Publisher’s Note

I consider Willits to be my hometown. It is known for hosting the longest-running rodeo in California, the Skunk Train’s inland station, and the final resting place of the legendary racehorse, Seabiscuit. It was a great place to grow up—the wilderness was never farther than a short walk from my back door, people were warm and welcoming, and I made friendships that continue to nourish me to this day. Willits is also home to local celebrity Edie Ceccarelli (née Recagno), who recently turned 116 years old.

Edie’s notoriety has come from her ascension to the status of oldest living person in the United States (second oldest on Earth), but in Willits she is also known for being the sharpest dressed lady in town. She shared with me once that what kept her young were her love of dancing (which she did well into her nineties) and a small glass of wine at dinner. While she has a quieter life nowadays in a care home, I can’t help but imagine all she has experienced in her lifetime: the invention of flight, the widespread use of cars, the creation of the internet, and revolutions in person-to-person communication as we know it. Right here in our community, we have this remarkable woman living quietly and somewhat under the radar.

Years ago, food organizer and current director of Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, Scott Cratty, made an observation that perfectly captures our magazine’s purpose: “Mendocino County is where your neighbor is doing the most amazing things that no one has ever heard of.” Our contributors love to bring attention to the incredible projects your neighbors are involved in. For example, this season we tell you about a collaboration of folks spearheading a seed-growing and -sharing initiative that will improve food security by developing seeds that thrive under existing conditions without excessive inputs of water and nutrients (p39). Another piece describes one gardener’s quest to populate her flower bed with poppies from all over the world to keep company with those orange gems—California poppies—that originally inhabited the zone (p15). Her explorations into the vast world of poppies brought a whole new mix of color and texture to her property.

This issue also shares the story of Noyo Harbor Inn’s Harbor View Bistro, whose mixologist has crafted a unique selection of bitters using local ingredients like lilac blossoms and black currant charred cedar (p37). What fun to learn how to enhance any beverage with components sourced from our surroundings! The Candy Cap mushroom bitters, in particular, are unique to our area. As the season brings more sun and warmth, gatherings can move outside again. Our center spread features some of our favorite caterers to help your event shine (p22). Celebrating outdoors is one of the ultimate pleasures of living here, and you can be truly present at your own event if you leave the cooking to the professionals.

It is such a joy to share insights into the fascinating pursuits of Mendocino County’s inspired and (at times) charmingly eccentric individuals. By sharing their stories we can support those that make this area such a wonderful place. Happy Birthday Edie, and may we all enjoy such rewarding longevity.

Holly Madrigal
Co-Publisher & Managing Editor