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CMCA | California Clerks Connection | May 2026

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CMCA MAY 2026 | VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CMCA 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP – ANAHEIM

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW TREASURER

CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NEW SB 707 RESOURCES, MAY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, AND KEY BILLS MOVING FORWARD

BRINGING A LITTLE FUN TO CLERK’S WEEK IN BELMONT

CELEBRATING THE CENTER RING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK 2026

SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As I step into the role of CMCA President, I’ve been thinking less about the moment itself and more about the work ahead.

This Association has always been shaped by its members – the volunteers, mentors, teachers, and those who contribute in a multitude of ways that go unseen. It’s what keeps the work going, the knowledge moving forward, and allows the Association to endure.

Before looking too far ahead, I want to recognize a few individuals whose service has helped bring us to where we are today. Now Immediate Past President Ashton Arocho and outgoing Treasurer Ricca Charlon have each played important roles in guiding and supporting this Association. Their work has contributed to the stability we’re building on now, and I’m grateful for the time and care they’ve given to CMCA.

As I look to the year ahead, I keep coming back to one question: what does it mean to build something that lasts?

That’s what led to this year’s theme: Fortitude for Tomorrow: Building Systems that Endure. Not because it sounds good, but because it reflects the reality we’re all working in.

Working in the public sector hasn’t been simple lately; we’re navigating tighter budgets, limited resources, and increasing expectations. In that environment, it’s easy to focus on the now, but sustainability requires us to look forward, to look at the decisions we make over time, and how we structure our work, share knowledge, and support the people around us.

Those choices may seem small in the moment, but they are what determine how well our systems hold up over time.

For CMCA, that means being thoughtful about how we operate: continuing to strengthen the foundation built by previous Boards, looking closely at how we deliver value to our members, and ensuring the Association remains strong into the future.

Supporting the future of the Association means creating meaningful opportunities for participation. CMCA works because people choose to be part of it, whether attending conferences, serving on committees, mentoring colleagues, or stepping into leadership. That involvement carries knowledge forward, keeps the organization moving, and creates space for the next group of leaders to find their place.

Looking ahead, we are approaching a significant milestone. In 2027, CMCA will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, representing decades of work by clerks who built and sustained this Association long before any of us stepped into our roles.

As we begin planning, we want to make sure the celebration reflects the experiences and perspectives of our members. We will be looking for ways to gather input on how we honor our history, recognize contributions, and shape what comes next.

While the anniversary is a chance to celebrate where we have been, it’s an opportunity to look at where we are going.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working alongside all of you in the year ahead.

SUZANNE GUZZETTA

CMCA 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP – ANAHEIM

The 2026 Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA marked an exciting and historic milestone for CMCA. For the first time in over a decade, conference registration sold out, welcoming more than 350 attendees, including over 110 first-time participants.

Guided by this year’s theme, “EmpoWEr,” the conference served as a powerful and fitting culmination of a year focused on growth, connection, and impact—bringing members together to learn, celebrate, and look ahead to the future with renewed energy and purpose.

MONDAY – APRIL 27 – PRE-CONFERENCE EDUCATION

The conference kicked off—earlier than ever—on Monday, offering attendees the opportunity to participate in pre-conference programming through the Athenian Leadership Dialogue, “Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service.” This session fostered thoughtful, engaging, and intentional discussions among participants, setting the tone for an enriching week ahead.

TUESDAY – APRIL 28 – PRE-CONFERENCE EDUCATION

As in past years, Tuesday featured two impactful, high-value pre-conference sessions:

• The Advanced Academy, “Empowered Leadership in the Clerk’s Office: Authority Without Apology,” empowered attendees to explore strategies for building confidence and leading with authority.

• The Athenian Leadership Dialogue features “A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy who helped Win World War II,” offered a deep and intentional discussion that engaged participants in thoughtful dialogue.

