April 22, 2024
Board of Directors
Orange County Fair and Event Center (OCFEC)
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
RE: REVIEW Stall Rental Rate Increase at OC Fairgrounds Equestrian Center
Dear Chairman Nick Kovacevich and OCFEC Board of Directors:
I would like to reiterate my ask that the full Board carefully consider the cost analysis of the contract for services at the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center.
As I stated previously, the Center is an important part of Orange County’s history and its future. This public facility, owned and operated by the state, offers a place where people of all backgrounds can enjoy horsemanship and an equestrian experience. Valuable programs like Changing Strides provide equine therapy for veterans, battered women, adults with mental challenges and at-risk youth throughout Orange County.
This significant increase should be carefully studied, diligently checked and broadly supported if it is to move forward. I again would urge this Board to carefully evaluate plans for an increase to ensure they are justified in their totality; the drastic increase does threaten to close people out.
This is a public facility and agreeing to increases more than twice what is comparable at a private facility is cause for concern. As a state-run facility, the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center should make every effort to keep costs reasonable so all residents – no matter economic background – have an opportunity to enjoy an equestrian experience.
The initial Request for Proposal process should have resulted in a number of competitive bids, allowing the Board and staff to compare and contrast current market costs for services by experienced equestrian service providers. After one year with the sole respondent managing the center, it is the right time to step back and consider if the cost and service match the need.
Again, I am certain the Board and its staff are passionate about protecting and preserving the public’s connection to horses and the Equestrian Center, and I ask that they also take the time to ensure the experience pencils out for both providers and the public. I appreciate your consideration of my input on this matter on behalf of constituents of the 72nd Assembly District.
Sincerely,
