Make Plans to Join us for the Zurn Wilkins Factory...

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www.clcaslo.org

Volume 25, Issue 3March 2015

Board MeetingsChapter Board Meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Ewing Irrigation, 1175 Prospect St., San Luis Obispo.

Upcoming meetings:

• April 8

• May 20

In This Issue:Zurn Wilkins Factory TourEnter the Awards ProgramHow to Build a Better WebsiteGrowing Wisely in SLOWhat OSHA Records are Required?Untimely Passing of CLCA MembersCalendar of Events

Make Plans to Join us for the

Zurn Wilkins Factory Tour

Wednesday, April 15, 20156:00 p.m.Zurn Wilkins Factory1747 Commerce WayPaso Robles

Sponsored by the CLCA SLO Chapter and

•Includes Dinner •Networking •Factory Tour •Product Information

RSVP to:Levi: 805-720-2214

FREE!

2 s l o x p r e s s m a r c h 2 0 1 5

2015 San Luis Obispo Chapter OfficersPresident ................................... Mike Kneeskern, Central Coast Landscape Products ........................ [email protected] . 805-595-3478Immediate Past President ....... David Brown, Mari Landscaping ........................... [email protected] .............805-226-9787VP, Membership / PR ............... Evan Moffitt, KD Janni Landscaping, Inc. ........... [email protected] ..................805-748-8931VP Programs ............................. Levi Marks, Ewing Irrigation ................................. [email protected] ......................805-598-7291Secretary.................................... Brandon Delon, Leftside Landscape ...................... [email protected] ........... 805-440-7051Treasurer ................................... David Brown, Mari Landscaping ........................... [email protected] .............805-226-9787Associate Member Rep............. Jonathon Araya, Ewing Irrigation ......................... [email protected] .............................805-598-7291Board Member .......................... Pat Connelly, St. Francis Landscape ...................... [email protected] ....................805-235-1859Editor ......................................... Jerrie Beard, Beard & Associates ........................... [email protected] .................. 530-621-1701

Best Fertilizer ...............................................................................4Birch Equipment Finance ...........................................................9Central Coast Sod ...................................................................... 10Coastline Equipment....................................................................8Ewing Irrigation ..........................................................................5Farm Supply .................................................................................7Greenfields Turf ........................................................................ 10Gro-Power, Inc. ............................................................................6Growing Grounds Farm (TMHA) ..............................................6Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. ......................9

Olson Irrigation Systems ............................................................4Quinn Company ...........................................................................3Rossi Transport Services ............................................................7Sanford Stone Company .............................................................9San Marcos Growers ................................................................. 10 Santa Barbara Stone ................................................................. 10

Please support our advertisers by remembering them first when making your next purchase. Let them know you saw their ad in the SLO Xpress!

Thank you to all of the companies that generously support our chapter newsletter by placing an advertisement.

CLCA Board of DirectorsPresident ............................Javier Lesaca .......... (661) 836-0229President-Elect ...................Steve Jacobs ............ (760) 945-4321Immediate Past President Chuck Carr ...............(818) 388-0214Secretary/Treasurer ..........Ted Sandrowski .......(530) 345-6101Executive Director .............Sandra Giarde ..........(916) 830-2780DIRECTORSCommunications ...............Jerrie Beard ..............(530) 621-1701Chapter Services ................Richard Sheffield ..... (661) 245-1147Legislation ..........................Pete Dufau, CLT .......(805) 642-1239

