CMCA OCTOBER 2026
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V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE
SPOOKTACULAR NUTS & BOLTS WORKSHOP: BREWING CLERK SKILLS IN BREA
TALES FROM THE CLERK’S CRYPT
CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NEW LAWS AND THE YEAR AHEAD BEYOND THE OATH: SETTING ELECTED OFFICIALS UP FOR SUCCESS
CLERKS TAKE FLIGHT WITH RECORDS MANAGEMENT TRAINING PARTNER HIGHLIGHT – CPS, COMPLETE PAPERLESS SOLUTIONS SHOP CMCA’S MERCH STORES!
MORGAN HILL CITY CLERK SHARES LEADERSHIP LESSONS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
P resident ’ s M essage
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
SUZANNE GUZZETTA, MMC | CMCA PRESIDENT
SUZANNE GUZZET TA
Recently, one of our IIMC Region IX colleagues, a fellow state association president, texted me, “you’re always working.”
Last month, I attended the Oregon Association of Municipal Recorders Annual Conference at the Chinook Winds Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon. Despite the fact that my parents have lived in Oregon for nearly twenty years, not once have I managed to make it to the Oregon Coast. Attending this conference was my first chance to visit, and let me tell you, I’m already making plans to go back. As president of CMCA, I have the opportunity to visit each of the other states in Region IX for their annual conferences. Oregon was my first conference outside of California and I had a blast.
My first instinct was to laugh about it, but the reality is: she isn’t wrong. Recently, it’s felt like I couldn’t put the work down. Whether I’m at a conference or even on vacation with my husband (with whom I just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary!!), it’s been hard to disconnect.
I traveled up to Oregon early to see my parents before driving out to the coast. Then I was in Lincoln City for the better part of the week and somehow managed to hole up in my room for a whole day working. Don’t get me wrong, the view of the ocean from my room was spectacular, but who wants to stare at a computer screen when you can be out exploring the Oregon Coast?
It isn’t that I want to work all the time, it’s more that I have a hard time putting things aside when I know how much more there is to do.
The next day, I was prepared to do more of the same, but my Region IX colleagues cajoled me out of the room and off to Newport to do some exploring. Joining us was IIMC President Lee Frazier. Before this trip, I’d never exchanged more than a few words with Lee, so it was wonderful to get to know him. As it turns out, he’s a lot of fun to be around and definitely knows how to enjoy his downtime! I’ll confess, at first, I was uncomfortable abandoning my laptop for a day of exploring. I kept thinking about everything I could get done back at the hotel. But spending the afternoon with Lee and our Region IX colleagues was exactly what I needed, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. And looking back, I can guarantee you I’ll remember that afternoon in Newport long after I’ve forgotten whatever I was working on that day.
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P resident ’ s M essage
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
And while I loved exploring the Oregon Coast, I enjoyed getting to know our Oregon colleagues. It was fun to see how another state association does things, spend time with outgoing OAMR President Scott Stauffer (and his everpresent bowties!), and welcome newly sworn-in President, Claudia Cisneros.
I know I’m not the only one who struggles to put work aside. As municipal clerks, we’re so often faced with making do with less. We take pride in being one man shows, and that makes it difficult to stop and smell the roses. Now I won’t pretend my time in Oregon has relieved me of my inability to disconnect. But it did give me the opportunity to think long and hard about how often I let the things I think need to get done immediately get in the way of the things I’ll remember in the long run.
As I look back on my time in Oregon, I realize that some of my favorite memories had very little to do with the conference sessions or my time holed up in my hotel room (obviously). The best memories were of getting out, exploring, talking, laughing, and the moments when I finally allowed myself to stop thinking about work and just enjoy being there.
The work will always be there, but the opportunities to make memories won’t. So, the next time you see me at a conference glued to my laptop, feel free to remind me to close it and go enjoy myself. I clearly need the encouragement!
