Issue 101 - July 2020
NEWS: WORTHY
2020 Risk Management Educational Forum: Resilient Together
These times are full of uncertainty as we work to respond to a magnitude of issues. All of us must be diligent together. All of us must be Resilient Together.
Occurring over October 14 and 15, we kick off with Keynote Speaker Bob O’Neill on leading in crisis. Bob served many years as the Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association and was a founding board member of the Alliance for Innovation. He will be sharing leadership attributes that are critical for today’s managers and leaders.
We are also grateful to have Dr. Susan Biali Haas speak about personal wellness and resilience. Dr. Biali Haas is an award-winning medical doctor, health and wellness expert, coach, speaker, and author. She has appeared on numerous television shows and is a frequent blogger on Psychology Today.
During our digital sessions, presenters will cover many of the risk management topics and issues facing local government that you have come to expect. We are also preparing sessions and speakers that will address the contemporary issues of our day, including COVID-19 and policing.
Throughout this two-day event, participants will be able to engage with presenters, with some sessions offering roundtable breakouts to converse with colleagues in smaller groups. Aside from our virtual sessions, additional educational content will be available for download after the event.
Resilient Together also includes opportunities for networking, as this is a critical part of any educational experience. Participants will enjoy interacting with live hosts, join chat rooms, and visit virtual networking lounges.
Please look for more information on Resilient Together. Registration will open August 17, so mark your calendars for October 14 –15.
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Members
From Jonathan Shull, Chief Executive Officer
This summer, Rossmoor Community Services District and the cities of Hemet, Lemon Grove, Pacific Grove, Stanton, Vista, and West Covina became the newest members of the California JPIA. They join a membership of 123 municipal agencies including 98 cities, 18 joint powers authorities, and seven special districts to partner with the Authority to address their risks and implement best practices.
These new members recognize the California JPIA is not merely a coverage solution. They are committed to the Authority’s holistic risk management model that positions its member agencies to control costs and remain fiscally strong, while preserving the independence of each member agency.
“The Authority welcomes these seven new members to our diverse membership of local agencies that actively participate in shaping our organization,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “As we aspire to enhance the quality of life in their communities by providing comprehensive risk management solutions, innovative programs, and significant training resources, we also anticipate learning from their experience and applying that knowledge for the benefit of the pool.”
New members participated in a virtual orientation on July 9 and July 13. The orientation, led by Authority staff, included curriculum on governance, finance, risk management, training, and coverage programs including liability, workers’ compensation, and property.
“The City of Hemet leadership team is grateful to have participated in California JPIA’s two-day training,” said Hemet City Manager Chris Lopez. “As the city transitioned into membership with the California JPIA, this training provided the perfect opportunity to acclimate staff with the various programs and policies that are now available to us. As always, the California JPIA team professionally facilitated the training and willingly answered our questions. We look forward to continuing to grow and improve with our membership.”
“By cultivating a culture of informed risk management, good governance, and sound operations through strategic training and personal contact,” said Shull, “we will continue to buoy the strength of not only our new members but also our organization as a whole.”
You may learn more about each of our new members by reading the additional articles in this issue of the newsletter.
For more information about membership in the California JPIA, please visit cjpia.org/join or contact Tammie Haller, Administrative Programs Manager.
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of Hemet
The California JPIA welcomes the City of Hemet, one of seven new members this year. As of July 1, 2020, Hemet has elected to participate in the Authority’s Primary Liability Program, Excess Workers’ Compensation Program, and Property Program.
“The City of Hemet is pleased to become a member of the California JPIA,” said Hemet City Manager Chris Lopez. “With its diverse membership and excellent leadership team, we will be taking a more proactive approach to risk management in our community.”
Incorporated in 1910, Hemet is in Riverside County’s San Jacinto Valley, surrounded by the Santa Rosa Hills and the San Jacinto Mountains. The city, home to more than 85,000 residents, hosts The Ramona Pageant, one of the longest-running outdoor plays in the United States. The city provides 12 developed parks, one natural area park, and a dog park, all of which are maintained by the city’s Parks Division.
