On January 19, 2026, the Bear Valley Community Services District (CSD) received a letter from a resident regarding a potential conflict of interest. The potential conflict arises from the 2007 lease agreement between the CSD and the Bear Valley Springs Association (BVSA). Government Code section 1090 addresses conflicts of interest regarding contracts entered into by government agencies, specifically when there is the potential that elected members may have a financial interest in the contract in question. Government Code Sections 1091 and 1091.5 allow certain exceptions to potential conflicts of interest. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) may issue written advice about potential Section 1090 conflicts of interest upon request from a public official. 

To determine whether a conflict exists, the CSD undertook a thorough analysis of the Government Code, the specific circumstances surrounding the lease agreement, and relevant determinations made by the FPPC and the California Attorney General.  After consulting with qualified legal counsel, and in furtherance of CSD’s desire to comply in good faith with the law, the CSD has determined that the best way forward is to seek a determination by the FPPC regarding the potential conflict of interest. The FPPC does not have a statutory deadline to give advice related to Section 1090, and therefore their review and determination may take several months. While the CSD waits for the FPPC's determination, no discussions may take place regarding a new lease agreement.