It may not be a sure thing. But it might be close.
A measure on today's ballot that would maintain the zoning for the Orange County fairgrounds in Costa Mesa could end up being the most lopsided election the city has ever seen, two city officials said in advance of the vote.
"I suspect it will go down in history as getting the most votes," Costa Mesa Councilwoman Katrina Foley said. "The support for retaining the land use there is pretty overwhelming."
Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor agreed.
"I'm sure if it's not 100 percent in support it'll be close to it," Mansoor said. "I can't see a huge number voting against it."
No one filed a ballot statement in opposition to Measure C, which would lock down the zoning for the fairgrounds, making it impossible for anyone to use the property for anything other than its use as a home for the annual county fair, the weekend marketplace and the equestrian center.
"It also prohibits certain types of development, specifically noting hotels, football stadium or housing," Foley said.
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The real suspense will come from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office, as the governor's staff considers the city's $96 million proposal to purchase the 150 acres from the state.
The city's partner in the deal is Facilities Management West. The city's proposal would have the company paying the mortgage, with the state financing the deal and the city owning the property.
Another potential obstacle to the proposal may be state lawmakers, some of whom objected to the council's recent approval of a resolution declaring Costa Mesa a "Rule of Law" city, a statement on the issue of illegal immigration. Some legislators have said they were so offended by the vote they may try to hold up the fairgrounds deal.
"That is exactly what's wrong with Sacramento," said Mansoor, who is running for the 68th Assembly seat being vacated by Van Tran, who was termed out and is running for Congress against Rep. Loretta Sanchez. "They're not voting for what's in the best interests of the people."
Mansoor and Foley agreed the immigration politics should be kept out of the fairgrounds deal.
"It's really not relevant to the transaction," Foley said. "That's all politics."
Mansoor and Foley agreed that a huge turnout for Measure C might send a message to state lawmakers and the governor to support the city's proposal.
