Hi-Desert Star
By Courtney Vaughn

YUCCA VALLEY, December 2, 2009 – In a small, partially shaded location just west of what was then Water Canyon Coffee Co. in Yucca Valley, a few shoppers sifted through boxes of vine-ripe tomatoes, strawberries and pungent grapefruits, among other fresh bundles of hand-picked, farm-fresh veggies. The small but neatly arranged displays of agricultural gems are sold each Wednesday at the Water Canyon Farmers Market. Most of the fresh produce comes from Jaime Farms, a crop producer in Pipes Canyon. The other tables boasted baked goods from Palm Springs-based bakery Aspen Mills. On the far end of the lot, Earthwise Organic Farms, which organizes the weekly market, displayed a festive basket of squash. The squash was the first crop of the year from their farm on Sunfair Road in Joshua Tree. All of the food available at the market was produced within a 40-mile radius. For some patrons, produce grown close to home provides comfort.

‘I like that it’s really fresh and it doesn’t come from very far,’ said Erin Giove of Yucca Valley, as she browsed through a box of corn cobs, reached for two, then carried them a few feet to the register.

Earthwise organizer Tim Sakach said the goal is “to promote health in the Hi-Desert area by providing people with high quality, locally produced foods.”

“Part of growing local is food security and keeping prices low,” says Dr. Robert Ellis, also of Earthwise.

Sakach and the Earthwise crew say they’ve done cost comparisons and found their fruit and vegetable baskets to be a few dollars cheaper than the same quantity of produce from a local club-card supermarket.

Jack Brown, CEO of Stater Bros., says farmers markets aren’t the only option for locally-grown food. The Colton-based market has a wide range of locally grown and organic produce, and other companies increasingly are offering similar items. ‘We currently offer over 190 items that are grown in California. We have cherries from Beaumont and apples from Oak Glen,” Brown says. Brown went on to add, “We carry over 600 organic items in our store total, including produce, meat and dairy products.”

But a recent push by the U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages shoppers to get acquainted with the producers in their own communities. In October, the USDA launched a “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.” Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan stated in a news release that strengthening local farming practices is good for the community. “We can revitalize rural communities and spur economic opportunity by strengthening the link between local production and local consumption,” Merrigan adds. In the bigger picture, local farming is encouraged for its low impact on the environment and helpful hand in your health. The issue of the “right” food to eat becomes more problematic when considering the many children living in the U.S. who are reported to be malnourished. An article released by the Centers for Disease Control states just 39 percent of children ages 2 to 17 meet the USDA’s dietary recommendation for fiber, which is found primarily in legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

The CDC also found that in 2007, less than 22 percent of high school students surveyed ate enough fruits and vegetables each day. Earthwise would like to do something about that. Organizers have partnered with a program called Champions for Change, which allows Earthwise to accept food stamps and provide nutritional education at the weekly farmers market. Ellis and his fellow organizers hope that by making more options available to those in need, they can foster healthier outcomes among families. “We can’t do anything about quantity, but we can do something about quality” said Ellis.

So what exactly is the difference between shopping at a farmers market and buying from the grocery store? It all comes down to the way the food is harvested. Sue Huber, certified nutritionist and owner of Sue’s Health Foods in Yucca Valley, says the growing process of fruits and vegetables has a lot to do with their nutritional value. “There’s a difference between sprayed produce and organic produce. The organic produce has more of an opportunity to absorb the nutrients in the soil,” Huber said. She used the example of spinach – when grown organically without the use of pesticides, additives or chemical fertilizers, the parts per million of iron is usually much higher than in a conventionally grown version of the leafy green vegetable.

Many local farmers, including Jaime Farms, say their farming practices fall under organic standards, though they are not certified organic yet because of the lengthy government certification process. By USDA standards, a farmer must undergo government inspection of farm fields and record keeping processes, as well as submission of an annual system plan if they want to classify their crops as organic. At any market, they say, it’s best to ask if you’re concerned about the growing process. Most of the vendors, usually the farmers themselves, will tell you exactly how they grew the crop and whether they used pesticides, if any.

