The California Association of the Refrigeration Engineers Society received its charter on May 11, 1946. It was presented at an educational conference in Fresno, California, by the founding father of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, Secretary H. T. McDermott.

Seven chapters from California, with 525 members, formed the original California Association.

Chapter numbers have grown to 36 to include members from the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. These states make up Regions 14 and 15 of RSES International. CARSES membership has increased to more than 2400 technicians.

Some 54 individuals have served CARSES as president, and 34 outstanding members have received the J. Richard Hill "Man of the Year Award." An active auxiliary group and a past presidents council support the educational and social activities of the association.

Chapter monthly meetings, training courses, and EPA certification programs are a local part of CARSES.