PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
AGREEMENT ROUTING –FROM A FULLY MANUAL ROUTING & SIGNING PROCESS TO AN AUTOMATED PROCESS; INCLUDING DOCUSIGN & FILING IN LASERFICHE!
CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: SB 707 SIGNED INTO LAW & NEXT STEPS FOR CMCA’S 2026 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS & FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES UPDATE
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MCI 2025 CLASS! HONORING OUR VETERANS HALLOWEEN WITH CMCA TREASURER’S REPORT AND BUDGET OVERVIEW
CMCA MERCH STORES
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
“You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world… but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney
November is here, and much like the warm lights on Main Street, it’s a season that invites us to slow down, reflect and feel grateful. In the whirlwind of agendas, minutes, and meetings, it’s easy to forget just how much heart we put into our work –and how much it matters. This month, I’m thankful for you – our members. This season naturally invites reflection and this year – I want to focus on one of the most important missions we share: empowering the next generation of municipal clerks.
Our profession thrives because of the knowledge, dedication, and passion we pass on to those who will carry the torch forward. Empowerment is about more than individual growth – it’s about building a legacy of strong, confident leaders who will continue to serve our community with excellence.
Throughout 2025, I’ve been inspired by how many of you are mentoring, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for emerging clerks. This investment in future leaders is vital to our association’s strength and the success of local government across California.
By fostering an environment where new clerks feel supported, heard, and equipped to lead, we ensure our profession remains vibrant and responsive to the challenges ahead. Empowerment means giving the next generation the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to thrive.
As we move toward the close of this year, I encourage every member to think about how you can contribute to this mission – whether through mentorship, training, or simply sharing your story. Together, we’re shaping the future of municipal clerks, one empowered clerk at a time.
Let’s take time this season to appreciate the connections we’ve built, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the moments of joy – big and small – that have filled our year so far. And as we look ahead to the close of 2025, let’s keep our eyes on the horizon, where the fireworks signal that our next great chapter is just around the corner.
From my heart to yours, thank you for being part of CMCA’s story.
With gratitude, Ashton R. Arocho, MMC
FROM A FULLY MANUAL ROUTING & SIGNING PROCESS TO AN AUTOMATED PROCESS; INCLUDING DOCUSIGN & FILING IN LASERFICHE!
BRITT AVRIT, MMC | 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
When I began working in local government, staff from various departments would come to the City Clerk’s office looking for their agreement because it was taking a while to get an executed copy returned to them. There were times it would take a few hours or even days to locate it. Often, agreements could be found buried beneath a stack of papers in the same Department Head’s office. After that happened a few times, I started using a whiteboard to track each agreement’s process. The board recorded when the agreement arrived in our office, when it moved to the City Attorney, when it went to the City Manager, and when it was returned to the originating department. The system worked well and eventually evolved into an Excel spreadsheet. I imagine many agencies use similar processes, as questions about agreement routing still appear on the listserv from time to time.
In Saratoga, the previous City Clerk developed a really robust workflow and form in Laserfiche which works very well for us. The process begins by staff completing the Laserfiche Form and uploading the agreement and insurance documents. The approval process then goes to the Department Head and then simultaneously
to Finance, Risk Management and the City Attorney. Once all three have reviewed and approved, the agreement comes to the City Clerk for final review and approval.
Recently, I worked with our Laserfiche vendor to integrate DocuSign into the workflow. Our vendor took our templates, added signature placement and routing , AND added automatic filing of the agreements to our repository!
Once the City Clerk approves the agreement in the workflow, it’s automatically sent to DocuSign for signatures. The vendor signs first, followed by the City Attorney, the City Manager, and then the City Clerk. After the last signature is applied, the fully executed agreement is automatically filed in Laserfiche—voilà, done!
Sounds easy, right? I’d like to say it was— and it definitely took time and plenty of testing. In the end, it was absolutely worth it. The improvements have had a ripple effect, too. Our purchase order process now requires less paperwork, we’ve reduced printing to verify agreements, and we’re using Laserfiche more than ever—saving both time and effort.
