Issue 156 - February 2025
NEWS: WORTHY
12th Annual Capstone Award Nominations Being Accepted
The nomination period for the 12th Annual California JPIA Capstone Award is open! The award is presented annually at the Authority’s Risk Management Educational Forum to an individual who most notably exemplifies risk management best practices among the Authority membership. Submissions will be accepted through April 4, 2025.
Please nominate someone who should be considered for the Capstone Award by completing the brief online form. Your input is crucial in identifying colleagues who promote risk management excellence.
Nominees can be from any position within a member agency. They just need to be champions for risk management! Here are some examples of characteristics that will be considered:
- Works to support the member agency’s traditional or enterprise risk management efforts.
- Develops, implements, and administers loss control and prevention programs to mitigate risk exposures for the member agency.
- Coordinates support systems that serve the member’s risk management goals and needs.
- Influences others in developing quality risk management programs for the member agency.
At the 2024 Risk Management Educational Forum, Alexa Davis, assistant city manager for the City of Rolling Hills Estates, was presented with the Capstone Award. Davis was selected from four finalists and chosen for her role in advancing risk management efforts within the agency. In July 2023, land movement occurred that caused the city to red-tag homes. During that time, Davis implemented strategic mitigation efforts to reduce risk exposure to the city. Her efforts were also critical in quickly deploying resources to aid residents. Davis is a risk management champion widely respected by her peers within the organization and the risk management profession.
All finalists will be recognized at this year’s Forum on October 1–3, 2025, at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad. For questions about the Capstone Award, please contact Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas by email or at (562) 467-8722.
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Executive Committee Appoints Jennifer Perez
Jennifer Perez, vice mayor of the City of Norwalk, was appointed to the California JPIA’s Executive Committee on January 22, 2025. Perez was appointed to fill the vacant seat of Committee Member Marshall Goodman, whose term on the La Palma City Council expired in December 2024.
“The Authority is pleased to welcome Jennifer Perez to the Executive Committee,” said CEO Alex Smith. “Her experience, dedication and exceptional work in serving the residents of her city, the county and the region is admirable. She recognizes the Executive Committee’s critical role in shaping decisions that affect all members and will approach her responsibilities with diligence and care.”
Perez has served the City of Norwalk since 2010, starting as a planning commissioner before being elected to the city council in 2017. She has twice served as mayor and became vice mayor in 2024. A lifelong resident, she and her husband, Michael, grew up in Norwalk and raised their two children there. Community involvement runs in her family—her father was a former mayor, city councilmember, and Cerritos College trustee. Perez and her husband remain actively engaged in local initiatives.
“Whether volunteering for youth baseball, serving in our local church, or advocating for the City of Norwalk, it’s simply how I was raised,” said Perez. “I come from a family that believes in giving back to the community—it’s what we do, what we love, and who I am.”
Perez has represented Norwalk on the California Contract Cities Association for five years and is currently its president. She values the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from other agencies, working together to advocate for what is best for their communities. What she finds most rewarding, however, is hearing directly from residents about the positive impact of her work. “It’s the little things people don’t see behind the scenes that make the biggest impact,” said Perez.
When not serving her community, Perez works at TRIMEDX, a medical equipment management company, overseeing a region that spans from Alaska to Nebraska.
“In my full-time job, we create value for the hospitals in our network by investing in skilled engineers and technicians,” said Perez. “That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the Authority—I see its impact on public agencies. The extensive training programs the Authority offers empower team members, strengthening both their member agencies and the communities they support.”
She has been a director and alternate director on the California JPIA’s Board of Directors for several years but felt compelled to do more. In her years of service, Perez has seen organizations that focus on what’s most important to them. She values the Authority’s approach to working together for the greater good of all municipalities.
“The Authority brings people together with a shared goal—mitigating risks and finding the best solutions, not just for our city, but for all members,” she said. “I’m excited to collaborate and tackle common challenges as a team.”
The California JPIA Executive Committee comprises nine members elected by the Board of Directors to provide day-to-day policy direction to the Authority’s staff. The committee meets monthly to consider policies related to the California JPIA’s many programs and services. In addition, the Executive Committee also carries out ex-officio responsibility for Claims, Budget, Bylaws, and Personnel committees. Learn more about each member on the Authority’s Executive Committee webpage.
Congratulations, Jennifer, and welcome to the Executive Committee!
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Company Nurse and Improving the Time of Injury Experience
The California JPIA has partnered with Company Nurse for more than 11 years to assist Authority member employees, supervisors and those responsible for submitting workers’ compensation claims.
Services provided by Company Nurse include 24/7, 365-day-a-year access to a nurse who can help employees receive the most appropriate level of care at the time of their injury. In addition to assisting the injured employee, Company Nurse takes the guesswork away from supervisors, who no longer must determine whether or not an employee needs formal medical treatment or first aid. Instead, the employee makes that decision after consulting with a nurse.
Company Nurse’s commitment to leveraging the benefits of technology is evident in some of the recent improvements added to their services. Brandon Raper, Company Nurse’s Client Success Manager, noted, “You can customize and automate any of your post Workers’ Comp injury communications with Company Nurse.” Over 95 percent of members that participate in the Authority’s workers’ compensation program utilize Company Nurse’s services.
