CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
Official Word


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MEET OUR 2024 HONORED GUESTS! LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
2024 CCAC CONFERENCE BANQUET NIGHT – A NIGHT AT THE GRAMMYS! SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
PAT HAMMERS
SPIRIT AWARD
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
TREASURER UPDATE
IIMC FOUNDATION –CALIFORNIA
ENDOWMENT FUND
www.californiacityclerks.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMCHappy almost Spring, CCAC! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry out there.
Wishing good luck and vibes to those Clerks who have March elections. The rest of us will join the fun soon! As the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring is quickly approaching, so is my time as President of this great association. I’ll save my goodbyes for next month’s Official Word but will say what an honor it has been to represent our members these past 18 months! I couldn’t be more proud of the work that’s been done and everything that has been accomplished. With that, let’s dive into some updates.
First Municipal Clerk Institute a Success!
I’m pleased to report that the first Municipal Clerk Institute was a rousing success!
Cal State San Marcos hosted the very first Municipal Clerk Institute from February 20 – 23 and welcomed 70 attendees to the inaugural class. I was privileged to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new institute. Under the leadership of our new Institute Director, Randi Johl, I know our new institute is set up for success for years to come! Our next institute will be MMC Series 100 from June 25-28 with a virtual day on June 21. Registration is expected to open on March 21. It’s expected to fill up quickly so don’t hesitate to register! Additional information can be found in the following link: Municipal Clerks Institute




CITY CLERKS
2024 CCAC Annual Conference
Registration for the 2024 CCAC Annual Conference is now open! This year’s annual conference will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego from April 3 – 5, 2024. Our conference registration total is approaching 250 attendees!
There is still limited space at the pre-conference Advanced Academy and Athenian Dialogue that takes place on Tuesday, April 2. If you are attending the conference already and want additional points, don’t forget to sign up for a pre-conference session.

This year’s banquet theme is “A Night at the Grammys”. Scroll further in the newsletter for additional information about the event! More information on registering for the conference can be found here: City Clerks Association of California
Nominations Open for Clerks of Distinction Awards & Pat Hammers Spirit Award!
Only one more day to submit a nomination for a Clerk of Distinction Award & the Pat Hammers Spirit Award! The awards will be given out 2024 Annual Conference located at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, March 8, 2024
When submitting a nomination, specifically, we want to hear the story, so please tell us in your own words why the nominee is deserving of these prestigious awards.
• The Pat Hammers Spirit Award recognizes the nominee’s attitude, commitment, and overall presence in the municipal clerk community. See attached flyer for additional information.
• The Clerks of Distinction Awards recognize the nominee’s abilities, skills, and accomplishments to their organization, community, and profession. From amongst the nominees, one will be selected as the Municipal Clerk of the Year, Assistant Deputy Clerk of the Year, etc.
• We’ll also be giving out a Lifetime Achievement Award and Innovative Program of the Year Award!
Questions? Please feel free to reach out to me directly or contact awards@californiacityclerks.org
Ready to submit your nomination? You can submit your nomination electronically by using our Awards of Distinction online form

Networking Events
Keep a lookout for upcoming networking event opportunities!
On Tuesday, March 12, we are hosting a Lunch & Learn Webinar with Granicus! This will be an interview-style webinar, with a CCAC moderator posing your questions to Granicus live. The moderator will give priority to questions received in advance but will permit questions as time allows. We look forward to seeing you there! To register for the webinar, click here: City Clerks Association of California
Our next Pop with the President virtual event will be on 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Join us for some informative updates and fun giveaways! To join the event, click here: City Clerks Association of California
As always, please feel free to reach out to me at mdonohue@eastvaleca.gov or (951) 703-4421.
Meet Our 2024 Honored Guests!
ASHTONR. AROCHO, MMC, 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT


