Good food offers more than pleasure. At its best, it reflects place — the soil, the seasons, the people who shape it. On Saturday night at Earthtrine Farm in Ojai, that “place” was both literal and political. With a backdrop of mountains bordering the farm and thunderheads blanketing the peaks, Los Padres ForestWatch gathered supporters for its Wilderness Table — a dinner designed to remind guests that the lands they love are under threat, and that defense begins at the community level.
Walking up the dirt road to the pale yellow farmhouse, guests were met with fruity vodka spritzes from Rock 12 Distillery. Small bites of fresh bread dipped in Ojai olive oil and balsamic vinegar waited on the tables as guests acquainted themselves.
Boardmember Vic Thasiah set the tone. As a trail runner and backpacker, he put it simply: “I love the forest for many different reasons, even down to ecological services, clean water and clean air. I’m so glad that you’re here. I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can tonight.”