“The California JPIA and the City of Hemet share a commitment to excellence in constituent services,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “We are pleased to support the development and implementation of programs, policies, and plans that will benefit the wellness and safety of its staff and residents.”
With 75 sworn officers and 33 non-sworn staff, as well as an active volunteer program, the City of Hemet’s Police Department is one of the busiest in Riverside County. The city also has a Fire Department with 55 full-time staff, including 28 paramedics.
“Our staff has already benefitted from the proactive and engaging leadership that the California JPIA provides,” said Lopez. “We look forward to collaborating with the team and the membership to implement best practices in making Hemet a safer place for our employees and our community.”
“I am very impressed with the City of Hemet’s desire to improve their risk management program,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Alex Mellor, who will work closely with the city. “From the city manager on down, the staff is clearly committed to working closely with the Authority. I look forward to embarking on this journey together.”
Welcome, City of Hemet, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of Lemon Grove
The City of Lemon Grove, a community of more than 26,000 residents just east of San Diego, has elected to participate in the California JPIA’s Primary Liability Program, Excess Workers’ Compensation Program, and Property Program, as of July 1, 2020.
“The City of Lemon Grove is excited to begin its journey with the California JPIA,” said Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero. “This new partnership was approved by the city council after much thought, deliberation, and financial forecasting that came to the conclusion that the California JPIA will immediately improve the city’s day-to-day risk management oversight and reduce program expenditures related to general liability, workers’ compensation, and property programs.”
The city provides community services including more than 14 acres of developed parks and recreation programs including lunch for seniors, youth day camps, adult softball, pee wee sports, and yoga. Special events include concerts and movies in the park and an annual winter bonfire.
Public safety resources are provided by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Lemon Grove Fire Department, which, as a part of Heartland Fire & Rescue, serves the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove.
“It is evident that the City of Lemon Grove’s staff members care deeply about the community and are committed to delivering services as efficiently as possible,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Alex Mellor, who will work closely with the city. “The Authority’s proactive approach to helping member agencies identify and mitigate loss exposures will be an important part of this effort.”
“The leadership at the California JPIA has demonstrated over many years that they seek to provide their members the highest quality of service with utmost integrity,” said Romero. “The City Council of the City of Lemon Grove and city staff energetically look forward to the benefits that the city’s residents, businesses, and guests will receive from this long-term partnership!”
“Lemon Grove’s leadership and staff have displayed informed perspectives on risk management,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “We expect that the community will blend well with the Authority’s culture of risk management, and Authority membership will benefit the community by providing reliable and cost-effective coverage and training resources.”
Welcome, City of Lemon Grove, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of Pacific Grove
The California JPIA is pleased to welcome the City of Pacific Grove, a new member and participant in the Authority’s Excess Liability, Excess Workers’ Compensation, and Property Insurance Programs as of July 1, 2020.
“The City of Pacific Grove is a historic community that provides unique natural resources and varied cultural offerings,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “As a city composed primarily of homes, Pacific Grove places its residents first in the same way as the Authority places its members first.”
The addition of Pacific Grove expands the Authority’s presence in Monterey County, joining the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, the City of Seaside, and Seaside County Sanitation District.
A coastal city incorporated in 1889, Pacific Grove is home to more than 15,000 residents. Pacific Grove provides services to the community including myriad parks, beaches, open spaces, and trails. The city also hosts a monarch butterfly sanctuary, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, an award-winning natural history museum, and a nationally recognized 18-hole golf course.
“The City of Pacific Grove is thrilled to be accepted for membership within the California JPIA,” says City Manager Ben Harvey. “In particular, the city looks forward to the industry-leading programs and subject matter expertise to strengthen its record of safety. Residents, employees, businesses, and visitors all stand to benefit as the city transitions to the California JPIA. Already, the city has seen a marked change in approach to risk management with the active involvement and integration into the municipal organization of Senior Risk Manager Tim Karcz, who is assigned to our city. The city looks forward to further evolving towards a more comprehensive culture of safety through the assistance and guidance provided by the Authority. Onward!”