If you’d like to chat about the process or see our form, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share!
KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SB 707
SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR
Governor Newsom has signed SB 707 (Durazo), the Brown Act bill requiring public agencies to provide remote public comment options for open meetings. The new law takes effect in July 2026, a key amendment CMCA successfully advocated for to give agencies time to prepare.
While the bill’s passage marks a significant shift in meeting accessibility requirements, CMCA is already working with partner organizations to develop training and practical resources to help clerks implement the new mandates effectively. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and guidance as implementation approaches.
MEMBER INPUT SHAPES 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
A sincere thank-you to everyone who joined CMCA’s Legislative Priorities Listening Session in October. Your participation and thoughtful feedback were invaluable in shaping CMCA’s advocacy direction for the coming year.
Based on member input, the Legislative Committee has updated the CMCA Legislative Platform, which outlines the organization’s policy principles and focus areas for 2026. The updated platform will be presented to the Board of Directors for adoption at the November meeting. Once approved, it will guide CMCA’s positions on pending legislation and proactive advocacy efforts in the next legislative cycle.
STRENGTHENING THE CLERK’S ROLE IN PUBLIC POLICY WORKSHOP
On October 30, CMCA hosted a statewide training, Strengthening the Clerk’s Role in Public Policy: Understanding Legislation, Lobbying & Legal Research, with more than 120 municipal clerks and special district professionals registered. The session, co-presented by political consultant Daniel Carrigg and me, provided a practical look at how the legislative process works in California, how federal and state laws intersect with clerk responsibilities, and how clerks can effectively support legislative implementation from a neutral, technical, and administrative standpoint. Participants also gained tools for conducting accurate legal research and navigating core statutory and regulatory sources. Thank you to everyone who joined us in strengthening the profession’s role in public policy. We plan to offer this session again next year.
As we move toward 2026, CMCA will continue to focus on:
• Supporting clear, implementable legislation that strengthens transparency and public access, while acknowledging the practical limitations and resource constraints of local government agencies
• Advocating for realistic timelines and resources for local compliance
• Collaborating with partners to address technical and administrative impacts early in the process
• Expanding clerk training and engagement in the legislative process
CMCA will host its annual virtual Legislative and Legal Recap in early 2026 to review new laws and discuss practical steps for implementation. The date will be announced soon—watch your email and CMCA’s Legislative Alerts for details.
Your involvement is what makes CMCA’s advocacy effective. If you didn’t have a chance to share input during the session, you can still email your thoughts to kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov
Thank you for continuing to support CMCA’s legislative and advocacy efforts. Together, we’re ensuring the municipal clerk’s voice is heard in California’s policymaking process.
TIPS, TRICKS, AND INSIGHTS TO MAKE EVERY CLERK’S JOB A LITTLE EASIER.
Pin your most-used Word templates (Reso, Ord, Agenda Memo) to your desktop taskbar or create Quick Parts in Word. Two clicks, you’re drafting.
SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ, MPA, MMC | DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS
M. BERMUDEZ
AWARDS FOR FY 2025-2026
The Scholarship Committee recently awarded a total of 81 scholarships for the fiscal year 2025-2026. In total, 60 CMC applicants and 21 MMC applicants received scholarships, for a total of $34,350. This significant contribution demonstrates the CMCA Board’s commitment to supporting our members in their educational and professional pursuits. As we celebrate these achievements, attention now turns to the upcoming year and the importance of sustaining scholarship programs through ongoing fundraising initiatives
With the holiday season approaching, members are encouraged to consider donating items to support conference fundraising activities in 2026, helping ensure continued access to educational opportunities. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a vital role in furthering our mission to support members’ certification goals and professional growth.
