1998:

Gov. Pete Wilson signs legislation allowing Napa Valley Exposition to be leased to a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Fair, for redevelopment with a private partner.

September 1999:

The Expo’s board of directors picked a major developer, Jones Lang LaSalle, to work on a development plan to make the Expo glamorous.

November 1999:

Bill Lyons, secretary of the state’s Food and Agriculture Department under Gov. Gray Davis, halts negotiations between the Expo and Jones Lang LaSalle. Fair manager Dorothy Lind is accused of a conflict of interest.

Spring 2000:

Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein clears Lind after a three-month investigation. “Absolutely no evidence,” he said.

Spring 2000:

The state puts itself in charge of Expo redevelopment, saying it should not be done by a Napa-based nonprofit. Gov. Davis appoints new board members.

Summer 2000:

The state’s Fair Political Practices Commission clears Lind.

Fall 2000:

Citizens protest plans to commercially redevelop Expo. They want to save the fair as it is.

February 2001:

Jones Lang LaSalle questions if new state rules for a public-private partnership are workable. Soon bows out.

Summer 2001:

Expo board decides not to sell Expo to the city for redevelopment.

Spring 2002:

Studies show that upgrading the Expo’s aging facilities would cost $5 million to $10 million.

Spring 2003:

After a year of studies, the Expo board settles on a pay-as-you-go redevelopment effort. The RV park will be upgraded. Livestock facilities will be improved as funds become available. Commercial development along Burnell Street will be considered.

Spring 2007:

RV park upgrades nearly finished.