A STATE JUDGE IS EXPECTED TO RULE TODAY ON WHETHER THE CHARITY RODEO WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND AT THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. THE LAWSUIT CHALLENGES THE FAIR BOARD’S MAY APPROVAL OF THE RODEO. AT ISSUE IS WHETHER THE FAIR BOARD COULD LEGALLY EXEMPT THE EVENT FROM NEEDING AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. FAIR MANAGER MICHAEL BETHKE SAID THAT THE RODEO IS SIMILAR TO OTHER EVENTS (INCLUDING A CUTTING HORSE EVENT HELD IN JULY) THAT TAKE PLACE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, AND THEREFORE DOES NOT NEED AN ADDITIONAL REVIEW.
THE CASE IS SCHEDULED TO BE DECIDED THIS AFTERNOON IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT ON 9TH STREET IN SACRAMENTO.
THE FAIR IS UNDER MORE PRESSURE TO BE SELF-SUSTAINING THAN IN THE PAST, BECAUSE STATE OFFICIALS ELIMINATED CURRENT AND FUTURE SUPPORT OF ALL FAIRGROUNDS EARLIER THIS YEAR. THAT MEANS THE FAIRGROUNDS LOST 140 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN ANNUAL STATE REVENUE, AN ANOTHER 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS THAT IT USED TO RECEIVE EVERY 3RD YEAR FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.
