CMCA | California Clerks Connection | February 2026

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026 | VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CMCA ANNOUNCES

2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS— ELECTION CANCELLED DUE TO UNCONTESTED SLATE

NUDGE FROM OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTOR OF COMMS

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION— PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS & FUNDRAISING UPDATE

PROUD MEMBER LOGOS NOW AVAILABLE!

CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S AHEAD

MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2026 UPDATES SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT

“Life’s a little bit messy. We all make mistakes. No matter what type of animal you are, change starts with you.” – Zootopia

Welcome to the month of February - the month when we all buy too much candy and wear entirely too much red! It’s also the month where we somehow try to fit 31 days’ worth of work into just 28. So let this be your reminder: it’s not you—we’re simply at a disadvantage, and days are missing.

Since my last article, there have been significant changes at the Board level. First, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Amy Lind, City Clerk for the City of Auburn, for her thoughtful service as our Networking Director. Your leadership played a critical role in moving us forward, and without it, we might still be stuck in the same place of ineffectiveness. With the passage of Measure 25-A, which amended the association bylaws, the Networking Director position has now been eliminated from the Board’s makeup.

Additionally, Holly Charlety, City Clerk for the City of El Cerrito, recently announced her resignation as Professional Development Director. While we are saddened to see Holly step away from this role, I want to thank her for her dedication and commitment to enhancing our educational offerings for all members. Your expertise and passion for continuing education truly changed the way the association will look at education for years to come.

Due to this unexpected vacancy, I have officially appointed Jennifer Woodworth, City Clerk for the City of Hollister, as our new Professional Development Director to fill the remainder of the term ending in 2028. I am excited about the future of our educational programming under Jen’s leadership and look forward to bringing new ideas to life. As a result of these role transitions, there is now a vacancy for the Member Services Director position for the remainder of the term ending in 2027. The application period will be announced via email, so please be on the lookout if you are interested or contact me directly.

And of course, we are currently in the process of our annual Board of Directors election season. The nomination period for candidates, along with the write-in period, has now closed. Due to there only being one candidate per seat, we have officially cancelled the election. The following individuals will be sworn in during banquet night at the Annual Conference:

PRESIDENT

Suzanne Guzzetta, City of Milpitas

1 ST VICE PRESIDENT

Britt Avrit, City of Saratoga

2 ND VICE PRESIDENT

Thai Nam Pham, City of Union City

TREASURER

Nikima Newsome, City of South Pasadena

DIRECTOR OF MENTOR DEVELOPMENT

Candice Alvarez, City of Lake Elsinore

DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS/ FUNDRAISING

Sylvia Bermudez, Coachella Valley Water District

Thank you to our Nomination Chair Susan Blankenship and the Nomination Committee for all of your assistance with this year’s Board election!

With all of these exciting Board developments, I’d also like to report that in January your Board of Directors met remotely for a check-in on current status of our three-year Strategic Plan. This session allowed us to review the goals and objectives outlined last July during our annual Goal Setting meeting. The discussion was productive, and I’m proud to share that we have already met over 80% of the objectives set thus far.

As a Board, we are on track to complete the remaining goals before the conclusion of our current terms ending in April, and we are excited about all that we have accomplished over the past year—and what lies ahead. I would like to thank the entire Board for their hard work, dedication, and passion for strengthening the association for those who will come after us. The work we do as your Board is not for ourselves—it is for all of you and for the profession as a whole. We are stronger together, and together is the only way we move forward.

Knowing that I have only two more months to serve as your Board President, I’d like to take a moment to thank you, the members, for your support, professionalism, and the incredible honor you’ve given me to serve in this role. Our days are busy, messy, and often hectic, yet we always show up for one another. Whether it’s attending an educational training, a legislative update, or a quarterly networking event, you are always there—willing to support and serve as a resource for one another. I remain incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me to represent you.

May we always empower one another. May we always remember where we started. And may we always remember our why.

I’ll see you all in April at Disney!

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

CMCA ANNOUNCES 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS— ELECTION CANCELLED DUE TO UNCONTESTED SLATE

JOZI PLUT, MMC, CPMC | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Monday, February 9, 2026 marked the close of the Write-In Nomination Period for the 2026 California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) Board of Directors election. Following the close of nominations, one eligible nominee was received for each office sought.

Per CMCA Policy 108 – Elections and Nominations, Sections 4.6 and 4.7, when all positions are uncontested, the Nominating Committee formally submits the List of Eligible Nominees and cancels the election. As a result, the 2026 CMCA Board of Directors election has been officially cancelled.

