“In the same way, your light must shine so that it can be seen by others; this will enable them to observe your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 

Thank you from the bottom by my heart for entrusting me along with the amazing team of CDA’s that you elected at our last State Convention to lead CA CDA’s over the next two years. 

I’m not going to lie; I was a little nervous about this journey we are on. The list of things that needs to be done in service to our CA CDA’s is long but necessary. That said, I must admit that the nervousness fades with every phone call to those who have been asked to serve the California CDA’s this term during our 100th Year Celebration.  The team of CDA’s who have said “Yes” to serve as Chairman, Special Assignments, District Deputies, and those who have stepped up to fill into Court Offices where they need help. My nervousness receded to excitement once this team fell into place. I am excited for all the CA CDA’s to feel the warmth and support when they start to interact with this team first-hand and be a part of those “CDA’s Lights Shinning Bright for Others to See”.

When we had our combined State Officers and State Chairman and Special Assignments meeting recently, I laid out a plan for all of those in attendance for the next two years.  One of the main things that we need to work on this term is getting our Local Courts more involved in Circle of Love Projects and Reporting.  I am asking that all of you take the time to go to the National CDA Webpage and familiarize yourself with the foundation of Our CDA Circle of Love Program. Share that knowledge like a “Shining Light” in your Local Courts. Assign a specific member to oversee recording and filling out the paperwork required for Circle of Love recognition. Please be on the lookout for more Circle of Love Information on our State Facebook Page, Instagram Page, and Website. When your Courts do have an amazing project share pictures of those projects on our Social Media sites so that your Light can Shine for other to see and get ideas to use in their own Courts.

We have an exciting road ahead of us for the next two year.  I am asking for your Support, Patience, and Prayers as we navigate that path. I would also like to ask that when your Courts start back up this Fall you add to your opening prayers a prayer for all the Courts in CA who are still struggling to come back from the last couple of years.

Pray for those Members, for the Memories and History of those Courts to Survive, and if you become aware of a neighboring Court that is struggling encourage some of your seasoned leaders to take on Dual Membership and for one term join that Court in need of leadership and help to: Build, Encourage and Train future leaders to take your place. Also invite those Courts to your events to help them build the confidence needed to rebuild.

Thank you and God Bless

Maria Santos-Silva
CA State Regent