Occidental is known for its many quirks, but above all, community spirit is at the heart of the town. This year, summer is coming in with a bang, and a few self-coined “new kids on the block” are showing up for the community with live music concerts, barbecues, summer camps and art programs.
Live music at the inn
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen everyone out together like this,” town council Vice President Fawn Neckton says of the Inn at Occidental’s hugely successful concert fundraiser June 8, which raised $2,400 for the Occidental Community Council and $560 for Occidental Pride. “We really need more of this.” With old friends up and dancing to live Rolling Stones covers, the grill going with local Panizzera meats, Hog Island oysters and locally brewed libations flowing, the energy was joyous, vibrational and full of laughter.
The Inn at Occidental will host its 2025 Sunset Concert Series from June through September with the mission of fostering community. “Running a hotel in a rural town isn’t just about serving your guests,” new co-owner Victoria Meblin says. “It’s important for locals to know that we are here to serve them and contribute to our town.” Victoria and her husband Matt purchased the inn just over a year ago, and the doors are open to the community. Don’t miss out on these musical community gatherings this summer. And if you aren’t one for lively crowds, you can always join them for their chill Friday afternoon wine tastings with local winemakers. The Inn at Occidental, 3657 Church St., Occidental, CA 95465, www.innatoccidental.com
Art and nature at Western Hills
New owners of Western Hills Garden Hadley Dynak and Kent Strader bought the legendary botanical oasis in September 2021 and reopened its garden gates the following March. “The last time I was inside Western Hills was decades ago. Ever since Lester and Marshall, it felt like it was no longer open to the public,” community member and local KOWS radio host Laura Goldman recalls emotionally. “Being able to visit again is like reuniting with an old friend. What Hadley and Kent do for this community is so precious.” This much-loved landmark property was started as a rare plant nursery and specimen garden six decades ago by Marshall Olbrich and Lester Hawkins and became famous with horticulturalists and plant lovers alike for its lush diversity of flora and sustainable methods of working with Occidental’s unique microclimate.
“Today, our goal is to share the bounty of this incredible botanical refuge with the community,” Dynak says. “Our priorities are to preserve the collection, deliver multigenerational programming experiences, and partner with other local groups.”…