LOS VIRGENES MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT CLERK CELEBRATES HER RETIREMENT
CONNECT. COMMIT. EMPOWER. SHARE YOUR VOICE IN CALIFORNIA CLERKS CONNECTION
MUNICIPAL CLERK BOOK CLUB
TREASURER’S REPORT AND BUDGET OVERVIEW
CMCA MERCH STORES
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
“Please keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride!”
Whether riding a ride at Disneyland or navigating your day-today work, the ride isn’t always smooth. There are twists, turns, and the occasional unexpected drop. But if you stay committed, keep your focus, and trust the journey, you’ll discover the magic along the way.
August felt like a whirlwind, both personally and professionally. After a quiet July with no City Council meetings, August came roaring in with three meetings back-to-back. Add getting the kids back to school and juggling those schedules – well, if you know, you know! On top of that, we officially kicked off the first Conference Committee meeting – bringing all the key players on a Zoom to start planning for the 2026 Annual Conference. That meeting got me thinking about this year’s theme: empoWEr.
What does empower mean to me? Why did I choose this theme? And what does it mean for our membership and the Association as a whole?
Empower isn’t just a word – it’s an action.
For me, empower means lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and building confidence – because when we empower one another, we strengthen our profession. We encourage those around us to aim higher, lift those who are coming after us to dream big, and never forget where we started.
Empowerment is about giving yourself and others the confidence to embrace the ride, no matter where it leads. It’s creating space for people to learn, grow, and even stumble without fear. It means encouraging bold ideas, supporting one another during the loops and celebrating the view when you reach new heights. And always remembering to celebrate the small victories along the way.
Each of us has a unique story about how we arrived in our profession. Some of us followed a clear path; others found ourselves here unexpectedly. But what I’ve learned is this: no matter the journey, we all share a common passion for what we do. We care deeply for our communities, and we value the teams and staff who support us every day.
So, if I can leave you with one thought this month, may it be this: empower yourself, and empower those around you. Lift each other up. Support those who need it mostespecially the ones who may never ask. Be present. Buckle up, lean in and enjoy the ride. And never underestimate the impact you can have on someone else’s journey.
ASHTON R. AROCHO
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
September is here, and with it comes the energy of a new season. While summer may be winding down, the temperature and our mentor program are getting hotter. I am thrilled to share the latest updates as we continue to empower and support one another through mentorship.
NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES
First, I am 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.
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERKS (CMCS)
Rachelle Arellano Deputy City Clerk, City of Arcadia
Rochelle Scott City Clerk, City of Palmdale
Julia Tamayo Sr. Admin Assistant, City of Orinda
Kayla Valdovinos Records Manager/ Deputy City Clerk, City of Oceanside
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERKS (CMCS)
Sara Gonzalez Clerk of the Commission, First 5 Santa Barbara County Children and Family Commission
Congratulations to each of you on reaching these incredible milestones! Your accomplishments inspire others in our community to pursue their own professional goals.
NEW MENTORS AND NEXT NEW MENTOR TRAINING
All CMCs and MMCs interested in becoming mentors are invited to join the next New Mentor Training, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This online training session is required to become an official mentor. Click here to register!
NUTS & BOLTS PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION
Our August Nuts & Bolts training was a huge success, with 100 participants attending. I am especially excited to share that 19 of the 38 members who attended opted in to join the Mentor Program. I will be working throughout September to thoughtfully match them with mentors, ensuring they have the guidance and support they need as they continue on their clerk journeys.
MMC MENTOR PROGRAM IN DEVELOPMENT
Work is officially underway on the creation of a brand-new MMC Mentor Program. I have assembled a subcommittee of volunteers who are collaborating to design what this advanced-level mentoring experience will look like. The goal is to provide tailored guidance and support for clerks pursuing their MMC designation, focusing on strategies to earn points, navigate the Professional Contribution category, and continue developing as leaders in the field. This is an exciting step forward for CMCA, and I look forward to sharing more updates as the program takes shape.
SOAK UP THE SEASON
As we transition from summer into fall, let’s carry forward the energy, inspiration, and commitment that this program is built on. Together, we are not only growing as individuals, we are continuing to empower the future of our profession.
