Transparency Certificate of Excellence Awarded to Castro Valley Sanitary District

The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) 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.

"This award is a testament to CVSan's commitment to open government," said Roland Williams, General Manager. "The entire District staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight."

ln order to receive the award, a Special District must demonstrate the completion of eight 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.

CVSan also fulfilled 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, CVSan demonstrated outreach to its constituents that engages the public in its governance, through a regular district newsletter and community transparency reviews.

CVSan is a small public agency organized under the Health and Safety Code of the State of California. As a California Special District, CVSan has responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system within the unincorporated community of Castro Valley. The District also is in charge of the administration of a refuse collection franchise, the District's 25% interest in a wastewater treatment facility, implementation and administration of State and local mandated recycling programs, as well as CVSan’s participation in sub-regional wastewater discharge and solid/hazardous waste management agencies.

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 water, fire protection, 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 in order to meet specific needs through focused service. They can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending on the need.