*    CGCSA News!

*   2008 California GCSA Annual Conference

*   Online Membership Directory 

*   California GCSA Government Relations Network 

*   Job Opportunities

*   GCSAA "News"

*  Golf Industry News

*   GCSASC Honors Three Members

*   H.V. Carter Co. closes its door!

*   Member Profile (Danny Holmes)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Based on member feedback, GCSAA is extending the deadline to April 14 for the Golf Course Pesticide Use Survey, the fourth survey in GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile Project. The extension will allow superintendents more time to complete the entire survey, including the section requiring input of pesticide use data. Time needed to input data will depend on the number of pesticide applications made in 2007, but you can save your work and return as often as necessary to complete it. A paper version is also available. Take part in this endeavor to gather vital information on the environmental performance of golf courses. Everyone who completes the survey will receive .50 service points and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize: a 46 inch, flat screen LCD TV valued at $2,500; as well as a drawing for one of the $250 gift cards to be awarded in each of the seven agronomic regions. For more information, contact Mark Johnson, senior manager of environmental programs, by e-mail or at 800-472-7878.

NGF and GCSAA invited 929 golf facilities to participate in the Pesticide Use Survey. So far, 166 people have begun the survey, but only 65 individuals has completed the survey in the State of California. GCSAA doesn't have the individual names or facilities that have begun or completed the survey - this would violate our confidentiality agreement, we are just give participation rates by state/region.

John Deere Golf and Turf One Source is no more ... well, at least in name only.

 In a series of announcements to industry media last week, the boys in green officially retired that tongue twister of a name and replaced it with the much easier to remember and pronounce John Deere Golf. The change is effective immediately, comes with a snazzy new logo but means little to how the company works with its customers, Deere officials insist.
"Though we are changing our name, we continue to offer a full range of solutions for golf customers," Matt Armbrister, the company's marketing manager and a former GCSAA colleague, said. "The main difference is now customers find us through more channels."

The Golf Course Superintendents Association or Southern California (GCSASC) recognized three of its members for their contributions within the turf care industry at the: January 21st GCSASC/USGA/SCGA meeting held at Old Ranch Country Club.

The GCSASC Superintendent of the Year Award-Private Clubs was presented to Rafael Martinez, golf course superintendent at Via Verde Country Club. Martinez, an active member of the GCSASC, is a respected superintendent by his club members and his peers. He has profound dedication and commitment to workplace responsibilities and staff and he maintains integrity and passion for his career and profession. 

The GCSASC Superintendent or the Year-Public Clubs was presented to Kevin Neal. Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Regional Superintendent for ValleyCrest Golf Coarse Maintenance at Industry Hills Golf Course. Neal is a past president of the GCSASC and has been an active member for many years. Neal is the consummate professional and is the epitome of the professional golf course superintendent. 

Bill Culbertson, sales representative with So Cal Pump & Well, is the recipient of the GCSASC Affiliate of the Year Award. Culbertson has been described as the definition of volunteer and dedication. Bill unselfishly gives of his time to organize events, donate trophies, supply water to the to the tournaments and is the consummate volunteer. Culbertson also serves as an Affiliate Representative on the California GCSA Board of Directors.

To all Northern California golf courses.

For an interim period of time, Golf Ventures West will be glad to help support you in any part needs you may have. We can supply all Jacobsen, Smithco, National, Turfco, Verti Drain and EZ-GO parts.

You may contact the Corona office at 951-371-1888 or any of our locations.

For more information on GV West or to find a credit application go to www.gvwest.com

 Mike D. Eastwood
 President 
 Golf Ventures West LLC
 Phone: (602) 442-4653
 Cell: (602) 327-1626
 Fax: (602) 455-4322
 E-Mail: meastwood@gvwest.com
 www.gvwest.com
 

GCSAA Webcast Series
GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice. 
To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature.
Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.

GCSAA's live education Webcasts Series;  All Webcast times are Central.
04/02/08     Starting Your Website: Design Basics    12:00 pm
04/08/08     Spring Tree Maintenance 12:00pm
04/16/08     Do You Want Fries With That? - Using Vegetable Oils as Diesel Fuel Replacement    12:00pm
04/22/08     Being Old Tom Morris: ‘Greenkeeper’ and Golf Course Architect    10:00am
 

To register today, use our online shopping cart. From the details description page, select "Add to Cart" from the quick facts box to put your course in a shopping cart. 
When your cart is full, "View cart/Check out" will take you to the payment options. You may also complete and fax the registration form to (785) 832-4449. 

Visit the ON DEMAND Webcast events, Choose any of our recorded webcasts - view them when you want and as many times as you want (within one year from purchase.)

