CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: SB 707 DEEP DIVE & KEY TAKEAWAYS
NOVEMBER 2025
CMCA UPDATES
A CREATIVE APPROACH TO ELECTION OUTREACH: PICO RIVERA’S NEW ELECTIONS CHARACTER
GET READY FOR THE 2026 CMCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT THE DISNEYLAND HOTEL!
REGION IX DINNER
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
MENTOR-MENTEE HIGHLIGHT
SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
“Anyone can cook…but only the fearless can be great.”
– Ratatouille
Happy New Year CMCA!
I hope each of you take a moment to reflect on 2025 – your accomplishments, the challenges you overcame and even the lessons learned along the way. 2025 was the Year of the Snake—a year of shedding. Shedding old habits, outdated ways, and anything that no longer served us, preparing us for the year ahead where we can finally heal, grow, and move forward together. However you chose to celebrate
the recent holiday season, I hope you took time to recover, reflect, and reset —because every great adventure needs a moment before the next act begins.
As you know, we recently held a Special Election for Measure 25A to amend our association bylaws, and I am pleased to announce that the measure passed! I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Directors for their thoughtful work in shaping amendments that ensure CMCA continues to evolve as a modern, strong, and supportive association. These changes reflect our shared commitment to creating clearer leadership pathways, defining roles and responsibilities, and allowing the Board to operate effectively and responsibly. Like a well-written Disney storyline, every character has a purpose— and these updates help ensure each role
ASHTON R. AROCHO
supports the greater good. I would also like to recognize our Nominating Committee Chair, Susan Blankenship, who stepped into her role with grace, dedication, and true leadership.
As the year came to a close, I had the opportunity to travel to beautiful (and very, very cold) Anchorage, Alaska—where temperatures dipped well below zero! Let me just say, I have a whole new appreciation for Southern California’s 70-degree winters. Despite the icy conditions, I received the warmest welcome from the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC). Their thoughtful hospitality for out-of-state guests, combined with engaging leadership sessions and AI engineering discussions, made the experience truly memorable. Hearing stories of resilience, dedication, and passion from municipal clerks across Region IX reminded me that we are all part of something bigger— our own collaborative teams working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Seeing peers, colleagues, and family members come together throughout the conference week was a wonderful reminder that even when our work feels unseen, there’s always a cheering section just beyond the spotlight.
As Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” 2026 is your year – so dream big, be fearless, and empower those around you.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MITZI ORTIZ
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of City Manager Mitzi Ortiz, who passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025. Mitzi believed wholeheartedly in helping people achieve better lives and in the responsibility of public service to lift others up. Whether during her years in the municipal clerk profession or later in her role as City Manager, she remained steadfast in her commitment to fairness, access, and the meaningful work that improves daily life for residents.
Mitzi understood that real change does not happen overnight—it is built through consistency, compassion, and service. She carried these values throughout her career, leading with integrity and purpose, and leaving a lasting impact on the communities and colleagues she served.
Mitzi Ortiz will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but for who she was as a person—funny, adventurous, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. Her loss is profound, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
- Ashton Arocho
CERTIFICATION OF RESULT OF THE OFFICIAL CANVASS
CERTIFICATION OF RESULT OF THE OFFICIAL CANVASS
I, Susan Blankenship, Nominating Committee Chair, CMCA, do hereby certify that, in pursuance of the provisions of CMCA Policy 103, Bylaws Amendment, I did canvass the results of the votes cast in the Urgency Election held November 2 6, 2025 through December 26, 2025, for Measure 25 A; and
WHEREAS, the Statement of Votes Cast shows the whole number of votes cast for the measure in said election and that the totals of the respective columns and the totals as shown for the measure are hereby recorded; therefore,
IT IS HEREBY STATED that the below Statement of Votes Cast is deemed to be full, true and correct.
