Peter is an award-winning writer based in and native to Ojai, California, whose work focuses on the polycrisis facing humanity and planet Earth. His writing explores the impacts of human interactions with natural systems, including water, fire, plastics, and the cryosphere. Peter’s work has appeared across the publication spectrum, from local newspapers to magazines, web, and film. With a deep ecology approach to the stewardship role of humans, his work hopes to inspire, raise awareness, invite action, and encourage the actualization of humanity’s role as a planet-positive species.
Peter is the chief executive and conservation director of Keep the Sespe Wild, a nonprofit responsible for protecting and defending the largest metropolis-adjacent wilderness in the country, and the longest undammed, free-flowing river in Southern California. He is a multi-disciplinary high school teacher and head coach of varsity girls soccer program of his alma mater. In his previous career, Peter was a Lieutenant in the US Coast Guard, where he specialized in high seas maritime law enforcement, international relations, and maritime threat mediation for more than a decade.
Peter graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor of science in international relations and holds a Master of Arts in climate + society from Columbia University. He is the recipient of several Coast Guard awards and medals and is a Department of Defense-qualified Spanish translator. He holds certificates in non-violent communication, permaculture design, and meditation instruction for veterans. Peter has been featured in outlets ranging from High Times to NPR, most recently for rescuing a dog from the jaws of a mountain lion. He serves on multiple non-profit boards, including Keep the Sespe Wild, The C.R.E.W., The Ojai Raptor Center, The Ojai Valley Defense Fund, Tierra Sol Institute, and Thrive Canteen.
He is available for freelance assignments and speaking engagements. Say hello!
