California Special Districts Association

10/09/2026

🍂 Fall is a season for gathering, celebrating traditions and reconnecting with our communities.

Across California, special districts play an important role in bringing people together. Through public parks, recreation programs, seasonal festivals and community events, these local government agencies help create spaces where neighbors connect, small businesses thrive and lasting traditions take shape.

This weekend, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve in San Diego County celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Ladies at the Lake Fall Market. With nearly 130 vendors, the event brings local makers, small businesses and community members together to welcome the season.

From fall markets to holiday celebrations, special districts across California help make these meaningful moments possible, reminding us that strong communities are built not just through essential services, but through shared experiences and purposeful connection.

🍁 What seasonal traditions bring your community together?

10/09/2026

As California prepares to implement new sales and use taxes on digital products, CSDA is advocating to ensure California does not tax our communities’ essential services that depend on software tailored to specialized local agencies.

CSDA and the Association of California Healthcare Districts submitted joint comments to California Department of Tax and Fee Administration supporting affordable local services and calling for application of the existing custom-software exemption.

Read more: https://buff.ly/i4GHhUw

10/08/2026

Legislative staffers recently toured the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, gaining firsthand insight into the important work being done to protect public health and local communities.

The tour included the District’s laboratory, field operations, and innovative Sterile Insect Technology facility, showcasing the science, technology, and dedicated professionals behind today’s vector control efforts. It was a great opportunity to connect with legislative staff and highlight the vital role special districts play in protecting Californians.

Thank you to the following legislative offices that joined us: Senator Adam Schiff Senator Alex Padilla Rep. George Whitesides Senator Caroline Menjivar Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo LA Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

10/07/2026

California special districts that are CSDA members are eligible for complimentary Amazon Business Prime, helping districts stretch purchasing dollars and streamline everyday procurement.

Through this CSDA member benefit, eligible districts can access free Business Prime membership, unlimited users, fast and free shipping, Pay by Invoice, a $5,000+ line of credit, 25% off thousands of essential items and a dedicated account executive.

With Amazon Deal Days underway, now is a great time to ask: Is your district taking advantage of this CSDA member benefit? Savings don't have to end when the event does!

Learn more and get started at CSDA.net.

10/07/2026

💧 Celebrating Water Professionals Appreciation Week!

Rowland Water District is recognizing the dedicated professionals who work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to test, monitor and deliver safe, dependable water to thousands of homes, schools and businesses.

The team includes operators, field crews, safety representatives, customer service professionals and administrative staff who each play a role in protecting water quality, maintaining the system and securing a reliable water supply for future generations.

“Behind every drop of water is a team of dedicated professionals devoted to caring for our neighbors and our future,” said Crystal Rodriguez, RWD’s Accounting/Human Resources Manager.

RWD’s Board of Directors also adopted a proclamation recognizing Water Professionals Appreciation Week, and throughout the week, the district is celebrating its team with special acknowledgements highlighting their hard work and contributions to the community.

Thank you to RWD’s team and water professionals across California for keeping our communities flowing! 💙

10/06/2026

This Water Professionals Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the people behind every drop.

Across California, water professionals work every day to keep our communities healthy, our water safe and reliable, and critical infrastructure running, often doing work most of us never see.

From the field crews maintaining essential systems to the operators, engineers, scientists, customer service teams and countless others who keep water flowing, your work makes everyday life possible.

To the dedicated professionals serving California’s communities: thank you for the expertise, commitment and care you bring to this essential work. 💙

10/05/2026

The Kern County Special Districts Association, with support from our Central Network Public Affairs person Erasmo Viveros, recently brought local special districts together for “No PR Staff? No Problem!” at North of the River Recreation and Park District’s Greenacres Community Center.

The workshop drew some 29 attendees representing 18 special districts, along with Hodges Law Group.

Katie Distelrath with Jacob Green & Associates led an engaging and practical session focused on helping special districts strengthen communications, connect with their communities, and better tell the story of the services they provide.

Thank you to North of the River Recreation and Park District for hosting and to SitelogIQ for sponsoring the trip-tip lunch and being a valued partner!

A strong turnout and a great example of special districts coming together to learn, connect, and share ideas.

10/02/2026

It's feel good Friday! This Friday we have some great news out of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The river otters are back!

"Checking wildlife cameras can be like Christmas, but river otters haven't been known to occur on the San Mateo Coast since the 1800s," explained researcher Ken Hickman. "So I knew Midpen and State Parks biologists would be as surprised and interested as I was to see the photos."

Read more here: https://buff.ly/Y2jjeTH

Recently, while reviewing wildlife cameras, independent researcher and Midpen partner Ken Hickman spotted something unexpected from a wildlife camera: A river otter.

10/01/2026

The Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts recently hosted a wonderful dinner featuring an inspirational speaker and an evening of connection and fellowship among special district leaders.

The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate an outstanding achievement as the ASBCSD was recognized as the 2026 California Special Districts Association Chapter of the Year! 🎉🏆 Also, big thanks to ASBCSD for your $500 donation to the Special District Leadership Foundation!

Congratulations to the Association and all of its members on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued commitment to serving the communities of San Bernardino County! Thanks Mojave Water Agency for hosting.

09/30/2026

Don’t miss out! Early Bird pricing for the 2026 Board Secretary/Clerk Conference ends October 2! Just TWO MORE DAYS to lock in the savings!