The Nominating Committee has verified each nominee’s eligibility and written consent to serve and is pleased to present the following slate of leaders:

2026 CMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Suzanne Guzzetta, City of Milpitas

1 ST VICE PRESIDENT

Britt Avrit, City of Saratoga

2 ND VICE PRESIDENT

Thai Nam Pham, City of Union City

TREASURER

Nikima Newsome, City of South Pasadena

DIRECTOR OF MENTOR DEVELOPMENT

Candice Alvarez, City of Lake Elsinore

DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS/ FUNDRAISING

Sylvia Bermudez, Coachella Valley Water District

We extend our congratulations and appreciation to these dedicated members for stepping forward to serve the Association. By answering the call to lead, they continue CMCA’s mission to empower clerks statewide through education, mentorship, and professional connection.

A special thank you to Nominating Committee Chair Susan Blankenship, CMC, and the members of the Nominating Committee for their time, care, and diligence in guiding the nominations process and ensuring a smooth, transparent election cycle that supports membership.

Board members will be sworn into office at the CMCA Annual Conference, April 29 –May 1, 2026, in Anaheim, where we will gather to learn, connect, and celebrate our profession under this year’s theme, Empower.

Please join us in congratulating the incoming leadership team as they prepare to lead, serve, and empower the next chapter of CMCA.

NUDGE FROM OUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD DIRECTOR OF COMMS

JOZI PLUT, MMC, CPMC | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Your article is currently sitting in your brain, sipping coffee, waiting to be famous. Let’s help it reach its destiny in California Clerks Connection.

We know you have great stories, tips, lessons learned, and “I wish someone had told me this” moments—this is your chance to share them with clerks across California. No major rules just keep it real and professional, you might remember I asked for this once before here are the key points on what we’re looking for:

• Are you ready for Election Season, Share your tips and tricks

• Legislative and policy changes impacting municipalities

• Records management and digital transformation

• Leadership, mentorship, and career development

• Innovations in municipal operations and technology

• Clerk office success stories and lessons learned

CLERK LIFE: EMPOWERING BALANCE

Your voice matters beyond the workplace, too. We encourage personal perspectives that inspire resilience and connection, such as:

• How do you recharge and stay motivated?

• What hobbies or routines help you maintain balance?

• What strategies help you manage pressure and prevent burnout?

• Share photos of your staff, events, City Hall, local landmarks. No Pulitzer required. No perfection expected. Just your voice, your experience, your wisdom. Let’s connect, commit, and empower—one article at a time.

And yes, gentle reminders will continue until articles are received; I know you are out there, we’ve had conversations. Send your submission to: jplut@belmont.gov

Thank you in advance for helping make this newsletter a must-read!

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION—

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The CMCA Board of Directors announces a recent leadership transition within the Association’s Professional Development portfolio.

The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Holly Charlety, City Clerk for the City of El Cerrito, for her dedicated service as Professional Development Director. Holly recently resigned from the position after contributing her time, leadership, and expertise to advancing CMCA’s educational and training initiatives. We thank her for her commitment to the profession and wish her continued success.

In accordance with the Association Bylaws, President Ashton Arocho appointed Jennifer Woodworth, City Clerk for the City of Hollister, to serve as Professional Development Director for the remainder of the current term, ending April 2028. The appointment was confirmed by the Board via e-vote and will be formally ratified at the March Board Meeting.

Jennifer brings extensive knowledge of CMCA’s programs and a strong passion for expanding professional development opportunities that support and empower our members statewide.

As Jennifer transitions into this role, the Member Services Director position is now vacant. Information about the application process to fill the remainder of that term will be shared with the membership soon.

Please join the Board in thanking Holly for her service and welcome Jennifer into her new role.

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS & FUNDRAISING UPDATE

SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ, MPA, MMC | DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS

SUPPORT CMCA’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ

The annual California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) conference brings together Clerks from across the state, fostering professional growth and community. Each year, CMCA strives to enhance the conference experience and make it more accessible for everyone. The success of these efforts depends on the unwavering generosity of our members and supporters. As we plan for the upcoming conference, we are excited to announce the launch of our fundraising campaign and invite you to join us in reaching our goals.

THE PERFECT TIME TO FIND SILENT AUCTION TREASURES

Many of us are often searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends. This year, as you shop for those special items, we encourage you to consider purchasing an extra item or two to donate to our silent auction. Items such as hand-crafted goods, the latest tech gadgets, unique art pieces, or local specialties add excitement to the auction and play a crucial role in raising funds for our scholarship program. Your contribution can turn generosity into meaningful support for association members working toward their certification. In addition to traditional auction items, gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, or local businesses are especially appreciated. Gift cards remain a popular choice among auction winners, offering them flexibility and making your donation both easy and impactful.

