Past

Earl Warren Showgrounds was originally developed as the permanent location for the Santa Barbara National Horse and Flower show as well to attract and support other equestrian and agricultural events to the Santa Barbara area. In 1950, a site at the corner of Las Positas Road and Calle Real was selected for the showground. To gain support for construction of the facilities from the City of Santa Barbara and the local community, the District gave eighty-two acres to the City to add to the community golf course and ten acres for the construction of Adams Elementary School.
In 1955, the 19th Agricultural District received State authorization to plan and build the fairgrounds. The Equestrian Facility was completed in 1958, with the Exhibit building finished 1959 and the administration building was added in 1961.

Present

Today Earl Warren Showgrounds is a 34 acres multi-use property located in the City of Santa Barbara. The property is bordered to the west and north by the Santa Barbara Community Golf Course and Adams Elementary School, to the east by Las Positas Street and to the south by Highway 101. Earl Warren Showgrounds is a community asset with the largest parking lot and indoor facilities in the county. It is able to host indoor and outdoor events, conferences, concerts, horse shows, and a myriad of other events and meetings. It also functions as a local community support center providing emergency management staging and evacuation sites for people and animals. Earl Warren Showgrounds is uniquely qualified to grow with the community.

Value Statement

The 19th District Agricultural Association and Earl Warren Showgrounds are committed to: Being ethical, responsible and professional in our roles guardians of the property and the facilities. Seeking input from our constituents, encourage debate and discussion and make decisions based on the best interest of the organization and the community. Striving to present high-quality facilities, professional service, products and programs. Functioning as a financially responsible business entity by operating at or above breakeven point while continually investing in the development of existing programs and facilities, maintaining appropriate reserves and seeking new business and development opportunities. Providing the highest standard of safety and well being for guests, visitors and staff.

Vision Statement

To be a well-known, modern and efficient multi-use-service destination facility offering a wide variety of educational and entertaining experiences for residents and visitors. Preserve and perpetuate equine tradition through the development and maintenance of first class equestrian facilities. Promote and support agriculture, and serves as a neutral 3rd party arbiter of agricultural excellence. Develop and maintain facilities for community access events and meetings. Actively engage in educational and youth oriented programs that promote local community and cultural enrichment. To be a valued community asset and considered a component of Santa Barbara’s quality of life. To be so integrated in the daily life of the community that individuals, organizations and companies of all types willingly invest resources in our success.

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Mission Statement

The 19th District Agricultural Association and manages Earl Warren Showgrounds as a financially self-supporting entity that maintains a first-class equine facility, promotes and supports agricultural resources, provides facilities for community events, meetings, and emergency response, and furthers the goals and objectives of the Association and the State of California.

19th DAA Agendas

Download the latest Board of Directors Agenda here.

19th DAA Materials

Download the latest Board Packet
Public Records need to be formally requested through email 5/25/23 Board Meeting 4/13/23 Board Meeting Current Board Policy

19th DAA Minutes

Download the latest Approved Minutes

Current Board of Directors

The 19th District Agricultural Association is governed by a nine person Board of Directors. The Directors are volunteers who are appointed by the governor of California to staggered four year terms. The following comprise the current Board of Directors for the 19th District Agricultural Association:

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Cecilia Tavera, Director

Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown
Appointment Date: December 13, 2018

Salvatore Milazzo, President

Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom
Appointment Date: 2020 5c588a769c0fd51cffef0f7d_MA-RF

Miguel Avila, Director

Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Appointment Date: December 17, 2014 5c588a997bd3ab36661b1d6b_MM-RF

Marshall Miller, Director

Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Appointment Date: October 15, 2013
Reappointment Date: October 15 2014 5c588a2becb8b06109b9760f_MM-RF

Michael Medel, Director

Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Appointed: October 15, 2015 5c588afd7dd32889d6cec4b6_TM

Teresa McWilliams, Director

Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Appointment Date: March 22, 2016 5c5889ba9c0fd53f30ef0d6b_image1

Luis Esparza, Vice President

Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown
Appointment Date: December 13, 2018 Melekian_009.tif

Nancy Melekian, Director

Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown
Appointment Date: December 13, 2018 5c588a587dd3289922cec435_MR-RF

Mary Rose, Director

Appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Appointment Date: October 15, 2013
Reappointed Date: October 15 2015
Other Office: Vice President 2014

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Earl Warren Showgrounds