Issue 173 - July 2026
NEWS: WORTHY
Featured Sessions at the 2026 Forum
The California JPIA’s Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, taking place at the Monterey Conference Center in downtown Monterey from October 7 through 9, 2026, offers Authority members two and a half days of learning facilitated by risk management experts. The sessions cover topics including ADA accommodations and modifications, AI, deferred maintenance, police liability, First Amendment rights, workers’ compensation, and liability case law.
Some sessions that may be of particular interest to members are:
No One at the Helm: AI and Automation Risk
Many technology failures stem from unclear ownership, weak oversight, and lack of auditability—not bad intent. This session examines AI, automation, and digital tools through a risk lens, focusing on governance structures, accountability, bias risk, and documentation before problems surface. Speakers will examine technology failures through the lens of governance and accountability, highlighting moments when ownership, oversight, or documentation was unclear and how those gaps later surfaced as risks, compliance issues, or reputational problems.
Anchor Lines: When Risk Transfer Gets Tested
Joint use, facility use, parking, and similar access agreements are common across public agencies, whether coordinating shared use of school fields, partnering on recreational programs, or managing third-party activities on public property. While these agreements are often processed as routine, they directly affect how liability is allocated in the event of an incident. This session focuses on how contractual risk transfer provisions perform in real-world public agency claims scenarios. This interactive session will highlight where agreements succeed and where gaps create unintended exposure.
Surge Conditions: Workers’ Compensation During Disasters
Disasters create a surge in complex workers’ compensation claims from respiratory exposure and heat illness to fatigue-related injuries and rising mental health impacts that can significantly strain public entity resources. This session explores key risk drivers, critical coverage questions, and practical strategies to manage claims, protect employees, and control long-term costs during and after disaster response.
Sea-Level Surveillance: Where Drone Programs Get Tested
After adopting a drone program, attention should be given to Fourth Amendment considerations, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance, departmental use limitations, supervision, and training requirements, documentation, retention, and use of drone footage. Using real-world scenarios, the session illustrates how lawful drone operations can still create civil liability, evidentiary problems, or public trust issues when policy, practice, and oversight fall out of alignment.
Visit the Risk Management Educational Forum webpage for more information or to register. If you have any questions, please email us.
Print Article
Celebrating Member Achievement with the 2026 Risk Management Awards
At the California JPIA’s 2026 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors in July, six Authority members received Risk Management Awards for demonstrating superior risk management practices.
The Authority’s Risk Management Awards recognize members who have demonstrated the best overall performance in the Liability and Workers’ Compensation programs. The winners are:
Liability Program
- West Cities Police Communications (Non-Municipal Agencies)
- City of Chino Hills (Municipal Agencies Without Police Exposure)
- City of Fountain Valley (Municipal Agencies with Police Exposure)
Workers’ Compensation Program
- Big Bear City Community Services District (Non-Municipal Agencies)
- City of Santa Clarita (Municipal Agencies Without Public Safety Exposure)
- City of San Luis Obispo (Municipal Agencies with Public Safety Exposure)
A committee of California JPIA staff evaluated various factors that reflect member risk management efforts, including overall claims performance, improvement in claims performance over time, responsiveness to their individualized Loss Control Action Plan (LossCAP) recommendations, participation in the Authority’s loss control programs, and attendance at training opportunities.
“At its core, risk management is about protecting people and safeguarding public resources,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “The awards recognize agencies that have made risk management a priority and have demonstrated diligence in serving their communities. It’s a privilege to recognize them.”
Congratulations to the 2026 Risk Management Award Winners!
Print Article
Ray Marquez Joins California JPIA Executive Committee
Ray Marquez, vice mayor for the City of Chino Hills, was appointed to the California JPIA’s Executive Committee on May 27, 2026. Marquez was appointed to fill the vacant seat of Executive Committee Member Steve Croft, whose term on the Lakewood City Council expired in June.
“Ray understands the challenges public agencies face because he’s worked through them firsthand,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “His practical perspective and dedication to collaboration will serve our membership well.”
