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Weekly Jolt – 042826

CONTRA COSTA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 28, 2026

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire Next Wed – May 6

CCAR REALTOR® Members: meet Affiliates, explore their booths, and discover new products and services that can help support your business. With raffle prizes, cold beer, wine, and festive bites, it’s the perfect midweek excuse to get out, enjoy the celebration, and support two great causes: the CCAR Scholarship Foundation and CCAR Helping Hands.

CCAR Affiliates: The Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire is the perfect way to put your business in front of CCAR REALTORS® in an atmosphere that feels more like a fiesta than a traditional expo. It’s a chance to show off what you do and be part of an event that mixes networking, community, and a little Cinco de Mayo fun!

FREE REALTOR® TICKETS >>

Nominate by Petition for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

As part of the nation’s largest trade association, CCAR has a proud legacy built by members who step up to lead, serve, and inspire. Now, it’s your chance to be part of that legacy.

Voting for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors begins June 15, 2026, and we want YOU to help shape the future of our Association.

There’s still time to get on the ballot. Under CCAR Bylaws, Article X, Section 7(b), additional candidates may be nominated by petition signed by at least 50 eligible CCAR REALTOR® members.

Petitions must be submitted by 5 pm on May 5, 2026. To request a Nomination by Petition form, contact [email protected].

2026 CCAR Election Headquarters

ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

FOR THE 2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICIAL NOTICES

April 29, 2026

We’re excited to invite all voting-eligible CCAR members to our upcoming Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday, June 3, from 1:00 to 2:15pm, live on Zoom.

This virtual event is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors, ask questions, and learn more about their goals for the organization.

We look forward to a great conversation and hope to see you there!

Register >>

April 28, 2026

In accordance with Article XI of the Corporation Bylaws, this will serve as notice that the election for the 2027 Board of Directors shall be held beginning on June 15, 2026 at 9:00am and ending June 22, 2026 at 9:00am.

This year, members will vote to fill the following positions and consider the proposed amendment to Article X, Section 7(a):

One President-Elect
One Treasurer
Four Directors-At-Large

In order for this election to be valid, the number of votes cast must equal or exceed the quorum requirement of 15% of the total CCAR REALTOR® Membership, as determined by the record date established on May 15, 2026, by the end of the election cycle at 9:00am on June 22, 2026.

PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT

ARTICLE X – OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 7. Election of Officers and Directors

(a) Nomination by the Election Committee. Annually the President shall appoint an Election Committee consisting of at least nine (9) REALTOR® members, and, whenever possible, include ~~including~~ one from each of the districts; and the Past President, who shall serve as Chairman of the Election Committee. The annual election of Officers and Directors shall be conducted by the Election Committee in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

The following statements are published as submitted and have not been edited by the Association.
Each candidate statement is limited to 200 words.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

(1 Open Position)

LESLIE MANZONE

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to serve as President-Elect in 2027 and contribute to the continued growth of our Association, particularly by expanding membership and mentoring directors to become strong, effective leaders within both our organization and the broader real estate industry.

With over 33 years of volunteer service, I bring extensive experience at the local, state, and national levels, including my role as Past President of WCCAR and years of service with CCAR, CAR, and NAR. Throughout my career, I have served in nearly every capacity at the local association level, participated in numerous task forces, housing initiatives, and advocacy efforts, and remained deeply committed to advancing our profession.

I am a dedicated political advocate and have consistently supported RAF, RPAC, HAF, and other organizations that strengthen our communities, support our members, and protect consumers. I am especially passionate about preserving private property rights and ensuring access to homeownership. I am proud to be an RPAC Major Donor and Hall of Fame member.

Due to space limitations, I have included a summary of my service across CCAR, CAR, and NAR: here.

It would be a privilege to continue giving back to this industry.

Leslie Manzone

TREASURER

(1 Open Position)

MICHELE MANZONE

I am seeking the position of Treasurer for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved as a subject matter expert on budget and finance, contributing to the financial oversight and strategic direction of the association.

My leadership experience includes serving as a two-time Past President, as well as Treasurer for two terms. These roles have given me a deep understanding of our organization’s financial responsibilities and the importance of sound fiscal management.

I believe our association is at a critical moment, and I am ready to step up once again to serve the best interests of our membership. My goal is to help guide the association forward with transparency, accountability, and a strong financial foundation—both at the local and state levels.

Currently, I serve as a California Realtors Director, Vice Chair of the IMPAC Trustees, and I am honored to represent our industry nationally as a member of the NAR Federal Taxation Committee. I am also a proud Major Donor to the REALTOR® Political Action Fund, having exceeded the $25,000 commitment.