Statement of Votes Cast Measure 25A
Votes
Dated: January 5, 2026
Susan Blankenship, City Clerk Nominating Committee Chair
CMCA JANUARY 2026
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CMCA JANUARY 2026
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NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS— 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL CLERKS ASSOCIATION (CMCA)
Notice is hereby given of the opening of nominations on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, for the following officers:
Director of Mentor Development 3 year term
Director of Scholarships and Fundraising 3 year term
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Any Voting Member whose dues are paid in full for the current year may be nominated for, and elected to, office.
• Notwithstanding the above, the 2nd Vice President shall automatically ascend to the office of 1st Vice President at the conclusion of their term, and the 1st Vice President shall automatically ascend to the office of President at the conclusion of their term.
• In order to be eligible to serve as 2nd Vice President, a Voting Member is strongly recommended to have served one term as a Board Member prior to election.
NOMINATION PROCESS
• Nominations must be filed with the Nominating Committee Chair no later than Wednesday, January 28, 2026, on an Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form that has been dated and bears the signature of the qualified nominee. Electronic signatures are accepted.
• All nominees must be paid voting members at the time the Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form is filed.
• No other method of nomination will be accepted.
• If a nominee withdraws 91 days before the CMCA Annual Conference, but before the distribution of the ballot, the nominee’s name shall not appear on the ballot.
CONSENT AND CANDIDATE STATEMENT
• All qualified nominees must consent to nominations in writing on the Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form.
• Qualified nominees who want a Candidate Statement included with the electronic ballot (e-ballot) must complete the Candidate Statement Request portion of the Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form
• OR decline to provide a Candidate Statement by completing the Candidate Statement Waiver portion of the form; and file it with the Nominating Committee Chair
no later than Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Candidate Statements submitted after the nomination acceptance deadline will not be included with the e-ballot.
• Candidate Statements shall not exceed 200 words.
• Candidate Statements will be typed with uniform type size and spacing. No special typesetting will be permitted, similar to California Elections Code §13307 guidelines.
• The California Clerks Connection will not print Candidate Statements.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
• Any Voting Member who does not file an Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form by
• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and who wants to run for office, may be voted upon as a write-in candidate.
• Write-in candidates must declare their candidacy in writing to the Nominating Committee Chair by Monday, February 9, 2026.
• Candidate Statements for write-in candidates will not be distributed to the Voting Members; however, this does not prohibit any candidate from distributing a Candidate Statement at their expense.
• The California Clerks Connection will not print write-in Candidate Statements.
ELECTION SCHEDULE
• No later than Tuesday, February 17, 2026, an e-ballot notification will be emailed to each eligible Voting Member.
• The Nominating Committee Chair must receive all e-ballot submissions by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026
CAMPAIGNING
• A member may begin to campaign no earlier than six months prior to the nomination period in the election year that they will be running for office.
• No mass distribution emails (defined as more than 50 recipients) shall be distributed prior to November 1 of the year prior to the election year. CMCA shall provide, upon request, a current list of CMCA members to each candidate. Candidates may not use the League of California Cities City Clerk Department ListServ to disseminate election or campaign materials.
• Candidates are not permitted to campaign during any educational session presented under the umbrella of CMCA or related educational institutes. Campaigning is permitted during break periods, in a manner that is not unreasonably distracting or a deterrent.
• Any individual member of the Board of Directors, in their role as Board Members, shall neither endorse nor assist any candidate or be mentioned in any election material. Candidates may state their current or past roles as Board Members in their campaign materials.
• Candidate statements and campaign materials shall be limited to a recitation of the candidate’s own personal background, character, qualifications, and activities, and shall not reference other candidates.
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CMCA JANUARY 2026
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CANCELLATION OF ELECTION
• If, at the close of the write-in period, only one or no candidates are nominated for each available office, the election for Board Officers shall be cancelled.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
• Job descriptions for positions that are on the ballot shall be distributed with the notice of nominations.
CMCA NOMINATIONS – 2025-2026 CALENDAR
The California Municipal Clerks Association Annual Conference will be held April 29, 2026 to May 1, 2026, in Anaheim. In accordance with CMCA Bylaws and Policies, the nominees elected shall be installed during the Conference at a time to be set by the Conference Committee and shall assume the duties of their respective offices immediately. In the event the Conference is canceled and/or postponed, the elected nominees shall assume the duties of their respective offices upon notification by the Nominating Committee Chair and shall be installed when determined by the Executive Board.
