Publisher's Note

There is a lot about the future that is unknown and a bit scary. We are all dealing with the uncertainty of climate change, political upheaval, and personal and family health issues. These worries swing the future into question. But even amidst emotional fears and apprehension, there are always those who are dreaming about new ways to do things.

This past November we lost farming elder, Stephen Decater of Live Power Farm, who along with his wife, Gloria, placed their farm in one of the first agricultural preservation easements so that future generations may also use the land to grow food. In Stephen’s absence, Gloria and her family will guide the farm into a new chapter, into the unknown.

Another loss occurred just this past March with the passing of Sally Schmitt, co-founder of the French Laundry and largely unsung torchbearer within the world of California cuisine. Her granddaughter, Polly, reflects on Sally’s legacy (p 19), and how her unique style of leadership in the kitchen and in the family inspired subsequent generations to pursue their own creative callings with discipline and confidence.

Filigreen Farm is not only growing biodynamic blueberries and so much more, but doing so on land that is now preserved into perpetuity. The Anderson Valley Land Trust (p 41) is an organization which is actively planning for what’s ahead. They are hosting a symposium to create a shared vision for homes, jobs, and livelihood for the generations still to come.

There are so many creative ways to envision a future where we trust and rely on each other more. When we plan a future that involves strengthening our community ties and therefore our local resilience, we all benefit. I get inspired when I hear about how the folks at Fortunate Farm (p 38) are experimenting with radical trust, allowing their self-serve “honor stand” to run itself while staff work the fields and grow the food. I got a kick out of learning how educator and business owner Jane Wolfe (p 35) has leveraged her family’s po’ boy shop in New Orleans to increase literacy, and how former media executive Ron King began a new life chapter by starting a donkey rescue nonprofit (p 11) outside of Hopland! The combination of compassion and creativity gives me hope.

So while I may have my moments of concern about what is out beyond the horizon, I am equally buoyed and inspired by the creative dream being manifested by these visionaries. They are literally crafting a new way of imagining the future.

Warmly,

Holly Madrigal,
Publisher