The Ojai Post

Attasalina Dews is one of 50 artist to be featured in a show called Month of Photography in Los Angeles at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. The group show which documents Southern California neighborhoods premieres April 3rd.

The Lucie Foundation Presents

MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY LOS ANGELES

[MOPLA 2010]

Gala Opening Night

Featuring

groupSC2009
an intimate view of southern california

Premiere Digital Installation

Saturday, April 3rd 2010

6:00 pm – 10:00pm

Bergamot Station

and adjacent
MINARC / Gallery SKART
2324 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Artist's Bios, More Details and Images from the project can be viewed on exhibition website:
www.galleryskart.com/groupsc2009

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

from the fine folk at the Mount and team Tej...

Meditation Mount presents: Waking Up With Everyone Around You - An Experiential Training with Tej Steiner

We can transform our culture by creating Heart-Centered Families, Friendships, Organizations and Communities. This training explores the Heart Circle Process and how it helps redesign human relationships and organizations so we create ongoing, joyful support in staying awake and taking inspired action together.

In this evening presentation and two-day workshop you will develop the skills to form and co-facilitate your own Heart Circle and apply these practices to all aspects of your daily life
- Cultivate your own awakening practice
- Create deep friendships
- Form loving and supportive community during these dramatic times

"What is needed is a new kind of social architecture where the ultimate purpose of any relationship, interaction or organization is to provide a supportive environment for the members within them to be open-hearted, enlightened and free."

Tej Steiner, author of The Heart Circle Process (www.heartcirclenetwork.com) is a master facilitator of small group dynamics. His model has inspired Heart Circles to spring up all around the world, helping satisfy a deep longing that people share for personal joy and transformation, for friendship and community, and for mutual support in a time of dramatic global change. For more information: 805.207.4338 or lightbringer@roadrunner.com.

Evening Intro: Friday, April 16, 7:30pm - $10 Advance, $15 Door
2-Day Workshop: Saturday & Sunday, April 17-18, 9am - 5pm - $175 Advance, $195 Door
Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai
Register online at www.meditation.com

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

from the fine folk at Laurel Springs School...

"LET SUMMER SCHOOL COME TO YOU" by Linda Harmon

Though high school students have just returned from spring break, many may already be thinking about summer. Their parents may remember their own summers fondly; a more “laid back” schedule and maybe some time spent at the beach, but times they are a changing.

With tougher standards, more information to learn, and increased competition for their school year attention, today’s student often spends time during the summer to make up credits for graduation, or honing extra skills to get a special placement they may be hoping for. Unfortunately, summer school funding for public schools has been drastically cut and many courses just will not be available. One Ojai private school, Laurel Springs School, is hoping to fill that need by offering a convenient and flexible summer alternative.

“Summer school at Laurel Springs gives students the opportunity to make up a required class or get a jump start on the next school year,” said Laurel Springs School founder Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, M.Ed., “With our technology, we can bring summer school into anyone's busy summer schedule."

Instead of asking the student to plan their time around a rigid class schedule, the Laurel Springs online program brings materials to the student. Students can take a class anywhere and anytime they have an Internet connection.

Laurel Springs School offers a wide variety of college preparatory, honors and advanced placement courses in grades 9-12, in core subjects and electives. The summer school fee structure is all inclusive, covering all necessary materials and instruction and charging $325 per 4 ½ week class.

Courses are structured in 18 lessons over 4 1/2 weeks, and can start anytime after May 1. Teachers work with students on a one-to-one basis, offering an individualized guided course of study.

“I think it’s a really good program,” said Laurel Springs student Glenn Cook, who also attends Helen Hunt Jackson School, in Idyllwild. “For me it’s nice not having to go to a junior college for classes that I can’t take at my school. I’m taking physics and a Spanish class through Laurel Springs.”

Cook is taking advantage of Laurel Spring School's accelerated program while Brooke Bauersfeld is focused on their credit recovery program.

“I took a geometry course, a second semester geometry course and then an entire algebra II course,” said Bauersfeld, a senior who attends Notre Dame High School in Thousand Oaks. “I had a very positive experience with Laurel Springs, very positive. I used both of my classes to complete my high school requirements. It was specifically good for me because I had problems in the regular classroom as it took a while for concepts to sink in with me. With Laurel Springs you can take your time with things and you take the tests on your own time. It’s also really great because I’m an actress and if I have 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there I can do it then, on my own time. Everything was laid out in the book and there were no surprises. If I needed extra time on something I could take it. If I had any trouble I could just ask the teachers.”

