PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
JESSICA BLAIR, MMC
Happy October, everyone! It’s spooky season! For many of us, in more ways than one! I hope your election season is going as easy as it can.
NETWORKING DIRECTOR –MARY CUSICK!
I first want to take the opportunity to introduce CCAC’s new Networking Director –Mary Cusick!
Mary has been an active member of CCAC since 2004. Mary is the City Clerk of Santa Clarita and a proponent of continuing education, and as such, has volunteered her time in several professional organizations throughout her career, including some CCAC committees! Mary was appointed in August and has already dived feet first. I know she’ll be a wonderful representative of the membership in this role!
CCAC SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING
On September 17, the CCAC Board of Directors met and discussed a number of items. Aside from the name change which I’ll discuss below, the Board approved sending a letter of support to IIMC for the Washington Municipal Clerks Association and City of Bellevue, Washington’s bid to host the 2028 IIMC Annual Conference. It would be great to have IIMC on the west coast again! The scholarship policy was amended to allow for an easier process to distribute and award scholarships to members. Additionally, the policy for unused scholarship funds was amended to makes sure leftover funds are being properly reinvested. Lastly, the Board approved switching CCAC’s credit cards to a local credit union which works with associations. More information can be found in the agenda packet on the CCAC website.
CCAC NAME CHANGE INITIATIVE
Also at the September Board meeting, the Board approved moving forward with a special election to give the membership the opportunity to formally approve the name change! This is such an exciting time for the association. Look out for the Notice of Election in your inbox! If approved, the Name Change Committee will continue its work and will send out a few logo options for the membership to vote on. Once that’s done, they’ll work to get everything updated and ready to launch on January 1. If anyone has any questions on this initiative, please reach out to me!
JESSICA BLAIR
MARY CUSICK
OREGON ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL RECORDERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
During the last week of September, I had the pleasure of representing CCAC at OAMR’s Annual Conference in Pendleton, Oregon. It was a great week packed with wonderful education, networking, and comradery. It’s always a treat to meet clerks from other areas and see how other associations put on their conferences. There are usually some ideas to take back to the CCAC Conference Committee as well! Congratulations to Nanci Sandoval on her past year as President of OAMR, and a big congrats to Kayla Duddy on being sworn in as President for the next year!
CCAC ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The committee for the 2025 conference has begun meeting to plan out the conference. The 2025 Conference Call for Proposals is live on the website. If you’re interested in presenting a session, please submit a proposal! We love when sessions are hosted by members and our peers. Please save the date and I hope to see you all there! Look out for a survey or two over the next few months regarding certain elements of the conference and please take the time to respond!
HALLOWEEN PHOTOS!
If your office is doing any fun group costumes, please send me pictures! We can include in the next issue of Official Word
MCI CMC SERIES 200
Series 200 of the CMC Program at the Municipal Clerks Institute is being held later this month from October 21-24, 2024, at the University of San Marcos. This series sold out in less than an hour! I hope all of you attending enjoy the week and really engage with each other. As important as education is, networking and building a solid circle you can call on in a pinch is also truly valuable. I know the program will be exceptional and that you’ll be able to take away many things you can apply in your day-to-day back at the office. Special thanks to our Institute Director Randi Johl and our awesome trainers for putting on another wonderful institute session!
Our next Municipal Clerks Institute (CMC Series 300) will be held in February 2025. You can expect registration to open in the coming weeks! Once more information is available, we’ll be communicating that with the membership.
That’s all I’ve got! I hope October treats you all well.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
MICHAEL B. MACDONALD, CMC, CPMC MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR
As we welcome the month of October, I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your roles. This month presents an opportunity for reflection and preparation as we approach the end of the year. As of October 1, 2024, the grace period for members who did not renew has officially ended. If you know someone who missed the July 1 renewal deadline, please reach out to them! Let them know how much we value our members and all the incredible resources and support they provide. Your enthusiasm can make a difference and encourage them to rejoin our community!