SLO CLCA Past Presidents2014

Mike KneeskernCentral Coast

Landscape Products2012-13

David BrownMari Landscaping

2011Aaron Huxley

Hunter Industries

2009-10 Erik Wolting

All Seasons Gardening & Landscaping

2007–08Jim Trask

California Water Shapes

2005-06Erik Wolting

All Seasons Gardening & Landscaping

2004John Doyle

J Doyle Landscaping2002–03

Pat ConnellySt. Francis Landscape

1998–2001Bruce Courter

Day Star Enterprises, Inc.1996–98

Lloyd GraceyPacific Coast Landscapes

1995Danté D’Alfonso

D’Alfonso’s Landscape

Guide to Advertisers

Events .................................Elizabeth Burns ....... (310) 831-6132Education ...........................Aaron Huxley ...........(408) 824-0181Membership .......................James Walker ..........(650) 333-2021Resource Mngmnt .............Shari Collins ............ (805) 517-1971Associate Member .............John Hernandez ......(626) 965-5015Co-Director Chapter Pres. Council .....Tim Hendricks, CLT (415) 892-7710Co-Director Chapter Pres. Council .....Ed Wallace ................ (562) 755-9914

1994Duane Morris

Duane Morris LandscapeDesigner/Contractor

1993John Ruggiero

Arcadian Gardens1991-92

Bruce CourterDay Star Enterprises

m a r c h 2 0 1 5 s l o x p r e s s 3

As the drought in California continues, the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento is considering sweeping mandates on landscape irrigation that could limit water usage for most California homes and business-es to only a few days of the week.

If approved, local water agencies will be asked to regulate the particular days of the week that customers can irrigate their landsacapes.

As landscape contractors and irrigation specialists, CLCA members need to stay on top of the latest in water saving irrigation technology to help conserve water while still maintaining beautiful landscapes.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter wants to help you do just that. Join us on April 15 at Zurn Wilkins in Paso Robles for a factory tour and informative presentation on backflow prevention.

Paul Zurn of Zurn Wilkins will be providing a presentation on backflow preventers, water pressure reducing valves, automatic control valves and other water control products used

throughout the irrigation industry.Backflow preventers are critical to main-

taining the purity of our drinkig water supply. And, Water Pressure Reducing Valves assist in reducing water usage and prolonging the life of all the products used in an irrigation system.

Join us for this informative meeting and walk away with a stronger understanding of backflow prevention and back-flow preventers. You'll learn about proper installation, how to troubleshoot backflow devic-es, and how to select the proper

products depending on the application. You'll walk away with the knowledge needed to make more informed decisions about the water con-trol products used in irrigation systems.

The event is planned for Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Zurn Wilkins Factory, 1747 Commerce Way, Paso Robles. Don't miss this opportunity for networking, a factory tour and dinner... and it's all FREE. For more information or to RSVP, contact Levi at 805-720-2214.

April 15: Zurn Wilkins Factory Tour Member Benefit: Flyers Fuel ProgramCLCA members receive a five cent fuel discount on gallons purchased with a CFN (Commercial Fueling Network) and a two cent discount with the Flyers Fleet Card, with acceptance at over 92 percent of gas stations nationwide. At no addition-al cost, this program also comes with security and accounting features that will save your business thousands of dollars per year. Flyers Energy also provides a free analysis of your most recent fuel invoice or receipts to determine if the CLCA discount can benefit your business. For more information about this exclu-sive members-only offer, contact Nichol Warden at (530) 885-0401 x2260.

4 s l o x p r e s s m a r c h 2 0 1 5

EH-12 EMITTERA BETTER IDEA BY DESIGN

A logical idea - Drip irrigation in a head - twelve individual pressure com-pensating outlets. The patented filter is built right into the unit, and good filtration is what makes drip work. Drip irrigation designed for land-scape - not adapted to it. Call or write for more information.

10910 Wheatlands Ave.Santee, CA 92071619 562-3100, 800 77OLSONFAX: 619 562-2724

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of CLCA invites you to enter your best projects in our Landscape Beautification Awards Program and attend the awards banquet, which will have the theme of “Casual.”

Now is the time to prepare your projects for entry into any one of the many landscape construction and maintenance categories. By submitting your entry and entry fee, you will not only be able to take part in this prestigious awards event, but the awards committee will donate 50% of all entry fees received to the San Luis Obispo Chapter’s “Salute Fund.”

