NorthCoastJournal_March_2010

North Coast Journal CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION March Educational Dinner Meeting

Tuesday March 16, 2010

Rooster Run Golf Club – Petaluma 6:00 PM $30

Key Points of Presentation:

♣ Why are We Talking About Greywater Right Now ♣ What is the Status of the Systems out there (Good vs Bad) ♣ How to Work Greywater into Your Irrigation System

See RSVP flier inside for more information

See more calendar events on the Website – www.clcanorthcoast.org

2010 North Coast Chapter Calendar of Events March 16TH ………..Dinner Meeting – Integrated Water Management – Greywater & More April 20th ………….The Sustainable Side to Our Suppliers – Expo & Dinner May 20th …………...Supplier Trade Show – Trucks, Tractors, Etc. – Buckeye Ranch in Petaluma May 22nd …………...Heavy Equipment Training – Buckeye Ranch in Petaluma June 25th …………...Awards Banquet – Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa North Coast Chapter CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION MARCH 2010

Speaker: Josiah Raison Cain from Design Ecology

Topic: Integrated Water Management

With Emphasis on Greywater Systems

March 2010

In this Issue

PAGE 3 ……………President’s Message by Charlie Thompson PAGE 5……………..Earth Day & PLANET’s Day of Service 2010 PAGE 6…................Beyond the Breakeven Point – Vicki Suiter – Suiter Financial PAGE 8……………..Glass About to Make Everything Greener PAGE 11…………….Landscape Industry Certification Program PAGE 13……………Water Efficiency Ordinance in Sonoma PAGE 16……………Cotati to Hire Daily Acts to Run Water Program PAGE 17……………Chapter Achievement Awards Applications Coming Soon

This Publication’s Masthead is Printed on Recycled Paper

North Coast Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Sebastopol. CA Permit NO. 170

NORTH COAST CHAPTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board – Past President Brigid Flagerman

Bertotti Landscaping (415) 897-4097 [email protected]

President Charlie Thompson Cagwin & Dorward

(415) 892-7710 [email protected]

Secretary Ben Kopshever Sonoma Mountain Landscape (707) 538-8286 [email protected]

Treasurer Lisa Stratton

Cagwin & Dorward (415) 892-7710 [email protected]

Web Guru Michael O’Connell

O’Connell Landscape [email protected]

Associate Member Chair Russ Clarke

Park Ave Turf (707) 217-9669 [email protected]

Resource Chair Susie Dowd Markarian

Susie Dowd Markarian Design [email protected]

CLT State Committee Liaison Dave Iribarne

City of Petaluma (707) 778-4591 [email protected]

Programs Co-Chairs Owen Mitchell

Mitchell Landscapes (415) 717-6214 [email protected]

Tyler Doherty Cal West Rentals


Legislative Chair Chris Zaim

Akita Landscape (707) 486-2548 [email protected]

Education Co-Chairs Jason North

Wheeler Zamaroni [email protected]

Will Jenkel Lampson Tractor

[email protected]

Membership Co-Chairs Kevin Kohl

Ewing Irrigation [email protected]

Jeff Hausman Gardenworks, Inc.

[email protected]

Salvador Ledezma Jr. Gardenworks, Inc

[email protected]

Chapter General Board Members Jeff Jones

John Deere Landscapes [email protected]

Steve Hewett Gardens & Gables

[email protected]

CLCA 2010 State Officers

PRESIDENT William Schnetz, CLP Schnetz Landscape, Inc Phone: (760) 591-3453

[email protected]

PRESIDENT-ELECT Robert Wade, CLP,CLIA

Wade Landscape Phone: (949) 494-2130 [email protected]

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Heath Bedal

JPH Group LLC Phone: (916) 457-5925

[email protected]

SECRETARY/TREASURER Eric Watanabe

Majestic Pools & Landscape Phone: (818) 831-1390

[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER SERVICES Andrew Simpson Quillen Enterprises


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sharon McGuire Phone: (800) 448-2522, ext. 13

FAX: (916) 446-7692 [email protected]

North Coast CLCA Executive Director Journal Editor Connie Salinas

P.O. Box 1621 Sebastopol, CA 95473

Phone 707-829-5487 Fax 707-829-5487 [email protected]

