March 14, 2024

Recently, I’ve had the chance to visit a few of our 58 great counties in person and the experience was inspiring!  I’ve seen exceptional local leaders taking on tough problems in challenging circumstances. While each county faces a different situation, some common themes emerged — and I’ve grown even more optimistic that by working together we can make significant progress, even in these uncertain times.

One of the most exciting things about serving in county government is the fact that we are closest to the lives of all Californians. We can see our constituents’ needs first-hand – and we can see directly how county services make a difference in their lives. As Californians depend on those services, they also look to counties for our leadership, especially in times of uncertainty.

There’s a fair share of uncertainty today, as we await action on the state’s budget. We in the county family see a long list of crucially needed projects and initiatives – on homelessness, behavioral health care, housing, water supplies, disaster recovery and preparedness, among many other areas. In every one of our counties, local leaders are working hard to find creative ways to achieve our desired goals.

CSAC has long-celebrated – and never taken for granted — strong local leadership. For 129 years, CSAC leadership and staff have been driven to understand the specific challenges within each county in order to drive the CSAC advocacy that supports all California counties.

Ensuring that all counties are seen, heard and understood by CSAC is a top priority for my presidency. Understanding each other’s struggles, challenges and solutions strengthens our Association, which makes our advocacy more effective — which in turn improves our communities.

Starting late last year, I’ve had the pleasure to visit a number of counties and I’ve learned a lot. From lithium mining and economic development in Imperial County, to the development of advanced automobile technology and an inland port in Merced County, to cutting edge water management and power generation in Stanislaus County, I’ve been inspired by the drive and creativity in so many areas!

As president this year, I’m spending as much time as I can further exploring the diverse landscapes of California’s counties, starting with two from our Rural Caucus. While our rural counties constitute half the state’s landmass, their smaller populations sometimes feel overlooked. The leadership exhibited in San Benito and Colusa counties, however, underscores the resilience and strength of our rural communities.

In San Benito County, I met with Supervisors Angela Curro and Bea Gonzalez and learned more about their economic development plans. With Bay Area visitors nearby, they see real possibilities in a river-oriented regional park, with multi-user trails and an entertainment venue.  Transportation is another top priority: A groundbreaking “turbo roundabout” at the intersection of State Highways 25 and 156 has cut congestion, improved overall road safety, and streamlined access to the community’s downtown core. They’re also working to strike the right balance between future highway improvements and preservation of their exceptionally fertile farmland and ag economy.

The next day in Colusa County, protection and enhancement of water resources took center stage. Alongside Supervisors Kent Boes and Daurice Kalfsbeek-Smith, I got a comprehensive tour of the county’s water challenges, gaining valuable insights into flood plain management from Reclamation District 108 General Manager Lewis Bair and learning about the Sites Reservoir project from Supervisors Gary Evans and Janice Bell and project External Affairs Manager Kevin Spesert.

As President, I look forward to seeing what’s going on in as many more of our counties as my time permits. In advocating for California’s 58 counties, CSAC is dedicated to strengthening the county voice and showcasing the remarkable work each county performs daily.

At the core of county leadership lies an unwavering commitment to solving complex challenges. The passion demonstrated by my fellow supervisors and county staff in each county I’ve visited makes me truly optimistic for our shared future. Their dedication epitomizes the essence of genuine public service – a commitment to serving the needs of all Californians.