California, December 12, 2025
California’s county fairs are facing a wave of scandals involving financial mismanagement, legal disputes, and ethical violations. Key incidents include the San Diego County Fair’s $500,000 settlement over bid-rigging allegations, a bribery conviction involving the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds official, and financial mismanagement at the Monterey County Fair. Shasta County’s controversial goat seizure led to a $300,000 settlement, and the resignation of the Los Angeles County Fair Association CEO followed scrutiny over financial practices. This raises serious questions about accountability within these communities.
Recent Scandals Emerge Across California’s County Fairs
California’s county fairs have recently been embroiled in a series of scandals, highlighting issues ranging from financial mismanagement to legal disputes.
San Diego County Fair Settles Lawsuit Over Bid-Rigging Allegations
In 2024, the San Diego County Fair agreed to a $500,000 settlement in a lawsuit accusing officials of rigging a bid for a multimillion-dollar carnival contract. The lawsuit alleged that fair officials manipulated the bidding process to favor a particular company, undermining fair competition and transparency. Despite the settlement, the fair officials did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Official Convicted of Bribery
Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza, the former director of events and marketing at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, pleaded no contest to commercial bribery charges. She was found to have solicited and accepted monthly kickbacks from a security company in exchange for contract recommendations. Banuelos-Esparza was sentenced to felony probation and ordered to pay restitution, avoiding jail time.
Monterey County Fair Faces Financial Mismanagement Findings
A 2025 audit of the Monterey County Fair revealed significant financial mismanagement, including $87,000 in unsubstantiated credit card charges and improper purchases totaling over $32,000. The audit also uncovered that employees were allowed to live rent-free on the fairgrounds. In response, fair officials stated they would attempt to collect repayment for the improper expenditures.
Shasta County Agrees to Settlement After Pet Goat Seizure
Shasta County agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a family whose pet goat was seized by deputies and sent to slaughter. The incident occurred when deputies, armed with a search warrant, confiscated the goat, leading to public outcry and legal action.
Los Angeles County Fair Association CEO Resigns Amid Financial Scrutiny
Jim Henwood, the CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, resigned following reports of financial mismanagement, including a substantial salary amid the association’s debt. Henwood’s departure marks the end of his 20-year tenure leading the organization.
Background on California’s County Fairs
California’s county fairs have long been integral to the state’s cultural and social fabric, offering agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and community engagement. However, recent audits and investigations have exposed financial mismanagement, ethical violations, and legal disputes, prompting calls for increased oversight and accountability within these organizations.
Key Features of Recent Scandals in California’s County Fairs
| Event | Location | Year | Issue | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego County Fair Lawsuit | San Diego | 2024 | Bid-rigging allegations | $500,000 settlement |
| Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Bribery | San Jose | 2024 | Bribery charges against official | Felony probation and restitution |
| Monterey County Fair Audit | Monterey | 2025 | Financial mismanagement findings | Attempted repayment collection |
| Shasta County Pet Goat Seizure | Shasta County | 2024 | Pet goat confiscation and slaughter | $300,000 settlement |
| Los Angeles County Fair Association CEO Resignation | Pomona | 2025 | Financial mismanagement and debt | CEO resignation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego County Fair lawsuit about?
The San Diego County Fair settled a $500,000 lawsuit in 2024, which accused officials of rigging a bid for a multimillion-dollar carnival contract. The lawsuit alleged that fair officials manipulated the bidding process to favor a particular company, undermining fair competition and transparency. Despite the settlement, the fair officials did not admit to any wrongdoing.
Who is Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza?
Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza was the former director of events and marketing at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. She pleaded no contest to commercial bribery charges after it was found that she solicited and accepted monthly kickbacks from a security company in exchange for contract recommendations. Banuelos-Esparza was sentenced to felony probation and ordered to pay restitution, avoiding jail time.
What did the Monterey County Fair audit reveal?
A 2025 audit of the Monterey County Fair revealed significant financial mismanagement, including $87,000 in unsubstantiated credit card charges and improper purchases totaling over $32,000. The audit also uncovered that employees were allowed to live rent-free on the fairgrounds. In response, fair officials stated they would attempt to collect repayment for the improper expenditures.
What happened with the Shasta County pet goat incident?
Shasta County agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a family whose pet goat was seized by deputies and sent to slaughter. The incident occurred when deputies, armed with a search warrant, confiscated the goat, leading to public outcry and legal action.
Why did the CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association resign?
Jim Henwood, the CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, resigned following reports of financial mismanagement, including a substantial salary amid the association’s debt. Henwood’s departure marks the end of his 20-year tenure leading the organization.
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