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Code of Ethics Virtual Training: FREE
Fri., Sep. 24 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
DON’T FORGET! For REALTOR® membership and to avoid suspension of all Board/Association privileges, you must complete your Code of Ethics training by December 31, 2021!

WCR MOTIVATIONAL TALK – Sep. 30

Virtual Olympic Sized Motivational Talk
Thu., Sep. 30 | 9:30am – 11:00am
WCR presents Duke Zielinski, Consultant to the Olympics and former Olympians Karen and Sarah Josephson, 1988 Silver Medalists and 1992 Gold Medalists in Synchronized Swimming. Learn what it takes to maintain high mental acumen while performing at your best as well as listening to experiences of Olympians and what it took to compete at that high level.

Realtor^® safety month

REALTORS® are traditionally among the most vulnerable professionals at work in the field, but also have some of the most valued resources in times of crisis. During September’s REALTOR® Safety Month take time out of your busy schedule to learn how to stay safer in your profession.

Safety Training Opportunities
• NAR REALTOR® Safety Training: On-Demand
• CE Shop Safety Courses: Anytime Online
• Agent Essentials: Staying Safe: Anytime Online
• Practice in a Pandemic World: Anytime Online

The Big Event – oct. 13

CCAR Annual Membership Meeting
Wed., Oct. 13 | 1:00pm – 4:30pm
You can´t miss this rare opportunity to hear first-hand from leading industry resources, Dave Walsh, C.A.R. 2021 President, Joel Singer, C.A.R. CEO and Gov Hutchinson, C.A.R. Assistant General Counsel.

Join Us This Thursday For Our Safe and Festive Event!

You’re invited to join CCAR members, leadership and guests to celebrate 100 Years of Excellence at the CCAR Centennial Celebration this Thursday, September 23rd at the Pleasant Hill Community Center from 4:00-7:00 pm.

CCAR MEMBERS REGISTER ON THE CCAR CALENDAR >>
CCAR NON-MEMBERS REGISTER HERE >>

We want to remind you that in accordance with the recent Contra Costa County health order HO-COVID19-57, guests 12 years and older are required to show appropriate proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours of the event to enter the indoor portion of the facility for the purpose of dining and drinking. Those who are not vaccinated or cannot provide proof of a negative test may enjoy all the outdoor festivities, food and beverage service, but may not enter the building except to use the bathroom facilities. All will be required to wear a mask when indoors.

We look forward to celebrating a safe and festive event with you, your families and guests!

Sponsored by:

2021 Wildfires Virtual Insurance Recovery Forum – Sep. 22

Join CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Sep. 22 from 6:00 – 7:00pm for a 2021 Wildfires Virtual Insurance Recovery Forum. Learn about services and resources available through the Department of Insurance and their partner United Policyholders, that will help you navigate your homeowners insurance recovery efforts including information on how to…

What Exactly Is the Professional Standards Committee?

Apply now if you are interested and qualify for serving on the 2025 Professional Standards or Grievance Committees.

Additionally, we are accepting requests from REALTOR® members applying for the Professional Standards Committee who are interested in serving on its sub-committees as a mediator and/or an ethics advocate.

The new term begins January 1, 2024 and Applications are due by October 18, 2024.

For more information contact Gail Hargis at [email protected].

VIEW APPLICATION >>

LAPTOPS ON SALE:

MLS UPDATE:

New Paragon MLS Search Field Launching Oct. 5

To ensure you have access to all data from the NorCal MLS Alliance, a new field will launch in Paragon October 5th. This new “Total Number of Garage & Parking Space” field will be located to the “Garage Space” field when searching and will include the following tooltip:

“Total parking is the complete sum of all places you have sole right to put a…

New Paragon MLS Search Field Launching Oct. 5

To ensure you have access to all data from the NorCal MLS Alliance, a new field will launch in Paragon October 5th. This new “Total Number of Garage & Parking Space” field will be located to the “garage Space” field when searching and will include the following tooltip:

“Total parking is the complete sum of all places you have sole right to put a vehicle that does not get towed legally. It could be a spot in a garage, it might be an allocated spot in a condo complex, but it would NOT be an open street space or any public parking spaces that are shared.”

What Exactly Is the Professional Standards Committee?

