Other than exercising our right to vote and choosing our Board, there are a few ways citizens can directly affect what the CCSD does. They are all cumbersome and can be costly, but if a majority of the voters want to they can change the direction of an elected board. We are currently in the midst of another Prop 218 process. This process allows ratepayers to protest a proposed change in rates for water or wastewater. Provided for in the California Constitution, silence means consent, which makes defeating an increase very difficult. This direct voice is only available when rates or taxes are being changed.
There are a few other ways to make sure your voice is heard. One of the best known is a recall – recently utilized against the Los Osos CSD and the Governor of California several years back. The process for a recall means gathering the required number of signatures to get the question on the ballot and having candidates to step into office if the incumbents are voted out. Recalls may not be held withing 6 months of the end of the term of the official to be recalled and consolidating a recall with a regularly held election saves the community a lot of money.
We can also have a direct voice over the Board through the initiative and referendum processes. Like the recall, before it’s put to a vote, the language must be approved and finalized and a minimum number of signatures is required. As I understand them, a referendum can rescind some previous action or resolution of the Board and an initiative protect ourselves from certain future actions. (Some examples of actual ballot measures can be found at the end of this article.) Like recall, planning a measure to coincide with a regular general election is encouraged and can save significant costs associated with a special election. As far as I know, no one in Cambria has yet taken the steps required to have a measure put on the ballot or a recall in the fall.
The three rights above are described rather clearly in the Government Code ยง61046:
61046. (a) Ordinances may be passed by the voters by initiative pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 9300) of Chapter 4 of Division 9 of the Elections Code.
(b) Legislative acts may be disapproved by the voters by referendum pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 9340) of Chapter 4 of Division 9 of the Elections Code.
(c) Members of the board of directors may be recalled by the voters pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 11000) of Division 11 of the Elections Code.
Ok, maybe “clear” was too strong a word. I fear I’m getting too familiar with the jargon and convoluted nature of the language of law. Yikes!
Next fall, this community will have to vote for three Board members. The last election was uncontested. We must not allow this apathy or ambivalence maintain the momentum of the status quo. There are many qualified Cambrians – as seen when the five candidates were interviewed for the position that opened when Director Villeneuve retired. (Read about the interviews here.) The pay isn’t much at only $100 per meeting, $600.00 month maximum, but you aren’t in it for the money, are you? To run for a CCSD position, you must be over 18 and live full-time in Cambria. If you meet those qualifications and sign up with the county registrar between July 14 and August 8, your name will appear on the ballot. The top three vote-getters serve in the position for a four-year term. Who will we have to choose from? Let’s make sure we’re not left with the fools too dim-witted to not take a step “back”, if you know what I mean.
Some examples from other communities
EL DORADO 3/8/2005 Measure C Pass (2/3 required)
To construct and equip Cameron Park recreational community center, including meeting/classrooms, a youth activity area, facilities for senior meals and programs, recreational and competition pools,gym, exercise/dance room, assembly hall with a theater and stage for community productions, shall Cameron Park Community Services District issue $8,500,000 of bonds at legal rates and appoint a Citizens’ Oversight Committee to maintain financial accountability, prevent waste and ensure that no bond money is used for operating expenses?
March, 2000
Measure A Advisory vote only on Diablo Canyon Lands — San Luis Obispo County
- 58264 / 74.66% Yes votes
19778 / 25.34% No votes
November 2000
Measure M. Land Use Voter Approval Requirement — San Luis Obispo County
- 43264 / 40.95% Yes votes
62383 / 59.05% No votes- Shall an ordinance be adopted requiring a vote of the people for changes to the San Luis Obispo County General Plan policies and land use designations regarding “Open Space,” “Agriculture,” “Residential Rural,” and “Rural Lands” in the unincorporated areas of the county?
More valuable than a gallon of gas? Say YES! with a small donation today.June 2006 Measure F06. Assessment Increase — Cambria Community Healthcare District
1886 / 64.19% Yes votes …… 1052 / 35.81% No votesShall an assessment increase from $7 to $25 be imposed by the Cambria Community Healthcare District per unimproved parcel per year and from $20 to $85 per improved parcel per year, on all real property (except that of federal, state, or local governmental agency) within the boundaries of said Healthcare District, for the purpose of upgrading general district operations and increase paramedic staffing within said boundaries?
Measure A-02. Tobacco Litigation Settlement Monies Allocation — San Luis Obispo County
- 33738 / 62.2% Yes votes
20511 / 37.8% No votes- Shall the ordinance annually allocating 1998 tobacco litigation Settlement Monies As Follows: Funding Physicians Performing Emergency Room Services (23%), Funding Health Care Clinics (20%), Funding Services for Seniors and Disabled (19%), Funding Preventive Health Grants (15%), Funding Tobacco Prevention/Control Programs (12%), Funding Hospitals for Emergency Charity Care and Bad Debts (6%), and funding Sheriff’s public safety programs (5%); and requiring maintenance of other County spending on such categories at 1999-2000 Levels, Be Adopted?
Shall the County Board of Supervisors recognize the Diablo Canyon Lands as an exceptionally precious coastal resource by adopting policies that promote habitat preservation, sustainable agricultural activities, and public use and enjoyment consistent with public safety and property rights once the lands are no longer needed as an emergency buffer for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant after its remaining operating life?
Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
- Gail Robinette Chosen to Complete DeMicco's Term as CCSD Director on Unanimous Vote
- California Coastal Commission Unanimously Denied Army Corps Desal Tests
- Cambria CSD Agenda for November 27, 2011 Meeting Includes Water Conservation & New Tank Project
- Sunken Oil Tanker Off Cambria's Coastline Will Be Checked Again Soon
