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LOCAL SPEAK
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Why buying local matters
As the debate surrounding Proposition J continues, the community is increasingly focused on the importance of local farming. Both proponents and opponents of the proposition have valid points, but one thing is clear: supporting local farmers is crucial for sustainable and ethical food practices.
As a consumer who enjoys meat, I appreciate the value of affordable protein like chicken, eggs, and beef. However, it's disheartening to witness animals being raised in inhumane conditions. Striking a balance between affordable prices and ethical farming practices is challenging but necessary.
Beyond meat, our local farmers' markets offer an abundance of fresh vegetables. These markets are not just places to purchase produce; they are vibrant community hubs where people gather, socialize, and enjoy local music and food. Despite the lively atmosphere, a surprising number of visitors leave without buying produce.
This brings us to a critical question: how can we shift our shopping habits to support local farmers better?
Why Buy Local?
Last year, my visits to the farmers' market were primarily social. This year, I am committed to buying from each local farmer to support their efforts and enjoy the freshest produce available. Here are some tips to help you do the same:
Source: Editorial written by Occidental resident Melinda H
As a consumer who enjoys meat, I appreciate the value of affordable protein like chicken, eggs, and beef. However, it's disheartening to witness animals being raised in inhumane conditions. Striking a balance between affordable prices and ethical farming practices is challenging but necessary.
Beyond meat, our local farmers' markets offer an abundance of fresh vegetables. These markets are not just places to purchase produce; they are vibrant community hubs where people gather, socialize, and enjoy local music and food. Despite the lively atmosphere, a surprising number of visitors leave without buying produce.
This brings us to a critical question: how can we shift our shopping habits to support local farmers better?
Why Buy Local?
- Freshness and Quality: Produce from local farmers is often harvested at peak ripeness, resulting in better flavor and higher nutritional value compared to supermarket counterparts
- Environmental Benefits: Buying local reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports more sustainable food systems.
- Economic Impact: Money spent at local markets stays within the community, supporting farmers and contributing to the local economy. This, in turn, helps create jobs and boosts local development.
- Community Connection: Farmers' markets foster a sense of community. They provide an opportunity to meet the people who grow your food and learn about their farming practices, creating a direct connection between consumers and producers.
Last year, my visits to the farmers' market were primarily social. This year, I am committed to buying from each local farmer to support their efforts and enjoy the freshest produce available. Here are some tips to help you do the same:
- Plan Ahead: Before heading to the market, make a list of the produce you need. This ensures you purchase what you’ll actually use and helps avoid waste.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept card payments, having cash on hand can make transactions quicker and easier, especially in busy markets.
- Talk to Farmers: Engage with the vendors. Ask about their farming practices and the best ways to store and cook their produce. Building these relationships can enhance your market experience.
- Try Something New: Be adventurous and buy produce you’ve never tried before. Farmers often have unique and heirloom varieties that you won’t find in supermarkets.
- Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to visit the market. Share your positive experiences on social media to raise awareness about the benefits of buying local.
Source: Editorial written by Occidental resident Melinda H
Occidental Oriented: Farmers Markets, Pride and Music
ANDREA DOFFING, June 7, 2024, 7:03AM
June, the month that Summer officially begins.
Summer Markets
May 16 was opening day for the Occidental Community Farmers Market. Through October 31, we can look forward to an abundance of vendors such as Bodega Pastures (wool/meat), Singing Frogs Farm (flowers, produce, eggs), Raymond’s Bakery (baked goodness) and so much more. Every Thursday 4 to 8 p.m., Downtown Occidental.
Market Season is a fun way to enjoy a weeknight in our little town. The OCFM also hosts Community Booths such as FIRE SAFE OCCIDENTAL and the Salmon Creek Watershed Council, so be sure to check in with those neighbors. Our Farmers Market music line-up (Main Street & 2nd, 5 to 7 p.m.) is another reason to feel so fortunate to live here. Kicking off the market with Broken Compass Bluegrass, we are sure to enjoy a market season filled with good tunes and turnips.
