California Special Districts Association

09/10/2026

The conference starts before the conference. 👀

Coming to Santa Barbara for the 2026 Board Secretary/Clerk Conference? Make the most of your trip by coming early for a full day of pre-conference learning before we kick things off with a trip through the decades!

Choose from two pre-conference workshops on November 3:

📁 Electronic Records Management – Get up to speed on electronic records, including AI, social media and other emerging opportunities.

✍️ Words That Work – Strengthen the staff reports, agenda titles and meeting minutes you create every day.

Then, trade the workday for your favorite decade at the Golden State Eras Tour: A Decades Party opening reception, featuring food, drinks, dueling pianos and plenty of opportunities to connect.

Already registered? Add a pre-conference workshop to your registration and give yourself one less reason for conference FOMO.

📍 Santa Barbara
📅 November 3–5, 2026

If you haven't signed up...nows the time to register! https://buff.ly/BFzHgkc

09/10/2026

The Special Districts Association of North Los Angeles County recently hosted a robust Legislative Luncheon, bringing together approximately 60 attendees and six elected officials representing federal, state, and county government for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and discussion on issues important to special districts and the communities they serve.

The luncheon provided a valuable opportunity for special district leaders to connect directly with elected representatives and strengthen relationships that help advance the important work of special districts throughout North Los Angeles County.

A huge thank you to the following legislators that joined us: Rep. George Whitesides Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares Assemblymember Juan Carrillo Assemblyman Tom Lackey Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo Supervisor Kathryn Barger

09/08/2026

When the usual solution isn’t working, sometimes it’s time to rethink the approach.

Faced with a shrinking pool of specialized contractors and a growing maintenance backlog, Sacramento Suburban Water District looked upstream for a solution. The district is now moving forward with purchasing the assets of a local well-maintenance company and bringing its experienced team in-house.

The innovative approach is expected to pay for itself within three years while helping keep critical water infrastructure running reliably.

💧 Read it here:
https://buff.ly/pKgFMOE

09/08/2026

CSDA's newest affiliated Chapter (Sacramento Area) held its first meeting last week at the Galt-Arno Cemetery District. Thank you to all attendees and Representative Doris Matsui's district office staff for your attendance!

09/02/2026

The 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase in Palm Desert was one for the books, and we couldn’t have done it without our incredible sponsors.

We’re fortunate to work with organizations that don’t just support CSDA events, but truly see, understand and believe in the important work special districts are doing in communities across California.

Your partnership helps bring our special district community together to learn, connect and return home better equipped to serve their communities. We’re grateful to have you riding alongside us and helping make such a meaningful experience.

To each of our sponsors, thank you for saddling up with us and showing up for California’s special districts. 🤠

09/01/2026

One incredible conference in the books. Now, it’s time to set our sights on what’s next!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Palm Desert for the 2026 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase. We’re already looking forward to bringing California’s special district community together again next year.

📅 SAVE THE DATE
2027 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase
📍 San Diego
🗓️ August 30 – September 2, 2027

See you in San Diego! 🌊☀️

Mark you calendars for the 2027 CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor ...

08/31/2026

CSDA has moved to a neutral position on SB 492, the Legislature’s response to wildfire liability reform.

The amended legislation preserves all four key protections CSDA advocated for on behalf of special districts and the communities they serve.

Learn what changed and why it matters: https://buff.ly/vWcyeHY

08/29/2026

Paradise Irrigation District General Manager (and CSDA board member) Kevin Phillips had a great conversation with Kitty O'Neill of KFBK News Radio about Governor Gavin Newsom's wildfire proposal that shifts costs away from investor owned utilities. This discussion highlights what that means for Californians.

California lawmakers have blocked Governor Gavin Newsom's push to prevent insurance companies from suing utility companies that cause wildfires. We spoke to Kevin Phillips, the General Manager of the Paradise Irrigation District who experienced the Camp Fire.

08/27/2026

Celebrating the 2026 CSDA Annual Award Winners!

Each year, the CSDA Annual Awards recognize the individuals, districts and chapters whose leadership, innovation, advocacy and commitment to public service strengthen special districts and the communities they serve across California.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees! Your achievements represent the very best of special districts and the people who make their work possible.

2026 CSDA Annual Award Winners:

🏆 Staff Member of the Year
Kim Boyd, Tahoe City Public Utility District

🏆 Board Member of the Year
Debra A. Canero, Valley Sanitary District

🏆 General Manager of the Year
Kimberly A. Thorner, Esq. Olivenhain Municipal Water District

🏆 Ralph Heim Exceptional Outreach & Advocacy Award
Charlotte Lopez Holifield, Calleguas MWD Municipal Water District

🏆 Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy Award – Large District Inland Empire Utilities Agency

🏆 Exceptional Public Outreach & Advocacy Award – Small District
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District

🏆 Innovative Program of the Year – Large District
Yorba Linda Water District

🏆 Innovative Project of the Year – Small District
Camarillo Health Care District

🏆 Excellence in Technology Award
Irvine Ranch Water District

🏆 Chapter of the Year
Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts

🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award
Arlene Schafer
Costa Mesa Sanitary District

Please join us in congratulating all of our 2026 award winners and thanking them for the impact they continue to make throughout California’s special district community!