EVENT DEADLINE
Notice of Nominations (at least 147 days prior to Conference)
Nomination Period Begins (21 days prior to the Closing Deadline)
Nomination Period Closes (91 days prior to Conference and 21 days from the beginning of the Nomination Period)
Nominations submitted to Executive Board (following close of Nomination Period)
Write-In Candidate Declaration (at least 81 days prior to Conference)
Emailing of Ballots to Voting Members (at least 71 days prior to Conference)
Close of Election - Last Day to Vote Electronically (14 days after ballot is sent)
Nominating Committee Verification of Election Results
Reporting of Votes
Susan Blankenship, CMC
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
No later than February 3, 2026 COB
Monday, February 9, 2026
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Or as soon thereafter
First to Candidates, then Listserv, CMCA website
City Clerk, City of South Lake Tahoe Nominating Committee Chair 1901 Lisa Maloff Way, Ste 206, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-542-6005 | sblankenship@cityofslt.us
California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement
I, ______________________________________, a Voting Member of the California Municipal Clerks Association whose dues are paid in full for the current year and having been nominated for the office of ____________________________________________________, do hereby accept said nomination and declare that I will serve in the position if elected.
(Only sign in one of the applicable boxes below)
Candidate Statement Request
£ I hereby request that the following candidate statement be published:
(The candidate statement shall not exceed 200 words and shall be typewritten with uniform type size and spacing, similar to California Elections Code §13307 guidelines. An additional sheet may be attached if necessary.)
Signature _____________________________________ Date ________________________
Candidate Statement Waiver
£ I hereby decline the publishing of a candidate statement.
Signature Date ________________________
Note: Candidates can submit their Acceptance of Nomination and Candidate Statement form electronically, by mail, or in person to the Nominating Committee Chair. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
Susan Blankenship, CMC City Clerk, City of South Lake Tahoe Nominating Committee Chair 1901 Lisa Maloff Way, Ste 206, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-542-6005 | sblankenship@cityofslt.us
The California Municipal Clerks Association is proud to recognize Complete Paperless Solutions (CPS) as a valued Diamond Partner for the 2025–2026 program year.
For decades, CPS has worked alongside California cities and special districts, partnering directly with City Clerks and Records professionals to modernize document management while maintaining compliance, transparency, and public trust. Based in California and deeply familiar with local government operations, CPS helps agencies transition from paper-based processes to secure, efficient, and sustainable digital systems.
CPS notes that the greatest challenge in digital transformation is not the technology itself, but the shift in mindset and consistency required to move from paper to digital in a way that truly supports daily work. As they explain, “Many agencies digitize documents without rethinking governance, standards, or workflows, which can leave them with a digital version of the same problems they had on paper.” CPS addresses this challenge by focusing on clerk workflows and records standards to deliver practical, rolebased solutions that support consistent, compliant work.
Their partnership with CMCA reflects a shared commitment to supporting the municipal clerk profession. “Clerks are the stewards of transparency, accountability, and institutional memory,” CPS shared, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Clerks have a strong voice in how technology is designed, implemented, and governed.
Looking ahead, CPS encourages Clerks to think beyond scanning and storage and focus on building flexible systems that support proactive compliance and adapt to changing regulations and staffing needs.
We are grateful for CPS’s continued partnership and their longstanding commitment to California’s municipal clerks.
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SUZANNE GUZZETTA
CMCA JANUARY 2026
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CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: SB 707 DEEP DIVE & KEY TAKEAWAYS
KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
On January 7, CMCA hosted its 2025 Legislative and Legal Recap, featuring a deep dive into SB 707 and recent Brown Act updates. With 345 clerks and clerk staff participating, the strong turnout underscored both the complexity of the new law and the collective commitment of our members to timely, thoughtful implementation. This session focused on breaking down what SB 707 requires, when specific provisions apply, and how clerks can begin operationalizing the changes in a practical, defensible way. Particular emphasis was placed on distinguishing provisions effective January 1, 2026, from those that apply only to Eligible Legislative Bodies beginning July 1, 2026, as well as common implementation pitfalls identified through member questions.
