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		<title>Presidents Message</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/presidents-message/aug-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/presidents-message/aug-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:25:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Presidents Message]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Well the Dog Days of Summer are upon us. I trust that everyone has enjoyed how mild the weather has been except those that might be hoping to germinate some new seed or have had a slow transition out of spring. Don’t fret because I am sure that the heat will come soon enough. It [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/president.jpg" alt="Vince Zellefrow" /></p>
<p>Well the Dog Days of Summer are upon us. I trust that everyone has enjoyed how mild the weather has been except those that might be hoping to germinate some new seed or have had a slow transition out of spring.  Don’t fret because I am sure that the heat will come soon enough.  It seems that Mother Nature is playing with us and everything is behind by a month in accordance to the norm.</p>
<p>The Board of Directors has put together some great events in the upcoming months which I think many of you will not want to miss.  Brendon Reaksecker, our esteemed Past President, has organized the 2Nd Annual Past Presidents Cup to be held at Bonita Golf Club on Friday, August 27th at 7:00 pm.  I would like to invite anyone and everyone to come out to this social event for some live music and gathering to reminisce.  On a second note, Brendon has been working with Brad Monroe at Cuyamaca College to enhance their Turf Management Class, and has developed a Mentorship Program for the upcoming year.  For more information on this program we have outlined it in the Quarterly Update and will post it on the Website. <span id="more-1344"></span></p>
<p>I am excited to announce that we have booked Dr. Joe Vargas for the Fall Education meeting taking place at the Rancho Bernardo Inn on September 15th.  Dr. Vargas will be in town for several days and if anyone would like for him to consult with them on their golf course he will make himself available.  The fee for this consultation is negotiable and the more golf courses interested will drive the cost down. Anyone interested please contact myself or Carey for more information.</p>
<p>We are also working on a Crew Appreciation Day which will comprise of a Padre Game against the Chicago Cubs.  It is the last home game of the regular season and is a Thursday afternoon game. Those of you wondering what happened to the Crew Cup Soccer Tournament, don’t worry, Richard Arias at Water Tech Ag Supply with the help of Phil Page will be sponsoring this event once again and will take place the first week of November.  Look for more information to come on this event in the near future.</p>
<p>A quick reminder as well that on September 1st we will meet once again at the Del Mar Races for Round Two of another social outing.  It was great to see those of you that made it to the first one, even if I did leave with less cash in my pocket than when I arrived, but a good time none the less.  That’s it for now and I hope to see everyone very soon at these upcoming events.</p>
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		<title>Affiliates Corner</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/as-the-ball-turns/affiliates-corner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/as-the-ball-turns/affiliates-corner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:16:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[As the ball turns]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1341</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks to all that came out to the Beat the Heat Race Day at Del Mar Fairgrounds on July 28th. It was a great day and a lot of fun. We plan to have another one in September so stay tuned and bring out your family or crew. Congratulations to Chris and Sarah Davidson on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/affiliate.jpg" alt="Affiliate Corner" /></p>
<p>Thanks to all that came out to the Beat the Heat Race Day at Del Mar Fairgrounds on July 28th.  It was a great day and a lot of fun.  We plan to have another one in September so stay tuned and bring out your family or crew.  </p>
<p>Congratulations to Chris and Sarah Davidson on the birth of their first child, Lola Pearl Davidson.  She was born on July 6th, 2010 and weighed 6 lbs, 3 oz.  Next time you are at Fairbanks Ranch, check in with Chris and see how fatherhood is treating him.  Congratulations to the Radersma family as well.  Gary reports that they had their third child, Garrett Douglas Radersma, on June 22nd.  Sisters Elizabeth and Abigail have adjusted quite well and can’t seem to give Garrett enough hugs and kisses.   Last but not least, and hot off the press, Randy Newhard’s daughter Kathryn (President of New Way Landscape) had twins on August 4th.  Their names are Gabriel Juan and Olivia Jade and I am sure they will add an extra layer of excitement to the company.</p>
