CMCA APRIL 2026 | VOLUME 27 ISSUE 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
EXPLORING AI IN THE MUNICIPAL CLERK’S OFFICE: INSIGHTS FROM VISALIA
FROM ACCESSIBILITY TO AI: LESSONS LEARNED AT THE CLA PUBLIC LAW CONFERENCE
STRONGER TOGETHER: BUILDING TRUST THAT LASTS
DIAMOND PARTNER HIGHLIGHT: ESCRIBE
CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: KEY BILLS MOVING THROUGH THE 2026 SESSION
FUNDRAISING & SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Walt Disney
As my term as your 2025–2026 CMCA President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on this journey with a deep sense of gratitude—with just a hint of that Disney magic reminding us what’s possible when professionals come together and empower one another.
Serving in this role has truly been a privilege, and one I will always carry with me. This past year has brought challenges, milestones, and moments that called for resilience and collaboration—and, at times, a little extra patience and a lot of heart. Through it all, the Board of Directors—and you, our members—have shown remarkable strength. Time and again, I’ve seen what happens when people feel empowered: ideas grow, leaders emerge, and progress follows. It’s the kind of spirit you feel when people genuinely look out for one another and believe in building something meaningful together.
Throughout my term, I have worked to approach each responsibility with transparency, accountability, and a thoughtful awareness of how our decisions are perceived and experienced by others. My goal has always been to help create an environment where others feel informed, supported, and empowered to contribute—because that is when we are at our best as an association.
Our accomplishments are not the result of any one individual, but of a collective effort. I am especially grateful to my fellow board and committee members whose dedication and commitment helped keep everything moving forward— often without recognition, but always with purpose. It has been an honor to work alongside each of you and to witness the ways you empower those around you.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the ARC staff—Karl, Zi, Betinna, and Kathi—for their hard work, professionalism, and steady support. You are often the quiet force behind so much of what we accomplish, and your efforts truly make a difference in empowering this organization to succeed.
On a personal note, I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me throughout this journey— my husband, children, friends, colleagues, and staff. Thank you for your patience during the long days, your encouragement when it mattered most, and for constantly reminding me of why this work matters. Your support empowered me to lead with confidence, perspective, and heart.
As this chapter comes to an end, I do so with a full heart and a deep appreciation for this experience. I am confident that the future of CMCA is bright. As an association, we will continue to grow stronger by empowering one another—encouraging new voices, supporting fresh ideas, and creating opportunities for others to lead. While my time as President concludes, my support and belief in this organization remain unchanged.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been an honor to be part of this story—and I have no doubt the best chapters are still ahead.
With gratitude,
Ashton R. Arocho, MMC
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BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
April brings the fresh promise of spring: renewal, growth, and that magical energy as we head to the CMCA Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel. Mentorship feels like the perfect bloom of empowerment: new beginnings where we lift each other up and step into our brightest potential.
The CMCA Mentor Program continues to be a vital source of support in our profession. It’s those genuine moments, a quick word of encouragement before a council meeting, guidance on a records request, that spark real confidence and growth. Like Disney magic awakening a fairy tale, the right mentormentee connection transforms challenges into opportunities.
NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES
Please join me in congratulating our newest Certified Municipal Clerks (CMCs) and Master Municipal Clerks (MMCs):
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERKS (CMCS)
Audrey Malone, Deputy Director/City Clerk Services Chula Vista
Miriam Ferrel City Clerk Specialist Culver City
Ellena Branson, Deputy City Clerk Walnut Creek
Taylor Brown Deputy City Clerk Los Altos
Alison Foulis City Clerk
Larkspur
Sarah Ring Deputy Town Clerk Truckee
MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERKS (MMCS)
Annamarie T. Porter City Clerk Solvang
Earning your designation deserves a celebration bigger than the Main Street Electrical Parade! Your commitment inspires us all.
UPCOMING NEW MENTOR TRAININGS
If you hold your CMC or MMC and are thinking about mentoring, we’d love to have you join one of our upcoming New Mentor Training sessions:
• Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. – Registration Link
• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
• Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
SEE YOU AT CONFERENCE!
As we pack for Anaheim, reach out to your mentor or mentee to plan a meetup at Conference, share a goal, celebrate progress, and embrace this season of renewal. The real magic happens in those empowering connections we nurture every day.
Here’s to fresh starts, Disney dreams, and soaring together at Conference!
