CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL CLERKS ASSOCIATION
Official Word
HAPPY JUNE, CMCA!
PERSPECTIVES FROM A FIRST-TIME
ATTENDEE: REFLECTIONS ON THE 2025 IIMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
CLERKS, COMMUNICATION, AND CLEAR SKIES IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
NUTS AND BOLTS UPDATE
STATEWIDE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SAFETY INITIATIVE
GRADUATING CLERKS CONNECT FROM AFAR
LA PALMA CITY CLERK LOOKS FORWARD TO LIFE ON THE FARM
IIMC FOUNDATION –CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT
CMCA MERCHANDISE
HAPPY JUNE, CMCA!
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
June marks the halfway point of the year – a moment to pause, look back on our accomplishments and refocus on the goals that lie ahead. For many of our agencies, June also signifies the end of the fiscal year—a time filled with budget finalizations, reporting deadlines, and preparations for the next cycle.
June also symbolizes the beginning of summer. Family schedules shift, graduations fill our calendars, and for those with little ones at home, the classic “What’s for lunch?” question becomes a daily refrain. Amid the busyness, it’s important to take a moment to recharge and appreciate the balance we strive for in both our personal and professional lives.
This month is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the vibrant, multicultural communities we serve. As municipal clerks, we play a key role in ensuring that equity and representation are reflected in our policies and leadership.
The theme this year is empoWEr—with an intentional emphasis on the “WE.”
That’s because the heart of CMCA is you: a dedicated, diverse membership united by a shared commitment for public service and professional excellence. In any organization, the true strength lies in its people. Your participation, feedback, and enthusiasm are the driving force behind CMCA’s continued growth.
Member engagement is more than attending events or responding to surveys, it’s about building relationships, creating value, and fostering a true sense of belonging. Connection, collaboration, and shared knowledge are essential to navigating the evolving challenges of local government, and no one understands that better than municipal clerks.
We’re halfway through the year—an ideal moment to
2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 29-MAY 1 Convention Center at The Disneyland Hotel
ASHTON R. AROCHO
pause, reflect, and reconnect. CMCA remains here as your resource, your network, and your community. Whether you’re wrapping up a fiscal year, launching a new department initiative, or finally taking that well-deserved vacation—know that you are not alone.
As we continue to grow and evolve, I invite each of you to share your voice, support one another, and help shape the future of our association and profession. Engagement is a collective effort—and together, we’re just getting started.
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC CITY OF WESTMINSTER E: AAROCHO@WESTMINSTER-CA.GOV
PERSPECTIVES FROM A FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE: REFLECTIONS ON THE 2025 IIMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SUZANNE GUZZETTA, CMC | 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
OVERWHELMING FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There’s no getting around it—the IIMC Annual Conference is big. When I flipped through the conference directory and saw nearly a thousand names. There are seven separate education tracks. It’s a lot to take in—but it’s also energizing to realize just how much there is to learn.
When you arrive, you’re surrounded by a swirl of voices and accents from across the country and around the world. It’s easy to feel a little lost in the crowd at first—but just as quickly, you realize everyone is here for the same reason: to learn, grow, and connect.
As a first timer, you’ll stand out a bit—and that’s by design. Your badge will have a ribbon announcing it, and registration staff will cheer when they hand it to you. It’s equal parts welcoming and a little embarrassing, but it works: people notice. People say hello. The “first timer” label becomes a conversation starter instead of a barrier.
And then there are the pins. You might not even notice them at first, but before long, someone hands you one and welcomes you to the IIMC family. It’s like Disney pin trading, clerk edition. By the end of the week, you’ll find yourself swapping and collecting, sharing stories behind each one. The pins—and the people who give them—are just
one small way this big event starts to feel a little more personal.
REGION IX AT THE BALLGAME
A highlight of the week was the Region IX dinner at the Cardinals game with clerks from California, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. Whether you were a die-hard baseball fan or just there for the camaraderie, it was a blast to hang out in such a relaxed setting.
