Newsletter

2026 Risk Management Educational Forum, Beneath the Surface—Dive into Risk Management

Save the date for the 31^st Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, taking place October 7–9, 2026, in Monterey. This year’s theme, Beneath the Surface—Dive into Risk Management, encourages participants to look deeper, explore hidden challenges, and gain practical insights for use at their agency.

For more than three decades, the Forum has brought together local government leaders, industry experts, and practitioners for an immersive educational experience. Anchored by expert-led sessions, the 2026 Forum will illuminate what lies beneath today’s most pressing risk challenges. Attendees can expect panel discussions and breakout sessions covering topics such as legal liability, workers’ compensation, employment law, public safety, and legislative shoals.

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Beyond educational programming, the Forum offers members valuable opportunities to connect with peers from across the state, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional networks. Evening events feature special activities designed to support collaboration in a relaxed setting.

Additional details regarding registration, sessions, and speakers will be shared in the coming months.

Until then, keep the date on the horizon—this year’s Forum promises an in-depth exploration of the issues shaping the future of risk management.

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HR Professional Series—Registration Opening Soon

Registration is opening soon for the HR Professional Series, a comprehensive set of in-person trainings designed specifically for human resources professionals serving California JPIA member agencies. These classes provide practical guidance, current best practices, and expert insight to support HR leaders at every level.

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The 2026 HR Professional Series will be offered at multiple locations and includes the following courses:

City of San Marcos

• HR Strategic Business Partner – April 7, 2026 (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
• Ethics for the HR Professional – April 7, 2026 (1:00–5:00 p.m.)
• Advanced Harassment Prevention – May 12, 2026 (9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)
• Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding – June 2–3, 2026 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)

California JPIA Campus

• HR Strategic Business Partner – April 9, 2026 (8:30–11:30 a.m.)
• Ethics for the HR Professional – April 9, 2026 (12:30–4:30 p.m.)
• Complaints & Investigations – May 12, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
• Effective Inclusion Strategies – June 23, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)

Additional HR Professional Series sessions are planned for the cities of Arroyo Grande and La Quinta during the summer months, with dates to be announced.

Agency registrars will receive more information in an upcoming email. For further information about this or other trainings offered by the California JPIA, please contact your agency registrar or the Authority’s training department.

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Evidence of Coverage System Updates

The California JPIA recently released a new and improved Evidence of Coverage (EOC) system—designed with our members and for our members. This enhanced platform reflects years of valuable feedback and represents our continued commitment to delivering a more intuitive, user-friendly experience.

While the look and feel have been refreshed, the purpose remains unchanged: to support your agency with a clear, dependable, and efficient process for managing EOCs.

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Key Features

• Refreshed look and improved functionality
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Reliable and responsive workflow, informed by member feedback
• Seamless integration within the myJPIA portal for a consistent experience

Staff worked to create a system that is practical, dependable, and easier to navigate, based on what matters most to members.

Please click the video link below for a tutorial on using the new system.

If you have any questions, please contact Insurance Programs Manager Christopher Gray or Management Analyst Edith Vazquez.

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New and Updated Resources

The following are updates to our resource library, including updates to existing and newly developed resources:

New

Special Event Checklist
This resource was created for an agency’s internal use when organizing or sponsoring a special event.

Complaint and Hazard Reporting Guidelines
This resource of guidelines was created to provide best practices for documenting, routing, and resolving complaints related to hazards or unsafe conditions reported by residents, employees, or visitors.

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Medication Release and Waiver and Authorization to Release Medical Information

This resource provides a medication release and waiver and authorization to release medical information templates for when agencies are considering administering medication to minors participating in an agency program.

Updated

Vehicle Use Policy Template

This resource has been updated to reflect a recent court of appeals decision that bars drivers from using any functions on a handheld cell phone while driving and revises the minimum insurance requirements.

These and other resources can be accessed and downloaded via the online library located in the resources section of the Authority’s website. Resources available in Word format are for members to customize to agency-specific policies and procedures.

If you have questions, please contact your regional risk manager.