On that note, I encourage each of you to take advantage of the resources and membership benefits. Whether it’s participating in upcoming training sessions, engaging in networking opportunities, or accessing tools to enhance transparency and efficiency within our municipalities, we are all committed to improving our practices and serving our communities better. Let’s also take a moment to recognize the vital work we do. Your efforts in ensuring the smooth operation of local government, maintaining accurate records, and fostering community engagement do not go unnoticed!
Total members: 1,121
WELCOME TO OUR NEW AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER MEMBERS!
We are thrilled to welcome our new members who joined us in August and September! Your commitment to public service and dedication to enhancing our profession are invaluable to our community. We look forward to your contributions and hope you take full advantage of the resources, training, and networking opportunities available. Together, we can continue to elevate the standards of city clerks across California. Welcome aboard!
Sara Armas City of San Luis Obispo
Brianna Arroyo Peninsula clean energy
Alby Calles City of San Mateo
Jessica Chen
Chantal Eaton City of San Mateo
Rebecca Evans
Jennifer Gomez City of Visalia
Stephanie Gross Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Candice Kwok-Smith Santa Clara Valley Water District
Maurice Lesley City of Manteca
Jennifer Perales-Gallardo City of Yorba Linda
Melissa Perez City of Tulare
Desiree Quintero West Basin Municipal Water District
Stephanie Rojas City of Oceanside
Nicholas Sayarad
City of Emeryville
Corina Tamez City of Sanger
Zorina Treat City of Winters
Amy Wilson City of Taft
MICHAEL MACDONALD
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MARICELA “MARI” HERNANDEZ, CLERK OF THE BOARD, SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER
We are excited to celebrate Mari Hernandez, a dedicated member of the Membership and Inclusivity Committee for CCAC, who recently retired from her role as City Clerk for the City of Calabasas. As she embarks on her next chapter as a Board Clerk for San Diego Community Power, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her on this well-deserved retirement after more than 11 impactful years.
Maricela’s dedication, professionalism, and warmth have made a lasting impression on both the community and her colleagues. Throughout her career, she has exemplified the highest standards of public service, consistently going above and beyond to support her city. Prior to her tenure in Calabasas, Maricela served as City Clerk for Seaside and as Clerk of the Board for the Riverside Transit Agency. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of life!
Joining us or bidding farewell? Share your story? Reach out to Michael MacDonald at mmacdonald@cityofventura.ca.gov to be featured in our newsletter.
CCAC Job Board
Job opportunities are posted for agencies that are members of CCAC and/or for positions that are related to the offices of the City Clerk and/or Clerk of the Board, including their respective support positions.
CLERK SMARTER ,
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
KERRY BIGELOW, MMC, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
LEGISLATIVE LISTENING SESSION
On Thursday, September 26, over 70 CCAC members participated in a legislative listening session. We discussed the CCAC legislative program and platform. Members also shared ideas for legislation, including alternatives to traditional notice publishing, clarifying rules related to printing the names of supporters and opponents on ballot titles, and changing the timing of biennial conflict-of-interest code reviews.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
As of the time of writing, the Governor has a few more days to act on pending measures, with the deadline being Monday, September 30. Any bills that include an urgency clause, relate to the budget, or modify the Elections Code will go into effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. All other bills go into effect on January 1, 2025, unless stated otherwise in the legislation (e.g. delayed implementation).
CCAC’s legislative team will be preparing for the annual New Law presentation and getting ready for the 2025-26 session, which will officially kick off when the Legislature reconvenes on January 6.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IDEAS?
Contact Legislative Affairs Director Kerry Bigelow at kbigelow@chulavistaca.gov
KERRY BIGELOW
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC, MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
As we enter the fall season, there’s a sense of renewal that comes with the changing leaves and cooler days. This time of year is perfect for reflection and growth, making it an ideal moment to focus on our Mentor Program within the City Clerks Association of California. Just as fall brings transformation in nature, our mentorship program continues to foster growth and development among our members. Whether you’re a mentor guiding others or a mentee seeking new insights, this season offers a wonderful opportunity to strengthen those connections and achieve new goals together. Let’s make the most of this season of change by supporting one another and continuing our journey of learning and growth.