Around 8:00 p.m., an usher came by with a warning: the storm would likely hit in 15 or 20 minutes. A few lightning flashes were already dancing on the horizon, and it didn’t take much convincing for a small group of us to make a tactical retreat. As we walked back to the hotel, the wind picked up, and the lightning drew closer—both in distance and in timing. We slipped inside just before the skies opened up, but it was a close call. Ten minutes later, other Region IX clerks arrived completely drenched, some laughing, some still drying off.
A PROUD MOMENT FOR REGION IX
On the final day of the conference, we got to witness Dawn Abrahamson take the oath as IIMC President. It’s been over a decade since someone from California has held that role, and it was truly special to be there in person to welcome her into it. Region IX turned out in force, as well as a large contingent from California.
It was a proud, emotional moment that underscored what makes this organization so meaningful—seeing one of our own step into leadership, backed by years of dedication and
SUZANNE GUZZETTA
surrounded by colleagues who helped pave the way. It reminded me that while the work we do can sometimes feel quiet or behind the scenes, it’s part of something much bigger.
TAKEAWAYS AND TIPS FOR FUTURE ATTENDEES
Make time to explore the host city. It’s easy to stay inside the conference bubble, but carving out even a little time to experience the local culture, history, or just a new neighborhood adds dimension to your trip—and can inspire new ways of thinking about community engagement back home.
Get familiar with the conference app early. You’ll use it for everything—from setting up your personal agenda and engaging with other clerks on chat boards to scheduling meetups and accessing your assessments. It truly becomes your conference companion.
Talk to people you don’t know. Whether it’s at breakfast, in a session, or waiting for the elevator, introducing yourself leads to the kind of unexpected connections that make the conference experience richer and more memorable.
There’s a lot to do, and your schedule will be full—but the conference planners are intentional about building in downtime. Use those moments to recharge, reflect, or connect more deeply with other attendees.
I think everyone needs to go to IIMC at least once. It shifts your perspective, strengthens your sense of purpose, and reminds you that wherever you are in your journey, you’re part of something bigger.
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CLERKS, COMMUNICATION, AND CLEAR SKIES IN SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
AMY LIND, MMC | DIRECTOR OF NETWORKING
What do you get when you mix a room full of city clerks, picture-perfect weather, and a dash of Margaritaville? A pretty stellar regional training, that’s what!
Ten participants gathered in beautiful South Lake Tahoe for a CMCA regional workshop focused on Communicating for Success. The session gave everyone the chance to dive into their personal “success signal” profiles—a fun and insightful tool that helped us all better understand how we communicate (and how we could be communicating even better).
But the learning didn’t start there. The night before, we kicked things off with a relaxed networking event at Margaritaville. Great conversations, good laughs, and a few “I needed this” moments made it
the perfect way to set the tone for the training day ahead.
Add in sunshine, crisp mountain air, and a whole lot of professional development? Not a bad way to spend a couple of days. Thanks to everyone who joined us in the mountains—we’re already looking forward to the next one!
AMY LIND
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
JENNIFER WOODWORTH, MMC | MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR
As summer is fast approaching, I hope you all are enjoying the warmer weather, and for those with kids, I hope you are enjoying the freedom of not getting them to school each morning. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback as part of the Membership Survey. Your responses will help the Membership & Inclusivity Committee (MIC) look at options for new benefits to offer CMCA members. Our goal is to provide meaningful benefits that support your professional growth, increase networking opportunities, and provide access to valuable resources. For any of you who didn’t get a chance to take the survey, please feel free to reach out to me with any of your suggestions at jennifer.woodworth@hollister.ca.gov
Before we start looking at new benefits, I want to take a moment to remind you of the benefits you already enjoy as members of CMCA:
REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS
Take advantage of discounted registration for the Annual Conference, regional trainings, the Municipal Clerk Institute, and special sessions including Athenian Dialogues and Nuts & Bolts.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship funds are available to make your professional development more affordable, which is quickly becoming even more important as agencies anticipate tighter budgets in the years to come.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Enjoy free access to the updated Municipal Clerk’s Handbook, regular legislative updates, and other resources designed to increase your knowledge and support growth.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Members can also grow their leadership skills by serving on the Board or joining a committee to give back and shape the goals and future of the association.