If you’ve ever wondered who helps safeguard fairness, professionalism, and ethical practice within our association, look no further than the Professional Standards Committee. While they may work quietly behind the scenes, their role is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of our organization.

So, what do they actually do?

At its core, the Professional Standards Committee is responsible for hearing and resolving matters related to membership duties, ethical conduct, and compliance with MLS rules. When a complaint is filed—whether it’s about an alleged Code of Ethics violation or an MLS rules issue—members of this committee step in as panelists for disciplinary hearings. Confidentiality of all matters pertaining to a complaint is paramount.

These panelists are unpaid volunteers. They give their time as a true act of public service. Their job isn’t to take sides—it’s to ensure that everyone involved gets a fair, unbiased, and respectful hearing.

The Professional Standards Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining trust—within our membership and with the public. Their work helps ensure that our association remains a place where professionalism is expected, ethics are honored, and everyone has a voice.

How a Hearing Works

When a case comes in, a hearing panel is selected from committee members who haven’t been challenged by either party. Before they ever enter the hearing room, panelists must certify that they have no conflicts that would prevent them from serving impartially.

During the hearing itself, the panel makes sure the process follows the procedures laid out in the official C.A.R. Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual. Both sides have the opportunity to present evidence, share testimony, and make their case. The panel listens closely and carefully because their role is to determine what actually happened based solely on the evidence presented.

A few important notes about hearings:

The panel can only consider violations of Articles that are specifically cited in the complaint.
Presentations should be clear, concise, and factual.
Differing recollections don’t automatically mean someone isn’t telling the truth—people often remember events differently.
Everyone is expected to maintain professionalism and decorum, even though the process can feel confrontational at times.
Panel decisions hinge on findings of fact—carefully reasoned conclusions based on all testimony and evidence.

What Happens After the Hearing?

Once both sides have been heard, the panel has two responsibilities:

Determine whether any violations occurred, based on the Articles cited in the complaint.
Recommend any appropriate disciplinary action to the Board of Directors, if violations are found.

Their purpose isn’t to punish—it’s to uphold fairness, ensure accountability, require necessary education, and support the ethical practice that strengthens our entire industry.

The next time you see one of our committee members, feel free to thank them. They’re doing important, often unseen work that keeps our organization strong, fair, and respected. If you would like to join the committee, the new term begins January 1, 2026.

For more information contact CCAR Professional Standards Administrator at [email protected].

VIEW APPLICATION >>

Weekly Jolt – 091421

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Click a title below to view detailed contents by topic.
Education contains a list of upcoming classes.

Learn the Red Flags in Escrow at the West County Marketing Meeting – Nov. 18

Please join us for the West County Virtual Marketing meeting this Thursday, November 18 from 9 to 10am and learn the Red Flags in Escrow. While not every problem can be anticipated, there are Red Flags you should watch for in your transactions. Being proactive to these potential showstoppers will help ensure a successful closing and bring you referrals. Also learn to reduce your risk of cyberfraud by practicing “Good Cyber Hygiene”.

What Exactly Is the Professional Standards Committee?

LAPTOPS ON SALE:

MLS UPDATE:

New Paragon MLS Search Field Launching Oct. 5

Previous YPN School Supply & Shoe Drives

In recent years, CCAR YPN has collected over 200 backpacks filled with more than 1,000 pencils, 150 notebooks, markers, and other essential school supplies. These resources have been distributed to students, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed as they start a new school year. Donate today and help us continue to provide the necessary resources and supplies to ensure young students have what they need to stay on track and thrive.

Thanks in part to your generous donations, Moving Forward was able to provide scholarships for seven college students from Richmond in amounts ranging from $500-$1,500 and provide over two hundred backpacks full of school supplies to hundreds of local K-12 students!

Please give on behalf of YPN
(specified beneath donation amount) so donations are trackable.

2023

2022

2021

In addition to $650 online cash donations, CCAR Members also donated:

87 Backpacks
57 Notebooks
150 Pens
480 Pencils
10 Binders
24 Binder paper / Packs
11 Pencil Sharpeners
67 Erasers

9 Highlighters / Packs
33 Colored Marker Sets
12 Crayon Sets
25 Colored Pencil Sets
7 Scissors
16 Glues
33 Rulers
3 Construction Paper / Packs

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