Right Column
Contacting Elected Officials
The following information is generally accurate, although every city and county government office will differ somewhat in its structure and function.
City Officials
To provide local services, including libraries, parks, land use planning and zoning, sewers, building inspection, fire and police protection, business licenses, garbage disposal, and weed abatement. The city council determines the city's budget and may establish local laws. City council meetings are open to the public, and hearings may be held on matters relating to any city service.
To Contact
Check the telephone directory under the name of your city for the city clerk, city council, or mayor. The city clerk can tell you who is on the city council, when it meets, and how you can contact it. He or she also can tell you about the upcoming meeting agenda and how to get on the agenda. You may wish to contact the city's staff responsible for your concern before going to the elected officials.
County Officials
Elected county officials may include the board of supervisors, sheriff, district attorney, county clerk, tax assessor, and tax collector. If these positions are not elected in your area, they are appointed by the board of supervisors.
To provide services such as those listed under city officials to all areas of the county which are not incorporated cities. These officials also provide health and social services, county jails, property tax assessment and collection, and supervision of local elections.
To Contact
Check your telephone directory under the name of your county. The county clerk can tell you who your supervisor is, and provide information on county public hearings and meetings.
State Officials
Assembly members and state senators are responsible for state laws, the state budget, and many government services and programs.
To Contact
Check with your local library, the county clerk, or your telephone book under "California, State of" for the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your state representatives. Each legislator maintains a local district office and an office in Sacramento. You may write to your legislators at the Capitol:
State Assemblymember (name) or State Senator (name)
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Federal Officials
Members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are responsible for federal laws, the national budget, and many governmental services and programs.
To Contact
Check with your local library, the county clerk, or your telephone book under "United States Government" for the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your senators and congressional representatives. Representatives and senators maintain district offices as well as offices in Washington, D.C. You may write your representative at the office in the Capitol:
The Honorable (name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
or
The Honorable (name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
