Sessions
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

CSDA is offering five pre-conference workshops to maximize the continuing education opportunities for board members and trustees, general and assistant general managers, and other staff: Governance Foundations, Emergency Response Training, Strategic Planning , State Controller’s Workshop and the Community Services District Symposium. Additionally, the Special District Administrators Exam can be taken on Monday. (Pre-qualification is required to sit for this exam. Call Diana Zavala, Program Administrator for more information: 916.231.2939.)

Monday | Pre-conference

9 am – 4 pm
Governance Foundations Training (Register)
As the core of the CSDA Special District Leadership Academy, this module is the “foundation” for the series on the effective governance of special districts. The course will focus on three critical dimensions of governance: special district trustees as policy leaders, the effective special district board and the board’s responsibilities and roles in special districts.
Presented by Dan Haverty, Fire Chief, City of Folsom Fire Department (lunch on your own)
Fee: CSDA Member $225
SDLF Member $250
Non-Member $325

9 am – 3 pm
Emergency Response Training (Register)
Presented by Kelly Hubbard, Program Manager, Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County

9 am – 3 pm
Strategic Planning (Register)
This is a highly interactive course that will focus on the “how and why” of creating a strategic plan. Participants will learn how to create a wholly comprehensive plan that is time constrained and that links vision, mission and actions. Participants will also leave with a sample strategic plan.
Presented by Brent Ives, BHI Management Consulting, a consultant to special districts. (lunch on your own)
Fee: CSDA Member $225
Non-Member $275

9 – 11 am
Special District Administrator Exam
The SDA Certification, offered by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), is sought by only the best in the business! To achieve the designation, you must pass this 100-question multiple-choice examination comprised of questions from every aspect of general special district administration from audits to board relations to personnel. Pre-qualification is required to sit for the exam. For an application, please visit www.csda.net/sdlf.htm or contact SDLF Administrator Diana Zavala at 916.231.2939.

9 am – 12 pm
State Controller’s Workshop (Register)
Each year special districts must report information to the State Controller’s Office. Using this information, the State Controller publishes the Special Districts Annual Report which serves multiple purposes for the state administration and special districts alike. Even though all districts are required to participate, many do not have a complete understanding of the reporting process. To shed more light on the subject this workshop has been organized in co-sponsorship with the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA).
Presented by: The State Controller’s Office staff.
Fee: $35

1 – 4 pm
Community Services District Symposium (follows State Controller’s Workshop) (Register)
Especially designed for board members and staff of community services districts. Updates will be provided on laws, rules and regulations.
Presented by David Aranda, General Manager, Stallion Springs Community Services District.
Fee: $125

Tuesday | Sessions (back)

9:45 – 11:25 am
Opening Session
Official Conference Opening with Continental Breakfast
CSDA President, Jim Acosta
CSDA Executive Director, Neil McCormick
Local Host Conference Chair, Arlene Schafer
Welcome: Beth Krom, Mayor, Irvine, California
Sponsored by: CPS Human Resources Services

Opening Session Keynote
Opening Keynote Presentation by Dale Moss, former CEO of British Airways
When Dale Moss speaks to leadership, growth, change and embracing technology, he knows what he’s talking about. In his years at British Airways, Dale led a team of 12,000 people, was proud of building great teams and helping them deliver extraordinary results. Throughout his extremely successful 30-year career at British Airways, the high point of every major conference was the moment Dale Moss would bound on stage to deliver his keynote address--and he never left without a standing ovation, even if he was delivering tough news. His impactful, often described by his audience as evangelical, speaking style always won the hearts and broadened the minds of his audiences all over the world.

11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, Lunch with the Exhibitors
Exhibits Chair, Jan Debay, President, ISDOC
Come to the CSDA Exhibit Hall and enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch while visiting with our supporters, sponsors and partners/vendors. You may even win a surprise or a raffle prize.

1:15 – 2:15 pm
CSDA Super Session - ALL ATTENDEES PLEASE!
Super Session with keynote speaker Kevin Carroll, the Katalyst!
Presentation of the Board President and General Manager of the Year Awards.
Sponsored and Presented by: Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS)
Special Drawing for a Technology Prize – Must be Present to Win

2:30 – 3:30 pm
Session I Breakout Sessions

Districts Making a Difference Series
Special Districts on LAFCo: Why, Why Not & How
A Case Study presented by Mission Hills Community Services District
Panelists: Cathy Schlottmann, Bill Chiat
Facilitated by Joyce Crosthwaite, Executive Officer, Orange County LAFCo

SDRMA Safety/Claims Education
PreventionLink – More than just Safety!
Presented by Kyle Ashley, Major Accounting Manager, TargetSafety
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Special District Legal Issues
Gender, Age, Sexual Orientation, Race: Eliminating Workplace Bias
Sponsored by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Presented by: Laura Kalty, Associate
MCLE Credits Available – Requires sign-in
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Technology & District Finances
Managing District Finances – Technology Does Matter
Sponsored and Presented by Justin Williams, Mann, Urrutia, Nelson CPAs