The Pacific Grove Police Department employs 26 sworn officers—most of whom live locally—who embrace the principles of “Community Policing.” The city has one of the lowest crime rates in Monterey County. The 70-person, six-station Monterey Fire Department provides fire protection to the city, as well as the cities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Sand City, and the Presidio of Monterey, Naval Postgraduate School, and La Mesa Village.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to work with the City of Pacific Grove,” said Tim Karcz, who will work directly with the city. “They have a long-standing tradition of excellence and professionalism and are very open to our approach to managing risk.”
Welcome, City of Pacific Grove, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, Rossmoor Community Services District
The California JPIA welcomes the Rossmoor Community Services District as a new member of the Primary Liability Program and Property Program as of July 1, 2020.
Located in Rossmoor, an unincorporated community between the cities of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos in Orange County, the Rossmoor Community Services District is governed by a Board of Directors and operated by a General Manager. The district, formed in 1986, provides parks and recreation facilities, special events, street sweeping, and maintenance of parkway trees and the signature brick wall for Rossmoor’s 10,500 residents.
During the Authority’s initial risk management evaluation process, the district’s leadership and staff demonstrated an understanding of risk management concepts and an awareness of the value of reducing exposure to risk and loss.
“The Rossmoor Community Services District is excited about recently being selected to join the California JPIA,” said General Manager Joe Mendoza. “The district is looking forward to lowering the level of risk and liability, as well as having training and resources readily available for the employees. The process of evaluating the district’s risk management practices and working with California JPIA staff to increase safety and implement best practices to protect the district is invaluable.”
“The Rossmoor Community Services District takes pride in its mission to provide exceptional, cost-effective services that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Rossmoor,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “The California JPIA is pleased to welcome an organization whose values mirror our own.” Lucy Gonzalez, Senior Risk Manager for many of the Authority’s Orange County members, will be working directly with the district. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Rossmoor Community Services District. They value and understand the importance of prioritizing and implementing safety and risk control measures for their residents, constituents, and employees.”
“The Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors has always placed safety and risk management as a priority in serving our residents and constituents. Therefore, we look forward to working with the California JPIA to improve safety and minimize risks for residents and visitors using our facilities,” said President Michael Maynard.
Welcome, Rossmoor Community Services District, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of Stanton
The California JPIA welcomes the City of Stanton, part of the cadre of seven new members that joined the Authority on July 1, 2020. The city has elected to participate in the Authority’s Excess Liability, Excess Workers’ Compensation, and Property Insurance Programs.
“The City of Stanton is honored to have been selected to join the California JPIA,” said City Manager Jarad Hildenbrand. “Following an extensive evaluation of alternative insurance coverage options available to the city, we concluded that the California JPIA best supports our commitment to mitigating risk and liability, and it provides high quality services and programs at an affordable rate. The City of Stanton is excited to begin this valuable partnership, and we look forward to working closely with other members of the Authority to further increase safety, reduce liability, and enhance risk management practices and programs in our city.”
Located in northwestern Orange County, Stanton is surrounded by the cities of Cypress, Westminster, and Anaheim. The city’s 39,000 residents are represented by a city council made up of Stanton’s mayor, who is elected at large, and four city council members, elected by voters in their districts, each of whom serves a four-year term. Police and fire services are provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority, respectively.
Stanton is home to parks, a library, and a family resource center, and plays host to special events including a car show, seasonal gatherings and festivals, and movies in the park. The city offers a unique Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Program that provides financial assistance to help qualified low- to moderate-income homeowners make needed exterior repairs, improve residential aesthetics, and beautify neighborhoods.
Lucy Gonzalez, Senior Risk Manager for many of the Authority’s Orange County members, will be working directly with the city. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the City of Stanton. The staff is committed to mitigating risk through the proactive implementation of safety and risk control measures for their residents and employees.”