The Laurel Springs staff is fully credentialed, with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience. The school is certified by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the National Honor Society (NHS), and recognized by accredited colleges and major universities including the University of California system. The school was one of the first fully-accredited schools to offer the convenience of online courses in 1994.

So let summer school come to your student; it may even allow your student a little more time for family relaxation or that summer job. Enroll now online at http://summer.laurelsprings.com/ or by calling 1-877-818-5345 to speak to an advisor.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Ventura County Sheriff, Sheriff Major Crimes:

On March 28, 2010 at approximately 0100 hours, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a “shots fired” call in the 100 block of Padre Juan in Meiners Oaks. Deputies located several witnesses, broken glass and several spent shotgun shells in the street . As the investigation was continuing, an additional call to Sheriff ‘s dispatch revealed the location of the vehicle and its occupants.

Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives were called to assist in the criminal investigation. They determined that a physical altercation took place in the front yard of McCoy’s residence between the victims and the suspect. After the physical altercation ended, the suspect armed himself with a shotgun and fired several rounds as the vehicle left the area. The occupants of the vehicle were not injured in the shooting.

Suspect Jason McCoy was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied vehicle with a bail amount of $50,000.00.

Suspect: McCoy, Jason - Meiners Oaks - 19
Victim: Jerviss, Charles - Oak View - 25
Victim: Jerviss, Jonathan - Oak View - 20

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (35)

Call for Artists!

Eat!

A Photography Exhibit at the Ojai Center for the Arts

EAT is the theme of this year’s photograph exhibition at the Ojai Center for the Arts. The seventh annual juried show celebrating food and eating encourages any photographic style including photojournalism, agrarian landscapes, food stills, photomontages, etc. The show opens June 5 and runs through July 7, 2010.

Last year more than 40 works by nearly as many photographers were displayed at the Art Center. This year we expect that more artists will compete to have one or more of their works in the show.

Photographers are invited to submit their work on June 3 or June 4. Detailed submission information can be found on the Photography Branch page of the Art Center website.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 pm. Admission is free. There will be a reception Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 3:30 pm. Refreshments will be served. The Art Center is located in downtown Ojai at 113 South Montgomery Street.

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meet Betty Eiler. If you need a good dose of motivation to roll out your yoga mat this morning, take a moment to view Betty's joyful yoga practice on her site: http://www.bettyeileryoga.com

I first met Betty at a yoga conference about twenty years. At the time, I was on an arduous journey trying to tie up a yoga book. I had gone through three agents and my brave manuscript had met with untold rejections.When I found out that Betty started yoga later in life, (at around age fifty) I had this idea that she would make a great cover girl.

In 1997, a few years after our auspicious meeting, Betty did indeed become the inspirational teacher on the cover of my book The New Yoga for People Over 50 as well as the 2007 sequel, The New Yoga for Healthy Aging . She is also a contributor to both books. Now in her mid seventies, she is a true testament to aging with grace through yoga.

Betty Eiler teaches workshops nationally. She is a certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and has twenty-eight years of experience teaching people of all ages, sizes, shapes, colors, and cultures. She encourages you to allow yoga to meet you where you are. She assures her students that "Regardless of your body type, your hesitation or your unfamiliarity with yoga, there is yoga for every body and for you." Her warm, enthusiastic and playful approach helps to put everyone at ease.

Betty encourages us to explore life, experience challenges as opportunities, and to see changes as blessings.

I don't know if every change is a blessing, at least not in the moment that it happens, but it is certainly a lesson.

Today, especially, on the Full Moon, I need to be reminded of this quote on her website:

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do! --John Wooden

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

... a journey to 'Chief's Peak', 'the Sisar'

reaching the Road above Pine Camp ...

Todas Las Ancianas ...