Which brings me back to that text message that started this whole reflection.
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S pooktacular N uts & B olts W orkshop : B rewing C lerk S kills in B rea
SPOOKTACULAR NUTS & BOLTS WORKSHOP: BREWING CLERK SKILLS IN BREA MEGAN WIEGELMAN, CMC | SOUTHERN NUTS & BOLTS FACILITATOR
MEGAN WIEGELMAN
The City of Brea welcomed over 40 attendees on October 8 and 9, 2026, for the fall Nuts & Bolts Training, an introductory, two day educational workshop designed for new and aspiring municipal clerks. Participants represented a diverse cross section of public agencies, including charter and general law cities, counties, and special districts. A broad range of professional roles were also present, from City Clerks and Deputy Clerks to Administrative Analysts, Assistant City Managers, and other administrative professionals.
The workshop featured an engaging lineup of sessions covering The Basics, Elections, Political Reform Act and FPPC requirements, Campaign Filing Duties, Brown Act, Public Records Act, Records Management, Professional Advancement and Mentoring, and additional core responsibilities of the municipal clerk. Trainers from across the state provided practical guidance and tools to help participants build a strong foundation in legislative processes, public transparency, compliance, and records administration. Thank you to the hosting agency for supporting this important training opportunity. For information on upcoming programs or to inquire about hosting a future session, visit www.calclerks.org/events/event_list.asp or email pdd@calclerks.org.
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CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
C M C A L egislative U pdate : N ew L aws and the Y ear A head
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
CMCA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: NEW LAWS AND THE YEAR AHEAD KERRY BIGELOW, MMC | LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR With the Governor’s September 30 deadline behind us, the 2025–2026 legislative session is complete. Two measures closely watched by municipal clerks, AB 1821 and SB 1164, have been signed into law, bringing changes to public records response timelines and election administration. K E Y L E G I S L AT I V E A N D R E G U L AT O RY U P DAT E S
AB 1821 – Public Records Act Response Timelines: Governor Newsom signed AB 1821 on September KERRY BIGELOW 30, delivering a highly anticipated change for municipalities. Effective January 1, 2027, the law changes the initial determination period from 10 calendar days to 10 business days and the allowable extension for unusual circumstances from 14 calendar days to 14 business days. These periods govern the agency’s determination regarding disclosure; agencies must continue making disclosable records promptly available. The final law is focused on response timelines and does not include the requestsubmission restrictions or cost-recovery provisions considered in earlier versions. CMCA supported the measure and provided technical input informed by clerks’ experience administering the Public Records Act. Thank you to the members who shared their experience and supported the association’s advocacy efforts. Agencies should review their procedures, response templates, and tracking systems in preparation for the change. SB 1164 – California Voting Rights Act: Signed on September 19 and effective January 1, 2027, SB 1164 expands the California Voting Rights Act to address voter suppression and vote dilution across a broader range of election policies and methods. The final law also revises notice and remedy procedures and adds requirements affecting changes to election methods, including public hearings, outreach, and implementation plans. Significant late-session amendments addressed many concerns raised by local agencies, including issues involving safe harbors, compliance timelines, attorney’s fees, standing, and certain district-based election systems. CMCA did not take a position on the measure but continued monitoring its potential impacts. Clerks should coordinate with their agency’s legal counsel to evaluate the final law and its implications for local election administration. LO O K I N G A H E A D
CMCA’s Legislative Committee is turning its attention to the 2027 session and the association’s legislative priorities. On October 1, we held a legislative input session to hear from members about CMCA’s legislative platform and areas of focus for the coming year. Thank you to everyone who participated in CMCA’s legislative programs, responded to requests for input, and helped strengthen the municipal clerk voice throughout the year.