ACCESS THE LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL RECAP/ SB 707 RECORDING AND MATERIALS
The full workshop recording, including a step-by-step video demonstration on using the Applicable Languages Worksheet, is now available on the CMCA Legislative Hub under Training Presentations: https://www.calclerks.org/page/legislative-hub
SB 707 IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS AND SAMPLES
The Legislative Hub also includes a comprehensive set of implementation tools and sample materials referenced during the training, including:
• Legislative and Legal Recap & SB 707 Deep Dive PowerPoint Presentation
• Revised Summary of Key Provisions
• Eligible Legislative Body Determination Flowchart
• Example Agenda Translation Instructions (City of Chula Vista)
• Example Board and Commission Implementation Guide (County of San Diego)
• Census Bureau Information on B16001 and C16001 Data Tables
• 2025 New Law Handbook
The sample materials are intended to serve as starting points – templates that clerks can adapt in consultation with legal counsel to fit their agency’s structure, technology, and governance model.
KERRY BIGELOW
HELP SHAPE CMCA’S NEXT SB 707 RESOURCES
(2-MINUTE SURVEY)
SB 707 implementation is just getting started and we want to focus next on what will actually help you the most.
Whether you’re still sorting through requirements, actively drafting policies, or feeling confident in your agency’s approach, your input will directly guide what CMCA develops next, including potential roundtables, targeted trainings, and new practical templates.
TAKE THE 2-MINUTE SB 707 & BROWN ACT SURVEY AND TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE NEXT
TAKE THE SURVEY
This survey will remain open for a limited time, and responses will shape CMCA’s SB 707 training priorities and member support over the coming months.
LOOKING AHEAD: 2026 LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
As we continue implementing new laws from 2025, CMCA is also preparing for another active legislative year.
KEY DATES FOR THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
January 5 Legislature reconvenes
February 20 Last day to introduce bills
May 29 Last day for bills to pass out of their house of origin
August 31 Last day for the Legislature to pass bills; end of session
September 30 Deadline for the Governor to sign or veto bills
CMCA remains committed to supporting clerks through timely legislative analysis, practical implementation resources, and opportunities to connect with one another as new requirements take effect. Thank you for your continued engagement, professionalism, and willingness to share insights that strengthen our collective work. We look forward to continuing this conversation and working alongside you throughout the 2026 legislative year.
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CMCA JANUARY 2026
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NOVEMBER 2025 CMCA UPDATES
DEBRA BLACK, MMC | RECORDING SECRETARY
Hello Members,
We’re excited to share updates from the board’s November 2025 meeting. The CMCA Board met on November 17, 2025, to advance several key initiatives supporting municipal clerks statewide.
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR 2026 ADOPTED
The Board unanimously adopted the “2026 Legislative Platform”, which guides CMCA’s legislative advocacy. Updates clarify that CMCA evaluates legislation from a technical, non-partisan perspective, clean up references to the association’s name, and streamline numbering for easier use. Obsolete language related to remote participation was removed now that SB 707 governs those provisions.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS POLICY STRENGTHENED
The Board approved revisions to Policy 123 – Unused Scholarship Funds to better protect donated scholarship dollars. Fundraising messages commit that every dollar raised goes directly to scholarships; the revised policy now clearly reflects that intent and directs how budgeted and donated funds are classified and used. This improves transparency, accounting clarity, and member trust.
WORK BEGINS ON FUTURE
MUNICIPAL CLERK’S
INSTITUTE CONTRACT
With CMCA’s current contract with CSU San Marcos expiring in December 2026, the Board created an ad hoc negotiating committee (the three presidents plus the Professional Development Director). This group will develop a tentative contract proposal—addressing term length, flexibility, and long-term stability—to bring back to the full Board for approval.