For Details; visit the GCSAA Webcast ON DEMAND Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/webcast.aspx
Or call  (800) 472-7878 x 5167 

http://www.golfturf.rutgers.edu
Rutgers has a 2 year golf course turf management certificate program in New Jersey.
 

California research projects:

2008 Chapter Cooperative Research Program Projects:

"Management and Biology of Brown Ring Patch on Annual Bluegrass Greens." Frank Wong, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside. Completion date 2009. Co-funded by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Southern California, Hi-Lo Desert Golf Course Superintendents Association, San Diego Golf Course Superintendents Association, Sierra Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association and California State Chapter Golf Course Superintendents Association. $62,000 over two years. 

Mark Kizziar Research Grant:

"Attenuation of PPCP/EDCs through Golf Courses Using Reuse Water." Mike McCullough, Northern California Golf Association. Completion date 2009. $30,000 over two years.

    The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is a multi-faceted public agency with a service area of approximately 1,000 square miles mostly within the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, but also into Imperial and San Diego counties. CVWD was formed by voters in 1918 to protect and conserve local water sources. The district’s responsibilities have since grown with now more than 550 employees helping to deliver irrigation and domestic water, collect and recycle wastewater, provide regional stormwater protection and promote water conservation.

    The valley’s drinking water comes from a vast underground aquifer of nearly pristine water. Historically, this water has also been used for irrigation. However, the aquifer is in a state of overdraft, meaning more water is being taken out each year than can be replenished. Over the years, the district’s board of directors has taken several steps to combat overdraft, such as building the Coachella Canal for east valley farmers and building groundwater recharge facilities. More recently, in 2001, the board approved a Water Management Plan (WMP) to set long-term water use reduction goals and identify new projects to eliminate overdraft of the aquifer. 

    At the core of the WMP is a three-tiered approach – supplement the existing water supply with outside sources, promote conservation by all water users and, when possible, help agriculture and golf course irrigators to switch to alternative sources of water. Currently, approximately 25 golf courses irrigate with Colorado River water via the Coachella branch of the All-American Canal and another 11 irrigate with recycled water from the district’s three wastewater reclamation plants (WRPs) which provide recycled water.
    A key project aimed at increasing the number of golf courses that use an alternative source of irrigation water is the $70 million Mid-Valley Pipeline Project. The pipeline, which is currently under construction, will deliver a blend of recycled water and Coachella Canal water to up to 50 golf courses in the district’s service area. Without this project, the WRP lacks the supply and infrastructure to add any more recycled customers than it already serves.
    The Mid-Valley Pipeline is to be completed in three phases. The first phase of the pipeline project is more than 50 percent complete and on schedule to start delivering blended recycled water and Canal water for irrigation to CVWD’s existing recycled water customers in mid-summer of this year. The 54-inch pipeline is being placed 20 feet below ground within the district’s Whitewater River and Coachella Valley Stormwater Channels, thereby avoiding disruption to public roads. 
    During the second phase of construction, the pipeline distribution system will be expanded to serve additional golf courses. The third phase consists of construction of an additional booster station and distribution piping to expand the system beyond the current recycled water service area.
    I am working directly with the golf courses that will be connecting to the pipeline to ensure a successful transition. I have worked for CVWD for six years, previously as a water quality analyst in our on-site laboratory and most recently for water resources overseeing the monitoring and reporting program for sanitation and stormwater. In addition, I also managed the groundwater, canal water and groundwater recharge monitoring programs. I also have experience working with the regional water quality control board and commenting on statewide policies. 
    The Mid-Valley Pipeline isn’t the only program of interest. CVWD offers a number of other programs to golf course superintendents within the district’s boundaries who want assistance being more efficient irrigators. 

    For example:
· Golf courses are eligible to receive a free irrigation audit from the district’s Water Management staff, including a complete analysis and non-binding recommendations.
· The Large Landscape Conservation Loan program was created to assist in the installation of water conserving irrigation and landscape systems. 
· CVWD maintains CIMIS weather stations and distributes a weekly watering index to assist large landscape irrigators and those without smart controller systems.
    The Coachella Valley’s mild winters make us a popular destination for tens of thousands of "snowbirds," who travel here from throughout the United States and other countries to enjoy championship-level golf, as well as other amenities. Knowing that, CVWD management recognizes the important role the golf industry plays in the valley’s economic livelihood and therefore works cooperatively with the superintendents to help ensure efficient irrigation without a negative impact. On behalf of the district, I want to personally thank all of the superintendents in the Coachella Valley who are helping to conserve groundwater for our future generations by using alternative water sources.