The Desert Trail
By Courtney Vaughn

TWENTYNINE PALMS, December 2, 2009- A farmers’ market could soon take root here if the City Council approves an amendment to the city’s Development Code. The Twentynine Palms Plannning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday, Dec. 1 to approve the modified language in a proposed code amendment that would allow certified farmers’ markets, open-air markets, craft fairs and job fairs to operate in the city. Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 1 revised code amendment details covering parking and hours of operation, as well as the restriction of animals at any markets, unless those animals are designated as service animals.

In addition, vendors that participate in fairs and markets that operate for four months or less during the year will have to obtain a temporary use permit under the amendment. Events that operate for longer than four months a year will require vendors to obtain conditional use permits.

After the vote, resident Jay Corbin lauded the commission’s decision to forward the amendment to the City Council. I think you have a home run on your hands. It’s a great addition that will encourage this kind of growth,” Corbin told commissioners.

Milissa Anderson, co-owner of Earthwise Organics of Joshua Tree, said via telephone  Tuesday that when she and her business partners applied for a permit to run a farmers’ marke here earlier this year they surprised to learn that Twentynine Palms didn’t have provisions for such enterprises in the Development Code. We went to one of the meetings to push (a farmers’ market) and tell them it would be a great idea,” Anderson said. Earthwise Organics operates the Yucca Valley Farmers’ Market (formerly known as Water Canyon Farmers’ Market). Anderson said she and her fellow Earthwise organizers hope to see the amendment approved soon so Twentynine Palms can enjoy the same types of markets that Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley do.
The City Council, which will have final say on the code amendment, is scheduled to discuss the item during at its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 at City Hall.

The Desert Trail: Farmers’ market regulations move forward

Basin Wide Spirit, Fall 2009
By Stacy Moore

JOSHUA TREE, November 2009 – Milissa Anderson laughs as she strides down the soft dirt path, open desert on her left side and row upon row of flowering squash plants on her right.

This isn’t going to be a seedy story, is it? she asks.Yes, this is a very seedy story a leafy one, too. Anderson, who lives in Joshua Tree, is a member of the Earthwise garden project spearheaded by Robert Ellis on a former alfalfa farm off Sunfair Road in that village.

What’s growing now on the farm pumpkins and other squashes, melons, okra and, soon, garlic is sold at a weekly farmers’ market in Yucca Valley. What’s next for Ellis and his team is a community garden, where anyone can rent a 20- by 20-foot spot for a personal farm to feed one’s family or to sell at the farmers’ market or at a roadside stand.

We have 10 to 12 farmers now who are in line to get growing, Ellis says. The cost will be $10 per month, plus the price of installing irrigation for the plot. Members who want to sell at the farmers’ market will pay an extra fee for certification.

In another part of the Morongo Basin, a second group of growers is laying the early groundwork for its own community garden. Landowner Garth Bowles wants to contribute a section of his property in Rimrock, near Pioneertown, for a community garden specifically a permaculture garden, following precepts about living and farming in a way that mimics natural ecosystems.

Garth Bowles stands on a bridge spanning a lily-covered pond on his Rimrock property. He also has geese in his menagerie.

It’s really working with the land to create what’s necessary for sustainability for land, people and animals, explains Amara Alban, the spokeswoman for the Rimrock effort. While they aren’t ready to begin turning soil quite yet, the Boulder Community Garden idea is flowering into a growing group of people who meet online and in person.

We just had a visioning meeting and put together a proper vision statement, Amara said in early September. At frequent in-person gatherings, participants discuss ideas, learn gardening techniques and share goods from their personal gardens.

This is in a very, very beginning stage, Amara says. If enough people are interested and have the energy and focus to create it, it’s wide open. Far from competing with the Earthwise garden, Amara envisions a Morongo Basin with several community gardens, each convenient to people from different parts of the region. She called on people to join the Earthwise community garden, where they should be able to start planting seeds very soon.

