Like everyone else, life has been on speed dial and the need to slow down my spinning micro-world is needed more than ever. And with the recent Manchester, England bombing and the passing of elders–there is a lot of praying going on for souls departed. Rest in peace and go with God.

On a lighter but still responsible note, Jason Mraz has headed up an initiative with other local farmers, restaurants, and purveyors to create public awareness of diminishing farmlands. A local and international songwriter, his public persona has brought attention to the beloved and ubiquitous avocado by taking up organic farming.

On a hot, windy day in South Morro Hills, the Mraz Family Farms was the hilly picturesque site of the first annual O’sider Feast.

In his welcoming speech of all the participants and volunteers who helped to make this event come together and run smoothly,

”I have been all over the world, and I can tell you, right here is as good as Tuscany! [Here being South Morro Hills in Oceanside] We have hopes of turning the very ground you are sitting on into a coffee plantation complete with a coffee tasting house. It is still residential zoning so there is a lot of work to do. I want to thank my wife, Christina, for always saying yes.”

Kudos to her graciousness and beauty. The property was originally horse property and the adjacent surrounding acreage were all Mraz avocado trees.

With the motto of the day being ”Zero Food Waste”: guests were given a reusable fork, a reusable  bag, and a reusable Mason jar to drink from. Delicious amazing tastings from local restaurants and purveyors were offered with complimentary food and drink tickets. Melamine plates were placed in portable sinks and even eating responsibly felt good. Real good. The most absolute amazing offering of the day was vodka called, Misadventure. Unique fermentation made from days old infamous baked goods such as the illustrious Twinkie, Hostess cupcakes, and so forth. Baked goods that you probably would  hide in a closet and eat in the dark with shame. This drink however, has no shame. It is after all, repurposed! It had quite a kick to it and offered a glow that outshone the sun.

At the end of the day, Mraz graced us with his truly gifted pipes by singing songs dedicated to both, matriarchal and patriarchal grandfathers (Frank D. Fixer).

“They each passed on gifts that have made me who I am today.”

Gotta say, Mraz is the real deal. Humble, generous and dedicated to leaving the garden a better place…and gifted with a beautiful voice to eat by.

Beth Kupanoff, Jason Mraz and yours truly

Mraz Family Farms Photobomber and Beth

Mraz (in center) with restauranteurs and purveyors

Extremely tart mulberries from Louise’s farm

Flying Pig restauranteur and assistant (this was melt in your mouth fantastic!)

I could go on but there are some very fine restaurants and cafes in Oceanside that merit attention: Petite Madeline, The Privateer Marketplace, and The Whet Noodle are just to name a few.

So remember folks, there are many, many caring, hardworking people amidst us who are angels and stewards of this here earth.

God bless you and be kind to each other, J