Greetings CCAC! This time next year, most of us will be preparing for a nomination period, the influx of candidates, and miscellaneous elections questions. Hopefully you’re all enjoying this election off-year and taking some much needed time-off!
During the special board meeting on June 20, the CCAC Board of Directors adopted the FY 2023-24 budget. I am pleased to share that it’s a balanced budget that includes increased funds for scholarships, funds for regional trainings/ networking events, funds for a robust 2024 annual conference, and much more.
At the July 18 board meeting, the board of directors will consider adopting formal job descriptions for all board member positions. These new job descriptions will serve as a guiding document to current board members and future board members who have no prior experience serving on the board.
We are almost at the finish line with finalizing the proposed contract with Cal State San Marcos for our new Education Institutes. We were anticipating bringing this contract to the board at our July 18 meeting but with the summer months in full swing and folks on vacation, we had to push it back a couple of weeks. It’s now anticipated that the contract will go before the board in late July/early August at a special meeting. Once that date has been established, we’ll notify the membership. Once the contract is approved, San Marcos will be submitting the new Institute program for approval to IIMC. Checkout our website for the most up-to-date information on the new education institutes.
Don’t forget to register for the upcoming City Clerk Workshop that occurs prior to the Cal Cities Annual Conference in Sacramento on Wednesday, September 20 at 8:30 a.m. Space will be limited and registration will be based on first come first serve basis. You can register through the League’s website at Annual Conference and Expo | Cal Cities
The nomination period for the City Clerk Department is expected to start in the coming week or so. Keep a lookout and consider running for a position in the City Clerk Department!
The CCAC membership renewal period is in full swing! Don’t forget to renew your membership today so that you can continue to take advantage of all the membership benefits that include discounted education sessions, discounted rates for education institutes, access to the Municipal Clerk Handbook, and so much more!
We are excited to share that our two Diamond Level Sponsors, Netfile and Granicus, will be hosting lunch & learn webinars in the near future. This will be a great opportunity to engage with our vendor partners, ask questions, and win some great prizes! Granicus is scheduled to have their webinar on July 25 and Netfile is scheduled for August 8. The announcement will be sent out to the membership in the coming days!
Hope everyone is staying cool out there as the summer heat takes over. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at mdonohue@eastvaleca.gov or (951) 703-4421.
I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July.
First, I’d like to update you on the status of mentor assignments from past trainings:
Unfortunately, I have three new mentees from the June 2023 Nuts & Bolts session who work for agencies that are 83-287 miles away from the nearest mentor. If you are a mentor and are willing and able to accept a virtual mentee, please reach out to me as soon as possible. On a similar note, if you are a CMC or MMC and live/work north of Sacramento, please consider becoming a mentor. I’ll have more information on the next New Mentor Training later in this article.
Additionally, 12 existing mentors attended Mentor Refresher Training on June 29, 2023 and are now up-to-date on our updated Mentor Policy and Program and equipped with best practices for mentoring in today’s world.
Currently, I have 58 active mentors and 439 active mentees, increases of 49% and 9%, respectively, meaning we are establishing significantly more mentors than we’re getting new mentees, which translates to a lower mentor-mentee ratio. When I was first elected, mentors had an average of 10 mentees each. Now, thanks to all the new mentors, each has an average of 7. While this has been a wonderful improvement, the Policy does establish that mentors should have no more than 5 mentees unless necessary. So, that’s my goal. In order to reach that goal, we still need at least 30 more mentors.
On that note, I will be holding a New Mentor Training on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 2 to 3 p.m. on Zoom. Register today! I look forward to welcoming you to our team.
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our newly designated Certified Municipal Clerks and Master Municipal Clerks. These individuals have confirmed their commitment to our unique and awesome profession, and I, along with their mentors, colleagues, and agencies, are so proud of their hard work and dedication.
