Our Story
We are the Viles—heart and soul of Sand n’ Straw Community Farm. Our journey began with a simple dream: to grow our own food. The name Sand n’ Straw reflects our deep roots by the beach and our love for country life, blending two worlds into one thriving community farm.
Our first attempt at gardening was anything but perfect. Excited to start, we planted boysenberries, raspberries, and blueberries together—only to learn they each had different growing needs. It was a failure, but more importantly, it was a start.
Then, life took a sharp turn. Rich’s brother was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. Watching him suffer was heartbreaking, and it forced us to confront something we had long ignored—our diet. As a competitive sports family always on the go, we relied too much on convenience foods, never fully considering how they affected our health. That had to change.
Determined to take control of our food and well-being, Rich left his job to attend farm school, and we both immersed ourselves in permaculture design courses. Our home became our experimental training ground, and we traveled across California and Oregon, learning from experienced farmers, gathering wisdom, and searching for our place in the world of farming.
That journey led us to Vista, California, where Sand n’ Straw Community Farm now thrives on six beautiful acres. We provide our community with an abundance of naturally grown fruits and vegetables, using permaculture, regenerative, and organic farming practices. Around our vegetable gardens, you’ll find fruit trees, berry bushes, and grapevines, all working together in a balanced ecosystem.
We intentionally leave parts of the farm wild—especially around our seasonal creek—offering a peaceful escape from the city’s fast pace. Every walk through our farm is a lesson in nature’s perfect design, where diversity is encouraged, and every element supports the next.
Our philosophy is simple: work with nature, not against it. We choose natural practices over chemical and mechanized ones, respecting the land that nourishes us. Every day in the garden is an experience, a chance to grow, learn, and give back.
Through our Farm Shares and Farm Stand, we share the freshest seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs and much more with our community. More than just a farm, Sand n’ Straw is a place to reconnect—with nature, with real food, and with the joy of growing something meaningful.
We’d love for you to visit, explore, and experience farm life with us!
With gratitude,
Viles Family