"Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.” ~ Sophia Loren
Fairs Year-round Information	F.Y.I. Volume 10, Issue 4 April 28, 2000

BioFile

Meet Liz Houser
Director of Fairs & Expositions

In December 1999, the fair industry welcomed Liz Houser as Director of the Department of Food & Agriculture’s Division of Fairs & Expositions. Liz shared with F.Y.I. an overview of her background and insight into her new job at F&E.

Favorites
Favorite fair food: Corn dogs (definitely)
Favorite amusement ride: Bumper cars (but I think my body’s getting too old for them, however my mind is still young enough).
Favorite movie: “Somewhere in Time” with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve.
Favorite quote: “Just Do It” ~ Nike.”
Hobbies: Motorcycle riding, beachcombing, travel.

Career
Q: Share with us a short bio on you and your earlier career.
A: I’ve served in numerous state government positions in California for over 20 years. My previous position was branch chief of human resources for the Department of Food and Agriculture.
My professional experience includes work in both the human resources as well as fiscal and accounting areas. Among the other departments where I have worked since 1976 are the California Public Employees Retirement System, Department of Personnel Administration, and Department of Transportation.
I’m a local to the Capitol region and was raised in the small community of Wilton. I now reside in Rocklin with my husband and two children.
Q: What programs will the division be emphasizing over the next few years?
A: Strong fiscal oversight and guidance, addressing infrastructure needs, meeting ADA requirements, and assisting fairs in being successful will be our primary focus.
Q: What will F&E’s biggest challenge be in 2000?
A: The learning curve, as we have many new and enthusiastic staff members who are excited to serve the fair industry and trying to learn a very complex system at the same time.
Q: What do you like best about your new job?
A: I like the fair people. The CEOs and their staff have been wonderfully supportive and made me feel very welcome.

Look for our interview with Lonny Wunder, new CEO of the Yolo County Fair, in the next issue of F.Y.I.

Call Now to Ensure a Spot on CFSA’s Safety Training Schedule

In the November 3, 1999 issue of F.Y.I., Tom Allen, CFSA’s safety administrator, reported on the changes AB1127 would have on the fair industry; Beginning January 1, 2000, government agencies and public entities can receive civil penalties for OSHA violations.
In response to the changes to the California Labor Code relating to employee safety in general industry, CFSA’s Safety Department increased their year 2000 training schedule to accommodate the fairs’ potential need for training.
The safety department’s schedule is quickly filling up. Therefore, Tom would like to encourage any fair interested in training to sign up soon.
For a complete list of available training programs, or if you would like to schedule any safety training, please call Tom at 916/263-6186, or e-mail your request to Tom at tallen@cfsa.org.

Looking For an Easy Way to Help Your Facility Users Obtain Required Insurance?

Look no further than CFSA’s Special Events Liability Program; A program that provides general liability coverage for special event users of facilities at any California fairground.
On March 30th, each fair was sent a supply of CFSA’s Special Events brochures to help promote the program. In addition to providing “easy to obtain and competitive” coverage for your facility user, 5% of the collected fee is returned to each fair.
For additional brochures or if you have any questions or comments, please contact Charl Sanchez at 916/ 263-6145, or e-mail Charl at csanchez@cfsa.org.

Equipment and Recycling Opportunities

CFSA has acquired additional year 2000 Employee Right to Know Posters, in both English and Spanish. The set of two posters is available for $8.80. To order, or for more information, contact Karen Gallay at 916/263-6191.

• Karen has also located a source for new, 20 function-key, keyboards. These keyboards are useful for working in Compu-Share; They’re priced at $70 each. If you’re looking for a more economical alternative, CFSA has several reconditioned LK 450-AA, 20 function-key, keyboards, available at half price ($40). Call Sue Leavitt at 916/263-6188 for more information.
• As of May 1, 2000, the price of convention taffeta will increase to $56.50 per roll.
• Interested in discussing your recycled product needs with recycling professionals? Attend the First Annual Recycled Product Trade Show hosted by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. The Trade Show opens at 8:00 a.m. on May 10th, and includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Admission and meals are FREE to those who register on or before May 1st.
  For more information and a partial exhibitor list, visit their Web site at: "www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BuyRecycled/Events/TradeShow/".

And They’re Off . . . CARF Starts Search for New Executive Director

The California Authority of Racing Fairs (“CARF”) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. This is the top-level position accountable to the CARF Board of Directors for the responsible and effective management of the organization.
Qualifications include equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or other applicable field, and five years increasingly responsible management and administrative experience with fairs, other organizations conducting horse racing, or related industries. Position involves extensive travel within California.
CARF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including CalPERS retirement and an automobile. For a complete job description, please contact Bernice Dent at 916/263-3346.
For confidential consideration, please forward a letter of intent, together with a chronological resume, salary history, and references to the following address prior to May 19, 2000:

CARF Executive Search Committee
c/o Christiane E. Layton
Hyde, Miller, Owen & Trost
428 J Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814

What Am I?
Question: What north coastal area fair manager is getting married in May?

The winner of last month’s BioQuiz contest is Cheryl Davidson, CEO of the Merced County Fair. If you’d like to answer this month’s question and be eligible for a personalized luggage tag, you can call Donna Allen at 916/263-6158 or e-mail your answer to dallen@cfsa.org. We will draw the winning name on May 12th.

There were several creative guesses to last month’s question, but the answer is, they are all grandmothers