CANDICE ALVAREZ
SPOTLIGHT ON CMCA MEMBER BENEFITS: CMCA SCHOLARSHIP HELPS REDONDO BEACH CLERK PURSUE
EXCELLENCE
JEN WOODWORTH, MMC, CPMC | DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
SYLVIA BERMUDEZ, MMC | DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS
In the coming months, I’m teaming up with my fellow CMCA Board members to shine a light on the incredible perks that come only with CMCA membership. First up: our Scholarship Program!
Are you working toward your CMC or MMC? As a CMCA member, you’re eligible to apply for scholarships of up to $500 to support your professional development and educational journey. This is one of the many ways CMCA invests directly in you—your growth, your goals, and your future as a leader in our profession.
But we’re not stopping there! We’ll also be spotlighting some of our past scholarship recipients, sharing how they used this opportunity to reach new milestones in their careers. Their stories will inspire and remind us all of the power of connection, commitment, and empowerment within our CMCA community.
Laura Diaz, Records Management Supervisor for Redondo Beach, is a three-year member of CMCA working towards her MMC designation. Laura’s mentor encouraged her to apply for a scholarship, which she found to be straightforward and user-friendly.
Without the CMCA scholarship, Laura would have had a hard time attending her first conference where she had the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors and build a stronger professional network. The scholarship program “not only supported my growth as a municipal clerk but also reaffirmed my commitment to advancing in this profession. It has given me the confidence and momentum to continue pursuing my Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation; while also strengthening the services I provide to my community.”
Like many of us, Laura encounters challenges in her career; such as working with other departments to meet the strict deadlines of the California Public Records Act while maintaining the confidentiality of some records or tracking the complex pathway of contracts and the digital organization of records. Laura credits her success to building on the knowledge she gains at training and from other clerks. Each challenge has helped her strengthen transparency and reaffirm her commitment to public service.
Finally, being awarded a CMCA scholarship has made a difference in Laura’s career. “It motivated me to continue pursuing higher certifications, including my MMC, by showing me that there is strong support for clerks who are
JEN WOODWORTH
SYLVIA BERMUDEZ
committed to professional growth. The scholarship was more than just financial assistance—it was an investment in my development as a public servant, and I am proud to carry forward the lessons and opportunities it provided.”
As CMCA members, you have the opportunity to receive scholarships and also to give back to your fellow members through participation in various fundraisers. We hope you will support your fellow municipal clerks in their professional and personal growth— together, we can make the scholarship program and its recipients truly successful.
To apply, visit the CMCA website under the Education & Events tab and select Scholarships—applications are available online now.
KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
As we wrap up the 2025 legislative session, CMCA’s Legislative Program is turning its focus toward building our advocacy platform and strengthening members’ skills to engage in California’s legislative and regulatory landscape. We invite you to join two important opportunities in October:
YOUR VOICE IN LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY: MEMBER INPUT SESSION
October 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM Register Here
Free, members-only session to review CMCA’s 2026 Legislative Platform and provide input on priorities for the year ahead. Join me, along with CMCA’s lobbyist Ethan Nagler (California Public Policy Group), for this interactive session where your voice helps guide CMCA’s advocacy direction.
STRENGTHENING THE CLERK’S ROLE IN PUBLIC POLICY: UNDERSTANDING LEGISLATION, LOBBYING & LEGAL RESEARCH
October 30, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM Fee: $125 Member | $225 Non-Member Approved for 1.1 CMC/MMC Points Register Here
Join us for a practical workshop designed to equip municipal clerks with essential skills to navigate California’s legislative and regulatory landscape with confidence. This two-part session will cover:
• How a bill becomes law, the role of committees, and how CMCA’s legislative program advances advocacy goals
• How to track legislation, interpret status updates, and evaluate when to support, oppose, or seek amendments
• Strengthening regulatory research skills using resources such as the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, Election Code, and FPPC regulations
• Guidance on when to consult these laws, involve legal counsel, and seek external resources
Seasoned clerks will also gain advanced strategies for influencing policy, managing complex legislation, and providing compliancefocused guidance while respecting the Clerk’s non-legal role.