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B eyond the O ath : S etting E lected O fficials U p for S uccess
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
BEYOND THE OATH: SETTING ELECTED OFFICIALS UP FOR SUCCESS JENNIFER WOODWORTH, MMC | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR For municipal clerks, Election Day is often the beginning of an entirely new phase of work. Administering the oath may JENNIFER WOODWORTH officially begin an elected official’s term, but helping them understand their role, responsibilities, and the organization they now serve is where successful onboarding truly begins.
Through their framework of “Prepare, Orient, Connect, Participate, and Sustain,” Merry and Kristen explained that onboarding should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a single meeting. Clerks can prepare for an elected official’s first days and weeks by taking steps such as creating a unified messaging strategy and appointing departmental points of contact for onboarding. As elected officials progress through the orientation process and begin building connections with staff members, officials from other agencies, and fellow elected officials, clerks continue to be a primary source of information for many.
Earlier this month, Mountain View Deputy City Clerk Merry Monlux and Campbell Deputy City Clerk Kristen Epolite charted a path for onboarding newly elected officials. From Election Day through the first 90 days of a term, municipal clerks play a vital role in orienting officials to the legislative, administrative, and practical aspects of their new position.
Once elected officials begin participating in public meetings and engaging in the work of setting policy, it is best to check in with them to answer new questions they may not have previously considered. Those later check-ins can help clerks identify where elected officials may need additional guidance and connect their orientation to the situations they
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B eyond the O ath : S etting E lected O fficials U p for S uccess
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
Many thanks to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Clerk Maria Soria and Deputy District Clerks Nelia Lopez and Shaylynn Nelson for their work preparing for and hosting the educational workshop! Check www.calclerks.org/events/ event_list.asp for upcoming trainings, and reach out to Professional Development Director Jen Woodworth at pdd@ calclerks.org if you are interested in hosting a future training. Host agencies receive two complimentary registrations, and hosts may also be eligible for CMC/MMC points.
are encountering in their new roles. Finally, as orientation becomes ongoing support, clerks help sustain elected officials’ knowledge through annual ethics compliance, training opportunities, and regular briefings. In addition to identifying takeaways they planned to implement in the coming months, attendees enjoyed talking with other clerks about issues facing their agencies and the profession generally, such as handling increasing Public Records Act requests and comparing agenda management systems.
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M organ H ill C ity C lerk S hares L eadership L essons
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
MORGAN HILL CITY CLERK SHARES LEADERSHIP LESSONS JENNIFER WOODWORTH, MMC | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Last month, Michelle Bigelow, Morgan Hill’s City Clerk and Public Information Officer, delivered the keynote address at Leadership Morgan Hill’s graduation ceremony. Leadership Morgan Hill is a community-based program that inspires residents to lead and serve. Participants develop their leadership potential while strengthening their commitment to improving the community. “Where we come from shapes how we lead.” JENNIFER WOODWORTH Speaking to the graduates, Michelle reflected on her lived experiences and how these contributed to her leadership philosophy. She explained that giving others grace, holding space for them, and serving them must begin with doing the same for ourselves. Michelle reminded the audience we must take responsibility for our wellbeing and the way we treat ourselves. While we may be good at building up those around us, we tend to neglect our own needs. She emphasized the importance of lifting ourselves up rather than allowing negative thoughts to tear us down.
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M organ H ill C ity C lerk S hares L eadership L essons
Michelle shared that hardship does not make us leaders, but our response to hardship does. We must choose to keep going. It is our grit our ability to learn, adapt, and move forward without becoming discouraged - that sustains us during difficult times. As we move through our life and leadership journeys, we must create our own paths and have grit to keep us going even when the road is rocky or we get a little lost along the way.
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
To succeed as leaders, Michelle encouraged graduates to listen to the others in the room. Those who are leaders do not need to be the loudest or overpower others. Instead, they are open to listening and learning from another perspective. We need to talk with whom we disagree, not to convince others of our rightness, but to learn from one another. Finally, Michelle described the difference between capable and formidable leaders. A capable leader can handle the job, while a formidable leader is someone we would not want to bet against. As a longtime colleague and friend, I can confidently say that, as both a leader and a clerk, she is both capable and formidable. Congratulations Michelle on being chosen to serve as the keynote speaker!
