About Us

301 Organics is a homegrown Altadena small business dedicated to restoring the land, supporting fire‑impacted families, and strengthening the future of our community. We combine scientific expertise, hands‑on experience, and deep local roots to deliver soil recovery, composting, and land‑revitalization services tailored specifically to Altadena’s unique landscape and needs.

Our work is survivor‑oriented and community‑engaged. We partner closely with residents, small businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood organizations to ensure that recovery efforts uplift the people who live here and build long‑term economic resilience. As both a service provider and a strategic collaborator, we see our role as part of a broader ecosystem of local problem‑solvers working to protect and restore the place we all call home.

301 Organics was founded by Christine Lenches‑Hinkel—President, Principal Consultant, and compost professional mentor—who was born and raised in Pasadena/Altadena and has raised her own family here. Christine has served the public, charter, and private school communities since 2009, when she launched her first zero‑waste education and composting consulting practice under Waste Less Living. Her lifelong commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices continues to guide 301 Organics today.

We believe that thriving communities are built on the strength of their small businesses, the stewardship of their land, and the resilience of their people. That’s why we prioritize local hiring, workforce development, and partnerships that keep resources circulating within Altadena.

As our community rebuilds and heals, we hope you choose 301 Organics to support you in your land revitalization and stewardship journey in the coming year. Together, we can restore what was lost and cultivate a healthier, more resilient Altadena for generations to come.

Founder/President, Principal Consultant, and 

Regenerative Soils Mentor

Christine Lenches‑Hinkel is a Pasadena/Altadena native whose lifelong commitment to land stewardship, community resilience, and regenerative practices forms the backbone of 301 Organics. Born and raised in the foothills, Christine has raised her own family here and has served the public, charter, and private school communities since 2009, when she launched her first zero‑waste education and composting consulting practice under Waste Less Living.

Christine holds a Master’s degree in Forestry with studies in urban–wildland interface and international resource management.   She has expanded her professional training to include soil microbiology and regenerative soils management, grounding her work in a deep understanding of soil ecology, soil biodiversity and urban landscape management systems. This academic and professional foundation continues to guide 301 Organics’ science‑based approach to soil testing, biological assessment, and post‑fire bioremediation.

Before founding 301 Organics, Christine spent more than a decade working as a professional environmental scientist, analyst, and planner in both corporate and private consulting settings. Her work spanned environmental compliance, resource management, sustainability planning, and technical analysis for complex development projects across California. This experience sharpened her ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, interpret scientific data for diverse audiences, and design practical, scalable solutions—skills that now directly support 301 Organics’ mission and its clients.

For eight years, Christine also led soils and composting initiatives at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where she carefully developed and refined compost and biological inoculant products tailored to the needs of large‑scale landscapes. The formulations she crafted there, built on precision, microbial science, and a commitment to soil health, now serve as the foundation for the compost and biological amendments produced by the 301 Organics team today.

As Founder and President of 301 Organics, Christine is dedicated to building a survivor‑oriented, community‑engaged, and locally rooted small business that strengthens Altadena’s workforce and economic resilience. She is committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices and to uplifting aligned small businesses and nonprofits that form the economic and cultural pillars of the community.

Christine’s leadership blends technical expertise, hands‑on mentorship, and a deep love for the place she calls home. Through 301 Organics, she continues her mission to restore soils, support fire‑impacted families, and cultivate a healthier, more resilient Altadena for generations to come.

 Community Soil Steward II / Composting Supervisor 

Rachel Ruiz brings a grounded, community‑first approach to her work at 301 Organics. Born and raised in Pasadena, having graduated from John Muir High School, Rachel grew up with a deep appreciation for the region’s foothill ecosystems and the people who call them home. She earned her degree in Civil Engineering  with an Environmental Emphasis from Cal Poly Pomona.  There she strengthened her technical foundation in environmental systems, infrastructure, and data‑driven problem‑solving.  Her coursework included Environmental Remediation and Waste Management.  

Rachel’s professional and volunteer experiences reflect her commitment to service, equity, and community resilience. She has contributed her time to STEM outreach programs, supported youth mentorship initiatives, and participated in community‑based engineering and environmental projects that prioritize access, representation, and hands‑on learning. Her volunteer work has shaped her into a thoughtful communicator and a steady, compassionate presence in the field.

At 301 Organics, Rachel plays a key role in implementing biological soil recovery methods, maintaining data integrity and field documentation, and guiding field crews through the sensitive and often emotional process of post‑fire recovery. She is known for her calm demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and her ability to support both clients and teammates with clarity and care.