<p>That’s not all of the good news happening at New Way Landscape either!  Last month at the California Landscape Contractor Association they won 1st place in the Large Commercial Landscape Maintenance division and 2nd place in the California Friendly Irrigation / Water Smart category for Stonebridge Estates in Poway.  They also won 1st place in the Large Commercial HOA Landscape Maintenance division for The Lakes HOA at The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe.  Randy may have to build another shelf in the office for all those awards! </p>
<p>Congratulations are past due for Mark Grund of Mark Grund Enterprises and Eagle One Golf Products.  He and his new bride Maura McCarthy-Grund were married at the courthouse five months ago.  How many of you knew that?!!  And if so, why didn’t anyone tell me!!! </p>
<p>It’s official!  Jack Aldrich has stepped up to take Gary Dalton’s place as the superintendent at San Diego Country Club.  I must say the course is in fine hands.  I hope everyone got a chance to read the retirement article that Nick Spardy wrote about Gary Dalton in last month’s Inforemer.  We wish Gary all the best and want to thank him for his innovation and contributions to the industry.<br />
<span id="more-1341"></span><br />
Did you hear that Golf Inc. magazine has named Sandy Clark, the superintendent at Barona Creek, as one of its “20 Most Admired Operators” for 2010?  Golf Inc. surveyed more than 100 golf industry leaders, including developers, management company executives, consultants and brokers, and had them rate golf course operators based on &#8220;how well they have demonstrated consistent excellence in successfully directing operation at a golf course.&#8221; This isn’t the first time Sandy has made the list.  He was recognized with this honor in 2007.  Previous honorees have not been eligible in the past, but this year the magazine placed all previous winners on the ballot, along with new nominees submitted by readers.  Way to go Sandy!   </p>
<p>I hope everyone is making good progress on their summer projects.  I hear that David Yanez at The Grand has been acting as the general contractor again and was asked to build a 10,000 sq ft house for Mr. Manchester, a full-size barn, and a horse stable!  They also brought in 16 truckloads of cement to lay additional cart paths throughout the property.   Where he finds time to grow grass and make that property look so beautiful, I don’t know!</p>
<p>Other county news:  Glen Krammer is now working with Chris Latham at The Crossings in Carlsbad.  Geoff Haynes at Maderas Golf Club is looking for a First Assistant, and the Four Seasons Aviara is now Park Hyatt Aviara after the property changed ownership at the end of June.  According to Kevin Keinast’s Administrative Assistant, Maria, the changes have gone smoothly.   Matt Gibbens of Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club won the Southern California Section PGA Assistants Championship at East Valley Golf Club.   Grant Strobel of Carlton Oaks tied for second, and both Gibbens and Strobel will play in the National Assistants Championship in Florida.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to enjoy the Padre/Los Angeles Dodgers game at Petco Park on July 27th.  The field looked great which is amazing since the game was on a Tuesday and apparently they had a stage on-field for three days over the weekend.  I can’t confirm the event but I think there was a SPOON concert and a few other things during Comic-Con week.  Luke Yoder must have a magic green wand because every blade of grass looked perfect and I had no clue.  Even though they pulled it off, it must have been stressful.  Since then, they have announced that the three-part concert series booked for Petco park has been cancelled, as well as all other non-baseball related events until the season and post-season are over.  Sorry Western Metal Concert fans.  </p>
<p>Have you heard about the JC Resorts 365 golf challenge?  It goes something like this &#8211; any JC card holder dedicated and passionate enough to play at least 18 holes for 365 consecutive days at JC’s seven facilities will be rewarded with five years of free golf and a custom club fitting by TaylorMade.  According to the Union Tribune, eight hundred people responded and 133 contended they could go the distance.  Three months later, 10 showed up at an orientation meeting to go over the rules.  On July 19, the day the competition began, Ken Norton of San Marcos became the sole survivor.  Norton has to pay for all of his rounds, check in with the pro shop daily, post his scores and keep his receipts.  Sounds like a difficult challenge.  We’ll see if he goes the distance.  If nothing else, it should drum up some good publicity for JC Resorts.  If you want to read the news article go to: </p>