Marquez brings extensive experience in local government to the Executive Committee. His civic engagement began in 1984 when he served on the Chino Hills Incorporation Committee, helping to establish Chino Hills as a city. He was elected to the Chino Hills City Council in 2013 and has since been re-elected three times, serving as mayor in 2017 and 2022. His public service spans more than three decades and includes roles on the city’s Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Chino Valley Independent Fire District Board.
Beyond his elected service, Marquez served 28 years with the City of Santa Fe Springs Fire Department, retiring in 2009. He is also actively involved in numerous community organizations, serving on local and regional boards and volunteering with youth sports, public safety, and charitable programs throughout Chino Hills. “I’m here for my community 24/7,” said Marquez, who has responded to constituents while on vacation. “It’s important to be responsive. My goal is to make things better.”
When working with these various groups, he draws on lessons he learned early in his career. “As president of the firefighters’ union, I learned that trust could turn conflict into collaboration,” said Marquez. “By building strong relationships with city leaders, we were able to move past our differences and accomplish remarkable things together.”
As a member of the California JPIA, Marquez has seen firsthand the value the Authority provides through training opportunities and the collaborative network of public agencies.
“From the time I was first elected, I heard great things about the California JPIA,” said Marquez. “Through the Educational Forum, I saw the value the Authority brings to its members and knew I wanted to be involved.”
Marquez was motivated to join the Executive Committee because of the opportunity to help guide the Authority’s future and support member agencies throughout California.
“I’m a firm believer in listening first and building partnerships,” said Marquez. “If member agencies have questions or challenges, I want to help connect them with the information, resources, and people who can help them find solutions.”
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 the Claims, Budget, Bylaws, and Personnel committees. Learn more about each member on the Authority’s Executive Committee webpage.
When he’s not serving his community, Marquez enjoys spending time with family, including his wife, three sons, and five grandchildren.
Congratulations, Ray, and welcome to the Executive Committee!
Print Article
2026 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors
The California JPIA welcomed members to the Authority campus on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors. A quorum of delegates representing 81 member agencies attended the meeting. The Board of Directors, the governing body of the California JPIA, consists of one elected official appointed by each of the 127 member agencies, including 102 cities, 18 joint powers authorities, and seven special districts.
“Annually, the Board of Directors meeting is the most important opportunity to bring our membership together,” said Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “It provides an opportunity to discuss emerging challenges and set priorities for the upcoming year, and it reinforces the collaborative foundation on which our organization was built.”
Executive Committee President Margaret Finlay, representing the City of Duarte, welcomed delegates to the meeting and extended special greetings to representatives from the Authority’s newest members, the Town of Los Gatos and the City of Thousand Oaks.
“The addition of the Town of Los Gatos and the City of Thousand Oaks to the Authority strengthens our membership,” said Executive Committee President Margaret Finlay. “I am excited to welcome two agencies that share our values and commitment to serving their communities.”
Delegates reelected Mary Ann Reiss, City of Pismo Beach, as Executive Committee Vice President. Tom Chavez, City of Temple City; Cynthia Sternquist, Foothill Transit; Steve Tye, City of Diamond Bar; and Mark Waronek, City of Lomita, were also reelected to serve two-year terms as members of the Executive Committee.
Finlay recognized the winners of the 2026 Risk Management Awards. Smith then presented an operational overview, the strategic plan, and the two-year budget, and discussed the state of the liability market and the comprehensive training offerings provided to members. After Smith’s presentation, the meeting was adjourned until the next Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, July 28, 2027.
Print ArticleCOVERAGE MATTERS
2026–27 Memoranda of Coverage and Program Certificates
Throughout each coverage period, staff evaluates the Authority’s Memoranda of Coverage for sections that should be considered for clarification, amendment, or change. These changes accomplish the goal of providing easy-to-follow, fair coverage documents for the Authority’s membership, for all programs. In addition, available coverages within the market and market conditions may prompt the need for adjustments.
On June 17, 2026, the California JPIA Executive Committee approved revisions to the following Memoranda of Coverage:
Memorandum of Coverage—Liability Program
Page 3 – Protection Provided: We have added language that clarifies the Authority’s right to recover both damages and defense costs from the member if the claim is being defended by the Authority under a reservation of rights.
