by Rev. Melinda McLain

From the Kitchen:

When our gardens are wild with tomatoes, we’re always on the hunt for new recipes. This recipe for an Italian Tomato Pie was inspired by the seasonal menu for "all things tomatoes" that Pastor Melinda used to enjoy at Kerbey Lane, a restaurant in Austin, Texas.

INGREDIENTS
9” pie crust, store-bought or made with your favorite recipe
4 medium heirloom tomatoes
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1 tsp Italian herb mix (oregano, thyme, rosemary, etc.)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup chopped Swiss chard
1/2 cup cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere would all be good)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the over to 450 degrees.

2. Peel and slice about 4 medium heirloom tomatoes and place in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup tapioca flour (to thicken juice), Italian herbs, salt, and pepper and mix gently.

3. Press pie crust into pan (use pre-made, or your own recipe). Layer chard first on the bottom (note: this is important to avoid a soggy bottom), then tomato mixture, then some grated cheese, then chard, then tomatoes until pie crust is nearly full.

4. Top with bread crumbs mixed with fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese. Put in 450 degree oven for 10 minutes, reduce temp to 375 and bake for 45 minutes or until crust is brown and filling is bubbly. Cool and serve. Even better cold the next day! Enjoy!

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Looking for some fresh locally sourced ingredients to take this recipe to the next level? Visit the Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market open every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM!

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Repost from September 7, 2021. The recipe is so good we just had to share it again!

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In The Community:

El Sobrante, CA – Get ready to make history and celebrate love, unity, and diversity at the very first LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in El Sobrante, California! As a small but vibrant community just 20.5 miles from San Francisco, El Sobrante is stepping into the spotlight on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at La Moine Park affectionately known as “Cheese Park.”

For over five decades, San Francisco has been a beacon of Pride, and now, El Sobrante is proudly joining the ranks of communities across the Bay Area to create a space where everyone can celebrate who they are and who they love. This historic event will be a day to remember, filled with music, laughter, and the joy of community.

What to Expect:

·      A Celebration for All Ages: With food trucks, local vendors, and community booths, there's something for everyone. Kids will love the two playgrounds and a charming petting zoo, while adults can enjoy a lively lineup of entertainment.

·      World-Class Entertainment: Dance the day away to the beats of the world-famous DJ Page Hodel, who will be spinning hits from yesterday and today. Plus, enjoy drag queen bingo, inspiring speeches from local leaders, and surprise musical guests!

·      A Community United: This event is brought to life by a diverse coalition of local business owners, religious leaders, nonprofit organizers, and elected officials, all united in their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Special thanks to Nicole Donn, President of the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce, and event chairs Clayton and Michael Price-Brown, pioneers in local LGBTQ+ history.

“For years, we’ve chanted ‘We are everywhere’ at big city Pride celebrations, and now, we’re bringing that spirit to El Sobrante,” says Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain, an openly lesbian pastor at The Good Table United Church of Christ, another proud sponsor of the event. “This is our time to shine, to come together, and to show that love has no boundaries—even in semi-rural places like El Sobrante.”

Don’t miss out on being part of this groundbreaking moment in our community’s history! Sponsorship opportunities and booth sign-ups are available until September 1, 2024. For more information, please contact us at elsobrantepride@gmail.com.

Join us on September 22nd to celebrate love, pride, and the power of community!

In the Garden & Kitchen:

If you're fortunate enough to have a garden or frequent your local farmers' market, you’re probably enjoying a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This season offers the perfect opportunity to create a refreshing and wholesome garden salad that highlights the best of what’s in season.

Why This Salad Rocks:

Seasonal Freshness: This recipe showcases the crisp and sweet flavors of summer vegetables and fruits. Using seasonal produce ensures peak flavor and nutritional benefits.

Garden-to-Table: If you’re harvesting from your own garden, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of eating what you’ve grown. If not, local farmers' markets in the East Bay are brimming with these fresh ingredients.

Healthful and Delicious: This salad is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables and fruits. It’s also customizable—feel free to swap in your favorite summer veggies or add other herbs you enjoy.