President’s Message Charlie Thompson – Cagwin & Dorward

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not only be those that cannot read and write, but those that cannot learn, unlearn and re-learn” One of my favorite articles ever written is “Confessions of a Recovering Knower” by Brian Hinken. He points out that most of us have achieved our successes in life from what we know. We have been promoted, we have been complimented and revered, etc. because, at least in part, of what we know. This pattern has been supported over and over again through most of our lives from our childhood to adulthood. The problem with this is “knowers” are generally unwilling, or unable, to admit when they don’t know something and to be influenced. Knowing is so central to who they are that even when they are not sure of the answer they act as if they know it even though they don’t. They give up some of their ability to learn new things because the focus for them is on what has already been learned (the source of their success). The alternative to this is to be a “learner”….Someone who effectively uses knowledge and experience, not to solve someone’s problems with what they know but rather with what they ask. They use inquiry masterfully. They understand that their knowledge and experience is only part of problem solving and not the single, magic bullet answer. I found that having all the answers, or at least appearing to have all the answers, served me well when I was younger just starting out in my career. As I moved into higher levels of leadership it became an anchor more and more. Being a “Knower” held back those around me that I needed to develop. I found that being a “Knower” was not a very humble approach and therefore did not convey transparency and an unassuming approach that I desired in order to help develop leadership in myself and others. I have shared this view with enough people around the office that we compliment “Learner” behaviors in each other. We use this view to help evaluate employment candidates as well as existing employees for leadership positions. I have found when I am more of a “Learner” that I see things and learn things that I would have never seen or learned if my focus had been on me and my knowledge. I have been able to enlist and collaborate better, develop allies, and in the end achieve more from what I don’t yet know than from what I already knew.

Charlie Thompson – An aspiring “Learner”

Brian Hinken is the long-time organizational development facilitator for Gerber Memorial Health Services in Fremont, Michigan, and the author of the recently published book, The Learner’s Path: Practices for Recovering Knowers.

Associate Member Spotlight Cal-West Rentals, Inc. has been a family-owned North Bay business since 1958. For the last 30 years, it has been owned and managed by the Doherty family, with second generation owners and siblings Bridget and Tyler Doherty currently managing the business. Cal-West Rentals is proud to be the only

rental company that is a member of the North Coast CLCA, and Tyler currently serves on the Board of Directors. Cal-West Rentals is located in Petaluma and frequently covers all over Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County, as well as all of Northern California. We are a full service equipment and party goods rental company that serves contractors, homeowners, ranchers, and the event industry. We pride ourselves in offering excellent customer service and quality equipment at competitive prices. Pat Doherty started Petaluma Rental Center in 1978. He then bought Cal-West Rentals, Inc. in 1987 and subsequently consolidated both Tyler & Bridget Doherty stores into our current location at 1300 Petaluma Blvd. N. in Petaluma. Pat died in a snowmobile accident in December of 2000, so his daughter Bridget decided to take over the business right after graduating from USC. She stepped into an already successful business with great management in place and huge support from the community. Tyler Doherty, Bridget’s younger brother, joined Cal-West Rentals in a full-time role in August of 2007 after graduating from UC Davis and working in sales for Ditch Witch for two years. He acts as the sales manager, as well as the many other roles that come with running your own business such as driver, yard worker, and occasional weekend manager. Today, Bridget and Tyler work to grow and expand the family business while keeping the same strong focus on excellent customer service, quality equipment, and constant involvement in the community. Our business has been increasing each year as we expand our inventory to meet the growing demand of our expanding customer base. We are constantly upgrading our equipment and adding new models to our fleet to reach the different niche markets of both construction and party equipment rentals. We hope to continue to grow our equipment and customer base in Northern California in the upcoming years.

A Huge THANK YOU to Cal●West Rentals for all their help & support for the North Coast Chapter!!

Save the Date – Thursday April 22, 2010 PLANET Day of Service Coming Up In Conjunction with Earth Day Join thousands of others in the green industry on Earth Day, April 22, 2010 for the second annual PLANET Day of Service. Our goal for 2010 is to boast at least 5,000 participants. This includes all employees and/or volunteers that work on your project. With your help we can leave a lasting footprint for our industry. You will also:

Revitalize the places where people live, work, and play; Demonstrate goodwill and environmental stewardship; Be recognized for leadership in community service; Foster teamwork among your comrades; Show your commitment to a great cause.

Stay tuned to see what the North Coast Chapter will be doing this year. Last year Lisa Stratton from Cagwin and Dorward spearheaded the installation of a Bee Garden at the Corona Creek School in Petaluma that was very successful!

