The Southern Calif. District¿s broad interpretation of the purposes for which it can spend public funds has led to policies governing expenses that generally are not well-defined and do not always ensure that expenses have a direct link to the district¿s authorized purposes. For example, the district financially sponsors numerous organization¿s activities without justifying the direct link to the purposes for which the district was created. Additionally, more than 4 years after the enactment of legislation that directed it to create an ethics office, the district still is trying to establish an effective one. Further, the district has not always established adequate policies and procedures for its purchasing and consulting contracts. Charts and tables.