From the President – March 2025

As I sit down to write this, the rain is pouring down outside — a welcome sound. While the late-season rain is causing weeds to pop up everywhere and the growing season is about to kick into full swing, I’m going to savor these chilly, wet days while they last.

First, I want to thank everyone who attended and supported our February 20th Irrigation Electrical Troubleshooting Training led by Eric Santos. We had a full house, and the interactive session gave everyone a chance to sharpen their skills and ask insightful questions. It’s clear that ongoing training like this strengthens not only our technical knowledge but also the professional bonds within our chapter.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for March 20th when the East Bay Chapter will host a panel discussion on How Field Supervisors Can Be Their Best. We’re fortunate to have three bilingual industry professionals joining us as panelists. Field supervisors are the backbone of any successful landscape business, and I’m excited to hear the insights and strategies they’ll share.

Another key date to keep in mind is April 26th — the deadline for the Annual Beautification Awards applications. This year, you can drop off your entries at Plank in Oakland, where entrants are encouraged to stick around for bocce ball and beverages with fellow East Bay Chapter members. It’s a great way to connect and unwind after putting the finishing touches on those award-worthy projects.

At Terra Landscape, we’re currently in the midst of our annual performance appraisals. We approach these with one clear goal: to improve employee job performance. To keep the momentum going, we’ve built in a 90-day follow-up to track progress and ensure we’re coaching and holding each other accountable. Performance reviews aren’t just about evaluation — they’re about helping each team member succeed and grow.

Wishing you all a productive and rewarding month. I know everyone in the industry is gearing up for the growing season — but for now, let’s enjoy the rain while it lasts.

Cassidy Lundin
President, CLCA East Bay Chapter