Thank you ❤️ Acknowledging the People of the 2nd Annual Gathering

 
 

Dear friends,

We hardly have words to capture the magic of the Annual Gathering on Thursday. We truly felt the resilience and beautiful diversity of our region. Seeds planted long ago felt like they sprouted, older roots reached down deep, and many new seeds were sown.

Thank you all so much for sharing your presence, energy, wisdom, and love. Together, we are really doing it—cultivating a food system that belongs to all, and a community rooted in intention and belonging.

—

Gratitude to our people

Countless individuals helped us literally set the stage for the day, to create a powerful space for everyone to gather.

  • The team at the California Center for the Arts, including Coby, Edgar, José, Todd, Chef Eric, and individuals across many departments, for working with us and maintaining a beautiful and community-centered facility.

  • Stan Rodriguez, Paul Cannon, and Cynthia Ajani, for starting the day with intention and reflection.

  • Emilio Flores, for leading event logistics and keeping everyone laughing.

  • Cris Juárez García and Inecui Flowers, for crafting the beautiful arrangements at each table.

  • Andrea Rocha and Mario García, Spanish interpreters, for helping us understand each other across language barriers. We hope to continue offering interpretation—in more languages—at events in the near future.

  • Zimar Villarmino and Zakeesha Avena, childcare providers, for providing a safe and creative space for our young ones, and a moment’s rest for their inspiring parents.

  • Rio Holaday, for guiding the team and being our thought partner in designing sessions that invite transformational conversations.

  • Lady Ri, for blessing us with her soul and voice.

  • Jesús Chapa, for sharing his many talents—audio engineering, building things by hand, helping with endless tasks on Gathering day.

  • Our team of over 20 volunteers—for their enthusiasm and support from sunrise to sunset.

  • The City of Escondido Recycling Division, for providing essential waste management and reduction services for the Gathering, and for their passion for Escondido.

  • Tomoko Matsubayashi and Tava Kessler, for documenting the day with thought and care. Photos and videos coming soon!

And of course, all of the day’s speakers, food vendors, Community Hall participants, and sponsors, for nourishing us in many forms. Our region contains true abundance.

We will be reaching out next week with a survey to gather your thoughts on this year’s Annual Gathering, so please hold tight to your reflections!

Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating weekend ❤️

Until next time,
The San Diego Food System Alliance

Event Recap, ReflectionsMargaret Chiu01 Preserve Agricultural Land and Soils and Invest in Long-term Food Production, 02 Increase the Viability of Local Farms Fisheries and Food Businesses, 03 Scale Up Local Sustainable and Equitable Food Value Chains, 04 Elevate Wages and Working Conditions and Improve Career Opportunities, 05 Expand Integrated Nutrition and Food Security, 06 Improve Community Food Environments, 07 Scale Up Food Waste Prevention Recovery and Recycling Initiatives, 08 Increase Leadership by Black Indigenous and People of Color Across the Food System, 09 Build a Local Sustainable and Equitable Food Movement, 10 Plan for a Resilient Food System