The Seascape
Newsletter of the CLCA
Central Coast Chapter
February 2024
Events Calendar
February 8, Thursday
Central Coast Chapter Board Meeting
Time: 11 am
Location: Nor Cal event in san mateo
Contact Regan Barry (831) 212-0344 or rbarry@coastalevergreen.com
February 28, Wednesday
Central Coast Chapter Board Meeting
Time: noon
Location: Seascape Golf Resort in Aptos
Contact Regan Barry (831) 212-0344 or rbarry@coastalevergreen.com
Coming in March… Membership and Suppliers Night
Coming in March, the very popular and worthwhile Annual Suppliers & Membership Night. Details coming to you soon.
Board of Directors Report
News updates from the Board
Happy 2024 Central Coast Chapter Members and Friends,
Returning from our association’s Leadership Conference in San Marcos California this past month left me with a big smile. I have a lot of gratitude for the commitment of our new and existing board of directors to really show up for the Central Coast Chapter. Thank you Phil Dundas from The Landscape Company, Scott Long from Central Coast Landscaping, Julia Zuckerman from Delta Bluegrass, Katrina Christensen from K&D Landscaping for taking the time to engage in the training and fellowship that the CLCA offers to their leaders. We had a blast learning our rolls and of course the overtime at the watering hole. Much of that reporting has been redacted. Next year could be your turn to be on our board. Apply now.
As we turn the page towards spring, let’s take a moment to imagine that it’s already just around the corner. Time to be planning the details of those events now. Our Central Coast Chapter Board is getting ready and will be meeting at the NorCal Trade Show at the San Mateo Events Center next Thursday, February 8th. Please see the advertisement for this fantastic trade show in this edition of our newsletter. Of course there will be plenty to see, vendors around the state will be presenting the latest and greatest power tools, plant materials, irrigation, lighting materials, and items that you didn’t think that you needed.
March will be bringing to Central Coast the epic Annual Suppliers/Membership drive to be held at the Seascape Golf Club facility in Rio Del Mar. This has always been a great opportunity for C-27 contractors in our area—who are not members of the California Contractors Association—to come see what our chapter does for its members, the community it builds, and the benefits you receive. Current members and prospective new members will have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers in the green industry. How many times do we get the opportunity to do that?? The evening will feature over 20 local supplier companies displaying their products for eyes on examination and learning what’s new in the marketplace. There will be another legendary raffle of coveted items and a free dinner to boot for all landscape contractors that attend. This is a must attend event. Meeting new people is fun and so is being a member of the Central Coast Chapter.
If you haven’t already done so please take a moment to renew your membership to the Central Coast Partners for Success and sign up for Advertising in the Seascape Newsletter (this newsletter!) We’d love to have you with us in 2024.
That’s all for now folks and I hope to see you around the garden.
—Regan Barry
Coastal Evergreen Company
rbarry@coastalevergreen.com
Central Coast Chapter Board of Directors
Immediate Past President: Phil Dundas—The Landscape Company
Membership Director: Terri Baker—Graniterock
Secretary/Treasurer: Katrina Christensen—K&D Landscaping
Director of Events: Scott Long—Central Coast Landscape
Director of Education: Micheal Johnson—California Horticulture Service
Associate Member Director: Julia Zuckerman—Delta Bluegrass
Legislation Director: Regan Barry—Coastal Evergreen
Please come and learn more about our board by coming to a meeting, or volunteer to help in any capacity. Please contact Regan Barry at rbarry@coastalevergreen.com if you are interested in becoming involved with this dynamic group.
Central Coast Chapter Partners for Success Program
It’s that time of year to renew your partnership. Central Coast’s Partners for Success Program provides an opportunity to increase your visibility in the community, to be seen as a leader in the green industry by helping sustain the many educational and enrichment offerings of our association.
For more information, contact Regan Barry at rbarry@coastalevergreen.com
register NOW for 2024!
WE love our partners
With much appreciation Our Partners in Success 2021.
PaRTNER’S CORNER
Julia Zuckerman of Delta Bluegrass Company
CLCA Central Coast Chapter Associate Member Director
Read more about Julia and her family story, and their long history on the Central Coast. Julie has some very notable hobbies...read more! www.clca-cc.org/partners
The Partner’s Corner! What a great benefit. Here’s an easy way to let people in your industry know what you’re up to, what’s new, and why you’re the success that you are. We want to see pictures of you, your family, your company’s staff, we want to know what you do in your spare time and what makes you unique. We’re interested. Please contact Elise Huffman, the Central Coast editor, if you are interested in being featured on our website in a future “Partner’s Corner.” Partner’s don’t miss this chance for some FREE advertising.
Advertise in the Central Coast Seascape Newsletter!
It’s always a great time to Advertise in this newsletter! Reach your target audience monthly. Sign up for large, medium, or small ads. For specs and pricing contact: clcaccc.editor@gmail.com. OR sign up online HERE and now!
CLCA member benefit
Expert Advice: Free HR Hotline
Shaun Donnelly @shaunyness Free use by Unsplash.
