The theme of the 120th Annual CSAC Meeting is “Celebrating Innovation.” At the annual CSAC conference, you need only look beyond the CSAC Registration booth to witness 25 years of innovation – as 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the Clerks’ Quiz. The Clerks’ Quiz — a Quiz about California and its counties — is presented each year by the California Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Association (CCBSA).  

While the Quiz is sponsored by Clerks of the Board, the questions are not about the duties of Clerks of the Board. The five-minute, computer-generated, random question Quiz covers California geography, landmarks, county seats, Constitutional officers, election results and more.  There are 3 challenge levels, with no penalty for any wrong answer.  During the conference, you can take the Quiz up to 10 times to try to win one of several cash prizes. 

The Quiz began in 1989, when John Taylor, Clerk of the Board for the City and County of San Francisco (retired), proposed a “crazy” idea to his colleagues. John suggested that the Clerks sponsor an exhibit booth at the 1989 CSAC Conference with a Quiz about counties. The initial Quiz in 1989 had 116 questions – today there are more than 1,200.  An original goal of the Quiz was not only to provide a friendly competition, but also to highlight the important role Clerks of the Board play in county organizations.

Over the years, the Clerks’ Quiz has helped not only to provide a collegial contest about California and its counties, but has also illustrated the diversity of our 58 California Counties through its range of questions. From landmarks to population size to questions on the recent election results,  participation at the annual CSAC conference is not complete unless one has taken “the Quiz.”

For 25 years, the Clerks’ Quiz has demonstrated the spirit of innovation through friendly competition.  CSAC President John Gioia finished 2nd place in the Genius category last year. Stop by the Quiz booth in the Center Lounge during the upcoming conference in Orange County to see how you fare against the competition!

The 120th CSAC Annual Meeting is set for Nov. 18-21 in Orange County. To learn more, click here.