MENTORSHIP & NETWORKING
Members are eligible to participate in the CMCA Mentorship Program to connect you with experienced clerks eager to help and support you on your career journey. CMCA also holds regular networking events to help members engage with each other.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
CMCA has a dedicated lobbyist in Sacramento to help clerks continue to be informed and involved with legislation directly impacting our work.
Your membership helps CMCA continue to advocate for Municipal Clerks, deliver exceptional education, and grow its legislative initiatives.
Thank you to all who reached out to me last month with suggestions of members to spotlight in our Official Word. This is our chance to celebrate your accomplishments, so please keep those suggestions coming.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
Liana Somepalli City of Carlsbad
Jessika Vasquez City of Beverly Hills
Miguel Leon City of Maywood
Christel Zamudio City of Norwalk
Mia Courtney San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
Morgen Fry City of Carlsbad
Zach Tellez City of Brea
Satra Zurita City of Compton
Total members: 1041
JENNIFER WOODWORTH
MEMO
Date: May 28, 2028
From: CMCA Board
To: CMCA Membership
At its May 27, 2025 special board meeting, the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) Board voted to implement adjustments to the Association’s fee structure, effective July 1, 2025. This includes increases in membership dues, training and conference fees
This decision was made after a thorough review of current operational costs, evolving member service needs, and our commitment to providing high-quality education, support, and resources to municipal clerks throughout California. The updated fee structure will help sustain and enhance CMCA's programming and training opportunities.
What’s Changing:
• Membership Dues: Increased $50 to reflect rising costs and support expanded member benefits.
• Training & Conference Fees: Increased by $50 across all programs to maintain highquality content delivery and to help cover administrative costs
A detailed breakdown of the new fee structure is provided below and will be available on the CMCA website. We are committed to transparency and are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these changes.
Schedule of Fees:
Membership
$300
Nuts and Bolts
$250/$350 non-member
Region Trainings
Athenian Dialogue
$125/$225 non-member
$150/$250 non-member
Advanced Academy
Annual Conference
$150 / $250 non-member
$675/$950 non-member (early-bird) and $750/$950 non-member
We thank you for your continued support and dedication to the profession. These adjustments will ensure CMCA remains a strong, sustainable, and valuable resource for clerks at every stage of their career.
Sincerely,
CMCA Board of Directors
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
June is here, and so is the sunshine—and I couldn’t be more excited! Summer is my favorite season, and it brings all the best things: fresh energy, bright days, and the perfect excuse to celebrate growth (with or without an iced coffee in hand). Summer is a great time to chase goals, lift each other up, and enjoy the momentum we’re building together. Let’s make this summer one to remember—for ourselves and for the profession we love!
MENTORING PROGRAM UPDATES
Our mentor program continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of our incredible mentors and the enthusiasm of our mentees. I’m happy to share the latest update on mentor assignments from the May 2025 Nuts & Bolts training.
TRAINING ASKED TO OPT IN PENDING ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNED TO MENTORS
May 2025 Nuts & Bolts 7 0 7
NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES
Next, 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 of The Official Word. These achievements represent significant dedication, hard work, and a commitment to professional growth.
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERKS (CMCS)
Nichole Fiez City Clerk City of Turlock
Patricia Harada-AU Records Technician City of El Segundo
Alondta Munoz City Clerk City of Highland
Congratulations to each of you on reaching these incredible milestones! Your accomplishments inspire others in our community to pursue their own professional goals.
CANDICE ALVAREZ
NEXT NEW MENTOR TRAINING
I’d also like to extend an invitation to all CMCs and MMCs interested in becoming mentors to join the next New Mentor Training, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 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 for the Zoom training!