NEW - “PROUD MEMBER”
LOGOS APPROVED
To help members showcase their professional affiliation, the Board approved three “Proud Member” logo variations. All retain the full CMCA logo and allow members in good standing to display their membership on business cards, websites, badges, and potentially pins and ribbons. The fonts will be refined to match CMCA’s branding, and finalized files will be made available to members upon request.
DEBRA BLACK
REGIONAL CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES UNDER EXPLORATION
Region 9 (California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska) is exploring a rotating regional conference model. Survey results showed 82% of respondents are open to attending an out-of-state regional event. The likely pilot will be a Region 9-branded conference in Washington in 2027, built on that state’s existing annual conference but with additional leadership-focused education suitable to all states. CMCA will review results from Washington’s pilot before committing to later rotations.
MEMBERSHIP, INCLUSIVITY, AND MEMBER EXPERIENCE
The Membership & Inclusivity Committee is enhancing the annual conference experience with a more visible “First-timer and Ambassador Program”, as well as fun, theme -aligned buttons to help members connect and recognize one another’s volunteer roles. The goal is to make the conference more welcoming and to highlight opportunities to serve.
LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION AND SB 707
Recognizing the significant impact of SB 707, CMCA is planning its annual virtual new legislation session in January, with the possibility of a dedicated SB 707 session. Members can expect more resources and guidance in the coming weeks to support local implementation.
FINANCIAL AND GOVERNANCE NOTES
The Treasurer reported that financial statements through September are complete and recent tax filings are in progress. The Finance Committee will meet in January and then quarterly.
The next CMCA Board meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support!
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CMCA JANUARY 2026
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A CREATIVE APPROACH TO ELECTION OUTREACH: PICO RIVERA’S NEW ELECTIONS CHARACTER
CYNTHIA AYALA, CMC | PICO RIVERA CITY CLERK
As City Clerks, we’re always exploring innovative ways to make election information clear, approachable, and engaging for our communities. In preparation for the 2026 Elections, the City Clerk’s Office in Pico Rivera is piloting a new strategy: an Elections Character Icon.
Inspired by the city’s rich agricultural history, the cheerful orange reflects Pico Rivera’s historic citrus groves while serving as a friendly, recognizable visual cue for official election information. The goal is to make outreach more approachable and to strengthen residents’ connection to the election process. We believe elections participation is strongest when residents feel involved, informed, and represented — and this initiative is a fun way to do just that. Additionally, history continues to inspire how we connect with our community today — including how we share important civic information.
THE INSPIRATION: BUILDING ON WHAT WORKED IN 2024.
This initiative builds on a successful concept from the 2024 Elections, when Pico Rivera introduced the “Avotecado” for last-minute election updates. That character resonated with the community, and this year we are expanding the idea with intentional, early deployment allowing it to grow alongside our outreach efforts and become a familiar face well before Election Day.
To further involve residents, the city is inviting the community to “Name Our Orange.”
The selected name (also voted by the residents) will appear on election materials throughout the city, giving residents a tangible sense of ownership and making civic participation more interactive.
OUR GOAL: TO REMIND RESIDENTS THAT DEMOCRACY BELONGS TO ALL OF US!
This approach demonstrates how a simple, low-cost, and adaptable visual tool can:
• Improve recognition of official election materials;
• Make elections feel more approachable; and
• Strengthen community engagement and civic pride
To amplify the initiative and ensure broad participation opportunities, the City Clerk’s Office will:
• Display the challenge across City facilities and County libraries
• Leverage the City’s social media channels to reach residents online
• Include the initiative in the City’s citywide Profile Newsletter and the monthly City Manager Reports
• Collaborate with the LA County Registrar-Recorder’s Office to host voter registration booths at several events throughout the year
• Create branded swag favors for residents at community events
• And more creative outreach efforts to connect with residents in meaningful ways
Pico Rivera’s Elections Character is more than an icon—it’s a model for how municipalities can creatively connect with residents and encourage participation in a positive, community-driven way.
