February 1, 2002
Committee Releases New Edition of
What’s So Special About Special Districts?
Senator Tom Torlakson, chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, has released a new edition of "What’s So Special About Special Districts? A Citizen’s Guide to Special Districts in California." The new Third Edition contains fresh material on the number of districts, recent controversies, and the debilitating effects of the ERAF property tax shifts.
Celebrated as the best example of democracy, cursed as the worst form of fragmented government, and generally misunderstood even by the experts, special districts are California’s unique contribution to local government. The new edition of the Committee’s guide introduces and explains the special district form of government. It’s a helpful primer for voters, reporters, and public officials.
The new edition debunks the popular notion of government growth. In fact, the number of independent special districts has dropped by more than 150 in the last 20 years. These facts and other emerging trends appear in the Third Edition, along with an expanded list of information sources.
Order copies of the new Third Edition directly from:
Senate Publications
1020 N Street, Room B-53
Sacramento CA 95814
(916) 327-2155
Single copies are $3.23, which includes shipping and sales tax. Make checks payable to "Senate Rules Committee" and request report number 583-S.