CMC
Julie Gutierrez-Robles, CMC - City Clerk - City of Industry, CA
Elaine Tran, CMC - City Clerk - City of Millbrae, CA
Juan Esquivel, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of Hawthorne, CA
Siana Emmons, CMC - City Clerk/Human Resources Manager
Cynthia Ayala, CMC - Jr. Deputy City Clerk - City of Pico Rivera, CA
Stina Cooley, CMC - City Clerk Technician - City of Chico, CA
Megan Wilbanks, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Vanessa Rosales, CMC - Administrative Analyst I - City of Antioch, CA
Alicia Fernandez, CMC - Administrative Services Manager - Chino Basin Water Conservatiion District, CA
Reanna Guzman, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of Hermosa Beach, CA
Julie Latshaw, CMC - City Clerk - City of Santa Paula, CA
Karey Cha, CMC - City Clerk - City of Clovis, CA
Ashley Zieba, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of Alameda, CA
Stephanie Vargas, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of Colton, CA
Brittany DiTonno, CMC - Executive Assistant/Board Clerk - El Dorado Hills Community Services District, CA
Kenia Lopez, CMC - Deputy City Clerk - City of Eastvale, CA
Cristina Hernandez, CMC - City Clerk Analyst - City of Chula Vista, CA
Maria Soria, MMC - Deputy District Clerk - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, CA
Annette Juarez, MMC - City Clerk - City of Duarte, CA
Enyssa Momoli, CMC - Administrative Analyst I - City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Kimberly Solorio, CMC - Records Management Analyst - City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Abigail Alcala, CMC - Assistant City Clerk - City of Westminster, CA
MMC:
Irene Camacho-Werby, MMC - Town Clerk - Town of Windsor, CA
Danielle K. Navarro, MMC - Assistant City Manager - City of Oakley, CA
David Carnahan, MMC - City Clerk - City of Sunnyvale, CA
Jennifer Farris, MMC - Clerk of the Board - Inland Valley Development Agency, CA
Hope Ithurburn, MMC - City Clerk - City of Rocklin, CA
As I enter my fourth agency since starting in the Clerk profession, I must take a moment to reflect. As the next door opens for me with the City of Westminster, I reflect on the doors closing behind me. The agencies that I have had the honor to work for have taught me, grown me, and challenged me. I have had the honor and privilege to work with some of the best City Clerks in Southern California, along with EIGHT City Managers. The teams that I have left behind in my past agencies will always share a special place in my heart and I will always be in their corner, cheering them on. Especially for those who just got their CMC designations (you know who you are ��).
Starting a new agency is always an exciting time; from meeting new staff, colleagues, Council Members, commissioners, community members (yes, even the gadflies), and of course, learning the way ‘they’ do things. I am honored and privileged to work for a diverse community with an active City Council, a City Manager (who was once the City Clerk), and a leadership team that is excited to move the agency and community forward. Being a part of the City of Westminster during these times truly motivates me to put forth my best and inspire my team to continue to serve the public.
Keep making waves, clerkdom. Your community and agency are counting on you.
Contact information:
Ashton R. Arocho, MMC City of Westminster
E: aarocho@westminster-ca.org
Fact: The former City Clerks Municipal Handbook is updated and now known as the Municipal Clerks Handbook.
Fact: The Municipal Clerks Handbook is available to all association members as part of your membership.
Fact: CCAC approved a book club just for you! What is this book club I speak of?
Well, are you an association member interested in improving your skills and knowledge?
Join our book club on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. as we dive into the Municipal Clerks Handbook. This comprehensive guide covers the essential duties of municipal clerks, including record management, election administration, and public relation.
Recently updated by the City Clerks Handbook Committee and Regional Committee members, this book provides practical advice and best practices on a wide range of topics, from career opportunities to freedom of information laws. It also includes examples illustrating how these principles can be applied in the real world.
Whether new to the job or a seasoned professional, the Municipal Clerks Handbook is an indispensable resource that will help you excel in your role. Join us for lively discussions and practical insights to help you take your skills to the next level. If you’re interested in joining our book club, please register through CCAC’s calendar of events or Resources > Municipal Clerk Handbook
Take the Next Steps:
1. Register for the Municipal Clerk Book Club. You will automatically be registered for the following monthly meetings.
2. Complete the form and include any edits or samples you suggest for the handbook.
3. Attend and provide feedback on your experience.
That’s it! CCAC looks forward to exploring this valuable resource with you!
Make it a productive month, strive for progress, and know YOU are doing an amazing job. Our clerk world is better because you are a part of the team!
Happy Summer Days, Clerks!
Joining our Regional Committee can be a great way to get involved in your region, make new connections, and positively impact our profession. Being a Regional Committee member can be a worthwhile endeavor. Take this golden opportunity to network with surrounding clerks, learn from experts in your field, and gain valuable experience that can enhance your professional development. Whether you are interested in moderating a session for the Municipal Clerk Book Club, spotlighting members within your region, hosting networking events, or creating a platform to share ideas and contribute to a meaningful change for our association, serving as a regional liaison is your calling! CCAC continues to put its best efforts into providing wonderful opportunities for your growth and development as a clerk.
We are ready to fill these vacancies, build relationships, and help our members stay informed.
Region Vacancies
• Region 8 Imperial County
• Region 12 Channel Counties
• Region 16 North Bay
If you have a spark of interest, reach out, and let’s work on making you the next Region Representative! Everyone starts somewhere, and I am here to guide you.
