News

A recording of the California JPIA’s webinar regarding Senate Bill 1127 (SB 1127) will be available to Authority members in the coming weeks. The webinar, which was held in November, featured panel presenters providing their perspectives on the bill’s impact to the California JPIA and its member agencies. SB 1127 fundamentally changes the way presumptive

The Authority has recently revised its Tree Inspection and Maintenance Policy template. This template establishes guidelines to reduce public agency exposure to liability associated with trees. Additionally, it contains guidelines for protecting trees and maintaining their public benefit, including improved air quality, reduced storm water flow, habitat for wildlife, and a reduced heat island effect. The

September 4, 2018 The Authority’s tenth annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium was held on August 16, 2018 on the California JPIA campus for attendees that included Authority members, defense attorneys, and claims adjusters from York. Symposium attendees heard from a panel of defense attorneys, including Giovanni Valencia from Hayford, Felchlin, Valencia & McWhorter; Cliff Weinberg from

The California JPIA’s Annual Liability Attorney Summit, which was held on July 24, 2018 at the Authority campus in La Palma, hosted 52 participants, including representatives from Carl Warren & Company, Authority staff, and the Authority’s liability defense panel firms and business partners. California JPIA CEO, Jon Shull, welcomed attendees and was followed by Paul

The Authority’s tenth annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium was held on August 16, 2018 on the California JPIA campus for attendees that included Authority members, defense attorneys, and claims adjusters from York.  Symposium attendees heard from a panel of defense attorneys, including Giovanni Valencia from Hayford, Felchlin, Valencia & McWhorter; Cliff Weinberg from Ingber & Weinberg;

Memoranda of coverage for 2018-19 are available for download on myJPIA. Member employees who have been granted access can find their memoranda of coverage by logging into myJPIA, then clicking on “Risk Management” and on “Memoranda and Certificates.” If the Memoranda and Certificates page is not visible as a navigation option within myJPIA, contact Edith Avina to gain access to

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day. For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 4.

Please note that from 5:00 pm on Friday, August 31 through 10:00 pm on Monday, September 3, myJPIA and portions of cjpia.org will be offline while we perform important scheduled maintenance. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

The Risk Managers Roundtable on Volunteer Management, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 28 in Arroyo Grande, has been postponed to a later date. Registrants will be notified when a new date has been selected for the roundtable. For questions or more information, contact Ryan Thomas, Training and Loss Control Specialist, by email or

The Authority’s 2018 Risk Management Educational Forum’s Opening Session will include a presentation by Gerry Preciado on the “#MeToo” movement and its effect on California’s employment climate. The #MeToo movement has led to a greater focus on the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace. Titled “Employment Litigation and the #MeToo Impact,” Preciado’s Forum presentation

Registration for the Authority’s October 2018 Management Academy reached capacity soon after it opened. To be placed on the wait list, members should register for the academy through myJPIA. Those on the wait list will be notified as soon as an opening becomes available.  The Management Academy, which will be held at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad

The California JPIA recognized six of its members for their achievements in risk management by honoring them with the 2018 Risk Management Award. The Risk Management Awards highlight dedicated efforts and accomplishments in risk management, recognizing Authority members that have demonstrated the best overall performance in the Liability Program and the Workers’ Compensation Program.  For

The finalists for the 2018 Capstone Award have been selected and will be honored in a ceremony at this September’s Risk Management Educational Forum. The Capstone Award is presented at the Forum each year to an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management. The 2018 finalists are: Karina Bañales, City of Palos Verdes Estates

The Authority’s Newly Elected Officials Academy was held in June in Laguna Beach with 22 elected officials from 17 different public agencies attending sessions that covered the fundamentals of local government. Newly elected officials first seated between November 2016 and April 2018 were invited to attend this two-day training event. Topics included in the sessions

Registration is still open for the 2018 California JPIA’s annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium, to be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at the Authority’s campus in La Palma. This event provides an opportunity for members to hear from industry experts and meet with the Authority’s panel attorneys and the York claims team. Topics being presented

To assist citizens during the hottest part of the year, and in the interest of public health, some Authority members arrange for a network of cool zones or cooling centers (e.g. libraries and churches), which provide cool, air-conditioned locations for residents and other individuals who have nowhere else to go. However, it’s necessary to think

Details on the third and fourth quarter Risk Managers Roundtables, to be held in August and November of 2018, will be available in the coming weeks. The Authority’s quarterly roundtables present various topics related to risk management and provide interactive learning opportunities for members on timely and relevant topics. Typically, the two-hour roundtables are held

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, July 5.

The Annual Board of Directors Meeting was held in La Palma on July 18, 2018 with a quorum of delegates in attendance, representing 73 member agencies. Curtis Morris, President of the Executive Committee, presided over the meeting, which included Executive Committee elections, recognition of the 2018 Risk Management Award winners, and a presentation of the

Registration is currently open for the Authority’s annual Board of Directors meeting, to be held on Wednesday, July 18, at 7:00 pm at the California JPIA’s La Palma campus. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet the Executive Committee and Authority staff, and network with other members of the California JPIA. The business meeting will present

Registration is open for the Authority’s third quarter Risk Managers Roundtable, featuring the topic “Volunteer Management.” Participants at this roundtable will learn how to better manage volunteers at their agencies, with presentation topics including the appropriate age for volunteers, court-ordered community service programs, and the Authority’s Volunteer Manual Template. The roundtables will be presented at

Members with responsibility for their agency’s program certificates and other coverage documents are now able to use a new feature in myJPIA which allows them to easily download program certificates for each pooled program in which their agency participates. The 2018-19 program certificates are available using this feature. If already in myJPIA, the certificates can be found

The California JPIA’s Public Works Academy was held in June at the La Bellasera Hotel in Paso Robles. Twenty-one attendees from 15 agencies took part in the three-day academy, which covered topics such as Risk Management for Public Works, Contractual Risk Transfer, Technology, Investigating Claims, and Fleet Management and Driver Safety. The Academy concluded with

The Authority has recently updated its “Drug-Free Workplace” policy template to assist members with maintaining a workplace that is free of drugs and alcohol, and to discourage drug and alcohol abuse by employees. This policy governs not only the abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs, but also the use and abuse of legal drugs in

The Authority has recently created two new policy templates to assist members with the development of a policy for mandated reporter requirements. One template is specific to mandated reporter requirements as they pertain to children, and the other pertains to the elderly and dependent adults. The templates identify employees who are required to report child,

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 29.

