Orange County fairgrounds officials have sparked robust debate online about parking rates at the summer fair amid aggressive pricing during hard economic times.

The controversy puts a focus on Gov. Gavin Newsom and his fair board appointees, most of whom are serving under four-year terms that expired years ago.

That kind of lax management from Newsom leaves the public sector executives in charge.

The results speak for themselves.

Alongside the spike in pricing for residents are bulging reserves, a shiny new headquarters – initially approved at $24 million but now hovering at a cost of nearly $30 million – and a culture of perks for insiders.

Last month, officials at the state-run OC Fair and Event Center dispatched their mascot Olivia Orange riding in a golf cart to Instagram, playful

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