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Ingredients:

·      1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

·      1 cucumber, diced

·      1 bell pepper (any color), diced

·      1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 1-2 ears of corn)

·      1 cup snap peas, trimmed and sliced

·      1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

·      1 cup mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)

·      1 avocado, diced

·      1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

·      1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

·      1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

For the Dressing:

·      1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

·      2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

·      1 tablespoon honey

·      1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

·      Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1.   Prepare the Vegetables: Start by prepping your vegetables. If you’re using fresh corn, cook the ears in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then cool them under cold running water. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and trim and slice the snap peas. Thinly slice the red onion.

2.   Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, snap peas, and red onion. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.

3.   Add Greens and Herbs: Add the mixed greens, avocado, basil, and mint to the bowl. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.

4.   Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5.   Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

6.   Serve and Enjoy: Serve your garden salad immediately as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own.

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Embrace the summer season with this simple yet delicious garden salad. It’s a perfect reflection of East Bay’s bountiful harvest and a refreshing addition to any meal. Enjoy the flavors of summer while they’re at their best!

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Missing ingredients for this recipe? Visit the Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer’s Market Open every Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM!

In The Garden:

Growing Dahlias in the East Bay

With their vibrant hues and intricate petal formations, Dahlias stand as a testament to nature's artistic prowess. These flowers, beloved by gardeners for centuries, grace gardens and bring joy with their dazzling variety of colors and shapes. Dahlias are renowned for their stunning blooms, which come in almost every color imaginable, from deep reds and purples to delicate pinks and whites. Their petals range from tightly packed spheres to spiky, star-like forms, catering to a wide range of aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer compact pompons or large, dinner plate-sized flowers, there's a Dahlia variety to suit every garden.

Photo by Lukas

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Growing Dahlias in Your Home Garden

The East Bay's Mediterranean climate provides an ideal environment for Dahlias, offering warm, dry summers and mild winters. Here’s how you can grow Dahlias successfully:

1. Choosing the Right Location: Dahlias thrive in full sun, so select a spot in your garden or on your balcony that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the area has well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

2. Preparing the Soil: Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and provide nutrients. Dahlias prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.5-7.0).

3. Planting Dahlias: In the East Bay, Dahlias can be planted from late winter to early spring after the last frost has passed. Dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep and place the tuber (or plant from a pot) with the growing tip facing upwards. Space multiple plants about 1-3 feet apart, depending on the variety's eventual size.

4. Watering and Care: Water Dahlias deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.

5. Supporting Dahlias: Tall Dahlia varieties may require staking to support their stems and prevent them from toppling over in strong winds or heavy rain. Use bamboo stakes or other supports and tie the stems gently with soft twine.

6. Overwintering: In the East Bay's mild climate, Dahlias can often survive winter outdoors if provided with a layer of mulch to protect the tubers from frost. Alternatively, lift the tubers after the first frost, allow them to dry for a few days, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

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Choosing Dahlias for Your Garden

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs

Photo by Pixabay

Photo by Jeswin Thomas

When selecting Dahlia varieties for your East Bay garden, consider factors such as bloom size, color, and plant height. Some popular varieties include:

• ‘Cafe au Lait’: Known for its large, creamy blooms with hints of blush pink.

• ‘Bishop of Llandaff’: Features deep red flowers set against dark foliage.

• ‘Thomas Edison’: Boasts striking purple blooms that are perfect for adding bold color.

Whether you're aiming to create a cutting garden, a focal point in your landscape, or simply want to brighten up your balcony, Dahlias offer a versatile and rewarding choice. Their vibrant colors and diverse forms ensure they'll captivate and enchant throughout the growing season.

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Growing Dahlias in the East Bay allows gardeners to harness the region's favorable climate to cultivate these botanical treasures. With careful attention to planting and care, Dahlias can flourish, bringing bursts of color and joy to gardens and balconies alike. Embrace the beauty and diversity of Dahlias in your own outdoor space, and experience the satisfaction of nurturing these stunning flowers from tuber to bloom. Happy gardening!

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Additional resources: Almanac How to Grow Dahlias: The Complete Dahlia Flower Guide

In The Community:

Starting this Sunday, July 14th, the Planting Justice El Sobrante Farmer's Market will open at 10am and close at 2p. We hope this is more convenient for our neighbors and supporters. We've got some cute new flyers too, to help you spread the word! So whether you want some farm-picked organic fruit and veggies, an amazing lunch out, or to just sit and listen to some great live music, we invite you to become a regular at this weekly market. It's also a perfect place to hang out with neighbors and make new friends!

You can also check out the offerings at The Shed and perhaps sign up for a class. They often have a booth and/or have The Shed open during the Farmer's Market each Sunday.  For those of you who haven't been to the market recently, there are always new vendors to check out plus a variety of music groups playing everything from classical jazz to bluegrass.

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Class registration for The Shed is open!  

Classes are project-based and we have more slots available for folks who want to run either a single two-hour session or a longer-term course.  

Visit our site to sign up for classes. https://theshedelsobrante.org/classes

Sundays at The Shed:
Join us at the Kids' Art Table

The Shed has a very popular Kids' Art Table 
(on bowling alley wood!) where kids can draw on a
giant roll of paper while parents shop and
participate in other creative activities.

Title: Touching Our Strength
by Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain
The Good Table United Church of Christ. El Cerrito, CA
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost • Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride
Text: Mark 4: 35-41
Date: June 30, 2024

In The Community:

 Is the current heatwave bumming you out or making you nervous? Sadly, no one can control when Karl the SF fog will roll through the Golden Gate to cool things down, but we can all become firewise and prepare for wildfires in our area. Check out this essential information and be ready.

Link to 8/24/22 Webinar: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ImbnX7QEhWj2VkWF60RU76wY2poF6kur/view

The NFPA National Firewise USA® recognition program provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the fire resistance of their homes and community and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level. Any community that meets a set of voluntary criteria on an annual basis and retains an “In Good Standing Status” may identify itself as being a Firewise site.

“Across our district, numerous communities face heightened wildfire danger due to terrain, vegetation and local evacuation route conditions,” said Lewis T. Broschard III, Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “Firewise is a perfect compliment to our many safety initiatives and a powerful tool helping neighbors work together along with our Fire Prevention Bureau to better protect themselves and their communities.”

“Resident involvement is key in protecting our communities from the threat of wildfire and the Firewise program is great for helping neighbors work together to increase their community’s safety,” said Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Bachman, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “We Are pleased that interest in the program is high across the District and hope to see significant improvements in fire hardiness as more communities work to achieve Firewise status.”

Becoming a Firewise recognized neighborhood is a 3 step process. 
1. Organize It  –  2. Plan It  –  3. Do It

To learn more about becoming a Firewise recognized neighborhood, copy and paste this url, into your web browser: https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa/become-a-firewise-usa-site

If you have any questions regarding the Firewise process, please email: public-eduation@cccfpd.org and we will be happy to assist you.

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“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”
- Howard Thurman

Spiritual Touchstone:

Some folks, who object to recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, make the argument that “slavery was a long time ago and we’re past it.” And though that might feel true because our world seems to be so different today, it is closer than you might imagine.

For example, the magnificent African-American philosopher and theologian, Howard Thurman (1899-1981) was the grandson of slaves in Florida, but living in San Francisco at the time of his death. And while I didn’t get to California until 1986 and then on to San Francisco to begin seminary in 1991, I’ve had the privilege to have worked with his successors at the church he cofounded in the City in 1966, the Church for the Fellowship of All People, a congregation that has often been labeled the “first interracial interfaith congregation.” The current presiding minister of that congregation, Rev. Dr. Dorsey Blake still teaches at Pacific School of Religion and was given Dr. Thurman’ robe when installed in 1994.

The distance between me and the U.S. slaveholding economy isn’t all that far either. My maternal grandfather was the grandson of proud slaveholders in Springhill, Arkansas just six miles southwest of Hope, Arkansas near the Red River. His father came to still slaveholding East Texas just after the civil war and arrived in West Texas about 1880 with a cattle drive. I was quite close to my Papa Roy whose father died in 1919.

And yet, like my Texas ancestors who willfully ignored the news that Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 until they were “officially” informed at gunpoint on June 19, 1865 by Union Troops landing in Galveston, I was woefully unaware about the contributions of Howard Thurman that have shaped my own life and ministry. But that ignorance of Thurman’s already substantial impact on my life is lessening.

Our spiritual book group, the Live Edge Readers has begun reading What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman by Lerita Coleman Brown. Brown’s book, published in 2023, invites the reader into her world as a spiritual director and academic while also providing an opportunity to learn from Thurman’s work by applying his great wisdom and mystic knowing to our current spiritual practice. Most helpful, so far, is how Thurman’s work links mysticism and spirituality to social change. Brown writes, “one reason Thurmans’ work necessitates careful study by contemporary activists is that social and political movements without a spiritual base are ultimately unsustainable.”

Thurman was a spiritual advisor and mentor to many of the notables of the Civil Rights movement including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who it is said carried a copy of Thurmans’ book “Jesus and the Disinherited” in his pocket every time he marched.

After the first chapter, Brown asks, “what feeds your spiritual hunger?” And for me, right now, some of what satisfy’s my activist soul’s spiritual hunger is to metaphorically take a walk with Howard Thurman.

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Live Edge Readers meets via zoom each Wednesday, 2:30-4p. Reply to this blog if you’d like to join us.

Celebrating Father's Day in the East Bay: Local Activities & Gift Ideas

 In The Community:

If you find yourself a bit behind on your Father's Day plans this year, fret not! The East Bay area offers plenty of options for celebrating dad, from exciting local activities to unique gifts that support our community. Whether you're looking to spend quality time together or seeking a thoughtful present that can be shipped in time, there are numerous ways to show appreciation for dear old dad.

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 Local Activities to Enjoy

Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of the Bay Area's natural beauty by planning a hike in one of the many scenic parks such as Tilden Park or Redwood Regional Park. Alternatively, consider a bike ride along the Bay Trail, offering stunning views of the water and city skyline.

Brewery Tours: Treat dad to a tour of local breweries in Berkeley or Oakland. Many offer tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into the brewing process. It's a great way to sample some of the area's finest craft beers while spending quality time together.

Golfing Getaway: If your dad enjoys golf, book a tee time at one of the East Bay's beautiful golf courses. Places like Tilden Park Golf Course or Metropolitan Golf Links provide excellent facilities and picturesque surroundings for a relaxing day on the greens.

Local Dining Experience: Reserve a table at one of the East Bay's renowned restaurants offering Father's Day specials. From gourmet brunch spots to cozy bistros, there's something to satisfy every palate.

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 Thoughtful Gifts from Local Artisans

Handcrafted Goods: Browse local shops and boutiques for handcrafted items such as leather wallets, custom artwork, or handmade jewelry. These unique gifts not only showcase local talent but also demonstrate thoughtfulness and care.

Gourmet Treats: Delight dad's taste buds with locally made gourmet treats like artisanal chocolates, small-batch roasted coffee, or specialty sauces and spices. Many of these can be ordered online and shipped directly to his doorstep.

East Bay Merchandise: Show hometown pride with East Bay-themed merchandise such as apparel, mugs, or prints featuring iconic landmarks. These items serve as lasting reminders of home and make for meaningful gifts.

Subscription Boxes: Consider subscribing dad to a monthly subscription box featuring products sourced from East Bay businesses. Whether it's gourmet snacks, craft beers, or grooming essentials, he'll enjoy discovering new favorites each month.

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Supporting Local Businesses

By choosing locally made gifts and participating in East Bay activities, you're not only celebrating Father's Day in a memorable way but also supporting the vibrant community of artisans and small businesses that make our region unique. Whether you opt for an outdoor adventure, a delicious meal, or a carefully chosen gift, your efforts contribute to the local economy and enrich the cultural fabric of our community.

This Father's Day, make it a point to celebrate with the charm and character of the East Bay. With so many options for activities and locally sourced gifts, you're sure to create lasting memories and show dad just how much he means to you.

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Reading this article on Sunday Morning? Why not treat your dad to local vendors and music at the Planting Justice, El Sobrante Farmer’s Market from 12-4PM!