago
There have been numbers banded about in the press about the real estate value of the Fairgrounds, the estimated annual revenue generated for the local community, and the State's lack of experience in running a facility like this. Also suggestions made that it's quite possible things would remain much as thery are, but under new ownership. I would like to set matters straight if I may,
Firstly the estimate that the Fairgrounds is worth between $350 - $600 million? Isn;t that rather like saying Encinitas is between 5 and 50 miles from Del Mar? The value would be closer to $350 million The Fairgrounds is not unencumbered with debt by the way. It owes over $60 million in bonds and nearly $200 million to the Race Track Authority. That means the State would net about $90 million from selling the Fairgrounds.
Secondly, the revenue amount quoted of about $400 million each year to San Diego from the Fairgrounds, (not including the racing handle) was based on a 2002 survey. That figure would be $500 million at the very least today, So the governor's plan is to trade $500 millon of annual revenue for a $90 million one time fire sale? And does anyone wonder why our state legislature can't balance a budget?
Thirdly, I would address the governor's comment that the State are not qualified to run a facility like the Fairgrounds. He's absolutely right, the State doesn't run it. The Fairgrounds has been successfully run for decades by the 22nd District Agricultural Association. It is totally self funding, requiring no public funding or help whatsoever. It makes more money each year, creating more revenue and jobs for the community.
Finally, things could very well remain very much as they are? Anyone who took over this facility would be paying property tax, corporation tax and income tax. In order to make that happen you honestly think the county fair that we know and love would remain the same? You honestly believe that you would be paying $13 for an entry ticket?
I urge you to make your voice heard. If the governor pulls the sale of this place off, it will be no use crying about it next year when a piece of our history and community is gone forever. It will be no use wailing why didn't anyone tell us what was really going on. And the governor? He'll be long gone, hiding behind the walls of his billion dollar home, unavailable for comment.
Remember - complacency is defeat.
Ean Corbet
Oceanside
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