Nominations for the Capstone Award are being accepted through Wednesday, May 30, 2018. The Capstone Award is presented annually to someone at an Authority member agency who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector by implementing loss prevention programs, working to support risk management efforts at their agency, and influencing others

Members who travel outside the United States create exposures that are not covered in the Memoranda of Coverage for the liability programs. Because of this, the Authority has developed a new program to provide coverage for members engaged in foreign travel. There are five categories of coverage provided by this program: Foreign Commercial General Liability

April’s Human Resources Academy wrapped up with members commenting on the “inspiring” and “thought-provoking” content presented during the academy. Instructors included Monica Sanchez and Katy Suttorp from Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP; Jeff Bills from Confidence Consulting; Jeff Rush, the Authority’s Workers’ Compensation Program Manager; and Paul Zeglovitch, the Liability Program Manager for the Authority.

Reminder: The California JPIA’s recruitment for an Agency Clerk is scheduled to close on Thursday, May 3, 2018.  The individual in this position would perform professional, technical, and administrative functions that require a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in support of the Chief Executive Officer and Administrative Programs Manager. Specific tasks and responsibilities include

Registration is open for the Authority’s 23rd Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, entitled The Amazing Race to Risk Management Success. The Forum will be held at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad on September 19 – 21, 2018 and will feature keynote speaker Phil Hansen, whose artistic journey has become a source of inspiration for the tens

Registration is open for the second quarter series of the Authority’s Risk Managers Roundtables, which will take place in May and feature the topic “Develop Quality Staff Through Effective Performance Feedback.”  Attendees at this roundtable will learn about and discuss the multi-faceted world of employee feedback and documentation and the significant role they play in

Members who are interested in applying for an Educational Forum scholarship to attend the 2018 Risk Management Educational Forum or in submitting a nomination for the Capstone Award have until May to complete an online application or nomination form. While there is no cost for members to register for the Forum, the California JPIA is

The California’s JIPA’s webcast series, Authority Live!, is back on April 23, 2018 at 10:00 am with an episode regarding active shooter scenarios. The possibility of someone coming into a facility with a gun and shooting people is rare, but nonetheless catastrophic. Recent shootings in Florida and Las Vegas have stirred the debate on what

California JPIA members can now view April’s Authority Live! webcast, “Active Shooter in the Workplace,” online. Dr. Steve Albrecht, who is internationally known for his consulting and training work in workplace violence prevention training programs, discusses tactics such as “Run, Hide and Fight,” which have been proven to be the best chance for survival during

The Authority is currently recruiting for an Agency Clerk. The individual in this position would perform professional, technical, and administrative functions that require a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in support of the Chief Executive Officer and Administrative Programs Manager. Specific tasks and responsibilities include managing the Authority’s document and records management program, analyzing

The nomination period is open for the 6th Annual California JPIA Capstone Award. This award is presented annually by the California JPIA to an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management among its member agencies. Again, this year, this important recognition will be awarded to an outstanding individual during a ceremony at the Authority’s

Each July, the Authority’s Board of Directors conducts its annual meeting. Topics presented at the meeting include the annual report, and strategic plan and operational update. In addition, risk management awards are presented, and an election of Executive Committee members is conducted. The 2018 Board of Directors meeting will be held at the Authority’s campus

Authority members may be unfamiliar with cyber liability as an exposure and do not routinely require vendors/contractors who represent a cyber exposure to the agency to carry cyber liability insurance. To share thoughts on cyber insurance requirements for vendors or to pose questions regarding this topic, members can visit the Authority’s LinkedIn discussion group page.

Many agencies are unaware of California Streets & Highways (S&H) Code Section 5610, a statute that allows members with sidewalks to transfer the risk and expense of sidewalk repairs and maintenance to adjacent private property owners. However, the statute doesn’t absolve agencies of all responsibility for inspecting and maintaining sidewalks. Authority members can share their

The Authority’s 2018-2020 Academy schedule is now available to California JPIA members. Academies are limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait lists are established once the attendee list is full. Note that not all academies have the same registration process: certain academies will be by invitation only, and select members will

The Authority’s Executive Academy for 2018 is now open for registration. The academy, which is designed for current or soon-to-be city managers and chief executives, will be held on April 11 – 13, 2018 at the Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara. The Executive Academy offers a unique opportunity for the chief executives of the Authority’s

March is National Ladder Safety Month, an opportunity to promote awareness, training, and education to prevent ladder-related injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year in the United States, more than 500 thousand people are treated for and about 300 people die from ladder-related injuries. The Authority has ladder safety

When dealing with the issue of encroachment on agency property, the Authority has specific recommendations regarding risk transfer. However, Authority members sometimes struggle to obtain appropriate insurance from individuals (particularly homeowners) or entities who want to encroach on agency property. Members can share their thoughts on how to effectively transfer risk associated with encroachment on

The Authority is pleased to announce the development of new instructor-led training courses for 2018. Members may register for these and other trainings on myJPIA via the training calendar. The new courses are: Accident Investigation HAZWOPER First Responder – Awareness Level and Operations Level Introduction to Cal/OSHA and Conducting Safety Inspections Driver Safety The Authority’s newsletter has more detailed

In various cities throughout the state of California, some signs and pavement markings are difficult to see during the day, and even more so at night. The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) addresses maintaining minimum retroreflectivity of signs, but at the moment, there are no similar requirements for minimum standards for pavement

Both Primary Liability Program and Primary Workers’ Compensation Program annual contributions and retrospective computations for the 2018-19 coverage period are available on the Authority’s website in the Resources and Documents Library and on the Cost Allocation pages.  Annual contributions, which provide the pool with necessary resources for the defense and payment of claims, are calculated based on an

