Issue 154 - December 2024
NEWS: WORTHY
End-of-Year Message
By Alexander Smith, Chief Executive Officer2024 has been an incredible year of growth and progress at the California JPIA. We have much to celebrate: the introduction of new training programs and risk management services, onboarding Foothill Transit as our newest member, and welcoming talented new staff who are enthusiastic about serving members and making a positive impact.
Among our new staff, Ben Rodriguez joined as technology projects manager, and Chris Gray came on board as insurance programs manager. Rezvane Lafmejani is contributing her expertise as an accountant on the finance team, while Melane Olmeda is off to a great start as communications intern. Additionally, 2024 marked the promotion of Nikki Salas to chief administrative officer, Abraham Han to senior risk manager, and Ryan Thomas to training manager. Habib Ali was elevated to the role of accountant and Jennifer Torres was promoted to administrative analyst.
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the staff who retired this year: Carl Sandstrom, business projects manager; Joe Eynon, training manager; and Jim Thyden, insurance programs manager. We also offer warm congratulations to everyone who has recently joined the team or advanced into new roles. Finally, a big thank you to the entire staff for their dedication and camaraderie and for the tremendous work that’s been accomplished in 2024.
We are especially grateful and appreciative for the strong relationships we share with our members and business partners. These connections foster thoughtful collaboration, often yielding elegant solutions to complex problems. The Authority’s Executive Committee and staff recognize the importance of remaining vigilant as we maintain your confidence and trust. Our commitment is underscored by teamwork and a clear focus on our long-term objectives:
Long-Term Objectives
- Providing members with quality coverage programs and economic value
- Delivering innovative risk management solutions and loss control services
- Ensuring excellent claims handling and litigation management
- Offering relevant, timely and comprehensive training resources
By pursuing these objectives, we protect, support, and enhance the operations of our member cities, agencies, and districts. Looking into the future, the strategic goals remain steadfast. At an implementation level, here are some of the projects and initiatives that will advance our objectives in 2025:
2025 Initiatives
- New Resources for Elected Officials: Onboarding, governance, and crisis intervention
- Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program: Class of 2025
- Human Resources Professional Series Training Program: Public sector HR skills and trends
- Interactive Portal for Customized Training Plans in myJPIA Learning Management System
- Cybersecurity Assessment Services: Membership-wide implementation
- Optional Increased Limits for Cyber Liability Coverage: Up to $3 million (subject to eligibility)
As we close out the year, we are grateful for your support and engagement with the California JPIA. We look forward to staying connected with you in 2025 and spending time together. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, and a happy and fulfilling new year.
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A Look Back at the 2024 Academies and Summits
By Michelle Aguayo, Training CoordinatorThe 2024 Authority training schedule included many opportunities for members to participate in learning, including our signature two-and-a-half-day academies. Eleven academies were held statewide with roughly 320 attendees representing a variety of job roles, including executive leadership, risk management, parks and recreation, public safety, human resources, and public works. Designed by subject matter experts, academies cater specifically to local government needs and are one of our most popular training opportunities.
January
The year started with the Risk Management Academy in Indian Wells, where 30 attendees representing 28 member agencies praised the valuable content and informative speakers. Ray Markel with the City of Walnut shared, “I’m extremely thankful to everyone at the California JPIA for putting on such an informative and helpful Risk Management Academy. The topics discussed were very engaging and applicable to my agency. The Academy also provided a great opportunity to network and workshop ideas with colleagues and the Authority’ss risk managers. The California JPIA also never disappoints when it comes to accommodations and food. I would highly recommend their academies to any agency professional.”
February
The Parks & Recreation Academy took place at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. An Academy attendee said, “I loved the Academy! As a new supervisor who has dealt with contracts and insurance in a limited capacity, this has been extremely helpful.” Topics included contractual risk transfer, insurance review, emergency management, background checks, volunteers and part-time employees, aquatic center operations, and defending your agency against playground litigation. Another participant shared, “This is an excellent resource/training for parks and recreation professionals. It provides specific examples of how agencies can reduce risk at city programs and events.”