“Working with 301 Organics lets me help families heal their land in a way that honors both science and community. Every property we restore feels like a small step toward rebuilding the Altadena we all love.”  Rachel Ruiz

Rachel’s blend of engineering training, community service, and lived connection to the region makes her an essential part of the 301 Organics team. Her commitment to ecological resilience—and to the people most affected by wildfire—helps ensure that every site receives the respect, precision, and humanity it deserves.

Community Soil Steward II / Composting Supervisor

Jahs’tus Maat‑Hotep’s path into land stewardship began in 2017 with an unexpected invitation on a High Sierra backpacking trip, a moment that sparked a lasting passion for the outdoors and shaped his commitment to environmental work. His early involvement with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA), first through the Youth Advisory Council and later as a graduate of the Diverse Outdoor Leadership Institute (DOLI), gave him hands‑on experience in wilderness leadership, environmental ethics, and community engagement. He went on to earn his Leave No Trace (LNT) certification and eventually became an OBA instructor, guiding youth on outdoor expeditions and helping them build confidence and connection to nature.

Jahs’tus expanded his skills further through his work at REI, where he deepened his technical knowledge, strengthened his outdoor community, and continued developing as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Today, Jahs’tus brings this unique blend of outdoor leadership, safety training, and ecological awareness to 301 Organics. His background aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission—supporting soil recovery, biological compost production, and community‑centered land restoration with care, discipline, and a deep respect for the natural world.

Community Soil Steward II /  Composting Supervisor

Christian Vasquez is a compassionate, grounded, and deeply rooted community member whose budding ministry engagement and natural gift for service has made him an essential part of 301 Organics’ survivor and soil‑oriented mission in Altadena. When not ministering to the community, Christian is providing composting and faith support to the team.  When residents faced profound trauma, loss, and upheaval, Christian stepped into the recovery effort with both feet, both hands, and his whole heart, offering steady presence, spiritual grounding, and practical help to families navigating uncertainty. His ability to speak with warmth, conviction, and hope makes him a charismatic communicator and a trusted voice for those seeking understanding during difficult times.

A quick learner and natural leader, Christian has expanded his ministry of care into the realm of ecological restoration. Through his work with 301 Organics, he has embraced soil science, biological recovery, and regenerative land practices with the same dedication he brings to his faith work. Today, he advocates not only for the wellbeing of people above ground, but also for the living communities below ground—the microbes, fungi, and soil organisms essential to healing fire‑impacted landscapes.

Christian’s rare combination of spiritual insight, emotional intelligence, and hands‑on field skills make him a bridge between human recovery and ecological restoration. His presence strengthens the team’s ability to serve Altadena with compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for both the land and the people who call it home.

Community Soil Steward II / Composting Supervisor

Jake Hernandez grew up in Glassell Park and is studying Environmental Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona, with a minor in Regenerative Studies. He brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and strong communication skills to 301 Organics, where he excels at making technical soil concepts easy for community members to understand. Jake is known for his eagerness to learn, ask questions, and build connections across science and community recovery work.

He shares:
“Being a part of 301 Organics has been the best work and learning experience. Working closely with the community and its soil has shown me the parallels between the ecosystem above and below the ground. Just as community members, small businesses, non-profits, builders, architects, landscapers and faith-based organizations have come together to support in the home rebuilding effort, 301 Organics is shedding light on the life and community below ground that needs our support and attention as well. Working as a composting technician and supervisor gives me hope for a brighter future for my generation—a future where our soils are less toxic to walk on, play in, work and eat near, and without fear of getting sick.”

Jake Hernandez

Jake’s blend of technical training, community focus, and genuine passion for soil health makes him a key contributor to 301 Organics’ mission.

Community Soil Steward II / Soil & Social Justice Advocacy

Jacquelyn Perez has grown with 301 Organics from its earliest days, beginning her journey as an Ideal Youth intern at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where 301 Organics served as the lead organics management and sustainability consultant. As a Pasadena native and graduate of John Muir High School in Pasadena, Jacquelyn joined the Ideal Youth program to gain real‑world work experience, learn professional workplace skills, and support the stadium’s food‑waste recovery and composting initiatives.

Her dedication, reliability, and eagerness to learn quickly distinguished her, not only within Ideal Youth, but also within 301 Organics. By 2022, Jacquelyn became one of the company’s first Composting Technicians, helping homeowners and residents learn to create compost in their own backyards and supporting early community‑based soil recovery efforts.