Anyone interested in joining in with other chapter members to celebrate Earth Day and give something back to the community contact Connie @ (707) 829-5487

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb

250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, C2 Novato, CA 94949 415 884-0288 fax: 415 884-0286 email: [email protected]

www.suiterfinancial.com

Beyond the Breakeven Point By Vicki Suiter

To be profitable, a business must charge more than its breakeven point for the services it sells.

When it comes to pricing a job, what often hinders a contractor from carefully considering the

markup for overhead and profit is the competitor who does not take these things into

consideration. So-called “low balling” does not assure long-term business success.

You can take your business beyond the breakeven point by knowing your overhead

markup percentage and calculating it into the bids and sale price you offer for your services.

Most of us know that overhead is the cost of running a business and includes items such

as rent, utilities, office supplies, staff and officer compensation. When you know your overhead

markup percentage, you will know exactly how much to mark up the cost of goods or direct

expense to break even. Any markup after that is profit. By using the correct overhead markup

percentage you will produce more consistent results.

To calculate the overhead markup percentage for your company, you take your

overhead expenses and divide them by the cost of goods sold: Overhead Expenses/Cost of

Goods Sold = Overhead Markup %. A common mistake that can lead to miscalculating

overhead markup percentage is taking the figure from your income statement, which is NOT the

percentage to mark up your costs in order to break even! Another common mistake is not

including liability and workers compensation insurance in your cost of good sold.

Marking up cost of goods by this percentage, will just break you even. In other words, it

will produce just enough money to cover your overhead. Example:

Example A – Breakeven – no Profit Example B - Net Pre Tax Profit of 8.68%

Income $4,027,500 100% $ 4,410,112 100.00%

Cost of Goods Sold $ 3,222,000 80% $ 3,222,000 73.06%

Gross Profit $ 805,500 20% $ 1,188,112 26.94%

Overhead $ 805,500 20% $ 805,500 18.26%

Net Pretax Profit $ 0 $ 382,612 8.68%

Overhead markup % Calculation: $ 805,500 / $3,222,000 = 25%. The overhead markup

percentage is 25%.

250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, C2 Novato, CA 94949 415 884-0288 fax: 415 884-0286 email: [email protected]

www.suiterfinancial.com

PAGE 2 - Beyond Breakeven Point

In this example, to reach the breakeven point you would need to mark up cost of goods

sold by 25 percent to cover overhead. When doing this calculation for your company, use

income statement figures for at least a six month period of time, ideally 12 months.

If you are a sole proprietor, your percentage will be lower, as you do not have officer

compensation on the Income Statement. To come up with a more accurate breakeven point, it

is recommended that you add an amount for your compensation to the overhead expenses. As

an owner, you need to be earning adequate compensation to be successful.

By knowing your overhead percentage, you can more accurately bid on jobs by adding it

to your estimated cost. Using the 25 percent overhead from the previous example, you can

calculate the bid/sales price like this:

Estimated cost: $275,000

Overhead % x 1.25%

Subtotal to Breakeven: $343,750

Profit % x 1.13%

Bid / Sales Price $388,438

Many contractors have different markups for labor and materials, use flat rates or unit

prices in bidding – any one of these could leave you wondering how to apply this in your

company. If you are doing bidding in any of these ways, make sure to do the numbers in

reverse before applying markup for profit by taking gross profit and dividing it by your cost of good sold, this will tell you how much you have marked up overall. This will ensure you are

covering overhead, leading to more consistent profits for your company.

In flat rate and unit pricing, it is a good idea to check these figures periodically and

ensure the costs are accurate all the way around.

Knowing your overhead percentage will take you beyond the breakeven point and help

you more accurately bid on jobs. Ultimately, profitable jobs will boost your bottom line.

Vicki Suiter is founder and president of Suiter Financial Systems (www.suiterfinancial.com) and specializes in training, coaching and consulting businesses in the construction industry. You can contact Vicki by phone or email: 415-884-0288 [email protected]. ® All rights reserved. This article may not be reproduced in any way without the written permission of Suiter Financial Systems.

