Central Fire Protection District Given Prestigious Award

From Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County: The Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance. Central Fire Protection District is the first fire district in Santa Cruz County to receive this award. Supervisor John Leopold will be presenting the award at Central Fire District’s Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 28th at 5:30 pm at the District’s administration office at 930 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz.

“This award is a testament to Central Fire Protection District’s commitment to open government,” said
Steven Hall, Fire Chief “The entire district staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the
public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.” To receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.

The Central Fire Protection District also fulfilled over fifteen website requirements, including providing readily available information to the public, such as board agendas, past minutes, current district budget, and the most recent financial audit. Finally, the district had to demonstrate outreach best practices to its constituents that engages and informs the public in its governance and operations.

The Central Fire Protection District’s jurisdiction covers 28 square miles and encompasses the communities
of Live Oak, Soquel, and Capitola. The resident population is more than 55,000, with a seasonal influx during
the summer. The District responds to over 5,700 requests for service annually to fire, rescue, emergency
medical services, hazardous materials calls, and assorted alarms.

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices
among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.
Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as fire
protection, water, wastewater treatment, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement,
ports, libraries, public cemeteries and more. Districts are established by voters and their funding is approved by voters to meet specific needs through focused service. They can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending on the need.

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