Blog

Facing new challenges is nothing new for our 58 counties. It might be a natural disaster, such as a wildfire, flood or the drought; or it could be a new policy instituted by the state or federal government, such public safety realignment or the Affordable Care Act. CSAC’s annual Challenge Awards program – which recognizes the most innovative, cost-effective programs developed by our counties – regularly shows that county officials and staff are up to the task.

As the Institute for Local Government (ILG) celebrates its 60th Anniversary, we reflect on our impact promoting good government at the local level and look ahead to our place in helping establish future opportunities and partnerships to support the work of local agencies throughout California.

High-speed internet has become so ubiquitous that many of us don’t even think about it. Is the air quality today safe for an outdoor activity? Let me check. How do I cook chicken without giving my guests food poisoning? I’ll look it up on the FDA’s website. How do I pay my bills, renew a library book, or file my taxes? Log on to that secure website and get it done quickly, easily, and from the comfort of your own home.

Counties across California are increasingly facing tough challenges and are asking residents to weigh in in a variety of ways. However, many still find that only a relatively small number of community members actually take part in public conversations and forums. Not involving a cross-section of residents limits the effectiveness of public engagement efforts, negatively impacts the breadth and quality of ideas contributed and can reduce community support for the decisions reached by the governing body.

CSAC has also produced a video on the Rocky Fire and the valuable role of county collaboration. You can view it here.

I am standing next to Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin on a hilltop looking out at the devastated landscape caused by the Rocky Fire.  Nearby are the ruins of a residence and a burned out vehicle.  Although fire roared through this area two days prior, you can still feel the heat rising up off the hillside. Wisps of smoke are tell-tale signs that the fire – with just enough wind – could re-emerge in this area. The Sheriff doesn’t like what he sees and feels and requests that we leave the area immediately. I don’t argue. 

I am not a meteorologist, but every time I see, read or hear a story about “El Niño” this year I get a little worried. We know that the Pacific Ocean temperature is rising in a pattern that we have come to call El Niño. And history tells us that often means increased precipitation in California’s coming winter season. But when that rain will come, where it will fall, and over what period of time are questions that are impossible to answer. There are just too many variables for any model, algorithm or Old Farmer’s Almanac to accurately forecast.

Despite the diverse and unique nature of California’s 58 counties, what they share in common is of great importance. This includes how they determine their governance structure, as authorized by the state constitution. And this very issue is up for debate before the State Legislature.

Glenn County was carved out of Colusa County in 1891 and named for a prominent wheat farmer, Hugh Glenn. Behind those rudimentary facts, however, lies one of the West’s most dramatic sagas – one of ambition, steely persistence, greed, conflict and even homicide.

Prison is no picnic. And let’s face it; it’s not supposed to be. I recently visited the Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong, California—up in Lassen County—and while the program we were there to learn about is truly remarkable, my next biggest takeaway from the experience was that there are many good reasons to remain a law-abiding citizen.