CMCA MARCH 2026 | VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
HONORED GUESTS
2026 STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION: OUR MEMBERSHIP, OUR MISSION, OUR MOMENTUM
CMCA WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
FUNDRAISING & SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
“WELCOME TO THE CMCA DRAFT”
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC | PRESIDENT
R. AROCHO
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
Over the past year, I have had the distinct honor of representing our state at several professional conferences across the country. From the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Annual Conference to gatherings hosted by the Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR) and the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks (AAMC), each opportunity has reinforced the strength, innovation, and leadership within our profession. It has been a privilege to share the accomplishments of our members, exchange ideas with colleagues from across the country, and bring back valuable insights to benefit our Association.
I am especially looking forward to attending the Washington Municipal Clerks Association Annual Conference (WMCA), which marks the final stop on this year’s Presidential Tour. Conferences provide more than education — they offer connection and the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments with our colleagues. The friendships forged this past year will be lifelong, and I am so grateful for those I have met along the way. I also look forward to welcoming those I’ve had the privilege of visiting in their home states as they travel to California for our own conference next month — truly a full-circle moment.
As I reflect on this year, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as a Board. One of our most significant achievements has been the comprehensive review and update of our Association’s bylaws. This important work ensures that our governing documents reflect current practices, strengthen organizational clarity, and position us for long-term sustainability and success. Updating the bylaws required thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to transparency and sound governance — values that mirror the very work we do in our own agencies each day.
In addition to this foundational effort, the Board has remained focused on enhancing member engagement, expanding professional development opportunities, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and teamwork of your elected leadership and committee volunteers who generously give their time and expertise.
As our agencies begin to move into the busy months ahead — from budget preparation to election readiness — let us continue to support one another, share knowledge generously, and lead with integrity and purpose. Together, we strengthen not only our profession but also the communities we proudly serve.
Thank you for your commitment, resilience, and service to the municipal clerk profession. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming CMCA Annual Conference as I conclude my memorable year as your President.
With appreciation,
Ashton R. Arocho, MMC CMCA President
We are pleased to introduce a new feature in this month’s newsletter highlighting our honored guests–distinguished colleagues and leaders who will be joining us for the upcoming CMCA Annual Conference. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication to the municipal clerk profession, and we are excited to welcome them, learn from them, and celebrate the broader community that connects us all.
2026 AAMC PRESIDENT
Greetings from Alaska!
My name is Kim Lane, and I serve as the Borough Clerk for the City and Borough of Wrangell in beautiful Southeast Alaska. I am also the 2026 President of AAMC (Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks). I have been in the municipal clerk profession for 15 years, starting in Ketchikan, Alaska, and landing here in Wrangell, where I have been the Borough Clerk for 14 years.
I am thrilled to be joining you for your upcoming conference at the Disneyland Hotel. I am especially excited to connect and network with you because, for me, that’s where the magic truly begins.
My theme for 2026 is Clerk with Purpose. I believe deeply that the work we do for our municipalities carries real value and meaning. Over the years, I have experienced the full range of challenges and successes, along with countless opportunities to learn and grow. Each year has been a reminder of just how impactful our roles can be.
On a more personal note, I am the proud mom of three daughters and a very happy grandma to five grandchildren, all of whom live here in Wrangell. Having my family close is something I treasure.
I also share my home with five dogs: three Golden Retrievers, one mini-Aussie, and one lovable mix of just about everything. Cue the pic below of me and the three Goldens… it’s impossible to get them all together for a “family” picture!
Before calling Alaska home, I lived in the Bay Area for more than 21 years and made the move north in 2003. While I was not born in California, it will always feel like the place where I grew up and shaped much of who I am today.
I can’t wait to meet you, share experiences, and celebrate the important work we do together.