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O ther D uties as A ssigned
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED THAI NAM PHAM, MMC, CPMC | 2ND VICE PRESIDENT There is a phrase near the bottom of many job descriptions that deserves a little more attention: “Other duties as assigned.” It looks harmless enough. A few words to account for the occasional unexpected task. Then, somewhere between preparing an agenda and responding to a public records request, you find yourself reviewing an insurance claim or preparing to serve as a hearing officer in a vicious-dog proceeding. THAI NAM PHAM
You begin to appreciate just how much territory those five words can cover.
As City Clerk of Union City, I work with the responsibilities many of us share: meetings, minutes, elections, records, and the processes that keep local government accessible and accountable. Alongside those responsibilities are assignments that have introduced me to parts of municipal operations I might otherwise have known only through a staff report. What falls under “other duties” varies from agency to agency. Claims coordination or meeting technology may already be part of your office’s portfolio. In my experience, these responsibilities have expanded my work beyond the functions most commonly associated with the City Clerk’s Office. One of the most distinctive has been serving as a hearing officer in a vicious-dog proceeding. Preparing the notice and maintaining the hearing record are familiar Clerk functions. Serving as a hearing officer meant moving from supporting a proceeding to presiding over it. Familiar skills in preparation, documentation, and procedural consistency became the foundation for a different level of responsibility. The assignment required careful preparation, attention to the information presented, and an impartial approach to a matter that can be deeply emotional for the people involved. It reinforced the importance of listening carefully, asking clear questions, and respecting both the process and the people affected. It also reminded me that taking on an unfamiliar responsibility requires a willingness to learn. Experience in the Clerk’s Office provides a strong foundation, while preparation and appropriate guidance help us apply those skills in a different setting. Claims coordination has offered another perspective. My involvement has included working with departments, the City Attorney, insurers, and our third-party claims administrator to gather information, track correspondence, and keep matters moving. Damage to City property can generate a surprisingly long trail of reports, supporting documents, questions, and follow-up. A claim does not move forward simply because an email was sent. Someone needs to connect the information, identify what remains outstanding, and follow through with the appropriate people. Applying those coordination skills to claims has helped me better understand how departments work together to protect City resources.
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O ther D uties as A ssigned
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
Then there is meeting technology. My own work has included helping address equipment needs and coordinating with IT on meeting support. Public access depends partly on whether people can hear, see, and follow the proceedings. That gives even a discussion about computer ports a direct connection to the work we do. These assignments have expanded my understanding of local government and the expertise throughout our organization. Working with colleagues in other departments helps us understand their responsibilities, pressures, and decision-making. It makes us better partners when the next issue reaches our desks. There is a balance to maintain, however. Additional assignments often arrive while existing deadlines remain in place. Agendas still need to be prepared. Records requests still need attention. Elections and meetings continue on their own schedules. Taking on something new means having honest conversations about priorities, preparation, authority, and available support. It also means recognizing when to seek guidance. Being dependable includes knowing when another person’s expertise is essential. For those of us interested in growing as municipal leaders, these experiences can be valuable opportunities. They give us practice exercising judgment, working across departments, and understanding how an individual task fits into the City’s broader responsibilities. I have come to appreciate the unexpected assignments that have stretched my skills and perspective. I could not have predicted every one of them when I entered this profession, but each has given me something useful to carry into the next challenge. “Other duties as assigned” may occupy only one line in a job description. Some days, it accounts for quite a story. What is the most unexpected assignment you have taken on as a municipal clerk?