Glass About to Make Everything Greener

If it Works and is Safe, It Could Change the World A special coating technically known as "SiO2 ultra-thin layering", but more memorably called "spray-on liquid glass", has been invented in Turkey at the Saarbrücken Institute for New Materials (the patent is owned by Nanopool). It is non-toxic promises to "protect virtually any surface against almost any damage from hazards such as water, UV radiation, dirt, heat, and bacterial infections. The coating is also flexible and breathable, which makes it suitable for use on an enormous array of products."

How Does it Work? The details are still secret, but based on the information that is available, it seems like a pretty simple process. They purify silicon dioxide (SiO2, which is basically what you find in regular glass) from quartz sand, add water or ethanol molecules, and then through an unknown process are able to spray this on surfaces and get a very thin film of glass (100 nanometers, or 15-30 molecules) to stick. "The really clever part is that there are no added nano-particles, resins or additives- the coatings form and bond due to quantum forces." They also claim that it is very safe (these is already a lot of these types of inert molecules out in the wild, though I think it stills needs to be rigorously tested for toxicity).

An Almost Unbelievable List of Applications Nanopool writes:

The flexible and breathable glass coating is approximately 100 nanometres thick (500 times thinner than a human hair), and so it is completely undetectable. It is food safe, environmentally

friendly (winner of the Green Apple Award) and it can be applied to almost any surface within seconds . When coated, all surfaces become easy to clean and anti- microbially protected (Winner of the NHS Smart Solutions Award ). Houses, cars, ovens, wedding dress or any other protected surface become stain resistant and can be easily cleaned with water ; no cleaning chemicals are required. Amazingly a 30 second DIY application to a sink unit will last for a year or years, depending on how often it is used. But it does not stop there - the coatings are now also recognised as being suitable for agricultural and in-vivo application. Vines coated with SiO2 don't suffer from mildew, and coated seeds grow more rapidly without the need for anti-fungal chemicals. This will result in farmers in enjoying massively increased yields.

Continued on next page,,,,,,

Spray-On Liquid Glass In the future, adding a protective coat of silicon dioxide "liquid glass" to just about anything could be as simple as merely

spraying it on.

Trials for in-vivo applications are subject to a degree of secrecy, but Neil McClelland, the UK Project Manager for Nanopool GmbH, describes the results as "stunning". "Items such as stents can be coated, and this will create anti sticking features - catheters , and sutures which are a source of infection, will also cease to be problematic."

Promising, but Let's Wait and See I'm still waiting for more tests (real-world and lab) before getting too excited. But if it works as promised, this could be a new super-material like graphene, with multiple applications in tons of different fields. And if it really makes things more durable and reduces or removes the need for strong chemicals to clean something, it could have a pretty significant positive environmental impact. But it could also have unforeseen effects, so let's not rush to put this everywhere. Michael Graham Richard – Science & Technology.

Green Roof Courses Approved for LEED Education Credits

The Green Building Certification Institute, established in January 2008,

provides third-party project certification and professional credentials in green building performance and practice, including green roof course work.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announces its “Green Roof Professional” training courses have been approved as green building education by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED professionals can now use Green Roofs for Healthy Cities training courses to satisfy their credentialing requirements from the Green Building Certification Institute.

Hazel Farley, director of training and accreditation for Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, says their courses undergo a third-party review to ensure high-quality green building professional development education. She notes that over the last five years, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities courses have provided continuing education credits for professionals from the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Roofing Consultants Institute, to name a few.

“This additional endorsement serves to further promote the high quality of our training and our accredited Green Roof Professional program in particular,” asserted Farley.

Green roof professional accreditation is supported by four professional development courses offered in different locations throughout North America. Winter training will take place in Toronto, Tampa, and New York. Visit www.greenroofs.org for a course and exam calendar.

Landscape Industry Certification Program

Program Update Beginning in January 2010, PLANET’s certification program will assume a new brand name — Landscape Industry Certified. The Certified Landscape Technician test will be known as the Landscape Industry Certified Technician test. The new brand name will speak clearly to consumers, be supported and used internationally, show credibility and commitment to best practices, and leave a lasting impression. For more information on the new name change, see the PLANET website To become a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, an applicant must pass every problem in the written and field tests. Those who fail only have to retake the problem missed (not the whole test). Written exams are also available in Spanish. CLCA has joined forces with PLANET to offer five Core tests in Hardscape Installation, Softscape Installation, Turf Maintenance, Ornamental Maintenance and Irrigation. What the Program Is Not Certification is not a substitute for the California landscape contractor’s license (C-27). Passing the Certification Test does not count toward the state license. The goals, subject matter and procedures of the Certification Test are different from the licensing exam conducted by the Contractors State License Board. Certification is not a substitute for any of the state-issued pesticide licenses. Who Is Eligible For Testing? Anyone is eligible to take the exam, but it is recommended, but not required that applicants have a minimum of 2000 accumulated hours of green industry field experience. Test Procedures Testing includes both written exams and field tests. The applicant rotates through timed field problems which are

