
In This Issue





Auxiliary Report
Happy February! Valentines Day is near and spring is right around the corner. January’s weather was unseasonably warm and no rain. Hard to imagine what February’s weather will look like but with global warming, you never know. Maybe it will snow in Los Altos! Does anyone remember the snow of 1976?
We had a wonderful Auxiliary meeting on January 22 at The Post in downtown Los Altos. Thank you everyone who attended (Jackie Marsey, Vicky Parrott, Charlene Ott, Rick Camin, Beth Valdez, Girvin Peters, Mary Cohen and myself). We had lively discussions about everything, from the treasurer’s report to the 2025 Christmas Party. It is way too early to discuss Christmas 2025 but if anyone has thoughts on any venue (hotel, winery, garden, golf course, restaurant) or a Christmas-time event that we should consider, please send the information my way. We are open to any and all suggestions. Thank you again to the Auxiliary members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the meeting. I truly appreciate everyone’s support, thoughts and ideas.
Thank you in advance to Jackie Marsey for providing the raffle basket and running the raffle at the January meeting at TopGolf. Hopefully all went smoothly. I’ll report on the Auxiliary’s earnings next month.
It takes a lot of people to keep the Auxiliary running smoothly. We are the only Chapter in CLCA with an active Auxiliary, which is unfortunate for CLCA. Our Auxiliary members play a vital role in the functioning of the chapter. Our goals are simple: promoting education and friendship and supporting CLCA at both the state and local level. I hope you will think about joining us this year and help us make the chapter events the best ever. We welcome any and all who want to become a member. We would love to have your creative ideas and energy in the group. I encourage everyone to find out more about the Auxiliary and how you can participate in 2025.
I hope the upcoming spring season will be bringing positive energy and good things to you, your family and business. Happy Valentine’s Day. Have a great February and maybe I’ll see you at the NorCal show on February 6.
Lesley Peters
Garden Designer
650-444-4580
gpland@sbcglobal.net
Awards of Excellence

First Place Residential Design Build 2023
Craig Rapp – Awards Co-Chair
Our SFBA Chapter awards program has a new and deserving brand name: AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE. In my years of involvement in CLCA, I’ve seen excellence and incredible projects brought forth by our outstanding contractors in the Bay Area! You, our contractors are the authors of excellence and your award winning projects are a tribute to the passion and workmanship that you bring forth!
We are excited to have you enter your great projects and show off! It’s deserving! We can’t wait to see your amazing artistry and craftsmanship! Get your projects ready.
Applications will be emailed to our CLCA SFBA Chapter members and will be also available on the chapter’s website early February. Check out past winning projects and get your projects ready!
This year, we are offering savings to you. If you enter three projects, the third entry is free. No charge. If you enter six projects, the entry fee for two of those projects is zero.
Nine entries: you only pay for six. And so on. Also this year, the number of entries you may submit is unlimited!
If you are a new CLCA Member, your first project entry cost is zero! Go For It!
There are many new and updated entry categories to choose from in the landscape installation and maintenance sections. You’ll like the tremendous selections that are ready for you to enter.
Important Dates:
- Friday, April 25th: The Deadline To Submit Entries
- Friday, May 2nd: The Late Deadline To Submit Entries
- May 15th – 17th (Thursday, Friday, Saturday): Judging Days
- Saturday, June 21st: Chapter Awards Ceremony And Presentation Dinner – Embassy Suites By Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley
Select your projects to submit and enter! We’re super excited to receive your application and see your stunning projects!
Questions: Craig Rapp. Email: clcacraig@yahoo.com Cell: 408-857-0389
LEAF Support
Chapter Sponsored LEAF Balances as of December 31st, 2024
Hans Biland $12,795.88
Barry Cohen $11,175.
James and Pamela Everett $5,650.
Candy Fiske $7,625.12
Herbert Frank $16,531.83
John Gachina $14,735.00
Fred Hanker $21,644.
Bill Hayes $13,520.62
Klaus Hertzer $11,844.49
Ken Jenner $12,201.99
George Kunimoto $12,770.00
John and Mary Lyngso $15,982.15
Leo and Charlene Ott $2,200.
Edron Schneider $11,574.81
Paul Shogren $16,963.56
Richard and Cynthia Singletary $5,950
Singley Family Fund $5,000
Joe and Sally Tanouye $9,650.82
Mas Tsuda $10,368.98
Steve Whitehill $10,000.
SFBA Chapter $10,639.25
Partner Spotlight
The Month’s Partner Spotlight is Belgard
6 Must-Know Outdoor Living Trends for 2025
As we look forward to the new year, it’s crucial to understand the latest design trends and design choices to keep outdoor space current. Our research has identified six key 2025 outdoor living trends that will shape decisions and demand for products, design elements and services. LEARN MORE on the BELGARD Blog.
Contact your local Belgard Representative:
Donald Givens
donald.givens@oldcastle.com
(510) 427-8017
Partners for Success: 2025 Opportunity
The Partners for Success Program is an opportunity to stand out, shine bright and leave a lasting impression in 2025!
As a Partner, you will enjoy exclusive benefits, including complimentary general membership meetings, prominent logo recognition on our website and monthly e-newsletter, and so much more. Be part of a thriving community that values collaboration and growth!
This opportunity is about more than benefits—it is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic community that is passionate about success, collaboration, and making a real impact.
CLICK HERE to explore our Partners for Success, sponsorship and advertising opportunities and secure your place in the spotlight.
Prefer to send a check? We’ve got you covered! Mail it to:
CLCA-SFBA
Attn: Jackie Marsey
14965 Sycamore Ave., San Martin, CA 95046
Got questions or want to pay by credit card? Our team is here to help! Contact Laura A. Leuer at lleuer@comcast.net.
2025 is YOUR year to shine brighter than ever. Let’s make it unforgettable—together!
2025 Board of Directors
Immediate Past Co-Presidents – Barry and Mary Cohen
President – Beth Valdez
Vice President – Scooter Wren
Treasurer – Jackie Marsey
Associate Liaison – Marin Villalpando
Auxiliary President – Lesley Peters
Auxiliary Vice President – Girvin Peters
Auxiliary Treasurer – Rick Camin
Auxiliary Secretary – Vicky Parrott