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A rural Dixon area lavender farmer was honored recently as Solano County’s 2025 Climate Crisis Champion by Congressman Mike Thompson.
Justina Salinas, owner of Araceli Farm on Pitt School Road, was presented the award at a gathering Sunday in Napa that presented the title to individuals from each county in Thompson’s district: Solano, Yolo, Lake, Napa and Sonoma. Thompson said the honor recognizes each person for outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.
“Ms. Salinas reminds us that farming is more than a profession, it’s a relationship with the land and a call to stewardship,” he noted a press release announce the Solano award. “Her actions reflect a commitment to ethical farming, water conservation, and environmental justice.”
Salinas, he said, has “transformed her farm into a thriving native grassland meadow, prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices including soil health restoration, dry farming, biodiversity conservation, no till farming, integrated rotational grazing, natural pest management, and native plant reintegration. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to ecological justice make her a powerful role model in Solano County and beyond.”
According to its website Araceli Farm began in 2017 with the planning of some 6 acres of lavender. Today is features 4 acres of lavender, with seven varietals, 2 acres of California native plants and is dedicated to soil health, conservation, native plants, land equity, advocating for disadvantaged communities, local economy, and small farms. In addition to the plantings the farm include products made from the plants, distilling its own essential oils and hydrosols.
Thompson said Salinas’ operation made her the perfect candidate for a Climate Champion award because recipients are selected for their significant efforts to combat the climate crisis and protect the environment. “Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all,” his press released noted.
Other champions honored included Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, for Yolo County, who Thompson said has “gone above and beyond” in championing environmental stewardship, community resilience, and sustainability in the Yolo County community. “Under Chairman Anthony Robert’s guidance, the Yocha Dehe Wintun nation has undertaken many climate related projects, including wastewater recycling, cultural burning, and wildfire mitigation strategies, ” said Thompson. “Chairman Roberts oversaw the creation of the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park which encompasses 1500 acres of sacred lands of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. I am proud to name Chairman Roberts a Climate Crisis Champion for his leadership as Chairman, and dedication to sustainability and the environment.”
Other county winners included:
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