supervised by one or more judges, and require applicants to install or maintain sample landscape projects. Preparing For The Test A test booklet is mailed to all applicants. It outlines the test problems and prepares the applicant to take the test. Printed study guides are also available. We strongly recommend that you use these valuable resources available in the CLCA online store. Benefits Of Certification • Promotes professionalism for individuals. • Validates landscape skills and provides

international recognition. • Your company is registered as an employer of

Landscape Industry Certified Technicians. • Creates opportunities for career advancement in

the industry.

Recognition Persons passing a Certification Test will receive a certificate, identification card and logo items. Employers are welcome to advertise that they have certified employees on their staffs. 2010 Field Test Schedule October 2 Buckeye Ranch, Petaluma, CA Sign up cut-off date: August 21, 2010 Upon confirmation of application you will receive location address and test start time. Due to space and availability for the written tests, you may be asked to choose an alternative location. Dates and locations are subject to change. Please be sure to get all applications in early as the CLT test has been known to sell out in the past. 2010 Written Test Schedule August 6 Gachina Landscape Management, San Jose, CA Noon - 4pm Deadline: July 23, 2010

The North Coast Chapter will offer CLT Training again this year at Buckeye Ranch in…

Maintenance

Irrigation Installation

There will also be Heavy

Equipment Training sometime this spring.

Dates to be announced soon!

CLCA North Coast Journal

Use the right number…. Support Our Advertisers!!

Suppliers Guide

Bamboo Pipeline……………………………………(888) 288-1619

Cal-West Rentals…………………………………...(707) 763-5665

Delta Bluegrass …………………………………….(800) 637-8873

Ewing Irrigation……………………………………(415) 457-9530

Gaddis Nursery………………………………….….(707) 542-2202

Instant Jungle –Bamboo & Palms…………………(707) 794-8292

John Deere Landscapes…………………………….(800) 347-4272

Landscape Contractors’ Insurance Services………………………………...(800) 936-9933

Landscapes Unlimited Nursery…………………… (800) 371-3300

Pacific Nurseries…………………………………… (650) 755-2330

Park Avenue Turf…………………………….……. (707) 823-8899

Shamrock Materials………………………………....(707) 792-4695

Sweet Lane Wholesale Nursery…………………… (707) 792-5008

Terra Trees…………………………………………..(707) 942-9944

Village Nurseries……………………………………..(800) 875-1972

Vine & Branches…. ………………………………....(707) 433-5091

Vista Lighting………………………………………...(800) 766-8478

Wyatt Irrigation………………………Santa Rosa...(707) 578-3747 Wyatt Irrigation………………………Ukiah………(707) 462-7473 Wyatt Irrigation………………………Napa………..(707) 251-3747 Wyatt Irrigation………………………Petaluma…...(707) 762-3747

Thanks Advertisers!!

Donate or Shop for Surplus New and Quality-Used Building Materials!!!

Donating Materials

Your contributions are welcomed and needed. Each donation helps Habitat provide decent and safe housing to our county’s low income working families as well as redirecting useable materials and supplies from the landfill!!!

ReStore is located at 24 Tenth Street at Cleveland Avenue, just north of Santa Rosa’s

Railroad Square. Store Hours are: Thursday’s, Fridays and Saturday’s

between 9am and 5pm or by appointment.

Call (707) 568-3228 Donations can include: irrigation, roofing, windows, doors, tiles, sinks, water heaters, mantles, columns, flooring, lighting, hardware, cabinets, appliances

Water Efficiency Ordinance in Sonoma Sonoma County’s new ordinance is more restrictive than the model statewide ordinance part of the Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006, or Assembly Bill 1881, according to county planner Amy Wingfield.

New or revised landscaping for commercial buildings and homes in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, Calif., will need to comply with new rules on water efficiency.

The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies to users of public water systems and groundwater. It requires landscape plan checks and inspections for commercial and industrial buildings, wineries, apartment

complexes, new homes, and residences with additions larger than 400 feet.