<p>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/aug/02/golf-challenge-daily-round-for-full-year/</p>
<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/owl.png" alt="Own" /></p>
<p>Nature Watch – Mike Bailey of Warner Springs Ranch Golf Club announced that they have retained their designation as a &#8220;Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary&#8221; through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.  To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.  This year’s recertification process included an Environmental Case Study regarding efforts to construct and install nest box structures for Barn Owls on the property.  Enhancing shelter opportunities for these efficient raptors provides a great opportunity to encourage beneficial predators on the golf course.  Mike Bailey was kind enough to provide us with a beautiful picture of his newest “member” who set up shop on the 14th hole.  Shadowridge and Admiral Baker are also certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries while Barona Creek is recognized as a Signature member.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, when I sat down to write this article I was worried I would only have enough material for a paragraph.  Special thanks goes out to everyone who sent me emails and answered my panic phone calls for information.  The end of the month comes faster than you think and I don’t know everything that happens in the county.  Don’t hesitate to send me bits and pieces as you hear of things.  I want to make sure we share all the wonderful stuff that is going on in the area. </p>
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		<title>2010 San Diego Golf Course Superintendents Turfgrass Mentorship Program</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/2010-san-diego-golf-course-superintendents-turfgrass-mentorship-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/2010-san-diego-golf-course-superintendents-turfgrass-mentorship-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:36:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Purpose The purpose of this program is to encourage local turfgrass students to pursue a career in golf course management by introducing them to established turf professionals that will openly share their knowledge, information and experience in the industry. Scope of Program The scope of the program consists of matching an established turf/landscape professional with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Purpose</strong><br />
The purpose of this program is to encourage local turfgrass students to pursue a career in golf course management by introducing them to established turf professionals that will openly share their knowledge, information and experience in the industry.</p>
<p><strong>Scope of Program</strong><br />
The scope of the program consists of matching an established turf/landscape professional with a student from the Cuyumaca College Ornamental Horticulture Turf Management Class (174). The student/mentor pairing will be expected to complete the following components of the program.<span id="more-1338"></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Attend one pre-determined O.H. 174 night class with student.</li>
<li>Attend SDGCSA Fall Education Meeting with Dr. Joe Vargas on September 15th at RBI.</li>
<li>(Cost covered by the SDGCSA S&#038;R Fund)</li>
<li>Student shadows mentor for one day of on the job training.</li>
<li>Encourage student to enroll for membership to the SDGCSA.</li>
<li>Encourage student to apply for SDGCSA educational scholarship.</li>
<li>Complete program evaluation at end of semester.</li>
<li>Attend end of the year BBQ with all participants. </li>
<li>(Sponsored by the Cuyumaca College O.H. Department)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Learning Objectives of the Student</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>To gain exposure to career opportunities within the turf grass management industry.</li>
<li>To build lasting relationships with local turfgrass professionals.</li>
<li>To build lasting relationships with fellow students in the O.H. 174 class.</li>
<li>To apply the knowledge, information and experiences shared during the semester.</li>
</ul.</p>
<p><strong>Deadline to Volunteer</strong><br />
Thursday: September 2, 2010</p>
<p>All Members of the SDGCSA are encouraged to volunteer as student mentors. Pairings will be based on the career goals of the student and the discipline of the mentor.</p>
<p><strong>Contact Information</strong><br />
Program Coordinator: Brendon Reaksecker, (619) 267-1103 Ext. 14<br />