ASHTON R. AROCHO

CMCA MAY 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

WEDNESDAY – APRIL 29 –

OPENING DAY HIGHLIGHTS

The first full day welcomed attendees with a First-Time Attendee Breakfast and exhibitor networking, setting the stage for an engaging start before launching into the Opening Ceremonies.

Special thanks to Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken for warmly welcoming attendees to the city. The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Anaheim Police Department, and Royce Napolitano of Edmonds, WA, delivered a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

A notable change this year was that the State of the Association was held earlier in April via Zoom, allowing all members the opportunity to participate. In its place, the President’s Distinction Awards were presented during the Opening Ceremonies, kicking off the conference with a celebratory tone.

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

MENTORSHIP

Martha Torres, City of La Puente

HUMANITARIAN

Genoveva Rocha, City of Vernon

ADMINISTRATION, ORGANIZATION & COMMUNICATIONS

Keri Johnson, City of Upland

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM

City Clerk’s Office, City of Pico Rivera

Congratulations again to all those who were recognized!

LEADERSHIP

Kelsey Pettijohn, City of Malibu

Following the awards, attendees were inspired by the keynote presentation, “Leadership Reinvented.”

In the afternoon, mentors and those who earned their CMC and MMC designations over the past year were recognized. Attendees then broke into concurrent sessions covering topics such as records destruction and collaboration in public service. The day continued with a powerful general session, “Facing the Hard Stuff: Conflict Skills that Protect Trust, Time, and People.”

CMCA AFTER DARK EVENT – POWERED BY NETFILE

This year, sponsor and annual partner Netfile hosted a special event inside Disneyland Park. Welcoming 250 conference attendees, the event gave guests the unique opportunity to enter the park and enjoy an exclusive gathering in Tomorrowland.

Thank you to Tom Diebert and the entire Netfile team for bringing this experience to life and creating such a memorable highlight for attendees.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

THURSDAY – APRIL 30 – LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, AND CELEBRATION

This year also introduced our inaugural Mentor Breakfast, creating a space for members to connect with experienced mentors, ask questions, share insights, and expand their professional networks. Special thanks to Director of Mentor Development, Candice Alvarez, for spearheading this meaningful and impactful initiative.

Thursday offered a dynamic mix of professional development and connection, with concurrent sessions covering practical leadership lessons, budget strategy, communication, and the evolving role of the municipal clerk. Attendees also gained valuable insights during a legislative update and spent the day connecting with peers and exhibitors.

During lunch, attendees enjoyed the Region IX Leadership remarks, hearing from outof-state presidents, Region IX Directors, the Institute Director, and the IIMC President.

During the afternoon break, outgoing President Arocho presented the 2026 Annual Partner of the Year Award to Bakers Man Production in recognition of their continued support and generosity.

The day culminated with the Awards and Board Installation Banquet, where outgoing President Arocho delivered an uplighting and heartfelt address reflecting on leadership, gratitude, and resilience. New Board members were sworn in for the 2026–2027 term, and newly installed President Suzanne Guzetta shared her vision for the year ahead. The evening also honored outstanding municipal clerks through the annual awards recognition, celebrating their dedication and excellence in service.

BANQUET AWARD RECIPIENTS

CLERK OF THE YEAR

Kerry Bigelow, City of Chula Vista

ASSISTANT CITY CLERK OF THE YEAR

Maria Dacanay, City of Santa Monica

DEPUTY CITY CLERK OF THE YEAR

Erika Ramirez, City of Temecula

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Posthumously

Mitzi Ortiz, City of Aliso Viejo

FRIDAY – MAY 1 – CLOSING WITH INTENTION

After a nourishing breakfast for attendees, the conference concluded with a focus on AI without burnout, focusing on ways that we can harness this new technology but still stay human-centered.

WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS

CMCA extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made this year’s conference possible. Your support strengthens our programs, empowers our members, and helps advance the profession of municipal Clerks throughout California.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

• Granicus

• National Demographics Corporation

• NetFile, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY SPONSORS

• Bakers Man Productions

• Cloud Driven Solutions, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS

• Best, Best & Krieger, LLP

• Electronic Filing Systems

• Complete Paperless Solutions

• Daida

• Govinity, Inc.