It limits landscape irrigation to 60 percent of the water required by a similar-sized landscape composed entirely of lawn, a measurement of plant water demand called evapotranspiration, or ETo.

Sonoma County’s new ordinance requires landscape plans with water budgets, prevention of excessive erosion and irrigation runoff, a soil management report including soil amendments and mulching, landscape and irrigation design, irrigation audits, scheduling of irrigation based on the local climate and any needed grading plan.

Ordinance exemptions include home landscapes smaller than 5,000 square feet, designs with less than 600 square feet of turf and systems with a weather-based irrigation controller.

Source: www.northbaybusinessjournal.com Water Work Ahead by California.Commons

Much has been written about water lately, including its lack, excess, and conservation. It is certainly encouraging that after several years of below normal precipitation, our primary water storage areas at Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino are again full.

While the well-reported and commented upon political intrigue surrounding the search for a successor to long-time Sonoma County Water Agency General Manager and Chief Engineer Randy Poole was unfortunate and avoidable, it is encouraging that the Agency has excellent management depth permitting it to promote assistant general manager Grant Davis as its interim general manager for the year ahead. Even with water storage levels the best in years, he and his staff will have plenty to do.

Aging infrastructure, including a critical aqueduct serving our south county, has to be maintained until long overdue replacements can be engineered and funded. We must continue to carefully conserve so as to assure adequate resources in future years and to protect aquatic species in the Russian River watershed each summer. Agreements with contractors of the Agency, which include cities supplying most of the population in Sonoma County, need to be revised to address the realities of our water supply future.

Grant Davis is well-qualified to rebuild trust in the Agency during this transition time and thereafter. He has our best wishes while performing his difficult tasks ahead.

Water supply improves, conservation still reigns

Lake Sonoma holding at 100 percent capacity - Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 5:45 PM PST

Sonoma County’s water supply storage levels rose above 100 percent this week but the Sonoma County Water Agency said conservation is still a major concern after three years of drought. “It looks great right now, but we still have to be cautious of a bone-dry spring,” said Water Agency spokesman Brad Sherwood.

This week Lake Sonoma held slightly over 100 percent of its water supply pool capacity of 245,000 acre feet, according to the Water Agency. Lake Mendocino’s water level was at more than 105 percent of its supply storage capacity of 68,400 acre feet.

So the drought is over? “Don’t say that,” said Sherwood. “We saw in 2008 a very wet January and then a dry spring that resulted in low storage levels in Lake Mendocino,” said Sherwood.

“That resulted in conservation efforts required of all the contractors” who depend on the Russian River to supply drinking water to about 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties. “We really need continued rain well into late spring,” said Sherwood.

“The bottom line is we’re starting the year off with the lakes right where we want them, but we always push for year-round conservation.” Recent rains produced a far better water supply picture compared with just a month ago when the water supply was still less than half capacity at Lake Mendocino and about 75 percent at Lake Sonoma.

Lake Sonoma’s water supply level in early January was 74 percent and Lake Mendocino’s at 48 percent of capacity, the lowest recorded levels on that day over the past decade. At the Hacienda Bridge on Tuesday the River was flowing at more than 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), well above the required minimum stream flow of 125 cfs.

