Fairgrounds Beat Never Stops!

In a week of surprises, the beat goes on regarding the sale of the Orange County Fair and Event Center.


TUESDAY'S MEETING AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
I've previously discussed the events of last Tuesday night when the Costa Mesa City Council, cross-dressed as the Orange County Fairgrounds Authority, passed the resolution approving the ground lease with Facilities Management West or, rather, most of the lease. If you want to watch the proceedings on streaming video you can do so HERE. Several contentious issues were left unresolved but we understand the staff on both sides of the table are hard at it, negotiating for an acceptable final solution.

MICKADEIT ON SOLORIO
In the audience for a short time Tuesday was Orange County Register columnist, Frank Mickadeit. He heard enough - from the proceedings and from Jim Righeimer whispering in his ear from his seat immediately behind Mickadeit - that he began working his contacts about the issue and ended up with a conversation with Santa Ana Assemblyman Jose Solorio. You can read his column HERE.

SOLORIO TAKING THE HIGH ROAD
Seems he thinks Solorio is still supporting the sale, is still ticked off at Mayor Allan Mansoor for his stupid, self-serving "rule of law city" resolution, but won't let that influence his decision on the necessary legislation to complete the sale. Unless, that is, Mansoor does something else stupid as a follow-on to his resolution - something he's alluded to in the recent past.

I WANT TO BE WRONG...
I still don't see much chance for the legislation to be passed, but I really want to be wrong on this one. We'll know by early next week, when the legislators are scheduled to head home to work their districts.

TOM HATCH ON CITY TALK
On a much, much happier note, there's a new City Talk clip available for viewing on the City web site that will perk you up. This one features Dane Bora interviewing Assistant City Manager Tom Hatch and I found myself smiling all the way through it. One of the reasons Costa Mesa is making it through these dire financial times - when staffing levels have been cut to 1980s levels - is because of people like Hatch. In a sports parlance, we've got great bench strength. You can watch the clip HERE. Enjoy.