California local government cities are laboratories for implementing local control since each city determines how to best serve the needs of its people. City council members are agents in enacting change within a City. As a former city council member for the City of Artesia and one year president of California Contract Cities Association (CCCA), I have firsthand experience with developing law and policy for the benefit and safety of all residents. Read more »

The Claremont Farmers and Artisans Market had been protected by removable bollards, which were purchased from Atkore years ago. When the market had to be temporarily relocated due to infrastructure upgrades, the City knew that they had to continue to use safety devices to protect the vendors and visitors of the market. Read more »

What do residents, visitors, business owners and public officials of every community have in common: the desire and need for safety. Most residents think law enforcement and the fire department are the only responsible parties for maintaining public safety within a community, but I see a growing need for municipalities to expand their concept of public safety. Read more »

Each year, CCMF offers scholarships to graduate students in California who are interested in pursuing a career in local government. Applications are due by 5:00pm PST on Friday, May 7, 2021. Read more »

Each year, CCMF offers two grants to local governments to fund summer internships. Applications will be accepted from California cities and towns until 5:00pm PST on Friday, April 30, 2021. Read more »

This February, the California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) welcomed Energy Programs Manager Kathy Wells. Kathy will research, implement and manage programs for the benefit of CalChoice and its associate members. Read more »

Reach codes have been gaining increasing attention statewide because they can help increase economic competitiveness, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, act on climate change, and help ensure new and existing homes are built and remodeled with the health and welfare of occupants in mind. Read more »

Tucked in Tulare County and just west of Sequoia National Park, Lindsay Unified School District has been upgrading its outdated electrical and mechanical equipment, which have been draining the district’s financial resources for years. Throughout 2020, the district has been replacing this old, outdated equipment to reduce its operating costs as well as lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it produces. Lindsay USD will finish this second phase of installments in early March, having installed smart building controls; LED lighting; new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units; and solar panels. “This program has a direct impact on our ability to empower and motivate our community,” said Grant Schimelpfening, chief business official for the district. “By undertaking such a large feat that is securing millions of dollars in savings for our general fund and preventing greenhouse gas emissions from polluting our environment, we hope that our learners, in particular, see that even despite great odds, progress is possible.” Lindsay USD started chipping away at energy conservation and environmental sustainability in 2017. Under financial constraints, the district tackled what recommendations it could from an energy audit report created by staff and its partner, a building technologies firm named Climatec. In the first phase, the district was able to install max-efficiency LED lights and smart temperature controls in sections of its campuses. Leadership kept the rest of the recommendations top of mind, envisioning a future phase of improvements when funding might become available. In 2019, after identifying new funding sources, as … Read more »

After welcoming seven new members—the cities of Hemet, Lemon Grove, Pacific Grove, Stanton, Vista, and West Covina, as well as the Rossmoor Community Services District—in July 2020, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is strategically advancing the structure and number of its staff in order to best provide excellent service for and substantive relationships with its members. The California JPIA celebrates the promotion of Alex Smith and the acquisition of two fresh professionals: Nikki Salas and Aaron Webb. Read more »

Safety committees can be a valuable resource for municipal risk managers to gain assistance, increase communication, and expand safety program buy-in for identifying and managing agency-wide exposures. Read more »