As a full-time Realtor, I am deeply committed to our profession and passionate about giving back to the industry.

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

(4 Open Positions)

JUDY MYERS

Advocacy at the local, state and national level has fired my passion for participation at all levels since I joined my first committee in 1976. I grew up in rental housing until my family purchased a home in Concord in 1971. When I started a career in real estate in 1973, I began to learn about the intricacies of the opportunity I wanted to share with anyone who wanted to enter the path of homeownership. The obstacles have charged with more regulation, disclosure, litigation and much more paperwork. And homeownership has become much less affordable. Individually we can do little but working through our associations we have a strong voice for our industry and our clients. In my previous years of service to CCAR as a committee member, chair, Director, Vice President, President-Elect, President and most recently as Treasurer my focus has been on member value and accountability. With your help I can continue that role and work with new Directors to provide the continuity required to keep our local organization strong and member focused.

Please vote in the upcoming election and please include me as one of your choices for Director-at-Large.

MATT RUBENSTEIN

Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve been engaged in our local real estate community – participating in CCRIM and RMA and regularly attending industry events to stay current and connected. I served as Director on the CCAR Board of Directors in 2023, 2024 and 2025, have been an active member of the MLS & Technology Committee continuously since 2017, and have served on the Local Government Relations Committee since 2024.

I’m passionate about harnessing new and emerging technologies and unlocking the full potential of our MLS data to deliver measurable value for members and clients. My experience as a high-producing, community-focused agent over the past 15+ years has allowed me to build hundreds of strong, positive relationships across our local markets – relationships I will leverage to foster collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions.

I am asking for your support to serve again as Director at Large. If elected, I will continue to dedicate my time, experience and energy to advancing smart technology adoption, strengthening MLS utility, and advocating effectively with local government on issues important to our members. I’m committed to giving back to the industry that has given me so much and to helping our association and members thrive.

CHERRY WADE

I am honored to be seeking a second term as a CCAR Director-at-Large. Serving our association has been incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to a community that has supported my growth.

My decision to run again stems from a genuine desire to stay engaged and to strengthen the connection between our members and our leadership. I believe strong organizations are built on collaboration, thoughtful communication, and a shared commitment to one another.

Through my involvement with CCAR, especially with the Young Professionals Network (YPN), I have worked to encourage participation, support emerging leaders, and help create a more connected and collaborative community.

I lead with intention, communicate thoughtfully, and approach challenges with a collaborative mindset. I believe in elevating others, building meaningful relationships, and contributing in ways that create a positive and lasting impact.

It would be an honor to continue serving and building on this momentum in support of our members and our profession.

GILDA WHITEHEAD

It has been a true privilege to serve on the YPN Committee over the past four years. I joined with the goal of giving back to the real estate community that has given so much to me and I found exactly that. This experience has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and deepen my commitment to serving our community.

A highlight of my involvement has been our partnership with Moving Forward, supporting under served youth in West Contra Costa County. Attending scholarship and backpack distributions has been both humbling and inspiring. Seeing students pursue higher education—and their desire to give back continues to motivate my own service. I have also grown professionally, first as a mentee, and now as a CAR Director for the past two years. These roles have expanded my knowledge and strengthened the value I bring to my colleagues and clients.

I believe real estate is a calling rooted in service, integrity, and education. It would be an honor to continue serving as a CCAR Board member.

District 5 Reyes – Apr 26

A MESSAGE FROM VICTOR REYES | CCAR DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 5 LIAISON | 510. 260.4384 | [email protected] | APRIL 2026

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

California’s housing affordability crisis continues to challenge buyers with high home prices, limited inventory, and rising costs keeping ownership out of reach for many.

Recent reports show that thousands of approved affordable units remain stalled due to funding gaps, even as demand grows. Meanwhile, home prices are expected to stay near record highs, statewide, despite slight improvements in affordability.

While no single solution exists, a growing mix of state, local, and community programs is helping close the gap.

In this issue, we highlight key resources—from C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Fair Housing initiatives to local down payment assistance programs—that can help your clients move closer to homeownership.

Warm Regards,

Victor

6 Ways to Expand Access to Homeownership

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan +

One of the largest assistance programs in California.

Best for: First-generation, first-time buyers who lack a large down payment.

Provides up to 20% of purchase price (max ~$150K) for down payment.

Structured as a shared appreciation loan (repay + % of appreciation at sale/refi).

Cinco de Mayo Affiliate Faire Next Wed – May 6

Nominate by Petition for the 2027 CCAR Board of Directors

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