Presented by:
• Daniel Carrigg, Daniel Carrigg Consulting
• Kerry Bigelow, MMC, CMCA Legislative Affairs Director, City of Chula Vista City Clerk
KERRY BIGELOW
CMCA SEPTEMBER 2025
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 8
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: AUGUST LEGISLATIVE ALERTS
CMCA issued several important Legislative Alerts in August. Please note that due to the timing of this newsletter, more recent developments may have occurred:
• CMCA Opposes SB 707 Unless Amended
CMCA submitted a formal opposition letter to SB 707 unless amended, after extensive review and discussion by the Legislative Committee and our lobbyist, CPPG. This advocacy reflects many hours of research, analysis, and direct engagement with the author’s office.
• Congressional Redistricting & Special Election
The Legislature has passed, and the Governor has signed, a legislative package (AB 604, SB 280, and ACA-8, which was chaptered upon passage) that places new congressional maps before voters in a special statewide election on November 4, 2025. The package includes a constitutional amendment (“Election Rigging Response Act”) and provisions for counties to be reimbursed for election administration costs. For cities and special districts, any costs are expected to be minimal—limited to routine impacts from hosting vote centers such as facility use, staffing coordination, or parking management.
You can download a sample letter informing your agency’s leadership on the CMCA Legislative Updates page under “Resources” (be sure you’re logged in).
For the most current information, please look for CMCA’s Legislative Alerts in your inbox. These emails are the fastest way to stay updated on breaking developments and resources that may affect your agency.
LOOKING AHEAD: KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES
• October 12: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills
• January 1: Effective date for legislation signed into law in 2025, unless otherwise specified
• January 5: Legislature reconvenes for the second year of the 2025-26 session
We look forward to your participation in shaping CMCA’s advocacy platform and deepening your legislative expertise this fall. For questions or assistance, please contact me at kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov.
LOS VIRGENES MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT CLERK CELEBRATES HER RETIREMENT
JEN
WOODWORTH,
MMC, CPMC | DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
After 30 years of public service, Josie Guzman with Los Virgenes Municipal Water District celebrated her retirement in August. After working as a bank teller, Josie entered local government in 1995 at the City of Santa Paula as the Public Works Secretary before being promoted to the Administrative Assistant/Deputy City Clerk in 1999. She also served as Santa Paula’s elected City Clerk from 2004 to 2008. During Josie’s tenure as a municipal clerk, she spent time at the cities of Ventura and Santa Barbara, Ventura Regional Sanitation District, and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, which she will retire from after 10 years.
In becoming a clerk, Josie felt she had realized her true calling. “I am very service-oriented, and this profession was a perfect fit for me!” While Josie enjoyed that every day as a clerk was different, her favorite responsibility in serving as a clerk was putting together the agenda packet. She also had the opportunity to hold a stand-alone election for the City of Santa Paula for a ballot initiative. Through that process, she learned elections from start to finish, including hiring election consultants, securing polling places, hiring poll workers, and processing ballots.
Throughout her time as a municipal clerk, Josie recognized and appreciated the importance of networking with other clerks and mentoring up-and-coming clerks. Josie understood the value of training and professional development and encouraged her staff to seek out training opportunities, to become Clerks, to attain their Certified Municipal Clerk and/or Master Municipal Clerk designations, and to meet and network with as many clerks as possible.
In retirement, Josie is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her two granddaughters. She is also excited about not having to wake up to an early alarm anymore. I think we can all relate to that! In parting with her municipal clerk family, Josie shared her gratitude with those she had the opportunity to interact with over the years. “I would like to thank everyone who mentored me during my Clerk journey, especially Maureen Kane who managed the Technical Track for Clerks (TTC); Pamela Miller who managed the Master Municipal Clerks Academy (MMCA); and so many others who provided mentorship and guidance.”
Congratulations Josie on your retirement!
JEN WOODWORTH
CMCA SEPTEMBER 2025 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 8
CONNECT. COMMIT. EMPOWER.