2025-2026
Greetings from your immediate neighbor to the north, Oregon! My name is Scott Stauffer, and I am the current OAMR president – and I am about to begin my 13th year at the City of Milwaukie (the one south of Portland not in the Midwest, but yes, we are named after that one in the Midwest). I have been at Milwaukie for nearly thirteen years, the last ten as city recorder. I am also the director of administrative services, and I supervise the city hall front desk team and the municipal court. I am originally from Oregon, having grown up in Portland – I went to college in Tacoma, Washington (Go Lutes! #PLU) and earned a master’s degree in public policy from Oregon State University (Go Beavs! #OSU). I am married to my third-grade sweetheart (going on 21 years this year) and we have two boys who keep us very busy. It is a true privilege to attend the CMCA conference this year, not only as a chance to meet you and learn about how to do our work better, but because… well, my family has a small obsession with the Land of Disney. I didn’t know CMCA’s conference would be in Disneyland the year I would be president, but boy that couldn’t have worked out better. Hopefully, my family will get to join me in one of their favorite places! See you in Anaheim!
Scott Stauffer, MMC
City of Milwaukie, Oregon
2025-2026 President, Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders (OAMR)
PERI GALLUCCI
2026-2027
WMCA
PRESIDENT
Hi everyone! My name is Peri Gallucci, and I live in Chelan, Washington, at the east end of beautiful Lake Chelan. Fun fact: our lake is the third deepest in the United States—right behind Lake Tahoe! Along with the lake, we’re surrounded by mountains, which means endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Our year-round population is about 4,900, but it grows to around 10,000 in the summer and can jump to nearly 20,000 on busy holiday weekends.
I have a dog named Riley. Her breed? “Rescued & Spoiled Rotten.” She is my world. In my free time, I love going for walks with her, backcountry hiking, reading (I recently joined my very first book club!), doing puzzles, and I’m even trying to learn how to play the guitar. I also like hanging out with my friends and family and am not opposed to a day every now and then to binge watch a British crime show…
I’m really looking forward to attending the CMCA conference and can’t wait to meet all of you!
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC
IIMC REGION IX DIRECTOR
Greetings, CMCA!
While many of you may already know me, I’m one of your IIMC Region IX representatives, and it has been an honor to serve in this role since 2024. Prior to that, I had the privilege of serving as President of CMCA from 2022 to 2024.
Other than my work with IIMC and CMCA, my day job is with the City of Eastvale, where I serve as the Government Services Director and City Clerk. I have the privilege of leading a phenomenal team that elevates Eastvale each and every day.
Outside of work, I’m fueled by a steady supply of Diet Coke, a lifelong love of Disney, and an ongoing commitment to cheering (sometimes loudly) for my favorite hockey team. Most importantly, I value time with my family and friends, which keeps everything in perspective and reminds me why public service matters in the first place.
I’m proud to be part of CMCA and grateful to work alongside colleagues who make this profession not just a career, but a community. I’m looking forward to attending the 2026 CMCA Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel and can’t wait to see you all there!
SHAWN CAMPBELL, MMC
IIMC REGION IX DIRECTOR
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a house run by dogs, I’m happy to report: I know firsthand. My wonderful husband, Blaine, and I share our home with Charley, our dignified standard poodle who believes he is royalty, and George, our Lagotto Romagnolo who believes he is… well, in charge of everything. Between the two of them, we mostly just pay the mortgage and provide snacks.
I’m also the proud mom of two adult daughters, Kailey and Sydney. They live about an hour away— close enough for brunch, far enough that I no longer find mysterious laundry baskets appearing in my hallway. Truly, the dream.
This year has been full of travel, which is one of my favorite things. I wandered through Georgia and South Carolina, enjoyed the comfort of Oregon, and visited California during one of those “this never happens here” rainstorms that locals insist are extremely rare… as they stand knee deep in puddles. And then there was Alaska—where the temperatures were so cold my eyelashes froze, but the northern lights were so stunning I briefly forgot I couldn’t feel my face.
Whether I’m traveling, laughing with Blaine and the girls, or being herded around by Charley and George, life stays full, funny, and wonderfully unpredictable.