SDGCSA Chapter Manager: Carey Sandland, (760) 845-7045</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Quarterly Update</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/miscellaneous/quarterly-update/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/miscellaneous/quarterly-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:40:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Miscellaneous]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1334</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Download the latest SDGCSA quarterly update. This PDF shows the latest news and events for upcoming SDGCSA activities.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Download the latest <a href="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/quarterly-update-2.pdf">SDGCSA quarterly update</a>.  This PDF shows the latest news and events for upcoming SDGCSA activities.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/quarterly-update-2.pdf"><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/pdf_icon.gif" alt="Quarterly Update /></a></p>
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		<title>Ken Sommermeyer Eulogy</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/ken-sommermeyer-eulogy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/ken-sommermeyer-eulogy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:48:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/ken-sommermeyer-eulogy/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello All, For those who have not heard, we lost a true artist and craftsman over the week end as Ken passed on to the next step of life&#8217;s journey on Saturday. He was 67 years young. He graduated from Hoover in San Diego with the class of 1960. He was a former San Diego [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello All,</p>
<p>For those who have not heard, we lost a true artist and craftsman over the week end as Ken passed on to the next step of life&#8217;s journey on Saturday. He was 67 years young. He graduated from Hoover in San Diego with the class of 1960.</p>
<p>He was a former San Diego Police Officer and had retired eight years ago from San Diego Country Estates where he was the Golf Course Superintendent. He had lived near Santa Ysabel with his wife Cathy for the last nineteen years in a home that his dad and friends had started out building as a simple family retreat back in the 1960s. Over the years Ken had transformed it, along with the efforts of his wife Cathy, into a very comfortable home for full time living.</p>
<p>Ken had fought a courageous battle with squamous cell lung cancer for almost two years. He passed with family and friends at his side, all praying for a peaceful transition, which he was granted.</p>
<p>Ken was a founding member of the Piston Pounders Car Club in 1959 and had attended recent reunions and local automotive events and shows, with his wife Cathy, often driving their black 1965 Falcon Coupe, in which he had recently installed a 5 speed transmission and had a whole bunch of louvers punched in the hood. That car has been in his family since it was new. He was a member of the old San Diego Timing Association (SDTA) in the 1950s and 60s and was a participant in local meets over years past. He was also instrumental in the opening and operation of San Diego Raceway at Ramona where he raced a 1963 Dodge and a Hemi powered Model A Coupe.</p>
<p>His most recent passion was garden railroading. He became interested about 9 years ago and proceeded to design and hand build a layout so impressive that it was featured in several publications including a German Magazine where they did a full color layout of his garden railroad and his hand created, built to scale, buildings, bridges, streams, lakes, loading platforms and other miniature scenery items. (Many of the higher end locomotives are built in Germany.) The layout consists of over 1/4 mile of track which he hand laid using miniature ties and spikes. He was an active member of the San Diego Garden Railroad Society and served as a club officer until recently.</p>
<p>Ken had many passions over his lifetime and enjoyed them all. He fished Pro Bass Tournaments for over 20 years and won or placed in many.</p>
<p>Not the least of his passions were his children, grandchildren and the love of family and friends. He cherished them all.</p>
<p>He was always ready with a helping and qualified hand to assist in whatever you were doing. For all who knew him, he will truly be missed.</p>
<p>A Celebration of Ken&#8217;s Life is planned for 11:00 am, July 31, 2010 at:<br />
First Congregational Church of Ramona<br />
404  8th at D St<br />
Ramona, CA.</p>
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		<title>Presidents Message</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/presidents-message/july10/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/presidents-message/july10/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:45:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Presidents Message]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1292</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[And away we go! I hope everyone is enjoying this mild summer so far and I hope it continues. We have scheduled a Social outing for all members of the Association to take place on July 28th at the Del Mar Race Track. I hope everyone can take a moment to appreciate all they have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/president.jpg" alt="Vince Zellefrow" /></p>
