CCAC President's Message Patrice Olds, MMC

Happy New Year! I hope you had time to enjoy the holiday season and do things that rest and rejuvenate you.
Personal Resolutions
During this time of New Year’s resolutions - typical ones are quit smoking or drinking, save money, and eat less and move more (that one is always on my list!). I decided to research what are the trending 2020 resolutions and was encouraged to see a few that actually inspired me to consider them as personal goals for 2020.
- Spend less time online
- Learn a new skill
- Go on vacation
- Be more confident
- Buy less
- Get in shape
- Enjoy every moment
- Cook new foods
- Get more sleep
- Start a new hobby
- Spend more time outdoors
- Work on your relationships
- Eat better
- Stop procrastinating
- Celebrate little victories
Maybe there is something on this list that inspires you to embrace it as a personal goal in 2020. I will put out there that I am looking for a new hobby. As retirement approaches (in a few years), I’ve been advised that I should be engaging in things I like doing now, so I have more of a plan to fill in the hours that used to be filled with work (I am a typical baby boomer workaholic). My usual response has been that I’m going to spend more time with family and I’ve been told that I also have to have something that I personally like doing and that kids and grandkids have a life and you can’t just double your time with them. Good advice – I’ll take it. Send me your favorite hobby ideas!
Organization Resolutions
In addition to personal goals for the upcoming year, you may have organizational goals for your work team. In San Mateo we are focusing on transitioning to a new Electronic Records Management system and I’ve got a mess in the deeds cabinet that has been on the list to clean up for seven years – this is the year I am going to tackle it.
Association Resolutions
CCAC also has goals. I shared last month our 3-year strategic plan, noting that the first year of the plan is primarily internally focused on data gathering; and understanding and fixing some of our processes. The Board took a great first step on improving our financial health at the December board meeting in which they took a deep dive into the association’s finances and passed a totally revised Financial policy (Policy No. 104) that clarified roles, financial practices, and also established a reserve policy and investment strategy. Effective immediately we are following a practice to keep at least 80% of our cash-on-hand in an interest producing investment vehicle – the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and will keep 20% cash-on-hand to pay bills. We anticipate that this 80/20 money plan will greatly increase our interest income and the Board will be analyzing its effectiveness in the coming year and make adjustments as needed. I am so proud of the CCAC Board for embracing this much needed change. The revised policy will be on the website soon, along with all of the board policies.
I wish each of you blessings in this new year and encouragement and success in your own goals.

NEW ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL PERIOD
Marc Donohue, MMC (Membership Services Director)
By now, you should have received your invoice to renewal your CCAC membership for a 6-month period from January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. This will be followed by the normal 12-month renewal period ending June 30, 2021 and every June in the subsequent years.
We respectfully request that you complete the membership renewal by March 31, 2020. You are welcome to pay online or by invoice. Memberships not renewed by March 31st, will be considered a lapsed membership and you will not be eligible for scholarships or member-rates for the annual conference and educational sessions.
On behalf of the entire CCAC Executive Board, we thank you for being a member and renewing your membership! If you have any questions about this new membership renewal process, please contact Membership Services at [email protected].
Athenian Dialogue Update 
April Sousa, CMC
It’s a new year, and that means new intentions. What better way to start this then by scheduling yourself to attend a couple of Athenian Leadership Dialogues for 2020! For those of you who are not familiar with Athenians, it is more than a glorified book club. A Dialogue is a unique opportunity to explore the leadership of the Municipal Clerk. It is an international program, set forth by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and are “conversations that go beyond the usual knowledge recall and application process familiar to all municipal clerks in training seminars.” Participants will spend a full day (6 hours) with other clerks discussing a common book and how the knowledge and experience found in that book contributes to the leadership of the Municipal Clerk position.
I’m so excited to announce that we have 3 dialogues scheduled at the beginning of the year to get us going…and there is still time to get the book and read it before the dialogue.
January 24, 2020 – “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah – hosted in Palm Springs and Facilitated by Randi Johl, MMC
February 1, 2020 – “Profiles in Courage” by john F Kennedy – Hosted by Rio Vista and Facilitated by Susan Doman, MMC,CPM
February 28, 2020 – “Elon Musk” by Ashlee Vance – Hosted by Emeryville and Facilitated by Ed Tywoniak
You can find more information below in the events calendar section. And if you are planning ahead, these dialogues are currently in the works – dates, books, and facilitators are scheduled at this time.
April 14, 2020 – “One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission that Flew Us to the Moon” by Charles Fishman – Hosted at the CCAC Annual Conference in Burlingame and Facilitated by Charles E. Tokar, MMC
May 15, 2020 – “Capital Gaines” by Chip Gaines – Hosted by Eastvale and Facilitated by Laura Nieto, MMC
August 28, 2020 – “Obsessive Genius: The Inner World of Marie Curie” by Barbara Goldsmith – Hosted by City of La Habra and Facilitated by Stephanie Smith, MMC
October 17, 2020 – “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown – Hosted by Ukiah Valley Fire District and Facilitated by Kathy Flamson, MMC (retired) and April Sousa, CMC (assistant facilitator)
What an exciting year we have! AND, there are a few more that are in the works that have a few logistics to still figure out! If you find that you would like to host, please contact me to get the process started! As you can see, we have lots of room for more dialogues!
2020 Annual Conference
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Preliminary Program available!
Dates: April 15-17, 2020 Pre-Conference Events on April 14, 2020: One-Day Advanced Academy - $150 Athenian Dialogue - $150
Location: Hyatt Regency, Burlingame