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JEN WOODWORTH, MMC | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Municipal clerks from across California recently gathered in Visalia, for an engaging and forward-looking training session titled “How to Use AI in Local Government and the Municipal Clerk’s Office.” This timely session offered a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practical, ethical, and strategic applications within local government and the municipal clerk’s office.
Joelle Fockler (City of Concord) and Marsha Moore (City of Dublin) guided attendees from uncertainty and distrust of using AI in their office to seeing it as a tool to support local government operations. Attendees learned how AI can assist with drafting documents, summarizing complex information, organizing records, developing checklists, and improving workflow efficiency. As one attendee shared, “This helped demystify AI and showed how it can actually support the work we already do.”
The session also looked at the ethics and governance of AI. Participants examined critical considerations such as privacy, data protection, transparency, disclosure, and responsible use.
Joelle and Marsha emphasized that AI is not a substitute for professional judgement and does not replace our role as a leader and trusted advisor in our organizations. Through case studies, participants saw how clerks are already serving as a driving force in AI conversations and how to responsibly implement AI in local government, including the need for putting AI policies in place. One participant noted, “This training reinforced that clerks should be at the table when AI is being discussed.”
By the end of the session, attendees felt more comfortable about how they can implement AI in their agencies and “better prepared to ask the right questions and help guide AI use responsibly.” As AI evolves, municipal clerks continue to play a vital role in ensuring innovation is paired with accountability, transparency, and public trust.
Thank you to Reyna Rivera, Visalia’s Chief Deputy City Clerk, for hosting and facilitating the training. Several attendees appreciated being able to attend training that was closer to home. CMCA looks forward to continuing these conversations and supporting clerks with education and resources that empower them to lead confidently in an increasingly
digital government environment.
If you were unable to make it to the training in January and are interested in learning more about AI in the Clerk’s Office, there is another session of this training on April 17 in Pinole. You can learn more about this and other upcoming trainings on the CMCA event calendar. If you are interested in hosting a future training or have ideas for future sessions, reach out to Jen Woodworth, Professional Development Director at pdd@calclerks.org. Host agencies get two free registrations, and you may be eligible for CMC/MMC points too.
JEN WOODWORTH, MMC | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Municipal clerks from across California gathered on March 19, 2026, in San Diego for the California Lawyers Association (CLA) Public Law Conference. The conference was a threeday event that included a Municipal Clerk Track that was presented in partnership with CMCA and sought to equip clerks with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex legal and technological landscape.
The day included five sessions led by experts in the legal, public outreach, and municipal clerk community. The day began with a discussion on digital accessibility requirements for public agencies, which focused on the need to update our digital accessibility tools and public-facing documents to meet new federal requirements. Then attendees learned more about the implementation of our favorite new law: SB707. Presenters discussed real-world challenges and solutions
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for implementing new SB707 requirements. The session highlighted practical approaches to updating agendas, procedures, and internal workflows, helping attendees walk away “more confident that I’m now aware of every requirement that applies to my city.”
As the day progressed, panelists focused on handling complex Public Records Act (PRA) requests, including how artificial intelligence is affecting how records are created and shaping the requests we receive. Additionally, attendees learned about the impact of recent legislative updates and court decisions on PRA compliance. As one participant stated, “It reinforced how important it is to stay current, not just with what records we release, but how we handle the entire process.”
Throughout the day, the sessions reinforced our evolving role as a strategic leader in governance, transparency, and compliance. Whether addressing digital accessibility, implementing new legislation, or managing complex public records, clerks continue to be at the forefront of ensuring public trust and operational excellence.
Attendees gained not only enhanced technical knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the profession. As one participant stated, “These sessions provided practical tools I can implement immediately, while also helping me think more strategically about the future of our work.”
Thank you to Kerry Bigelow, Director of Legislative Affairs, and the California Lawyers Association for organizing the conference and including municipal clerks. Check www.calclerks.org/events/event_list.asp for upcoming trainings and reach out to Professional Development Director at pdd@calclerks.org if you are interested in hosting a future training. Host agencies get two free registrations, and you may be eligible for CMC/MMC points too.
CMCA APRIL 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 4
TANIA MOORE, CMC, ASSISTANT CLERK OF THE BOARD FOR ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
In March, Southern California Clerks gathered at Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) new headquarters for an Athenian Leadership Dialogue to discuss lessons found in the book Thunder Dog, a powerful story of survival, partnership, and trust during one of the most devastating crises in modern history, the September 11th attacks, by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory.