Page 20 – Exclusion P: We have amended this exclusion to clarify that approval or disapproval is both discretionary and non-discretionary as to any rent control ordinance, outdoor advertising ordinance, adult bookstore ordinance, massage parlor ordinance or licensing related to any of these, operation of any cannabis dispensary, business, cultivator, or manufacturer; or any ordinances governing that activity and any and all enforcement efforts.
Page 26 – Protected Party’s Duties in the Event of Occurrence or Claim: We have amended this section to include language that clarifies the member shall cooperate with the Authority in the defense of claims by executing settlement documents, when required.
Memorandum of Coverage—Workers’ Compensation Program
There are no substantive changes; however, the City of San Marcos has joined the excess program with a $300,000 member retained limit.
Memorandum of Coverage—Property Program
The annual aggregate deductible for the entire program has been raised from $10,000,000 to $11,000,000, and the all-risk member deductible has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000 per incident.
Program summaries for the 2026–27 coverage period will be updated and provided to members in the coming weeks.
Your agency’s personalized Memoranda of Coverage and Program Certificates for 2026–27 are available for download. Member employees can go to cjpia.org, hover over Coverage, and then either click on Memoranda of Coverage or Program Certificates. Log in and you will land on your agency’s organization page in our member portal and have access to this year’s documents.
If you have forgotten or require myJPIA credentials, please use the features found on the myJPIA login page to register or reset your password. Your username is your email address.
If you have any questions about coverage-related issues, please contact the appropriate program manager: Workers’ Compensation Program Manager Jeff Rush, Liability Program Manager Chris Kustra, or Insurance Programs Manager Christopher Gray.
Print ArticleRE: MEMBERS
California JPIA Welcomes New Member, Town of Los Gatos
The California JPIA is pleased to announce the addition of the Town of Los Gatos to the Authority’s Primary Liability program, effective July 1, 2026.
“The Town of Los Gatos is committed to proactive risk management,” said California JPIA CEO Alex Smith. “Their dedication to protecting employees, serving residents, and planning for the future aligns closely with the California JPIA’s mission, making them a natural fit for our membership. We look forward to supporting their success for years to come.”
Located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Clara County, the Town of Los Gatos is known for its vibrant downtown, strong community engagement, and commitment to delivering exceptional municipal services.
Incorporated in 1887, the town has a population of 33,700 and provides a wide range of services, including parks and open space maintenance, public works, police and library services, code compliance, community development, and administration.
The Town of Los Gatos selected the Authority as its risk management and insurance partner for the long-term stability it offers and the enhanced liability coverage. As a member, the town will benefit from the Authority’s comprehensive risk management services, specialized expertise in wildfire risk, collaborative network of public agencies committed to reducing risk, and extensive training opportunities that support its goals of emergency preparedness and prudent financial stewardship.
“The California JPIA operates an efficient, large-scale risk management organization that the Town of Los Gatos can leverage the pool to provide better service overall to the community through increased coverage for public safety and infrastructure use liability, reduced volatility, specialized risk management consultation services for any high-risk areas, and fiscal savings,” said a town representative.
Los Gatos is eager to take advantage of the Authority’s training resources, risk management expertise, and myJPIA platform, while partnering with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on training opportunities that support both agencies. “The training resources available to the Town that are either general or customizable give us the ability to provide excellent learning opportunities for our employees,” said HR Director Cheryl Parkman. “Having a dedicated California JPIA risk manager work alongside town staff to assess risk and guide the Town will be an invaluable resource.”
Welcome, Town of Los Gatos, to the California JPIA!
Print Article
City of La Puente Celebrates 70th Anniversary
The California JPIA recognizes the City of La Puente, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. To commemorate the milestone, the city created a dedicated anniversary logo, installed street banners across the community, and will be hosting a series of local giveaways. The celebrations will culminate with a special anniversary event during National Night Out on August 4, 2026.
“La Puente’s community pride is strongly tied to its emphasis on family-oriented programs, neighborhood beautification, cultural celebrations, and youth engagement,” said Director of Administrative Services Troy Grunklee. Local programming is rooted in its extensive network of public services, which include youth sports, recreation classes, senior services, and community festivals. Organizations like the La Puente Community Foundation actively support youth athletics, educational enrichment, arts programs, and wellness initiatives. Additionally, the city supports the community through its Programs, Re-employment, and Outreach Services (P.R.O.S.) initiative, which provides dedicated outreach and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.