Posted by Millennium Twain at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I thought I 'd share this article I read this morning. Corpus Christi opened last night with rave reviews. There are two performances left.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Film Showing -- Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Opening remarks by Das Williams

Click here for film poster: POC_Poster.pdf

On Saturday afternoon, March 27th, at 4:30pm at the Ojai Theatre, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will make a special presentation of the documentary film, The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

The film focuses on the oil supply crisis that the collapse of the Soviet Union brought upon Cuba. This Cuban experience of the 1990s offers lessons to help prepare other nations with petroleum-based economies—such as our own—for a future in which oil will become more more expensive and could eventually be unavailable.

Speaking prior to the film screening will be Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams, who grew up in Ojai. He is a candidate for the California State Assembly and a community organizer for the Ventura-based nonprofit CAUSE,
Coastal Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy

Das will speak briefly on issues related to the film.

The presentation is being sponsored by the local natural foods company Nutiva.
$10 suggested donation. All welcome. For more information call (805) 669 8445

Download the event poster for more details!
POC_Poster.pdf

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

from the fine folk at Monica Ros...

This year Monica Ros School is thrilled to host its Auction On-Line. In the On-Line environment the school reaches out to family and friends, near or far to support it’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Monica Ros School is a preschool through third-grade, independent, non-profit school, devoted to providing an environment imbued with the beauty of the natural world, where creativity and academic excellence flourish.

The On-line Auction is now open and may be accessed on the Monica Ros School website at www.monicaros.org. Just click on “Auction”. The “Auction” is open until April 17th.

We hope you will support Monica Ros School by going ‘on-line’ to bid on many wonderful items, including: hotels, restaurants, jewelry, spa treatments, and much more…all generously donated by local merchants, businesses, organizations and supporters.

Numerous talented artists once again donated a brilliant collection of art in many different media styles. A few of the artists are Seco, a Ventura artist, and Valley artists Jeff Sojka and Steve Curry who have donated beautiful works each in their own styles.

Studio 201 has donated gallery space to the school allowing you to see the art in person until April 17th. Studio 201 is located at 109 Blanche Street, Ojai.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Found in the Del Norte area...look familiar to anyone? Call Kris at 805.798.1858

Posted by evan austin at 07:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

News Release

Ojai Valley Democratic Club

For immediate Release:

Ojai Valley Democratic Club Endorses Len Klaif for City Council

The Ojai Valley Democratic Club held an all members meeting and announced the vote to endorse Ojai City Council candidate Leonard Klaif in the special June special election. The organization recently hosted a Candidate Forum with Paul Blatz and Len Klaif.

According to club President Sean Keenan, “The Ojai Democratic Club believes Len Klaif has demonstrated his commitment by attending numerous City Council meetings and standing up for the issues that are important to the citizens of Ojai. As an involved Ojai resident, Len has stood before the Ojai City Council against developers that wanted to make a fast buck by building in our open spaces or tearing down affordable housing to build more million dollar condos. He has stood beside the Skate Ojai group in their struggle with the city to build the skate park. Mr. Klaif flew to Boston to learn what other cities are doing to prevent chain and formula retail and restaurant businesses from destroying their local, independent businesses. Upon returning to Ojai he headed up Citizen(s) for a Chain Free Ojai that resulted in the creation of Ojai’s Formula Business Ordinance. He is a member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and traveled on his own initiative to Santa Maria to speak before the Santa Barbara County Supervisors against gravel trucks coming through Ojai”.

Keenan goes on to say "Further, his commitment to champion causes that the club cares about like the Golden State Water Company rate hike along with his experience as an attorney qualify him to understand the legal choices that will influence the future of Ojai. When you find someone with such passion, commitment and qualifications as Len Klaif running to be elected as a member of Ojai’s City Council, we recommend voting for him."

The Ojai Valley Democratic Club is an active group in Ojai. They accept members from all political affiliations that share the same goals.

You can see the whole candidate's forum HERE

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

from the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center:
Byron Katie will be presenting her internationally acclaimed process called “The Work” in person on Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Matilija Junior High School, 703 El Paseo, Ojai, California 93023. There will be a book signing following. She is generously presenting this workshop as a benefit to the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center. Please put the date on your calendar. You will not want to miss it! Tickets are $35. You can purchase tickets for this event at the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center on Sunday mornings, Contempo Hair Salon or Soul-Centered Bookstore in Ojai, California, or by going online at www.solsc.org. If you need more information, please call (805) 715-9796.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A little something from the Ojai Art Center aimed at our fine city's visitors...