Stephanie Smith, Master Municipal Clerk and Director of Election Services for Best, Best & Krieger, did an amazing job facilitating an engaging dialogue focused on building trust before crisis, leadership in practice, and the
power of professional support.
One of the central themes we explored is that trust is built during everyday moments. It doesn’t suddenly appear in emergencies. It is developed over time, through consistent actions. In Thunder Dog, the bond between Michael and his guide dog Roselle was not formed in the stairwell of a burning building, it was built through daily routines, training and mutual reliance. In our small group discussions, many of us shared personal stories of difficult situations, tight deadlines, workplace challenges and moments of uncertainty when a colleague, or team made all the difference. A common thread was that trust grows slowly but can pay off quickly when it matters most.
We concluded our afternoon with a creative reflection, with each group coming up with a team name to reflect our discussion themes, like Pinky Promises and Trustworthy Builders which captured both the seriousness and the sense of connection
of the conversation. These names show that trust isn’t just a concept, it’s something that we build together. Thunder Dog reminds us that in moments of crisis, we fall back on what we have already built. For municipal clerks, that means investing in relationships, effective communication and demonstrating integrity long before an emergency arises. When the unexpected happens, trust isn’t something we find, it’s something that we have already created.
A huge thank you to Kelly Lore, OC San Clerk of the Board for hosting this event at the beautiful new OC San headquarters!
Check www.calclerks.org/events/ event_list.asp for upcoming dialogues and reach out to Professional Development Director at pdd@calclerks.org if you are interested in hosting a future Athenian Dialogue or training. Host agencies get two free registrations, and you may be eligible for CMC/MMC points too.
The California Municipal Clerks Association is proud to recognize eScribe as a valued Diamond Partner for the 2025–2026 program year!
eScribe provides agenda and meeting management solutions designed to support the evolving needs of local government. Their platform brings together agenda preparation, workflows, meeting management, records, and public access into a single, centralized system, helping agencies improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency.
As the role of the City Clerk continues to expand, many offices are navigating increased demands, including hybrid meetings, enhanced public access, and growing public records requests. At the same time, clerks are often working across multiple systems that do not always
integrate seamlessly. eScribe’s approach focuses on simplifying these processes by reducing fragmentation and supporting a more streamlined, connected workflow.
In addition to supporting operational efficiency, eScribe remains engaged in understanding the challenges facing the profession. Through ongoing outreach and research, including their recent State of the Clerk’s Office survey, they continue to identify trends impacting clerk offices and explore ways to better support agencies as their responsibilities evolve.
eScribe is a committed partner to CMCA and the municipal clerk community. Through their Diamond Partnership, they remain actively engaged with clerks across California, supporting the Association and contributing to conversations about the future of local government operations.
We are always grateful for the meaningful support our sponsors provide to both the Association and its members. Thank you to the eScribe team for your continued partnership with California’s municipal clerks!
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KERRY BIGELOW, MMC| DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
With the 2026 legislative session now in full swing, hundreds of bills are advancing through policy committees, which is the first major step on their path toward the Governor’s desk. Committee hearings are underway across both chambers, with packed agendas expected to continue through early summer as legislative deadlines approach.
Several important milestones will shape the pace of the session in the coming weeks. April 24 marks the deadline for policy committees to hear and report fiscal bills to fiscal committees, followed by the May 15 deadline for fiscal committees to advance those measures to the floor. Bills must pass their house of origin by May 29 to remain active for the remainder of the session.
As these deadlines approach, the pace of amendments and committee action is expected to increase significantly.
CMCA is actively monitoring and engaging on several bills this year that could affect municipal clerks’ offices and the administration of local government. The following highlights several measures where CMCA has taken a position or is closely tracking developments.
• AB 1821 (Pacheco) – California Public Records Act: Agency Response Time
CMCA is co-sponsoring AB 1821, which proposes updates related to agency response timelines under the California Public Records Act. CMCA met with the author’s office in March to request clarification that the 10- and 14-day response periods are calculated in business days rather than calendar days, and the current version of the bill reflects that clarification. The business-day concept originated from feedback shared by CMCA members during a feedback session, and it is encouraging to see that input reflected in the bill language.
Earlier versions of the bill included provisions addressing exceptionally burdensome requests. While those provisions are no longer included in the current text, CMCA appreciates the author’s engagement on these issues and will continue working with the author’s office and stakeholders on the broader conversation around CPRA reform.
For additional context, see CMCA’s coalition support letter on the Legislative Hub.