SETTING THE BAR HIGH!
Finally, I would like to share that I had the chance to connect with Sylvia Murphy, Chair of the Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders’ Mentoring Committee, to share all the incredible things we’re doing here in California around mentorship. From our growing program to the incredible engagement of our mentors and mentees, it was such a joy to celebrate our progress and exchange ideas. Let’s just say—we’re setting the bar high, and rightfully so! The work we’re doing is inspiring others, and it’s clear: we’re that awesome!
SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE, CHASE YOUR GOALS,
AND CELEBRATE EVERY WIN!
To all our mentors, mentees, and colleagues committed to professional development: thank you. As we move into summer, let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we’re not only growing as individuals—we’re helping shape the future of the profession.
Let’s keep rooting for one another and growing strong!
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NUTS AND BOLTS UPDATE
HOLLY M. CHARLÉTY, MMC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Municipal Clerks new to the profession continue to arrive in high numbers as we navigate the continued shift from seasoned clerks to brand new clerks joining the profession. As our education schedule shifts to align with our fiscal year, I am excited to bring an annual update to members on the Nuts and Bolts Program from Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
WHAT IS NUTS AND BOLTS?
Nuts and Bolts is primarily based on the content in the Municipal Clerk’s Handbook, a resource offered as part of CMCA membership benefits. This training offers an overview of most areas of responsibility for municipal clerks and is a great introduction to the profession. Topics include facilitating public meetings, notices, public hearings, boards and commissions, working with your legislative body, elections, the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, professional development, and more.
LOOKING BACK (FY 2024/2025)
In Fiscal Year 2024/2025, we were able to deliver this robust educational program to over 300 municipal clerks across the state!
FY 2024/2025 SESSIONS HELD
Date
August 29-30, 2024
November 21-22, 2024
February 6-7, 2025 Brea (Southern)
May 8-9, 2025 Rancho Cordova (Northern) 60
TRAINERS
AND FACILITATORS
Putting on a multi-day training event is a lot of work, and CMCA is lucky to have a great core team of facilitators who also provide training at these events. I want to acknowledge these individuals for their continued hard work and dedication to the program this year. Without them, this program would simply not be possible!
• Dawn Abrahamson, City Clerk, Vallejo
• Joelle Fockler, City Clerk, Concord
• Britt Avritt, City Clerk, Saratoga
• Jennifer Woodworth, City Clerk, Hollister
• Kerry Bigelow, City Clerk, Chula Vista
• Lucinda Williams, City Clerk, Fullerton
HOLLY CHARLÉTY
In addition, a special thanks to the rest of our FY24/25 training team!
• Candice Alvarez, City Clerk, Lake Elsinore
• Alexandra Castillo, Political Reform Consultant, FPPC
• Nicholas Ghirelli, Attorney, RPG Law
• David Lim, Attorney, RPG Law
• Bruce Meier, President, Records Control Services
• Mark Numainville, City Clerk, Berkeley
LOOKING AHEAD (FY 2025/2026)
As we move into the new fiscal year, I am excited to announce another change to the program. For several years, trainers have struggled to get through all of the content within the time constraints of the program. I am happy to share that we have expanded the program by 4 hours, making it a total of 16 hours, and eligible for 4 CMC education points.
In-person sessions will expand to two full days (Thursday and Friday), and virtual sessions will expand to three half days (Wednesday thru Friday.) Two sessions will rotate between Northern, Central and Southern locations; and two virtual sessions will be offered each year. The training is offered during the first full week of February and June, the fourth full week of August and the 3rd full week of November.
In addition on May 27, 2025, the Board of Directors approved a fee increase to the program effective July 1, 2025. For FY2025/2026, the program schedule is as follows:
2024 NUTS & BOLTS DATES
Date
August 27-29, 2025 Virtual
November 19-21, 2025 Virtual February 5-6, 2025 Hollister June 4-5, 2025 Brea
For more information please visit the CMCA website or contact the Professional Development Director at pdd@calclerks.org.