The time is now to think art. If you are a fine artist or appreciate the arts make your plans now to visit Ojai, one of California’s best art towns. Memorial Day is the traditional opening weekend of our southern California’s summer, and that weekend, May 29-30th, offers one of Ojai’s main events, the 33rd annual “Art in the Park.”

The open-air juried art show is presented by the Ojai Center for the Arts, the oldest nonprofit art center in California. Drawing artists from all over California, the Art Center accepts work in the following categories: oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, glass, wood, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry, and mixed media. Cash prizes are awarded, but the weekend offers something more.

The small town of 7,500 people is home to a large number of artists and galleries, and offers breathtaking mountain and valley views. Though surrounded by enough open space for a solitary hike, Ojai features the five-star Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, as well as many other unique smaller hotels and bed and breakfast lodgings. Ojai is also at the forefront of the slow food movement, offering a variety of eateries, several wine tasting rooms, and a superb farmer’s market on Sundays. It has several live theatre and music venues. All this and it is only 15 minutes from the ocean.

Plan ahead and don’t let this Memorial Day find you still looking for something to do. Instead, take part in an Ojai tradition under the canopy of Libbey Park’s century-old oak trees. Enjoy the beautiful casual surroundings and mingle with artists and patrons throughout the weekend.

Come discover Ojai this Memorial Day weekend.

For an artist’s application or further information about Art In The Park, call (805) 646-0117 or go online at www.ojaiartcenter.org.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Ventura County Sheriff's Department / Ojai Substation Detectives:

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department’s Ojai detectives and patrol deputies concluded an investigation into a child abuse case in which one suspect kicked a four-year-old male child in the groin while another suspect videotaped it.

The investigation started when a patrol deputy was given a found cellular phone. When the deputy attempted to identify the owner of the phone, he located a video in the phone showing a four-year-old male child being kicked in the groin by an adult male. The child abuse case occurred in December of 2009, but was not reported until the deputy uncovered the video.

During the investigation, the two suspects were identified and ultimately arrested for 273a(a) – Child Abuse. At this time, the suspects are in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Suspect - City of Residence - Age
Ru Rupp - Oak View - 18 years old
Charles Rodriguez - Oak View - 20 years old

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The first thing I noticed when I stumbled bleary-eyed into the kitchen early this morning was that the little red "on" light was glowing on the electric stove. The knob was turned to medium high.

It was still dark out. I was the only one up. How could this be?

I had spent the evening at the home of my old friend Roy, helping him with a writing project. I was still wide awake when he went to sleep so I decided to wash the dinner dishes.

I was in a really good mood so I went a little overboard and also rinsed out an assortment of catfood cans, apple sauce jars and yogurt containers and put them in the recycling bin. I even dumped all the junk out of the drainer, cleaned the stove top, wiped off the counters and cutting board and started scrubbing the sink.

I was almost done when I noticed the cute stainless steel sauce pan with the glass lid that Roy had purchased that day at a kitchen store in Ventura. He had bought it on sale for $45. It was just the right size for heating up soup, steaming veggies or boiling a couple of eggs.

I thought it would be nice for him to wake up and find his brand-new stainless steel pan ready to go. So I found some scissors and carefully cut off the cardboard label that fastened the glass lid onto the pan. Then, out of curiosity, I read the label. It was translated in several languages saying what a great piece of internationally known cookware this was.

I read the "Use and Care Instructions" which advised that "Before using for the first time, wash in hot, sudsy water," which I did.

The label also said , "Always remember to preheat your pan before using."

Then I remembered that before getting involved with this pan, I had been scrubbing the sink.

I reasoned I could kill two birds with one stone by heating up some water in this new pan. Then I would dump the hot water into the sink, right on a stubborn stain.

To be on the safe side, to break the pan in gently, I did not turn the knob all the way up--just to medium high.

Then I laid down on the couch with the latest issue of Rolling Stone, got totally engrossed in the short life of Jimmy Hendrix and fell asleep.

When I saw that innocent little sauce pan sitting on the stove under the overhead night light, my heart sank.

The silver shine was all gone. It looked so....black.

