It’s not always what it seems.

The Sanitary District received a seemingly impressive transparency award. According to its press release June 17^th,  the award was from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF).

This turned out to be a lobbying association with appointed (not elected) directors, including some from other similar associations, and some from an insurance company that sells risk management services to special districts, such as our Sanitary District. (We didn’t look for the name of our district’s insurance carrier.)

To earn the award Costa Mesa’s Sanitary District showed it had complied with state law in some areas, including filing timely reports. It also showed that it published meeting agendas and its budget on its website. And, it proved that it had distributed information to its customers.

Their press release looked impressive. (PR Letter) But, considering the source of the award, it’s not what it seems.

One is reminded of students receiving awards for hanging up their coats and for staying in their seats most of the time. Gold stars in school, certificates at the Sanitary District.

There was no word in the press release about the deficiencies found in their latest audit. And there was no explanation for its non- competitive trash contract. The “transparency” award must have been only for publishing its policies and turning reports in on time.

The award wasn't what it seemed.(In the Pilot)