The Authority’s 23rd annual Risk Management Educational Forum has as its theme “The Amazing Race to Risk Management Success,” highlighting the importance of goals and preparation for challenges when contemplating risk management issues. The annual Forum is a two-and-a-half-day educational event that allows Authority members to study topics and issues relevant to local government, and come

The Authority recently revised its Contractual Risk Transfer Manual. The manual, which was last updated in 2016, contains several updates, including new automobile liability limits for service work adjacent to or impacting roadways, and updated indemnity language in the professional service agreement section. The purpose of the manual is to guide the user in writing

Some agencies use third-party transportation providers for excursions and outings, such as taking senior citizens to museums; taking youth to the beach, camps, or water parks during the summer; and taking youth leagues to tournaments. However, providing transportation comes with significant liability exposure. Members can log onto the Authority’s members-only LinkedIn discussion group page to share their

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has published its long-awaited final rule amending its drug testing program for DOT-regulated employers. The new DOT rule makes the following significant changes: adding four semi-synthetic opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone) to the drug testing panel, which is “intended to help address the nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse” and

Authority members will now be able to use new features in myJPIA, including a personalized dashboard that allows easy access to key metrics and information for members who perform a primary role for their agency, such as city manager, executive director, human resources director, etc. Other features include instant access to LossCAP items, enhanced search filters for

The Authority is reminding its members that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to post OSHA Form 300A between February 1 and April 30, 2018. Form 300A provides a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2017 and were logged on OSHA Form 300. The form

The Authority’s newest academy offering, the Risk Management Academy, takes place this week in Carlsbad. Running from January 23 – 25, this academy provides risk managers at member agencies with the skills necessary to help create and support a healthy risk management culture, covering topics such as the importance of root cause analysis, consequences of

Protecting children that participate in an agency’s after-school and recreation programs is crucial, as the risk of child predators is real. Mitigating this risk goes far beyond signed participant waivers and requiring sexual molestation insurance from independent contract instructors. Members can visit the Authority’s members-only LinkedIn discussion group page to share their thoughts on policies and procedures

Educating and training staff is crucial in the fight against cyber criminals. Since phishing attacks are some of the most common types of cyber crimes, being able to spot a phishing email is of particular importance. Phishing is defined, according to Merriam-Webster, as a scam by which an internet user is duped (as by a

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 16.

Beginning January 1, 2018, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) requires California employers with five or more employees to display the DFEH’s “Transgender Rights in the Workplace” poster, which must be placed in a prominent and accessible location in the workplace. The poster provides answers to employer FAQs, useful definitions, and information

California JPIA members with police departments are provided funding by the Authority for participation in Lexipol’s Law Enforcement Policy Manual Update and Daily Training Bulletin subscriptions. The Authority formed a strategic business partnership with Lexipol in January 2009, and this partnership has continued over the years in order to equip the Authority’s members with policies

As providers of recreation activities, daycare centers, and other child-serving programs, local government agencies have a responsibility to effectively screen job applicants and volunteers, and to proactively exclude those individuals who harbor inappropriate intentions towards children. While criminal background checks (including Live Scan fingerprinting) are an important part of the screening process, they should not

The Authority’s quarterly series of Risk Managers Roundtables wrapped up in November, with Cal/OSHA compliance as the topic for the fourth quarter. Dick Monod de Froideville, a specialist in the field of Cal/OSHA regulatory compliance and code enforcement, instructed attendees on how to handle a Cal/OHSA inspection, filing appeals, and completing an OSHA 300 log,

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 27.

The Authority’s offices will be closed from Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 1. If you should have an urgent need to reach someone in our offices, please call (562) 467-8700, and leave a message by following the prompts for the emergency mailbox. You will receive a return phone call the same day.  To request

The Authority has recently made available to members a white paper on Proposition 64, also known as the “Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act” (the “AUMA”). The white paper provides an overview of the new law, measures local agencies can take to control the distribution and cultivation of marijuana, and consumption of

The Authority’s 2017 Management Academy took place September 25 – 28, 2017 in Paso Robles and featured speakers Forrest Story, principal consultant for Public Sector Excellence, and John Perry, President of Human Productivity Systems. Twenty-four Authority members representing 13 different agencies spent four days learning unique approaches to improving the performance, motivation, and commitment of

The Authority recently revised the Vehicle Cards document in its online Resources and Documents library. The previous version incorrectly referenced California Vehicle Code § 16051. The correct reference is California Vehicle Code § 16021, which describes financial responsibility of a vehicle’s driver or owner.  These vehicle cards establish proof of insurance coverage and are to be

Many cities throughout California have adopted very restrictive ordinances as to where sex offenders can live, generally within 2,000 feet of schools, parks, and playgrounds.  This was largely done as a result of Proposition 83, that passed with an overwhelming 70% vote.  But, following a 2015 California Supreme Court ruling deeming the restrictions under Proposition

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter (including microscopic amounts) after contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces of an infected person.  San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles counties have declared hepatitis A

The Authority’s offices will be closed from Tuesday, October 10through Friday, October 13 while staff is attending our Annual Risk Management Educational Forum. If you have an urgent request for an evidence of coverage that is needed before October 16, please call Jim Thyden, Insurance Programs Manager, at (562) 631-5449.

The Authority has added a new resource template, Abusive Conduct Policy, to its Resources and Documents library. This template can be used to assist members with the development of a workplace abusive conduct policy.  AB 2053 amended the Fair Employment and Housing Act training requirements to include “prevention of abusive conduct” as a component of the

California Assembly Bill (AB) 2007, known as the Concussion Management in Youth Sports Act, was signed by Governor Brown on September 23, 2016 and took effect on January 1, 2017. The bill requires youth sports organizations to follow certain concussion protocols.  Prior to the enactment of AB 2007, existing law required schools that offer an

The Authority’s 23rd annual California JPIA Risk Management Educational Forum will take place from September 19-21, 2018 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. The Forum is an educational event for Authority members and features various knowledge experts informing attendees about issues such as employment law, workers’ compensation, and public safety. The 2017 Forum,

The California JPIA held its Annual Liability Attorney Summit on August 23, 2017, at the Authority campus in La Palma. Approximately 57 participants attended the Summit, including representatives from Carl Warren & Company, Authority staff, and 19 of the Authority’s liability defense panel firms and business partners. Paul Zeglovitch, the Authority’s Liability Program Manager, welcomed