Jacquelyn deepened her technical expertise by earning a scholarship from the Soil Food Web School, where she completed the Foundation Course and gained a strong scientific grounding in soil microbiology, compost production, and microbial ecology. She recently expanded her professional skill set further by completing the CITI Program’s Social and Behavioral Research – Basic/Refresher certification, strengthening her understanding of ethical research practices, community engagement, and responsible data handling, skills that directly support 301 Organics’ survivor‑oriented, community‑based soils work.

Today, Jacquelyn is pursuing her degree at Humboldt University, bringing academic rigor and a growing passion for environmental and social justice into her work. She remains a steady, reliable, and thoughtful member of the 301 Organics team, contributing both field support and community education while preparing for a future career dedicated to ecological restoration and community empowerment.

Jacquelyn’s journey from PUSD student intern to trained soil steward, researcher, and university graduate, embodies the heart of 301 Organics’ mission: uplifting local youth, building meaningful career pathways, and cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders.

Community Soil Steward II - Survivor & Small Business Support/Community Outreach

Marcial Anaya Morga brings a strong academic foundation and a thoughtful, community‑centered approach to his work at 301 Organics. A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, Marcial studied Business Administration with an emphasis in Regenerative Studies, giving him a unique blend of organizational insight and ecological understanding that directly supports the company’s mission.

As a Level II Community Soil Steward, Marcial applies his training in soil health, regenerative systems, and sustainable land practices to help Altadena residents navigate post‑fire recovery. His ability to translate technical concepts into clear, accessible guidance makes him a trusted resource for homeowners and small businesses seeking to understand soil contamination, biological treatment options, and long‑term land stewardship.

Marcial is known for his professionalism, articulate communication, and warm, personable demeanor. He excels in community outreach, where his caring nature and thoughtful engagement help build trust with fire‑impacted families and local partners. His work strengthens 301 Organics’ survivor‑oriented approach by ensuring that every resident receives support that is informed, respectful, and grounded in both science and compassion.

Marcial’s combination of academic training, regenerative knowledge, and people‑centered communication makes him an invaluable member of the 301 Organics team.

Soil Biodiversity Technical Advisor/ 

Soil Domains

Dr. Carla Portugal is an environmental scientist and internationally recognized Soil Food Web/Soil Biodiversity expert whose research and technical guidance strengthen the scientific foundation of 301 Organics’ soil recovery work. As Co‑Founder and Scientific Director of Soil Domains and a long‑time Science Leader and Mentor with the Soil Food Web School, Carla specializes in soil microbiology, regenerative soil systems, and data‑driven ecological restoration.

Carla holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences, a Master’s in Environmental Engineering Technology, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Biological Sciences Education. Her research spans microbial ecology, soil regeneration, and sustainable land‑management practices.

Her expertise directly informs 301 Organics’ treatment protocols and analysis methods, shaping how the team evaluates soil biology, designs biological inoculants, interprets microscopy data, and monitors post‑fire recovery. Carla’s mentorship has also helped train 301 Organics’ soil technicians, ensuring that the organization’s work remains grounded in rigorous science and globally recognized regenerative practices.

Carla’s partnership supports 301 Organics’ mission to restore soil health, protect community wellbeing, and advance biologically centered land stewardship across Altadena.

Soil Biodiversity Technical Advisor/ 

Kingdom Aquaponics, LLC 

 Leighton Morrison is a regenerative systems innovator whose background in sustainable construction, geology, aquaponics, and soil biology strengthens 301 Organics’ post‑fire restoration work. He began his career in 1983, founding a sustainability‑focused construction company while attending the Boston Architectural Center, later launching a marble and granite business and building a zero‑impact home on the coast of Maine.

In 2008, Leighton shifted into regenerative agriculture, exploring aquaponics and the reuse of aquaculture by‑products. His 2012 research at the Rodale Institute with Dr. Elaine Ingham—studying composting, compost teas, extracts, and vermiculture—led to the biological products and processing systems behind Kingdom Aquaponics™. He later refined and scaled this work in partnership with James Sottilo, a national leader in organic land care.

Leighton now advises 301 Organics on applying Soil Food Web principles to treatment design, biological inoculants, and soil biology interpretation, ensuring that post‑fire recovery methods remain scientifically grounded, biologically robust, and effective in rebuilding living soils.