March and September
Due to the high demand for manager training, two sessions of the Management Academy were scheduled: one in spring and one in fall. The highly requested Academy received positive feedback, with Richard Lyons from SEAACA sharing, “Thank you, California JPIA. Once again, you hit a home run. I walked away with skills to assist me in my supervisory duties.”
In March, police and fire personnel from 23 different member agencies attended the Public Safety Academy in Paso Robles. The unique program includes a full classroom experience with breakout sessions for each discipline, and participants have highly praised it for its comprehensive content. Jay Enns, a fire battalion chief with the City of Paso Robles, said, “I will recommend this training to our captains looking to promote.”
April
Tenured city managers and agency executives met in San Diego for the Executive Summit in April. They engaged in leadership topics in a small group setting, with ample time for networking and learning from subject matter experts.
The Human Resources Academy featured new sessions on DEI, personnel rules, 360-degree evaluations, stay interviews, supervisor training, and high-profile investigations. Speakers included the Authority’s Kelly Trainer Policky and human resource professionals Carla Williams with the City of La Cañada Flintridge and Kristi Hobrecker with the City of Santa Clarita.
May
The Elected Officials Summit, recently created for local agency officials in office for more than three years, was held in Huntington Beach. The Academy focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of governance, leadership, and the California JPIA’s role in risk management. The summit included a media interview simulation, allowing attendees to practice live on-air interview scenarios.
June and November
Another academy popular enough to be featured twice is the Public Works Academy, held in June and November. Sixty attendees from 37 member agencies participated. Typical Academy topics are ADA litigation, claims investigation, preserving evidence, fleet and driver management, and harassment and bullying within the department. Attendees enjoyed the information sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities with peers from other member agencies.
August
The Leadership Academy was held in August for department directors and agency leaders. Attendees gained insight into conflict resolution, self-awareness, critical conversations, trust building, and public service ethics. Long-time instructor Forrest Story led discussions about trust, strategic thinking, and innovation. “This has been one of the most polished conferences I have been to,” shared Kathryn Morrison, clerk of the board for OCCOG, “From the speakers to the education provided, it was informative. The staff gave you a sense of belonging, and I left feeling more confident about my role at my agency.”
The Authority’s academy program is a great opportunity for member agency employees to deep-dive into topics relevant to their careers and network with fellow colleagues from different public agencies. For more information on the California JPIA’s training academies, contact Training Coordinator Michelle Aguayo.
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2024 Liability Third-Party Claims Administrator (TPA) Audit
Annually, to ensure the highest level of liability claims administration, the California JPIA conducts an independent audit of our liability third-party administrator (TPA). For the past 12 years, the Authority has engaged Independent Consulting and Risk Management Services (ICRMS) to evaluate the proficiency of our liability claims handlers and our overall liability program.
ICRMS President Mark Nestor has extensive experience with more than 30 years in the development, daily management, and operation of liability and workers’ compensation programs. Mark has developed and managed six public entity pools with annual premiums of more than $100 million. While Mark’s skilled claims evaluators are reviewing liability claim files, Mark meets with the TPA claim director, key TPA staff, and the Authority’s claims and insurance director to understand the program’s overall health and identify areas of improvement. After the week-long audit, ICRMS provides a detailed analysis of the TPA’s claims-handling proficiency and recommendations for program improvements, which are tracked from year to year.
Regarding the claim file portion of the audit, a thorough analysis is done on coverage evaluation, investigation, evaluation of damages, litigation management, resolution, documentation, supervision, reporting, and reserving. In addition, each file handler is scored, and their cumulative scores are then tracked on a yearly “roll up” to track their historical performance. We are pleased to report that the Authority’s liability TPA, Carl Warren & Company, posted an overall score of 97 percent for 2024. Carl Warren has consistently scored in the high 90s for the past decade. ICRMS continues to complement the municipal claims handling proficiency exhibited by Carl Warren & Company. Carl Warren has been a trusted partner since the inception of the California JPIA, and we are pleased that they are performing at a very high level. We invite members to share their feedback regarding our liability claims administration efforts at any time by contacting our Claims and Insurance Director Paul Zeglovitch.