Olivia Daniels
Recycled Water Manager
Coachella Valley Water District
(760) 398-2661 ext. 3586
odaniels@cvwd.org

AZUSA, Calif. (March 18, 2008) - Rain Bird, the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, is giving amateur and experienced filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talents. The 2008 Intelligent Use of Water (IUOW) Film Competition  invites filmmakers to use the power of film to increase awareness of the need for responsible water usage.  The competition accepts all narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made short films (1-10 minutes in actual or excerpted run time) that explore methods and ideas to responsibly manage and utilize the earth's most precious resource.

Films submitted online at www.IUOWFILM.com will be reviewed by a judging panel made up of film and water management experts. Finalists will be selected and invited to a special screening event on October 11, 2008 in Los Angeles. Shalini Kantayya, director of the 2007 Audience Choice Award Winner winner, A Drop of Life, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Following the screening at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Rain Bird will announce the winners and award cash prizes of $6,000 for the Jury Award and $3,000 for the Audience Choice Award. 

"It has been proven time and again that film is an extremely powerful medium capable of inspiring global change," said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's Corporate Marketing Director. "By sponsoring the 2008 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition, we aim to encourage discussion about responsible water usage. We are excited to once again be able to provide a forum that enables filmmakers of all sorts to actively raise awareness of this important issue."

All entries must be submitted electronically as a .mov, .wmv or .mpg file no later than 11:59 PM (PDT) on September 1, 2008 for consideration.  Visit www.IUOWFILM.com for more information on the competition and entry requirements.

TUCSON, Ariz., (March 7, 2008) - Rain Bird Golf is pleased to announce the availability of Version 6.0, the latest generation of its dynamically-adaptive central control software.  Designed to help superintendents optimize water management in real time, Version 6.0 software is available for all levels of Rain Bird® Central Controls including CirrusTM, NimbusTM II, StratusTM II and Stratus LTTM. 

Version 6.0 offers several new features and enhancements that truly optimize the performance of central control systems more than any other tool on the market:

Rain Bird® MI Series Mobile Controller Support. Version 6.0 software allows all four Rain Bird central control products to support Rain Bird's new MI Series Mobile Controllers. These innovative new controllers enable golf course superintendents and their staff to monitor or control their irrigation systems from virtually anywhere by using a cell phone equipped with Web access. 
WS-Pro LT and Automatic ET Are Now Supported by Rain Bird® StratusTM LT (with optional software module). Thanks to Version 6.0 and an optional software module, Rain Bird's entry level central control software, Stratus LT, is now capable of dynamically incorporating information from  Rain Bird's WS Pro-LT Weather Station into its irrigation programs. This level of responsiveness helps superintendents optimize their irrigation watering times, reduce water usage and costs, and limit or eliminate turf damage. With the additional software module, Stratus LT also works with an Automatic ET (evapotranspiration) module to automatically download weather data and calculate ET rates. These rates are then used by the program to determine irrigation runtimes for the entire system or specific areas, holes or stations. Neither of these two capabilities is available in comparably priced offerings from the next closet competitor. 
Cirrus Now Supports Up to 4,000 Decoder Stations. Advanced central control technology and simple wiring requirements make decoders a smart choice for many golf courses. With Version 6.0 software, Rain Bird's Cirrus Central Control can now support up to 4,000 decoder stations for ultimate flexibility, control and reliability in the field. 
All Central Controls Now Support 250 Stations Per Area. Cirrus, Nimbus II, Stratus II, and Stratus LT central controls now support 250 stations per area to meet the needs of longer fairways, larger driving ranges and the higher density sprinkler design of modern irrigation systems. 
Existing users of Rain Bird's central controls will also appreciate these additional enhancements that Version 6.0 offers to their current systems:

Smart PumpTM actual flow and pressure are now logged within the Rain Bird Flow Graph and stored in yearly logs. Before Version 6.0 this information was accessible for seven days. 
Static sensors on decoder systems now have additional sensor conditions for more flexibility--"Cancel While" and "Interrupt (Pause) While." 
"Rain Bird® Central Control, Version 6.0 embodies Rain Bird's commitment to provide golf course superintendents and their staff with the most reliable and capable products for The Intelligent Use of WaterTM," said David Behrmann, marketing management for Rain Bird's Golf Division. "With the additional features of Version 6.0, superintendents will have even greater flexibility, freedom and control in using the only dynamically adaptable irrigation system to optimize water use, minimize costs and produce the most playable course."

For more information about Version 6.0 software and Rain Bird's central controls, visit www.RainBird.com/golf or call (520) 741-6100.

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