Dear LASN,

Re: Jack R. Donis?EUR??,,????'??? “ASIC on Irrigation Design”, February article on Drip Irrigation, thought it was the most concise and informative drip information I have seen.

John B. Sage
Landscape Architect
Santa Rosa, CA

Dear LASN,

An associate of mine recently gave me the May 1988 edition of your magazine, and I would like to know if subscriptions are still available. I noticed on the subscription card that you provide the magazine free to licensed landscape architects. Is this service still available? If not, please send me updated information so that I can subscribe.

Incidentally, your article on design/build was excellent. I represent a design/build firm which provides a full range of environmental design and landscaping services, and all of the advantages and disadvantages peculiar to this business format are precise and well-researched – we experience them daily!

Respectfully yours,
Donald Campbell, Jr., ASLA
Midland, GA

Dear LASN,

Thank you for contacting the Board of Landscape Architects to learn what progress we are making. The Board is moving ahead in several key areas that I would like to share with you.

At the last board meeting June 2, the board voted to develop an occupational analysis in preparation for a California licensing exam due to the lack of progress California had been making with CLARB in bringing about exam reform. This, of course, means that at least for the short term, we can anticipate losing reciprocity. The reasons that led to that decision are as follows:

1. The UNE is considered not defensible.
2. The UNE is not job-related.
3. The UNE has a consistent low pass rate: 1986, 19.7%; 1987, 23%; 1988, 26%.
4. The low pass rate feeds the myth that landscape architects want to control the numbers of new licensees for competitive reasons.
5. The increasing complaints from candidates who have spent two to three years post eligibility time to pass this exam.

A second area of change that the Board has yet to embrace is its future. The Little Hoover Commission and the Assembly Committee on Government Efficiency and Consumer Protection has indicated that we need to consider being combined with another board or group or face sunsetting next year. The Board would like to take a proactive position on this sensitive issue and is seeking input from Landscape Architects throughout the state.

An open public meeting is scheduled for September 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the State Department of Consumer Affairs in Sacramento. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or wish to comment on Board business. We rely on LASN and the CCASLA to communicate to our professionals on a regular basis.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Brode
Department of Consumer Affairs
Board of Landscape Architects
1021 “O” St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear LASN,

The City of Irvine, CA is preparing a “Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance” to apply to all new development within the city, excluding single-family homes and agriculture (but including model homes). The ordinance will recognize the significance of landscaping towards the attractiveness of the region and the quality of life in the city, and will introduce regulations that encourage the efficient use of water. All aspects of the development and design processes, including subdivision planning, site design, landscape planning and design, administrative procedures and maintenance, will be considered. This is an opportune time to get involved by expressing your concerns, suggestions, insights or expertise. The city welcomes input to help us understand community values and how regulation can achieve positive, measurable results and increase public awareness. Please direct all queries and comments to: City of Irvine, Community Development Department, One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92714, (714) 724-6336.

Dear LASN,

Whoa!! What happened to your advertising editor’s grip on tasteful advertising during the month of April? I suggest you take a look on page 28 and tell me if you see the same non-essential bikini-clad woman that I do… You may want to keep in mind that many of your readers deplore this sexist advertising; I’m hoping this one slipped by.

Cheryl B. Nevares, LA
Oakland, CA

The Landscape Architect and Specifier News welcomes its readers comments, views and opinions. All letters to LASN should be addressed to: Letters Dept., S&F Communications, 2138 S. Wright St., Santa Ana, CA 92705