Bay Breeze

Beth Valdez, President

Spring 2025

Spring always has a quiet way of reminding us that even the coldest seasons come to an end. This time of year—especially with the messages of Easter fresh in our hearts—invites us to reflect on the idea of renewal. Not just in nature, but within ourselves.

Easter is a story of hope, of rising from what seemed final, of casting off what no longer serves us—whether it’s regret, self-doubt, or the stories we tell ourselves about our failures. It offers a reminder that every day we wake up, we are given a choice: to carry yesterday’s weight or to embrace today’s light.

I’ve come to believe deeply that the brightness of the days ahead depends on how much light we let in. And sometimes, letting in the light means choosing to see ourselves not through the lens of what didn’t go right—but through the possibility of what still can.

That’s the same energy I see reflected in the CLCA. It’s a community that offers opportunity—whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for decades. Here, you’ll find open doors, open minds, and open hearts ready to support you. It’s a place to let go of old narratives and step into something better.

At Davey, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by leadership that doesn’t just ask, “What did we miss?” but instead leans in with, “What can we do next?” That kind of thinking is contagious—in the best way. It encourages curiosity, celebrates big ideas (even the weird ones), and lifts people up not just for their past wins, but for the potential they bring to the table every day.

It’s a mindset that believes in second chances, fresh starts, and occasionally, learning something the hard way—preferably just once. It keeps us grounded in purpose, always looking ahead, and maybe even questioning if we really needed that third cup of coffee (spoiler: we did).

That’s what keeps me inspired to stay involved, and it’s what I hope to pass on to all of you. So if there’s something you’ve been sitting on—an idea, a goal, a wild “what if?”—this is the season to give it a shot. Let go of the old stories, shake off the hesitation, and give yourself permission to see things in a new light. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.

This month, I’m excited to welcome two new faces to the CLCA family!

First, Lior Dahan of Rhythmic Gardens, whose work focuses on drought-tolerant, California native, and edible landscapes—spaces that conserve water and give back to the communities and ecosystems around them. Lior is passionate about building a business with strong, people-first values. She’s especially excited to learn from others in the CLCA as she grows her company—diving into peer consulting, internal systems, and building sustainable teams. Right now, it’s just her and her pup, but we’re all rooting for what’s ahead.

We’re also excited to officially welcome Rafael Solano from Alliance Gator to our family. Rafael serves as a Territory Manager for Alliance Gator, a respected leader in the hardscape industry known for its commitment to innovation and high-quality solutions.

Alliance Gator’s product line includes everything from polymeric sand and artificial turf to Gator Base, geogrids, geotextiles, edge restraints, fasteners, cleaners, sealers, binding agents, and tile systems. These tools and materials are designed to enhance the performance, aesthetics, and ease of installation for a wide range of hardscape projects.

Rafael brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, and he’s joined our chapter to share valuable insights on how these products can support and elevate your work. Let’s give him a warm welcome and take this opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about what Alliance Gator has to offer.  We’re lucky to have both Lior and Rafael on board—welcome to the mix!

On the horizon—mark your calendars!

Coming up first: our Achievement Awards are your chance to showcase the best of the best in landscape craftsmanship. We’ll be celebrating on Saturday, June 21st at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Milpitas. Don’t miss this night of inspiration and recognition.

Then, it’s time to break out the sunglasses and foam fingers—we’re heading back to the ballpark! Join us on Saturday, July 19th at Excite Ballpark in San Jose for our annual day with the San Jose Giants. There’ll be BBQ, beers, and big league fun as we cheer on our Giants against the Modesto Nuts. It’s one of the best days of the year to relax and reconnect with the CLCA crew under the summer sun.

So this season, take a moment to reflect on what you’re ready to leave behind—and more importantly, what you’re ready to grow into. There’s so much good work ahead of us. Let’s meet it with open hearts, clear eyes, and the belief that the best chapters haven’t even been written yet.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible people who surround me. The energy they bring, the reminders that none of us are perfect, and the support they offer, often with just a smile, mean more than words can say.

A special thank you to the Board Members of our chapter: Jackie Marsey, Scooter Wren, Craig and Vivian Rapp, Mary and Barry Cohen, Lesley and Girvin Peters, Rick Camin, Laura Leuer, and Charlene Ott. These men and women generously give their time, balancing their own businesses, to welcome new members, organize events, and help grow our industry. Through their efforts, they bring valuable education, training, and even a little “Laughing Monk” time to help us balance it all.

Next time you see them, please share a warm smile—it truly goes a long way.

Best,

Beth Valdez
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Davey Business Development Team