Two agencies that realize the benefits of Company Nurse’s services are the cities of Signal Hill and Claremont. “It is easy and efficient and kickstarts the WC claim process with just a phone call,” said Patricia Ahumada, Signal Hill’s human resources manager. Christi Giannone, the City of Claremont’s human resources manager, added, “We had an employee who had a reaction to a cleaning agent, and Company Nurse was able to determine that a visit to the occupational health facility was not necessary. The service is a great way to connect employees quickly with someone to talk to and helps save costs.”
If your agency is not already enjoying the benefits of partnering with Company Nurse or you have questions on better utilizing their services, you can contact Jeff Rush, the Authority’s workers’ compensation program manager.
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California JPIA Launches Inaugural Supervisor Academy
The California JPIA hosted its inaugural Supervisor Academy from January 14 to 16 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. Designed as a comprehensive training experience, the Academy guided participants through the entire employee lifecycle, equipping supervisors with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage employees at every career stage.
“During 2024, we launched our Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program, which consists of nine courses covering topics such as communication, feedback, team building, and employee performance management,” said Training Manager Ryan Thomas. “The program’s success led us to reconsider our Management Academy and ultimately develop the Supervisor Academy as a complementary offering.”
Each session in the Academy focused on a different phase of an employee’s journey, from recruitment and onboarding to career development and succession planning. “We wanted supervisors to walk away with a holistic understanding of their role in guiding employees through these stages,” Thomas said.
The three days of programming featured a wide variety of speakers and sessions designed to build practical leadership skills. Topics included:
- Starting Your Journey: Recruiting and Selection, presented by Marcella Marlowe, experienced city manager and senior adjunct professor of public management and leadership at the University of La Verne
- Are You Ready to Harvest: Employee Development, led by Sharonda Bishop, managing partner at Bishop Consulting
- Setting Your Compass: Change Management, presented by Bishop
- Curtain Calls: Transitioning Out of the Role or Organization, led by California JPIA Employment Practices Manager Kelly Trainer Policky and Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Partner Monica Sanchez-McQueen
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. “I very much enjoyed the speakers and topics that were discussed,” said Leslie Arias, community services manager at the City of Paramount. “Anyone who is in management should definitely consider taking part in this academy!”
Thomas noted that the Authority had achieved its primary goal of encouraging stronger collaboration between supervisors and human resources departments. “At the end of the Academy, many attendees echoed one of our key learning outcomes: that supervisors should work closely with human resources to be effective people managers,” he said.
The Authority will offer the Supervisor Academy again in 2026. “We hope managers take what they’ve learned and apply it within their workplaces,” said Thomas. “If they share these insights with their teams, the impact will be even greater.”
Members interested in learning more about the Supervisor Academy and other training opportunities can visit the California JPIA’s training webpage or contact Training Manager Ryan Thomas or Training Coordinator Michelle Aguayo.
Print ArticleRE: MEMBERS
City of Pismo Beach Safety Program
Nestled along a scenic coastline, the City of Pismo Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and small-town charm. But beyond its picturesque setting, Pismo Beach fosters a strong risk management and safety culture—setting an example for others to follow.
The city’s risk management strategy is built on a multi-pronged approach, supported by the city council and city manager, with proactive efforts from their Safety Committee and risk manager. Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Ann Reiss, a longtime member and vice president of the California JPIA’s Executive Committee, advocates for industry-standard safety policies. “The City of Pismo Beach encourages all employees to contribute ideas for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency that fosters a bottom-up approach to refining policies,” said Reiss. “This commitment turns risk management into something much more than just a policy – it becomes a fundamental part of our workplace culture.”
A cornerstone of the city’s risk management efforts is its safety committee, which includes representatives from every department who serve as primary safety contacts. The Committee, which was created to support the city’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its staff, infrastructure, and community, meets quarterly to review risk management metrics, training programs, and key safety topics, including:
- employee injury reports,
- liability claims and litigation,
- causes for each claim, and
- possible preventive measures for the future.
City Manager Jorge Garcia, an experienced risk manager, promotes a strong safety culture across all departments, ensuring safety is a top priority at every level. “As a city, we have collectively supported the prioritization of safety, recognizing its critical importance in fostering a secure environment for everyone,” said City Manager Jorge Garcia. “This Committee is a proactive step toward addressing and mitigating safety concerns in our entire city.”
“Pismo Beach has had an active Safety Committee for over ten years. They include representatives from all departments to collectively collaborate on city-wide safety program initiatives, accident investigations, safety concerns, California JPIA recommendations, and managing the city’s safety incentive program,” said Senior Risk Manager Tim Karcz. “The committee is an essential method of communication consistent with their Injury Illness and Prevention Program.
Committee members are involved in safety planning and hazard reporting, ensuring that all staff follow proper procedures. The program’s success is measured through tracking general liability claims, workplace injuries, and claim severity. When safety goals are met, staff are treated to a Safety Incentive Lunch to celebrate achievements.