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M entor P rogram U pdate
MENTOR PROGRAM UPDATE CANDICE ALVAREZ, MMC, MENTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR October invites us to settle into the warmth of autumn while continuing to grow through change. Even as we CANDICE ALVAREZ look forward to cozy mornings and conversations over coffee, our professional responsibilities keep moving. Mentorship offers a steady source of connection through it all: someone to ask, someone to encourage us, and someone to remind us that we do not have to navigate every challenge alone.
practical guidance, and support as they work toward their CMC designation. As opt-in applications are received, I will work to match participating members with available Mentors. Beginning a certification journey can bring both excitement and questions. A mentoring relationship provides a welcoming place to discuss those questions, identify next steps, and celebrate progress along the way. Thank you to our amazing Mentors for helping make these connections possible. GROWING TOGETHER THIS AUTUMN
Autumn invites us to reflect not only on what we have accomplished, but also on what we hope to nurture next. Professional transformation does not always arrive as a major milestone. Sometimes it begins with a question asked, a new perspective gained, or a colleague’s reassurance: “I have been there, too.”
This year’s theme of “Fortitude” continues to guide this work. In mentoring, fortitude is reflected in the patience to explain a process, the willingness to share lessons learned, and the encouragement that helps a colleague take the next step. These everyday acts of support help transform uncertainty into confidence and professional goals into meaningful progress.
This October, I encourage Mentors and Mentees to make time for a check-in. Bring a warm cup of coffee or tea to a virtual conversation, share a recent success, discuss a challenge, or revisit a professional goal. These simple moments of connection can provide both comfort and momentum during a demanding season.
This month, we are welcoming new opportunities for connection through New Mentor Training and outreach to members beginning their certification journeys.
Through steady encouragement and shared experience, we put Fortitude into practice. Together, we can help one another grow while keeping our CMCA community a welcoming place to learn, connect, and thrive.
O C T O B E R N U T S & B O LT S PA RT I C I PA N T S
On October 9, I attended Nuts & Bolts to present the Certification & Professional Advancement session. 15 eligible participants were invited to opt in to the CMC Mentor Program.
W E LC OM I N G O U R NEW CMC MENTORS
Our New Mentor Training on October 15 welcomed four new Mentors to the CMC Mentor Program! Thank you to Luisa Saylor, Heidi Luce, Charlotte Reinthaler, and Ana
The invitation offered these members an opportunity to connect with an experienced clerk who can provide encouragement,
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M entor P rogram U pdate
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
Cendejas for volunteering their time, knowledge, and experience to support fellow municipal clerks.
NEW CMC AND MMC DESIGNEES
Each new Mentor brings a valuable perspective and helps expand our ability to connect Mentees with guidance suited to their professional goals. Whether helping someone understand certification requirements, navigate a new responsibility, or build confidence in their role, our Mentors make a lasting contribution to the profession.
Monica Lopez
Management Analyst I
Kimberly Ramirez
Deputy City Clerk
Megan Bavin
Deputy City Clerk
Geyzza Vazquez
Deputy Board Secretary II
Yvette Rodriguez
Associate Member
C E RT I F I E D M U N I C I PA L C L E R KS
Jaclyn Miramontes Manager of Administration
I look forward to working with our new Mentors as they begin this rewarding chapter of service to our CMCA community. U P C OM I N G CMC MENTOR TRAININGS
If you hold your CMC or MMC and are considering becoming a mentor, please join us for one of the following New Mentor Training sessions: • Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. – Registration Link Thursday, April 8, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. – Registration Link
Ana Cendejas
Deputy City Clerk
Kayla Reaster
Assistant City Clerk
Ariana Talosig
Administrative Analyst - Board and Committee
Araceli Sandoval
Assistant Clerk
Monica Lopez
Management Analyst I
M AS T E R M U N I C I PA L C L E R KS
• Wednesday, July 14, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link • Thursday, October 14, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. – Registration Link
Pamela C. Coleman
City Clerk
Kelly Clancy
Clerk of the Board
Janet Morales
City Clerk
Earning a professional designation represents more than completing requirements. It reflects sustained effort, continued learning, and the determination to keep moving forward while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Mentoring is a meaningful opportunity to share what you have learned and help another clerk feel connected to our community. You do not need to have every answer. Sometimes, the most valuable support is listening thoughtfully, pointing someone toward a useful resource, or helping them approach a challenge with greater confidence.