CALLING ALL PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: PAY IT FORWARD

If you are a past recipient of a California Municipal Clerks Association scholarship, we invite you to consider supporting the program by donating an auction item or contributing to our fundraising efforts. Your participation will help provide future conference attendees with similar opportunities and maintain the sustainability of our scholarship initiative. Additionally, your support serves as a model of commitment for others within our community.

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT

• Donate items for the silent auction—think holiday gifts, memorable experiences, or professional services.

• Make a monetary contribution to the scholarship fund.

• Encourage your colleagues and network to participate and spread the word.

• Share your own California Municipal Clerks Association story to inspire others to get involved.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference. Together, we can make this year’s California Municipal Clerks Association conference an unforgettable experience for all. For details on how to donate, please contact scholarship@calclerks.org or visit the CMCA website.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

For those interested in making an impact or lending a hand, volunteering for the Fundraising Committee offers a meaningful way to contribute to the ongoing success of these programs. For additional details or to volunteer on the Fundraising Committee, contact Sylvia Bermudez at scholarship@calclerks.org.

Thank you for your continued support!

PROUD MEMBER LOGOS NOW AVAILABLE!

CMCA members can now download and use official CMCA “Proud Member” logos to highlight their professional affiliation and support of our statewide clerk community. Log in to the CMCA website and navigate to Member Logos - California Municipal Clerks Association to find these logos.

Proud Member logos may be used for:

• Email signatures

• LinkedIn profiles

• Business cards

• Office signage or bulletin boards

USAGE GUIDELINES

• Social media posts highlighting CMCA involvement

• Clerk-related activities that reference or involve CMCA

Logos are for CMCA members only and may not be altered, used to imply CMCA endorsement of non-CMCA programs or positions, used in connection with any political campaign, or for commercial or financial gain. The full CMCA Policy can be found here

We encourage you to start using the Proud Member logos in your daily work and professional materials. Every email signature, business card, and professional profile helps reinforce the strength and visibility of the CMCA community.

If you have questions or need assistance accessing the member portal, please contact staff at info@calclerks.org

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT’S AHEAD

KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Following CMCA’s January Legislative and Legal Recap, the Legislative Affairs program is now shifting from orientation to sustained support, advocacy, and member-driven refinement as the 2026 legislative session gets underway.

The January 7 webinar drew 345 clerks and clerk staff from across the state and reinforced the importance of pairing legislative analysis with practical, real-world implementation tools. For members who were unable to attend live—or who want to revisit specific topics—the full recording, presentation, and related materials remain available on the CMCA Legislative Hub under Training Presentations.

SB 707 MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS: WHAT WE HEARD

In January, CMCA invited members to complete a brief survey to help guide the next phase of legislative programming. Responses reflected agencies at very different stages—ranging from those just beginning to assess new requirements to others actively implementing and refining policies.

Across all stages, several clear themes emerged. Members are looking for more technologyfocused guidance (particularly around telephonic versus audiovisual platforms, moderation, and backups), clear timelines tied to statutory deadlines, and practical templates that can be quickly adapted locally. Preferred formats include short, focused webinars, written FAQs, and opportunities to learn from peers through roundtables or check-in sessions, especially as July 1 approaches.

These results are already informing CMCA’s legislative work plan and priorities for the months ahead.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY & MONITORING

As implementation of the 2025 laws continues, CMCA is also actively monitoring and engaging in the 2026 legislative session. This includes tracking bills that may impact municipal clerks’ offices, participating in coalition-based advocacy related to the Public Records Act, and evaluating the potential for targeted SB 707 cleanup legislation based on issues identified through member feedback and early implementation experience.

CMCA’s goal remains to ensure that legislative changes are not only well understood but also workable and defensible for municipal clerks and their agencies.

WHAT’S NEXT

In the coming months, members can expect continued legislative analysis, additional training opportunities shaped by survey input, and ongoing updates as bills move through the legislative process. CMCA will also continue to highlight peer examples and lessons learned to help shorten the learning curve as new requirements take effect.

Thank you for your engagement, your thoughtful feedback, and your continued collaboration. We look forward to working alongside you throughout the 2026 legislative year as we advocate for municipal clerks and support effective implementation statewide.

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CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE

BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

February is the month we celebrate love. Not just the kind with cards and candy, but the kind that lifts people up, builds confidence, and strengthens our profession. In the clerk world, that love shows up through mentorship.

The CMCA Mentor Program continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we support one another. Mentorship is not simply about tracking points or reviewing applications. It is about encouragement before a big presentation. It is about guidance through a complex Public Records Act request. It is about someone reminding you that you are capable, prepared, and exactly where you are meant to be.

There is something magical about finding the right mentor match. Like discovering your favorite Disneyland ride, it creates that spark. You know, the one that makes you think, “This is exactly what I needed.” A strong mentor relationship can help turn uncertainty into confidence and professional goals into clear, achievable plans.

NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES

One of my favorite parts of this update is celebrating milestones. Please join me in congratulating the following clerks who have earned their designation since our last issue:

MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERKS (MMCS)

Marguerite Bolster-Koller Deputy City Clerk City of Rocklin

Earning your CMC or MMC is no small feat. It represents dedication, discipline, and a true commitment to professional excellence. We are so proud of you and the example you set for others in our profession.

FEBRUARY NUTS & BOLTS MOMENTUM

We saw wonderful energy at February’s Nuts & Bolts training. While only two attendees were CMCA members, one of them opted into the CMCA Mentor Program as a mentee after the training. That enthusiasm for connection and growth is exactly what strengthens our statewide clerk community. If you were inspired to join CMCA after the training and would like to be paired with a mentor, please reach out to me so I can gather more information and match you with one of our incredible fairy godparents (mentors) who will help you achieve your career goals.

To the mentee who opted into the Mentor Program, welcome! We are excited to support you on your journey.

ANNUAL MENTOR UPDATES DUE

FEBRUARY 27, 2026

A friendly reminder to our current mentors: Annual Mentor Updates are due Friday, February 27, 2026.

This annual check-in helps ensure our mentor roster is current and that we are matching mentees with mentors who are actively available and ready to support them. If you have not yet submitted your update, please take a few minutes to do so. Your responsiveness helps keep the magic moving.

UPCOMING NEW MENTOR TRAININGS

If you hold your CMC or MMC and feel inspired to share your knowledge, encourage others, and help shape the future of our profession, I invite you to join one of our upcoming New Mentor Trainings.

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we pay forward the support we once received. Just like every Disney hero discovers their purpose with the guidance of someone who believed in them first, you have the opportunity to be that steady voice, that encouragement, that guiding light for a clerk just beginning their journey.

Serving as a mentor is not about having all the answers. It is about walking alongside someone as they grow, helping them build confidence, and reminding them that they belong in this profession.

Below are the remaining New Mentor Training dates for 2026:

• 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

I would love to see you there and welcome you to our growing community of mentors.

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT?

As we continue our journey toward the conference at the end of April, I encourage you to lean into the magic. Reach out to your mentor. Schedule that check-in. Have the conversation you have been meaning to have. And if you have been thinking about joining the Mentor Program, as a mentor or a mentee, consider this your sign.

The magic is not just in Anaheim. It is in the relationships we build, the encouragement we offer, and the way we empower one another every single day.

Thank you for loving this profession enough to strengthen it for those who will follow. I cannot wait to see many of you soon and continue creating a little more magic together.

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

CMCA FEBRUARY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2026 UPDATES

DEBRA BLACK, MMC | RECORDING SECRETARY

As we begin 2026, your Board of Directors remains focused on strong financial stewardship, support for member education, and long-term conference planning. In this February 2026 update, you’ll find highlights of January 20, 2026 board actions, including financial and policy decisions, structural changes to better align officer roles with organizational needs, and ongoing work to secure highquality training opportunities for California municipal clerks.

TREASURER’S REPORT

The Treasurer reported that financials are current through September and that required tax filings are completed or in process. The Finance Committee will began meeting in January and will continue on a quarterly basis.

REMOVAL OF DEPUTY TREASURER POSITION

The Deputy Treasurer role was determined to have limited value, as it does not automatically succeed to Treasurer and has not effectively served as a backup when the Treasurer is unavailable. The Board approved the recommendation to remove the Deputy Treasurer position.

MUNICIPAL CLERK’S INSTITUTE (MCI) CONTRACT

The Board noted that the CSU San Marcos contract for the Municipal Clerk’s Institute expires in December 2026 and that the university’s counter-proposal requires further analysis. An ad hoc committee (President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President and the Professional Development Director) was formed to negotiate a tentative agreement and bring back recommendations, including on contract term length and any potential RFP implications.

AMENDMENT TO POLICY 123 – UNUSED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

The Board confirmed that donated and fundraised scholarship dollars must remain dedicated to scholarship use and may not revert to the general fund. Policy 123 was revised to distinguish between budgeted and donated scholarship funds and to clarify the order in which funds are expended for improved accounting and audit transparency. The revised policy was adopted.

CERTIFICATION OF THE OFFICIAL CANVASS—

CMCA URGENCY ELECTIONS

The results of the Official Canvass for the CMCA urgency elections were certified. Thank you for your continued engagement with CMCA and for the work you do every day in your communities—your feedback and participation guide the Board’s decisions and help strengthen our association.

Connect, Commit, and Empower

SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!

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.

HOW TO FIND THEM

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!