Events Calendar
CCAC Education Workshops
City Clerk Dashboard: The Meaning, Intent, and Purpose Behind the Laws Administered by City Clerks January 31, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. - Rio Vista Council Chambers Click here for more information.
1) FPPC Form 700 and Campaign Filing Office Workshop; 2) The Confident Clerk - Looking and Feeling Like the Professional Leader You Are and Want Others To See February 11, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. - Rancho Cucamonga Click here for more information.
Athenian Dialogues
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah Facilitated by Randi Johl, MMC January 24, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Hosted by City of Palm Springs Click here for more information.
Profiles in Courage by Senator John F. Kennedy Facilitated by Susan Domen, MMC February 1, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Hosted by City of Rio Vista Click here for more information.
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance Facilitated by Ed Tywoniak, Ph.D. February 28, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Hosted by City of Emeryville Click here for more information.
Visit CCAC Events Calendar for all upcoming education opportunities.
Newly Designated Clerks
Brandi Goodman, CMC - Deputy Clerk of the Board, Inland Valley Development Agency
Roxanne Breceda, CMC - Administrative Secretary, City of Duarte
Jennifer Farris, CMC - Clerk of the Board, Inland Valley Development Agency
Marsha Moore, MMC - Deputy City Clerk, City of Concord
Ana Sauseda, CMC - Deputy City Clerk, City of Canyon Lake
Yessika Dominguez, CMC - Assistant City Clerk, City of Redwood City

Region 16 Training Announcement
JoAnne Buergler, MMC / Rohnert Park City Clerk
Region 16 welcomes you to a fun and educational experience in Rio Vista.
Friday, January 31
Workshop (1.63 points)
City Clerk Dashboard – The Meaning, Intent, and Purpose behind the Laws Administered by City Clerks
Virtually every function of the city clerk operation has its origin in statutes and regulations. Learn the meaning, intent, and purpose behind the laws administered by city clerks. Participants will master the City Clerk Dashboard (a reference tool for California laws and regulations) to change the perspective of the city clerk’s role in public policy. Participants will reframe the city clerk role as a holistic administrator who understands the entire policy making system, is resourceful, insightful, relevant, and politically astute. Attendees will be given tangible research tools and resources to enable them to conduct their own research on statutes, regulations, initiatives, constitutional amendments, case law, and attorney general opinions. Attendees are encouraged to bring WiFi-enabled devices (if possible) as the session includes hands-on exploration of history, legislation, regulations, resources, and research techniques.
Presenter: Shalice Tilton, MMC, Retired City Clerk
Saturday, February 1
Athenian Leadership Dialogue (3 Points)
Profiles in Courage by Senator John F. Kennedy
Written in 1955 by the then junior senator from the state of Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage serves as a clarion call to every American. In this book, Kennedy chose eight of his historical colleagues to profile for their acts of astounding integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition. These heroes, coming from different junctures in our nation's history, include John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, and Robert A. Taft. Now, a half-century later, the book remains a moving, powerful, and relevant testament to the indomitable national spirit and an unparalleled celebration of that most noble of human virtues. It resounds with timeless lessons on the most cherished of virtues and is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Facilitator, Susan Domen, MMC, Retired City Clerk
Attendees have an opportunity to learn, network, and get 4.63 points in two days! Both educational events will be held at the City of Rio Vista City Council Chambers, 1 Main Street, Rio Vista, California.
Registration and Information for both events: https://www.californiacityclerks.org/events-calendar
Any questions, please contact JoAnne Buergler, Region 16 Director at 707-588-2225 or [email protected]
Sponsors (click image)


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