STATUS OF MENTOR ASSIGNMENTS
Following are updates on the status of mentor assignments for those who attended the Nuts & Bolts workshops in May and August. We’ve made significant progress in matching participants with experienced mentors, ensuring that each new clerk receives the guidance and support they need to thrive in their roles. These pairings are designed to help our newer members navigate the complexities of the profession while building valuable relationships within our community. These new pairings of mentors and mentees are already actively engaging in meaningful collaborations. As we continue to support these connections, we encourage all participants to take full advantage of the resources and insights available through this program.
CANDICE ALVAREZ
ACTIVE MENTORS AND MENTEES STATISTICS
Following are the current statistics for the Mentor Program:
NEWLY DESIGNATED CMCS AND MMCS
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our newly designated Certified Municipal Clerks and Master Municipal Clerks. Achieving these prestigious certifications is no small feat, and it reflects a deep commitment to excellence in our profession. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication, not only by mastering the required knowledge and skills but also by continually striving to elevate the standards of our work. Their achievements are a testament to their perseverance, passion, and the valuable support they’ve received from their mentors, colleagues, and agencies. As they reach these significant milestones, they set an inspiring example for all of us, showing what’s possible with hard work, determination, and a strong support system. I, along with their mentors and everyone who has supported them on this journey, am incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Let’s take a moment to celebrate their success.
CMC
Christine Cordon
City of Westminster
Araceli Barajas
Omnitrans of San Bernardino County
Michael Garcia
Sweetwater Authority
Lesley Munoz, San Dimas
Mahealani Ah Yun City of Palo Alto
Suzie Abajian City of Glendale
MMC
Victoria A. Hahn
F&A Federal Credit Union
A LITTLE CITY CLERK HISTORY
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC, IIMC REGION IX DIRECTOR CCAC IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Did you know that it was a City Clerk that was responsible for the spark that created the League of California Cities? In 1898, Ben Lamborn, the City Clerk of Alameda, sent a letter to the then over 100 cities in the state, inquiring about their experience with a newly introduced road roller. Haven A. Mason, a community activist, newspaper publisher, attorney, and City Clerk of the City of Santa Clara, was one of the recipients. Mason had read about the 1894 founding of the National Municipal League and was interested in forming something similar in the State of California.
Mason visited Lamborn in Alameda to discuss organizing City officials around issues such as public records and tax assessments and the introduction of electric light. Together, they met with James D. Phelan, Mayor of San Francisco, who supported the idea of a League of Municipalities. Phelan offered San Francisco as a meeting place and contributed $3,000 of his own monies to pay for expenses. Lamborn then bartered an agreement with Southern Pacific for them to provide a 3,000-mile pass, which the railroad would recoup in the anticipated travel expenses of City officials’ attending the online league meetings.
An invitation was then sent to all cities and incorporated towns, asking them to send representatives to the first meeting. Thirty cities answered the invitation, with others sending words of encouragement. Mayor Phelan was elected President; City Clerk Mason was named secretary and City Clerk Lamborn was chosen for the League’s executive committee and the rest is history!
Just goes to show you the impact that our profession has had on local government over the last 100 years. Let’s keep inspiring and make history happen!
MARC A. DONOHUE
TREASURER’S REPORT AND BUDGET OVERVIEW
RICCA CHARLON, CMC, CCAC TREASURER CITY CLERK, CITY OF RIDGECREST
We’re pleased to share the latest Treasurer’s Report and budget for the City Clerks Association of California (CCAC). This comprehensive report provides a clear snapshot of our financial health and outlines how our funds are allocated to support the valuable work we do for our members. As always, transparency and accountability are our priorities, and we encourage you to review the details to stay informed about how your contributions are making a difference.