Technology & District Records
Public Records and Record Retention – How Effective Electronic Document Management Can Keep Your District Out of Trouble
Sponsored and Presented by Hedy Aref, President, Incrementum

Special District Governance Series
Developing a Unity of Purpose on Your Board
Presented by: David Aranda, General Manager, Stallion Springs Community Services District

Operating a Special District in Today’s Complex Legal and Regulatory Environment
Employment Screening: Options When it Comes to Background Checks, Drug Checks and Employee Relations
Presented by: Bob Fisher, Employee Relations, Inc.
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

GASB 45: Managing Your OPEB Expenses and Liabilities and Getting it Right!
Sponsored and Presented by: Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS)

Operating a Special District in California’s Political Environment
Consolidation, Disbanding and District Alternatives
Sponsored by: Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard and Presented by: Jeffery L. Massey

3:30 – 4:00 pm
Break with the Exhibitors
Exhibits Chair, Jan Debay, ISDOC - Prizes and Giveaways

4:00 – 5:00 pm
Session II Breakout Sessions

Districts Making a Difference Series
How to Make GIS Technology Work for Your District
A Case Study
Presented by: Pebble Beach Community Services District

SDRMA Safety/Claims Education
Safety Management – Bigger than
a Band Aid!
Presented by: Bob Lapidas, Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Consultant
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Special Districts Legal Issues
Workplace Substance Abuse: Identification and Management from a Legal Perspective
Sponsored by: Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Presented by Melanie Poturica, Managing Partner
MCLE Credits Available – Requires sign-in
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Technology & District Finances
Technology Should Scare NO ONE…Let Us Migrate There Together
A discussion and demo of the ways your district can accept all electronic payments and process payment information
Sponsored and Presented by: U.S. Bank

Technology and Software
Software Options that can Streamline Your Operations
Presented by: MOBI-DIC Mobility Dictation

Special District Governance Series
Being the Board Member You Always Wanted to Be
Sponsored and Presented by: Brent Ives, BHI Consulting and Faculty, Special District Leadership Academy

Operating a Special District in Today’s Complex Legal and Regulatory Environment
Land Based Financing Districts: Delinquencies, Foreclosures and Disclosure
Sponsored by Best Best & Krieger and Presented by Victor L. Wolf and Kimberly A. Byrens

Operating a Special District in California’s Political Environment
Understanding and Complying with the Political Reform Act
Sponsored and Presented by: Meyers Nave

5:00 – 5:30 pm
Break with the Exhibitors
Exhibits Chair, Jan Debay, ISDOC
Raffle Prizes and Giveaways

5:30 – 7:30 pm
President’s Reception – Featuring the new California Special Districts Alliance
Exhibit Hall
Libations and Plentiful Hors d’oeuvres

Dinner on Your Own
Visit the CSDA Registration Desk for a list of nearby restaurants
8:30 – 9:30 am
Coffee with the Exhibitors sponsored by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Exhibits Chair, Jan Debay, ISDOC
Prizes and Giveaways

Wednesday | Sessions (back)

8:00 – 9:00 am
Chapter Presidents Roundtable Meeting
One of a district’s most important resources can be its CSDA Chapter. Join in a lively discussion about identifying resources and identifying activities that may spur district and chapter collaboration and lead to enhancing chapter performance. Designed for local chapter leaders and those interested in growing chapter membership, these discussions will be interactive and productive.
Facilitated by: Neil McCormick, CSDA Executive Director & Brent Ives, BHI Consulting

9:30 – 11:00 am
Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA)
Breakfast and General Session
Sponsored by SDRMA
Presentation of SDRMA Safety Awards

Keynote Speaker
SDRMA Sponsored Keynote Speaker
Doug Lipp, Former Head of Training for Walt Disney Studios, Disney University Formerly the head of training at Disney Studio’s Walt Disney University, Doug also worked at Disneyland where he provided the well-known “Traditions” orientation program and other leadership courses. Pivotal in Doug’s career with Disney was his experience in the mid-80’s when the corporate culture changed from the arrogant: “we’re the best, why change?” to the progressive: “don’t rest on your laurels” powerhouse corporation that it remains today. Join Doug as he takes you on an entertaining and insightful journey behind the scenes to discover both the secret of Disney’s success and how it has overcome spectacular challenges.

11:00 – 11:30 am
Break with the Exhibitors
Exhibits Chair, Jan Debay, ISDOC
Prizes, Raffles, Giveaways

11:35 am – 12:35 pm
Session III Breakout Sessions

Districts Making a Difference Series
LEED Platinum Building Project – a Case Study: How Local Government Can Engage in Greening California
Presented by Cucamonga Valley Water District

SDRMA Safety/Claims Education
JPAs – How do they Work?
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Special Districts Legal Issues
Beyond AB 1234 – Applying Ethics in the Workplace
Sponsored by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Presented by Mark Meyerhoff, Partner
MCLE Credits Available – Must sign-in

Embrace Technology & District Finances
CD Data – How Geospatial Technology Can Help Your District Accurately Forecast Revenue
Presented by: CD Data

Technology and Software
Using Technology to Track Fleet Vehicles, Tools, Supplies and People!
Presented by: Allaura, Inc.