Each year, the CCAC Board of Directors sends an exclusive invitation to the Region IX State Presidents to attend our Annual Conference. This has become tradition for State Presidents to attend conferences throughout Region IX by creating a support system and opportunity to network!
This year, we are thrilled to have the following Region IX State Presidents attend our Annual Conference! If you happen to see them throughout the conference week, please be sure to give them a big California warm welcome!
Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC) President April Trickey, MMC Clerk | Fairbanks North Star Borough
April Trickey, MMC, was appointed as the Fairbanks North Star Borough Clerk in June of 2018. She has worked for the Borough for over 27 years, from 1988 to present, with an 8-year break in service. She began her career at the Borough in the Clerk’s Office, working in procurement for over 10 years, and in various accounting positions, before returning to the Clerk’s Office in 2013, as the Deputy Borough Clerk. She has been a resident of Alaska since 1974, (born at Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, California). April married her husband, James, in 1985 and they have two grown children Kayla and Ethan. April and James bought a mechanical contracting business in 1994, which is still an active business. She served as AAMC Treasurer November 2015-2021, 2nd VP in 2022, 1st VP in 2023, and was sworn in as President for AAMC back in December 2023. In the summertime you can find April in her flower and vegetable garden, camping, fishing for halibut, salmon and lake trout, and berry picking. In the fall she tries to escape work for a few days to enjoy the mountains and go on an annual family hunting trip for caribou or moose.
CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR)
President Nanci Sandoval, MMC City Recorder | City of Umatilla
Nanci is currently the City Recorder for the City of Umatilla, with close to a decade of experience working within local government complexities with a creative approach. She is known for her strong skills in fostering positive relationships and her ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. She enjoys coaching, playing softball, hiking, fishing, kayaking, cooking, crafting, smartphone photography, and volunteering in her free time.

Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA)
President Elizabeth Adkisson, MMC Administrative Services Manager | City of Kirkland
Elizabeth M. Adkisson (she/her) is in her fifteenth year as a municipal clerk, serving the municipalities of Kirkland (Administrative Services Manager, present), Seattle (Interim City Clerk & Deputy Director, Office of the City Clerk, 2020-2023), Monroe (City Clerk, 2013-2020), and Redmond (Deputy City Clerk, 2008-2013) in the State of Washington. She received her MMC in 2015 and Executive Master of Public Administration in 2019; and has been an active member of IIMC and WMCA since 2008.
Elizabeth is currently serving WMCA as President, and her theme for this year is “Super Clerks: Leading for a Legacy.” Her joy in serving WMCA revolves around her innate nature to be a forever student, love of learning, and the inspiration of her fellow clerks. She is delighted to contribute to the strategic leadership efforts addressing the mission, vision, and values of WMCA.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
E: AAROCHO@WESTMINSTER-CA.GOV

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Legislative Update
KERRY BIGELOW , MMC, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Did You Know?
CCAC’s website has a dedicated Legislative Updates page
You can find:
• CCAC’s Tracked/Priority Bill list of bills that may affect the municipal clerk profession
• Legislative reports from CCAC’s lobbyist, Dane Hutchings of RPPG
• Legislative deadlines and events for 2024
• Legislative proposal submission form for ideas you may have to clarify statutes or codes
Deadline to Introduce New Bills
The last day for members of the California State Legislature to introduce bills was February 16. By the deadline, 2,226 bills were introduced. Bills usually sit unamended for 30 days after they are introduced.
CCAC’s lobbyist, Dane Hutchings, and his associates at Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG) have been busy reviewing each bill and flagging priority bills for CCAC’s review and input. Updated Tracked/Priority Bill Lists will be posted on CCAC’s Legislative Updates page.
CCAC Annual Conference Session
Have you ever wanted to know how the sausage gets made in Sacramento? CCAC’s lobbying firm, Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG), will deliver a Legislation 101 session on Thursday, April 4, at the CCAC Annual Conference.
2024 CCAC CONFERENCE BANQUET NIGHT – A NIGHT AT THE GRAMMYS!
JESSICA BLAIR, MMC, 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT
We look forward to seeing everyone in April at the 2024 CCAC Annual Conference in San Diego! Thursday night’s banquet theme is “A Night at the Grammys!” Come dressed to impress on the Red Carpet! Also, a huge thanks to ECS Imaging, Inc. for sponsoring a photobooth for the event!
Swearing in of new CCAC Board Members will also take place at the banquet, as well as our three big awards – Clerk of the Year, Assistant / Deputy of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. After the ceremony, we’ll dance to a live band to cap off the night. It’s a night you don’t want to miss! As a reminder, banquet attendance is included in your conference registration!