Employees of member agencies who participate in Cal/OSHA compliance and safety program preparation are encouraged to attend the Authority’s fourth quarter Risk Managers Roundtable,“Dealing with Cal/OSHA.” Attendees at this roundtable will learn from speaker Dick Monod de Froideville how to handle a Cal/OSHA inspection and audit, filing an appeal, and completing and posting an OSHA

The third-quarter series of the Risk Managers Roundtable ended on August 22, 2017 in Paso Robles, with speaker Doug Sjoberg presenting on the subject of “Creating Inter-Generational Harmony in the Workplace.” Discussion topics included behavioral characteristics typical of employees from the four generations now present in our workforce, effects of informal social media communication styles

The ninth annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium was held on August 16, 2017 at the Authority’s La Palma campus. Twenty-one member agencies were represented, with about 60 attendees at the event, including members, speakers, and Authority partners. The Symposium provides an opportunity for members to meet with the Authority’s panel attorneys and the York claims team,

Authority members are reminded to register for the 22nd Annual Risk Management Educational Forum before the deadline of September 11, 2017 when registration closes. This year’s Forum, titled “Risk Management: Facing the Future Together,” runs from October 11 – 13 at The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara. The keynote address will be given by Doc Hendley,

The Authority has recently revised its Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation policy template to address changes in regulation in recent years and provide clarification on the expanded scope to whom the policy applies.  Specifically, the template revisions address the following:  Expansion in the scope of whom the policy applies. In addition to employees and applicants, the policy has

The 2017 Capstone Award finalists have been selected and will be honored in a ceremony at this October’s Risk Management Educational Forum. The Capstone Award is presented at the Forum each year to an individual at one of the Authority’s member agencies who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. The

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 5.

The August episode of Authority Live! will feature attorney and author Scott Grossberg, of Grossberg & Hoehn, presenting the topic of design immunity. Authority Live! is a web-based, live event designed for Authority members to receive the latest information on important and topical issues. In this episode, viewers will learn about California Government Code Section

Registration is currently open for the third quarter series of Risk Managers Roundtables, which run through August and feature the topic, “Creating Inter-generational Harmony in the Workplace.” Attendees will learn how to understand, adapt, and appreciate generational differences in today’s workplace. Speaker Doug Sjoberg will present how to communicate diplomatically, behavioral characteristics typical of employees

The Annual Board of Directors Meeting was held at the Authority’s campus in La Palma on July 19, 2017 with a quorum of delegates in attendance, representing 80 member agencies. Curtis Morris, President of the Executive Committee, presided over the meeting, which included Executive Committee elections, recognition of the 2017 Risk Management Award winners, and

The Authority is actively recruiting for the position of part-time Maintenance Worker. The Maintenance Worker will play an essential role in the appearance and condition of the Authority’s campus. The position requires performing semi-skilled to skilled level maintenance and repair work in a variety of trade disciplines including custodial/janitorial, electrical, and plumbing. Work also includes routine

The Authority is currently recruiting for a Senior Risk Manager. The primary responsibility of the Senior Risk Manager is to manage member action plans, meet with member officials and staff, advise on matters regarding public policy and operational procedures, identify training needs, provide training, serve as liaison on liability and workers’ compensation claim matters, make

The Authority has recently revised its Criminal Background Check Policy template, which can be found in the Resources and Documents library on cjpia.org. This newest revision addresses recent changes in regulations that California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) made regarding employers’ use of employees’ and applicants’ criminal history in employment decisions. Specifically, the template revisions add

This year, at the Authority’s 2017 Risk Management Educational Forum, members will be able to choose from three different opening sessions. In previous years, the Forum featured one opening session for all attendees. However, to better serve members and address the varying roles they play within their organizations, three opening sessions will be available this

The California JPIA recognized six Authority members for their risk management achievements by honoring them with the 2017 Risk Management Award. The Risk Management Awards highlight dedicated efforts and accomplishments in risk management, recognizing Authority members that have demonstrated the best overall performance in the Liability Program and the Workers’ Compensation Program. To select the

Registration for the Authority’s annual Board of Directors meeting is currently open. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 19, at 7:00 pm at the California JPIA’s La Palma campus. Members attending will have the opportunity to meet the Executive Committee and Authority staff, and network with other members of the California JPIA. The business

Registration is open for the Authority’s 2017 Management Academy, being held from September 25 – 28, 2017 at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles. This academy, designed for entry-level managers and supervisors, presents participants with unique approaches to help improve the performance, motivation, and commitment of employees in an ever more complex and

The California JPIA’s Public Works Academy was held in June at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Twenty-five attendees from 16 agencies took part in the three-day academy, which covered topics such as Risk Management for Public Works, Contractual Risk Transfer, and Work Area Traffic Control. Participants were also treated to a

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2017 Capstone Award is Thursday, June 29. The Capstone Award is presented each year at the Authority’s Risk Management Educational Forum, and is given to an individual at a member agency who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. To nominate someone or to

Registration is open for the California JPIA’s annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium, to be held on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Authority’s campus in La Palma. This event provides an opportunity for members to hear from numerous industry experts and meet with the Authority’s panel attorneys and the York claims team. Topics being presented at

Registration is open for the Authority’s 22nd Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, entitled Risk Management – Facing the Future Together, to be held at The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara on October 11-13, 2017. The Forum will feature keynote speaker Doc Hendley, who founded Wine to Water, a charitable organization devoted to providing clean water

The California JPIA website is currently undergoing an update which will include new features within myJPIA, designed to make navigation easier and to help members submit and keep track of reported claims and reimbursements for training events. More information will be provided to members in the coming days.

