Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award Winners

Peter Estournes Receives Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award

The California Landscape Contractors Association presented Peter Estournes its 2025 Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award, honoring his grass roots advocacy leadership.

The Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award recognizes a CLCA member who works to build relationships with members of the state Legislature, candidates for the Legislature or possible future candidates. The recipient must be actively involved in a chapter and currently engaged in grassroots activity in support of CLCA’s governmental affairs objectives.

The award is named in honor of Mickey Strauss, CLCA’s 1981 President and the initial driving force behind CLCA’s capitol advocacy efforts. The 2025 award was announced during the association’s annual Leadership Conference, which has held in Santa Ana January 20-21, 2026.

One of those who nominated Peter for the award noted that he “embodies the spirit of service in every direction.” In addition to his dedication to CLCA, he lends his expertise to the Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership by volunteering on the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper certification board, and even serves as an adjunct professor at Santa Rosa Junior College — shaping the next generation of landscape professionals.

Peter has served on the association’s Legislative Committee for several years and has long been a key contributor to the Resource Management Committee.

“Having a volunteer serving on both committees has been vital, especially when proposed legislation affects how contractors operate, how irrigation practices evolve and how California manages its most precious resource: water,” Megan Rios said while announcing the award. Megan received the award in 2024.

Peter was also the driving force behind the LandPAC ring toss fundraiser at CLCA’s 2025 Convention.

Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award Winners