2005 Officers: Charles Blair, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, reported on the proposed slate of officers for 2005. They are: Susan Warnstrom for President; Jim Raggio for Vice-President; Cathy Schlottmann for Secretary; and Chuck Arnold for Treasurer. Voting for the 2005 Chapter officers will occur at the January meeting.

Guest Speaker: Catherine Smith, Executive Director of CSDA: President John Fox noted that Ralph Heim is recuperating from a medical condition and introduced Catherine Smith, CSDA’s Executive Director. Ms. Smith summarized the year 2004, noting that the majority of the year was concerned with the LOCAL efforts that resulted in Proposition 65, the subsequent negotiations with the Governor and other stakeholders, and then the resulting passage of Proposition 1A. She said she is part of a working group that is rewriting Community Service District law. Bob Braitman is one of the people in the working group. Their draft, once completed, will be available on the internet. Catherine said there should be nothing controversial in this effort.

Ms. Smith reported on a recent poll that reflects the majority of Californians do not know about the special districts serving them. Those that are aware generally have a favorable impression of them.

Ms. Smith said 2005 is expected to be another busy year. Senator Ortiz will again introduce her bill which focuses on special districts. There was discussion of having special districts represented on the Council of Governments (SBCAG) because of their providing the infrastructure necessary to serve new development.

s/ Cathy Schlottmann

Secretary, SBCSDA