Bay Breeze

A Final Reflection from Beth

As I sit down to write this final President’s Message, I keep replaying moments from last week’s CLCA Convention — the laughter, the hugs, the energy, and the feeling of community that you can’t replicate on a computer screen. It struck me more than once how special it is to finally see so many of the people we work with all year long — the faces we normally only get to see in little boxes on Zoom — standing right in front of us. There’s something deeply grounding about that. When you can look someone in the eye, share a genuine smile, or reconnect with an old friend, the relationship shifts in the best way. It strengthens. It deepens. It reminds you why you belong here.

The Convention kicked off with one of the most spirited welcome receptions I’ve ever seen — our Cornhole Tournament, with 20 enthusiastic teams and a cheering section that could rival a high-school football game. Congratulations to our champions, Roy Guerrero of Eternal Landscape Solutions and Salvador Ledesma Jr. of Gardenworks! If you witnessed the finals, you know — that was some seriously competitive fun. Moments like that remind me that CLCA isn’t just an association. It’s a family that knows how to work hard and celebrate hard.

The next morning’s roundtable discussions were just as fulfilling, but in a different way. These are my favorite moments of any convention — when people gather around a table, share honestly, exchange ideas, and leave with a little more clarity than they came in with. Real conversation happens in those rooms. New partnerships spark. Confidence grows. And that up-close, personal networking is truly where the heartbeat of our association lives.

Even our General Meeting — which has historically been known to run long — finished right on time this year. We passed the new Life Member bylaw unanimously, with a room full of people who seemed comfortable, collaborative, and aligned. It was a small but meaningful win.

And then… the Achievement Awards. It was a night filled with elegance, joy, and an unmistakable sense of pride. The reception hall was alive with laughter, warm reunions, and that gentle hum of conversation that only happens when people feel truly connected. I watched landscapers — artists, really — celebrate each other’s work with admiration and genuine excitement.

A huge congratulations to our SFBA members who took home CLCA State Trophy Awards this year:

• Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.
• JML Landscapes
• Opulands Landscape Design & Construction, Inc.
• Tamura Designs, Inc.
• Alpine Landscapes
• Bayscape Landscape Management, Inc.

And a special shout-out to Gary Cooper of Frank + Grossman, whose projects lit up the room as he leaped and strutted across the stage to collect his well-deserved awards. The creativity, passion, and craftsmanship showcased by our chapter members were nothing short of breathtaking. Sitting in that room, watching the pride on their faces, I felt so honored to be part of this community.

One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend for me was seeing Jackie Marsey step confidently towards the role of CLCA SFBA Chapter President for 2026. Jackie is a young business owner with a clear vision, a genuine heart, and a drive to grow Paradise Garden and Landscape into something extraordinary. By positioning herself among some of the strongest leaders in CLCA, she is surrounding herself with inspiration, mentorship, and the kind of community that will lift her higher than she even expects. Jackie is ready, prepared, and supported — and I have every confidence she will lead this chapter with grace, intention, and strength. Her journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to witness where she takes us.

As for me… stepping out of this role is bittersweet. I’m incredibly grateful for the past five years on the leadership team and for the seventeen years I’ve spent as part of the CLCA family. This association has shaped me as a leader, a professional, and a human being. I’ve found mentors, partners, friends, and people who simply make this industry — and my life — better.

Thank you for trusting me, for supporting me, and for allowing me to serve. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career.

As we move into a new year filled with fresh ideas, new events, and continued momentum, I encourage each of you to stay involved, stay connected, and keep lifting each other up. When we show up consistently — for our chapter and for each other — amazing things happen.

And as we pause to take in this season of gratitude, on behalf of the SFBA Board, we want to wish our entire membership a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are grateful for the heart, dedication, and professionalism each of you brings to this community. Your support, your participation, and the way you show up for one another is what keeps this chapter thriving.

May this season bring you rest, joy, and time surrounded by the people who fill your life with meaning.

Here’s to all of you… to the creativity you bring, the passion you share, and the community we continue to build together.

With all my gratitude,
Beth Valdez
President, CLCA SFBA Chapter