The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is kicking off National Park and Recreation Month by featuring the work its members do to keep public spaces safe, accessible, and thriving. In the City of Monrovia, Park and Recreation Month arrives alongside the opening of Satoru Tsuneishi Park, a public space that demonstrates how comprehensive community engagement and proactive risk management create grounded community spaces. The project originated from the citywide parks master plan adopted in 2018, which identified a need for park space south of Huntington Drive and the 210 freeway. Because Monrovia is the fourth-oldest city in Los Angeles County and is nearly built out, finding open space presented a significant challenge. However, in 2021, a local company donated an open tract to the city, providing the park space. Community Services Director Rebecca Sandoval emphasized that the city does not plan parks in a vacuum. Starting in the fall of 2023, the department conducted extensive outreach, connecting with residents, local businesses, and managers from a neighboring hotel. This collaborative approach revealed operational and risk management considerations that directly shaped the park design. “We heard from a local hotel that many of their guests are receiving treatment at the City of Hope hospital and are looking for a space to read, so we knew benches were going to be important,” said Sandoval. “We heard from nearby restaurants that there is a lot of trash getting left in their driveways. From the community, we heard that coyotes frequented the neighborhood … Read more »

The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) announced that Tencate shows its support of the California city management community as a 2025-26 CCMF Corporate Benefactor Sponsor. Read more »

The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) announced that Citibot shows its  support of the California city management community as a 2025-26 CCMF Foundation Circle Sponsor. Read more »

Recently, the City of Bishop brought together employees from multiple local agencies for hands-on fire extinguisher safety training, demonstrating how collaborative approaches to workplace safety can strengthen emergency preparedness across the region. The training, conducted annually by the city for its 45 full-time employees, was opened to other California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) member agencies in the area to enhance the learning experience and foster regional collaboration.  Hands-on fire extinguisher training helps employees understand and discern between when it is appropriate to intervene and when evacuation is the safest option. While fires at city facilities are relatively infrequent, even small incidents can escalate quickly if employees are unsure how to respond.  “The intent isn’t to turn employees into emergency responders, but to improve awareness, confidence, and decision-making during the first moments of a fire while supporting Cal/OSHA and Injury and Illness Prevention Program requirements,” said Tony Leite, the California JPIA senior risk manager for the region.  For the City of Bishop, which operates with a volunteer fire department, having all staff receive the same safety training provides a common knowledge base during emergency response. The training familiarizes employees with different types of fire extinguishers and teaches them when and how to use them.  “Having all the staff receive the same training means we are all speaking the same language when we respond,” said City of Bishop City Clerk Robin Picken.  The training isn’t limited to hypothetical scenarios: staff complete a live fire exercise. “We all agreed that we benefited from the training, especially the hands-on operation of a fire extinguisher on a real fire,” Picken … Read more »

Public Works Appreciation Week was celebrated May 17–23, 2026, offering an opportunity to recognize the behind-the-scenes work that keeps California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) member communities running. This year’s theme, Rooted in Service, Powered by Community, is exemplified by the City of Claremont’s Community Services team.  “Claremont’s Community Services Department plays a foundational role in keeping our city safe, accessible, and livable on a daily basis,” said Deputy City Manager Katie Wand. “Their work includes maintaining our parks, public spaces, streetscapes, and urban forest; providing sanitation services; and ensuring our infrastructure—like roads and sidewalks—is functioning properly. These efforts help prevent hazards, improve visibility and walkability, and create spaces where residents feel safe and welcome.”  During the past year, the community services department has partnered closely with the California JPIA to proactively identify hazards, improve safety, and invest in longterm solutions that benefit the entire community. The department’s proactive and practical mindset defines its approach to risk management.  “Instead of waiting to react to incidents, Claremont consistently looks ahead—identifying potential hazards early and tackling them with thoughtful, sustainable solutions,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Tony Leite. “Whether they’re assessing sidewalks throughout the community, investing in employee safety equipment, or mitigating unique site-specific risks, Claremont integrates risk management into both its daily operations and long-term planning.”  Improving Sidewalk Safety and Accessibility  In June 2025, the city utilized the Authority’s Precision Concrete Master Services Agreement to conduct a comprehensive sidewalk assessment. This effort helped identify sidewalk hazards across the community and prioritize repairs to reduce trip hazards, improve accessibility, and enhance pedestrian safety for residents of all ages … Read more »

The City of Pismo Beach, a California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) member, marks its 80th anniversary this April with a year of community-focused activities highlighting its history, coastal culture, and strong sense of community. Read more »

The City of Cerritos, a California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) member, marks its 70th anniversary this year with a series of community events and initiatives honoring the city’s transformation from agricultural roots to a prosperous suburban community. Read more »

The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) announced that Schneider Electric renews its support of the California city management community as a 2025-26 CCMF Corporate Benefactor Sponsor. Read more »

2026 Wes McClure Scholarship Application Period Now Open. Read more »

Applications Now Open for 2026 Judy L. Kelsey Awards. Read more »