<P> The basic political subdivision of California are the 58 counties . The county government provides countywide services such as law enforcement , jails , elections and voter registration , vital records , property assessment and records , tax collection , public health , health care , social services , libraries , flood control , fire protection , animal control , agricultural regulations , building inspections , ambulance services , and education departments in charge of maintaining statewide standards . In addition the county serves as the local government for all unincorporated areas ( those areas not within any incorporated city ) , providing services such as police , parks , street maintenance , land use regulations , zoning , and waste disposal . Counties have taxing and police powers . Counties may promulgate ordinances which are usually codified in a county code , and violations of the ordinances are misdemeanor crimes unless otherwise specified as an infraction . </P>
<P> The basic political subdivision of California are the 58 counties . The county government provides countywide services such as law enforcement , jails , elections and voter registration , vital records , property assessment and records , tax collection , public health , health care , social services , libraries , flood control , fire protection , animal control , agricultural regulations , building inspections , ambulance services , and education departments in charge of maintaining statewide standards . In addition the county serves as the local government for all unincorporated areas ( those areas not within any incorporated city ) , providing services such as police , parks , street maintenance , land use regulations , zoning , and waste disposal . Counties have taxing and police powers . Counties may promulgate ordinances which are usually codified in a county code , and violations of the ordinances are misdemeanor crimes unless otherwise specified as an infraction . </P>
at the county level of government in california power is held by
at the county level of government in california power is held by
county government
county government