Ellis’ own vision for his Joshua Tree farm is to help families eat healthy meals, putting in less money and more bonding time than they do now. For people relying on restaurants and supermarkets, It is not always cheap to eat healthy, and it’s not always userfriendly to go to McDonald’s, says Ellis, who estimates a community gardener could produce up to 2,000 pounds of vegetables in a year on the size of the plots he’s planning.

To help make it easier for people on very limited incomes, the Earthwise farmers’ market accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer cards debit cards for people on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. People on food stamps can augment their menus with the community garden, Ellis enthuses.

Earthwise also is a member of Champions for Change, a California Department of Public Health initiative to encourage people to live more healthy lifestyles. Beyond the health of fresh fruits and veggies, Ellis sees a spiritual component to his farm, as well. The bonding that happens in a family that grows food, prepares it and eats it together is worth the price of seeds 10 times over, he says.

The idea behind a community garden is simple: It’s a piece of land gardened by a group of people. From that seed of an idea, several possibilities can grow. Gardeners might eat the food themselves, share with others, donate to charities or sell at farmers’ markets or roadside stands. The Morongo Basin has two community gardening groups. Earthwise Farms in Joshua Tree is much closer to renting out farm spaces. Boulder Community Garden is in the visioning process and is a kind of support and encouragement group for people interested in gardening.

Earthwise Hosts Water Canyon Farmers’ Market from 3-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Location: 55818 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley
Information: (760) 542-9780 or info@earthwiseorganicfarms.com
Online: http://earthwiseorganicfarms.com/

Boulder Community Gardens Hosts online community with in-person gatherings
Information: Amara Alban at (760) 401-5220
Online: http://bouldercommunitygardens.ning.com

JOSHUA TREE, November 1, 2009 – Several varieties of squash were planted on a 40 acre tract in late summer 2009, and the first harvest is now underway starting in late October. Squash varieties include Kombucha, Spaghetti, Acorn, Calabaza, and Turban. The mineral rich soil did not require any amendments, and the squash were grown with non-gmo organic seed, and of course, no pesticides were used. The hearty squash plants withstood strong winds, heat, cold, rabbits and fared quite well. The hard-working farm engineers from Jaimie farms also battled with ground squirrels who were constantly chewing through the drip irrigation lines.

The squash are now served at local restaurants, including the Ricochet, which serves Kombucha soup prepared by healthy gourmet chef, Rosa. The squash are also on sale at the Water Canyon Farmers Market every Wednesday between 3-7 pm.

By Jutta Biggerstaff
For the Hi-Desert Star

Rimrock, CA, August 15, 2009 – Garth Bowles has the hands of a working man, rough and seasoned with the earth he tends. His hands tell the story of the life he has led, of hard work and passion for the land.

Bowles, 65, arrived in the Morongo Basin 29 years ago on a spiritual quest. Born and raised in Riverside, he searched all over country for a place he could live simply, a place he could share with others who also sought spiritual enlightenment.

Finally, with his father’s help, he acquired 640 acres in the Rimrock area, a lovely location despite near decimation by the Sawtooth Complex Fire in 2006.

He indeed lives simply, building his own house and painstakingly landscaping his property and constructing his garden. He lives with several pets, including a cat named Chairman Meow, and occasionally hosts visitors from all over the world.

In time, Bowles’ quest evolved, and today his vision is for a community garden to help educate and feed the people of the Morongo Basin. He is prepared to donate a portion of his land for the garden, and he wants to encourage everyone to participate.

Community gardening is a concept that has been gaining ground throughout the country. The rising cost of fresh produce coupled with food safety concerns have many people, urban and rural alike, planting and growing their own vegetables.

But, according to Bowles, aside from those valid reasons there also is the sense of community, of neighbors working together, that is a satisfying component to community gardening.

Bowles’ unique house is cradled by boulders and surrounded by piñon pines, oaks, mesquites and other desert vegetation. He has created Zen-like, Japanese-style gardens with lily-covered ponds, seating areas and diverse sculptures along gentle pathways.

He has been gardening himself with some success for many years.

I wanted to make a place as an example of how to live with the land without destroying it, he said.