Below is a snapshot of the financials as of the end of July 2024.
Checking: $ 354,145.94
$ 308,287.51
$ 662,433.45
For any questions or further details, I am only an email away rcharlon@ridgecrest-ca.gov
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
RICCA CHARLON
City Clerk's Association of California Balance Sheet
City Clerk's Association of California Balance Sheet
Association of California Profit & Loss
City Clerk's Association of California Balance Sheet
City Clerk's Association of California Balance Sheet
60100
City Clerk's Association of California Profit & Loss
City Clerk's Association of California
Association
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
of Vista 4100
100 Conference:Advanced Academy Advanced Academy 2024 - Roxanne Breceda 2/16/2024 200003214 Breceda City of Glendora
96 Padres Game: Guest Padres Game: Guest 4/25/2024 200003484 Blair City of Half
125
125 Conference:Banquet Tickets Banquet Guest Ticket - Elizabeth Adkisson
100
595 Conference:Registration
300 Job Posting/ Advertising Job Posting
300 Job Posting/
200003692 Juarez Golden Empire Transit District 1200
20 Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] 9/4/2024 200003832 Wood Town of Los Gatos
20 Networking - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] - LindaNetworkingAlvarado - 10/18/24 [CCAC Members Only] - Linda Alvarado 9/16/2024 200003863 Alvarado Port of Redwood City
125 Region 4 Essentials of Records Management (Sign-in for Member Rate) - Griselda Contreras 9/21/2023 200002675 Contreras City of El Monte
75 Training/Meeting Sponsorship Education Workshop - 10/18/2024 - Linda Alvarado 9/16/2024 200003863 Alvarado Port of Redwood City
75 Training/Meeting Sponsorship Education Workshop - 10/18/2024 - Liana Campos 9/12/2024 200003855 Campos City of Goleta
75 Training/Meeting Sponsorship Education Workshop - 10/18/2024 - Alejandra Pacheco 8/23/2024 200003807 Pacheco City of Watsonville
75 Training/Meeting Sponsorship Education Workshop - 10/18/2024 - Jozi Plut Plut 8/30/2024 200003826 Plut City of Belmont
300
100 Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue 3/5/2024 200003266 Benton City of Twentynine Palms
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue 1/26/24 - Athenian Dialogue - Sabdi Sanchez 11/30/2023 200002767 Sanchez City of Indio
75 Training:Athenian Dialogue Creativity, Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way - Khaleah8/9/2023Bradshaw 200002621 Bradshaw City of Carson
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue 1/26/24 - Athenian Dialogue - Siana Emmons
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue 1/26/24 - Athenian Dialogue - Sharlene Tipton
11/30/2023 200002763 Emmons City of Fortuna
11/30/2023 200002762 Tipton City of Redding
75 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Leadership Dialogue –See Change Clearly: Leveraging Adversity to Sharpe - Janell Martin 10/12/2023 200002720 Martin City of Atwater
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue - Martha Alvarez
9/5/2024 200003838 Alvarez City of Manhattan Beach
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue - Dillon James 5/2/2024 200003497 James City of Atascadero
150 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue - Lauren Hull 9/11/2024 200003853 Hull Contra Costa County
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue, 10/19/2024 - Liana Campos 9/12/2024 200003856 Campos City of Goleta
100 Training:Athenian Dialogue Athenian Dialogue - Kayla Reaster 9/16/2024 200003861 Reaster City of Oroville
1100
200 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts and Bolts (Central): May 9 & 10, 2024 - Dave Leon 4/9/2024 200003442 Leon Santa Clara Valley Water District
250 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts and Bolts (Central): May 9 & 10, 2024 - Mariann Stolte 4/19/2024 200003471 Stolte City of Tracy