By Frank Robertson – Healdsburg Tribune

Cotati to hire Daily Acts to run water program Cotati's City Council, on Wednesday, January 27th authorized the city to contract with Petaluma non-profit Daily Acts to administer the city's water conservation education program, including an authorization to spend nearly $50,000 on the program. The appropriation of $49,735 comes out of the city's Water Operating Fund, and not the General Fund, restricting the use of the funds to water-related expenditures only. The revenue for the water fund comes from citizens' water and sewer bills. The city is contractually obligated to administer a water conservation and education program through its association with the Sonoma County Water Agency. In that contract, cities are required to reach certain benchmarks in conserving water and in educating its citizens on water use. If those benchmarks are not reached, the city can be liable for huge fines, which would untenable given the city's budget woes. Besides being a compliance issue, City Engineer Damien O'Bid cited the possibility of statewide legislation as the state grapples with ways to resolve the larger water issues, providing even more reason for the city to move forward with the conservation program. Daily Acts is an eight-year-old non-profit and a recognized local leader in the sustainability movement. The organization's proposal to the City of Cotati includes four main tasks: Tours, workshops and presentations; Print materials and mailers; Program planning and development; and a Community Garden Wheel. Within those task areas Daily Acts will conduct day-long workshops on water conservation, greywater installation and garden workshops. Print materials will be designed for re-use with only minor changes to be included in water bill mailings. Program development includes the cash for grass program and the development of greywater and rainwater catchment programs. An important part of Daily Acts' program is their effort to engage volunteer efforts in the community. The main goal, for instance, of the Community Garden Wheel program is "cultivating a citizen-powered network of inspired residents who help transform each other's gardens" and continue the work of educating and supporting their neighbors in water conservation efforts. And, according to the organization's proposal, volunteerism is so highly valued that a portion of the "billable hours" will be donated to the city as an in-kind donation. A majority of the citizens who spoke to the council on the issue were very supportive of the proposal. Transition Cotati members, who have worked previously with Daily Acts, praised the work of the non-profit and looked forward to working with them again. Not all citizens were in favor of the proposal, however. Former councilmember George Barich commented that citizens of Cotati were "tired of over paying for water and sewer and were mad as hell." Barich called on the council to stop spending taxpayer dollars and looking outside the city for solutions. His recommendation was to use volunteers and city staff. "We have to work harder for less," he said. Others questioned whether the program would lead to increases in citizens' water and sewer bills, but city staff responded that rates were set, not by costs of programs such as the proposed one, but as a result of "rate studies" that are done, usually due to capital needs. The council voted unanimously to approve the program and the expenditure, which amounts to about 2.5% of the more than $2 million Water Operating Fund. By Bonnie Petty January 28, 2010 05:25 pm

The 2010 Achievement Awards

WHY ENTER OUR CHAPTER AWARDS?

March is the month that the awards applications are mailed out to the chapter members, so you should either have received yours already or it should be arriving in the mail any day now.

Whether you have entered in the past or not, there are a few points about the value of entering one or more of your gardens that we would like to share with you.

1. It is a great way to show your employees the pride that you have in their work

2. It is a great way to get feedback from the judges (win or not) on the things that impressed them and the things that could be improved upon.

3. A First Place or Recognition Award in any category, is an excellent marketing tool for securing work.

4. It is our number one fundraiser for the year and it is a great way to support the chapter.

5. The Awards Banquet is our biggest event of the year and it is so much fun to participate in.

6. Many winning contractors have parlayed their achievement awards into journalistic recognition in local newspapers and other publications.

There are over 20 categories to enter, in both installation and maintenance. From the smallest garden to the biggest estate, this is a chance to prove that your hard work and attention to detail has paid off!!

LET’S MAKE THIS YEAR’S AWARDS THE BEST ONE YET!!!!

Regardless of the economy, you are still

doing beautiful work that you are proud of and that deserves recognition!!!

Welcome to Ewing—Your Friendly, Experienced Supplier At Ewing, we know your time is valuable. We fully intend to help you get what you need, when you need it—and on your way to your next jobsite. So let’s cut to the chase. Here are just five of the many ways we’ll help you succeed. 1. We’ve Got Everything You Need In addition to landscape and irrigation supplies, we stock seed and fertilizer, erosion control, hardscape supplies, landscape lighting, water features, tools and more—all of which can be ordered from one friendly supplier under one roof, allowing you to operate more efficiently while offering a larger "plate" of services to your clients. With 195 locations nationwide, we’re experienced at serving our local customers with a wide variety of landscape and irrigation solutions. 2. We Offer Cash-Back Rebates Our Cash Card Program offers customers who pay with cash, check or credit card at the time of purchase several benefits, including annual cash rebates, automatic volume purchase discounts of up to five percent, job tracking information, express will-call service and preferred customer specials. Consolidating purchases and using Ewing as your single supplier will help you earn an even bigger rebate each year! 3. We’ll Help You Sell More Jobs We are constantly on the lookout for ways to help you turn a profit and gain new business. It’s why we continue to devote resources toward expanding our education programs, as well as our product lines. Lighting & Water Features Hardscapes & Hardscape Maintenance Erosion Control & Hydroseeding Eco-Friendly, “Green” Products Education Services: Visit www.ewingeducationservices.com to register for our upcoming Landscape Irrigation Auditor Class course on May 12-13! 4. We Know Our Stuff We want to help you solve problems. Your local experts—Kevin, Paul, Larry and James—have worked together to solve some amazing puzzles over the years for local customers and their clients. (We even help our customers’ customers!). In helping our customers build loyalty with their clients by introducing new services and incorporating water-efficient products into their systems, they don’t have to worry about getting underbid by their competition. 5. We’re Up For Any Challenge The Ewing stores in Northern California challenge you to come visit us with your next issue: High water bills? Bad wires? Old parts? We’ll help you solve the issue…it’s what we do. We Look Forward to Serving You Stop by our San Rafael branch, located at 550 Irwin St., or call us at 415.457.9530. You can also visit us online at www.ewing1.com to order products, manage your account or find a location near you.