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California JPIA Recognizes Five-Year Anniversary of Nikki Salas

The California JPIA celebrates the five-year anniversary of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Nikki Salas this February. Since joining the Authority in 2021, Salas has played a significant role in driving organizational progress by assisting with the modernization of human resource (HR) programs, identifying opportunities to enhance internal systems, and helping to guide the California JPIA through significant growth and change.

Since 2020, the Authority has evolved as an organization. Alongside leadership transitions and numerous retirements, over one-third of the current staff have been hired since 2021. “We’ve had department growth and retirements across the board, including in our executive management team,” she said. “With that change in staff comes an evolution of the organization. However, through these changes, we’ve been able to hold on tight to our core values and what it really means to exceed our members’ expectations.”

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CEO Alex Smith reflected, “Five years ago, we gained not just a talented executive, but a leader who makes everyone around her better. Nikki’s integrity, creative problem-solving, and collaborative spirit have made our organization stronger and more resilient. She is also results-oriented—the kind of person who turns ideas into action.”

Salas joined the California JPIA as a human resources manager, bringing extensive experience from her nine years at the Town of Apple Valley, where she collaborated closely with the Authority as Assistant Town Manager.

“I had the benefit of working for a member agency—that’s how I got to know the Authority,” Salas said. “I was Authority-adjacent for years before I ever started working here.”

That member perspective has proven valuable in her current role, where she oversees human resources, fleet management, agency clerk, administration, training, and communications. “As we prepare to introduce new initiatives to members, I make it a priority to consider the experience from the end users’ perspective,” she said. “I strive to anticipate their needs so we can proactively address them and ensure a seamless rollout.”

Salas has worked on many projects during her tenure, but is especially proud to have spearheaded the Authority-wide implementation of Paylocity, an HR and payroll platform that debuted in April 2024. The system consolidated previously disjointed timesheet, payroll, and HR processes into a single, streamlined platform with easy employee access.

Another project that stands out is working with Kelly Trainer Policky, Ryan Thomas, and Alex Mellor to overhaul HR resource and training offerings. She’s been a key team member in helping to develop HR resources specific to public sector professionals—the team has created model personnel rules, overhauled the annual HR Academy with fresh content and new speakers, and launched an HR training series that combines online and in-person components.

“There’s a lot of HR training out there, but there aren’t many quality resources for public sector human resources,” Salas said. “Our content is robust and connects all of these professionals to a full HR network that they can discuss current trends and similar workplace issues.”

In 2024, Salas was promoted to the CAO role, where she’s had the opportunity to make a greater impact across the Authority. She describes her leadership style as a quiet champion. “I help everybody succeed,” she said. “My role is not very visible outside of the organization, but I like being a behind-the-scenes supporter, because I can focus on helping out and supporting a lot of departments organization-wide.”

What she finds most rewarding is the variety her role offers. “I’ve got a big team, so I get to be involved in a training project one day, and a facility issue the next,” she said.

As she reflects on her five years at the Authority, Salas sees the bigger picture of the work. “Everything that the Authority does impacts 126 California public agencies,” she said. “It’s a great feeling going to work every day and seeing the impact of what we do on public agencies.”

Congratulations, Nikki, on five years of dedication to the California JPIA and its members!

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California JPIA Promotes Rezvane Lafmejani to Senior Accountant

The California JPIA is pleased to announce the promotion of Rezvane Lafmejani to senior accountant. Lafmejani, who joined the Authority in October 2024, has established herself as a valuable member of the finance team through her technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.

“Rezvane’s promotion to senior accountant reflects a natural progression. Since joining the Authority, she has continued to strengthen her technical expertise while consistently taking on complex and challenging projects,” said Finance Director Jason McBride. “Her genuine commitment to collaboration helps sustain the high quality of our work, and she has become a trusted partner across the organization.”

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Lafmejani’s background equipped her with the skills needed for success at the Authority. After earning a master’s degree in accounting from California State University, Fullerton in 2019, she spent three years at Your Part-Time Controller, providing outsourced financial services to nonprofit organizations nationwide. That consultant role allowed her to work with diverse clients and develop expertise in full-cycle accounting, from transaction entry to statement preparation.

