Jun 29, 2018
The Cloverleaf Farm is a 10-acre, certified organic orchard and farm in Dixon bursting with juicy peaches, nectarines, apricots and figs. Emma Torbert and Katie Fyhrie lease the orchard from The Collins Farm and co-manage the Collins Community Farmstand.
For the 2018 season, the community farmstand, directly off of I-80 West at the Kidwell Exit, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am to 3:00pm now through October 8th. In addition to fresh fruit, also enjoy fresh pies, popsicles, blackberries, organic Cloverleaf stone fruit, and organic vegetables from Hearty Fork Farm.
Cloverleaf Farm will be hosting several events at the Farmstand this summer like special U-pick days which will be advertised on their Facebook page and through their mailing list.
For information on purchasing produce or joining their fruit CSA, please e-mail thecloverleaffarm@gmail.com. Please go to Find our Produce to purchase a CSA share.
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.
Sustainable Solano offers healthy cooking workshops around the county that share ways to cook with fresh, seasonal produce.