It turns out many other people in the area share similar feelings and some are working with Bowles to form the community garden.

Amara Alban and her husband, Thomas, were delighted to meet Bowles in early 2000 when they scouted the area for a house. He helped them move in, and a couple of years later was a witness at their small wedding. They’ve become friends.

We just fell in love with what he was doing with his land and how open he was to sharing what he knew real, grounded knowledge based in our desert environment, he said. We’ve enjoyed receiving his advice all these years and are grateful to have him for a teacher.

Acting as the communication person, Alban is soliciting charter members for the community garden who would decide how the concept would be carried out. For example, would participants pay a fee and would they work individually or collectively on the land?

Usually, in community gardens, you have your individual plot and then help each other out, share resources and coordinate so everyone is not growing zucchini, she explained.

Alban can see community gardens growing in every area of the Morongo Basin. In fact, she said, Earthwise Organic Farms of Joshua Tree is offering five acres of land for a garden in that area.

Alban and her husband have been working toward being more self-reliant for the last 12 years, and growing their own food is a big part of that goal.

She cited the use of pesticides and herbicides and the fragility of supply lines as contributing factors in their decision.

Our being responsible for our own health and nutrition is very basic to our possessing personal power and truly knowing our place on the planet, she said. It’s really about finding our sense of place where we live being more fully here and aware.

Community gardening is a rewarding experience on a fundamental level, she said, and sharing it with others gives it that much more depth.

Bowles practices permaculture gardening, an ancient system that has been rediscovered recently. Permaculture is a contraction of the words permanent agriculture and is a system that relies on efficient water use as its basis and emphasizes harmony with the environment.

I’ve been doing it here on a small scale for about 10 years, and I now have three springs, he said.

But now he wants to share his land and his knowledge with others, especially children.

My idea was to use the community garden as a resource for education for kids, he said.

Bowles’ garden vegetables include potatoes, kale, beets and chard. He’s also produced strawberries, blackberries, figs, cherries and plums. He raises some animals, and counts peacocks, chickens, pheasants and geese among his menagerie.

The Pomeranian geese came in the mail at 7 weeks old and were fuzzy little balls, he laughed.

Bowles would like the whole community to get involved with the garden, to build awareness of where our food comes from and to take control of what we eat. He wants to show people how to feed themselves, work together and become good neighbors.

Community is the key word, he said.

Anyone interested in becoming involved with the community garden can go online to:

www.bouldercommunitygardens.ning.com

Yucca Valley, CA, August 5, 2009 – After the Water Canyon Farmers Market closed down unexpectedly due to lack of sufficient business, the Earthwise co-op, which is located in a commercial space adjacent to the site of the former farmers market, remained open for business during the normal farmer’s market hours. Freshly picked produce provided by our partnership with Jaime Farms, is grown locally and does not contain pesticides, GMO or chemical fertilizers. The produce was brought in and setup inside the Earthwise co-op store. As a show of community support, the local news media, including The Hi-Desert Star and Z107.7 radio station promoted the event. The turnout was bigger than expected, and at times, the tiny co-op store was packed with standing room only and more people were waiting outside to get in and buy fresh produce. At the end of the day, hundreds of people showed up to support their local farm and most produce items were sold out. People were very happy to see that high quality produce was available at the site of the former farmer’s market, and glad to learn that the Water Canyon Farmers Market was in the process of re-opening after we obtain new permits for everything.

The tiny Earthwise co-op store in Yucca Valley, CA:

Some examples of high quality, freshly picked produce set out for purchase. Almost all of this was sold out and gone by the end of the day.

At times there were lines of people waiting to get into the co-op store!

A happy customer, selecting freshly picked heirloom tomatoes.

By Pam LaFosse
Special to The Trail

TWENTYNINE PALMS, August 5, 2009 — The Twentynine Palms Planning Commission has taken the first step toward establishing standards and criteria that would allow local growers to offer high-quality, organic produce to residents here.