In May, the California JPIA held the Newly Elected Officials Academy as an educational opportunity specifically geared towards newly elected local government officials at the Authority’s member agencies. The academy is a hands-on learning experience focusing on the active exchange of ideas and information through a series of sessions presented by professionals experienced in local

Please note that from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm on Friday, June 9, the myJPIA section of the Authority’s website will be down while we perform important scheduled maintenance. During this time, members will be unable to access myJPIA for training registrations or password-protected documents. For any urgent requests, members can contact the Authority’s main

The nomination period for the Authority’s Capstone Award is continuing. The Capstone Award is presented annually to an individual at a member agency who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. To nominate someone or to nominate yourself, please click on this survey link to complete a brief questionnaire. For more information on

The Authority has recently revised its Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program policy template. This template provides a foundation for an effective AED program and is available in the “Policy Templates” section of the Authority’s Resources and Documents library on cjpia.org. The template provides guidance to members on establishing training and standards for the use of AEDs by

The California Supreme Court recently held that local agency employee and official emails or text messages about local agency business that are sent, stored, or received in a personal account or on a private electronic device are not exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). The Court also suggested that local agencies

The second-quarter series of Risk Managers Roundtables wrapped up in May on the topic of Managing Homelessness Issues. Jim Betts, the architect of the City of Fresno’s policy on dealing with homelessness, presented attendees with information on developing viable policies, avoiding civil lawsuits when cleaning up encampments, and forming alliances with charitable organizations. The California

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700. You will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

California JPIA Executive Committee member David A. Spence passed away on the morning of May 16, 2017 after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home. Spence served for almost 20 years on the Authority’s Executive Committee and was the Committee’s Secretary at the time of his death. He was first elected to the La

As the recent WannaCry ransomware attack has shown, it is crucial for agencies to update their computer security systems on a regular basis and keep staff trained in detecting and avoiding malware. The virus encrypts all the files on infected computers and demands a ransom of $300 in bitcoin. New victims of the virus are

The Authority’s Human Resources (HR) Academy was held over three days in April and provided attendees with essential training geared towards experienced human resources administrators and managers. Academy attendees, who included 24 participants from 18 agencies, gathered at the Westlake Village Inn and learned from subject matter experts, including Dr. Steve Albrecht, Kelly Trainer, Katy

The California JPIA asks members to annually certify a designated California JPIA Director and Alternate(s) prior to the Board of Directors meeting, which is held each year in July. The Authority has an automated certification process that is efficient and paperless. An email containing specific directions on completing the certification, as well as login credentials, was sent in April

With summer just around the corner, many agencies are preparing for public and private events that will take place on agency-owned properties. The Authority’s Special Events Program provides members with liability insurance for special events or short-term activities, including weddings, art festivals, parades, and block parties, and member-sponsored events such as job fairs, carnivals, and

Each year at the Authority’s Risk Management Educational Forum, the Authority presents the Capstone Award to an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. To qualify for this award, individuals must work at a member agency and fulfill the following criteria: Think through the implications of risk in the

The Authority has available to members a Social Media Comment and Content Moderation Guide to assist members with managing the risks associated with maintaining an agency website and a presence on third-party social media sites. While the use of these platforms is an excellent way for public agencies to engage with citizens, businesses, and other

In March, the California Supreme Court ruled that emails and texts that are sent or received on an agency official’s private electronic device and are related to an agency’s business are considered public records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). The ruling was in response to the case of City of San Jose et al.

In the wake of the passage of AB 1661, the Authority is offering a new classroom training titled “Workplace Harassment Training for Local Agency Officials.” This course, offered regionally, enables members to comply with the training requirements under AB 1661. AB 1661 requires that compensated local agency officials, including elected officials and commissioners, receive workplace

The California JPIA’s Leadership Academy was held in March at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles. Over the course of three days, 27 participants, representing 16 member agencies, took part in educational sessions designed for senior management. Sessions featured a variety of issues, including transforming organizations through great leadership, public service ethics, and

In today’s increasingly polarized atmosphere, diversity training can help employees to break down barriers created by misguided generalizations and to work more effectively together. A recent study in Psychological Bulletin found that diversity training can be successful, particularly when accompanied by other related initiatives. The Authority assists members with this type of training by offering a number

Each July, the Authority’s Board of Directors conducts its annual meeting. Topics presented at the meeting include the annual report, and strategic plan and operational update. In addition, risk management awards are presented, and an election of Executive Committee members is conducted. The 2017 Board of Directors meeting will be held at the Authority’s campus

The May Risk Managers Roundtable will address challenges that agencies face surrounding homelessness. “Managing Homeless Issues,” will feature Jim Betts, Partner with Betts & Rubin and contract counsel for the City of Fresno. At this roundtable, participants will learn important steps that an agency can take to effectively manage homelessness concerns, such as how to

The Authority recently revised its Hearing Conservation Program template, which is available to members in the Resources and Documents library on the Authority’s website, cjpia.org. The revisions include the addition of sections addressing protective equipment, procedures to address noise exposures, training, and recordkeeping. The template also includes an assessment checklist and a reference table of permissible noise exposure.

The Authority is working to develop video content covering various risk management topics.  These five to 10-minute “Short Take” videos will augment the Authority’s e-learning training library and Authority Live! events through a quick-hitting, yet informative, style.  Examples include workplace horseplay, delivering feedback to employees, facility inspections, and certificates of insurance.  For further information regarding Short Takes,

The Authority’s 22nd annual Risk Management Educational Forum, to be held in Santa Barbara from October 11 – 13, 2017, is being presented with the theme Risk Management – Facing the Future Together. This theme highlights the importance of contemplating issues that could create future exposure and loss for local governments, and encouraging participants to draw from

The Annual Contribution (AC) and Retrospective Computation (RC) calculations provide the Authority with necessary resources for the defense and payment of claims, funding for excess and reinsurance premiums, claims administration fees, broker fees, operating expenses, and all other costs associated with the coverage programs. For budgeting purposes, the Authority has created an AC invoice summary

Registration is open for the Authority’s first Risk Managers Roundtable of the year, which will be held on three dates during the month of March. The featured topic is “The Risk Management Process,” and attendees will have the opportunity to discuss with Authority Risk Managers how this process can assist agencies with establishing safe workplaces

Public entities often don’t have much flexibility when it comes to their performance review process, and while both managers and employees sometimes dread annual evaluations, the process of evaluating an employee’s performance can be valuable when it is done correctly. In order to make the most out of the performance review process, Authority members can

Managing the contract review and approval process is something many public agencies struggle with. In fact, because public agencies vary significantly in their size and organizational structure, it is difficult to offer a one-size-fits-all template that addresses sound contract management procedures and policies. However, some agencies have developed or found systems that work well for

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th, in observance of Presidents’ Day.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 21st.

