COACHELLA, CA (January 4, 2023) — A two-year initiative by the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPCD) to enhance openness and accountability was recognized with a Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF).

“The District has made a concerted effort to improve our transparency, and in particular our accessibility to the public,” said Ernesto Rosales, Chair of CVPCD’s Board of Trustees. “Significant investments in the development of a new website, our new Board room facility’s audio-visual capabilities and organizational training and development all contributed to making this recognition possible.”

The distinguished award issued this month acknowledges that CVPCD met the hallmarks of good governance, which included ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, promptly filing financial transactions and compensation reports with the State Controller, conducting audits and adhering to SDLF’s website guidelines and outreach best practices.

“This award is a testament to CVPCD’s commitment to open government and empowering the public with information to facilitate engagement and oversight,” General Manager Joshua Bonner said. “Our Board of Trustees and staff are to be commended for their valuable contributions that have enabled the District to receive this outstanding recognition.”

The SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

For additional information about CVPCD, visit www.coachellacemetery.org.