Looking ahead, the Scholarship Committee remains dedicated to expanding fundraising efforts and increasing scholarship opportunities for members. By actively engaging with the membership and encouraging participation in upcoming initiatives, the committee aims to strengthen support for professional development and certification. For those interested in making an impact or lending a hand, volunteering for the Fundraising Committee offers a meaningful way to contribute to the ongoing success of these programs. For additional details or to volunteer on the Fundraising Committee, contact Sylvia Bermudez at scholarship@calclerks.org
CMCA NOVEMBER 2025 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 10
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Happy November! The season of gratitude has arrived. Now’s a great time to reflect, appreciate, and embrace the energy that fuels our work as municipal clerks. Much like the spark of magic that brings joy to every Disney story, this month is a reminder that we, too, hold the power to create meaningful experiences and lasting impact in our communities. Gratitude and empowerment go hand in hand. When we lift each other up, we make our entire profession shine brighter.
First, I‘m proud to recognize the following individuals who have earned their Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations since last month’s issue. These achievements represent significant dedication, hard work, and a commitment to professional growth.
Darrick Ryser
Isabelle Schultz
Necy Lopez
Diana Robles
Julia Gautho
Assistant City Clerk City of Ventura
Assistant City Clerk City of Lakewood
Deputy City Clerk City of Tracy
Deputy City Clerk City of Pomon
City Clerk City of Capitola
Congratulations to each of you on reaching these incredible milestones! Your accomplishments inspire others in our community to pursue their own professional goals.
If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, this is your chance to step into your own story of empowerment. If you have your CMC or MMC, you can join one of our upcoming New Mentor Trainings to learn how you can share your knowledge, extend a helping hand, and help others discover their strengths, just like every hero learns to do on their journey.
• Wednesday, January 14, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. – Registration Link
• Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. – Registration Link
• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
• Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
I will soon be sending out emails to the November Nuts & Bolts registrants asking them to opt into the Mentor Program so that I can begin working on mentor assignments. This outreach will help us continue to build strong connections and support systems within our community, empowering new clerks as they take their first steps on this professional journey.
As fall colors settle over (parts of) California, let’s pause to appreciate how far we’ve come. Gratitude transforms everyday moments into something magical, and empowerment allows us to share that magic with others. Let’s carry that spirit forward in all we do, through mentorship, collaboration, and service.
Here’s to an inspiring November filled with gratitude, empowerment, and a little extra Disney magic along the way.
The Municipal Clerk Institute kicked off its inaugural class in February 2024 with a classic ribbon-cutting ceremony—a day filled with excitement, encouragement, and a sense of new beginnings. I’d like to take a moment to congratulate the first MCI class who recently graduated. I’m truly inspired by the next generation of municipal clerks! It’s such a rewarding moment to see and celebrate those who are stepping into this profession with enthusiasm and purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to our Institute Director, Randi Johl, for putting her heart, passion, and dedication into building and leading this incredible program.
California’s most modern, mobile-friendly electronic filing system is advancing transparency through technology. eFile provides filers with an intuitive user interface that supports filing from any device.
eFile was built to simplify the filing process while reducing costs. It’s user-friendly, secure, and dependable — without the steep learning curves or rigid limitations of legacy systems. eFile seamlessly imports all of your existing data, making the transition simple, intuitive, and ready to meet your needs.
As a very proud woman veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served honorably from January1988 to January1996, my tour included being stationed in Okinawa, Japan and once returning stateside, continued serving through the Desert Shield/Desert Storm campaign. I am truly honored for CMCA to recognize the service, dedication and commitment that veterans bring to the profession and community of Municipal Clerks. I am also a mother of three sons – Calib, Wade, and Joshua. My two eldest sons, Calib and Wade, are also Marine Corps veterans. I enlisted shortly after graduating from high school in Greenbelt, Maryland. However, my military service truly began while growing up as a daughter of a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, which allowed me the opportunity to appreciate diversity of cultures worldwide; and appreciate tradition and personal cornerstones such as reliability, work ethic, commitment and loyalty. My family tradition of military service extends to my life partner, Ross, whose father is a retired U.S. Navy WWII fighter pilot. Public service runs through my veins!
I have found that my military service has been a deciding factor in shaping my career journey that has led me to achieving the position of Assistant City Clerk and certification as a CMC. Military commitment, diligence, strength of character to be selfless with a strong desire to grow personally and professionally are traits veterans carryover seamlessly to Municipal Clerk.