After a study session Tuesday, Aug. 4 that saw several people speak in favor of amending the city’s Development Code to allow for certified farmers’ markets within the city, Chairman Bill Easter, Vice Chair Chuck Caplinger and Commissioners Carey Alderson, Dan Mintz and Rebecca Rinkes directed Community Development Director Charles LaClaire to research state and county regulations on farmers’ markets and bring a recommendation to the commission at its first meeting in October.

The study session drew an enthusiastic group of supporters to meeting, including Dr. Robert Ellis of Earthwise Organic Farms, who presented an overview of the structure and organization required for the operation of a successful farmers’ market.

According to Ellis, Earthwise has just established a new 640-acre farm on Sunfair Road in Joshua Tree and hopes to run the operation in Twentynine Palms.

Commissioners questioned Ellis at length about the technical aspects of farmers’ markets, including designating the market as certified.

“If you are using a certified farmers’ market, then only farmers that are certified by the Department of Agriculture can participate in the market,” Ellis told the panel. “We would set the market up in two divisions. One would be a certified farmers’ market, and the second part that would be off to the side would bring in other farmers and people who are involved with arts and crafts.”

The city has no deal with Ellis to manage a farmers’ market here. If the Planning Commission and City Council agree to allow farmers’ markets in the city, it would pave the way for Ellis and others to apply to run a market here.

In 2008, members of the Historic Plaza Merchants Association asked City Manager Michael Tree to meet with them and Joshua Tree Certified Farmers’ Market founder Lori Herbel to start the ball rolling on Development Code changes needed to allow such markets in the city.

Herbel did not attend Tuesday’s meeting but said Wednesday, Aug. 5 that she would attend the October meeting.

“If the city does pass having a certified farmers’ market they need to understand what that certificate looks like” so officials can ensure that the market is indeed certified, Herbel said.

Supporters of the amendment, retired university professor Vala Stultz and Homestead Inn Bed & Breakfast owner Jerri Hagman, offered to provide additional information and assistance to commissioners. Hagman also voiced concerns about the fees associated with starting up a farmers’ market, especially for conditional use permits, which LaClaire said are $3,400. LaClaire said fees would be addressed by the City Council when it considers the issue.

In other business, commissioners asked LaClaire to schedule a special meeting for Wednesday, Sept. 2 to discuss the issue of vacation home rentals.

Easter, who resigned as Planning Commission chair effective Monday, Aug. 17 so he can return to college to further his education, agreed to delay his departure until his replacement is appointed.

Application forms and a statement of duties for the Planning Commission are available at City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for submission of applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

A City Council task force will review applications, interview candidates and recommend an appointee in September. For more information, call City Hall at (760) 367-6799.

By Jimmy Biggerstaff
Hi-Desert Star

Yucca Valley, CA, August 5, 2009 — Notwithstanding its loss of permits and insurance to operate as a certified farmers market, the recently established market in Old Town will be open for business this afternoon.

“Despite enthusiastic responses from produce shoppers who visited the market during its first three weeks of operations, the turnout did not meet expectations,” wrote Liz Mediavilla in a news release.

Eric Mueller’s vacant lot west of Water Canyon Coffee Company had hosted the market.

“As anyone knows, it’s a challenge to launch a new business of any sort, especially during the summer,” Mueller said. “It takes time and we’re hoping the community will now realize how important it is to support these markets, both here and in Joshua Tree.”

Mueller said vendors will provide a “sampling from the new farmers market” from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Earthwise offices, 55818 Twentynine Palms Highway.

Permits are in the works, Mueller added, to bring the “full” farmers market out Aug. 12.

The Water Canyon Certified Farmers Market officially closed July 29, according to proprietor Lori Herbel.

“All permits and insurance have been withdrawn from the San Bernardino County Agriculture Department, the San Bernardino County Environmental Health Department and the Town of Yucca Valley,” Herbel said.

“In order for a certified farmers market to continue at the same location, the new proprietor will need to obtain proper permits.”

There are stringent regulations governing certified farmers markets, Herbel explained. “These regulations are in place to protect the integrity of the certified farmers markets and to protect the interests of the farmers (certified producers) and consumers.”

