LA HABRA : Council to Consider New Site for Fair

After business owners complained that the city’s 14th annual “I Love La Habra” fair would hurt businesses because it would close La Habra Boulevard, City Council members decided to consider moving the event.

The council had given approval to closing La Habra from Cypress Street to Euclid Street on Feb. 9 to 12 for the fair, which previously had been held in a shopping center parking lot. Officials said the parking lot could no longer be home to the fair because it has become too run down.

Council members said the La Habra Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of businesses on the boulevard and determined that 17 of 18 businesses were in favor of the street closure.

But two business owners told the council at last week’s meeting that they had not been contacted and that they are against the closure. Other businesses, in contradiction to the survey, also complained.

“I was never even approached,” said Jackie Fogel, owner of MacKinnon’s Stationery store. “I think the council was misinformed.”

Indeed it was, council members said. “I’m a little disappointed,” Councilman James Flora said. “I’m sure the (Chamber of Commerce) is a little embarrassed.”

The council will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. Friday to consider moving the fair from La Habra Boulevard to the railroad tracks south of the boulevard.