Chapter 2:
Ocean & Land Conservation
Violet's family claims a rich history of conservation and environmental advocacy spanning generations. Rooted not just in labor but in ethos, their commitment to safeguarding the Earth dates back to the aftermath of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. At the vanguard of change, they sculpted California's environmental legislation and kindled the inaugural flames of Earth Day.
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“Whether something is good is subjective to every person’s interest,” said Violet. “Our interest is not anything except what is good for Mother Earth.”
California’s Chumash Peoples and other tribes have stewarded its lands and waters since time immemorial. The proposed sanctuary will protect the region’s important marine ecosystem, maritime heritage resources, and cultural values of Indigenous communities. The proposed sanctuary stretches along the coastline adjacent to most of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and would provide a haven for marine mammals, invertebrates, sea birds, and fishes. Mid-2024 remains the target goal for the final National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) decision on the designation, and, if approved, the publication of final designation documents for the proposed sanctuary.
“It’s odd to have a job conserving the ocean. The ocean is fine. We are the problem. For example, there is a trash pile the size of Texas off the Central Coast. It’s created a disaster emergency. But the ocean is worthy of protecting. Every other breath we take is from the ocean.”
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The challenge of ocean conservation intersects with land conservation. Violet's father introduced the concept of "thrivability" to shift the conversation from mere sustainability to thriving. Indigenous ecological wisdom is renowned for its authenticity, as indigenous peoples historically served as responsible land stewards. Violet's mission revolves around battling carcinogens, safeguarding salmon, purifying rivers, nurturing organic fields, and fostering sustainable agriculture in communion with the Earth.
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Larry was widely known for his kind heart and warm smile, yet few are privy to his deep-seated affection for Hawaii and the ocean. Larry and Violet forged a close bond discussing ocean conservation and Violet's global engagements. Their relationship quickly evolved to feel like family.
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“During one of our conversations, Larry asked me, ‘What was your dream as a kid?’ I confessed my fascination with Arabian horse breeding. Turning the question on him, I asked what he'd undertake with another quarter-century. He stared into my soul and was dead silent for a while. ‘No one ever asked me that before,’ he said. It was a waterfall of free-flowing information from that point forward. Larry began educating me on what I needed to do, what horses he wanted me to have, and above all, how to be protective of my happiness in the horse business, particularly as a woman.”
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