She began at the Authority during a critical period, as the finance team transitioned to a new accounting system. Lafmejani quickly adapted by learning the old and new systems simultaneously, supporting user testing, and helping validate data accuracy during the transition.

Since joining the Authority, Lafmejani’s role has evolved from learning operational details to assuming broader responsibility for accuracy, oversight, and system improvement. Additionally, she has earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, further improving her service to the team. “Completing the CPA exam strengthened my analytical abilities, which have been especially valuable when addressing complex accounting matters or interpreting new regulations,” Lafmejani said.

In her current role as Senior Accountant, Lafmejani prepares and reviews a high volume of accounting entries, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and aligned with accounting standards and internal controls. She also has more direct interaction with members, serving as a key point of contact for invoice-related questions.

She maintains her professional edge by reading accounting newsletters, attending professional webinars, and staying current on IRS guidance. “Staying informed allows me to anticipate regulatory changes and help ensure that our processes remain compliant and forward-looking,” she said.

Lafmejani credits the finance department’s collaborative culture for supporting her growth. “It has been a privilege to work at the California JPIA,” she said. “My department demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration, accountability, and service, both internally and externally. I am grateful to be part of a team that takes pride in delivering accurate and reliable financial information.”

Congratulations, Rezvane, on your promotion!

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Public Law Update – AB 382: Statewide 20 Miles Per Hour School Zones and Local Options

By Joaquin Vazquez, Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

Originally published on January 28, 2026. Republished with permission from Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.

Summary and Context
Assembly Bill (AB) 382 updates how California sets and enforces speed limits near schools. The bill lowers the baseline school zone speed limit from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour, standardizes what counts as a “school zone” and when “children are present,” and aligns related rules governing local authority. [1]

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Beginning January 1, 2031, the 20 miles per hour standard applies statewide in posted school zones whenever school zone signs indicate the lower limit is in effect. Before that date, cities and counties may adopt 20 miles per hour school zone limits under temporary authority if they choose to do so. [2]

AB 382 also preserves existing tools that allow local agencies to post 15 miles per hour limits on certain residential streets within school zones and 25 miles per hour limits on defined approach segments, subject to statutory conditions. The bill uses a single, consistent definition of “school zone” across speed limit and enforcement provisions. [3] Properly posted school zone speed limits may continue to be enforced using radar without a current engineering and traffic survey, consistent with long-standing school zone enforcement rules.

Background

The Legislature adopted these changes in response to ongoing concerns about child pedestrian safety and research showing that lower vehicle speeds reduce both the likelihood and severity of crashes near schools. Legislative analyses for AB 382 reference national recommendations for 20 miles per hour school zones and California-specific collision data in school areas.  [4]

New 20 Miles Per Hour School Zone Framework

Beginning January 1, 2031, the default rule for posted school zones statewide changes. When a road is signed as a school zone and the conditions shown on school signs are met, the prima facie speed limit is 20 miles per hour instead of 25 miles per hour. Put simply, when school signs indicate the lower limit applies, drivers are expected to slow to 20 miles per hour. [5]

The statute allows three familiar ways to show that the 20 miles per hour limit is in effect. One option is a sign with flashing beacons stating “SPEED LIMIT 20 WHEN FLASHING,” which applies when the lights are flashing. Another is a sign stating “CHILDREN ARE PRESENT,” which applies when children are actually present under the statutory definition. A third option allows a sign to list specific hours, selected by the local agency, during which the 20 miles per hour limit applies. In each case, the reduced speed applies only when the condition shown on the sign is met. [6]

At the same time, AB 382 preserves the familiar 25 miles per hour rules for business districts, residential areas, and senior zones. Those provisions continue to operate as before and are now grouped together in a separate subdivision, with the new school zone rules addressed alongside them rather than replacing them. [7]

What Counts as a “School Zone” and When Children Are “Present”

AB 382 standardizes key definitions used throughout the Vehicle Code.

