I’ve often said that the best part of my job at CSAC is getting to know more about the amazing men and women in County Leadership positions and telling their stories to the world. Last month we featured a video and blog to introduce new CSAC President and Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore. Today I’m delighted to share with you a slightly more lighthearted introduction to the newest member of the CSAC Officer Team: Second Vice President and Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington.

Top 10 Election Questions to Help California Counties Get Out the Vote!

The November election is less than two weeks away. Because of COVID-19 pandemic concerns, this year’s election will likely look very different from previous elections in many counties. We send our deep appreciation to county election officials working hard to adjust to these new election protocols. With every county in California mailing ballots to every active registered voted in the state, you may have already voted yourself, either by mail or via a drop box. However, for new voters, or those unfamiliar with the new process and pandemic protocols, we’ve developed a list of Top 10 Election Questions that County Officials can share with your community to ensure a safe and secure election.

Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week honors those who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. As direct service providers administering many state and federal programs, California’s counties and their employees play huge roles both in our everyday lives and during emergencies like COIVD-19 when we need services the most.

Property taxes have been in the news as of late as many of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic worried how to meet the twice-annual deadline, the most recent being April 10.

But of the numerous articles that ran, one important success story was missed. The CSAC Finance Corporation rolled out its Easy Smart Pay property tax payment program in Kings County in time for the April 10^th deadline to allow a one-time online payment option during a time of crisis. 

There’s a noticeable change in Sacramento when the Legislature is in recess. Traffic is lighter, parking is easier and lines at popular lunch spots are shorter. While it’s been more than a month since the end of session and two weeks since the Governor’s bill-signing deadline, CSAC remains hard at work advocating on its key priorities of homelessness, In- Home Supportive Services and wildfires.

CSAC and California Counties have placed a strong emphasis on disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery over the past several years. Some of our most memorable regional meetings, partnerships and even Challenge Awards have spotlighted California’s innovation in preparedness at the individual, community and county levels.

In a state as geographically diverse as California, emergencies can take many forms. Wildfires and earthquakes are often top of mind, but power outages, floods, debris flows, tsunamis and even drought can prompt disaster declarations as well.

As a child, I always looked forward to Fourth of July celebrations. Not only did my family host 200 of our closest friends for a potluck party on our five acre “truck farm” in New York, but my four uncles by marriage provided an extensive fireworks display. While fireworks have been a part of Fourth of July celebrations from the very beginning– more on that later– in many California Counties, the reality of wildfire season means local ordinances, restrictions and adaptations to keep the Fourth festive, safe and wildfire-free.