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2016 ASLA Chapter Reports: Southern California ASLA Chapter12-07-16 | Feature

2016 ASLA Chapter Reports
Southern California ASLA Chapter

In January, members of the Southern California Chapter attended a presentation by Cliff Garten, introduced by past president Andy Bowden, pictured, at his Studio in Venice. Participants got a tour to see his sculptural landscape art, which was also featured at the ASLA National Meeting in New Orleans.

Looking back on 2016 as the "Year of the Member," the Southern California Chapter ASLA wrapped up another exciting year of networking events, tours and educational opportunities for chapter members.

Reflecting on some of the highlights from this past year, the chapter kicked off January with a presentation by Cliff Garten at his Studio in Venice highlighting his incredible sculptural landscape art pieces. Cliff's work was also highlighted at the Ore Offsite Reception in New Orleans at the ASLA National Meeting in October.

In October the chapter presented its bi-annual Design Awards to 46 firms. Ninety-four firms submitted projects, breaking records for the chapter. Andy Bowden (top), who was also the Awards Chair, was one of the speakers, as was Chad Danos, FASLA.

On March 12, the chapter joined colleagues and members in the desert for a tour of the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. Approximately 40 ASLA members and friends set out on a 2-mile, 2 ½ hour hike of the preserve followed by a catered lunch and a short presentation by Ginny Short, the preserve manager.

Continuing ongoing efforts to keep chapter members informed of some of the latest pieces of legislation, two meetings for members in both Los Angeles and Orange County were held to discuss the recently revised Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance in response to Governor Brown's emergency drought declaration that set new standards for water use in California. Both meetings were well-attended and provided great information. In advance of the new roll out of SITES???(R)???AE????, a special lunch and learn meeting was held at Calvin Abe's Los Angeles office in July for a presentation by Linette Strauss from ASLA and Jamie Statter from USGBC; informing interested parties on how the new process would work and how one would go about initiating a SITES® project and getting SITES® certifications and accreditations.

The 2016 Quality of Life Awards was held October 6 at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. This year's theme was "Celebrating the Evolving Vision of California Landscapes." The chapter recognized 46 firms with Honor and Merit Awards, having received 94 project submissions, a record number for the chapter's bi-annual awards program. Chad Danos, FASLA and President of ASLA, was on hand to give an opening address and to present the Award of Excellence.

The chapter looks forward to hosting the 2017 ASLA Annual Meeting on October 21-24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and to seeing chapter members as they host a kick off meeting with ASLA staff in early December in Los Angeles. The host chapter Co-Chairs for the 2017 Annual Meeting are Past President and Trustee, Andy Bowden from Land Concern and Past President, Baxter Miller from BMLA, Inc.

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2016.