We’re excited to see how this character — and its future name — becomes part of the fabric of the 2026 Elections in Pico Rivera.
Bringing Joy, Community, and Civic Pride to the 2026 Elections.
Prepared by the Pico Rivera City Clerk’s Office
Cynthia Ayala, CMC, City Clerk
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GET READY FOR THE 2026 CMCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT THE DISNEYLAND HOTEL!
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC | DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCES
CMCA is excited to announce that the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place Wednesday, April 29 through Friday,
May 1, 2026 at the iconic Disneyland Hotel is just around the corner!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Attendees can look forward to a robust educational program designed for all levels of experience, from emerging clerks to seasoned professionals. The conference agenda includes:
• Dynamic general sessions and concurrent breakout sessions focused on leadership, innovation, public engagement, and practical skills for today’s clerk.
• Pre-conference educational offerings, including the Advanced Academy and Athenian Leadership Dialogue. (with an Athenian Dialogue on Monday and a Advanced Academy/Athenian Dialogue on Tuesday, conference attendees will have the opportunity to earn over 9 CMC/MMC points during the entirety of the conference!)
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues and our fantastic sponsors/vendors throughout the week.
This conference is not just an educational experience, it’s a chance to build lasting professional relationships, share best practices, and recharge with fellow members of the clerk community.
HOTEL & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Great news for early planners!
• Hotel reservations at the Disneyland Hotel will open Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for members who have already pre-registered for the conference. This gives early registrants first access to the conference room block.
• Early bird conference registration opens Friday, January 16, 2026, when all CMCA members will be able to register at the discounted early bird rate.
Be sure to mark your calendar, these early registration dates are terrific opportunities to secure your spot and make the most of your conference experience. We can’t wait to see you all at the Disneyland Hotel in April!
MARC A. DONOHUE
REGION IX DINNER
THE ALPINE IN RENO, NV
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 | 6PM - 8PM
REGISTER HERE
Join your fellow Region IX colleagues for an evening of connection and camaraderie at the IIMC Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada!
This year’s dinner will be held at The Alpine in Reno, a vibrant local venue known for its welcoming atmosphere and great food.
The Region IX Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to network with peers from across the region, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time member, this event offers the perfect chance to build meaningful connections and celebrate our shared commitment to the profession.
Attendance Fee: $75 per person.
Heavy appetizers will be provided, along with two drink tickets. Participants are on their own for transportation to/ from the event. Space is limited so register today!
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MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
January is here, and with it comes a brand-new year full of possibilities, fresh goals, and just a little bit of magic. There is something about January that feels like standing at the gates of Disneyland, map in hand, ready to decide what adventure comes next. It is a season of renewal, intention, and momentum, making it the perfect time to celebrate mentorship and its incredible impact across our profession.
Fittingly, January is National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the power of guidance, connection, and shared experience. Mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways we empower one another, pass along institutional knowledge, and support the next generation of municipal clerks. Whether you are a mentor, a mentee, or someone considering either role, this month is a reminder that even small moments of encouragement can make a lasting difference.
NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES
I am delighted to recognize the following individuals who have earned their Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations since last month’s issue. Your accomplishments represent dedication, resilience, and the drive to keep learning, qualities that truly embody the heart of our profession.
MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERKS (MMCS)
Michael B. MacDonald City Clerk City of Ventura
Brian C. Barrett City Clerk City of Carpinteria
A heartfelt congratulations to each of you!
What a magical way to finish out the year.
NEW MENTOR TRAINING
On January 14, we held our most recent New Mentor Training, and I want to extend a very warm welcome to Eva Arseo, Natalie Gonzaga, and Vanesa Alvarez. Thank you for carving out time from your busy schedules to step into this role and commit to supporting others in our profession. Becoming a mentor is not just about sharing knowledge; it is about empowering others, building confidence, and helping someone else find their footing (and their magic) along the way. We are so grateful to have you as part of the CMCA mentor family.
