Since California’s admission to the United States in 1850, county supervisors have met to discuss state and federal legislation.

In 1911, the first constitution and bylaws were adopted, and the organization has been a strong factor in California ever since. In 1991, they adopted the new name of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) to better reflect the broad base of programs and services that counties provide to the public and CSAC provides to counties.

As of 1997, the business community can also join CSAC through its Corporate Associates program. CSAC has two annual meetings for its membership: the Spring Legislative Conference in Sacramento and its Annual Meeting in November, which alternates between northern and southern California. This year the Biodiversity Council will join the CSAC Annual Meeting in Pasadena on November 19.

Nearly 40 affiliate groups represent the services that county government provides to the public. Nearly 700 various program responsibilities of counties include agricultural education and inspection, animal control, child and adult protective services, coroner, drug abuse prevention, family support, fire suppression, deputy sheriffs, trial courts, maintenance and operations of jails, probation, social services, tax collection, property assessments, and welfare.

There are five regional groups of counties: North Coastal Counties Supervisors Association, Northern California County Supervisors Association, Sacramento–Mother Lode Regional Association of County Supervisors, San Joaquin Valley Regional Association of County Supervisors, and the South Central Coast Regional Association of Supervisors. The newsletter member list shows that each of the five regional groups are represented on the CBC.

California Biodiversity News: Volume 9, Number 2
Fall/Winter 2002
For more information on the California Biodiversity Council, please contact:
Erin Klaesius, Communications Coordinator
CA Biodiversity Council
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814

Email: erin.klaesius@fire.ca.gov