STATEWIDE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SAFETY INITIATIVE
OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2025: BRING UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK TO YOUR CITY!
This fall, your city can participate in a week of action to counter hate and promote safety and belonging for all residents!
United Against Hate Week (UAH Week) is a call for local civic action to address hate and bias. Every year, city leaders, schools, diverse community organizations, residents, faith groups, and local businesses display posters and convene events that raise awareness about the harm of hate, build relationships, and affirm a shared sense of community.
UAH Week emerged from a poster campaign in 2017 led by city leaders in Bay Area communities who wanted to provide a safe and visible way for
residents to respond to the hate groups marching in their cities in the aftermath of the violence in Charlottesville, VA. Launched in 2018, the campaign has spread to over 240 communities nationwide!
UNIQUE RESOURCES FUEL
LOCALLY DRIVEN EVENTS
Cities and schools organize activities that meet the needs of their communities. UAH resources make it easy to plan and participate, including:
• Community Action Toolkit - includes 20 Ideas for Action
• UAH posters
• UAH Video Messaging Campaign for Leaders
• Action Kit for Schools
• UAH Pledge
• Not In Our Town Film Guide
• “I stand united against hate because…” fill-in card
• UAH Coloring Books
UAH Week 2024 activities included block parties, unity walks, transit billboards, community art projects, bystander intervention trainings, high school game nights, film screenings, and more!
FIVE WAYS CITIES CAN PARTICIPATE
#1 DISPLAY AND DISTRIBUTE UAH POSTERS
Partner with libraries, fire stations, and other venues to distribute free posters. Print posters from the campaign website or ask UAH to create a poster for your city.
#2 SPREAD THE WORD
Share the UAH Week Info Sheet and Community & School Action Kits with city leaders, school districts, and community partners.
#3 MAKE A UNIFIED STATEMENT AGAINST HATE
Ask city council members or the board of education to pass a resolution/proclamation acknowledging participation in UAH Week. See these examples: City of San Rafael – Proclamation Los Angeles County Office of Education - Resolution
Join the Video Campaign! Last year, Redwood City and North Fair Oaks, CA created this video.
#4 PRESENT A SCREENING OF A NOT IN OUR TOWN (NIOT) FILM
NIOT films document real-life community responses to hate, modeling solidarity and empowering viewers to take positive action in their own towns. The UAH Week Film Guide includes ideas for engaging audiences, and supplemental resources help organizers lead discussions. Last year, El Cerrito presented a screening of Repairing the World.
#5 HOST A BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING OR COMMUNITY HATE CRIME EDUCATION SESSION
Collaborate with community partners and law enforcement to share reporting protocols and information about services available for victims. Consider partnering with Right To Be to present a training.
Sign up to bring UAH Week to your city!
For assistance, contact: unitedagainsthate.uah@gmail.com
UAH Week is administered by Oakland-based anti-hate organization Not In Our Town in partnership with CA vs Hate, LA vs Hate, and the CDSS Stop the Hate Initiative.
Check out all the topics for this year long webinar series.
BBK’s Advanced Records Center to host Redaction Refresh Webinar Series 2025
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month Throughout 2025
Redaction Refresh is Back!
Redaction Refresh is a webinar series aimed at helping public agencies understand the use of exemptions written into the Public Records Act (“PRA”).
The series highlights best practices that enable agencies to properly assess when an exemption may apply and how to properly apply the exemption while respecting the public’s right to access. Each session provides attendees with practical knowledge and skills as experts explore specific exemption topics through insightful examples and best practices techniques. bbklaw.com
GRADUATING CLERKS CONNECT FROM AFAR
Last month, two of our members graduated from Cal State University, Northridge. Daisy Caceres and Shayna Sharke earned their bachelor’s degrees in Public Sector Management. Daisy and Shayna started their program in Fall 2022 not knowing each other but quickly connected over their roles in municipal government and were able to meet for the first time at the 2023 New Law & Election Seminar.