<p>And away we go!  I hope everyone is enjoying this mild summer so far and I hope it continues.  We have scheduled a Social outing for all members of the Association to take place on July 28th at the Del Mar Race Track.  I hope everyone can take a moment to appreciate all they have and come out for an enjoyable day at the races.  We all tend to get caught up in that grind of everyday work and this is a chance to put all that aside and just get away with your friends and peers.  I would also encourage everyone to bring your family, coworkers, friends and anyone else you deem worthy.</p>
<p>Many thanks go out to Brian Darrock and the folks at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.  The Annual Invitational there on June 14th was fantastic and a great day was had by all.  I personally enjoyed seeing those of you that I don’t get a chance to visit with regularly and take a moment to catch up, mainly because my golf game gives me no personal satisfaction.  The course was great, the food was exceptional, and the weather made me wonder why I ever left the area.<span id="more-1292"></span></p>
<p>The dues renewal period has come and gone, and I am happy to report that as an Association we have maintained a strong membership.  Thank you to all members for your continued support for the Chapter and the Board looks forward to serving you and providing a value for being a member.  Please take into consideration our members when you are conducting your daily business and give back to those that support us and our industry.  With this said, please take the time to review you individual profiles on the website and confirm that all your information is current and correct. </p>
<p>The Board has been working diligently to provide value in each and every event that we sponsor.  At the moment we are scheduling a Fall Education Seminar that will take place in September and provide at least 4 hours of continual education for our members.  Look for more details as they become available on the website and in the form of emails from our Chapter Manager, Carey Sandland. </p>
<p> Continued success to all and I hope to see everyone at the “TRACK” on the 28th. </p>
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		<title>Affiliate Corner</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/as-the-ball-turns/july10-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/as-the-ball-turns/july10-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:43:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[As the ball turns]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1295</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanks to all that came out to play in the SDGCSA Invitational on June 14th. It was a great day and a good time was had by all. Word has it that the USGA contacted Brian Darrock at Fairbanks Country Club about pin placement for #14 at Pebble Beach after they heard all the groaning [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/affiliate.jpg" alt="Affiliate Corner" /></p>
<p>Thanks to all that came out to play in the SDGCSA Invitational on June 14th.  It was a great day and a good time was had by all.  Word has it that the USGA contacted Brian Darrock at Fairbanks Country Club about pin placement for #14 at Pebble Beach after they heard all the groaning from the San Diego crowd about #9 at the Invitational.  Congratulations to Paul Zaremba for his winnings the third year in a row!  I heard he even played the same ball the last 16 holes!  Tim Barrier was mistaken for Claude Van Damme after embarking on his second round of P90X workout insanity.  Congratulations to Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and La Jolla Country Club for hosting the 99th California State Amateur Championship.  This is only the second time that courses in Southern California have hosted this tournament which is usually played at Pebble Beach.  In the end, 22-year-old Scott Traves of Trabuco Canyon defeated La Jolla’s Harry Rudolph for the state amateur crown.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Mark Louder on his recent change to the superintendent at Canyon Lake Country Club which is managed by Valley Crest.   Mark Wilson, the previous superintendent, has taken a position as the Manager of Grounds Maintenance for the Santa Ana Unified School District and will be responsible for the turf at over 54 schools!  Nathan Radwick, formerly the Assistant Superintendent at The Bridges, has accepted his first superintendent job at Malibu Country Club.  American Golf has just named Chris Thurber as Superintendent to manage the National City Golf Course.  Congratulations and best wishes to all of you at your new facilities! <span id="more-1295"></span></p>