• Public Input

A special thank you to the CMCA Conference Committee and CMCA staff for all their help with planning the 2026 Annual Conference. We wouldn’t have been able to pull off a successful conference without their hard work and dedication.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Happiest Place on Earth! We hope you enjoyed the week as much as we did and we’ll see you next year!

THE HELPING HAND AWARD GOES TO… NETFILE!

This award was proudly presented to NetFile in recognition of their outstanding generosity, continued partnership, and unwavering support of CMCA throughout the years. Their commitment to giving back and investing in the municipal clerk community has made a lasting impact, helping CMCA further its mission and serve the membership with excellence. We are deeply grateful for NetFile’s dedication, kindness and enduring spirit of support.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Thai Nam Pham, MMC, CPMC, serves as the City Clerk for the City of Union City. He has extensive experience in legislative services, records management, public records compliance, agenda management, FPPC filings, and support for City Councils, boards, and commissions. He is especially passionate about municipal elections and the critical role City Clerks play in ensuring transparent, accessible, and well-administered election processes.

Since 2014, Thai has served in municipal clerk offices across California, including Union City, Gilroy, Emeryville, Cerritos, Rancho Cucamonga, and Westminster. His work has focused on modernizing clerk operations, strengthening transparency practices, improving agenda and records systems, supporting election administration, and promoting effective governance at the local level.

Thai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, and completed post-baccalaureate studies in Medicine through the University

of Southern California. He also holds the Master Municipal Clerk designation.

Thai served as the CMCA Athenian Dialogue Coordinator beginning late 2021 until his installation as 2nd Vice President, where he chaired the Athenian Leadership Dialogue Committee. He is committed to advancing the municipal clerk profession through innovation, practical training, mentorship, and continued professional development.

CMCA MAY 2026

THAI NAM PHAM

CMCA MAY 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE

May is the perfect time to look back on a truly magical conference season and celebrate the new energy it brought to our Mentor Program. From fresh spring blooms to the magic of Disneyland, this year’s Annual Conference gave us the chance to recognize new CMCs, new MMCs, and the mentors who help make this program so meaningful.

The CMCA Mentor Program continues to be one of the brightest parts of our profession. It is in the small moments, a word of encouragement, a shared tip, a helpful conversation, that confidence grows and professional magic happens. Like a little pixie dust at just the right moment, mentorship helps turn hard work into progress and progress into something worth celebrating.

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)

Lori Young Clerk of the Board Placer County Water Agency

Veronica Sepulveda District Secretary Contra Costa Water District

T'Ana Allen Deputy City Clerk Culver City

Annalisa Dominguez Deputy City Clerk City of Davis

Christina Benton Deputy City Clerk City of Twentynine Palms

On the subject of new CMCs and MMCs, we were so excited to celebrate those who earned their designation over the last year at Conference. Earning your designation is no small feat, and your dedication continues to inspire all of us. That kind of accomplishment deserves a celebration worthy of fireworks.

THANK YOU, MENTORS!

We also had the joy of recognizing our mentors at Conference, and what a gift that was. Your time, patience, and steady support help guide others forward, and your impact reaches far beyond the conference weekend. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making space for others to grow.

It takes a special kind of person to be a mentor, and CMCA is lucky to have so many who empower others with generosity, encouragement, and heart.

CANDICE ALVAREZ

FIRST MENTOR BREAKFAST

We also held our very first Mentor Breakfast at Conference, and it was a wonderful success. Our tables were full of great conversation, connection, and a true sense of community. Even the mentors who didn’t have mentees at their tables were able to connect with one another and share tips on how to be even better mentors.

It was a great reminder that mentorship is not just about one mentor and one mentee, but about learning from each other, supporting each other, and growing together. We hope to carry this new tradition forward in the years to come.

