What is the CSD and What Should They Be Doing?

By Theodore R. "Ted" Peterson

It is our small "government" in a way. While there are no judicial powers, the decisions made by the CSD affect every citizen of Los Osos/Baywood.

I do not think that the people of Los Osos/Baywood, on electing the current CSD board are getting what they deserve. There seems to be a large opinion group who believe that there are all kinds of plots and cabals foisted on the local community by the current CSD. Their turn around on the sewer issue is one example.

While they may be totally above reproach, the actions and results of CSD decisions leave many to believe that something is happening of which they have no control and did not want in the first place.

The CSD has some basic tasks relating to the services provided to the citizens of Los Osos/Baywood. Within the scope of these tasks, the CSD should be trying to find the most cost-effective solutions for the greatest number of people. Board decisions should never be based on one or two community members' desires over the overall good for the whole community.

This is a fine line to walk. For example a large land owner has the right to develop that land. However, the neighbors around that land also have rights. Where the group rights outweigh the single owner, they should be used. Where the single owner's rights do not infringe on the group rights, they should be allowed to go forth.

The CSD cannot make zoning decisions but they can influence those making those decisions. The CSD cannot "issue" building permits but they can influence those issuing permits to a degree. The CSD can so efficiently manage the infrastructure of Los Osos/Baywood that this infrastructure is virtually invisible to the citizens and this should be their goal.

The CSD should be working to get the services available to the citizens operating at such a level of efficiency that they return to the stage where they are not even thought about.