March 2026

Bay Breeze

In This Issue

From the President

Jackie Marsey, Paradise Garden and Landscape, Inc.

If there’s one consistent thread running through this spring, it’s change.

The landscape industry feels it more than most. When the weather shifts, our entire workflow shifts with it. A stretch of warm, spring-like days can have crews preparing for early installs. Then winter reminds us it isn’t finished. Icy mornings and stalled schedules force us to pivot, sometimes overnight. Jobs get pushed back. Materials sit. Crews adjust. The optimism of early spring energy turns back into winter logistics.

But this is the nature of our industry.

Landscape contractors live in rhythm with the weather. We don’t just check the forecast; we build our businesses around it. Every temperature swing impacts scheduling, labor allocation, equipment readiness, plant material timing, and client expectations. Flexibility isn’t optional. It is essential.

That is why knowing this was the final year of the NorCal show felt especially meaningful.

It was great to see so many familiar faces, contractors, suppliers, and partners, all navigating the same unpredictable start to the year. The educational sessions were well attended, which speaks volumes about our industry’s commitment to growth and professionalism. It will absolutely be missed.

As we move from this unpredictable February into the heart of the season, one thing is certain: no matter what the forecast brings, our industry will adapt, grow, and continue building landscapes that last.

Our chapter is evolving as well, and we need your help. We currently have open positions on the board and within our committees. Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our community, support fellow members, and help shape the future direction of our chapter.

I invite you to contact me directly at 408-691-9358 to learn how you can get involved.

Auxiliary Report

It is sunny and warm as I write this, but I don’t think it will last long. More rain on the horizon. Next month I may be saying “rain, rain go away, come again another day!”

We had a wonderful meeting on February 4 at Pompeii Ristorante in Los Altos. Thank you everyone who attended (Girvin and myself, Vicky Parrott, Rick Camin, Alice Domine, Jackie Marsey, Scooter Wren and Michael Garcia, Mary Cohen and Charlene Ott). We did our usual housekeeping duties (approved the minutes, treasurer’s report and a budget for 2026). There are still openings on our basket list and on our committees. If you want to pitch in and give us a hand with anything, I would welcome your participation. Send me an email, text or give me a call and let me know how you’d like to contribute to the workings of CLCA and the Auxiliary. We will have a meeting in May, exact details still to be determined, but everyone is welcome at our meetings and I would love to hear your ideas. Other topics of discussion were:

Non-cash payment for raffles at our events that have a raffle: Thank you to the CLCA board for bringing the Square reader to events, which makes things easier for those without cash. This has been working well and we will continue this procedure.
Bringing back the betting hole at the Golf Tournament: This idea was met with enthusiasm! If you are interested in knowing how the betting hole works, don’t golf but want to help at the tournament, I’m sure the Golf Tournament committee, headed by Beth Valdez, would love to hear from you.
SAVE THE DATE: We have a date for the Auxiliary Potluck! Sunday, August 9 starting at 1 p.m., co-hosted by Cindy Singletary and Mary and Barry Cohen. Many more details to follow in the coming months, but please mark your calendars now.
We did discuss a venue for the Christmas Party, but we need to do some investigating before announcing the details. More next month.

Thank you everyone for coming to the meeting and engaging in lively conversations about everything! I know it was a bit noisy so I hope everyone enjoyed the food, the friends and the conversation you could hear. Spring is almost here (yeah!), bringing an abundance of flowers…and possibly allergies! Enjoy your March. I know I will, because we will be on Maui for part of the month! See you soon.

Lesley Peters
Garden Designer
650-444-4580
gpland@sbcglobal.net

Congratulations Scooter Wren

Hello CLCA Family,

I’m happy to share some exciting news with our chapter family — Scooter Wren, has been promoted to Outside Sales Representative with PBM!

Many of you already know Scooter through her involvement with CLCA and her service on our Executive Board. She has been a positive, steady presence in our chapter and a true relationship-builder.

This promotion is well deserved. Scooter brings professionalism, heart, and a strong commitment to people and the industry. In her new role with PBM, she’ll also be helping grow and strengthen PBM’s footprint throughout the Bay Area, which is exciting for our region and industry community.

Please join me in congratulating Scooter on this next step. We are proud of her and excited to see her continue to grow and thrive.

Congratulations, Scooter — we’re cheering you on!

Upcoming Events

Social Meet & Greet
Thursday, March 12th @ 4pm-6pm

Barebottle Brewing Company
2520 Augustine Dr
Santa Clara CA 95054

Join us for an informal networking social, designed to bring professionals together to connect and collaborate.

Whether you’re interested in:

Sharing ideas for future events
Expanding your professional network
Exploring potential collaborations
Or simply enjoying meaningful conversation over a great beverage

This gathering offers the perfect opportunity to connect.

Whether you’re here to connect, brainstorm, or just kick back with a great beer, this evening is all about good vibes and great company.

REGISTER

SFBA Chapter Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, March 26th @ 5pm

Peninsula Building Materials
Mountain View

CLCA Members are welcome to attend
Contact Jackie Marsey jackie@paradiselg.com

There is no cost to attend!

Registration is encouraged to help us plan accordingly.
Contact: Scooter Wren at 209-201-2482

We look forward to an engaging and enjoyable evening with you.

Commercial Maintenance

Davey Tree Stormwater Best Management Practices

Stormwater runoff can carry harmful pollutants that negatively affect our natural environment and aquatic ecosystems. Implementing best management practices can help improve water quality. Learn about Davey Resource Group’s stormwater best management practices and how they can help protect our natural resources. Browse Davey Tree’s video library to hear Davey certified arborists and technical advisors explain the most popular topics and questions in the tree care industry.

CLCA SFBA Chapter Project

Get ready to dig in and make a difference! CLCA SFBA is excited to announce our upcoming chapter project, Backyard Habitat at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. This special project will take place over two volunteer days (dates coming soon!).

Volunteers Needed! Opportunities include:

Irrigation installation & Plant installation
Event-day coordination and team support

If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to:

Jackie Marsey
jackie@paradiselg.com
408-691-9358Top of Form

Partner Spotlight

The Month’s Partner Spotlight is Davey Tree.

When it comes to your trees, credentials matter.

Choose a tree care company that’s licensed, bonded, and insured—so you know your property is protected, and your trees are in the best hands. The health of the trees on your municipal or commercial property can greatly impact your bottom line as well as your aesthetic value.

We can conduct a professional assessment of the trees on your commercial property, including tree disease and insect monitoring, soil care, and root protection recommendations to preserve the long-term health of your tree and landscape assets. > MORE about Davey Tree

Contact Davey Tree today.