The Root 66 Community Garden

In 2014, Dee Matreyek founded The Root 66 Garden in Rancho Cucamonga, California, with a vision to create a vibrant community space centered on sustainable agriculture and reconnecting people with their food sources. Inspired by her childhood in Upland—where her parents tended 27 fruit trees, two strawberry patches, and abundant gardens for canning, baking, and cooking—Dee channeled her passion for gardening, education, and community building into the creation of The Root 66 Garden. Today, the garden provides individuals and families with the opportunity to grow their own food, participate in educational workshops, attend farm-to-table events, and engage in meaningful community projects.

A dedicated social justice advocate and entrepreneur, Dee earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and African Studies from Claremont Graduate University in 1998. She has pursued advanced studies in peacebuilding and multicultural conflict transformation at Eastern Mennonite University and the School for International Training. In 2001, she founded the Restorative Justice Center of the Inland Empire, promoting peace and reconciliation through mediation, conflict resolution, and community engagement. Dee has also taught restorative justice and conflict resolution at the Chino Institute for Women, Loma Linda University, and Chapman University. Her international work includes research in South Africa and humanitarian projects in Kenya through the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club, providing books, building a well, and supporting a local school.

Through The Root 66 Garden and her broader work, Dee continues to create inclusive, restorative spaces that strengthen communities, promote sustainability, and support local food systems. The garden itself is a tribute to her parents, Bill and Mary Matreyek, who instilled in her the importance of cultivating and preserving a legacy for future generations.

Karen Cancilla is a dynamic entrepreneur, media personality, and recognized health and lifestyle advocate with a career spanning decades. She left the insurance industry for urban farming in 2008. Before that, she founded multiple insurance agencies, including Pacific Way Insurance Brokerage. In just three years, she successfully grew the brokerage before selling it in 2008 and semi-retiring—an achievement featured in Insurance Journal, the industry’s trusted publication. Her entrepreneurial accomplishments have also been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine (November 2012) and on Fox Business News.

Following this success, Karen established a new urban farming business and became the franchisor of the groOrganic Gardens concept. From 2009 to 2020, she built a nationwide network of outlets that brought urban gardening to communities from desert regions to New York City rooftops. Her innovative approach to franchising earned recognition among the Top New Franchises (2009), Top 21 Franchises for Women (2010), and Top 21 Franchises for Young Entrepreneurs. In 2020, Karen took over management of The Root 66 Garden, continuing her commitment to community-based urban farming and food education.

A passionate health and food advocate, Karen participated in the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution and was a Health Activist Nominee in 2014, reflecting her commitment to wellness, sustainable living, and food education.

Karen’s media presence spans television, radio, print, and digital platforms. She has appeared on shows including Access Hollywood with Maria Menounos, Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Biggest Loser (NBC), and Fit, Famous, and Fabulous on Cox TV3. She has also been featured on radio, including 106.7 KIIS FM with Ryan Seacrest and WS Radio financial reporting.

Her work and insights are featured in bestselling books such as Girls Guide to Life and Every Girl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness by Maria Menounos, and A Guide to Growing Fruit, Herbs, and Vegetables in the Tropics by Karin Fields. Karen is also a frequent contributor to online platforms including the Huffington Post, Tori Spelling Blog, The Sydney Garden Project, Green Eco Services, and Circle of Moms.

With a unique combination of entrepreneurial expertise, media savvy, and dedication to health, sustainability, and community, Karen Cancilla continues to inspire people nationwide to lead vibrant, empowered, and meaningful lives.

Amanda is a seasoned environmental and agricultural professional with a strong focus on ecological stewardship, pollinator health, and sustainable land management. Over the last 10 years, she has collaborated closely with farmers, agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to develop strategic solutions that drive productivity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. As a published environmental scientist and experienced researcher, she combines scientific research with practical experience, focusing on sustainability. Her qualifications include receiving training as an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional through the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), a certified UC California Naturalist, and as a NOLS-certified Wilderness First Responder. Amanda also holds certification as a Pollinator Steward through the Pollinator Partnership, reinforcing her commitment to pollinator conservation. Her academic and professional affiliations include membership in the American Association of Geographers (AAG), the International Geographical Honor Society, and the California Native Plant Society. Since receiving her B.A. in Environmental Studies from California State University, she has continued her education with Habitat Conservation Planning (HCPs) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) courses. In addition, as a certified Clinical Aromatherapist and Regional Director of NAHA, Amanda applies plant chemistry to interactions within environmental and agricultural systems while contributing a holistic perspective to land stewardship. Finally, as the owner of Bee Rooted, the garden has flourished with Amanda donating over 10 years of pollination services as The Root 66 Garden’s resident beekeeper.

Celia San Pedro is an experienced agriculture educator and flower farmer with a background in middle school agriculture instruction at Legacy Christian PSP and hands-on farming through her Sow and Grow Flower Farm. She is an active member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) and has received mentorship from flower farming expert Lennie Larkin, combining classroom knowledge with practical expertise in sustainable flower farming.

At The Root 66 Community Garden, Celia serves as Board Secretary and Flower Farmer, bringing her skills to create a vibrant community space where people and pollinators thrive. She focuses on making organic, locally grown flowers accessible to all while educating the community on sustainable growing practices. Her initiatives include:

*Developing educational programs for youth and adults

*Partnering with local schools for hands-on learning experiences

Celia believes community gardens are powerful tools for education, community building, and connection with nature. Through her leadership, Root 66 Community Garden has become a place where agricultural knowledge, flowers, and community flourish together.