Corporal Lewis, USMC
Dina Lewis, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
City of Fremont, City Clerk’s Office (510) 284-4027
DLewis@fremont.gov
CMCA NOVEMBER 2025
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 10
CMCA NOVEMBER 2025
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 10
RICCA CHARLON, CMC | TREASURER
I’m pleased to present this Treasurer’s Report. I would also like to thank you—the membership—for your continued trust and confidence in our ability to manage the association’s funds effectively. Your support enables us to carry out the mission of our organization, maintain and enhance our programs, and invest in opportunities that benefit all members. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Every decision made with our financial resources is done with careful consideration, and we take seriously the responsibility that comes with managing the funds you have entrusted to us.
Thank you again for your trust and continued support!
For any questions or further details, I am only an email away–rcharlon@ridgecrest-ca.gov
500Advanced
400Advanced
500Advanced
Central
250Training:Nuts
200Training:Nuts & Bolts Southern Nuts & Bolts (Southern): February 6 & 7, 2025 - Megan Grilley
200Training:Nuts & Bolts Southern Nuts & Bolts (Southern): February 6 & 7, 2025 - Araceli Hernandez
200Training:Nuts & Bolts Southern Nuts Ithurburn 200004132
35046100 - Nuts & Bolts Nuts & Bolts (Virtual) - November 19-21, 2025 - Sarah Castro
25046100 - Nuts & Bolts Nuts & Bolts (Virtual) - November 19-21, 2025 - Emmet Fried
25046100 - Nuts & Bolts Nuts & Bolts (Virtual) - November 19-21, 2025 - Scott Ruffalo
250Nuts & Bolts Nuts & Bolts (Virtual) - November 19-21, 2025 - Valerie Sonico Sonico 200005389 5350
125Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Charles Benjamin
75Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Gabrielle Christakes
75Webinar Edu Workshop Succession Planning (Member-please sign in) - Toni Coates Coates 200002640
125Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Daisy Guzman Guzman 200003562
75Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Laura McDowall McDowall 200003543
75Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Kayla Valdovinos Valdovinos 200003680
75Training/Meeting Sponsorship Education Workshop - 10/18/2024 - Liana Campos Campos 200003855
12546500 - Online Education 2025-10-30 Education Workshop - Sabdi Sanchez Sanchez 200005339 12546500 - Online Education 2025-10-30 Education Workshop - Marie Sunseri Sunseri 200005323
75Education Workshop ARMA: Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Designation Prep - 3/26/25 - Tameka CookCook 200004640
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Danielle Diaz Diaz 200004362
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Julia Espinoza Espinoza 200004400
75Education Workshop ARMA: Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Designation Prep - 3/26/25 - Tania GarciaGarcia 200004641
75Education Workshop Education Workshop - 05/23/25 - Shelly Kittle Kittle 200004860
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Lindsay Lara Lara 200004300
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Dana Mims Mims 200004396
75Education Workshop ARMA: Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Designation Prep - 3/26/25 - Damian OlivaresOlivares 200004600
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Jozi Plut Plut Plut 200004355
75Education Workshop 2025-02-07 ARMA/CCAC Collaborative Education Workshop - Nicole RodriguezRodriguez 200004363
75Education Workshop Workshop Registration - Sharlene Tipton Tipton 200002727
20Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only]Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] Charlety 200004001
20Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only]Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] Moore 200004000
20 Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] - Joelle Fockler Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] - Joelle Fockler Fockler 200003999 1760
$26,080.00
CMCA NOVEMBER 2025 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 10
CMCA now has two merchandise stores where you can purchase branded clothing, bags, and more! These items go beyond style—they’re a way to connect with fellow clerks, show your commitment to our profession, and strengthen the network that supports and uplifts us all.
Whether you’re at a conference, in the office, or out in the community, wearing CMCA gear is a simple yet powerful way to empower yourself and others by sparking conversations about the essential work we do.
Visit the CMCA website, go to the Resources tab, and select either the CMCA Apparel Store or the CMCA Bonfire Store. Then click, shop, and share your connection to the California Municipal Clerk community!