Daisy works at the City of Hollister, where she worked her way up through various roles in the City Manager’s and City Clerk’s Office before becoming Deputy City Clerk in early 2023. Daisy’s favorite assignment to work on is Public Records Act requests. She acknowledges the need to maintain accurate and accessible records can be challenging, but access to public records plays a crucial role in supporting open government and building trust within the community.
Daisy celebrated her graduation by enjoying a celebratory brunch with family and close friends who supported her throughout her journey, and they ended the day with a fun and memorable evening at Universal Studios. In the future, Daisy hopes to advance into a leadership role where she can bring positive change and make a meaningful impact. Daisy’s next goal is pursuing a Master’s degree, with the goal of starting in Fall 2025.
The thing that surprised Daisy most about the clerk field is the strong sense of connection and the meaningful relationships that develop with other clerks. “Despite working at different agencies, there’s a shared understanding of the unique challenges that arise and responsibilities of the role. This became real to me when I connected with Shayna, someone I had never met before but with whom I quickly discovered we shared many common interests because of the field we are in.”
Shayna has been with the City of Dana Point for 13 years, starting in the Public Works Department before promoting to a position in the Community Development Department and eventually finding her home in the City Clerk’s Office. Shayna’s favorite time in the Clerk’s Office is election season. “It’s so special to meet people that
“
DESPITE WORKING AT DIFFERENT AGENCIES, THERE’S A SHARED UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THAT ARISE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE. THIS BECAME REAL TO ME WHEN I CONNECTED WITH SHAYNA, SOMEONE I HAD NEVER MET BEFORE BUT WITH WHOM I QUICKLY DISCOVERED WE SHARED MANY COMMON INTERESTS BECAUSE OF THE FIELD WE ARE IN. – DAISY CACERES
are taking a big step in their commitment to making a change in their community. I am proud to be a part of our democracy and guide them through the process.”
One thing that surprised Shayna about being in the Clerk field is the uneven pace of changes. “Things either change very quickly or take a long time to catch up. New laws have us thinking creatively to adapt and change, while some laws are very outdated and don’t fit with modern practices.”
In celebrating her graduation, Shayna was thrilled her City Manager and his wife, Mike and Shauna Killebrew, were able to attend and cheer on her accomplishment. As to what’s next for Shayna, she is looking forward to bringing forward change in her own organization by implementing modern technology solutions to enhance transparency for the community. Shayna is also working towards earning her Master Municipal Clerk certification and giving back to other clerks by volunteering for the mentorship program.
In looking where to credit encouragement for their success in the Clerk field, both Shayna and Daisy referred to clerks that have come before them. Shayna appreciates former Dana Point City Clerk Kathy Ward who encouraged her to try new things and take chances. Daisy thanks current and former Interim Hollister City Clerks, Jen Woodworth and Bonnie Gawf, for reigniting her interest in the field after leaving the department for the City Manager’s Office as well as supporting professional growth and development.
Congratulations Daisy and Shayna!
“ IT’S SO SPECIAL TO MEET PEOPLE THAT ARE TAKING A BIG STEP IN THEIR COMMITMENT TO MAKING A CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITY. I AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF OUR DEMOCRACY AND GUIDE THEM THROUGH THE PROCESS.
– SHAYNA SHARKE
LA PALMA CITY CLERK LOOKS FORWARD TO LIFE ON THE FARM
Kimberly Kenney with La Palma is celebrating July Fourth by entering retirement. After serving in local government for 20 years in both California and Bozeman, Montana, Kimberly will be retiring on July 2. Kimberly entered local government in Bozeman, where available positions were scarce, making the best career decision of her life by opting for an Administrative Secretary II position in the Planning & Community Development Department rather than an accounting position at the local feed store. Before long, she was longing to return to California and joined the City Clerk’s Office.
