Question: The homeowner's association in my "planned community" does not allow artificial grass in my yard. What are my options? 

Answer: You should point the administration of your HOA to a new extension AB 349 of the bill AB 2104 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. AB 2104 required a common interest developments to adopt a updated model ordinance regarding water-efficient landscapes that are effective in conserving water. New assembly bill AB 349 prohibits HOAs impose a fine or assessment on separate interest owners for use of artificial grass or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass, unless your homeowner association uses recycled water for landscape irrigation. 

"We face a very real water shortage that challenges many of our old habits, and there's nothing fake about our responsibility to find ways to conserve wherever we can," Gonzalez said. "All Californians have tough benchmarks for reducing their water use, and it's our job to make sure homeowners have every opportunity to achieve the conservation we need." 

At the time of California historic drought, this act is an urgency statue shall go into immediate effect. Numerous homeowner associations discriminated and fined homeowners who attempted to replace their water-thirsty lawns with synthetic grass. 

Morrison Ranch Estates Homeowners' Association fined Agoura Hills homeowner, Greg Greenstein who replaced the grass on his property with artificial grass in his effort to conserve water, with more than $4,000 and demanded to remove the new lawn. 

Rancho Pacifica, a gated community of multimillion-dollar homes in the hills east of Del Mar, prohibited a retired couple, Brian and Frances Holloway, who live in a palatial 9,000-square-foot Mediterranean to get rid of the water- sucking front lawn. They fine them $50 per day until the lawn removal. 

La Costa Valley HOA, Carlsbad, CA turned down Val Buonaiuto, who planned to install artificial grass in his front yard. 

In Carlsbad, California James Zemel installed synthetic lawns in his front and backyards. According to LAtimes he spent $14,000, and his monthly bill has dropped to $38. His water district sent him a thank you letter for his conservation effort. However, his HOA has demanded to remove the grass from his front yard, and threaten him with fines and legal action. 

Las Costa Green HOA is one of the few in San Diego County that allows fake grass on front lawns. Its resident, Rocky Wilson, grandfathered synthetic grass installation in his home, in 2006. 

The first bill didn't include artificial grass as a part of the water-efficient landscape. Gonzales said she held back because of Brown's past opposition to protections. In 2011, the governor said individual HOAs should make the decision, not state government. Residents outside of homeowners associations are free to install fake grass with few, if any, restrictions. But in 2015, California found itself in the fourth year of severe and potentially devastating drought. 

Landscape irrigation, according to the Department of Water Resources draws 43 percent of residential water use. The installation of artificial grass, instead of traditional landscapes and lawns, can directly decrease outdoor water use to support the Governor's mandated 25-percent statewide water use reduction. 

During the state of emergency, declared by Jerry Brown on July 1, 2015, homeowners associations are prohibited to fine and discriminated the members who are installing artificial grass on their front lawns. Throughout California, homeowners are subject to strict water conservation ordinances. While in the middle of a water deficiency crisis, homeowner associations are not allowing members to perform deliberate sacrifices and are still forcing them to keep grass lawns, and fining them. AB 349 ensures that all homeowners have the right to conserve water by replacing grass with artificial turf. 

The bill stated that "Property owners who pursue water conservation should be encouraged, not sued or fined. Thus, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety."

Al Madrigal, L.A. resident, wasn't in mood to discuss California drought with Jon Stewart.

"I'm sick of it," - he says. "Back home it's all we talk about. We use to go to dinner and discuss movies. Which stars are secretly gays. But now it's just - "How long was your shower. Did you use a backet? Hey, that's a guy whose lawn is green. Call the cops! "

Man, it feels good! I am taking an advantage of your unregulated East Coast Water-topia! Man, it feels good!

Jon, I have to get it out of my system before I go home and slip the recycled toilet water.

I haven't wasted water like this in years!

I am going to paint this town wet, Jon!

Named Best Stand-Up Comedian by the HBO/U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Al Madrigal's comedy has been called "dynamic" by The New York Times. His unique, spontaneous and fast-paced lyrical storytelling style has made him a regular on television with numerous appearances on Comedy Central including his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents Special and appearances on John Oliver's New York Stand-up Show and Pretend Time with Nick Swardson. Al has also appeared with Conan O'Brien (as one of the first 20 guests during his stint as host of "The Tonight Show," and on "Conan" on TBS) as well as multiple appearances on ""Lopez Tonight," "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Water Management Using Artificial Turf

The need to conserve water has become one of the major concerns of governments and organizations when it comes to environment protection and preservation. It is never too late for people to help in preservation of the existing water resources. Water management is now further enhanced with the use of the best alternative to natural grass when it comes to landscaping. This is no other than the installation of artificial turf.

Why Most People Turn to Artificial Grass?

Many people love to have landscapes on their houses and even in their commercial establishments. If you are after saving more money, you should realize the beauty and usefulness of artificial grass. Switching to synthetic grass will not just help you save money but it will also aid you to contribute in water conservation.

Natural grass is hardly in need of maintenance whereas during the summer season, the natural grass will require maintenance almost each day. But, with artificial grass, you will be able to save time that you can use for other important activities that you may have instead of watering and moving your lawn. By installing artificial grass, the application of harmful pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers will be completely eliminated.