I turned off the burner, grabbed a dish towel and removed the glass lid. The poor pot was all ashen and sooty inside.

Suddenly I felt like a small child who had done something terribly wrong.

I was totally irrational .

Normally I would have dropped the burnt blackened pot straight into the sink and drenched it with water but I was afraid the sizzling, sputtering sound of cold water hitting hot steel would wake Roy.

I was afraid the smell would rouse him and he would bolt into the kitchen and yell at me.

So I ran outside into the still dark morning and set the hot pan right on top of the railing of his redwood deck.

I hurriedly made some coffee, fed the cats, got dressed and looked out over the valley as it began to grow light.

I tried to think. What should I do?

The child in me did not want to face this man who suddenly seemed like an angry looming father figure.

I had to get the hell out of there before any one got wind of my crime.

When I picked the pan up off the redwood railing it was still alarmingly hot. And then I really felt stupid because now, on top of everything else, there was a round black indentation on the wood the exact size of the bottom of the pot.

Evidence.

Roy would see that black spot and put two and two together.

So I carefully put the still hot pot inside a canvas shopping bag which I then placed in a wicker basket. Just in case he woke up while I was sneaking out, I folded a bunch of clothes on top.

Then I found the pieces of the cardboard cookware label (so I'd have the brand) and hid it in my purse.

I quietly gathered up my dog, my laptop and the rest of my stuff. Then I quickly wrote a good bye note, being careful to sound as normal as possible. I gaily described the early morning antics of his cats and reported that I'd fed them. I wished him a nice day. And at the bottom of the page I casually scrawled,

"PS. Took your new pot to Rains to check prices and maybe get one like it. Will bring back later."

He should be grateful I woke up at dawn and did not burn the house down!

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

A great short film about a plastic bag voiced by Werner Herzog, via Reddit.

Posted by Chris Wilson at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

from the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Museum...

The opening of the 9th annual "Awesome Art" show last Thursday at the Ojai Valley Museum was not so much an exhibit as it was an explosion of creativity and talent. Young artists from six local high schools created 407 outstanding works for the exhibit.

Beginning at four in the afternoon, the students, with parents, friends, teachers and other art lovers, poured through the doors of the museum, filling the gallery with high energy. Museum Exhibit Designers, Fred Kidder and Roger Conrad, had organized and installed a polished professional display for the show. An upgrade to the lighting system, made possible by a grant from the Ojai Civic Association, brought out the colors and forms of each creative work. By the end of the reception, two hours later, over 400 people had visited the “Awesome Art.”

After going from one work to another, chatting and admiring the students' achievements, many in the crowd eventually spilled into the museum patio, where volunteers from the Museum's Events Committee had set up a delicious display of heaped strawberries, pizza slices, and lemonade, along with mounds of cookies brought by Ojai Valley School.

In an afternoon still warm from a beautiful early spring day, Karen O'Neill presented the Marion E. Smith Awards for Excellence in Art, created jointly with her brother, Michael Burgos, and named in memory of their mother, whose love and support for young people in the arts continues in this Ojai tradition. As the awards were announced and gratefully accepted by each young artist, the entire gathering applauded with appreciation, not just for their own school or family, but also for the spirit of the exhibit as a whole.

The sheer volume and high quality of the art made it an overwhelming job to select award winners. According to Shahastra, a local painter who was one of the three judges of the show, the awards went to works combining rich imagination with excellent craftsmanship, a fusion of qualities that would be needed by the students to take their art out into the world.

The Best in Show award went to Lily Mays, Oak Grove School, for a stunning assemblage. Her large-scale, mixed media piece featured Barbie dolls, a mouse trap, text, a tape measure, and other surprising elements, all working synergistically to send a powerful message about the treatment of women's bodies in our society.