A “school zone” is defined as the area of a highway within 500 feet of school grounds in any direction, so long as it is marked with appropriate school warning signs. This treats the area around a school as a defined zone, rather than focusing only on the street immediately adjacent to the campus. [8]

The statute also clarifies when children are present. Children are present when they are going to or leaving school, or when school grounds are in use by children and the roadway is posted with a standard “SCHOOL” warning sign. Children who are separated from the roadway by a fence, gate, or similar physical barrier are not treated as present for this purpose. [9]

These definitions apply not only to Vehicle Code section 22352, but also to related provisions governing local speed limit authority and enforcement, helping ensure consistent application across school zone rules. [10]

Interim Authority Before 2031

Local agencies do not have to wait until 2031 to use 20 miles per hour speed limits in school zones. AB 382 adds a temporary provision authorizing a city or county, by ordinance or resolution, to adopt a 20 miles per hour speed limit in a school zone now, using the same 500 foot school zone definition that will apply statewide in 2031. [11]

This interim authority runs through December 31, 2030, and automatically sunsets when the amended version of Vehicle Code section 22352 becomes operative on January 1, 2031. After that date, speed limits in school zones are governed directly by section 22352’s 20 miles per hour framework. [12]

Other Speed Limit Tolls Near Schools

AB 382 does not eliminate existing tools for adjusting speeds near schools. Local agencies may still post lower or transitional speed limits on certain streets in and approaching school zones.

Under Vehicle Code section 22358.4, a city or county may continue to post 15 miles per hour limits on qualifying residential streets within school zones. To use this option, the street must be in a residence district, have no more than two traffic lanes, and have a posted prima facie speed limit of 30 miles per hour immediately before and after the school zone. These criteria focus the 15 miles per hour tool on narrower neighborhood streets that directly serve schools. [13]

The same section allows 25 miles per hour limits on roads approaching a school zone from 500 to 1,000 feet away. This allows agencies to create lower speeds on defined approach segments before drivers enter the 20 miles per hour school zone itself. These limits apply to all lanes in both directions and take effect only after appropriate signs are installed. On state highways, Caltrans approval and state installed signing are also required. [14]

Practical Impacts for Local Agencies

For cities and counties, AB 382 creates a clearer and more uniform framework for managing speeds near schools. Before January 1, 2031, agencies may choose to adopt 20 miles per hour speed limits in school zones using the new 500 foot school zone definition and the clarified “children are present” standard. Beginning January 1, 2031, the 20 miles per hour standard applies statewide wherever school zone signs indicate the lower limit is in effect.

Local agencies also retain the ability to post 15 miles per hour limits on qualifying residential streets within school zones and 25 miles per hour limits on approach segments 500 to 1,000 feet from school zones. Together, these options provide a more predictable framework for designing, signing, and enforcing lower speed environments around schools.

Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP regularly advises clients on legal matters relating to public law. Their office can advise on strategies to make traffic environments safer around school.

All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only to permit you to learn more about our firm, our services and the experience of our attorneys. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current and is subject to change without notice.

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[1]  Veh. Code, §§ 22352, 22352.5, 22358.4, 40802.

[2]  Veh. Code, §§ 22352(b), (e); 22352.5.

[3]  Veh. Code, §§ 22352(d), 22358.4, 40802.

[4]  Assem. Floor Analysis, Concurrence in Sen. Amends. to Assem. Bill No. 382 (2025–2026 Reg. Sess.) Sept. 4, 2025; Sen. Rules Com., Off. of Sen. Floor Analyses, 3d reading analysis of Assem. Bill No. 382 (2025–2026 Reg. Sess.) Sept. 2, 2025.

[5]  Veh. Code, § 22352(b), (e).

[6]  Veh. Code, § 22352(b)(1)–(3).

[7]  Veh. Code, § 22352(c).

[8]  Veh. Code, § 22352(d)(1).

[9]  Veh. Code, § 22352(d)(2).

[10]  Veh. Code, §§ 22358.4, 40802.

[11]  Veh. Code, § 22352.5(a), (b).

[12]  Veh. Code, § 22352.5(c); § 22352, (e).

[13]  Veh. Code, § 22358.4(b)(1)(A), (2).

[14]  Veh. Code, § 22358.4(b)(1)(B), (3), (5).

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