Roxanne Breceda, CMC CCAC Director of Networkingrbreceda@cityofglendora.org
O (626) 914-8210
Siana Emmons
Region 1
Redwood Empire semmons@fortuna.ca.us
Amy Lind
Region 2 Sacramento Valley alind@auburn.ca.gov
Cassandra Candini-Tilton
Region 3 Central Valley ccandini@ci.manteca.ca.us
Melissa Herman Region 4
S. San Joaquin Valley MHermann@tulare.ca.gov
Christina Rudsell
Region 5 Desert Mountain crudsell@barstowca.org
Genoveva Rocha
Region 6 Inland Empire Rocha_Ge@sbcity.org
John Paul Maier
Region 7 Riverside County JMaier@hemetca.gov
Vacant
Region 8 Imperial County
Kerry Bigelow
Region 9
San Diego County Kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov
Theresa Bass
Region 10 Orange County tbass@anaheim.net
Ericka Hernandez
Region 11
Los Angeles County ehernandez@cityofrosemead.org
Vacant
Region 12 Channel Counties
Nova Romero
Region 13 Monterey Bay nromero@ci.carmel.ca.us
David Carnahan
Region 14 Peninsula DCarnahan@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Marsha Moore
Region 15 East Bay Marsha.moore@dublin.ca.gov
Vacant Region 16 North Bay
Education and earning Clerk designations, in particular, is a transformative journey that often spans several years, but there are exceptional individuals who embark on an accelerated path to professional success. One such remarkable story is that of Kelsea Holian, City Clerk for the City of Coronado, who accomplished the remarkable feat of earning both her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations within a mere 48-day interval. This article explores her inspiring journey, highlighting the challenges she faced, the strategies she employed, and the lessons we can learn from her determined pursuit of advanced education.
The desire to attain both a CMC and MMC within a short timeframe requires meticulous planning and unwavering dedication. When asked, “What was your motivation behind this ambitious pursuit?”, Kelsea responded that she is driven, not only by her own competitive nature, but also by the support that she was provided by her agency. Such a feat also demands exceptional time management skills. Kelsea effectively allocated her time between training courses and making contributions to the Clerk profession as required by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). After talking to other Clerks who also earned their MMC, she decided to apply the points for the college courses she was taking for her Master’s degree on her MMC application rather than wait until she completed her Master’s degree. Doing so allowed her to earn 22 experience points right away instead of having to wait and only be able to apply 20 education points for the degree as a whole.
To expedite the process, taking advantage of earning points toward her MMC immediately after submitting her application for CMC designation played a pivotal role. Kelsea meticulously researched and evaluated her options and worked with IIMC to ensure that any trainings she attended after submitting her application for her CMC would qualify for points toward her MMC, since she hadn’t yet received confirmation that she had, in fact, earned her CMC.
Achieving a CMC and MMC in such a short timeframe would typically require immense dedication and a careful work-life balancing act. However, since she relocated to a location where she didn’t have many friends or family members around and to an agency who fully supported her attending training during work hours, Kelsea was able to take advantage of the opportunity and got to work attending trainings. Still, no journey is without its hurdles. While she was working toward her designations, Kelsea had to advocate for herself because she worked for a larger agency amongst others who also were working toward their designations. Additionally, while she took advantage of online learning, Kelsea noted that some courses were self-guided, so she admittedly struggled with time management because while she really wanted to learn and earn points, there were still times she had to prioritize her daily workload. Kelsea clearly demonstrated resilience, adapting to challenges, and seeking support from her mentors and colleagues.
When asked what impact this accelerated educational journey has had on her personal and professional life, Kelsea noted that having both designations gives her credibility when interacting with coworkers and members of the community and helps change the perception that many of us have experienced when people assume we “just answer phones.” It’s helped to confirm that we, as Clerks, are truly professionals worthy of our titles, positions, and respect.
Pursuing your educational goals is not always an easy path, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Embrace the journey, stay focused, seek support when needed, and never lose sight of your dreams. By doing so, you not only empower yourself but also inspire others to follow in your footsteps, creating a ripple effect that transforms lives and uplifts communities, regardless of the amount of time it takes you to achieve your goals.
Kelsea’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of determination, efficient planning, and resilience. Her remarkable journey demonstrates that with unwavering dedication and strategic decision-making, even the most ambitious educational goals can be attained. By sharing her story, Kelsea and I hope to inspire you to embark on your own unique path towards professional success, reminding you that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
HOLLY M. CHARLÉTY, MMC, DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Check out these upcoming education opportunities through CCAC! You can always find up-todate information on the CCAC website community calendar. For questions, please feel free to email pdd@californiacityclerks.org
DIANE M PFLUGFELDER, RMC/MMC, MUNICIPAL CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR, LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, NJ
These books promise to have some very active dialogues with the guidance of great facilitators. If you have any questions, please contact: clerk@libertytownship.org
SULLY by Captain Chesley B Sullenberger & Jeffrey Zaslow
Friday, 13 October 2023
9:00 am to 4:00 pm (EST)
“VIRTUAL”
REGISTRATION FORM
Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
Wednesday, 13 September 2023
9:00 am to 4:00 pm (EST)
“VIRTUAL”
REGISTRATION FORM
The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
Tuesday, 29 August 2023
9:00 am to 4:00 pm (EST)
“VIRTUAL”
REGISTRATION FORM
