History

The History of the SFBA Chapter:
A Tradition of Excellence

The SFBA Chapter enjoys the distinction of being California’s very first landscape contractor association. Chartered in 1937 as the “Landscape Contractors Association”, this organization was formed by a forward-thinking group of aggressive contractors who perceived that a cooperative program would be instrumental in effectively addressing the growing industry’s difficulties. This group changed its name in 1947 to the “California Landscape Contractors Association”, subsequently giving up this name to the overall statewide organization in 1952.

The SFBA Chapter’s members met with members of what would become CLCA’s Los Angeles Chapter (formed in 1948) and the San Diego Chapter (formed in 1952) at Yosemite National Park in September of 1951, therein laying the groundwork for the future incorporation of the group as a nonprofit. These three independent landscaping groups all shared the same general cause: to forward the professional interests of the industry in their regions. CLCA was incorporated in April of 1952, at which point the three formerly independent chapters became the organization’s first three regional chapters. This united front increased CLCA’s ability to have an impact at the state level.

The SFBA Chapter continued in its role as one of CLCA’s preeminent and groundbreaking chapters. In the early 1970’s, the chapter further divided itself into the San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area-East, North Coast and Central Coast Chapters, enabling it to better serve both members and local communities. The Chapter held its first women’s meeting in 1950, setting the stage for the formation of the “Grass Widows”, which eventually became the “CLCA Auxiliary”. The main purpose of the Auxiliary remains the same, to assist at the chapter meetings and projects, organize picnics and holiday parties, facilitate events and raise money for LEAF.

In 1988, the State Auxiliary founded the Landscape Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF), to
guarantee the endowment of annual scholarships to deserving students pursuing their education and
seeking careers in the landscape industry. To date, the SFBA Chapter has established and continues to support a total of 18 named LEAF funds (thirteen memorial, three honorarium, one family and one chapter).

Past Presidents CLCA-SFBA