January’s Authority Live! event, which focused on the passage of Proposition 64 and the resulting “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” (AUMA), is now available for California JPIA members to view online. Stephen A. McEwen, Partner at Burke, Williams and Sorensen, presented information on AUMA, including the development and enforcement of ordinances covering the regulation of

Unpermitted structures that are built by private citizens on public property, but not authorized by the member agency, should be removed as soon as possible to minimize potential risk exposure. If structures such as these are permitted to remain, agencies run the risk of eventually having to remove something that has become popular with the

A revised policy template, Automated External Defibrillator Program, has been added to the Authority’s Resources and Documents library on cjpia.org. This template provides guidance to members on establishing training and standards for the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by non-licensed or non-certified personnel. The template also includes an AED maintenance log/checklist. Note that this template is for

In response to growing statistics supporting the dangers of cell phone use while driving, California has established a new law cracking down on drivers handling cell phones. Previous laws banned talking and texting on handheld phones while operating a motor vehicle. However, the new law, AB1785, which took effect on January 1st, 2017, makes it illegal

Please note that from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm on Friday, January 27th, the myJPIA section of the Authority’s website will be down while we perform important scheduled maintenance. During this time, members will be unable to access myJPIA for training registrations or password-protected documents. For any urgent requests, members can contact the Authority’s main

On Tuesday, January 24th, the California JPIA will present the latest installment of Authority Live!, focusing on the passage of Proposition 64 and the resulting “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” (AUMA). Authority Live! is a web-based, live event designed for Authority members to receive the latest information on important and topical issues. The guest speaker at

The Authority wrapped up its series of quarterly Risk Managers Roundtables in November, with roundtable discussions on the topic of cyber liability and exposures. Attendees listened to attorney Scott Koller from Baker & Hostetler give a presentation about cyber risks, the cyber coverage that the Authority provides, and what some of the best risk management practices are

The Authority welcomed the City of Azusa to its membership this summer, with the city becoming the first member to join the Authority’s newly created Excess Liability Program. With the addition of Azusa, the Authority’s membership is now composed of 92 cities, 18 joint powers authorities, and six special districts, which are located in 15 counties throughout the

After an observed increase in the number of high-profile harassment cases against elected local government officials in California over the past few years, the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission (FEHC) took the position that elected officials should be provided with workplace harassment training required for all supervisors throughout the State by AB 1825.  Despite

A new resource is available on the Authority’s website in the Resources and Documents library for members who would like information on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to service animals. Because many people with disabilities rely on service animals for basic functions of everyday life, members should be aware of the ADA’s

In order to manage online presence and protect against litigation tied to abuse of social media, public agencies are encouraged to have a comprehensive social media policy in which the types of acceptable and unacceptable content are clearly indicated. The California JPIA is currently enhancing its social media guide and templates to assist members in

The 21st annual Risk Management Educational Forum came to a successful conclusion in October at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, with a record-level turnout for that location. Plans are currently being made for the 2017 Forum, which will be at the Fess Parker Santa Barbara Hotel from October 11 – 13, 2017. For

The California JPIA is presenting the fourth quarter Risk Managers Roundtable, which will be on the topic of cyber liability and exposures. During this event, attendees will learn about cyber exposure risks, the coverage the Authority provides, and some of the best risk management practices to minimize cyber exposure.  There will also be an inside

For the fourth consecutive year, the California JPIA is making an app available to attendees of the annual Risk Management Educational Forum. The app, which is available on Google Play and in the Windows Store and iTunes, will contain all session presentation materials that attendees will need during the Forum, as well as other helpful

The 2016 Capstone Award finalists have been selected and will be honored at the Authority’s annual Risk Management Educational Forum. The Capstone Award is presented each year to an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. This year’s finalists will receive a travel stipend to the Forum and complimentary

In September, York Risk Services Group and the California JPIA co-hosted a webinar focusing on the importance of reporting workers’ compensation injuries and illnesses in a timely manner. The Authority’s Workers’ Compensation Program Manager, Jeff Rush, and York’s De Ann Wagner and Nichole Martinez discussed the following topics: Information needed to report a claim How

The eighth annual Worker’s Compensation Symposium was held on August 18th at the California JPIA’s La Palma campus, providing 51 members from 22 agencies with the opportunity to meet the Authority’s panel attorneys and the York claims team, while learning about various workers’ compensation topics. Four key sessions were presented at the Symposium, including Dr. David Hall’s presentation

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, September 5th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700, and you will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 6th.

The popular location-based augmented reality game Pokemon Go involves players using their mobile devices to find virtual Pokemon characters throughout the real world. However, the game has recently stirred up controversy as some players become hyper-focused on the game, contributing to accidents, putting themselves in dangerous situations, and trespassing on public and private property. Some

Some organizations across the country are deciding that a bicycle-friendly workplace is a good way to promote a healthy lifestyle and show a commitment to social responsibility. One option to encourage employees to use bicycles is to provide a bike-share program for employees. To share an experience with this type of program or to comment

Registration for the upcoming California JPIA Liability Defense Attorney Summit ends on August 16, 2016. The summit, which will take place on August 24, 2016 at the Authority’s La Palma campus, will run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with registration and breakfast from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. The Authority’s defense counsel are invited to bring

The deadline to register for the California JPIA’s 8th Annual Workers’ Compensation Symposium is August 11th. The symposium, held on Thursday, August 18th, 2016, runs from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm and provides an opportunity for members to meet with the Authority’s panel attorneys and the York claims team, and learn about a variety of topics

The California JPIA’s Public Works Academy was held in June at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach. Over the course of three days, subject-matter experts presented attendees with valuable information on subjects such as Design Immunity, Introduction to Cal-OSHA, and Workers’ Compensation in Public Works. Thirty-seven participants representing twenty-five agencies were in attendance, which provided

Registration is open for the Authority’s 21st Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, entitled Weathering the Storm, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa on October 12 – 14, 2016. The Forum will feature keynote speaker Lt. General Russel L. Honoré USA (Ret.), who led military relief efforts in New Orleans after the

Registration is open for the California JPIA’s three August Risk Managers Roundtables, which focus on the Authority’s Property Program. Members are encouraged to bring their property schedules and talk with Jim Thyden, the Authority’s Insurance Programs Manager, and Dennis Mulqueeney, Alliant Insurance Broker for the Property Program. This event will be an open, interactive forum,

The Authority is currently recruiting for an Accounting Specialist. The individual in this position would perform a wide variety of highly complex professional, administrative, analytical, and technical work in support of the Authority’s finance division. Work includes processing accounts payable, reconciling invoices related to the accounting of Authority funds, reconciling and auditing financial transactions in

The California JPIA offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.  For urgent matters, please call the Authority’s main number, (562) 467-8700. You will be directed to the staff member on call. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26th.