Shawn Campbell, MMC
IIMC Region IX Director, City Clerk | City of Auburn, WA
CMCA MARCH 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3
In past years, the CMCA President has delivered the State of the Association address during the Annual Conference Opening Ceremonies. While this tradition has been well received, attendance data shows that we are only reaching about one-fourth of our membership, as not all members are able to attend conference each year.
In the spirit of inclusion, transparency, and our 2026–2027 theme of Empower, we are excited to introduce a new format.
This year, the State of the Association will be hosted as a one-hour virtual “Lunch & Learn” on Thursday, April 16, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., providing greater access and the opportunity for our full membership to participate.
During this virtual Lunch & Learn, the President will share how CMCA continues to focus on leadership and strategic priorities, including:
• Membership retention and growth
• Financial stability and the Association’s fiscal outlook
• Education and certification milestones
• Legislative advocacy efforts and impact
This format allows us to broaden our reach, strengthen connection, and ensure every member has access to important Association updates — no travel required.
Reserve your spot today: Meeting Registration - Zoom
We hope you will join us as we reflect, look ahead, and continue building a strong and empowered CMCA together.
The CMCA Board of Directors is pleased to share a recent leadership update within the Association.
Following the transition in the role of Director of Professional Development, a vacancy was created for the position of Director of Member Services. An application process was opened to the full membership and closed on March 5.
In accordance with the Association’s Bylaws, President Ashton Arocho has appointed Dominique Davis, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager & Public Affairs Officer for the City of Seaside, to serve as Director of Member Services for the remainder of the current term, ending in April 2027. The appointment was unanimously approved by the Board through an e-vote and will be formally ratified at the March Board meeting.
Dominique brings a passion for supporting initiatives that strengthen member engagement, expand access to professional development, and empower municipal clerks across California through connection, collaboration, and shared learning.
Please join us in welcoming Dominique to the CMCA Board of Directors in her new role as we continue working together to Empower Clerks throughout California.
SYLVIA M. BERMUDEZ, MPA, MMC | DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARSHIPS
With the highly anticipated CMCA Annual Conference approaching, we’re pleased to announce a variety of fundraising events designed to support our scholarship funds and offer memorable experiences for everyone. Taking place in sunny Anaheim from April 29 to May 1, this year’s conference features an outstanding educational program, plenty of opportunities for engagement, and unforgettable moments.
The Silent Auction promises to be a conference highlight, offering attendees the chance to bid on a diverse selection of items generously provided by our Clerks and sponsors. Throughout the event, participants can place their bids, creating excitement and friendly competition.
Donate a bottle of your favorite wine, vodka, tequila, or other favorite spirit! This fun and interactive fundraising event invites all conference attendees to contribute a bottle, which will then be included in our Wine & Spirits Pull. During the event, participants can purchase a ticket for the chance to select a mystery bottle to take home. Each ticket guarantees a bottle, but the specific item you take home will be a surprise, adding excitement and anticipation to the experience.
All proceeds from the Silent Auction and Wine & Spirits Pull directly benefit CCAC’s scholarship funds, helping us support members in their pursuit of professional development and certification.
Please remember to bring your donation to the registration area upon arrival. Your generous contribution helps make this event possible and ensures we can continue supporting our Clerk community.
For more details, visit our conference page or contact me at scholarship@calclerks.org
CMCA MARCH 2026
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3
HOLLISTER HOSTS SPRING NUTS & BOLTS
On February 5-6, the City of Hollister hosted the Central Nuts & Bolts. In honor of the Super Bowl being held in nearby Santa Clara, we welcomed attendees to the CMCA Draft. Head Coaches Britt Avrit and Jen Woodworth facilitated the training and coached attendees through the ins and outs of the clerk world to increase their skills and abilities – be it carrying the agenda packet over the goal line or how to navigate the neutral zone during the election season.
