Congratulations to the award winners for their outstanding achievements in transparency, fiscal stewardship, and commitment to positive community impact. Your efforts set a high standard for public service and accountability. At the same time, we also recognize those instances of poor governance where there is room for improvement.
Highlighting both excellence and areas needing attention is essential in our pursuit of higher standards for all.
Grand Golden Watchdog
Grossmont Healthcare District - Fiscal Stewardship: Reduction in Bond Tax Rate
The Grossmont Healthcare District Board voted to reduce the tax rate for the General Obligation Bond Proposition G, which was passed in 2006. This decision takes advantage of the doubling of the district's assessed property values since then. The expanded tax base allows the debt to be paid off at a lower rate while maintaining a healthy reserve in the repayment fund. This move reflects a commitment to taxpayer interests and demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship.
Grand Golden Fleece
San Diego Public Utilities Department - Continued Poor Customer Service, Faulty Meter Readings
As of April 2024, thousands of San Diego residents continue to face issues with late water bills, poor customer service, and payment delays. The City of San Diego has struggled with water meter readings, billing accuracy, and customer support since late 2017. Despite assurances of improvement following last year's problems, the San Diego Public Utilities Department continues to encounter these issues, suggesting that the situation has worsened and that corrective measures have often come too late.
Golden Watchdog Award in Schools
MiraCosta Community College District - Excellence in Bond Program Management
MiraCosta Community College District successfully completed its $455 million bond program on time and under budget, meeting the San Diego County Taxpayers Association's criteria for excellent management. The district went above and beyond in transparency, remained consistent with the original proposal, and demonstrated strong fiscal stewardship, ensuring taxpayers' interests were prioritized throughout the process.
Golden Watchdog Award in Cities
City of El Cajon - Automated License Plate Reader
El Cajon leveraged investment in new technology to enhance public safety by installing 40 high-tech automated license plate readers. These devices contributed to 151 arrests related to stolen vehicles and the recovery of 128 stolen vehicles valued at $1.2 million. Beyond vehicle-related cases, the license plate readers have also supported other police efforts, leading to significant drug seizures involving fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as aiding in a double homicide investigation.
Golden Watchdog Award in Utilities
San Diego County Water Authority - “Scanny” High-Tech Surveillance Device
San Diego County Water Authority has invested in innovative technology to address public infrastructure challenges and enhance public services. The Water Authority uses acoustic leak detection balls and acoustic fiber optic cables to monitor water pipelines, alerting authorities when issues arise. Additionally, a device known as 'Scanny,' developed by Martin Coghill, enables high-resolution video surveillance within the pipelines. This technology makes it easier to identify when and where repairs are needed, providing detailed information to help maintain the county's water infrastructure effectively.
Public-Private Partnership Award
City of Oceanside / San Diego Rescue Mission - Oceanside Homeless Navigation Center
The City of Oceanside, in partnership with the San Diego Rescue Mission, recently opened the Oceanside Navigation Center. The city owns the center, while the Rescue Mission funds its operations through private capital they've raised, with remodeling costs partially covered by a grant. This initiative represents an effort to enhance public services primarily through non-public funding. As Mayor Esther Sanchez stated, the center's goal is 'not just to provide a bed for the night, but to provide our residents with the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of homelessness.' With comprehensive services offered under one roof, the center aims to help individuals navigate through and ultimately out of homelessness.
Media Watchdog Award
Art Castanares - Excellence in Reporting & Public Accountability
Art Castanares and La Prensa have remained dedicated to holding public officials and institutions accountable, particularly when it comes to the misuse of public funds. For example, the publication uncovered a National City Councilman’s attempt to get $7,000 reimbursed for a publicly funded turkey giveaway, despite not contributing any personal funds. La Prensa also exposed how Democratic candidates in Chula Vista, National City, and the County Board were gaining an unfair advantage by receiving extensive campaign support from consultants, which obscured the actual cost of their campaign expenditures
Golden Fleece Award in Schools
Sweetwater Union High School District - Pay Increases Amidst Budget Shortfalls and Job Cuts
Since May 2023, the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) has demonstrated a general lack of fiscal stewardship. Despite facing significant budget cuts—including the closure of 12 alternative learning centers that support at-risk students and the reduction of hundreds of temporary and contract teaching positions—the district proceeded to increase the salaries of the Superintendent and several top administrators. In June 2024, while grappling with a $77 million budget shortfall, the district also approved pay raises for board members. A recent 15% wage increase for teachers likely contributed to the substantial budget gap.
Golden Fleece Award in Cities
National City: City Council - City Council Slush Funds
The city has faced criticism for a lack of transparency in fiscal management and potential misuse of public funds for personal benefit. Last summer, City Council members approved $100,000 in discretionary funding for each member, without any guidelines on how the funds should be spent. This decision was later followed by the revelation of the “Turkey Giveaway” scheme, where funds were used for private purposes, raising concerns about the potential for public dollars being directed toward personal gain.
Golden Fleece Award in Utilities
Sweetwater Authority - Budgetary Waste and Inefficiency
The Sweetwater Authority (SWA) has faced criticism for budgeting and fiscal management missteps, as indicated in Board minutes showing imprudent fiscal practices that led to inefficient use of ratepayer funds. This created a perception of over-budgeting, inexperience in project management, and taking on too much. Despite the involvement of consultants, significant improvements were not evident. The 2023 Water Rate Study by NBS further highlighted concerns, suggesting that consultants failed to recognize SWA's limitations in completing projects and issues with over-budgeting and project surpluses. As a result, SWA ratepayers are now burdened with compounding effects on future water rates.