NEW MENTORS

We are also excited to share that we welcomed 7 new mentors in April! Please join me in welcoming and thanking Patricia Bravo-Valdez, Josie Camacho, Sunem Carballo, Laura Diaz, Rosa Govea Acosta, Karina Lafarga, and Audrey Malone. Your willingness to step forward and support others helps keep the Mentor Program growing stronger.

NEW MMC MENTOR PROGRAM – IT’S FINALLY HERE!

We have officially launched the brand-new MMC Mentor Program. If you hold your MMC and are interested in becoming an MMC mentor, please sign up by May 31, 2026. To sign up, complete your Mentor Profile today! A 1-hour MMC Mentor Orientation will be scheduled in June to get you prepared for pairing. We will begin accepting MMC mentees starting June 1, so if you have your CMC, are working towards your MMC, and would like a Mentor to help guide you towards your designation, check out the next issue of California Clerks Connection for details. We are THRILLED to open this next chapter of mentorship within CMCA.

Additionally, I couldn’t have launched this program without the help of our AMAZING MMC Mentor Program Subcommittee. Please join me in thanking Kami Noriega, Hope Ithurburn, Janet Martinez, Jeremy Bocchino, Jozi Plut, Leticia Revilla, Aracely Alegre, Bonnie Bush, Sylvia Bermudez, Tina Knapp, Kimberly Rodrigues, Mari Hernandez, Nikima Newsome, Sara Gonzalez, and Louis Ósémwegie. Your vision, dedication, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail shaped this program, and it couldn’t have been created without you, so THANK YOU!

UPCOMING NEW MENTOR TRAININGS

If you hold your CMC or MMC and are thinking about mentoring, we’d love to have you join one of our upcoming New Mentor Training sessions:

• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link

• Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link

If Conference inspired you to empower others, this is a wonderful next step. Like Tinker Bell sharing her pixie dust, your guidance helps others believe in what’s possible.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we move into May, I hope you carry the conference energy with you, along with the connections, encouragement, and inspiration that came with it. Reach out to your mentor or mentee, keep the conversation going, and continue building the kind of relationships that make our profession so strong.

Here’s to spring growth, conference memories, and a little magic carried forward all year long.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27

CMCA MAY 2026 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR NEW TREASURER

Hello California Municipal Clerks Association family,

I am truly honored and excited to introduce myself as your newly elected Treasurer. Serving this organization means so much to me—not only because of the important work we do, but because of the incredible community of professionals who make CMCA feel like home.

With more than two decades of government service at the state and local levels, I currently serve as Chief City Clerk for the City of South Pasadena, and my journey in the clerk profession spans more than 15 years across Ohio, New Jersey, and California. Before joining South Pasadena, I had the privilege of serving the City of Santa Monica in several roles, including Assistant City Clerk, Interim City Clerk, and City Clerk/Director of Records and Election Services. Each experience has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to this profession we all share.

Like many of you, I didn’t always know this path would become my passion—but it didn’t take long for me to realize the impact we have in our communities. From supporting elections and preserving the public record to ensuring transparency and access, the work we do matters every single day.

CMCA has played an important role in my professional journey. Through mentorship, education, and connection, this organization has helped me grow—and it’s why I am so passionate about giving back. I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Fundraising, Athenian Dialogue and Membership & Inclusivity Committees, and I remain deeply committed to supporting and uplifting both new and seasoned Clerks.

At the heart of my leadership style is a commitment to empathy and service. I strive to lead by listening first, understanding different perspectives, and supporting others in a way that helps them thrive. I believe strongly in servant leadership—showing up with humility, prioritizing the needs of others, and working collaboratively to build something greater than ourselves.

As Treasurer, I look forward to serving with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility. I am committed to being a thoughtful steward of our resources while supporting the continued growth and success of our association.