North Coast Thanks Ewing for all they do to Support our Chapter!

Announcing the 2010 Storm Water Film Competition for High School Students

$1,500 in Prize Money – will be awarded to winning entries. What high schooler do you know that couldn’t use some cash? So if you have daughters or sons, nieces or nephews, or have friends and co-workers with high school age kids, please tell them about this competition.

Last time we held this event we got some really good entries. You can check them out at http://www.worldsgreatestresource.com/videogallery/index.html .

This year we have three categories that the young filmmakers can pick from: ● 30 Second Public Service Announcement (PSA) themed "Only Rain Down the Drain" ● 60 Second PSA themed "Only Rain Down the Drain" ● 10-30 Minute Documentary themed " Urban Runoff and the Impact to Receiving Waters" If you are interested in counting this contest as part of your municipality’s storm water outreach program we ask a

donation of $300, which will go 100% to increasing the prize money. At this point, all other expenses have been paid or dollars have been set aside for future expenses, so additional support will go directly to increasing the prize money for the winning contestants. If you become a sponsor, your municipality’s name and logo will be included on the promotional items, and you will receive a copy of all of the qualifying video entries to use for your storm water outreach program. The only thing that we require of you is to get the word out about the contest.

For more information about the contest rules, prizes, and entry registration forms, go to: http://worldsgreatestresource.com/index-3.html

The deadline was extended and is now 5:00 PM on Friday, May 14, 2010. We believe in the youth and want to see them get excited about protecting storm water quality.

Price Increases for PVC and Corrugated Metal

CONTECH Construction Products Inc. announced today a January 12, 2010 price increase for its corrugated metal and PVC products. The price increase will be 8.9 percent for all corrugated metal products and 9.0 percent for all PVC pipe products.

“Increased order activity in the steel industry along with increased raw material and steelmaking input costs from our suppliers are the main reasons for this price increase,” said Steve Spanagel, President of CONTECH Sales. “In addition, the steady increase in raw material costs from our suppliers is the main reason for the PVC price increase. It is critical that we recover our costs related to rising raw materials costs, while minimizing the impact of these increases to our customers.”

Logo -Wear Fleece Jacket Hats with front logo patch Logo Patches Large & Small Golf Shirts Varsity Jacket (with suede sleeves)

CLCA North Coast Chapter Logo -Wear ORDER FORM

# ordered circle color & size: _____HATS: $25 Green, Black, or Pale Burgundy _____LOGO PATCH: small $ 20 _____LOGO PATCH: large $145 _____GOLF SHIRT: $35 Green or Black /Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____FLEECE sm.Logo on front: $65 Green or Black /Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____FLEECE lg. Logo on back: $170 Green or Black /Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____FLEECE lg. & sm. Logos: $210 Green or Black /Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____VARSITY JACKET sm Logo: $180 Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____VARSITY JACKET lg Logo: $300 Sm, Med, Lg, XL _____VARSITY JACKET lg & sm Logos: $325 Sm, Med, Lg, XL

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NAME_______________________________ PHONE #_________________________

FAX OR PHONE ORDER TO CONNIE @ (707) 829-5487

MARCH 2010 Page 23

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4330 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952 Phone: (800) 371-3300 Fax: (707) 778-0633

Actual Dialogues from Court Reports ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all? WITNESS: Yes. ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory? WITNESS: I forget. ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot? ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the

next morning? WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam? ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he? WITNESS: He's twenty, much like your IQ. ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken? WITNESS: Are you kidding me? ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated? WITNESS: By death. ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated? WITNESS: Take a guess. ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual? WITNESS: He was about 20, medium height, and had a beard. ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female? WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male. ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing? WITNESS: No. ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began

the autopsy? WITNESS: No . ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor? WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar. ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless? WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

NorthCoastJournal_March_2010

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