200 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts & Bolts (Virtual): August 29 & 30, 2024 - Kayla Reaster 6/17/2024 200003611 Reaster City of Oroville
250 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts & Bolts (Virtual): August 29 & 30, 2024 - Keely Royas 6/17/2024 200003577 Royas City of Ventura
250 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts & Bolts (Virtual): August 29 & 30, 2024 - Marc Lafuente 6/18/2024 200003651 Lafuente City of Lake Forest
200 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts & Bolts (Virtual): August 29 & 30, 2024 - Melissa Sutton 8/5/2024 200003786 Sutton Inland Valley Development Agency
200 Training:Nuts & Bolts Central Nuts & Bolts (Virtual): August 29 & 30, 2024 - Lissette Nock 6/17/2024 200003612 Nock City of Highland
200 Training:Nuts & Bolts North Nuts & Bolts 6/1/23-6/2/23 (Member: Please Sign in) - Hope Ithurburn 4/27/2023 200002078 Ithurburn City of Rocklin
250 Training:Nuts & Bolts North Nuts and Bolts (Northern): February 8 & 9, 2024 - Desiree Calleros 1/24/2024 200003081 Calleros 2000
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Succession Planning (Member-please sign in) - Toni Coates 8/21/2023 200002640 Coates City of Shasta Lake
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Gabrielle Christakes 6/25/2024 200003686 Christakes City of Nevada
125 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Daisy Guzman 6/11/2024 200003562 Guzman City of Westminster
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Laura McDowall 6/6/2024 200003543 McDowall
75 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Kayla Valdovinos 6/24/2024 200003680 Valdovinos City of Oceanside
125 Webinar Edu Workshop Workshop Registration - Charles Benjamin 6/24/2024 200003681 Benjamin City of Menifee
75 Education Workshop Workshop Registration - Sharlene Tipton 10/17/2023 200002727 Tipton City of Redding 625 $11,531.00
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.
NOVEMBER 13, 2024
CHAPTER 14: Procurement Process Contact Information: Britt Avrit
Region 14 - Peninsula bavrit@saratoga.ca.us
JANUARY 8, 2025
CHAPTER 15:
Administrative and Legal Filings
Contact Information: Marsha Moore
Region 15 - East Bay marsha.moore@dublin.ca.gov
FEBRUARY 12, 2025
CHAPTER 16: Records Management Contact Information: Pam Caronogan
Region 16 - North Bay pcaronongan@ci.rio-vista.ca.us
MARCH 12, 2025
CHAPTER 1:
Professional Development Contact Information: Siana Emmons
Region 1 - Redwood Empire semmons@ci.fortuna.ca.us
APRIL 9, 2025
CHAPTER 2: Clerk - One of the Oldest Professions Contact Information: Amy Lind Region 2 - Sacramento Valley alind@auburn.ca.gov
MAY 14, 2025
CHAPTER 3:
Office Structure, Responsibilities, & Leadership Contact Information: Cassandra Candini-Tilton Region 3 - Central Valley ccandini@ci.manteca.ca.us
JUNE 11, 2025
CHAPTER 4:
Community Relations & Communications Contact Information: Melissa Herman Region 4 - S. San Joaquin Valley mhermann@tulare.ca.gov
JULY 9, 2025
CHAPTER 5: Legislative Procedures Contact Information: Maribel Hernandez
Region 5 - Desert Mountain mhernandez@barstowca.org
AUGUST 13, 2025
CHAPTER 6: Board, Commissions, and Committees
Contact Information: Genoveva Rocha
Region 6 - Inland Empire rocha_ge@sbcity.org
SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
CHAPTER 7: Meetings, Agendas, Minutes, Follow-up
Contact Information: John Paul Maier
Region 7 - Riverside County jmaier@hemetca.gov
OCTOBER 8, 2025
CHAPTER 8: Elections
Contact Information: Norma Wyles
Region 8 - Imperial County nwyles@cityofelcentro.org
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
CHAPTER 9:
Establishing Districts and Redistricting
Contact Information: Faviola Medina
Region 9 – San Diego County faviola.medina@carlsbadca.gov
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