The California Jewelers Association recently elected its slate of officers. President James Hartstein of Jewels by Joseph in Newport Beach will continue to serve through June 30, 2005. Robert Marks of Rogers Jewelry Co. in Modesto will become president for the last six months of 2005 and will serve in the same capacity in 2006.

Richard Velayo of Gleim the Jeweler in Palo Alto was elected first vice president, and remaining as treasurer is Allen Kessler of Kessler Jewelers in Burbank. New to the lineup of officers is Lexi Kern of Churchill Jewelers in Santa Barbara, who will serve as second vice president. Kern is the daughter of former CJA president Richard Kern and has been one of the leaders of the Santa Barbara Watchmakers and Jewelers Guild.

CJA is an affiliate of Jewelers of America, the national trade association for retail jewelers. JA and CJA advocate high ethical standards, promote professional business and leadership skills, and enhance their members’ profitability by offering education, certification, marketing, and cost-saving programs.