Jun 27, 2018
The Berkeley Food Institute launches its newest project, ‘Hungry for Change,’ a collection of compelling profiles showcasing the work of 20 emerging food system leaders across California who are advancing equity, health, and sustainability in food systems. These 20 up-and-coming trailblazers represent a broad range of geographic regions, areas of reform, and socio-economic backgrounds. What these leaders have in common: a desire to remake food systems in order to bring about greater equity, justice, sustainability, and health for all.
This project chronicles the successes, challenges, and innovative thinking of these trailblazers intent on making change on a local, regional, and national level. These farmers, policy advocates, social entrepreneurs, and social justice activists work in different fields, but share a vision of remaking and repairing food systems.
Hungry for Change grew out of BFI’s Changemakers project and takes the form of a print publication, written by Sarah Henry, and a 10-minute movie, produced by Fabian Aguirre and Maya Pisciotto of The Understory. Click here to watch film clip.
The project was generously supported by the California Endowment.
Jun 26, 2018
Sustainable Solano envisions an environmentally, economically sustainable and equitable local food system for residents across Solano County. In addition to stronger relationships with our farmers through Community Supported Agriculture, supporting local sustainable business and eateries is part of this vision that aims to create healthier families and communities countywide.
BackDoor Bistro and Wine Bar is one of the few gems in the county to deliver holistic, fine dining using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Chef and founder, Lindsey Chelini is a Vacaville native with a degree in business from Humboldt State University and a graduate of the Napa Valley Cooking School in St. Helena. Her journey through the culinary arts and fine wine includes working at a well-known valley Michelin Star restaurant for several years and catering for her father’s wine business.
BackDoor Bistro offers creative, seasonal spins on American and European classics in a rustic, chic space and a variety of wine selections. Hearty, nutritious breakfast options such as Meyer lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict and their famous flat iron hash are local favorites. Perfect for summer, delight in lighter entrees like their fresh, unique salad combinations or indulge in something more robust like cheddar, blue cheese, bacon macaroni and cheese! Dinner will not disappoint with savory specials like shrimp & grits, duck carnita tacos and coconut lime wild Alaskan halibut. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Happy Hour daily from 5:00pm-6:30pm.
Backdoor Bistro sources from and supports the following farms and food growers:
Lockwood Acres
Mary’s Chickens
Niman Ranch
TerraFirma Farms
Full Belly Farm
Jun 13, 2018
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members recommend to the City Council how to spend part of a public budget. It enables taxpayers to work with government to make the budget decisions that affect their lives. Developed first in Brazil in 1989, Participatory Budgeting is now practiced in over 1,500 cities around the world.The City and Vallejo residents’ involvement in Participatory Budgeting has made Vallejo a model for city and government institutions worldwide. Through new partnerships with universities and educational institutions, non-profit organizations, generated recognition from The White House,
The Atlantic,
Slate Magazine, Time and
National Public Radio, Vallejo has become the gold standard for public participation and collaborative government.
What is the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee?
The Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee facilitates the PB process, which includes recommending program rules, planning public meetings, and conducting outreach with diverse communities.
Members work with City Staff to ensure that PB Vallejo is transparent, fair, and inclusive.
The committee has a total of 11 seats, comprised of organizational and at-large members.
Committee members serve for 2 cycles of Vallejo’s PB process (Approximately 2 years).
Currently, there are 6 member vacancies and 3 alternate member vacancies.
Applications must be received no later than close of business on Friday, June 15, 2018.
City Council interviews have tentatively been scheduled for the weeks of July 2 through July 16 starting as early as 5:30 p.m.
Applicants must attend the interview in order to be considered for appointment.
Jun 13, 2018
By: Nicole Newell, Sustainable Backyard Program Manager
The work at Suisun Wildlife Center was the most interesting and busiest installation yet! As we were learning, working, and getting to know each other, the raptors and a one-eyed coyote were watching us. Volunteers stopped by to get bottles for the baby squirrels and raccoons that are receiving in-home care and wounded baby possums, squirrels, raccoons and birds arrived as we installed the pollinator food forest. We saw first-hand the service that Suisun Wildlife Center provides to California native wildlife. Throughout the three days, city council members, board members, and community members interested in water-efficiency and wildlife visited us.
Andrew Torres, a student from the Airman Leadership School Globemaster class contacted me a few days prior to the installation and asked if we had a community service project available for the class to join. This healthy crew of young men and women studying to be sergeants delivered 15 yards of tree chips and dug 60 feet of swales in only two hours! Each year 35, 263 gallons of water will be diverted from the roof to the swales. Suisun City Vice Mayor, Lori Wilson, coordinated lunch with local eateries and McDonalds donated chicken salads (yes they were tasty!). At lunchtime, we spoke to the Globemaster class and learned about the important role that community service plays in becoming sergeants. The foundation of this garden was completed and the class learned how to harvest water in-ground and build soil by adding tree chips.
The next day, we did not have the help of the Globemaster class, but we did have a few solid participants that have been to our previous workshops ready to wrap up this project. Kevin brought his nifty drill that helped dig the holes and made planting in clay soil effortless. We planted over 30 different types of plants to attract pollinators. Rose from Morningsun Herb Farm recommended Newleaze Coral. This plant blooms from spring to fall and attracts many different types of bees including native bees. After we had our pizza lunch donated from Mountain Mikes, the Daisy Girl Scouts arrived to work on their honeybee award. The girls worked as a team to plant Russian Salvia; this plant attracts butterflies, hover flies and bees. Then they sprinkled laughter, joy and pollinator seeds all over the garden. Thank you to everyone that helped get this pollinator food forest installed at Suisun Wildlife Center. Vice Mayor Wilson supported the Suisun City Sustainable Backyard program from the beginning by introducing us to local organizations, launching our program at Denise Rushing’s speaker event and serving on the Advisory Board to help select both the private and public site in Suisun City.
This demonstration pollinator food forest at Suisun Wildlife Center is a public project funded by the Solano County Water Agency. The garden will serve as a community asset where people can learn simple techniques to design a resilient, water-wise landscape.
Sustainable Solano offers healthy cooking workshops around the county that share ways to cook with fresh, seasonal produce.
