Alisal Ranch Director of Agronomy Elliot Weber elected president

The GCSA of Central California held its Annual Meeting at Visalia Country Club in Visalia, Calif.  A fog-filled morning greeted nearly fifty members, who turned out for a great day of chapter updates, elections, awards, food and golf.  

Alisal Ranch Director of Agronomy Elliot Weber was elected president; Monarch Dunes Golf Club Superintendent Herminio Plata was elected vice president, with Visalia Country Club Superintendent Dominic Peluso being elected as secretary/treasurer. Others elected to the board included Josh Heptig with the County of San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield Country Club Superintendent Brian Rios, David Avila of Harrell’s and John Allan of SQM. 

Numerous awards were given out during the meeting as well. Jason Pautsch, superintendent at Hunter Ranch Golf Club, was awarded Turf Grass Manager of the Year for Public Facilities. Montecito Club Director of Agronomy, Tennessee McBroom, was awarded Turf Grass Manager of the Year for Private Facilities and Pete Bowman of Bo Terra was awarded with the Affiliate Merit Award for his service and support of the chapter. Bowman is celebrating his 33-year anniversary as a GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent. 

The chapter had a very successful year under the leadership of chapter executive Kim Milne and outgoing President Jose Alvarez, increasing membership numbers and revenue while hosting numerous events from the Central Valley to the Central Coast. 

I had the opportunity to provide updates to the members on Rounds 4 Research, assistant and EM education programs, BMP adoption, as well as updates from the recently convened California Legislative Session. 

A big thanks goes to Visalia Superintendent Peluso for hosting the meeting and providing terrific playing conditions. For more information, visit the GCSA of Central California website.