Artificial grass does not need to be watered and mowed so you will surely save a lot in terms of water consumption. Since today that the whole world is suffering from inadequate water supply, it is very important to look for solutions that can help conserve water. With synthetic grass, there is no more need for fertilizing, watering and reseeding. Hence, the use of this alternative has become the major solution for saving millions of liters of water. Artificial grass in the long run will pay for itself in terms of maintenance savings, aside from its ability to help in conserving water, and give a very pleasing and green surface year round.

There are tons of benefits that you can get when installing residential synthetic grass in replacement for the natural grass. Fake grass helps the homeowners have good-looking lawns with little to no maintenance. Aside from that, artificial grass is also helping to keep away all the pests such as rodents that could cause a significant damage to lawns once they spread and invade your lawn.

On the other hand, one of the most appealing reasons why people switch to synthetic grass is the effect of it to the environment. Artificial grass is not needed to be watered so you will never have to install running sprinklers or any other watering systems all over the lawn. It is especially crucial in states with warm weather conditions such as California that is frequently dealing with chronic droughts.

Water management is never a big issue to deal with when it comes to landscaping. A million thanks to the concept of artificial grass. People now have the best alternative to use in making their homes more pleasing. When planning to install an artificial grass, make sure that you will be choosing quality products. There are many companies that sell artificial grass like Global Syn-Turf. Check out their website today to learn more about their products.

Most people cannot help to admire the beauty of the nature particularly when a beautiful and well-maintained lawn is concerned. Landscapes can definitely make your home or your business office look more beautiful but at the back of it, you need to be ready with your pocket. Maintaining a natural grass lawn is pretty expensive and that is the reality.

Going green is an excellent way to aid the environment but it does not mean that you must always depend on natural grass. As a matter of fact, there are different reasons why more and more people today are removing their natural grass lawn and replace it with one that is made of synthetic grass. Just like humans, pets like dogs appreciate the beauty of an artificial grass lawn so there are companies out there selling artificial grass for dogs.

Today, the installation of artificial grass is widely promoted over the web. Doing so can benefit people in many ways. It can also bring benefits to the environment. Aside from being a maintenance-free and cost-efficient option, an artificial grass lawn could also greatly affect the environment in both long-term and short-term. When it comes to benefits, the leading advantage that you can get from installing and choosing artificial grass instead of the synthetic one is the ability to save water. Actually, you can save water through installing artificial grass lawns in different ways:

Prevents Water Waste

At times when the weather is too hot, and there is a drought incident, it is important that people start conserving water and reduce their water consumption. In those areas where the case is serious, the local governments may even warn the public to follow strict water use and restrictions. One way to minimize water consumption is to make use of artificial grass.

It Does Not Water

Tired of standing early in the morning outside to water the plants including your large landscape? Or, are you worried about the rising cost of your water bills every month? The best solution to your problem is to change your natural grass lawn with the one that is made up of artificial grass. This will definitely eliminate the need to water your landscape every day. As its name suggests, synthetic grass does not need to be watered so you are saving around more than 50,000 gallons of water per year.

It Eliminate the Need for Watering Systems

When you choose to maintain a natural grass lawn, you have to make it equipped with a watering system to keep the grass healthy and in their normal condition. This is completely opposite when you install synthetic grass. Through having a lawn that is made of synthetic grass, you spare yourself from the need to install any watering system to sustain the need of your lawn for water.

So these are then incredible and smart ways on how you can save money with artificial grass. Are you ready to change your lawn? Be sure that you will look for a reliable supplier of artificial grass. Do your research using the internet today.

Global Syn-Turf, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of artificial grass, participated in Watersavers Irrigation's Demo Day on April 3rd. The event took place at one of Watersavers Irrigation's warehouse stores. More than 100 Northern California irrigation and green industry professionals and consumers attended the event to test out the latest irrigation systems and landscaping supplies, and listen to presentations from top supply manufacturers.

"We've been selling artificial grass products for years now, so even before the event we had established ourselves in the region," said Rachel Brady, Global Syn-Turf's sales and marketing manager. "However, ever since California's water crisis, and now Jerry Brown's announcement of mandatory water restrictions, we've become the definitive regional experts on artificial grass in California. We're receiving an unprecedented amount of interest from local contractors and municipalities who want to test our products."

With more than 95 gallons of water per day wasted on outdoor uses per household, consumers, contractors and dealers stand to benefit from artificial grass's advantages. According to ms. Brady, Global Syn-Turf has the power to fundamentally transform the culture of the irrigation and green industries by making it easy for people to have a perfectly lush, verdant lawn without consuming precious resources.

The Global Syn-Turf team was on hand at the event to present the company's latest artificial grass innovations, such as Cashmere, an artificial grass product whose softness and flexibility is unmatched in the industry.

The Demo Day featured a number of different products and ideas from companies across the industry, ranging from efficient irrigation techniques to drought-tolerant landscaping alternatives. And since Demo Days are open to the public, the event was able to connect consumers with professional suppliers and distributors who share an interest in water-wise landscaping and irrigation.

"It was an honor to represent the artificial grass community at this event," said Rachel Brady. "As a wholesale manufacturer, having the chance to interact with the end-user face-to-face is quite special. It was a tremendous opportunity for our staff to meet people and companies in the landscape and irrigation ecosystem. We hope it will serve as a model for other events in the future."

This announcement comes at an exciting time for the young company, which was founded in 2009. In March 2015 the company was selected for the prestigious Best of Hayward Award in the Lawn & Garden Equipment category for 2015. Furthermore, earlier this month Global Syn-Turf participated in the Carmel Valley Garden Show in Carmel Valley, California, representing the artificial grass industry in Northern California.