“One of the program’s highlights is the Safety Incentive Lunch,” said Assistant City Manager Mike James. “When we achieve our safety goal of three or fewer medically treated injuries in a quarter, we enjoy a meal together. This tradition helps reinforce positive behaviors and strengthens teamwork.”
To support continuous safety improvements, all committee members ensure timely follow-up on Committee action items, promoting accountability and engagement. New employees receive safety onboarding covering policies, evacuation routes, and position-specific trainings.
Following facility remodels and desk relocations, the Safety Committee recently identified the need for more public-facing staff to have accessible panic buttons and updated evacuation plan exhibits. These low-cost, high-value safety improvements were coordinated with Public Works, Engineering, Building, and Fire Department staff. The updated evacuation plans also prompted a review of the City’s Evacuation Plan policy, which is now being revised. Once approved, a fire drill will be conducted to familiarize employees with the new protocol.
Tips for starting a safety program at your agency:
- Embed risk management in the culture: A successful safety program requires buy-in from all levels—governing bodies, leadership, managers, and staff—which is essential.
- Leaders must prioritize safety: Safety must be modeled and supported by leaders. Recognizing hazard identification and rewarding safe practices fosters engagement and reduces the perception of safety as just a formality.
- Regular reporting: Risk management reports help decision-makers, and the public see the tangible benefits of strong safety practices.
If you want to learn more about establishing a safety committee at your agency, please contact the City of Pismo Beach’s Human Resources Office.
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California JPIA Promotes Jennifer Torres to Administrative Analyst
The California JPIA is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Torres from administrative assistant to administrative analyst. Since joining the Authority in 2022, Torres has demonstrated excellence in administrative support, event coordination, and member service while fostering a welcoming team environment.
“Jennifer brings an authentic enthusiasm and dedication to our team,” said Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas. “She is usually behind the scenes making things happen and truly helps the team shine.”
Torres brings over two decades of administrative experience to her new role. Before joining the Authority, she spent more than 20 years at ADP, where she held various positions in customer service, payroll processing, and training. Her extensive background includes training international call center teams and coordinating events and logistics for executive leadership.
“When I got hired, I felt like I was coming home,” said Torres. “I clicked so well with the people here, and this is a beautiful place to work—it’s amazing the detail that the Authority puts into everything. The way everyone chips in and helps throughout the organization is something you don’t find anywhere else.”
In her new role as an administrative analyst, Torres will take on expanded responsibilities in recruitment, human resources, and clerk duties. She will facilitate recruitment processes, including panel interviews and candidate evaluations. Additionally, Torres will pursue clerk certification with assistance from Agency Clerk Veronica Ruiz to provide enhanced support for official meetings and documentation and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
“I love a challenge,” said Torres. “I’m excited to learn new things and assist anywhere I can.”
Congratulations, Jennifer, on your well-deserved promotion!
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Federal Lawsuit Warns CA Cities & Counties on Homeless Policies
By Celina Zambrano, Marketing and Communications Specialist; Civica Law Group
Originally published on January 31, 2025. Reprinted with permission from Civica Law Group.
A federal lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles prompts California agencies to reevaluate their policies addressing the unhoused to balance their and their residents’ needs.
In light of a federal lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and its police department, there is a growing call for California cities and counties to take cautionary measures regarding their policies addressing the unhoused. The lawsuit, filed by a property owner, claims that the City’s method of relocating homeless encampments to private properties has caused property damage and financial losses for neighboring property owners.
“Specifically, Plaintiff [property owner] alleges that the City has physically relocated unhoused individuals to and around nine of his properties and “informed them they had the legal right to remain there.” The City’s relocation actions have allegedly led unhoused individuals to set up encampments near Plaintiff’s properties that “block the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic” to his properties. Plaintiff alleges that the City’s relocation actions have created so-called “lawless zones,” in which unhoused individuals have trespassed on, committed numerous other crimes on, and damaged Plaintiffs’ properties without government intervention. In effect, Plaintiff claims that the City’s relocation actions have created “life-threatening conditions” to Plaintiff and his tenants; interfered with the “use and enjoyment of Plaintiff’s property”; and “materially and substantially diminished the economic value of Plaintiff’s property.”
Read Civil Minutes of this lawsuit.
This lawsuit serves as a crucial reminder for cities and counties to reassess their strategies for managing relocation efforts for the unhoused. Agencies must develop policies that not only address the needs of an agency and the unhoused but also factors in residents. The potential for significant legal repercussions regarding an agency’s policies, practices, and even codes has increased.
Despite the City of Los Angeles and its police department’s efforts to have the case dismissed, the Federal Judge refused to throw out the lawsuit early. The property owner who filed the lawsuit met the minimum requirements to keep the lawsuit alive.
“California cities and counties must remain vigilant as they navigate this complex landscape. The outcomes of this lawsuit could shape future policies and practices concerning homeless outreach in the state. We encourage local agencies to examine what they do, and if needed, explore alternative solutions to avoid liability and exposure,” said Valerie Escalante Troesh, partner at Civica Law Group, APC.
This information provides updates and insight into current municipal law and is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal counsel or advice, contact an experienced code enforcement attorney like Civica Law.
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