You’re a landscape contractor, but you are also an employer. California’s laws, rules and regulations about the employer/employee relationship are complex and confusing. We all have questions and CLCA’s Human Resources (HR) Hotline helps with answers!
What forms are required by law when I hire a new employee?
Can I ask if an applicant has a criminal history?
My employee is chronically late for his shift. How can I manage the situation?
Can my employees work through their lunch as long as I provide the pizza?
Do I have to pay for the tools used by my employees?
What about medical marijuana?
Learn more: https://clca.org/member-resources/member-benefits/expert-advice-free-hr-hotline/
CLCA news
CLCA Updates Legal Contacts for 2024
To better protect your company in legal proceedings, CLCA has updated its popular residential home improvement legal contract.
Construction law attorney Bill Porter, the voice of CLCA’s Attorney on-call member benefit, reviewed, and updated the contract for 2024. This member benefit is a fill-in-the-blank PDF available to members here.
All of CLCA’s legal contracts and forms include terms and conditions specific to the landscape industry. Unlike many landscape forms available from national organizations, CLCA’s comply with California’s unique laws.
CLCA Member Benefit: 13 California-specific landscape construction and maintenance contracts and legal forms.
For the residential home improvement contract, Porter notes that “the applicable provisions of the Business and Professions Code have not changed in any material way since I last reviewed the contract. However, since the time we last revised this document, issues have arisen in cases I have handled unrelated to this particular contract, but which cause me to suggest some of the changes I have noted.”…read more
upcoming Event
3rd Annual Central Coast Water Summit
MARCH 7, 2024, 8:30am - 5pm
Cocoanut Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The 3rd Annual Central Coast Water Summit brings together the most diverse and engaged group of local industry professionals. It offers education, and knowledge around water management as it relates to the landscape industry.
CLCA Members will receive a discounted rate! All who enroll early get $20 off the regular price.
Get your questions answered. Water management is crucial for sustainable landscaping. Let’s delve into the importance and implementation together. Join us! Tickets on sale now, snag your spot before it sells out!
https://lnkd.in/dHFdJ6nD or centralcoastwatersummit.ticketleap.com/kd-central-coast-water-summit/
CLCA Annual event
Central Coast’s January Mixer
ABBOTT’s Square MaRKETPLACE, JANUARY 11, 2024
The Central Coast CLCA held it’s first event of 2024 at Abbott’s Square in Santa Cruz, nice open air venue (brrr…) with room to hang out, food and beverages. We held our January board meeting just prior to the event. Though the evening was a little chilly the vibe was warm and welcoming. There were many of our old friends as well as new ones, and our new board was also present. Thank you to all who came and made the evening the success it was! Central Coast Rocks!
CLCA Annual event
CLCA Leadership Summit 2024
Central Coast CLCA goes to Leadership Conference. Left to right: Secretary/Treasurer: Katrina Christensen—K&D Landscaping, Legislation Director: Regan Barry—Coastal Evergreen, Associate Member Director: Julia Zuckerman—Delta Bluegrass, Director of Events: Scott Long—Central Coast Landscape, and Immediate Past President of Central Coast CLCA: Phil Dundas—The Landscape Company.
A trip down to beautiful San Diego!
I was lucky this year to be able to attend the 2024 CLCA Leadership Summit held at Hunter Industries in San Marcos. This annual conference was at the Hunter Industries Headquarters and lead by our 2024 State President Tom Sweeney.
Picture this: A realm of innovation awaiting you at Hunter’s Innovation Center, a haven for irrigation enthusiasts. If you haven’t experienced it yet, brace yourself for an irrigation training adventure that will make your green-loving heart skip a beat. Trust me; it’s a must-visit and your plants will thank you later.
Now, let’s talk teamwork! Imagine gathering with the dynamic representatives of all 13 chapters in the state. We weren’t just dreaming about a “Green Sky” in 2024; we were crafting it together! Tom Sweeney, our spirited MC, led the charge, ensuring the summit was not just informative but also outrageously fun. It’s like a garden party, but with flowcharts and strategic planning. I have lots of great takeaways for our board this year and recruitment is on the forefront.
But wait, there’s more! Ever wondered who’s behind those emails and newsletters? Well, the summit unveiled the faces behind the names. Putting faces to the email signatures was like meeting long-lost pen pals—only, in this case, they were garden enthusiasts!
Our Central Coast Chapter warriors—Regan Barry, Phil Dundas, Scott Long, Katrina Christensen, and Julia Zuckerman—represented us with flair. They were like the Avengers of horticulture, ready to conquer any green challenges that lay ahead.
And the cherry on top of this horticultural sundae? I snuck in a pit stop at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. Imagine strolling through 37 acres of pure botanical bliss—a haven boasting a bamboo grove, Mediterranean and desert gardenscapes, a tropical rainforest (my personal favorite), and California native plants.
Click on images below to see whole image in lightbox.