The first Occidental Flea Market scheduled on May 4 was rained out. The second is June 1, 8 to 4 p.m. The market will continue (weather permitting) the first Saturday of each month through September. To reserve a $25 space call 760-914-1989.
The Local Hub
The Occidental website brought to us by the Occidental Community Council has recently been updated. Be sure to check out the Local Hub section to see what’s happening in Occidental and how you can contribute to the health and vitality of our community. Links to events such as the Occidental World Music and Dance Day, Blue Grass Jam Night, the Local Talent Show and more can be found in the Calendar. If your local organization has yet to add to the calendar, please reach out to [email protected] for a directive as to how to add a link for your community events and meetings. Visit the website at occidental-ca.org.
Pride Month
June is also Pride month. Every day, everyone should enjoy a life full of pride in who they are and how they express themselves. Occidental Pride is committed to supporting & participating with local June Pride events as well as being a celebratory reminder that the essence of Pride can be prolific throughout the year. In collaboration with the Occidental Center for the Arts, Occidental Pride will be hosting their 2nd Annual Out in the Woods event on Sep. 28 at 3850 Doris Murphy Court. Last year's family friendly event featured local musicians, food, merrymaking and community leaders who vocalized resources of support and reiterated their commitment to ensuring a safe and equitable life for all. To participate via sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, and to stay updated with the organization visit Occidental Pride.
World Music & Dance Day
Speaking of 2nd Annual, this June 1, the OCA presents the Second Annual Occidental World Music & Dance Day. Inspired by Lark Camp, World Music & Dance Day invites participants to immerse themselves in global rhythms and harmonics. Over twenty workshops, jam sessions and demonstrations will be offered between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This day includes music innovators, the Fula Brothers, in concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Composed of master kamale ngoni player, Mamadou Sidibe, and fingerstyle guitarist, Walter Strauss, the Fula Brothers journey from the crossroads of West Africa and America to great musical places.
June, the month that Summer officially begins.
Summer Markets
May 16 was opening day for the Occidental Community Farmers Market. Through October 31, we can look forward to an abundance of vendors such as Bodega Pastures (wool/meat), Singing Frogs Farm (flowers, produce, eggs), Raymond’s Bakery (baked goodness) and so much more. Every Thursday 4 to 8 p.m., Downtown Occidental.
Market Season is a fun way to enjoy a weeknight in our little town. The OCFM also hosts Community Booths such as FIRE SAFE OCCIDENTAL and the Salmon Creek Watershed Council, so be sure to check in with those neighbors. Our Farmers Market music line-up (Main Street & 2nd, 5 to 7 p.m.) is another reason to feel so fortunate to live here. Kicking off the market with Broken Compass Bluegrass, we are sure to enjoy a market season filled with good tunes and turnips.
The first Occidental Flea Market scheduled on May 4 was rained out. The second is June 1, 8 to 4 p.m. The market will continue (weather permitting) the first Saturday of each month through September. To reserve a $25 space call 760-914-1989.
The Local Hub
The Occidental website brought to us by the Occidental Community Council has recently been updated. Be sure to check out the Local Hub section to see what’s happening in Occidental and how you can contribute to the health and vitality of our community. Links to events such as the Occidental World Music and Dance Day, Blue Grass Jam Night, the Local Talent Show and more can be found in the Calendar. If your local organization has yet to add to the calendar, please reach out to [email protected] for a directive as to how to add a link for your community events and meetings. Visit the website at occidental-ca.org.
Pride Month
June is also Pride month. Every day, everyone should enjoy a life full of pride in who they are and how they express themselves. Occidental Pride is committed to supporting & participating with local June Pride events as well as being a celebratory reminder that the essence of Pride can be prolific throughout the year. In collaboration with the Occidental Center for the Arts, Occidental Pride will be hosting their 2nd Annual Out in the Woods event on Sep. 28 at 3850 Doris Murphy Court. Last year's family friendly event featured local musicians, food, merrymaking and community leaders who vocalized resources of support and reiterated their commitment to ensuring a safe and equitable life for all. To participate via sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, and to stay updated with the organization visit Occidental Pride.