Coaches welcomed almost thirty members of clerk staff from cities and special districts to learn about the essentials of the clerk profession and our many duties and responsibilities. In addition to the different types of agencies in attendance, there was a broad spectrum of positions represented, including administrative assistants, management analysts, and city and board clerks of all levels.
Trainers covered everything from how to properly notice an adjourned meeting and provide support to your appointed and elected officials to how to address some of the new changes to the Brown Act under SB707. The Nuts & Bolts curriculum is based on the Municipal Clerk Handbook, so it was also an opportunity to talk about some of those lesser-known responsibilities,
such as annexations and street vacations.
Offensive Coordinator Mark Numainville, Berkeley City Clerk, covered all things elections, including keeping everyone on their toes as they determined which ballot designations can be allowed. Defensive Coordinators Marian Slocum and Trisha Ortiz with Richards, Watson & Gershon dove deep into the Brown Act and Public Records Act to help participants understand the best practices and procedures to support transparency and public access to local government. Finally, Special Teams Coach Bruce Meier with Records Control Services served as the workshop’s armchair quarterback and guided us through the ins and outs of records management.
Attendees enjoyed the great food the venue had to offer and getting to know others in the profession. Many were also excited to take what they had learned and back to their home teams to put their knowledge into practice.
The next opportunity to attend Nuts & Bolts will be June 4-5, 2026 in Brea. Keep an eye out for the registration on the CMCA website to open in early April: https:// www.calclerks.org/page/nuts-bolts.
CMCA MARCH 2026
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3
BY CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC | MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
March is a month that reminds us to celebrate good fortune; the luck we make, the luck we share, and the luck that often arrives disguised as hard work and connection. As we look ahead to spring and the upcoming CMCA Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel, I can’t help but think that mentorship is a little like finding your own pot of gold: priceless, empowering, and full of heart.
The CMCA Mentor Program continues to shine as one of the best sources of support and encouragement in our profession. Mentorship isn’t just about gaining experience points or checking boxes. It’s about those moments of inspiration that happen when someone says, “You’ve got this.” It’s that spark of confidence you feel when a trusted colleague helps you navigate a presentation, an agenda deadline, or a tricky election question.
Like a bit of Disney magic, mentorship turns ordinary days into extraordinary ones. The right mentor or mentee pairing can make you feel like the stars have aligned, pure “luck of the clerks.” And maybe, just maybe, it’s not luck at all. It’s empowerment in action: professionals lifting each other up, discovering strengths, and growing with courage and curiosity.
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)
Josie Camacho City Clerk City of Wheatland
Karina Lafarga Deputy City Clerk City of Chuka Vista
Earning your designation is something to celebrate louder than a parade down Main Street, U.S.A.! Your dedication and determination continue to inspire us all.
ANNUAL MENTOR UPDATES
Thank you to all mentors who submitted their Annual Mentor Updates by the February 27 deadline! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing responses and updating the active mentor roster.
For mentors who shared that they are unable to continue mentoring at this time, I will be reaching out to their assigned mentees directly to ensure they remain supported and, if desired, paired with a new mentor.
Mentors who did not respond prior to the deadline will be temporarily marked as inactive until their update is received. This helps keep our roster accurate and ready to ensure mentees are always matched with mentors who are available and engaged. Your responsiveness and commitment keep the Mentor Program strong, and that is no small bit of magic!
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
Mentorship is, after all, one of the most empowering gifts we can give one another—a little like Tinker Bell sharing her pixie dust. It helps others learn to fly.
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, may the road rise to meet you and your inbox be kind! Remember that mentorship, like magic, is meant to be shared. Reach out to your mentor or mentee this month, celebrate your progress, and set a new goal together. Whether your journey takes you down Main Street or across the rainbow, may you be reminded that the real treasure lies in the empowerment we give and receive when we lift each other up.
Here’s to good luck, great colleagues, and continuing to create the magic…together.
CMCA MARCH 2026
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3
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!