All entries will be judged by experts in the landscaping field from outside of our chapter area. They will be looking at the skill and quality of workmanship of every aspect of your project, so don’t forget to spruce up your projects for final presentation. Previous construction entries (non-winners) may be en-tered again this year as long as the completion date adheres to this year’s eligibility dates. All previous maintenance entries (as well as new entries) may be entered every year.

These hard economic times have inspired the committee to offer our own stimulus pack-age. Pay to enter two projects and get the third entry free; pay for four entries and get two free and so on! The entry fee for each project is $100. To qualify for our stimulus package, entries must be received on or before Friday, April 17, 2015. Late entries will be accepted until Friday, April 24, 2015, with a $200 entry fee. All entries must be accompanied by a check for the total entry fee. Each entry must include a separate CD (.pdf file format) with a minimum of six pictures of each project. No faxed entries will be accepted!

Judging will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and May 2, 2015. Please be sure that there is no signage, vehicles or employees with your company name or logo on-site during the judging days. If any names or logos are visible, this will result in an immediate disqualification. We must have complete anonymity to have fairness between the participants. Also, please advise your clients not to discuss the project with the

Awards Entry Deadline ApproachesBy Bruce Courter

judges or committee members in an attempt to influence their decisions.

To enter a project, fill out (clearly) the three page entry form found on our chapter website at www.clcaslo.org. Follow directions com-pletely and review the page of categories to de-termine the appropriate category. Incomplete forms may cause the project to be disqualified. Send the completed entry forms and CD to the address on the form. The judges reserve the right to move an entry to a more appropriate category. The judges do not have to give an award in a category if the projects are not wor-thy. The Awards Committee reserves the right to reject any entry.

Awards will be presented at a gala banquet (remember “Casual Theme” dress) on Friday, June 19, 2015 in the “Garden Room” at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The evening will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the presentation of awards. Please call David Brown with your RSVP at (805) 835-2498 or Email ([email protected]) by Friday, June 12, 2015. You must select Beef, Chicken or Vegetarian. The cost is $50 per person and a table of eight for the same company is $350.

m a r c h 2 0 1 5 s l o x p r e s s 5

The old adage, “You never get a second chance at a first impression” rings true even if that first impression happens on the inter-net. You only have a few seconds to captivate potential customers and draw them into your site, so having an engaging homepage is critical.

Whether you are developing a new site or re-evaluating your current site, here are a few things to consider to Build a Better Website:1. Choose color wisely. Color is powerful in

evoking emotions. Be sure the colors you chose provide the feelings you want your business to convey. Browns, blues and greens are relaxing and evoke a peaceful feeling, while warm colors such as red, yellow and orange create a feeling of energy and excitement.

2. Choose fonts carefully. Various type fonts also convey emotions. Make sure the font you use conveys the right feeling and is easy to read. Restrict your use of type to 2 or 3 different fonts.

3. Keep it simple, easy to read and navigate. Too many colors, fancy hard to read fonts, flashing graphics and clutter are distracting and may push people away.

4. Grab them with a clear and compelling header. The header should capture interest, convey what your site is about and commu-nicate your unique value in a few seconds.

5. Place the important information above “the fold.” Your call to action, email sign up form and unique selling proposition should all be visible without having to scroll.

6. Make site navigation obvious and intuitive. It should be easy to find relevant informa-tion on your products, services and person-nel. This is where creating a comprehensive site map in the early planning stages of your site is so important.

7. Contact information should be easy to find. Once you have established an interest in your company, make it easy for consumers to contact you. Good policy is to place basic contact information in small text at the

very bottom of each page and also place a prominent Contact Us link at the upper right hand corner of the page. A contact page can provide full contact information including address, phone and email and also may include a form potential clients can complete and submit.

8. Let them know “What’s in it for me?” Consumers want to know how they will benefit from your product or service. Be sure your copy and selling proposition are consumer focused.