April’s Management Academy, held in Westlake Village, drew 32 participants from 20 different member agencies. At the Westlake Village Inn, attendees heard from Forrest Story, principal consultant for Public Sector Excellence, and John Perry, President of Human Productivity Systems, who provided information on the essentials of leadership, writing policies, performance appraisals, and other topics of

The Board of Directors Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 20th at 7:00 pm at the California JPIA’s La Palma campus. It is during the Board of Directors meeting that voting delegates will elect a Vice President and four Executive Committee members for two-year terms. In addition to providing an opportunity for attendees to

During this year’s Risk Management Educational Forum, the Authority will recognize an individual who best exemplifies the practice of risk management in the public sector. Nominations for this prestigious award can be for anyone who works at a member agency, and is someone who: thinks through the implications of risk in the carrying out of

The registration deadline for the Authority’s three-day Public Works Academy is Monday, May 16th. This academy, which will be held from Tuesday, June 7th through Thursday, June 9th at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, is geared towards experienced public works supervisors and managers. Topics that will be covered during the academy include traffic control

On an annual basis, the California JPIA asks members to certify a designated California JPIA Director and Alternate(s) prior to the Board of Directors meeting, which is held each year in July. The Authority has an automated process that is efficient and paperless. An email containing specific directions, as well as login credentials, was sent last week to the clerk

Some cities are receiving pressure from BMX enthusiasts to provide space for their biking activities, with some in the BMX community taking matters into their own hands and building impromptu BMX parks on city-owned property. However, when a city discovers one of these makeshift BMX parks on its property, a decision must be made: If

“Management’s Guide to Safety” is the topic for the May Risk Managers Roundtable, which will be presented live at three locations: La Palma, Pismo Beach, and Palm Desert. All risk managers, city managers/chief executives, department directors, and front-line managers and supervisors are encouraged to attend one of the presentations. This roundtable will help participants understand

Weathering the Storm is the theme for the California JPIA’s 21st Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa from October 12 – 14, 2016. The theme highlights the Authority’s efforts to shield and protect member agencies from the difficulties and hardships encountered as storms rage in

The California JPIA recently expanded its e-learning library to include over 700 courses that can be viewed individually or in a group setting. Group e-learning is a new feature that was rolled out with the newly expanded library. After logging into myJPIA, members can access the Course Catalog, which is where e-learning courses are listed.

The Parks and Recreation Academy was held February 9-11, 2016 at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach. Thirty-two participants representing twenty-one agencies attended the annual academy and heard from subject-matter experts, including Butch DeFillippo, Nancy B. White, Scott Grossberg, Nick Fazio and others. Academy attendees were provided with strategies geared towards parks and recreation directors,

The California JPIA has been awarded Accreditation with Excellence by the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) for a three-year term beginning January 12, 2016.  CAJPA was created in 1981 as an association of risk-pooling Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) to meet the need for communication and cooperation among JPAs at a time when the

National Walk-to-Work Day is April 1, 2016, and agencies should be prepared for an increase in foot traffic on this day, as employees look to reap the health benefits of walking. On a day such as this one, agencies are reminded of the importance of having a comprehensive sidewalk maintenance plan. The California JPIA offers

On February 17, 2016, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) issued guidance on Transgender Rights in the Workplace. The guidance includes a three-question FAQ for employers that addresses what questions an employer is allowed to ask and how employers can still implement dress codes and grooming standards, and explaining obligations that employers have

With the arrival of Spring, many agencies host special events, such as Earth Day celebrations, Easter egg hunts, and parades. The Authority’s Special Event Program assists members by providing liability insurance when member-owned premises or facilities are used for these types of events or other short-term activities. There is no deductible for this coverage, and

The Annual Contribution and Retrospective Computation calculations provide the Authority with necessary resources for the defense and payment of claims, funding for excess and reinsurance premiums, claims administrations fees, broker fees, operating expenses, and all other costs associated with the coverage programs. Detailed support for the AC and RC calculations can be found in the

Active shooter events in the United States are on the rise, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and an FBI study found that between the years 2000 and 2013, 70% of active shooter incidents happened at schools or businesses. Increasingly, employers are seeking assistance to develop their own workplace safety plans. To that end,

The Authority has added new contract templates to the Resources and Documents library on cjpia.org and made revisions to templates previously available to members. These contract templates include insurance specifications and indemnity language that are addressed in the revised Contractual Risk Transfer Manual. The purpose of the contract templates is to guide the user in drafting agreements

Each July, the Authority’s Board of Directors conducts its an annual meeting. Topics presented at the meeting include the annual report, budget, and strategic plan and operational update. In addition, risk management awards are presented, and an election of Executive Committee members is conducted.  The 2016 Board of Directors meeting will be held at the

The California JPIA is in the process of reviewing a program that would offer short-term loans to members interested in making capital improvements for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This program review means that the ADA loan program application is not yet ready to be released to members. The Authority will provide

The Authority presents quarterly roundtables on various topics related to risk management, and for the first quarter of 2016, the Risk Managers Roundtable is titled “Dealing with the Media – the Do’s and the Don’ts.” This roundtable will be held over three days in March at three separate locations; La Palma, Indian Wells and San

The Authority has made revisions to its Contractual Risk Transfer Manual, which was last revised in 2012. Some updated items in the manual include the general liability insurance specification, acceptable insurers provision, and Risk Analysis Questionnaire, while new content includes a Contract Review and Transmittal Form, additional information on waivers of subrogation, details on separation of

