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Districts Make the Difference
ON-DEMAND
AVAILABLE NOW
VIRTUAL TOURS SHOWCASE SPECIAL DISTRICTS MEETING THE MOMENT
Four one-hour tours showcasing the many special districts tackling California’s biggest challenges are now available online as examples of districts making a difference throughout the state. In 2020, CSDA took our annual tour series virtual for legislative staff, expanding accessibility and protecting the health of everyone involved. Nearly 200 federal, state, and local officials participated in five tours of 15 special districts focusing on the following pressing topics facing our communities:
• Mitigating Wildfires and Protecting Our Watersheds • Adapting to Climate Change and Resource Management • Advancing Groundwater Sustainability • Protecting the Health and Wellness of Our Community • Building Infrastructure to Grow Our Economy
To view the four tours now available on-demand and download printable tour packets, visit csda.net/SpecialDistrictsTour.
Every year, CSDA organizes educational tours for Capitol staff and other state, local, and federal officials. These tours offer a snapshot experience of the diverse special district sites and infrastructure that provide daily services to millions of Californians throughout the state.
At the close of this learning opportunity, Capitol staff and other attendees gain a greater understanding of the special districts communities have formed in an effort to: • Effectively and efficiently deliver essential local services. • Promote accessible and responsive government. • Serve unique neighborhoods or regions based on local needs. • Build, operate, and sustain critical infrastructure and protect public health and safety.
Similar to previous years, CSDA worked together with partner associations in developing and presenting the special district tours. Accordingly, CSDA would like to recognize and thank our 2020 tour partners: • Association of California Healthcare
Districts • California Association of Resource
Conservation Districts • California Municipal Utilities
Association • Mosquito and Vector Control
Association of California
Corcoran Student Wins First Place Scholarship in Special District Video Contest
By David Duran, Duran Kinst Strategies
Reyna Carrera, a student from Fresno Pacific University in Corcoran, won first place in the 2020 Districts Make the Difference Student Video Contest. The statewide contest encourages high school and college students to learn about the local governments that provide their families essential services such as water, electricity, fire protection, wastewater, garbage removal, and more.
This year, students were challenged to make a video of less than 90 seconds that would raise awareness and understanding of the special districts that serve communities and regions across the state. Special districts are local governments that are formed, owned, and governed by a community to specialize in meeting a specific local need. The video contest is organized annually by Districts Make the Difference, the public outreach campaign launched by CSDA.
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is great to see students continuing to learn and use technology to engage in civic action,” said Neil McCormick, CSDA Chief Executive Officer. “Students like Reyna will be the future special district leaders making a difference in our communities.”
As the first prize winner, Reyna received a $2,000 scholarship, while second place winners, Briana Wong and Andra Cheng of Monterey Park received $1,000, and third place winner, Joseph Carrol of Morgan Hill received $500. In addition to their scholarships, each student nominated a teacher who received an additional $500 to put towards their classroom. Reyna nominated Shannon Turmon to receive this cash prize.
With a record 60 entries last year, it was a tough competition for all who entered. Initial entries were scored by CSDA officials based on four criteria: accuracy and effectiveness, creativity and originality, production quality, and entertainment value. The five videos with the highest overall scores were posted on the Districts Make the Difference Website for public voting to determine the three winners.
To see all the winning videos and to learn more about all special districts, visit DistrictsMaketheDifference.org.
A public outreach campaign supported by the California Special Districts Association to provide information about special districts, descriptions on how they serve communities, and compelling content. Visit us at districtsmakethedifference.org.
