’After passing thru Ojai, and meeting up with some dear friends, I traveled to Quail Springs Permaculture, a regenerative, self sufficient community encompassing 450 acres in the desert lands that touch upon the Los Padres Forest. I met many community members. Andrew Clinard studied East African Studies in University, and spent much time abroad; upon coming across the Quail Springs community he told me, it is the closest he can come to an African Village here in the US. Jack Thrift is passionate about holistic land management, and seeks to restore land using balanced animal grazing. Jack and I spoke of the potential of reversing the effects of climate change using this type of grazing. Jan Smith was my point person, who ensured I was prepared with directions before entering the valley on route 33, where there is no cell phone service. Jan gave insight on possible roadblocks in getting traditional farmers to connect with regenerative land practices. Jan’s husband, Brenton Kelley, a tall man with an affiliation to local native culture, sat down with me to discuss the community in more detail.’