Pleasanton, California– As the Alameda County racetrack and stables prepare to close next month, concerns are mounting for an estimated 5,000 residents and workers, many of whom are low-income and from minority backgrounds. The imminent closure, set for March 25, threatens to uproot families living in the RV park at the fairgrounds, alongside hundreds of horses that also call the site home.
At a recent meeting filled with emotional appeals from horse trainers and community members, officials from the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association acknowledged the significant disruption this closure could bring, particularly for students who may have to relocate mid-semester. “You’re asking people to uproot their families in the middle of a school year,” one concerned individual lamented. “A lot of those students are immigrants, they’re already at a disadvantage.”
County Supervisor David Haubert expressed his support for allowing families to stay until the end of the school year in June, arguing that displacing these individuals could lead to homelessness and further instability during an already tense social climate. “We should prioritize the stability of these families,” he said, emphasizing the negative impact of forced relocation.
Compounding the issue, the fairgrounds’ wastewater has recently been deemed out of compliance with local regulations, adding another layer of complexity to the closure. Failure to vacate the premises by the deadline could result in fines from the State Water Quality Control Board.
Local horse trainer George Schmitt has proposed a solution, offering $2 million alongside fellow rancher John Harris to cover operating costs, contingent on weekend racing. However, fair officials have yet to accept this offer, leading to frustration within the community.
As the number of horses at the fairgrounds dwindles from 900 to just a few hundred, workers like Emmanuel Trujillo are left grappling with financial uncertainty. “Now every day I’ve got to worry about if I’m going to make my house payment or not,” he shared, highlighting the impact of the looming closure on his family’s livelihood.
Jerome Hoban, CEO of the county fair association, emphasized that the decision to close racing is not taken lightly, attributing it to financial challenges faced by the California Authority of Racing Fairs, which is currently bankrupt. “We’re faced with a situation where we can’t afford it,” he stated, reflecting the difficult balance between fiscal responsibility and community welfare.
In a collaborative effort, Haubert and state Assemblywoman Liz Ortega have reached out to the state water board, requesting allowance for at least 499 horses to remain at the stables to mitigate the impact on workers and their families. Ortega warned that without intervention, the closure could jeopardize one of the oldest annual county fairs in the nation.
The community remains hopeful for a resolution that could preserve both their livelihoods and the longstanding tradition of horse racing in the region. As emotions run high, many are left wondering what the future holds for them and their way of life.
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