Technology and the Media
Never Pick a Fight with Someone who Buys Ink by the Barrel: Media Relations Training Part I - for Special District Board Members and General Managers
Presented by: Michelle Tuchman, President, Tuchman Communications and former LA Times and NY Times Reporter

Special District Governance Series
Techniques and Tools for Evaluating your General Manager
Presented by: Sherry Sterrett, Director, Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District and Faculty, Special District Leadership Academy

Special Districts and Human Resource Issues
Human Resources and Your District’s Responsibility
Sponsored and Presented by CPS Human Resource Services

Operating a Special District in Today’s Complex Legal and Regulatory Environment
The Brown Act 101: An Overview and Update on Recent Changes
Sponsored and Presented by: Meyers Nave

Operating a Special District in California’s Political Environment
Practical Politics for Local Agency Board Members
Presented by: David Antonucci

12:35 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday’s Luncheon
California Women Lead (CWL) Luncheon
Women Leading in California: A Panel Discussion about Women in Elected and Appointed Positions
Facilitator: Joyce Crosthwaite, Executive Officer, Orange County LAFCo
Panelists: Arlene Schafer, Vice President, CSDA Board of Directors, Rachel Michelin, Executive Director, California Women Lead, Cathy Standiford, Assistant City Manager, City of Santa Ana (This event requires pre-registration and pre-payment)

OR

12:35 – 1:45 pm
Lunch on Your Own – Visit the CSDA Registration Desk for a list of area restaurants

1:45 – 2:35 pm
Dessert With The Exhibitors
Final Grand Prize Drawing
Giveaways, Raffles, Prizes – Presented by Jan Debay, President, ISDOC

Exhibit Hall Closes

2:45 – 3:45 pm
CSDA Super Session - ALL ATTENDEES PLEASE!
CSDA Super Session with Juliet Funt, comedian and daughter of Allen Funt/Creator of Candid Camera
Presentation: Excellence in Community Service Award
Special Drawing for Technology Prize – Must be Present to Win

3:45 – 4:00 pm
Break

4:00 – 5:00 pm
Session IV Breakout Sessions

Districts Making a Difference Series
A Case Study
The EPA and FOG – Fats, Oils and Greases – Do you Know the Impact on Your Special District?
Presented by Rob Hamers, General Manager and District Engineer, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

SDRMA Safety/Claims Education
LIFELOCK – Identify Theft: Who are You?
CIP Points – Requires sign-in

Special District Legal Issues
21st Century Privacy Issues
Sponsored by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and Presented by Mark Meyerhoff, Partner
MCLE Credits Available – Requires sign-in

Technology & District Finances
Financing Your District’s Equipment and Capital Improvement Needs
Presented by: CSDA Finance Corporation

Special District Governance Series
Economic Outlook: How Will Your District’s Investments Fare
Presented by: CalTrust/Wachovia

Operating a Special District in Today’s Complex Legal and Regulatory Environment
The Brown Act 201: Addressing Complex Situations and Tough Questions
Presented by: Ruthann Ziegler, Meyers Nave

Operating a Special District in California’s Political Environment
Proposition 1A: An Update on Borrowing and Property Tax Shifts. What’s Next?
Presented by David McMurchie, McMurchie Law & Thomas Vu, Legislative Director, CSDA

5:30 – 7:00 pm
CSDA Chapters Reception Hosted and Sponsored by the Independent Special Districts of Orange County (ISDOC)
Co-sponsored by Brent Ives, BHI Consulting
Presentation: Chapter of the Year Award
Special giveaways provided by the Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Palm Springs, 40th Anniversary Annual Conference Host for 2009

7:00 – 10:00 pm
Awards Banquet and Entertainment
CSDA 39th Annual Conference Awards Banquet and Entertainment
Hosted and Sponsored by Bankers Life
Presentations: Innovative Program Award > Exceptional Public Outreach Award > William Hollingsworth Award > 2008 SDLF District of Distinction Accreditations and Certifications > 2008 SDLF Special District Administrators
Address by special surprise guest and entertainer and world renowned comedian and political impersonator Steve Bridges

Thursday | Sessions (back)

8:00 – 8:30 am
CSDA Board of Directors Meeting

8:30 – 10:30 am
> AB 1234 Ethics Training (Required Training for Directors/Trustees)
Recertification required every two years.

> Sexual Harassment Prevention Compliance Training
Another good opportunity to complete mandated Sexual Harassment training or to be re-certified. This is required certification training for managers and supervisors every two years.

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Closing Program
> Legislative overview provided by Ralph Heim, CSDA Legislative Advocate
> Brief remarks by Chairman John M. W. Moorlach, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors
> Presentation of the Legislative Advocate of the Year Award
> Closing keynote address provided by State Controller John Chiang
> Passing of the Gavel
> The official adjournment of the 2008 CSDA Annual Conference