World Music & Dance Day
Speaking of 2nd Annual, this June 1, the OCA presents the Second Annual Occidental World Music & Dance Day. Inspired by Lark Camp, World Music & Dance Day invites participants to immerse themselves in global rhythms and harmonics. Over twenty workshops, jam sessions and demonstrations will be offered between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This day includes music innovators, the Fula Brothers, in concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Composed of master kamale ngoni player, Mamadou Sidibe, and fingerstyle guitarist, Walter Strauss, the Fula Brothers journey from the crossroads of West Africa and America to great musical places.
Octopus in Occidental?
Octopus in Occidental?
Did you know you can find octopus and jellyfish in downtown Occidental? The ceramic kind, that is!
Just down Bohemian Highway, past Occidental Hardware, Restaurant Hazel, and Occidental Center for the Arts, you’ll find the “Octopus Shed” nestled on the east side of the road. It’s an outdoor, drive-through, 24x7, pay-on-the-honor-system little shack where local married artists Cindy and James Searles provide whimsical, functional, hand-crafted pottery. Having worked in clay and wood for more than 40 years, they make air planters, vases, tiles, and other items representing all kinds of flora and fauna.
Stop by the Octopus Shed to find that special gift for a friend – or treat yourself! It’s sure to bring a smile.
Source: Editorial written by Occidental resident Kim D
Did you know you can find octopus and jellyfish in downtown Occidental? The ceramic kind, that is!
Just down Bohemian Highway, past Occidental Hardware, Restaurant Hazel, and Occidental Center for the Arts, you’ll find the “Octopus Shed” nestled on the east side of the road. It’s an outdoor, drive-through, 24x7, pay-on-the-honor-system little shack where local married artists Cindy and James Searles provide whimsical, functional, hand-crafted pottery. Having worked in clay and wood for more than 40 years, they make air planters, vases, tiles, and other items representing all kinds of flora and fauna.
Stop by the Octopus Shed to find that special gift for a friend – or treat yourself! It’s sure to bring a smile.
Source: Editorial written by Occidental resident Kim D
Say Hello to the New Owners of Western Hills Gardens
Occidental locals and garden lovers may know about our community’s exquisite horticultural gem,
Western Hills Garden. It’s been here for more than 60 years, after all! But did you know it has new proprietors?
Meet Kent and Hadley
who say they “long dreamed of having a property that could be a space for creative expression, community gathering, and big thinking.” They found all that – and more – in WHG!
Contributing to the garden’s legacy, they are operating as a non-profit for the first time in its history, to connect people of all ages with nature.
You’re invited! Go for a day visit to enjoy the season’s splendor. Take a guided tour. Sign up for one of the many classes they offer. Or simply find a nook to read, write, draw, dream, or picnic.
It’s a terrific spot to host a party.
Be sure to say hello to Kent, Hadley, and the team preserving and guiding this stunning public garden. It’s located just a few minutes up Coleman Valley Road from downtown Occidental. You’ll be happy you did.
Western Hills Garden. It’s been here for more than 60 years, after all! But did you know it has new proprietors?
Meet Kent and Hadley
who say they “long dreamed of having a property that could be a space for creative expression, community gathering, and big thinking.” They found all that – and more – in WHG!
Contributing to the garden’s legacy, they are operating as a non-profit for the first time in its history, to connect people of all ages with nature.
You’re invited! Go for a day visit to enjoy the season’s splendor. Take a guided tour. Sign up for one of the many classes they offer. Or simply find a nook to read, write, draw, dream, or picnic.
It’s a terrific spot to host a party.
Be sure to say hello to Kent, Hadley, and the team preserving and guiding this stunning public garden. It’s located just a few minutes up Coleman Valley Road from downtown Occidental. You’ll be happy you did.