First Place winners were: Ceramics, Dustin Jones, Nordhoff, for "Tree Beard," a sculptural and very whimsical use of clay combining two different glazes; Digital Art, Pat McCarthy, Nordhoff, for "Armageddon," an intense and brooding image of destruction with a single flower of hope; Drawing, Sloane Tribble, Nordhoff, for "Abstract," an intricate web of morphing organic forms; Graphic Design, Kai Littlefield, Ojai Valley, for "Peace," a meticulously unified CD case design with a contemporary use of Asian brush strokes; Mixed Media, Isabel Hong, Besant Hill, for "Untitled," an ink collage showing a mastery of drawing combined with well-crafted collage elements; Painting, Laurel Tisserand and Luke Jackson, Oak Grove, for "Old Soul," a collaborative creation making a contemporary urban social statement with layered graffiti and a mysterious central icon; Photography, Ryley Swanner, Oak Grove, for "Untitled," a close-up image of a horse with a ray of light at the exact moment of illuminating the eye and burnished strand of hair; Sculpture, Melissa Carlson, Nordhoff, for "Untitled," a tour-de-force of woven ceramic bands using the luster glaze made famous by Beatrice Wood.

Second Place winners were:
Ceramics - Dylan Rodarte - Nordhoff - "Untitled"
Digital Art - Evan Hardman - Nordhoff - "Untitled Surrealism"
Drawing - Allyn Sattler - Nordhoff - "Apples"
Graphic Design - Devin Curry - Nordhoff - "Poster Promoting the Arts"
Mixed Media - Deana Morton - Oak Grove - "Untitled"
Painting - Michaela McEttrick - Nordhoff - "Untitled"
Photography - Kili Behlman - Ojai Valley - "Elizabeth"
Sculpture - Khalil Lennon - Oak Grove - "Untitled"

Honorable Mention awards went to Taylor Wolfe, Villanova, for "Patton Picture Biography”; Betty Chen, Ojai Valley School, for "Beyond"; Michael Stenovec, Thatcher, for "Untitled"; Tohanah Bui, Besant Hill, for "Fitting In"; Isabel Becerril, Nordhoff, for "Box"; and Freya Randle-Helgesson, Oak Grove, for "Untitled."

The judges were Bruce Tomkinson, Ceramicist; Shahastra, Painter; and Valerie Freeman, Photographer/Digital Artist. All are members of the Ojai Studio Artists.

A number of the works are available for purchase, providing a great opportunity to collect “new” art made in Ojai that supports both aspiring young artists and the museum programs.

The exhibit runs through April 11, 2010, and support from the Karen O'Neill and Michael Burgos grant extends to free admission for all students. Adult admission is $4.00. The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 West Ojai Avenue and is open Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Special tours can be arranged for Wednesdays.

The "Sunday Gathering" event at the museum will be geared to the “Awesome Art” show student exhibitors. Michele Pracy, Ojai Valley Museum Director, will present "The Business of Being an Artist" this coming Sunday, March 28, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the museum's back courtyard. Admission is free for 2010 museum members, $8.00 for non-members, and $5.00 for students. Seating is limited for this presentation, and reservations are required.

For additional information about the museum and the exhibit, and for reservations to "The Business of Being an Artist," please call (805) 640-1390.

Writer/Contributor: Letitia Grimes

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

from the fine folk at the OVGC...

Transportation Committee Has New Chair, Will Meet on First Wednesday of Each Month: The Transportation Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, inactive since its original Chair, Kenley Neufeld, had to step down to handle other commitments, is now having a renaissance. According to new Chair Suza Francina, starting on April 7 at 4:00 p.m. the group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria, 515 West El Roblar in Meiners Oaks, across the street from the Project Ride bike shop.

The mission of the Transportation Committee is to promote transportation options that result in reducing air pollution, traffic congestion, and reliance on petroleum as a primary fuel source. The committee’s goal is to make Ojai a model walking, biking, and alternative-transportation-friendly community. Its current focus is to assist the City of Ojai in implementing the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan adopted more than ten years ago.

The agenda items for the April meeting include EarthPlay on the Meadow on April 24, for which volunteers are needed to help lead the EarthWalk, offer valet bicycle parking, and set up an alternative-transportation display. Also on the agenda: Suza will give an update on the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan and Kelly Pasco will report on Project Ride's program to bring bicycle education to local schools.

