CMCA JULY 2026 | VOLUME 28 ISSUE 7
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE: BECOME A CMCA TRAINER!
CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: KEY BILLS ENTER THE FINAL WEEKS OF THE 2026 SESSION
SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
CMCA JULY 2026
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 7
I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. I took the opportunity to spend the holiday with family. I don’t get to see them nearly
as often as I’d like, so I always try to make those trips last as long as possible. But it’s never quite long enough, is it?
During this visit, I made a conscious effort to connect with family and disconnect from work, though it can be difficult to truly unplug. Even when we’re away from the office, our minds have a way of drifting to everything waiting for us when we return.
I was glad for the disconnect and extended break before returning to one of the busiest times of the year. For me, that means diving headfirst into the nomination period. Across the state, many of us are preparing candidate packets, scheduling appointments, answering countless questions, and laying the groundwork for the November General Election. While the public often sees only the names that appear on the ballot, there’s a tremendous amount of work that happens long before voting begins.
This year, the holiday carried special significance as we marked the nation’s 250th anniversary. Celebrations looked different from one community to the next, but each celebrated two and a half centuries of enduring democracy. As municipal clerks, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping to write its next chapter. For many of us, that means ensuring the integrity of our elections. For all of us, it means
supporting transparent, accountable, and accessible public institutions that inspire trust in local government.
July marks the beginning of CMCA’s annual membership renewal period, and I encourage you to take full advantage of everything your membership has to offer. Beyond discounted registration for conferences and educational programs, the association provides members with valuable professional resources, legislative updates, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and a network of colleagues who understand the unique challenges of our profession. Your membership is an investment in both your career and the strength of our profession.
As you navigate the weeks ahead, remember that you are not doing this work alone. One of CMCA’s greatest strengths is the willingness of our members to share resources, answer questions, and support one another. Whatever you’re doing, whether it’s navigating a nomination period, preparing for important meetings, or tackling an unfamiliar challenge, don’t hesitate to lean on your fellow clerks.
Thank you for everything you do to serve your communities. I hope you find opportunities to pause, recharge, and appreciate the important role you play in your community.
July is a season of celebration. Across our profession and our communities, we gather with gratitude for independence, fresh momentum, and the spark that comes with summer fireworks and the Fourth of July. Mentorship is fortitude in action: steady support, intentional guidance, and a commitment to growth that shines brightly and holds up over time, like fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
Please join me in congratulating our newest Certified Municipal Clerks (CMCs)
CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERKS (CMCS)
Dana Sanchez Assistant City Clerk
Melanie Elvis Town Clerk
City of Modesto
Town of Paradise
Robyn Johnson Secretary of the District/ District Clerk West County Wastewater Disctrict
Tyshar Turner Deputy Director of City Clerk Services
MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERKS (MMCS)
City of Chula Vista
Kristian Duarte Deputy City Clerk City of Corona
Eva Arseo Assistant City Clerk City of Riverside
Crystal Mui City Clerk
Shayna Sharke City Clerk
City of San Carlos
City of Dana Point
Earning a designation is a major accomplishment, and it deserves to be celebrated. Whether you reached this milestone through months of preparation, years of persistence, or the encouragement of a mentor who helped keep you going, your achievement reflects the kind of fortitude our profession depends on.
MENTOR ASSIGNMENTS
This month, I was able to assign mentors to 11 mentees who attended Nuts & Bolts in June. That kind of timely connection makes a big difference, and it’s always encouraging to see new members take that first step into the program. As always, the goal is to create meaningful matches that help mentees feel supported, informed, and empowered as they continue on their CMC journey.
In addition, there are several members I am currently working to assign or reassign, and I want to make sure those matches are handled carefully and appropriately. My goal is always to place members in the best possible mentoring relationships while balancing the many responsibilities that come with serving as a City Clerk and Mentor Development Director.
CMCA JULY 2026
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 7
I am so excited to welcome Dina Lewis and Christina Rudsell, dedicated clerks who answered the call to become mentors and were trained in our New Mentor Training on July 15.
Your commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders within our Association is truly commendable, and your decision to embark on this journey is a testament to your passion for excellence and your dedication to the values of public service. As mentors, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our profession, and I have no doubt that your wisdom, guidance, and expertise will profoundly impact the lives and careers of those you mentor. Together, we will create a supportive and empowering community where knowledge is shared, connections are forged, and success is celebrated. Welcome, and thank you for your invaluable contribution to the California Municipal Clerks Association.
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, October 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
Summer is a natural time to invest in learning, reflect on the year so far, and prepare for the seasons ahead. Mentor training is a meaningful way to build a system of support that will endure well beyond one season. We will be scheduling our 2027 New Mentor Training Dates, so keep an eye out for those in the August edition.
MMC MENTOR PROGRAM
– SEEKING MMC MENTORS AND MENTEES!
