May 2026

Bay Breeze

In This Issue

From the President

Jackie Marsey, Paradise Garden and Landscape, Inc.

Well, it’s officially spring; and if you’re anything like me, you’re appreciating every bit of this perfect working weather. The days are longer, the jobs are in full swing, and our industry is doing what it does best: creating incredible outdoor spaces. It’s also that time of year when everything seems to pick up speed, and before we know it, we’re juggling projects, deadlines, and a whole lot of opportunity.

Speaking of busy, Achievement Awards judging is just around the corner, taking place May 12–14. This is always one of the most exciting times for our chapter, where the incredible craftsmanship and creativity within our community really shine. If you’ve submitted a project, now’s the time to get out there and make sure everything is dialed in; clean edges, healthy plant material, sharp details. It’s your moment to showcase the pride you take in your work. And let’s be honest, there’s something special about seeing your project at its absolute best, knowing it represents not just your company, but the high standards of our entire industry.

We saw that same commitment to excellence at our recent Contractors Forum Review. Thank you to Peninsula Building Materials for hosting and for the pizza, which was a hit. What stood out most to me, though, was the mix of familiar faces alongside several first-time attendees and potential new members. The energy and new perspectives blending with experienced voices is exactly what keeps our association strong.

It also got me thinking about how much CLCA has meant to my own career. The relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, and the opportunities I’ve been given have all played a role in shaping both my professional journey and personal growth. CLCA isn’t just about networking or education; it’s about community. It’s about having a place where you can ask questions, share experiences, and continue to grow alongside people who genuinely understand what you do.

As we move deeper into the season, I encourage you to take advantage of everything this association has to offer. Attend events, bring a colleague, introduce yourself to someone new. Whether you’ve been a member for years or are just getting involved, there’s always something to gain; and just as importantly, something to give back.

Here’s to a strong spring season, successful projects, and continuing to build something great together.

Auxiliary Report

Happy May! I hope May finds you sunny and dry! We spent two waterlogged weeks on Maui in the middle of March. We were definitely not sunny and dry. Happy to be home although it is raining as I write this letter and not very warm.

Coming up in May for the Auxiliary is our second meeting of 2026. Wednesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at Fiesta Vallarta in downtown Los Altos. Come join our fun and festive group as we continue planning CLCA’s 2026 events. If you would like to join us, please reach out to me at one of the contact methods below so I can send you the Paperless Post invitation. Topics of conversation for the meeting will be:

Chapter event calendar, along with committee and basket sign-ups.
The Auxiliary Potluck: please save the date of Sunday, August 9 for the potluck, co-hosted by Cindy Singletary and Mary and Barry Cohen, to be held at the Cohen’s home in Saratoga. Always a fun event, the potluck gives us all a chance to catch up on summer happenings, enjoy good food and conversation with long-time friends. We have lost some friends recently and it is good to visit with people we don’t see at CLCA events very often to see what is happening in their world. Please join us this summer (it is right around the corner!) to reminisce about the past and make sure we stay connected in the future.
SAVE THE DATE of Sunday, September 13 for the Chapter Picnic at Cuesta Park in Mountain View. Lots more detail to come.
Chapter Christmas Party: I know it’s only May but it is never too early to start talking about holiday decorations, making Christmas cookies, and what’s on the holiday menu! The 2026 Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 12 at the San Mateo Elks Lodge. It will be dinner, exact timing still under discussion. I hope you will join us for the holiday season.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in the group. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Lesley Peters
Garden Designer (retired now!)
650-444-4580
gpland@sbcglobal.net

Contractor Forum

Upcoming Events

SFBA Chapter Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, May 28th @ 5pm

Peninsula Building Materials Mountain View

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

SFBA Chapter Achievement Awards Presentation & Dinner

SAVE the DATE

Saturday, June 27

Embassy Suites, Milpitas

Details will be announced soon

IN MEMORIUM

Leilani “Lani” Hanker
October 1,1942 – March 7, 2026

It is with much sadness that we announce the loss of yet another long-time and dedicated member of the SFBA Chapter. Lani Hanker was a life-long supporter of CLCA, the Auxiliary and LEAF. She was part of the Dynamic-Delta-Bluegrass-Duo with her husband, Fred. They were “regulars” in the Chapter, traveling roundtrip in one evening from Stockton to wherever Chapter events were held. Lani wasn’t a fan of flying, so they drove up and down California and even to out of State when Conventions were held in adjacent states.

Lani was born and raised in San Francisco. Following graduation from Katherine Delmar Burke School, she attended college at the University of Nevada, Reno. This is where she met Fred, telling her roommates she was going to marry him on the very night they met. They were married on January 22,1966 in Palo Alto, CA and moved to Stockton in 1971, where they raised their three children, Chip, Glen and Paige. Lani was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend and she worked very hard in raising her family. She was a great cook and made the kitchen the heartbeat of the home while preparing great meals for gatherings of family and friends.

Lani joined the Auxiliary in 1992, served as Sunshine Chair in 1997-1999, State Secretary in 1995-1996 and Scholarship Selection Committee in 1997-2021. She was voted Auxiliary Member of the Year in 2002 and received Life Membership in 2012. Lani served as Secretary on the LEAF Board of Trustees from 1995-2006.

Lani and Fred were a beautiful couple and an example of what a strong marriage and great life together should look like. I’m confident Fred is beyond ecstatic to be reunited with the love of his life and now for eternity.

If you’d like to honor Lani’s memory, you may donate to the Fred and Lani Hanker Memorial Fund in LEAF, c/o CLCA, 1545 River Park Dr, Suite 525, Sacramento, CA 95815. May Lani’s memory be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

With much affection and respect,

Mary Cohen

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