NEXT NEW MENTOR TRAINING
As we look ahead to 2026, there’s no better time to step into your next chapter. If you hold your CMC or MMC and feel called to share your experience, guide others, and help shape the future of our profession, I invite you to join one of our upcoming New Mentor Trainings.
CANDICE ALVAREZ
Just like every Disney hero discovers their purpose through the help of others, you too can be that guiding star for a new clerk beginning their journey. Here are the upcoming New Mentor Training dates for the remainder of 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
CELEBRATING MENTORSHIP
Throughout National Mentoring Month, I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the mentors who have influenced your own journey, and, if you are able, to consider paying that forward. Mentorship does not have to be perfect or scripted; it just needs to be genuine. Sometimes the most impactful guidance comes from simply showing up, listening, and reminding someone that they are capable of more than they realize.
As we kick off the new year, let us lean into the magic of mentorship, stay curious, lift one another up, and continue empowering the future of our profession. Together, we are building something truly special, and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us.
Here is to a year filled with growth, connection, and just a little extra pixie dust.
MENTOR-MENTEE HIGHLIGHT
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
One of the very best parts of the CMCA Mentor Program is getting to watch professional relationships grow, evolve, and truly shine over time. And with January being National Mentoring Month, there could not be a better moment to celebrate a mentor–mentee partnership that beautifully captures the magic of guidance, trust, and shared dedication to the clerk profession.
Melissa Rhodes began her clerk journey in 2017 as a Deputy City Clerk with the City of Martinez. Just two years later, she took the next step in her career by joining the City of Vallejo, where she managed Public Records Act requests and worked closely under the leadership of City Clerk Dawn Abrahamson. During that time, Melissa gained invaluable hands-on experience while observing, up close, what it takes to lead a clerk’s office with professionalism, organization, and grace.
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In 2025, Melissa embraced another exciting chapter by accepting a Deputy City Clerk position with the City of Carlsbad. She recognized this move as an important milestone in her professional growth. So when it came time to identify a mentor for her Certified Municipal Clerk journey, the decision was easy and immediate.
Despite her many responsibilities, Dawn graciously agreed to serve as Melissa’s mentor. For Melissa, this relationship represents far more than professional guidance; it reflects years of mutual respect, trust, and shared experience within the clerk profession.
Reflecting on the impact of mentorship, Melissa noted, “Dawn consistently provided the highest level of service to everyone who called her office or walked through the door, and as her staff, we modeled that same level of professionalism. I have carried this approach with me to the City of Carlsbad, where it has helped me build strong relationships with community members in the short time I have been here.”
From the mentor’s perspective, Dawn sees mentorship as a meaningful way to give back to a profession that has shaped her own career. Dawn shared, “To me professionally and personally, mentorship means giving back to a profession that has shaped my career by supporting, encouraging, and walking alongside another clerk— helping them navigate challenges, find their voice, and realize their potential, just as others once did for me.”
She also reflected on Melissa’s growth and leadership journey, adding, “From my perspective, Melissa has grown tremendously throughout her career and especially during our
mentor–mentee relationship. Her time working for me as Vallejo’s Public Records Act Coordinator was a pivotal period in that growth. In that role, she developed a strong understanding of transparency, accountability, and the importance of balancing legal requirements with responsive public service. She handled complex and often sensitive requests with professionalism, sound judgment, and increasing confidence. Over time, I watched her evolve from carefully seeking guidance to independently analyzing issues, offering thoughtful solutions, and trusting her instincts. She has grown into a leader who is calm under pressure, grounded in ethics, and confident in her voice—qualities that will continue to serve her well and positively impact the organizations and communities she supports.”
As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, this mentor–mentee partnership is a powerful reminder of why mentorship matters. It builds confidence, supports career growth, and helps prepare the next generation of municipal clerks to lead with integrity and heart. CMCA is deeply grateful to mentors like Dawn who generously share their time and expertise, and to mentees like Melissa who actively invest in their professional journey.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about the CMCA Mentor Program, we encourage you to get involved. These relationships do more than shape individual careers; they strengthen our profession, our community, and the future of municipal clerks across California.
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!