9. Provide a clear call to action. Tell the consumer what you want them to do next… buy something, request a quote, download a free report… and make it easy to do. A text link or a graphic link such as “click here to request a free quote” will do the trick. This can be a great opporutnity to capture email addresses for future communications with potential clients.

10. Always proofread for typos and gram-matical errors. Then have someone else proofread. Remember, you’re creating a first impression. Also, make sure your links work and that everything is display-ing properly.

How to Build a Better WebsiteBy Jerrie Beard, Jerrie Beard & Associates

6 s l o x p r e s s m a r c h 2 0 1 5

As California continues into what is likely another year of drought, Growing Grounds Farm is gearing up for another year of drought-tolerant production. Established in 1984, GGF has long experience with the water realities of living in a semi-arid climate. Our current drought, listed as category D4, or “exceptional drought,” is likely to be the norm rather than the exception over the long-term.

Megan Hall, Nursery Coordinator at Growing Grounds Farm is a lifelong resident of San Luis Obispo County. She has seen several droughts as well as a few wet years. In 2013, out of a growing concern for the lack of water, she began changing the plant line-up at the Nursery. “Growing Grounds Farm is always looking at the needs of the community. Right now, that means a consistent source of drought tolerant and California native plants. People can still have beautiful yards, but they will need to move away from lawns as water restrictions increase.” For the past 10 years, Growing Grounds has specialized in California natives and Mediterranean climate zone pe-rennials, as well as succulents. The increasing drought underscored the need to increase the varieties of drought tolerant and xeric plants.

Growing Grounds Farms: Growing Wisely in San Luis ObispoYour yard should be as water-wise as your house

Landscapers and retail nurser-ies are looking for more options as well. All aspects of the trade are connected: Growers need to have appropriate plant material available in order for landscapers and nurseries to utilize them. Homeowners need to be able to rely on their landscapers and nurseries to provide them with appropriate plants and informa-

tion to help reduce water use and waste. The increased awareness of water means needing good sources of low-water-use plants, and Growing Grounds is constantly look-ing for new varieties that will excel in our area.

Growing Grounds Farm also works with restoration and mitiga-tion projects. Many of the California natives at GGF are from San Luis Obispo County thanks to the local restoration partners. As demand for water-wise plants increases, it is worth looking at contract growing.

GGF handles multiple contracts each year. Growing Grounds Farm is a wholesale

nursery and a program of Transitions Mental Health Association. It is a vocational training and employment program for adults with psychiatric disabilities. As a social enterprise, Growing Grounds needs to balance a business model with social responsibility and aware-ness. “We are always balancing the needs of our employees, customers, and community,” says Craig Wilson, Program Manager. “GGF models success on more than just a bottom line.”

Growing Grounds Farms is locat-ed at 3740 Orcutt Road in San Luis Obispo. For further information about Growing Grounds Farm, its plants, and contracts, visit www.growinggroundsfarm.org, email [email protected], or call 805-543-6071.

m a r c h 2 0 1 5 s l o x p r e s s 7

WHOLESALEREDWOOD • FIR • CEDAR

BARK • SOIL AMENDMENTSERRO-CONTROL STRAW

PLAYGROUND FIBER

STEVEN L. ROSSIVICE PRESIDENTRES. (805) 466-6195

PHONE (805) 434-2884(800) 321-3092 • FAX (805) 434-0877

P.O. BOX 120 • ROSSI ROADTEMPLETON, CA 93465

Where Service MattersArroyo Grande • Paso Robles •San Luis Obispo • Santa Maria

Is your company required to fill out OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) forms? Many owners are unaware of the requirements and reporting for OSHA. They think that they are small companies and don’t need to fill them out. In other words, many landscaping professionals unfortunately do not keep good records.

However, there are some really import-ant records that must be kept. Workers Compensation claims are a good example. A lot of small companies think they’re doing it the right way, but they’re not. We don’t want OSHA to come in and ask for your records and have them be incomplete or inaccurate.