We are excited to continue building the brand-new MMC Mentor Program. If you hold your MMC and are interested in becoming an MMC mentor, please complete your Mentor Profile today. A one-hour MMC Mentor Orientation will be scheduled to prepare mentors for pairing.
We are also accepting MMC mentees. If you have your CMC, are working toward your MMC, and would like a mentor to help guide you toward that next goal, please sign up by completing your Mentee Opt-in Form. This next chapter of mentorship is an important step in creating a program that is not only helpful today but also lasting into the future.
Summer has a way of reminding us to slow down just enough to appreciate the work we’ve done and the people helping us do it. Whether your days are filled with long meetings, nomination deadlines, family getaways, or a much-needed afternoon by the pool, this season offers a chance to recharge while staying connected to the colleagues who keep us grounded. Even in the middle of election season, there is value in pausing to recognize the progress already made and the support still carrying us forward. Stay cool, friends!
JEN WOODWORTH | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Each of you has knowledge and experience that can help someone else. CMCA is looking for members who are interested in being trainers and supporting professional development opportunities throughout the state. You do not need to be an “expert” or an experienced presenter. Your practical experience, lessons learned, and knowledge are invaluable to your peers.
Serving as a trainer is one way to give back to our profession while strengthening your own knowledge, confidence, and public-speaking skills. Trainers also earn points toward their CMC and MMC designations for both preparing and presenting for workshops.
MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN TOPICS SUCH AS:
• Minutes and Public Meeting Management
• Elections (Nomination process and initiatives, recalls, and referenda)
• Records management
• Recruiting for and managing Boards and Commissions
• Artificial Intelligence in the Clerk’s Office
• Change Management
• Time Management and Preventing Burnout
• Leadership and Career Advancement
• Orientation for Elected Officials
• Staying Neutral in Challenging Situations
• Legislative Advocacy Basics
This list is only a starting point, and new ideas are always welcome.
Training can be offered virtually, in person, or in both formats, depending on your availability and comfort level.
Your experience matters, and your perspective may be exactly what another clerk needs. Stop questioning whether you are ready. CMCA believes in you and is ready to support your next steps in your leadership journey.
To volunteer or learn more, contact Jen Woodworth, Professional Development Director, at pdd@calclerks.org
KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
The 2025–2026 legislative session is entering its final and most active weeks. When the Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess on August 3, fiscal bills must first clear their second-house Appropriations Committees by August 14. The final two weeks of the session will then be reserved for Floor action before the Legislature adjourns on August 31.
CMCA continues to track legislation that may affect municipal clerks. Members can follow the latest activity through CMCA’s live Bill Tracking spreadsheet and other resources available on the Legislative Hub
CMCA’s Legislative Committee and California Public Policy Group hosted a members-only legislative update on July 29.
The session focused on key measures affecting the profession, including:
• SB 1187, the SB 707 Brown Act follow-up bill
• AB 1821, addressing California Public Records Act response timelines
• SB 1164, which would enact the California Voting Rights Act of 2026
• Other positioned and closely watched legislation
Although the newsletter publication schedule did not allow time to include a recap of the session, CMCA will continue sharing significant legislative developments and resources with members as the session progresses.
CMCA is sponsoring AB 1821, which has undergone several revisions during the legislative process. At one point, the bill included provisions allowing fees related to certain commercial public records requests, but those provisions were later removed.
As currently written, AB 1821 would clarify that the California Public Records Act’s initial 10-day response period and optional 14-day extension are calculated in business days rather than calendar days.
CMCA supports SB 1187, which is being used as the legislative vehicle for follow-up changes related to SB 707 and the Brown Act.
As currently drafted, SB 1187 would remove several requirements established by SB 707, including requirements to translate agendas, maintain a translated webpage
with meeting information and participation instructions, and provide a posting board where members of the public may post their own translated agendas.
SB 1187 includes an urgency clause and, if approved by the Legislature, would take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. Depending on the timing of final legislative action, that could occur as early as August.
Unless and until SB 1187 is enacted, however, agencies must continue complying with all applicable SB 707 requirements. CMCA will continue monitoring the bill and providing updates as it moves through the legislative process.
SB 1164 would repeal and replace the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, significantly expanding the types of voting-rights claims that could be brought against local governments. Among other changes, the bill would allow challenges to district-based election systems, create new voter-suppression and vote-dilution claims, broaden standing, increase demand-letter reimbursement, and give courts expanded remedial authority.
• View CPPG’s Analysis of SB 1164 for additional information about its provisions and potential effects on local agencies.
Several important deadlines remain:
• August 3: Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess
• August 14: Last day for fiscal bills to pass second-house Appropriations Committees
• August 31: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills; end of the session
• September 30: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto legislation passed after August 1
The final weeks of the session often bring rapid amendments and significant changes. CMCA will continue keeping members informed through legislative updates, the live bill tracker, and resources available through the Legislative Hub.
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!
