Slow Life with Real Food

Fairview Gardens, established in 1997 by Michael Ableman, is a non-profit organization located in Goleta, California. It is a twelve and a half acre farm smack-dab in the middle of suburbia, neighboring a WellsFargo Bank and Rite-Aid Pharmacy. Originally it was created to preserve the land and grow nourishing food, but has since become a huge success and an integral part of the community. On the farm, they produce over one hundred varieties of vegetables and fruits, and they educate others through tours, gardening and cooking classes, internships, workshops, and more.
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A visit to Coleman Farms was more like an excuse to eat, get drunk, laugh, and enjoy good company. It's true. We were hardly working, and having tons of fun. It began with a mosey motorcycle drive to Carpinteria on Hwy 192, passing grand estate after grand estate, and just about as many luxury cars. We pulled into the drive that led to Coleman Farms, and it was lined with white picket fences, perfectly manicured lawns, and a dozen impeccably kept thoroughbred horses. I thought, for sure, that these were going to be some uppity people.

As we drove along a little further, the picket fences stopped and junk metal welded into art began to dot the drive. Then, a pig pen. Then, a couple of trailer homes, and then finally Bill and Dehlia Coleman's cozy home covered in overgrown everything.[Read More]

Earth to Table is a 3 1/2 acre farm located in the valley of Arroyo Grande. It is a very small operation, lovingly built by Cheryl Price, a woman ahead of her time in her community. Cheryl biodynamically grows heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Her methods focus on cultivating healthy soil, rather than focusing primarily on the plant.[Read More]