Herbel contacted the county agriculture department regarding certified farmers market certificates issued in the county. Officials informed Herbel they have not received a new application for a certified farmers market at the Water Canyon site; however, an inquiry was made to apply for an uncertified farmers market.

Herbel said in order to qualify for a certified farmers market certificate, the applicant must qualify either as a certified producer, municipality or nonprofit specifically formed to run certified farmers markets.

“It is important to know that without certified farmers markets, small farmers would become a distant memory,” Herbel said. “As a longtime small farmer and now market manager, I know first-hand how important it is to maintain the integrity of certified farmers markets for the future survival of small farmers.”

Hi Desert Star: Weekly market to re-open in Old Town Yucca

Joshua Tree, CA, July 26, 2009 - The first crop is underway at the new Earthwise Farm located on Sunfair Road in Joshua Tree. The new farm in Joshua Tree is the largest fruit and vegetable farm in the South Desert region of San Bernardino County (from Victorville to 29 Palms) and is now the only major farm in operation in the entire Morongo Basin. The sustainable farm is located at the site of a former alfalfa farm that was last active in the 1950’s. After nearly 60 years of dormancy, the soil at the former alfalfa farm is still abundantly rich and fertile. New plantings for this season include peanuts, carrots, beets, watermelon, cantalopes, winter squash and potatoes.

A two acre worm farm has also been started to supply the farm with worm castings. A planned expansion of the worm farm is scheduled to occur in September 2009 to provide local growers with a steady supply of worm castings.

The water-conserving drip irrigation system was installed on the first 40 acre farmsite parcel, operated by Jaimie Bros. Farms. After several attempts of pressurizing the system at full well output, Jaimie Bros. succeeded at containing the prodigious output of well #2.

An example of the farm equipment on site.

Yucca Valley, CA, July 18, 2009 – The 2nd meeting of Boulder Community Gardens took place at Greg, Chris and Jeremy’s home in Yucca Valley. Director Carol Petersen began the meeting agenda with a brief statement of purpose, “Collective Efforts” and expressed gratitude for those who are participating in the Boulder Community Garden project. In attendance were 22 persons who sat in the glow of a beautiful garden brimming with squash, amaranth, zinnia’s, and more.

At the meeting Dr. Robert Ellis of Earthwise Organic Farms explained his offer to set aside several acres for a community garden on farmland adjacent to his sustainable farm in Joshua Tree. The site already has an abundant supply of high quality water, is located next to a worm farm, a large scale pesticide-free farm, and is easily accessible via Sunfair Rd.

Dr. Ellis suggested that we might consider the growing of indigenous trees and plants as there is a ready market for those items in the high desert. Dr. Ellis also expressed his favorable impression of the amount of talent, knowledge and experience demonstrated by the members of Boulder Community Garden.

We were in the company of people including Mara Cantello who had received the Jefferson Award for community volunteerism. Her favorite quote, “We must continue to exhibit the spirit of volunteerism and generous individual giving for in that spirit be found life finest experience.” Each year Mara and a community of selfless volunteers produce Tender Loving Christmas. We were in the company of eco activist’s and social activist’s. Cindy Zack has taught for 17 years at Yucca High biology, ecology and gardening. Our hosts were adept in water management, composting and a knowledge of insects with a family owned business which has products at the Smithsonian. There were several healers including Dr. Chuck founder of the High Desert Health Fair, Kendra Moshie who is certified from the Hippocrates Institute and Alpha Richards who does spiritual readings.

The gathering lasted for 6 hours and everyone had a time to share from the heart. During the break new friends came together and inspiration was flowing with great feedback and interaction. John, artist and flute player emphasized the social importance of having a place to “make and grow community.” There was an amazing vegetarian buffet with ginger noodle’s, grilled artichokes, a savory corn dish, beans, potato salad, fresh organic fruit, French toast bread putting with strawberries, veggie chorizo and nopales and blue corn tortillas.

For more information about Boulder Community Gardens, visit their website at http://bouldercommunitygardens.ning.com/