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An HR Masterclass: Insights from California JPIA Leaders
This November, the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association (CALPELRA) Annual Conference, themed Elevate Your Game, brought together public sector labor relations and human resources professionals to “coach and be coached.” The conference, held over four days in Monterey, included engaging sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities. Session leaders included California JPIA Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas and Employment Practices Manager Kelly Trainer Policky, who offered strategies to help public agencies navigate layered challenges in labor relations and human resources.
Trainer Policky and Salas kicked off their contributions with a session on conditional offers titled “When Conditional Offers Throw You a Curve Ball.” Drawing from their professional experience, they dove into the surprises that recruiting can entail. The session equipped attendees with practical strategies to handle tricky situations, from positive drug test results to unexpected revelations during background checks. They emphasized the importance of timing and adherence to best practices when navigating the conditional offer process, helping agencies stay compliant and prepared.
In the session “Managing Up: The Role HR Directors Play When Employees Accuse Elected Officials of Violating FEHA,” Trainer Policky teamed up with Jenica Maldonado, a partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, to discuss the challenges faced by HR directors when employees file Fair Employment and Housing Act claims against elected officials: a situation complicated by the fact that officials aren’t subject to traditional employment discipline. They outlined actionable advice to participants, encouraging them to enhance their agency policies, collaborate with insurers, and creatively “manage up” to address misconduct and maintain trust.
Drawing parallels between football and HR, Trainer Policky rounded out her schedule of speaking engagements with a session titled “Anticipating Blind Sides in the HR Playbook.” Paired with Katy A. Suttorp, an attorney with the Judicial Council of California, they helped HR professionals prepare for the unexpected, reviewing how overlooked laws or rapid legal changes can disrupt even the best-prepared agencies. From labor law to wage and hour, dress codes, disability retirement, and leaves, they shared tools to help session attendees minimize risk and remain proactive.
Trainer Policky and Salas’s sessions exemplified CALPELRA and the Authority’s joint mission to provide actionable training for public sector leaders. For more information on how to elevate your game, contact your regional risk manager.
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City of West Hollywood Celebrates 40th Anniversary
The California JPIA recognizes the City of West Hollywood, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in November.
Previously an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, West Hollywood became an independent city on November 29, 1984, following a grassroots movement led by LGBTQ activists, seniors, and renters. Their vision created a city focused on tenant rights, social equity, and progressive policies. Over the years, West Hollywood, known as WeHo, has become a leader in promoting LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. It is also recognized for its efforts in HIV/AIDS advocacy, support for aging residents, and vibrant community arts initiatives.
The city, which has a population of 33,000 residents, celebrated 40 years of cityhood during a free West Hollywood Day & State of the Community Celebration on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The event was hosted by comedian Bruce Vilanch. City officials and community members gathered to celebrate the city’s history and reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past four decades.
“The City of West Hollywood hosts many special events throughout the year. City staff takes a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure the safety of participants, staff, and property while minimizing potential disruptions,” said Senior Risk Manager Maria Galvan. “I’ve worked with the city for over 11 years, and it is great to work with staff across the organization that embrace a risk management culture. Happy 40th Anniversary!”
In addition to West Hollywood Day, the city is hosting a year’s worth of activities, including an Art on the Outside hand-painted mural at city hall, a Winter Sounds outdoor concert, and a video series with past council members that highlights the progressive policies that shaped the city’s founding.
Congratulations to the City of West Hollywood for 40 years of inclusivity, creativity, and progress!
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The California JPIA Celebrates Carl Sandstrom’s Retirement After 21 Years of Service
This December, Business Projects Manager Carl Sandstrom will retire after more than two decades of service to the California JPIA. Sandstrom, who joined the Authority in 2003, has advanced the organization’s mission by supporting its members through his role of developing and implementing the Authority’s technology platforms.