Suza Francina, the committee’s new Chair, was born in the Netherlands, which is known as the bicycle capital of the world. She is a longtime bicycle/pedestrian advocate who served as Mayor of Ojai in 2000 and also served on the Ventura County Transportation Commission, where she advocated for bus shelters and improved public transit. Suza says that new Transportation Committee members are welcome, and that anyone who can’t attend this meeting but would like to join the committee may contact her at Sfrancina@aol.com or (805) 646-2613.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are two theatre events this weekend that I'd like to recommend. Two gay-themed plays being performed this weekend and I urge you to see them both. The first to tell you of is Corpus Christi by Terrence McNally. In the 1990's there were three notable plays by gay authors. I had the good fortune of being in two of them. Jeffrey by Paul Rudnick and Angels in America by Tony Kushner. Jeffrey, an Off-Broadway sex romp and Angels, an 8-hour gay fantasia on national themes, both had long runs and critical acclaim. Terrence McNally didn't fair as well. He got death threats for the 1998 production of Corpus Christi. More notable for the furor from the religious right than for it's artistic success, it opened to less than glowing reviews. It has been revived over the years in various productions with better success than the original and comes to Ojai this weekend courtesy of Ojai's own John Grant and 108 Productions. The troupe is on the last legs of a tour that began in 2008 and will end this Spring in San Francisco. They're traveling with a documentary film crew, so it will be nice to have Ojai included in the mix.

Speaking of Jeffrey, that is my connection to the actor in Theater 150's Solo Series presentation of Bent to the Flame. I met the playwright and actor Doug Tompos on Jeffrey. He was assigned to teach me the roles I would be taking over. Years later we worked catering in Los Angeles and I've not seen him for sometime until last Saturday's matinée. Bent to the Flame tells us the story of a young Tennessee Williams, fresh on the heels of his success with A Glass Menagerie, as he is prepares to address an audience gathered to hear a lecture on the work of a controversial gay poet. Doug gave a wonderful performance. The only complaint I have about the production is that there were only 4 people in the audience!! Let's hope that Ojai will come out and support the visiting artists this coming weekend.

Corpus Christi is being presented at the Zalk Theatre of the Besant Hill School in Upper Ojai on March 26, 27, and 28. Show times are 7:30pm. Tickets are $25.00 @108productions.org or call 640-1210 or visit the Ojai Theatre Box Office at 146 E. Ojai Ave.

Bent to the Flame is playing in repertory with The Common Air, Friday March 26 and Saturday, March 27 at 7:30pm and Sunday March 28 at 2pm. Tickets are $25.00 Friday and Saturday, $15.00 on Sunday
Theater 150 is located at 316 E. Matilija Street. Visit theater150.org or call (805)-640-4300

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just returned from the candidate's forum hosted at Ojai Arts Center by the Ojai Democratic Club. I left as the club was about to take a vote on who they will endorse for the special election. It's a tough call between Len Klaif and Paul Blatz. I felt they both presented their cases very well. I liked some answers better than others but overall there was a clear choice, for me, on the best one to take the remaining time left of Joe DeVito's seat.

But as much as they did say that I concurred with, there were a couple of things that weren't said. How to serve the youth of the community became a particular bone of contention as one audience member asked what the candidates would do for the young people in town. Carol Smith's response to the young mother did not go over very well, drawing a quite few grunts and groans as she replied, "There's nothing for them to do here." I did so want to be a part of the discussion at that point having taught hundreds of kids in the valley who are now of voting age. But I thought I'd keep my big trap shut until July, when the nomination cycle starts again.

The other thing that wasn't mentioned or didn't factor in enough for my taste was how important the arts community is to the city. These two issues I'd like to see the candidates explore further in their campaigns. They will be the deciding issues for me and a lot of parents out there.

I'm glad this race is off to a good start and I hope the issues raised by the candidates and by the citizens will give insight to the city council on how to better serve the citizens. And I can't wait to hear who gets the nomination from the Ojai Democratic Club. Thanks Sean, for putting together this event.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

from Venturans for a Just Palestine via John Azevedo:

PEACE, POWER, AND PALESTINE
Presented by U.N. Rapporteur to the Occupied Territories (and Albert G. Milbank Professor Emeritus of International Law and Practice at Princeton University and visiting Distinguished Professor in Global and International Studies at UCSB), Professor Richard Falk

WHEN: Friday, March 26th
5:30 Middle Eastern Dinner with Vegetarian Options
Live Music by the Middle Eastern Ensemble & Palestinian Dancers
7 PM Dr. Paul Larudee (founder, