Triangle Works (TW) is a group of local residents bringing community, “Placemaking” and creative pursuits to  El Sobrante.  Our evolving mission is to create, enhance and vitalize the Sobrante Triangle area (the Triangle created by Appian Way, Valley View and Sobrante Ave). We are working to develop and engage an innovative, diverse and forward-thinking community, foster local talents, foster education and expression in creative work, and steer development and investment towards community-centric and community relevant businesses and services.

We would like to highlight some of Triangle Works projects:

The Shed 

• Classes have started at The Shed.

• The Shed is a Maker’s Market and Workshop. This former shed of Adachi Nursery & Florist is being transformed into a creative community space that will offer classes for up to 12 people.  Classes have started! Classes are currently being planned for this summer and fall.  The Shed is designed to foster education and expression in creative work. Come learn wood working, sewing, painting and even mushroom propagation and many other creative topics. Classes will focus on personal and community development and will be offered for both children and adults.  Classes are project-based, so come learn how to create something new and take it home with you.  As we build this community, we're looking for both students and teachers. 

• The Shed is open every Sunday during Planting Justice's Farmers Market.  Pop in, say hello, ask about upcoming classes and see samples of creative works from the classes and workshops. 

• Retail opportunities in The Shed will be coming soon. 

• For more information on The Shed and classes Visit Our Website.

Kid’s Art table

• Bringing creative interests to all. Invite your kids to partake in a supervised Kids’ Art Table open Sunday’s during the hours of Planting Justice's Farmers Market.

Mural and Art Committee

• Last year’s mural, which covers half a block at Appian and Fran, was a great success.

• We are developing our second community mural; we have an artist and a tentative site! 

Triangle Works “Foundation”
We are slowly but surely growing our roots in the community and building our vision, structure and work plans as our core membership expands.  We are looking for people interested in seriously committing to helping TW grow into a force, alongside Good Table, Planting Justice, including their Farmers Market, to make our Triangle not a “Sobrante” (“leftover”) but a Place we want to be.   We’re expanding community participation in all TW planning and activities. Triangle works is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, A Community Center for El Sobrante (ACCES).

 Email Triangworks@gmail.com if you are interested in joining our Mural and Arts Committee or helping with further development of our base.

Click HERE to view the entire Newsletter!

Spiritual Touchstone:

There is a necessary wisdom in the give-and-take of nature – its quiet agreements and search for balance. There is an extraordinary generosity. – Suzanne Simard in Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest

Former GTUCC Associate Pastor, the Rev. Tom Emanuel, takes a walk in Muir Woods.

Even among the best tree-huggers living in Northern California, there is so much more to be learned about healthy forests and natural communities. And even more to be learned about how healthy human communities mirror their natural counterparts and in fact, are ALSO part of those communities.

What happens to the trees, happens to us. And what happens to us, happens to the trees. Separation between humans and the natural world is a product of human imagination and hubris. 

If you're truly willing to immerse yourself in Suzanne Simard's marvelous book, "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest," it will transform your thinking about who you are and the place we occupy in the scheme of things. It also offers peer-reviewed, hardcore science that debunks some of the myths humans have created about trees, the natural world, and perhaps even human community.

Trees do not simply compete with each other for sunshine and resources, they are also collaborative and have complex communication systems using intermediaries, such as fungi, that help them to thrive. Like humans, they need each other and live best in a healthy diverse community in balance. 

Last week was Mother’s Day, a joyous holiday, but also complicated for many others. One of Simard’s best discoveries is that there are “mother trees”. These old growth trees perform the best functions of “mothering” by helping their “seedling kin” resist disease and by providing water and nutrients with the help of friendly fungi. And even more importantly, when mother trees are healthy, the forest is “wired for wisdom, sentience, and healing” as central hubs in networks that look very much like our own neural networks.

There are at least three principles to be learned from the wisdom of trees that might help us be healthier human communities. 

First, we cannot go it alone. A single redwood tree, no matter how large, is dangerously unstable. Part of how these massive trees reach their great size is because their roots underground wind around one another to create a stable grove. Folks in the U.S. are grappling with an epidemic of loneliness that can only be healed by nurturing healthy communities and social infrastructure to bring us back together.

Second, diversity is essential. Science has proven over and over again that  monoculture farming degrades soil and makes trees more vulnerable to disease in addition to destroying habitats and additional carbon emissions. Human communities also need the gifts of differing perspectives, skills, and generations to be healthy. 

Third, we must preserve and protect time-tested wisdom and wise leaders. When Simard’s family first homesteaded in Canada, they left the large old growth trees in place. She later learned that through clear-cutting and destroying the old growth mother trees, the long-term health of the forest became precarious. We live in a human culture that denigrates the gifts of older people and opportunities for intergenerational learning outside of a particular family are increasingly rare. We’re quickly moving to an information economy that has lost touch with the past and the well-reasoned paths of wisdom. Misinformation, disinformation, and toxic rhetoric clutter our information networks making it hard for wise and reasoned voices to be heard, much less heeded.

Finally, it might turn out to be true that if we can save the trees, the trees will save us.

In The Community:

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the special women in our lives than with thoughtful gifts from local small businesses and farmer's markets? There's an abundance of charming shops and markets offering unique treats that your mom will love. Whether you're planning ahead or looking for last-minute ideas, here are some delightful options to consider:

Free use picture from Pexels by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

1. Artisanal Chocolates: Treat your mom to a decadent assortment of artisanal chocolates crafted by local chocolatiers. Visit specialty chocolate shops in the area or head to the farmer's market where you can find handcrafted truffles, caramels, and chocolate-covered fruits. Not only are these treats delicious, but they also support local artisans.

2. Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products: Pamper your mom with luxurious handmade soaps and skincare products from local artisans. Look for vendors at the farmer's market offering natural, small-batch skincare items made with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, essential oils, and botanical extracts. These thoughtful gifts will help your mom indulge in some well-deserved self-care.

3. Fresh Flowers and Bouquets: Brighten up your mom's day with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers from a local florist or flower stand at the farmer's market. Choose her favorite blooms or opt for a seasonal arrangement bursting with color and fragrance. You can also find potted plants and succulents for a gift that will keep on growing.

4. Handcrafted Jewelry: Show your mom how much she means to you with a piece of handcrafted jewelry from a local artisan. Explore boutique shops and artisan markets in East Bay California to discover unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that reflect your mom's personal style. Choose a one-of-a-kind piece that she'll treasure for years to come.

5. Gourmet Treats and Specialty Foods: Treat your mom to a delicious assortment of gourmet treats and specialty foods sourced from local producers. Visit specialty food stores or artisanal markets where you can find artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread, gourmet olive oils, and other culinary delights. Create a customized gift basket filled with her favorite goodies for a tasty surprise.

6. Local Wine or Craft Beer: Raise a glass to mom with a bottle of locally produced wine or craft beer. Explore wineries and breweries in the East Bay area to discover unique varietals and brews that showcase the region's terroir and craftsmanship. Pair the wine or beer with some artisanal cheeses or gourmet snacks for a delightful tasting experience.

7. Cooking Classes or Culinary Experiences: Treat your mom to a culinary adventure with a cooking class or culinary experience hosted by local chefs and food artisans. Look for cooking schools or culinary workshops in the area offering classes on everything from pasta-making to pastry baking. It's a fun and interactive way to spend quality time together while learning new skills.

8. Handmade Crafts and Artwork: Surprise your mom with a piece of handmade crafts or artwork created by local artisans. Explore art galleries, craft fairs, and artisan markets to find unique paintings, ceramics, textiles, and other handmade treasures. Choose a piece that resonates with your mom's interests or home decor style for a meaningful gift.

9. Farm-to-Table Dining Experience: Treat your mom to a farm-to-table dining experience at a local restaurant that celebrates seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Make a reservation at a cozy bistro or farm-to-fork eatery where you can savor delicious dishes made with fresh produce, meats, and dairy products from nearby farms. It's a culinary journey that supports local farmers and producers.

10. Virtual Experiences and Gift Cards: If you're short on time or unable to visit in person, consider giving your mom a virtual experience or gift card from a local small business. Many shops, restaurants, and artisans offer online shopping options and virtual services such as virtual cooking classes, wine tastings, and personalized consultations. It's a convenient way to show your love and support for local businesses from afar.

No matter what you choose, the most important thing is to celebrate your mom and show her how much she means to you. With these local small business and farmer's market gift ideas, you can create memorable moments and support your community at the same time. Happy Mother's Day!

In the Community:

We have our list of vendors ready to share for our first Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmers Market this Sunday, April 21, 10am-2pm.This will be the first ever farmers market in El Sobrante, California and one of, if not the only, market in the United States all vended by QTBIPOC, women, immigrant, and/or cooperatively owned businesses. Our market will continue every Sunday from 10am-2pm at 5166 Sobrante Avenue (at Valley View) in the heart of the El Sobrante Triangle district. Local officials coming out to celebrate our opening market include: Contra Costa County Supervisor, John Gioia; Pinole Mayor, Maureen Toms; and our local Richmond City Councilmember, Soheila Bana; plus lots of additional local leaders.

Located directly in front of our upcoming non-profit project, The Good Table (a pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward café, food and craft marketplace, plant nursery, community space, live music/arts venue, AND farm and garden store). We will also be offering tours every hour of the property so you can see the changes we have made in the former Adachi nursery.

Come indulge in the highest quality fresh seasonal organic produce, baked goods, prepared food and artisanal goods all while you’re treated to the remarkably talented mariachi group Trio Sol De Mexico.

We are also so honored to be partnering with three very important publishers across the country who are printing literature and zines to open up your perspective on the pressing issues we face today (Haymarket Books, Chelsea Green Publishing, and Street Spirit News).

PARTIAL LIST OF VENDORS FOR FIRST AND SECOND MARKET ON APRIL 28

1. Dirt in a Skirt (dirt.in.a.skirt_)
2. Bush Poppy Farm (bushpoppyfarm)
3. KM Mushrooms (km_mushrooms)
4. Santos Organic Farm (santosorganicfarms)
5. Alfa y Omega Farm
6. Green Diamond Organic Farm
7. Rafa Organic
8. Rojas Family Farm (rojasfamilyfarms)
9. Oaxas Farms
10. Orozco Farms
11. Soul Flower Farm (soulflowerfarm)
12. That’s My Beeswax (thatsmybeeswax)
13. Poodle and Papa *
14. Hal’s NY Hot Dogs * (halsnyhotdogs)
15. Big Grin Small Batch * (biggrinsmallbatch)
16. Piece Out Cake Shop * (pieceoutcakeshop)
17. Rize Up Bakery * (rizeupbakery)
18. Red Quail Studio (redquailstudio)
19. Rasa Caffe (rasacaffe)
20. Asukar Palestinian Food * (Palestinian_cuban_fusion)
21. Camucha’s Kitchen * (camuchas_kitchen)
22. La More Eats (lamoreeats)
23. Music: Trio Sol de Mexico (mariachitriosoldemexico)
24. Books from Haymarket Books (haymarketbooks) and Chelsea Green
Publishing (chelseagreenbooks)
25. Zine from Street Spirit (streetspiritnews)

In the Garden:

This year’s rainfall has brought vibrant colors across the East Bay. If you’re interested in adding some color to both your home garden and your dinner plate, here are some tips for incorporating edible flowers into your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener with a green thumb and a sprawling backyard or a novice with a cozy balcony garden, here's your guide to edible flower gardening in the East Bay this April.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Why Choose Edible Flowers?

Edible flowers are not just beautiful additions to your garden; they also offer a spectrum of flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities. From salads to desserts, these blooms can elevate dishes with their unique tastes and visual appeal. Growing your own edible flowers ensures freshness and quality, free from pesticides and other chemicals.

Best Edible Flowers to Grow in April

April in the East Bay is an ideal time to sow and nurture a variety of edible blooms. Here are some popular choices:

1. Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, and red, with a peppery flavor that adds zing to salads and garnishes.

2. Calendula: Known for its medicinal properties, calendula offers bright orange and yellow petals that can be used in soups, stews, and rice dishes.

3. Lavender: Not just aromatic, but also edible! Lavender flowers lend a delicate floral flavor to baked goods and beverages.

4. Borage: With its charming blue star-shaped flowers, borage is a favorite for cocktails, salads, and freezing into ice cubes for drinks.

5. Violas: These dainty flowers come in various colors and have a mild, slightly sweet taste, perfect for decorating cakes or tossing into salads.

Tips for Edible Flower Gardening

• Choose a Sunny Spot: Most edible flowers thrive in full sun, so pick a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight.

• Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Incorporate organic matter like compost to promote healthy growth.

• Start from Seeds or Transplants: Depending on your preference, you can start your garden from seeds or purchase young plants from local nurseries.

• Regular Watering: Keep your flowers well-watered, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

• Harvesting: As flowers bloom, gently pluck them in the morning when they're at their freshest. Rinse them lightly before using them in culinary creations.

Local Events and Resources

To enhance your edible flower gardening experience, consider exploring local events and resources in the East Bay. Many community gardens, nurseries, and botanical centers offer workshops and classes on gardening techniques, including edible flower cultivation. Additionally, connect with fellow gardeners through online forums or local gardening clubs to exchange tips and experiences.

Embrace the Beauty and Flavor of Edible Flowers

In April, as nature awakens and the gardens of the East Bay come to life, seize the opportunity to cultivate your own edible flower haven. Revel in the joy of nurturing these floral gems, and delight in the culinary wonders they bring to your table. Happy gardening!

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PLANTING JUSTICE EL SOBRANTE FARMER’S MARKET BEGINS APRIL 21ST!

A reminder to come to our first Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market at The Good Table on Sunday, April 21st, 12-4p. Sam Lustig of Planting Justice is the point person for the market, and it promises to be fantastic. We’ll be closing the street down in front of our site and having a lovely collection of food vendors and live music each Sunday afternoon.
Click HERE to learn more!

In the Community:

Plan to attend our first Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market at The Good Table on Sunday, April 21st, 12-4p. Sam Lustig of Planting Justice is the point person for the market, and it promises to be fantastic. We’ll be closing the street down in front of our site and having a lovely collection of food vendors and live music each Sunday afternoon. We will also hold our first ever worship service and Sunday Gathering inside our building at 10:30am. While the building is still under construction, we do have chairs and will think of it a bit like a picnic worship and keep things simple.

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Here is a partial list of participating farms:
Soul Flower Farm, Balakian Farm, Oaxaxa Farm, Orosco Farms, J and M Ranch, Santos Organic Farm, Bush Poppy Farm, KM Mushroom Farm

And prepared food vendors will include:
Rize Up Bakery, Rasa Caffe, Asukar Palestinian Kitchen, Hanks NY hotdogs, Popping Popcorn, Piece Out Cakes, Big Grin Small Batch Hot Sauce

Plus various artists and personal care product vendors including:
El Sobrante's own Xina Ash with her fabulous beeswax-based lip balm.

Music for our first market on April 21st will be by Trio Sol de Mexico. 

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Spring Apple & Fennel Salad

In the Kitchen:

Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring with our refreshing Vegan Spring Apple and Fennel Salad, perfect for Easter Sunday festivities. Bursting with crisp apples, delicate fennel, and peppery arugula, this salad celebrates the season's bounty. Complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of dried cranberries, every bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes. Drizzled with a zesty lemon-maple dressing, this salad is a delightful addition to your springtime table, bringing freshness and color to your Easter feast.

Image from pexels.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced

• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced

• 4-6 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 cup arugula leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples, Fennel, and Radishes:

   • Wash the apples, fennel bulb, and radishes thoroughly.

   • Remove the core from the apples and slice them thinly. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.

   • Trim the fronds from the fennel bulb and slice it thinly, including some of the tender stalks. Add them to the mixing bowl with the apples.

   • Trim the tops and bottoms of the radishes, then thinly slice them. Add to the mixing bowl with the apples and fennel.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Pour the dressing over the sliced apples, fennel, and radishes in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat the slices evenly with the dressing.

4. Add Additional Ingredients:

   • Add the arugula leaves, chopped parsley, walnuts, and dried cranberries to the mixing bowl with the dressed apples, fennel, and radishes.

5. Toss and Serve:

   • Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.

   • Optionally, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or parsley for extra flavor and presentation.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve the vegan Spring Apple, Fennel, and Radish Salad immediately as a refreshing and flavorful side dish for your Easter Sunday celebration. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and is sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike, bringing the vibrant essence of spring to your table.

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Need some more vegan options for friends & relatives. Check out Our Post about hosting vegans for the holidays!

The Gift of Symbols

Spiritual Touchstone:

Happy Spring Equinox! Also, with Holy Week on the horizon and Easter on the way, what signs, symbols or rituals draw you more deeply toward your spiritual core? And if the Jesus story isn’t your path, what do you appreciate about the story of Jesus and what makes you annoyed? May everyone be blessed!

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The Gift of Symbols

By Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain

Even though I work with signs and symbols all the time as a spiritual leader, I had no idea that such interests could fuel the plot of an action-packed thriller until I first read Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code”.

While some of Brown’s surmises about the faith are better kept in the fiction aisle, it was thrilling to have someone tell the stories about Jesus and Mary Magdalene with the excitement normally allotted to a James Bond plot.

Outside of Dan Brown’s world, most of us who ponder the final week of Jesus’ life and death by crucifixion by the Roman empire are more likely to wonder if this year we’ll have some new insight or realization that will make this week actually feel “holy”. And, as an ordained minister for over 27 years, I admit that I often feel more obligated than action-movie thrilled to begin another Holy Week.

But this year, our joint UCC Good Friday service will include the making of black origami cranes as part of the Birds of Gaza remembrance project for all the children killed during the current conflict in Israel/Palestine.

Just seeing one of those little black origami “peace” cranes that a colleague is making, reminded me that symbols can sometimes lead us to deep places. Each crane is being folded to remember one child killed in the war.

Very quickly, as the origami cranes multiplied in my mind to include all children, and then all people, animals, and habitats destroyed by wars and human violence, I was suddenly able to see how this coming “holy” week offers the opportunity to recommit to the path of peace more deeply and without reservation.

May all beings seek peace during this Holy Week and beyond.

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All are welcome in person and online at our Joint UCC Good Friday service at Orinda Community Church at 7p, Friday, March 29, 2024. We’d also be happy to welcome you to our Good Table UCC Easter Sunday Gathering on March 31 at 12n in person at 780 Ashbury Avenue in El Cerrito, CA 94530 or online via zoom. Festive Easter bonnets are encouraged!

Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain’s take on the recipe in celebration of Pi Day and St. Patricks!

In the Kitchen:

In celebration of Pi Day (3/14) and St. Patricks Day this Sunday, here’s a fun pie recipe that Pastor Melinda shared with us! A traditional steak and Guinness pie by chef, Jamie Oliver. This is made particularly easy by using puff pastry for the top pie layer! If you want to skip the puff pastry layer, you could serve this as a normal stew.

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Steak, Guinness & Cheese Pie

Link to Original Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 red onions

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 2 carrots

• 2 sticks of celery

• 4 field mushrooms

• a few sprigs of rosemary

• olive oil

• 1 kg quality brisket or stewing beef , cut into 2cm cubes

• 440 ml Guinness (no lager, please!)

• 2 heaped tablespoons plain flour , plus extra for dusting

• 140 g Cheddar cheese

• 170 g puff pastry

• 1 large egg

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Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF/gas 5.

2. Peel and chop the onions, garlic, carrots and celery, slice the mushrooms, and pick and finely chop the rosemary.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over a low heat, add the onions and fry gently for about 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

4. Turn the heat up, add the garlic, carrots, celery and mushrooms, then mix everything together before stirring in the beef, rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt and 1 level teaspoon of black pepper.

5. Fry fast for 3 or 4 minutes, then pour in the Guinness, stir in the flour and add just enough water to cover.

6. Bring to a simmer, cover the pan with a lid and place in the oven for 2½ hours, or until the meat is very tender and the stew is rich, dark and thick, stirring halfway. A perfect pie filling needs to be robust, so if it’s still quite liquidy, place the pan on the hob and reduce until the sauce thickens.

7. Coarsely grate the cheese, stir half through the pie filling, then transfer to a pie dish and leave to cool slightly.

8. Meanwhile, dust a clean work surface with flour and roll the pastry out to the thickness of a pound coin.

9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pie filling. Place the pastry over the top of the pie dish pinching or folding and tucking in the edges to seal, then lightly score the surface with a criss-cross pattern.

10. Beat the egg, then brush over the top of the pie and bake directly on the bottom of the oven for 45 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked, puffed and beautifully golden. Delicious served simply with peas.