Registration is open for the Authority’s Management Academy, which will be held twice in 2016, from April 25 – 28 at the Westlake Village Inn and from September 26 – 28 at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. This academy is designed for entry-level managers and supervisors, and deals with the basics

Plans are currently being made for the Public Works Academy, which is scheduled to be held June 7-9, 2016 at the Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach. The Public Works Academy is a three-day academy geared towards public works management-level employees. Some of the topics covered in the Academy are an intro to Cal-OSHA, public works

Members wishing to access the Authority’s library of policy templates, checklists, workers’ compensation forms and other resources can find this information by visiting the Resources and Documents page on the Authority’s website. All library resources fall into one of several categories, and members can search for a resource by performing a keyword search or a category search

The Authority is reminding its members that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to post OSHA Form 300A between February 1 and April 30, 2016. Form 300A provides a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2015 and were logged on OSHA Form 300. The form

The Executive Academy was held at the Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells from January 20–22, providing attendees with practical solutions to issues and challenges facing executive management. Speakers at the three-day academy included Jeff Bills, Scott Grossberg and Julie Nelson, while the sessions covered a variety of topics, from the Psychology of Crisis Management to

The Authority is pleased to welcome Bellflower City Council Member Sonny Santa Ines as its newest Executive Committee member. Sonny was elected to the committee in December 2015 to replace outgoing member John Addleman, who chose not to run for reelection. Sonny also serves on the Los Angeles County Library Commission; Southeast Los Angeles County

Outgoing California JPIA Executive Committee member John Addleman was recognized for his service to the Authority at the Committee’s December meeting. Addleman most recently served as mayor of Rolling Hills Estates. Addleman was appointed to the Committee in 2007 and served as chairman of the Budget Committee since 2012. Sonny Santa Inez, with the City

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) non-compliance is a significant exposure to members, and the Authority continues to see claims arising from accessibility issues. Through a new ADA loan program approved by the Executive Committee, the Authority will be making available short-term matching loans to help members remove physical barriers inherent in non-compliance. The loans are

Caltrans has recently been contacting members for information regarding accessibility efforts for persons with disabilities and members’ ADA/504 self-evaluations and transition plans. There are two types of requests. One is directly from Caltrans and includes requests for documents, completion of a questionnaire, completion of a Local Agency ADA Annual Certification Form, an on-site visit, and staff

The 20th annual Risk Management Educational Forum wrapped up on Friday, September 25th at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, with a record-level turnout for that location. Plans are already being made for next year’s Forum, which will be at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa from October 12-14, 2016. Please click here to email

Earlier this year, the Insurance Journal featured an article titled “Top 10 Employment Discrimination Claims,” based on data compiled by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for the fiscal year 2014. The EEOC found that the most common allegation was retaliation, followed by race discrimination. To see the rest of the article, including the top 10 categories

Computer models indicate a strong El Niño this year, with a 95% chance that the event will continue through the winter, but according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, there are still no guarantees that the powerful event will occur. In order for this winter’s El Niño to rival the El Niño of

The California JPIA’s Executive Committee has authorized the creation of a master services agreement to allow members to take advantage of favorable pricing related to sidewalk inspection and maintenance. Pricing and services information from the agreement is available on the Authority website in the Resources and Documents library. These services, provided by Precision Concrete Cutting, are

In April, the California JPIA hosted a webinar for members to provide them with information on the Medical Provider Network (MPN). A recording of this webinar is now available to members through the California JPIA website. Members can access this resource by visiting the Resources and Documents page, selecting the Webcasts and Webinars category from the

The Authority has partnered with two claim administrators, VeriClaim and Carl Warren & Company, to make available to members a Property Damage Recovery Program. This program offers assistance when a member suffers damage to property and the claim is either not covered, or the damage is below the deductible amount (if participating in the Authority’s

A new page on the California JPIA’s website has been launched to provide members with information on the Authority’s Continuity of Operations program. This program utilizes three strategic partners, Agility, NorthStar, and VeriClaim, to assist members when planned or unplanned events occur that shut down a member’s operations. These three partners work together to provide

A number of resources for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are available to members on the Authority website and can be found by visiting the Resources and Documents page. These resources include: the Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new resource that can be customized and posted at public facilities; the ADA

If members would like to learn more about a specific risk management topic, share news from their organization, or suggest ideas for upcoming newsletter articles, a new feature on the Authority website makes this possible. On the News and Updates and Authority Newsletterpages, members can look for the box on the right side of the page that contains

The California JPIA has established a Medical Provider Network (MPN) in an effort to improve the quality of care provided to employees covered by the workers’ compensation program. When an injury occurs, employees will be required to seek treatment within the MPN unless the employee has pre-designated their own personal physician to provide treatment. The

At last month’s Risk Management Educational Forum, Assistant Executive Officer Norm Lefmann provided attendees a high-level overview of several initiatives that are on the near horizon, and are expected to launch near January 2015. Below is a summary of those programs and services. Please contact your Regional Risk Manager should you have any questions or want more

Many members are rightly concerned about the possibility of a potential Ebola outbreak in the United States. Given emerging information about the disease and how the disease is spread, it is important that members consult with health officials, both locally and nationally. In addition, the Authority recommends that your agency be well prepared in the

The California JPIA has worked closely with the legislative efforts of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities to oppose five key bills that were ultimately vetoed by Governor Brown. They are: AB 194 (Campos) Open meetings: public criticism and comment. Would have had a negative impact on effective public meetings. AB 2052 (Gonzalez) Workers’

The California JPIA’s revamped website was recently launched, providing a new resource to assist members with a variety of functions, including accessing our library of documents, requesting Evidence of Coverage letters, registering for training courses, submitting receipts for training-related expenses, and other tasks. We look forward to hearing your feedback on the new website. If

In Fortyune v. City of Lomita, the Ninth Circuit ruled that cities have an obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide on-street parking that is accessible to people with disabilities, despite the fact that federal standards for ADA compliance don’t contain any requirements specifically related to on-street parking. While the Access Board,