We’re gearing up for the 28th Annual Golden Watchdog Symposium (featuring the Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards) next Friday, October 18th, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown. This event will spotlight the best and worst in public spending, decision-making, and efficiency through the Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards. The finalists are in, and the winners will be revealed during what’s sure to be a great event!
The finalists for this year are:
Golden Watchdog Award in Schools
MiraCosta Community College District - Excellence in Bond program management
Chula Vista Elementary School District - Free Eyeglasses for Low-Income Families
Grossmont Union High School District - Patient Care Pipeline Received Innovation Award
Golden Watchdog Award in Cities
City of El Cajon - Automated License Plate Reader
City of Oceanside - Homeless Navigation Center
City of San Marcos - E-Bike Safety Initiative
Golden Watchdog Award in Utilities
Grossmont Healthcare District - Fiscal Stewardship: Reduction in Bond Tax Rate
San Diego County Water Authority - “Scanny” High-Tech Surveillance Device
San Diego Community Power - Two New Programs Rolled Out Saving Customers $6/month
Public-Private Partnership Award
Imperial Beach Taskforce - Mayor Spearheads Taskforce to Address Sewage Crisis
Port of San Diego - Big Bay Boom Annual Event
City of Oceanside / San Diego Rescue Mission - Oceanside Homeless Navigation Center
Media Watchdog Award
Art Castanares - Excellence in Reporting & Public Accountability
Kristin Taketa: Excellence in Reporting on Rural School Districts
Jeff McDonald: Excellence in Reporting on County Settlements
Golden Fleece Award in Schools
San Diego Unified School District: Federal Investigation Finds Non-Compliance with Title IV
San Diego Unified School District: Fiscal Mismanagement Amidst Budget Shortfalls
Sweetwater Union High School District - Pay Increases Amidst Budget Shortfalls and Job Cuts
Golden Fleece Award in Cities
City of San Diego - Kettner and Vine - Unresolved Real Estate Mismanagement
County Board of Supervisors - Tiny Homes Delays & Grant Loss
National City: City Council - City Council Slush Funds
Golden Fleece Award in Utilities
Sweetwater Authority - Budgetary Waste and Inefficiency
San Diego Community Power - $1 Million Fine for No Energy Reserves
San Diego Public Utilities Department - Continued Poor Customer Service, Faulty Meter Readings
In addition, as part of our effort to bring together leading public policy experts and officials, the Golden Watchdog Symposium will feature two insightful panels focused on homelessness and housing, alongside a keynote address from Dennis Shea, Executive Director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy in Washington DC. Together, they’ll tackle some of the region’s most urgent housing challenges, sparking conversation and potential solutions.
We’re excited to have you join us for this impactful event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation and connect with leaders shaping the future of our region. Secure your Tickets today and ensure your spot at the Golden Watchdog Symposium!