As La Palma’s City Clerk, Kimberly acts as the first point of contact for residents, City Council, and the Management Team and as a direct link between the community and their government. She has taken on the role as “Mom” for the City – “We are the regulators, keeping tabs on due dates, making sure assignments get completed, providing encouragement and support through the process, helping elected officials get through their projects and campaigns, and ultimately providing support to the whole family.” The following quote hangs in Kimberly’s office:
"No other office in municipal service has so many contacts. It serves the mayor, the city council, the city manager (when there is one), and all administrative departments without
exception. All of them call upon it, almost daily, for some service or information. Its work is not spectacular, but it demands versatility, alertness, accuracy, and no end of patience. The public does not realize how many loose ends of city administration this office pulls together." –Professor William Bennett Munro, 1934
When she retires, Kimberly plans to keep busy and is leaving California to start a small family farm on a couple acres with a variety of fruit trees and a large garden to help support her love of canning. She is looking forward to filling her time with reaping the benefits of working with her hands while spending time with her three grandchildren who are excited for the move. “After being in an office for decades, it will be amazing to have an office outside, with another type of agenda. My new office music will be the bird songs, my neighbor’s cows, and hearing my chickens.”
For those starting in the clerk profession, Kimberly encourages people to have patience with themselves and those they serve. The clerk profession is ultimately about service. “Remember, it’s not what we say during a challenge, but how we respond that defines us.” Finally, Kimberly has her own words of wisdom that can be hung in each of our own offices, “Leave work, at work. Keep it simple. Be thankful.”
IIMC FOUNDATION –CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC | IIMC REGION IX DIRECTOR
Did you know that California has the largest endowment in the IIMC Foundation? An endowment is a fund that supports scholarship programs that are designed to assist with the costs of attending IIMC approved in-person or virtual Institute or Academy programs for those working toward IIMC’s professional designations.
Region IX has four endowments with California, Washington, Oregon, and Region IX as a whole. The current amount in the California endowment is $101,885 and the Region IX endowment is $77,037. Thank you to those who have supported these endowments over the years! These restricted funds go directly to scholarships for our members, so without your generosity, scholarships wouldn’t be possible. The scholarship application period is September 1 through November 15, 2025. On September 1, the application link will be posted on the page below that details the CMC/MMC scholarships, which are $400: CMC/MMC Scholarships | IIMC - Official Website
The James B. Tinnin online learning scholarships have the same application period from September 1 through November 15, for the 2026 calendar year. Those scholarships are for up to $100 for online learning that is found on the IIMC website only. Athenian Dialogues do not meet the scholarship criteria and are not eligible for this scholarship. The link for the online scholarship information is below and, again, when the scholarship period opens, this is where you will find the link for the application: Jim Tinnin Online Scholarship Program | IIMC - Official Website
Please remember to apply for these scholarship opportunities. These funds are for you, the members! If you have any questions regarding the California and/or Region IX endowment or have any scholarship questions in general, please don’t’ hesitate to each out to me at mdonohue@eastvaleca.gov.
MARC DONOHUE
The California City Clerks Association (CCAC) is now the —California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA)! This name change reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the evolving role of municipal clerks across the state. As we embrace this fresh identity, we’re thrilled to introduce new CMCA-branded merchandise just in time for our annual conference in San Jose!
Our CMCA Merchandise Store offers apparel and accessories featuring our new logo. Order by April 7 to receive your items in time for the conference. Plus, $5 from every purchase supports CMCA Scholarships for future municipal clerks. ORDER TODAY AND REPRESENT CMCA WITH
IIMC FOUNDATION – CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT FUND
Help grow CCAC’s endowment to fund CMC and MMC scholarships through the IIMC Foundation! Donations are invested and interest only is used to fund scholarships for California’s CMC/MMC Institute.
CCAC’s endowment earnings are used for California municipal clerks only. Support the profession now and into the future by donating today.