So, fellow green thumbs, if you ever find yourself meandering down south, make sure to add the San Diego Botanic Garden to your must-visit list. Who knows, you might catch the gardens in full bloom, painting a vibrant canvas of colors and fragrances that will leave you in awe.
Here’s to unforgettable adventures, fruitful collaborations, and a future where the world is a bit greener – one garden at a time.
—Katrina Christensen
Board Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Abbott’s Square – Santa Cruz, CA
Attendees: Katrina Christensen, Regan Berry, Scott Long, Terri Backer, Julia Zuckerman, Elise Huffman, Cathleen Quinn, Michael Johnson, Ki Bowman
Agenda
4:30pm Welcome and Introductions
4:45pm IDS, Regan called the meeting to order
Complete the voting of our 2024 Budget
o How to broadcast our events to our members over text? Review SMS programs – do we have software programs in our budget?
Vote on our Bylaws
o Item 7.5 Treasurer Description to add “Or hired bookkeeper”
Signer on bank account
o Review our 2024 Calendar for accurate dates for first quarter events
Make location reservations for upcoming events
o Supplier’s Night
Establish a committee to reach out to our partners to renew
o Promote New
Who is going to Leadership next week?
o Remember that our next meeting is at NorCal in San Mateo Feb. 8th
Newsletter information needed by 1/12/24, publishes 1/15
o President’s Message
o Meeting notes from last board meeting, notes approved?
o Upcoming event dates, times, specifics for calendar
o Holiday Party write-up
o CLCA article links
5:15pm: Conclude meeting
5:30pm: Enjoy New Years Member Mixer and Make Some New Friends
_________________
Meeting Minutes: recorded by Katrina Christensen
4:30pm: Power animals
Welcome and introductions
Needs:
Elise: needs a timeline of event announcements – first of the month
Julia: will set up a calendar for the spotlight vendor monthly
*Needs ways to get information about events out easier and earlier. Reach outside of the box to get communication out to members and outside of the club to get going. Associate members, vendors, sponsors and business connections.
Board to team up and support each other.
I.Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Regan Barry at 4:40pm.
II. Roll Call, Establish Quorum and Approve Agenda
Regan Barry called the roll
Present: Katrina Christensen, Regan Berry, Scott Long, Terri Backer, Julia Zuckerman, Elise Huffman, Cathleen Quinn, Michael Johnson, Ki Bowman
Absent: Phil Dundas, Chelsea Bantley, Laura Leuer
Other members and guests included: Henry (Guest of Terri from Graniterock)
Regan Barry indicated that quorum was established.
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
III. Approve minutes from November 14, 2023 Planning Session Meeting
It was moved and seconded to approve the meeting minutes from the November 14, 2023 Planning Session as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
IV. Financial Report
Bookkeeper Cathy Quinn presented the budget created at the November 14, 2023 Planning Session and noted that the board had missed the Constant Contact software annual membership cost in the software subsection. Bookkeeper Cathy Quinn added the annual renewal costs to the budget for Constant Contact.
It was noted that our budget need has increased from 2022 and we need to figure out how to increase revenue resources either through our partners program or outside sponsorships.
4:50pm: Voting on the budget for 2024.
Voting on approval of budget presented November 14, 2023 with the additional changes made by Bookkeeper Cathy Quinn and presented to the Board January 11, 2024.
It was moved and seconded to accept the Budget as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Budget approved
5:05pm: Vote on our bylaws—need a vote by the board—Katrina and Regan to figure out a voting mechanism and send to the group. Voting tabled until next Board Meeting.
5:06pm: Signer on the bank, transfer and approval of signees allowed on account – Santa Cruz County Bank
Voting – having Katrina Christensen become signee on bank account and removal Phil Dundas.
It was moved and seconded to accept adding Katrina Christensen to Santa Cruz County Bank and remove Phil Dundas as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Katrina Christensen as a signer on Santa Cruz County Bank and remove Phil Dundas Approved
V. Committee Reports
Subcommitees needed:
Constant Contact communications
Membership renewal
Newsletter
Calendar of events
VI. New Business
5pm: Leadership CLCA San Diego – put on the state to train the different members of the board
Katrina, Scott, Regan, Julia and Phil to attend
5:10pm: Review of Calendar of Events coming up
Next meeting February 8th Board Meeting at San Mateo NorCal Nursery Show
Suppliers Night – March 14th, need to confirm location and date, should we have this event earlier in the day?
TBD Dustbowl Mixer?
Scott to cc Board members updates on events
5:23pm: Establish a committee to renew the partners program & promote new
Constant Contact: past partners list
Committee: Terri, Katrina, Elise, Cathy
o How to create an auto renewal option on membership that members can opt out of annually?
o Review alternative text messaging communication platforms
o Gather current members contact list
—And update current list with mobile numbers
5:29pm: Newsletters
Holiday party write up: Katrina
President’s message: Regan
VII. Next Meeting and Adjournment
The board discussed the next meeting date and time.
It was moved and seconded that the next meeting be held on Thursday February 8, 2024 at 11am at the NorCal Nursery Show & Expo in San Mateo in the café. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.