Blogs

One firefighter lay on the ice and hugged the deer as they were pulled to safety This article was originally published by Shyla Watson for People.com on February 6, 2026 including an adorable video of the rescue. We encourage you to visit the original article to watch! Remember that scene from Bambi where he gets trapped on the ice? For one deer in Washington, that moment went from fiction to fact. On Tuesday, January 27, firefighters rescued a deer on Loon Lake in Stevens County. Local resident Daniel Poleschook told Storyful that he saw the animal struggling to stand on the frozen lake, so he contacted the Stevens County Fire Department ...

Now that the extensive renovation is complete, library patrons are unanimous in their approval. This article was originally published by Samantha Schroeppel in The Uproar on January 20, 2026. (Photo: D. Crickets) A year of construction and $4.1 million later, the Northland Public Library has officially reopened its doors. Although initially a project designed to address structural issues within the lower-level entrance, the renovation evolved to completely transform the library’s atmosphere and enhance its service to the local community. “The New Northland continues to serve our mission and to position the library as a third space for the communities ...

House and Senate Action After a one-week break for the President's Day holiday, both chambers return to work this week. However, a winter storm on the East Coast has disrupted the congressional schedule. Votes are now postponed until Tuesday. The State of the Union address is still scheduled for Tuesday night. House The House will consider a handful of measures on the suspension calendar (requires 2/3 majority), including bipartisan legislation (H.R. 390) that would direct NASA to deploy advanced drone and airspace-management technology to improve coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft and strengthen aerial wildfire response, especially ...

By: @Aaron Avery The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, has opened public comment on a proposed rulemaking concerning a “Walkaround Rule.” The proposed regulation would define and specify procedures for who is a representative authorized by employees who shall be given an opportunity to accompany a Cal/OSHA representative during the inspection of any workplace (quite literally “walking around” with the inspector). Under the proposed regulation, the representative(s) authorized by employees may be an employee of the employer, a third party, or the collective bargaining representative, as specified. According ...

By: @Kyle Packham Friday, February 20, was the last day for lawmakers to introduce bills in the State Legislature this year, with California’s 80 Assembly Members collectively authoring 1,237 Assembly Bills and the 40 State Senators authoring 561 Senate Bills. As CSDA undertakes review of the combined 1,798 newly introduced bills, themes facing special districts are beginning to emerge. The CSDA Legislative Committee held a four-hour marathon meeting on February 20 at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to discuss legislation introduced in the first six weeks of the year, adopting priority positions on many measures. The committee will next meet ...

By: @Kyle Packham Benjamin Franklin famously said, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Perhaps the stakes for special districts in Sacramento are not quite the same as the American revolutionaries of the 1700s, but the principle stands the test of time. Most, if not all, special districts have developed a relationship with at least one of their legislators; but while one legislator can author and introduce a bill, it takes at least 41 Assembly Members and 21 State Senators to pass that bill to the Governor’s desk. None of us can do that alone. That’s what CSDA’s Grassroots Mobilization Program is for, ...

Grants Update Department of Agriculture FY 2026 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to support shovel-ready projects to install a community wood energy system or build or expand an innovative wood product facility. These projects will directly support forest health and stimulate local economies by expanding renewable wood energy and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity. Click here for more information. WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations; local, state, and tribal governments; higher education institutions; businesses, companies, corporations ...

The California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) announced the launch of “Public Power. Public Water. Public Good.” — a new campaign to educate legislators, regulators, journalists, and the general public about the value and public benefits of community-owned, not-for-profit power and water utilities in California. “Publicly owned electric and gas utilities, and water wastewater agencies, offer something better for communities, from lower costs and better service to local control, local accountability, and local benefits,” said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA’s executive director. “At the same time, these utilities are leaders in advancing California’s goals ...

This article was originally published on January 21, 2026 by Chris Reed at Fox 13 Salt Lake City. LA VERKIN, Utah — A groundbreaking $51 million water reclamation facility is about to transform how southern Utah handles wastewater. The Confluence Park Water Reclamation Facility represents 20 years of planning and construction, and it's the first of its kind in Utah. "As a child, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. But I also wanted to live here. So those two things don't work together very well," said Bradley Johnson, who grew up in Hurricane and La Verkin and now works at the facility. Johnson said he never intends to leave the area because ...

By Kristin Withrow, Sr. Communications Specialist, CSDA Employee commitment is not a buzzword for Joe Mull - it's his life's work. As an Employee Commitment Expert, author, and sought-after keynote speaker, Mull has spent years studying what draws people to an organization, the factors that convince them to stay, and what inspires them to stay tapped in with their best effort in the long term. As the CSDA General Manager Leadership Summit keynote speaker in 2026 , we are excited to bring his research-back insights, relatable storytelling style and practical tips to conference attendees this year. The Great Boss Factor is keenly relevant for special ...

This article was originally published by Jen Vanya at the Tri-City Voice on January 6, 2026. On Jan. 1, 2026, the East Bay Regional Park District launched the 2026 Trails Challenge—the program’s 33rd annual edition—inviting the public to explore trails that show off the region’s stunning natural beauty. Individuals interested in the program can pick up a free guidebook and T-shirt at any East Bay Regional Parks visitor center, while supplies last. The guidebook can also be downloaded at ebparks.org/trailschallenge . A Spanish edition will be available online and in visitor centers in mid-January. “The East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge is ...

Department of Agriculture FY 2026 Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to support the provision of clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage for households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Funding will help eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for the funding agency's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. Click here for more information. WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are most state and local government entities, nonprofit organizations, and federally ...

By @Ammon Becar , Senior Strategic Advisor, VC3 As a board member or trustee of a special district, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that appropriate IT resources are allocated to prevent cybersecurity threats or operational disruptions from affecting critical services. With technology and cybersecurity evolving so fast, it’s difficult to sift through the noise—what matters, and what doesn’t. Limited budgets mean you need to maximize funds and not waste dollars on unnecessary technology. This article shares some ways that you can futureproof your district by understanding technology trends, strengthening your strategic IT planning, ensuring your special ...