EVENT IS INCLUDED WITH CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Night at the Grammys
THURSDAY, APRIL 4 AT 6:00PM – 11:00PM
LEGENDS BALLROOM, HARD ROCK HOTEL • DRESS IS FORMAL ATTIRE
ADDITIONAL GUEST TICKETS: $ 125


SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE
SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ, MPA, MMC DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS
The CCAC Scholarship Committee awarded its first round of scholarships with a total of 16 scholarships awarded in January. CCAC is committed to helping our members achieve their CMC and MMC accreditation through IIMC. Members wanting to apply for a CCAC scholarship may visit the Scholarships page
We need your help to support CCAC’s Scholarship Fund. Please consider donating an item to be auctioned off during our Live or Silent Auction at this year’s annual conference. To donate, please visit our Donations site.
Calling all volunteers! The Fundraising Committee is looking for volunteers to help with fundraising efforts during this year’s annual conference in beautiful San Diego. Volunteers will assist with the silent and live auctions, merchandise sales, and various raffles during the conference.
Should you have any questions regarding scholarships, fundraising, or volunteering with the Fundraising Committee, please contact me directly at SBermudez@cvwd.org

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION Awards of Distinction
Dear CCAC Members:
On behalf of the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC), we are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 CCAC Awards of Distinction. The purpose of the Awards of Distinction is to recognize Municipal Clerk professionals who have made significant and exemplary contributions to their city/district, community, or profession. From amongst the nominations f or the Awards of Distinction, one nominee will be selected for the following award categories:
• Municipal Clerk of the Year
To honor a Municipal Clerk who has made significant and exemplary contributions to their community, demonstrates professional and personal qualities that represent the best of our profession, and helps grow the profession through the promotion of education during the last year.
• Assistant/Deputy Clerk of the Year
To honor an Assistant/Deputy Clerk of the Year who made significant contributions to the profession, provided extemporarily support to their Clerk’s Office, and helped grow our profession during the last year.
• Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes an individual with a minimum of 15 years in the profession who has significantly contributed to the profession and impacted the association throughout their career. The impact may be demonstrated through programs & projects, the profession as a whole, presentations & publications, and service and mentorship.
• Innovative Program of the Year Award
Recognizes an outstanding CCAC member or group who implemented a creative and innovative program within the prior year. The member or group receiving the award must introduce, manage, or implement this innovation. Included in the impact that must be demonstrated are cost savings, innovative customer service, innovative outreach to citizens, and innovative ways of collaboration.
There are also Award of Distinction categories that may be awarded based on the following areas:
• Education
• Elections and Voter Outreach
• Humanitarian/Good Samaritan
• Organization, Administration, & Communications
• Public Relations
• Mentoring
Although this announcement is also being sent to Mayors and City Managers, we encourage you to submit a nomination letter to recognize a colleague, staff, or even yourself, who may have exceeded the call of duty in one or more areas. The depth and breadth of the nomination will help support your nominee’s selection for an Award of Distinction or the Municipal Clerk of the Yea r Award. The more details the better. Tell us the story.
Please take this opportunity to recognize a deserving colleague. All nominations will remain confidential until presentation of the Awards of Distinction at the CCAC Annual Conference in April 2024. The deadline to nominate is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024
If you have any questions or if you are ready to submit a nomination letter, please email us at awards@californiacityclerks.org
Sincerely,





Dear CCAC Members:
Pat Hammers Spirit Award
PAT HAMMERS SPIRIT AWARD
The Board of the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC) established the Pat Hammers Spirit Award in memory of Cathedral City’s City Clerk Pat Hammers, MMC, to honor clerks who exemplify the giving and passionate spirit of Pat, who we lost in 2013.
Pat engaged with every clerk, deputy and assistant she met – no one was a stranger. She was friendly and fiercely proud of the profession and demanded, while simultaneously being completely encouraging, the best from each of us. She was candid, honest, and modeled living with integrity and independent thought. She volunteered for many roles, extended a hand to help others grow in the profession, and was always available for anyone in need. She rolled through life with a wicked, self-deprecating sense of humor that drew everyone to her. She had charisma, charm, the courage of her convictions, and a committed and compassionate nature that was a huge influence on many clerks and the profession. She has been deeply missed.