First and foremost, make sure you keep the proper records and keep them for the proper amount of time. Standard OSHA records have to be kept for 5 years. Some record types must be kept even longer.

Key records include:

• OSHA 300 form. This tracks all recordable injuries you had during a calendar year. It must be completed within 7 days of an injury. Completion of this form during this time-

frame is critical.• OSHA 300A form. This form feeds off of the OSHA 300 form. It tracks and summa-rizes everything and must be posted from February 1 through April of every year. It must be posted in a highly-visible place at all of your locations. There’s no need to post the OSHA 300 full report; only post the OSHA 300A, which is the summary.

• OSHA 301 form. These forms are often over-looked in the landscaping industry. They’re basically a one-page summary of every recordable injury. For example, if there are 5 claims on your OSHA 300 forms, then you’ll have 5 OSHA 301 forms to complete. This is one more to keep in mind.

It may sound bureaucratic, but it’s import-ant to understand. However, these rules apply to organizations with 10 or more employees. For those with fewer than 10 employees it’s probably still a good idea to keep accurate records for your own personal files, but you won’t be subject to an OSHA audit.

Every month it’s also advisable to get a loss run report from your workers’ compensation provider. This allows you to see what they

have on file and you can cross-validate this information with your own records. Make sure that your records are accurate and timely. You don’t want discrepancies with your workers’ compensation provider. You should also contact your workers’ compensation provider monthly to ensure that all of your open claims are being moved forward to closure.

If these records are not kept for any employ-er with 10 or more employees, this can have negative results. It can affect your workers’ compensation score. It can affect your safety culture. If OSHA did an audit, it would result in a serious fine. Are your forms up to date?

Ed Laflamme, Bill Arman, and Steve Cesare are harvesters at The Harvest Group. They can be reached at (949) 466-8837 or visit www.harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.

What OSHA Records Are Required?By Ed Laflamme, Bill Arman, and Steve Cesare

8 s l o x p r e s s m a r c h 2 0 1 5

The San Luis Obispo SLO Xpress is published eleven times a year for the San Luis Obispo Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (SLO CLCA). Address: SLO Xpress, C/O Jerrie Beard & Associates, PO Box 7, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Phone: 800-605-1701.

News releases, public service announce-ments, photos and other correspondence may be directed to the above address or by e-mail to [email protected].

• Copy and advertising deadlines are on the 15th of the month preceding publication.

• For information about advertising and rates, contact Jerrie Beard at 800.605.1701.

The opinions expressed in byline articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the San Luis Obispo Chapter or the publisher. Interested in placing an ad?

Contact Jerrie Beard at 800-605-1701.

2015 SLOXPRESS Advertising Rates

1/8 page (3-5/8" x 2 1/8")members $275/annual; $25/issue

non-members $302.50/annual; $27.50/issue

1/4 page vertical (3-5/8" x 4-5/8")members $475/annual; $43.18/issue


1/2 page horizontal (7-1/2" x 4-5/8")members $605/annual; $55/issue


1/2 page vertical (3-5/8" x 9-5/8")members $605/annual; $55/issue


Full page (7-1/2" x 9-5/8")members $880/annual; $80/issue

non-members $968/annual; $88/issue

m a r c h 2 0 1 5 s l o x p r e s s 9

2015 CLCA San Luis Obispo Chapter Programs and EventsApril 8Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

Ewing Irrigation, 1175 Prospect StreetSan Luis Obispo.

April 11Landscape Certified Technician Hands-on Testing - All day

Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CA Registration due by: March 6, 2015. Check the CLCA website for dates for the written test and to register. clca.org/certification/dates.php.

April 15Zurn Wilkins Tour - 5 p.m.

Zurn Wilkins, 1747 Commerce Way, Paso Robles.

April 17Awards Entries Due - 5 p.m.

