 On Nov. 12, 1971, at the Auburn District Fair appreciation and awards dinner, Secretary-Manager Bunny Nakagawa raised the possibility of using part of the DeWitt State Hospital grounds for the Auburn District Fair.
According to the Nov. 18, 1971, Auburn Journal, “Nakagawa pointed out that steady growth of the Auburn Fair would soon tax its limited facilities; that the DeWitt Hospital is to be phased out by the state; that the present fairgrounds is located in the center of growing Auburn, an unsuitable site for a fair and that the sale of the present site to private ownership would return the property to the tax rolls.”
He emphasized the growth of the fair and that if the district wanted that growth to continue, they would have to begin looking for another site. The grounds of the DeWitt State Hospital site seemed to be the perfect fit.
At that time, it was already certain that Placer County would take over the campus of the former hospital, but there were still a lot of proposals that were floated by different groups for use of some of the property. For example, Assemblyman Eugene Chappie asked President Nixon to consider using part of the property for a narcotics rehabilitation center for returning military personnel. None of these proposals came to fruition, but it is interesting to note this crossroads moment for the DeWitt State Hospital grounds, Placer County and the Auburn District Fair.
Photo: Five men examining a resolution to make Sept. 14-20 Country and Western Music Week in the state of California. L-R: Bunny Nakagawa, “Slim” Goodall, Assemblyman Eugene Chappie, Charles Wuesthoff and Hank Gonzales, c. 1970
 In the past year, the two material recovery facilities in Placer County diverted 277,405 tons of material from the landfill.
As we observe America Recycles Day today, know your options to help do your part. From plastic bottles to mattresses to paint, there are many FREE programs available in Placer County to keep materials out of landfills, save natural resources and reduce pollution.
Programs include:
- One Big Bin program. You toss. We sort.
- Organic waste
- Bye Bye Mattress program
- Hazardous household waste pick-up options
- Battery disposal
- Paint recycling program
Visit our Placer Recycles webpage to learn more, here
 Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
 Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...
Lincoln: Market Under the Lights
Auburn: Placer Artists Studio Tour 2024, Music Around Town, Give Thanks Feast
North Lake Tahoe: Sierra Community House Food Distribution Kings Beach, Fall Harvest Farmer’s Market
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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