“The City of Stanton has a motto: Community Pride and Forward Vision. That slogan demonstrates the city’s focus on continued revitalization,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “The Authority looks forward to supporting Stanton as the city provides its facilities and services for the betterment of its residents.”
Welcome, City of Stanton, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of Vista
The California JPIA welcomes the City of Vista, a new member and participant in the Authority’s Excess Liability Program as of July 1, 2020.
“The City of Vista is excited to join the California JPIA,” said Vista City Manager Patrick Johnson. “We are honored to be part of the pool, and glad that the leadership and other members have placed their trust in us. We look forward to working together and to learning more about how the California JPIA can improve our capacity to serve our community within the context of our core values: respect, fairness, teamwork, integrity, compassion, and stewardship.”
The City of Vista, incorporated in 1963, is a charter city located amid rolling hills and rural surroundings in northern San Diego County. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department provides public safety services, while the full-service Vista Fire Department supports residents of the City of Vista and the Vista Fire Protection District.
Residents enjoy 207 acres of developed parks and 156 acres of undeveloped open space, an outdoor musical theater venue, a 385-seat auditorium, and an aquatic center that includes water slides along with a lazy river, lap pool, and wave simulator. Two community centers offer programming including pickleball and other athletic activities, summer day camps, and early childhood education, as well as senior services including nutrition resources, exercise classes, excursions, and local transportation. Community events include movies in the park, holiday celebrations and parades, and an annual strawberry festival.
“In its mission statement, the City of Vista expresses its dedication to providing exceptional services and to improving residents’ quality of life,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “The Authority is pleased to partner with civic leaders who share our commitment to high standards of service that positively impact the communities we serve.”
“Risk management is already an important element of the City of Vista’s operations,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Alex Mellor, who will work closely with the city. “City staff understands that by effectively managing risk, resources can be protected and put to their intended use: providing critical programs and services to residents and other constituents. I look forward to helping the City of Vista take its risk management program to the next level!”
Welcome, City of Vista, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleCalifornia JPIA Welcomes New Member, City of West Covina
The California JPIA welcomes the City of West Covina, home to a population of more than 110,000 residents that benefit from more than 180 acres of recreational resources. West Covina joined the Authority’s Excess Liability, Excess Workers’ Compensation, and Property Insurance Programs as of July 1, 2020.
“West Covina is proud to join the California JPIA,” said West Covina City Manager David Carmany. “There is nobody better at helping public agencies avoid and transfer risk. Through a genuine commitment to best practices and attention to detail, the California JPIA will help us keep focus where it belongs—on better serving our residents.”
Incorporated in 1923, the City of West Covina is in Los Angeles County, bordered by the City of Covina to the north and east. West Covina is a general-law city that operates through the council-manager form of municipal government, with five city council members elected to overlapping four-year terms.
The city’s extensive parks and recreation system includes 16 parks, one of which boasts a splash pad, as well as the Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center, a museum and educational center set in a 42-acre wilderness park that is operated in partnership with the San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy. Three community centers offer programs including dance, art, cultural, and equestrian classes, sports leagues, childcare programs, and computer clinics. West Covina hosts not only seasonal special events but also a weekly farmers market.
“The City of West Covina joins an already robust cadre of Authority members in the San Gabriel Valley,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “We hope that this proximity to more seasoned members of our organization affords West Covina opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing and regional problem-solving solutions that will enhance its existing access to the Authority’s established development and training resources.”
“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with the City of West Covina, one of the most progressive cities in the San Gabriel Valley,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Tony Leite, who will work directly with the city. “City leadership’s forward-looking perspective is exemplified by its commitment to minimizing risk for the community it serves.”
Welcome, City of West Covina, to the California JPIA!
Print ArticleRE: MEMBERS
City of Goleta Launches #reCOVERgoleta Campaign to Promote the Importance of Wearing Face Coverings
In an effort to stress the importance of wearing face coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the City of Goleta is launching the #reCOVERgoleta campaign. The goal of the #reCOVERgoleta slogan is to capture the need to consistently wear face coverings to protect each other and allow the community to safely get back to business. The campaign supports the orders issued by the Goleta City Council, Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer, and Governor of California, in regard to face covering requirements.