Download entry form at www.clcaslo.org/j_ip/.

April 24Late Awards Entries Due - 5 p.m.

Download entry form at www.clcaslo.org/j_ip/.

May 1-2 Chapter Beautification Awards Judging. All day.

May 20Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.


June 17Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.


June 19 Chapter Beautification Awards Program - 6 p.m.

Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

July 22-24 CLCA Summer Camp!

Village at Squaw Valley.

July 15Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.


August 17-21 Chapter Community Outreach - All day

Veteran's Project. Time and location TBD.

August 19Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.


September 16Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

Ewing Irrigation, 1175 Prospect Street San Luis Obispo. Planning meeting and nominations for 2016 Board.

October 2Chapter Golf Tournament - All day.

Elections and dinner to follow golf. Location and cost TBD.

October 3Landscape Certified Technician Hands-on Testing - All day

American River College, Sacramento, CA Registration due by: September 4, 2015. Check the CLCA website for dates for the written test and to register. clca.org/certification/dates.php.

October 14Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

Ewing Irrigation, 1175 Prospect Street San Luis Obispo. Develop 2016 events calendar.

November 11-14CLCA Annual Convention.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa, Indian Wells, CA.

November 21Chapter Board Meeting - 5 p.m.

AJ Spurs, 508 South Main Street, Templeton. Develop 2016 budget.

1 0 s l o x p r e s s m a r c h 2 0 1 5

Peggy Koegler

Sales Manager

Phone: (805) 683-1561Fax: (805) [email protected]://www.smgrowers.com

125 S. San Marcos RdP.O. Box 6827Santa Barbara, CA93160-6827

Bob Wade PassesOn February 16, CLCA 2011 President Robert Wade, CLP, CLIA, lost a short battle with cancer. CLCA members twice honored Bob for his extraor-dinary efforts to better the

association and green industry, naming him Regular Member of the Year in 2005 and 2012. He joined the association in 1989. He cut his teeth on the Resource Management Committee, which he co-chaired in 2003. He also joined the Legislation Committee, be-coming its chair in 2005, and soon thereafter joined the Board of Directors as director of legislation. He was later actively involved with the birth of CLCA Insurance Solutions.

A celebration of life will be held on March 22 at Mil Jugos Restaurant, 320 W. 5th Street, Santa Ana, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Felicia Abai PassesToro Loses a Member of Its Family and the Irrigation Industry, a Consummate Professional

On February 2, 2015, Felicia Abai, a friend, wife, sister and long-time Toro employee, lost her long and courageous fight to cancer. Felicia was an exemplary employee, one who not only epitomized company standards of customer service and excellence, but set the bar too.

Felicia set the bar high for herself as well. Born into a large family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she left her homeland and immi-grated to the United States in 1986 to pursue an advanced degree. She graduated from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. After distinguishing herself at a few manufacturers, in 2002 she

joined The Toro Company. And stayed.Felicia excelled in her work. During her ten-

ure with the company, she earned several pro-motions and awards. In 2007 she became an Area Business Manager for the Southwestern region of the United States where she oversaw all the sales and field marketing for the Toro and Irritrol brands. Moreover, she devel-oped strong relationships with consultants, landscape architects, purveyors, distributors, contractors, and even end-user customers. Her keen intelligence and infectious personality made her an invaluable member of the team.

Felicia, of course, had an enriching life outside of work. She enjoyed music, dancing, hiking, and jogging. And in 2012, she married her beloved husband, Eric Coolidge.

Although Felicia’s life was cut short, she will live on in our hearts and minds, remembered forever for her loving spirit, warmth, and gen-erosity. Those who knew her can indeed call themselves blessed. The Toro Company has truly lost a member of its family.

SANTA BARBARA STONE & MASONRY, INC.

Jim Osweiler

27 North Nopal St, P.O. Box 4809, Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4809Phone (805) 963-5891 FAX (805) 962-7993

Email [email protected]

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