Publisher's Note
By Holly Madrigal
The year had barely begun when we watched in horror as whole neighborhoods in Los Angeles went up in flames. Our local nurses learned that an Adventist Hospital in Southern California was in dire need of relief, since many staff had to evacuate themselves in addition to caring for their patients. So local hospitals evaluated their staffing and sent providers, who were on the ground days later, using their skills to offer needed respite to their Los Angeles colleagues.
Disasters illuminate how connected we are to each other. As we face an era of uncertainty and ongoing challenges, I am reminded that growing and tending community is by far the best method to prepare for whatever lies ahead. And it has the added bonus of being fun, creating new friendships, and reducing loneliness.
Rural areas need to be more prepared to rely on our neighbors since cities get resources first when a crisis occurs. The North Coast Emergency Food System Partnership pulls together tribes, family resource centers, local governments, the U.C. Extension, and farmers to ensure clear communication and distribution of resources in times of disaster (p40). This effort was informed by the harrowing tale of the impromptu emergency shelter organized by Laytonville residents when Highway 101 shut down during an unusually severe snowstorm.
Food security is an essential part of emergency preparedness. Gowan Batist’s piece reflects on the practical wisdom of growing radishes—an excellent food source that grows fast and tolerates cold better than most crops, providing an early spring gift of crunch and flavor (p33). Kotutwa Johnson in Arizona draws from his Hopi heritage in order to revive crops that can be dry farmed in his desert surroundings—a wise pursuit as we face a future of water scarcity (p24). And the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District is helping farmers adapt to the changing climate, landowners make their property more resilient to wildfire, and much more (p10).
Gary Ibsen and Dagma Lacey elevated heirloom tomatoes for the public through their annual TomatoFest celebration in Carmel (1992- 2009), and the couple continue to sell over 650 varieties of heirlooom tomato seeds throughtheir online business now that they live in Little River (p29). For over 30 years, farmers and backyard gardeners from far and wide have sent heirloom seeds to Gary so future tomato lovers can enjoy them.
“We are not as divided as our politics suggest” is a quote from President Obama that I take to heart. When disaster strikes, neighbors are less concerned about how you voted than whether your chainsaw is in good working order. Solving problems together is easier when you know your neighbor’s name and have learned that the old-timer down the block is a HAM radio enthusiast.
Last summer, I joined a “Gartending” group (a mix between gardening and bartending) that gathered at one member’s house to do yard work for an hour before sharing a beverage. It’s fun and productive, and everyone leaves feeling lighter. These are connections that will grow and thrive. May you find your community amongst our pages and in your neighborhood.
Holly Madrigal
Co-Publisher & Managing Editor
Daffodil photo by Niklas Ohlrogge courtesy of Unsplash.