<p>It is not very often that we have multiple positions open in the county at one time.  Currently, the City of San Diego is looking to hire a Golf Course Manager.  Gary Vasquez has been giving approval to hire an assistant at Morgan Run Golf Course and Mike Hathaway is looking to fill Nathan’s shoes at The Bridges.</p>
<p>Something must be in the water of San Dieguito River since fertility is running high and I don’t mean on the turf!  Brian Darrock’s assistant Chris Davidson is expecting their first baby any day now, while Brian’s other assistant Paul Brown had his second child – Jaden James Brown &#8211; about six months ago.  Gary Vasquez’s lead, Maurino Florian had his third child three months ago.  Don’t worry Troy!  The Farms is upstream!</p>
<p>Nature Watch – Our very own Joe Neri at Arrowwood Golf Course in Oceanside has made headline news since a mother bobcat and three young cubs decided to call a 1-foot diameter PVC pipe in the golf course maintenance yard their home.  Representatives from the San Diego County Animal Control have determined that the bobcats are no threat to golfers and added that State Fish and Game regulations require the animals be left alone.  On a sadder note, condolences go out to David Major at Shady Canyon Golf Club for the loss of “Homey” the pigeon.  She was killed in an unfortunate accident when Shady Canyon’s very own Scot Dey struck and killed the friendly pigeon with his golf cart.  From what I was told, it was not a pretty sight!</p>
<p>At the time of this writing, the Padres are #1 in the National League.  I’m sure Luke Yoder is working many a late night at Petco Park and has the field in tip top shape in case the World Series makes it to San Diego!</p>
<p>Chris Bunnell and I look forward to, and are honored to be your SDGCSA Affiliate Representatives.   We hope to keep you updated on the latest and greatest happenings around the county and represent the affiliate members that continuously support the association.  If you have any projects going on this summer, or hear of interesting news, please pass it on so we can include it in our next Informer article.   </p>
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		<title>Office Notes</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/the-hole-story/office-notes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/the-hole-story/office-notes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:16:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Hole Story]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1297</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Chapter 1: A Recap on Membership Carey Sandland, Chapter Manager Perhaps I will begin with some interesting stats from the SDGCSA events held in the second quarter of 2010. At my first event in April, 25 members attended the Affiliate Round Table luncheon held in Bonita. Six of these individuals were Board members. The cost [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="nobdr" src="/wp-content/themes/bigtuna/images/carey.jpg" alt="Carey" /></p>
<p>Chapter 1: A Recap on Membership</p>
<p>Carey Sandland, Chapter Manager </p>
<p>Perhaps I will begin with some interesting stats from the SDGCSA events held in the second quarter of 2010.  At my first event in April, 25 members attended the Affiliate Round Table luncheon held in Bonita. Six of these individuals were Board members. The cost for this meeting: $0.  Of the 71 attendees at the Election meeting, we had 31 superintendent (or of a related class) members; 35 affiliate members and five guests.  The cost for meeting and golf: $75/person.  At the Spring Education meeting held in May, the attendance included 16 superintendent (or of a related class) members, five guests participating with a superintendent and five affiliates.  The cost for this meeting, which included DPR 3hrs Law and Regs; 2hrs Other and .45 CEU GCSAA: $30/person.   We had 116 players at the Annual Invitational in June. Cost: $165/person. </p>
<p>Moral of the story: what drives attendance?</p>
<p>With my first adventure in dues renewal processing complete, the SDGCSA membership is now close to 130 superintendent (or of a related class) members and just shy of 70 affiliate members.  We have approximately 40 additional retired, lifetime and honorary members.  It is worth mentioning that this year our San Diego chapter fortunately experienced only a minor drop in membership retention.  Members who chose not to renew were generally as a result of a job loss or based upon the current economic conditions.  We hope we can bring these members back to the Association at some point in the near future.<span id="more-1297"></span></p>