To our newest CMCs and MMCs: congratulations on this well-earned accomplishment! Your achievement demonstrates the fortitude that strengthens our profession and inspires others to pursue their own goals. To the Mentors who offered guidance and encouragement along the way, thank you for helping make those milestones possible.
A conversation over coffee, a virtual check-in, or an encouraging email can be a small investment of time with a lasting impact.
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T ales from the C lerk ’ s C rypt
TALES FROM THE CLERK’S CRYPT THAI NAM PHAM, MMC, CPMC 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
THAI NAM PHAM
October brings haunted houses, scary movies, and things that go bump in the night. For municipal clerks, a good scare can arrive in broad daylight, usually by email.
There are no cobwebs required. Sometimes, all it takes is a subject line reading, “One small change to the agenda.” Gather around, fellow clerks. These fictional tales may sound a little too familiar. T H E C U R S E O F T H E F I N A L AT TAC H M E N T
The packet is assembled. The links work. You take a well-earned breath. Then the email arrives. “Please use the attached revised version.” You open the file: Final_Report_REVISED_Final2_UseThisOne.pdf. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rolls. Every clerk knows this particular haunting. Clear submission deadlines, consistent file names, and confirmation of the final version can help keep yesterday’s attachment from returning for an encore. T H E B OX F R OM B E LO W
It appears quietly outside your office. An ordinary cardboard box. No label. No inventory. Just a handwritten note: “Old records. Thought you would know what to do with these.” Inside are documents from several decades, three departments, and at least one organizational structure that no longer exists. You stare into the box. The box stares back. This mystery calls for department knowledge and a little detective work. Identifying records and documenting their transfer while someone still remembers their purpose can spare a future colleague an archaeological expedition. T H E P H A N T OM M I C R O P H O N E
Before the meeting, everything works perfectly. Then the meeting begins. The microphone goes silent. A remote participant becomes an unmoving portrait. Someone asks, “Can everyone hear me?” while everyone in the room looks toward the clerk. Apparently, microphone exorcism falls under meeting preparation.
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T ales from the C lerk ’ s C rypt
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
A technology check helps, but so does knowing whom to call and having a backup plan. When the equipment develops a personality, a calm clerk and a responsive team can make all the difference. T H E W O R K F LO W T H AT W O U L D N ’ T D I E
You suggest a clearer form, a more accessible document, or a simpler workflow. From the shadows comes a familiar voice: “But we’ve always done it this way.” The old process has risen again. Experience holds valuable knowledge. It also gives us a starting point for asking whether a process still serves its purpose. A small pilot and the involvement of the people doing the work can help a good idea find its footing. Even a very old workflow can enjoy a new chapter. A L I T T L E L E SS F R I G H T, A L I T T L E M O R E F E L LO W S H I P
The best part of these stories is sharing them with colleagues who understand why an unlabeled box or a file named “FINAL” can be funny. Our work asks us to be prepared, adaptable, and composed, sometimes all before the first cup of coffee. Clear procedures help. Supportive coworkers help even more. And there is comfort in knowing another clerk has probably encountered the same mysterious attachment. This Halloween, enjoy the treats, share a laugh, and thank the people who help you through the unexpected. And if someone says, “Tonight’s meeting should be short,” keep the coffee nearby. Happy Halloween!