The purpose of the award is to recognize a Municipal Clerk professional who exemplifies Pat’s Spirit in an outstanding way. The single requirement is that any nominee be a member of CCAC. Other attributes to consider in your nomination are:
• CCAC Mentor – a clerk who has been willing to spend his or her time and expertise guiding the development of another clerk
• Promotion of the profession through specific actions or events individually or within CCAC
• Is an inspiration to other Municipal Clerks
• Significant personal sacrifice of time, labor, or financial resources to CCAC – someone involved to make a difference
• Courageous – someone with resolution and confidence who demonstrates they can make hard decisions
• Compassionate – treats others as they would wish to be treated
• Tenacious/Resilient – someone who is assertive, decisive, hangs in there when or because things get tough; maintains a positive perspective and stays strong during difficult times and is action-oriented
• Committed – someone who is selfless; volunteers at Region or Association level for projects/tasks, large or small – the “I can help with anything” spirit cheerleader
• A champion for continued education and the elevation of our profession
• Lifelong learner/commitment to continued learning – someone who has not stopped at the CMC/MMC certification, but believes in life-long learning and improvement
• A builder of partnerships
I invite you to write to me to recognize a City Clerk, Assistant City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, Special District Clerk, or another member of CCAC who may have exceeded the call in these areas. Please share specifics and tell me how s/he has influenced you or a group or team. The more details the better. Tell me the story.
All nominations and the award will remain confidential until it is presented at the CCAC Annual Conference in April 2024 along with the Clerks of Distinction. The difference between the Pat Hammers Spirit Award and the Clerks of Distinction is that the Distinction Awards consider abilities, skills, really nailing being a clerk. The Spirit Award is about attitude, commitment, and overall presence in our clerk community.
Please take this opportunity to honor that outstanding clerk who makes a difference. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024 If you have any questions, please contact me at awards@californiacityclerks.org
Sincerely,

MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC, DIRECTOR OF MENTOR DEVELOPMENT
Before I get into my updates, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for entrusting me with this role for another two years. Your confidence in me fuels my commitment to serving our members with diligence, passion, and unwavering dedication. I look forward to continuing to improve and expand our Program.
February was a busy month for mentorship, with both Nuts & Bolts and the inaugural CMC Institute being held. Following are updates on the status of mentor assignments for those in attendance:
As the Director of Mentor Development, I am committed to refining our mentormatching process to ensure that mentors are assigned mentees who are committed to professional development and growth, thus fostering more meaningful and impactful relationships. I am testing out a new approach regarding mentor assignments in the near future. I will explain this new approach and report on its success or failure at our March Board meeting and in the April issue of the Official Word. Keep an eye out for more information.
If you want to become a mentor, the next New Mentor Training will be held virtually on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register now! I hope to see you there and welcome 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
Chelsea Breitenbucher, CMC - Administrative Assistant III - City of Manteca, CA
Carol Parker, CMC - Deputy Town Clerk - Town of Loomis, CA
Allison Lambertson, CMC - Supervising Deputy City Clerk - City of Stockton, CA
MMC
Lucie Colombo, MMC - Chief Deputy City Clerk - City of Redondo Beach, CA
TREASURER UPDATE
RICCA CHARLON, CMC, CCAC TREASURER

Wow … March … Can you believe it? February has already bid us farewell, and here we are, diving headfirst into the hustle and bustle of March … and St. Patrick’s Day! As we step into a new month, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and express my appreciation for the heartbeat of our organization – YOU! Your commitment to the profession doesn’t go unnoticed, and I extend heartfelt gratitude for each of your invaluable contributions.
Deputy Treasurer Garzaro, myself, and Executive Director Karl Baur from ARC, have been meeting to prepare the upcoming fiscal year budget. We plan to present to the Finance Committee this month and to the CCAC Board for approval in April.
Below is a snapshot of the financials as of the end of January 2024.
Chase
LAIF:
Total:
As always, CCAC continues to request feedback regarding what your needs and aspirations are. You shape our focus and we are eager to hear your suggestions. I am only an email away if you have a question about the financials, budget, etc. I can be reached at rcharlon@ridgecrest-ca.gov
City Clerk's Association of California
Profit & Loss Budget Performance July 2023 through January 2024
City Clerk's Association of
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.