<p>In light of the attendance numbers above and 2010 renewals, this Board recognizes an ongoing battle to define what brings members to an event.  People attend for various reasons: the location, the cost, the agenda, the benefit to you, your contact network and career.  But the Board has many approaches to consider when organizing an event and there is no doubt that in undertaking this process, it relies on a membership base who wants to be involved.  We want your attendance, and I am witness to the fact that at each meeting, the Board is continually discussing what was a success, what needs improvement and where do we go from here. </p>
<p>We have a great lineup of events ahead including a social at the Del Mar racetrack on July 28, a Fall Education Event in September and Golf With a Hero in October.  As some have already done so, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to offer your course to host, ideas for an educational seminar, appreciation event, to offer feedback from a meeting attended, introduce a prospective member, etc.  On the ‘Events’ page of the website, we list all future event details as they are known.  Additionally, on the ‘About’ page, you will find committee assignments noting which Board members lead the various behind the scenes activities of the Association.   </p>
<p>During these introductory months, I have found that the vast majority of membership has embraced the website and online payment processing, for both renewals and event sign-ups.  This helps cut costs, track the flow of money and reinforces our goal to go paperless.  Keep in mind that the system does allow a ‘manual’ sign-up in the event you want to reserve your spot but pay later by check.  I also recognize that the online sign-up/payment process is not flawless, and as I become more familiar with system functionalities, I am making every effort to improve upon these challenges. </p>
<p>With the conclusion of dues renewals, I will be updating the downloadable version of the membership directory available on the website.  And as we move forward with the 2010-2011 year, I hope you will take the time to review the website, make sure your contact records are current, review the Quarterly Update, contact me with questions and continually stay in touch with the Association.  After all, we do hope that the future value of your membership with SDGCSA is in fact: priceless.</p>
<p>- &#8211; - &#8211; - &#8211; - &#8211; - -</p>
<p>Here is a current list of our sponsors.  Thank you to all for your ongoing support.  Please check out our ‘Sponsor’ tab on the website to make sure we have received your logo.<br />
DIAMOND ADVERTISING PACKAGE<br />
Bayer Environmental Science<br />
Carmeuse Industrial Sands<br />
Simplot Partners<br />
Syngenta Professional Products<br />
Turf Maker<br />
Water Tech Ag</p>
<p>PLATINUM ADVERTISING PACKAGE<br />
AA Equipment<br />
Golf Ventures West<br />
Grigg Bros<br />
High Tech Irrigation<br />
Hydro-Scape Products<br />
New Way Landscape and Tree<br />
Target Specialty Products</p>
<p>GOLD ADVERTISING PACKAGE<br />
DM Color Express<br />
Eagle Construction Golf<br />
Eagle One Golf Products<br />
Helena Chemical Company<br />
Lubemaster/Certified Labs</p>
<p>SILVER ADVERTISING PACKAGE<br />
AM Sod<br />
Barkshire Laser Leveling<br />
BASF Turf Ornamental<br />
BEST Professional Products<br />
Bryant Taylor Gordon Golf<br />
CPS (Western Farm Service)<br />
Dalton Trucking<br />
East West Trees<br />
Evergreen Nursery<br />
Grangetto&#8217;s Farm and Garden<br />
Grasspoint USA<br />
Hanson Aggregates A-1 Soils<br />
Harvey Mills Design<br />
Healthysoil<br />
Hunter Golf<br />
Quali-Pro<br />
So Cal Hydroseed &#038; Hydromulch, Inc.<br />
Soil Logic Pro<br />
SportsTurf Irrigation<br />
The Turf Company<br />
Turf Star<br />
Turf Time West<br />
Univar<br />
Urban Tree Care<br />
Variable Speed Solutions<br />
West Coast Sand &#038; Gravel<br />
West Coast Turf<br />
Wilbur-Ellis Company<br />
YARA North America</p>
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		<title>Gary Dalton&#8217;s Retirement</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/gary-daltons-retirement/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/gary-daltons-retirement/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:21:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/leadership/gary-daltons-retirement/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I never thought this day would come, but it has and I am extremely happy. My longtime friend and someone I have always admired, Gary Dalton is retiring from San Diego Country Club. Since the first day he arrived in San Diego from Illinois he has been a leader in the golf course industry. He [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I never thought this day would come, but it has and I am extremely happy. My longtime friend and someone I have always admired, Gary Dalton is retiring from San Diego Country Club. Since the first day he arrived in San Diego from Illinois he has been a leader in the golf course industry. He has always been an innovator, trend setter, and someone who never settled for what was available.  