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C lerks T ake F light with R ecords M anagement T raining
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
CLERKS TAKE FLIGHT WITH RECORDS MANAGEMENT TRAINING JENNIFER WOODWORTH, MMC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR On September 17, 2026, more than 60 clerks from across the region gathered at the San Diego International Airport for a half day training on records management, trusted systems, and the distinction between records and convenience information. Helen Streck of Kaizen InfoSource LLC provided participants an in depth look at what qualifies as a record, why that definition matters, and how trusted systems support the long term integrity of agency information. Helen also walked attendees through best practices for developing and maintaining Records JENNIFER WOODWORTH Retention Schedules, emphasizing how thoughtful retention policies, well managed repositories, and automated deletion of non record materials can reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and streamline daily operations. Attendees left with several practical insights they were eager to bring back to their agencies, such as reviewing system controls, access rights, and metadata and hoped to use these elements more intentionally when assessing their existing systems and processes. One clerk said, “I was so empowered and inspired to bring the information back to my team so we can make advancements to our existing processes and policies.” Participants also appreciated the clarified distinction between records and convenience information, recognizing how this difference can improve internal consistency and support Public Records Act responses. One of the standout moments of the day came after the training, when attendees embarked on a behind the scenes tour of the new airport terminal. The tour offered a rare look at the inner workings of the airport, giving participants a unique perspective on the infrastructure and operational complexity that support the region’s busiest transportation hub. Thank you to Annette Ortiz, Clerk of the Board, her team, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority for hosting this memorable and informative training. To learn about upcoming trainings, visit www.calclerks.org/events/event_list.asp, and contact the Professional Development Director at pdd@calclerks.org if you are interested in hosting a future session. Host agencies receive two free registrations and may also be eligible for CMC/MMC points.
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P artner H ighlight – C P S , C omplete P aperless S olutions
PARTNER HIGHLIGHT – CPS, COMPLETE PAPERLESS SOLUTIONS BRITT AVRIT, MMC | 1ST VICE PRESIDENT The focus for this month’s Partner Highlight is on CPS, Complete Paperless Solutions. I had the pleasure B R I T T AV R I T of speaking with Claude Schott and Kimberly Samuelson from CPS to learn more about CPS.
genuinely providing systems that empower clerks to do their jobs more efficiently. Claude also talked about education being a two-way street. He mentioned as CPS has worked with clerks through the years, and learning how we work, it has helped companies like theirs develop products that help organizations manage their records. CPS also creates webinars and videos to showcase upcoming features and share industry topics that are relevant and helpful to clerks and IT staff. It’s great to see that our vendors value education just as much as we do! They talked about wanting to spread the news about the number of articles CPS has on their website (they have more than 500!) because they know it’s a great educational resource for their customers.
Claude is one of five co-owners of CPS which was originally formed in 2010. At the time, he was working for another company in the industry when it went out of business. Seeing an opportunity to continue serving those customers, Claude and his partners took a chance and formed CPS, bringing many of those customers with them. Kimberly has been with CPS for approximately 6 years, and is the Marketing and Market Consultant specializing in Laserfiche.
When I asked what CPS is excited to achieve this year, they mentioned they are focused on becoming the best Laserfiche provider in the California market. When asked what they want municipal clerks to know about CPS, they emphasized that they are an employee-owned company which is reflected in how people are treated. Their employees are just as invested in the company’s success as their customers are.
CPS understands how important it is to take care of their customers, Claude made a point I found particularly meaningful: customer satisfaction happens at 5, 6 and 7 pm – when customers are relying on the software and need support. They talked about how disappointing it is when they learn their customers are only using the basic functionality of their software when it is capable of doing so much more. They mention this, not to sell more products; it was speaking about
I am enjoying learning about our Partners and hope our members are too! To learn more about all CMCA’s Partners, visit our Annual Partner page on the website.
Complete Paperless Solutions 21
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S hop C M C A ’ s M erch S tores !
CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
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!
APPAREL STORE BONFIRE STORE
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T H A N K Y O U T O O U R PA R T N E R S !
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS! CMCA OCTOBER 2026 V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 10
Complete Paperless Solutions
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