Most importantly, I look forward to connecting with all of you. Whether at conferences, trainings, or along the way in this journey, I hope to build meaningful relationships and continue strengthening the community that makes CMCA so special.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Warmly,

NIKIMA NEWSOME

CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NEW SB 707 RESOURCES, MAY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, AND KEY BILLS MOVING FORWARD

KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

The 2026 legislative session continues to move quickly, and CMCA remains actively engaged in tracking legislation that may affect municipal clerks, elections officials, filing officers, records programs, and local meeting administration.

April was an especially active month at the Legislature, with packed committee agendas, steady amendments, and nearly 1,800 bills moving through the process. April 24 marked the deadline for fiscal bills to be heard in policy committees. Those bills are now moving through the Appropriations process, including the Suspense File, before the May 29 deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin.

NEW SB 707 MEMBER RESOURCES PAGE NOW AVAILABLE

CMCA has launched a new SB 707 Member Resources page to support members as agencies continue preparing for implementation. (CMCA member login required.)

New resources include:

• Template Resolution Adopting a Technology Disruption Policy

• Template Resolution Addressing Reasonable Efforts for Outreach

• Expanded peer-shared examples, including:

o Public Posting Board Policy from City of Saratoga

o Technology Disruption Policy from City of Sunnyvale

o Council Presentation from City of Chula Vista

o 2026 CMCA Conference Presentation on SB 707 implementation issues

CMCA appreciates the clerks and agencies who have shared materials to help support the profession as we work through these new requirements together.

CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Watch the recorded legislative update on the Legislative Hub page: Legislative Updates.

CMCA BILL TRACKING SPREADSHEET

Members can also follow the latest activity through CMCA’s live Bill Tracking spreadsheet, available on the Legislative Hub

The tracker includes CMCA’s positioned and watched bills and is updated as legislation moves through the process.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27

KERRY BIGELOW

AB 1821 SUPPORT LETTER TEMPLATE AVAILABLE

A new template letter in support of Assembly Bill 1821 (Pacheco) – California Public Records Act: Agency Response Time is now available on CMCA’s Legislative Hub

Members who are interested in submitting a support letter should work with their agency leadership and follow their agency’s process before submitting any bill positions. The template is available as a resource for agencies that choose to engage on the bill.

KEY BILLS AND ISSUES FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS

CMCA is currently positioned on or monitoring several bills with potential impacts on local agency operations. The following are some of the key measures moving through the Legislature.

AB 1821 (Pacheco) – California Public Records Act: Agency Response Time

CMCA is sponsoring AB 1821, which would update agency response timelines under the California Public Records Act. The current version of the bill reflects CMCA’s request to clarify that the 10- and 14-day response periods are calculated in business days rather than calendar days.

SB 1159 (Cabaldon) – Artificial Intelligence: Transparency and Governance

CMCA supports SB 1159, which would help clarify that terms such as “person,” “participant,” and similar references in various laws do not include artificial intelligence systems or other nonhuman entities. This bill remains important as agencies continue evaluating the operational and legal implications of artificial intelligence.

SB 1187 (Durazo) – Open Meetings: Majority

SB 1187 remains a bill to watch because of its potential relationship to SB 707 and open meeting procedures. While the current version does not yet include substantive changes, CMCA is continuing to monitor the measure closely.

AB 1578 (Jackson) – State and Local Officials: Sexual Harassment Training and Education: Anti-Hate Speech Training

CMCA is currently neutral on AB 1578. CMCA previously provided feedback requesting that the bill maintain the current training time and remain operationally workable for local agencies.

AB 1789 (Boerner) – Political Reform Act: Candidate Trainings and Campaign Reports

CMCA is watching AB 1789 for potential impacts on local filing officers, candidates, and campaign reporting processes.

SB 1360 (Cervantes) – Elections: Translation of Election Materials

CMCA is watching SB 1360 for potential effects on elections administration and language access requirements.

CMCA is also monitoring additional measures related to voter registration information, statewide referendum fiscal impact statements, and Political Reform Act filing deadlines during emergency situations.