• SB 1159 (Cabaldon) – Artificial Intelligence: Transparency and Governance
SB 1159 would clarify that, for purposes of the Public Records Act, the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act, and other state laws, terms such as “person,” “interested person,” “participant,” and “member of the public” do not include artificial intelligence systems, autonomous agents, robots, or other nonhuman entities.
CMCA has taken a support position on the bill, recognizing the importance of beginning to establish a legal and policy framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in government operations.
• AB 1578 (Jackson) – State and local officials: sexual harassment training and education: anti-hate speech training
AB 1578 would expand training requirements for certain state and local officials by adding anti-hate speech components to existing harassment prevention training. CMCA provided feedback requesting that the bill maintain the current training time and reflect an operationally workable approach for agencies. The bill was subsequently amended to reflect that framework, and CMCA is currently neutral on the measure.
• SB 1187 (Durazo) – Open meetings: majority
SB 1187 is a follow-up bill to SB 707, which made significant updates to the Brown Act last year. The current version of the bill does not include substantive changes to the law; however, additional amendments are anticipated, though it is unclear at this time what provisions may be proposed. Because of its potential implications for meeting procedures and governance structures, CMCA has met with the author’s office and is closely monitoring the bill.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES UNDER REVIEW
CMCA is also tracking several other bills that may affect elections administration, political reform compliance, and statewide ballot processes, including:
• AB 2573 (Sharp-Collins) – Voter registration information: elected officials and candidates (Watch)
• SB 401 (Hurtado) – Political Reform Act of 1974: filing deadlines: emergency situations (Watch)
• AB 1853 (Pellerin) – Statewide referendum measures: fiscal impact statements (Watch)
These measures remain in early stages of the legislative process, and CMCA will continue evaluating their potential impacts as they move through committee hearings.
The coming months represent the busiest portion of the legislative calendar. Key upcoming milestones include:
MAY 29: Deadline for bills to pass their house of origin
JUNE 15: Legislature must pass the primary state budget
JULY 2 – AUGUST 3: Summer recess
AUGUST 31: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills this session
SEPTEMBER 30: Final deadline for the Governor to sign or veto legislation
As the session progresses, CMCA will continue providing legislative updates, tracking bills that affect municipal clerks, and engaging with policymakers to ensure that new laws remain workable for local agencies.
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SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ, MPA, MMC | DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS
SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ
As the CMCA Annual Conference approaches, we want to remind everyone about ongoing fundraising efforts
during the event. Taking place from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Disneyland Hotel, the conference features an extensive educational program, valuable networking options, and a range of activities aimed at member involvement. We could use your support! Like previous years, we’re inviting our generous CMCA members to contribute items for one of our fundraising events. Our Silent Auction is back, offering attendees the chance to bid on a variety of donations from Clerks and sponsors. Past auctions have included gift baskets, event tickets, and unique local finds that encourage friendly competition. Bidding starts on April 29 and ends April 30, so get in early for the best selection! To donate, simply bring your items to the registration area during check-in on April 29 or coordinate beforehand by emailing scholarship@ calclerks.org Your donation helps make
the auction exciting and successful.
Due to popular demand, the Wine & Spirits Pull returns as well! Donate your favorite wine or spirit, and participants will purchase tickets for a mystery bottle— every ticket wins, but you’ll only find out what you got when it’s revealed. There will be a wide selection, including local wines and premium spirits. Donations can be dropped off at the registration area during check-in on April 29 or arranged ahead of time via scholarship@ calclerks.org. Your support makes this event a highlight of the conference. All proceeds from these fundraising activities go directly to CMCA’s scholarship funds, which help members develop professionally and earn certification. Thanks to these scholarships, many Clerks have advanced their careers, mentored new members, and attended specialized training sessions and workshops. Your generosity enables colleagues to grow and thrive in their roles.
For updates and details, visit our conference page or reach out to scholarship@calclerks.org
We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim and thank you for your support!
CMCA now has two merchandise stores where you can purchase branded clothing, bags, and more! These items go beyond style—they’re a way to connect with fellow clerks, show your commitment to our profession, and strengthen the network that supports and uplifts us all.
Whether you’re at a conference, in the office, or out in the community, wearing CMCA gear is a simple yet powerful way to empower yourself and others by sparking conversations about the essential work we do.
Visit the CMCA website, go to the Resources tab, and select either the CMCA Apparel Store or the CMCA Bonfire Store. Then click, shop, and share your connection to the California Municipal Clerk community!