He created the tools necessary to have the best product. My father and Gary were the best of friends; he constantly challenged my father and would pull out his calculator to let my father know the cost per unit of a product was too high. Gary’s first superintendent job was at Stardust Country Club (Riverwalk GC) in 1975, this course regularly flooded, the sodium levels were extremely high, and the amount of traffic from play was significant. Gary handled every challenge and created a strong golf course with excellent greens. His reputation started to grow as one of the top superintendents in the country. In 1989 he accepted the job at San Diego Country Club where his reputation grew even greater. This golf course has terrible water; they tried a reverse osmosis system for three greens at one point. The soil is a heavy clay silt and the roughs had very thin turf coverage, with all of these and many more problems Gary worked SDCC into one of the premier golf course in Southern California.<span id="more-1300"></span></p>
<p>    Gary has always had a talent for finding the best people with great potential. He brought Dennis Fowler from Stardust CC to SDCC with him and Dennis excelled as his assistant. As we know Dennis went on to become the superintendent of Rancho Bernardo CC and now at La Jolla CC. Dennis will tell you that Gary was extremely instrumental in his career. Then Gary hired Jack Aldridge when Dennis moved on. Jack and Gary have been a great team for almost 9 years and now Jack takes the reigns completely. Gary will always tell you the key to a successful superintendent and the high standards to be met are in the crew and team you build. Gary is one of the best at building a well trained, efficient, and proud team. Many of his employees have been at SDCC for over 20 years.</p>
<p>    There have been many successful superintendents who have worked for Gary over the years. People like Dennis, Jack, Steve Parker (Miramar GC), Mike Ventura, and Bruce Duenow to name a few.</p>
<p>    Gary always pushed the envelope, he knew he could improve on what was good and make it great. He got the most out of his people, the products he used, and the tools he had. He increased verticutting and topdressing frequency when that was not heard of before. He grew Poa annua when people wanted to eradicate it. He pushed the plant trying products to reduce seedheads before we ever heard of proxy. Gary flushed greens with low volume heads and longer time intervals to hit field capacity before it was a normal practice. Gary truly believed the turfgrass and the product he produced for his members had to be the best. It was this pride and ownership he had that made him an awesome golf course superintendent.</p>
<p>    I will miss Gary challenging me, our lunches, and our discussions. He deserves a great retirement. Knowing Gary he will keep his hands in the industry using his talents to help others. I am proud to call Gary Dalton my friend and thank him for all the years of good times with my father and me.  </p>
<p>Nick Spardy</p>
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		<title>Invitational Results</title>
		<link>http://www.sdgcsa.com/event-follow-up/invitational-results/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sdgcsa.com/event-follow-up/invitational-results/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:25:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Event follow up]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sdgcsa.com/?p=1301</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SDGCSA Invitational Results Fairbanks Ranch Country Club: June 14, 2010 Closest to the Pin Lakes #3: Dave Kovack 9’7” Lakes #7: Tyson Magginni 8’10” Valley #6: Steve Wilson 19’ Valley #8: Brian Sandland 5’8” Longest Drive: Lakes #6: Dan Russell (Pro’s) Straightest Drive: Valley #3: Patrick Holden (All except pro’s) 2 Better Ball Gross (140) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SDGCSA Invitational Results</p>
<p>Fairbanks Ranch Country Club: June 14, 2010 </p>
<h3>Closest to the Pin</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lakes #3: Dave Kovack   9’7”</li>
<li>Lakes #7: Tyson Magginni   8’10”</li>
<li>Valley #6: Steve Wilson   19’</li>
<li>Valley #8: Brian Sandland   5’8” </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Longest Drive:</strong> Lakes #6: Dan Russell   (Pro’s) </p>
<p><strong>Straightest Drive:</strong> Valley #3: Patrick Holden (All except pro’s) </p>
<p><strong>2 Better Ball Gross (140)</strong> Kevin Kienast, Rick Ransburg, Renny Brown, John Ashworth </p>
<p><strong>2 Better Ball Net (130)</strong> Ben Koehler, Grant Wingate, Steve Wightman, Neb Keeton </p>
<p><strong>Better Ball Superintendent &#038; Pro (67)</strong> Paul Zaremba, Ed Espinoza </p>
<p><strong>Low Gross Superintendent (76)</strong> John Harkness </p>
<p><strong>Low Gross Professional (75)</strong> Renny Brown </p>
<p><strong>Low Affiliate Gross (83)</strong> Dave Kovack</p>
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