2026 ELECTIONS UPDATE

Several statewide measures have already qualified for the November 2026 ballot, including measures placed on the ballot by the Legislature and measures qualified through the signature-gathering process. Of particular interest to local agencies, a measure sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has qualified for the November 2026 ballot and could affect local tax authority and local government revenues if approved by voters.

A separate measure has also qualified that would establish additional voter identification and citizenship verification requirements. If approved, it would require voters to present a government-issued ID to vote.

LOOKING AHEAD

Several important legislative deadlines are coming up quickly:

MID-MAY

Governor releases the May Revision of the state budget

MAY 29

Last day for bills to pass out of their house of origin

JUNE 15

Legislature must pass the primary budget bill

JUNE 30

Governor must sign the primary budget bill

JULY 2

Summer Recess begins upon adjournment

AUGUST 3

Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess

AUGUST 31

Last day for the Legislature to pass bills

SEPTEMBER 30

Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills

As the session continues, CMCA will keep members informed through legislative updates, the live bill tracker, and resources available through the Legislative Hub

Members are encouraged to continue checking the SB 707 Member Resources page as new implementation materials are added.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

BRINGING A LITTLE FUN TO CLERK’S WEEK IN BELMONT

Belmont’s Clerk’s Office marked International Clerk’s Week with a lighthearted celebration that brought a little extra joy to City Hall. While the profession is often known for agendas, deadlines, records, and regulations, the week was a reminder that clerks also know how to build connection, creativity, and community in the workplace.

Throughout the week, the office embraced a festive mix of May themes — including a touch of May the 4th, Cinco de Mayo, and traditional May Day spirit. The office was decorated for the occasion, staff joined in with themed outfits, and departments stopped by throughout the week to celebrate with us.

The festivities included Star Wars-inspired

treats for May the 4th, traditional Mexican sweet bread for Cinco de Mayo, fresh fruit and snacks shared around the office, and plenty of laughter along the way. One of our Administrative Professionals from Public Works even surprised the office with homemade lemon bars that quickly became the talk of City Hall — and nearly caused a line out the door.

In one of the week’s more memorable moments, we even placed our Disney-style caricatures in the Council Chambers “to see what it feels like” sitting at the dais. Safe to say, they looked very official.

More than anything, the week was an opportunity to celebrate the dedicated work of clerks while creating moments of connection across departments. Public service can be demanding, and taking time to laugh together, share treats, and appreciate one another helped make the week especially meaningful.

International Clerk’s Week may celebrate the profession, but in Belmont it also celebrated the people behind the work.

JOZI PLUT

CELEBRATING THE CENTER RING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK 2026

Each year, Professional Municipal Clerks Week provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role Municipal Clerks play in supporting transparent, efficient, and ethical local government. This year, the City of South Pasadena proudly celebrated the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week with a vibrant circus-themed celebration: “The City Clerk Circus: Mastering the Rings of Public Service.” The week was designed not only to celebrate the profession, but to shine a bright spotlight on the important and often behind-the-scenes work performed by the City Clerk’s Office.

To commemorate the week, the City Clerk’s Office hosted a variety of themed activities and employee engagement opportunities designed to celebrate public service while bringing a sense of fun and appreciation to City Hall. Activities included an interactive quiz, themed treats and snacks, social media spotlights recognizing the important work performed behind the scenes each day, and a festive Cinco de Mayo “taco truck” potluck celebration that brought staff together for food, fellowship, and camaraderie. Circus-inspired décor, graphics, and messaging added a creative and engaging touch while reinforcing an important message: although the work of Municipal Clerks may sometimes feel like juggling under the Big Top, it is rooted in professionalism, precision, integrity, and service. The week culminated with the Mayor and City Council proudly presenting a proclamation declaring Professional Municipal Clerks Week in the City of South Pasadena.

To all Municipal Clerks across California and beyond: thank you for your service, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to public trust. The work we do truly keeps the center ring of local government running.

CMCA MAY 2026

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5

NIKIMA NEWSOME

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!

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