As the city enters a new decade, its upcoming municipal goals blend infrastructure development with strategic risk management. “We’re pursuing reimagined transportation options for residents, expanded senior services offerings, and implementation of expanded animal shelter services at a new dog park,” said Grunklee. A central component of La Puente’s upcoming projects is a new Facility Use Agreement with the Bassett Unified School District, which enables the city to identify and develop new open-space opportunities for public recreation.
The city is also preparing to construct a multi-purpose activity center at La Puente Park. This project will provide residents and surrounding communities with a safe recreational space equipped with modern infrastructure to support future community programming.
Beyond park facilities, the city is advancing several initiatives to manage community liability and safety risks. La Puente is assessing local transportation options to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility in an effort to reduce traffic accidents and support vulnerable populations. Expanded senior services will address social isolation and emergency preparedness risks for older adults, and additional animal shelter services will control stray animal populations and prevent animal-related incidents.
These proactive safety measures are supported by the city’s long-standing partnership with the California JPIA. As a founding member, La Puente has been with the Authority since its inception in 1978. Over the decades, the city has used Authority resources to enhance operational safety, primarily by updating its staff training plan, maximizing the use of California JPIA educational materials, and conducting Americans with Disabilities Act facility inspections through Authority-affiliated entities.
“La Puente has been a strong and engaged partner over the years,” said California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Tony Leite. “Their team has remained actively engaged in identifying priorities and coordinating responses, whether through claims, compliance, or strategic planning efforts. Overall, La Puente’s approach reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging the Authority’s programs, data, and partnerships to strengthen operations and protect the community.”
Happy anniversary to the City of La Puente!
Print ArticlePRO: FILES
California JPIA Recognizes Five-Year Anniversary of Jason McBride
The California JPIA congratulates Finance Director Jason McBride on his fifth anniversary with the Authority. From streamlining financial workflows to contributing to the architectural plans for the new building, McBride ensures that the California JPIA’s financial strategies align with its long-term vision.
“The past five years have been among the most fulfilling of my career,” said McBride. “I thoroughly enjoy working on initiatives that challenge and expand my professional expertise. There is a profound sense of collective pride when we implement changes that directly benefit our members or improve internal workflows.”
After earning Bachelor’s and Master’s of Accountancy degrees from Brigham Young University, McBride started his career as an associate at Ernst & Young. Following his experience at the multinational accounting firm, he began working in the local sphere, first as a management auditor for the City of Anaheim, then as a senior administrative analyst for Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and finally as a strategic planning manager for Anaheim Public Utilities. After earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine, McBride advanced to his current role as the Authority’s finance director.
His tenure has coincided with an evolution of the California JPIA. “We successfully transitioned to a new CEO, welcomed exceptional new talent into key roles, and carefully managed staffing transitions during a number of retirements,” said McBride. “We also modernized our operations by implementing advanced accounting software and streamlining several core processes to better serve our organization.”
One of his most significant achievements is building operational resilience within the finance and accounting department. “By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, establishing clear process roadmaps, and prioritizing cross-training, we are creating a strong framework with staff versatility,” he said. “This ensures that team members can step in and support one another more effectively whenever needed.”
“Over the past five years, Jason has helped strengthen our financial position and modernize our financial systems, laying the groundwork for the Authority’s continued success,” said CEO Alex Smith. “His expertise, combined with his genuine care for our members and staff, makes him a valued member of the Authority team.”
McBride attributes much of his success to the collaborative culture at the California JPIA. “Effectively serving this organization often means knowing when to guide and when to empower,” said McBride. “We have incredibly capable professionals at the Authority. Sometimes the best way I can support them is to provide the necessary resources or information and allow them the autonomy to achieve exceptional results in whatever manner best utilizes their talents.”
He is also committed to strengthening the Authority’s culture. “I genuinely enjoy organizing events and activities that bring staff together,” said McBride. “While our professional goals are paramount, building strong interpersonal relationships outside our daily tasks helps to strengthen our workplace culture and makes our collaborative efforts most successful.”
Congratulations, Jason, on your five-year anniversary!
Print Article