“Carl’s wealth of institutional knowledge and affability make him a valuable mentor and first-rate collaborator,” said Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “He’s helped shape the modern Authority in many ways, and his excellent work will live on and continue to benefit our members and internal processes for years to come.”
Sandstrom joined the Authority with a background in economics and asset management. “I’ve always been a systems guy,” he said. “Economics is all about systems—the push and pull of various actors, on scales large and small—that way of thinking has guided my career.”
Initially hired as a training coordinator, Sandstrom has had a wide-ranging career at the Authority. He assumed the risk manager position in 2004, shifted to a senior management analyst role in 2007, and became the business projects and facilities manager in 2010.
Within these roles, he spearheaded numerous technology projects and strategic pivots, ensuring that staff were well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of members. “I listen to people and try to identify process inefficiencies. I then focus on making workflows more seamless and automated for Authority staff and members,” he said.
His mindset of systems improvement also led to one of his most impactful accomplishments—reworking the Authority’s cost allocation model. He worked on and instituted the use of volatility bands, stabilizing member costs, further incentivizing risk management efforts, and positioning the Authority for continued financial stability and growth.
Sandstrom also worked closely with the Authority’s Training Manager over the years to build and enhance the learning management system, expand its robust functionality, improve the user interface, and in recent months, integrate it with external member HR systems. “Planting the seed of that project and knowing that it will eventually take root is truly fulfilling,” he said.
When asked for career advice, Sandstrom emphasized adaptability. “Change is going to happen with or without you,” he said. “Instead of fighting it, embrace it. Learn how to adjust so you can benefit from it—not just monetarily, but emotionally and holistically.”
From optimizing systems to mentoring colleagues, Sandstrom’s legacy is one of positive change and teamwork. “Carl’s dedication to innovation has left a lasting impact on our work, and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Smith.
Congratulations, Carl, on an admirable career and a well-deserved retirement!
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The California JPIA Celebrates Joe Eynon’s Retirement After 19 Years of Service
This December, Training Manager Joe Eynon will retire, rounding out nearly two decades of service to the California JPIA. Over the course of his career, Eynon has worked tirelessly to develop and deploy the Authority’s training programs.
“For years, Joe has worked to improve and build out the Authority’s training offerings,” said Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas. “Through his partnership with Carl Sandstrom, they modernized our training delivery system, making it more accessible to all members.”
Eynon joined the Authority in 2005 as a senior training specialist. At the time, the training department conducted an average of 100 annual in-person educational sessions. “I realized that we couldn’t rely solely on in-person training,” said Eynon. “It wasn’t scalable, and it didn’t fully meet the diverse needs of our members.”
This perspective contributed to the launch of a learning management system in 2010, paving the way for hybrid and self-paced online courses. By 2024, the program has expanded to more than 1,500 in-person and virtual training sessions each year, and the Authority training catalog continues to grow and improve.
By collaborating with risk management staff, training content was developed and curated based on member needs. “Analyzing claims data allowed us to align our training with the challenges members face most often,” said Eynon. “This data-driven approach ensured that our training was not just comprehensive, but also relevant and targeted to address specific concerns.”
Eynon attributes his longevity at the Authority to a focus on collaboration and relationships. “The Authority values every partnership, whether it’s with member agencies, an external vendor, or an internal department,” he said. “These relationships are key to delivering the best possible training experience.”
As his career at the California JPIA comes to a close, Eynon looks back with gratitude and pride. “The Authority’s training program has grown into a major benefit for our members, and I know it will continue to exceed their expectations,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment that feels like a family. Even when we face difficulties, our camaraderie and shared purpose have made this journey deeply rewarding. This hasn’t felt like work—it’s been a joy.”
To California JPIA colleagues and members, Eynon’s career has been a testament to the extraordinary value of training as an integral part of proactive risk management.
Congratulations, Joe, on a well-deserved retirement!
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