SHARE YOUR VOICE IN CALIFORNIA CLERKS CONNECTION
JOZI PLUT, CMC, CPMC | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Are you ready to empower others by sharing your knowledge, experiences, and insights as a municipal clerk or public service professional? CMCA invites you to strengthen our connected and committed community by contributing to California Clerks Connection, our official publication dedicated to fostering professionalism, collaboration, and growth across our membership.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We welcome thoughtful, relevant articles on topics such as:
• Legislative and policy changes impacting municipalities
• Records management and digital transformation
• Best practices in constituent services and public engagement
• Leadership, mentorship, and career development
• Innovations in municipal operations and technology
• Clerk office success stories and lessons learned
• Strengthening professional relationships with elected officials (while honoring confidentiality)
CLERK LIFE: EMPOWERING BALANCE
Your voice matters beyond the workplace, too. We encourage personal perspectives that inspire resilience and connection, such as:
• How do you recharge and stay motivated?
• What hobbies or routines help you maintain balance?
• What strategies help you manage pressure and prevent burnout?
• Share photos of your staff, events, City Hall, local landmarks.
We want to hear how you find balance, stay inspired, and thrive in both your work and personal life. Whether it’s a walk in the park, time with family, or a passion project— your journey can inspire others. Share your stories, pictures, and tips to help create a community of strength and support!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Length: Up to 2 typed pages
• Format: Word document
• Deadline: Ongoing
• Author Bio: 50–100 words
• Contact Info: Include your name, title, and email
HOW TO SUBMIT
Send articles to jplut@belmont. gov. The editorial team will review submissions, and selected pieces will be published in upcoming issues of California Clerks Connection.
Together, let’s connect through shared stories, commit to advancing our profession, and empower one another to thrive.
Questions? Contact jplut@belmont.gov
JOZI PLUT
MUNICIPAL CLERK BOOK CLUB
AMY LIND, MMC | DIRECTOR OF NETWORKING
Just a quick note to let you know the Municipal Clerk Book Club is taking a short break while we work on making it even better.
We’re using this time to freshen things up— adding more content to each session and (fingers crossed) exploring the option to offer professional development points for participating. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love getting credit for reading and chatting with your fellow clerks?
Our goal is to come back with a format that’s more engaging, more valuable, and more fun. Thanks for hanging in there while we make some improvements—we promise it’ll be worth the wait!
More updates coming soon!
AMY LIND
TREASURER’S REPORT AND BUDGET OVERVIEW
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.
SNAPSHOT AS OF JUNE 30, 2025
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
RICCA CHARLON
City Clerk's Association of California Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2025
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City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss July 2024 through June 2025
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Clerk's Association
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City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss July 2024 through June 2025
City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual July 2024 through June 2025
City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual July 2024 through June 2025
Accrual Basis City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual July 2024 through June 2025
Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 200) - Kayla Reaster Reaster
500 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (CMC Series 100) - Kallison Leahy Leahy
400 Advanced Academy Fees
500 Advanced Academy Fees
Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 100) - Francisca Alvarado Alvarado
Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 200) - Christopher Saenz Saenz 500 Advanced Academy Fees Master Clerks Institute - Johanna Ota Ota
500 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (CMC Series 300) - Kayla Valdovinos Valdovinos
400 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 100) - Becky Romero Romero 400 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 100) - Siana Emmons Emmons
400 Advanced Academy Fees Master Clerks Institute (CMC Series 100) - Vanessa Castillo Castillo
500 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 200) - Yonnie Parker Parker 100 Advanced Academy Fees Refund Stermer
400 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (MMC Series 100) - Edna Aguilar Aguilar
400 Advanced Academy Fees Municipal Clerks Institute (CMC Series 200) - Kallison Leahy Leahy
100 Conference:Advanced Academy Advanced Academy 2024 - Roxanne Breceda Breceda
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Gabrielle Christakes Christakes
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Succession Planning (Member-please sign in) - Toni Coates Coates
125 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Daisy Guzman Guzman
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Laura McDowall McDowall
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Kayla Valdovinos Valdovinos
125 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Charles Benjamin Benjamin
Connect, Commit, and Empower
SHOP CMCA’S NEW MERCH STORES!
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.
HOW TO FIND THEM
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!