In an effort to stress the importance of wearing face coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the City of Goleta is launching the #reCOVERgoleta campaign. The goal of the #reCOVERgoleta slogan is to capture the need to consistently wear face coverings to protect each other and allow the community to safely get back to business. The campaign supports the orders issued by the Goleta City Council, Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer, and Governor of California, in regard to face covering requirements.
A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing, staying home when you feel sick, and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are required when residents are not at home. This includes indoors at all businesses and outdoors when waiting for service or interacting with anyone residents do not live with.
As part of the #reCOVERgoleta campaign the city will be putting up signs throughout the community and is encouraging businesses to post signs as well. The city is also asking that residents and businesses promote the #reCOVERgoleta hashtag and graphic/flyers on their social media channels to help spread the word.
The city is also releasing a new safety video featuring Emergency Services Coordinator, Michael Baris, that aims to clear up some confusion about how and when to wear face coverings. The video is followed with a Spanish version that is narrated by Natalia Rios, an Emergency Services aide. In addition to information about face coverings, the video also includes other important COVID-19 safety tips. A link to the video is here: https://youtu.be/Er0RkyJo8Fs
The city is in the process of creating a #GoodLandGoodPeople face covering for Goleta residents to wear to show support of their city and each other.
City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Thank you Goleta, for continuing to look out for each other and for doing what is needed to get us through this challenging time. Wearing a face covering is critical to helping us move forward. Thanks for helping us #reCOVERgoleta.”
For more information, consult the State Guidance for Face Coverings or go to the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page. For more information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.
Print ArticleCOVERAGE MATTERS
RISK SOLUTIONS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
PRO: FILES
California JPIA Recognizes Milestone Anniversary for Administrative Assistant Lyndsie Buskirk
Administrative Assistant Lyndsie Buskirk, familiar to many members as a front-line representative of the Authority both on and beyond campus, commemorates a milestone anniversary—five years of full-time service—this month.
“Lyndsie is not only an informed professional and a principled colleague, but also a local government champion who genuinely enjoys working with public agencies,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull.
Buskirk first joined the California JPIA staff as a part-time, temporary employee in October 2014. She earned a full-time position as an Office Assistant in July 2015 and was promoted to Administrative Assistant in December 2019.
Providing support for both executive and administrative operations, Buskirk manages services involving sponsorships and event logistics, and she is an important driver of the development and publication of the Authority’s marketing initiatives, including the monthly newsletter, email campaigns, and social media. She also assists CEO Jon Shull and Administrative Programs Manager Tammie Haller with planning, outreach, and constituent relations.
“Interacting with and serving our members is my favorite part of working for the Authority,” said Buskirk. “I hope to continue advocating for and building our growing network of members.”
Despite COVID-19 altering the landscape of conferences, with many events transitioning from in-person gatherings to digital platforms this fall, Buskirk remains a publicly prominent agent of the Authority, upholding relationships with similarly minded organizations that support municipal agencies in California. She has been a key representative to the California City Management Foundation, California Contract Cities Association, California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, and League of California Cities, as well as the Municipal Management Association of Southern California.
“Lyndsie is a reputable steward of the Authority to partner organizations and at professional conferences throughout California,” said Shull. “Attending events such as the Municipal Management Association of Southern California’s Women’s Leadership Summit, Winter Forum, and Annual Conference, she embraces every opportunity to learn and to exchange ideas with our members.”
“It is an honor to be one of the first faces that members and prospective members see,” said Buskirk. “I am grateful to support the Authority’s commitment to our members, which sets us apart from other risk management resources.”
Buskirk, who holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from California State University, Long Beach, joined the Authority from Beverly Hospital in Montebello. She previously supported special events and corporate partnerships for Special Olympics Southern California.
The Authority congratulates Lyndsie on her five-year anniversary.
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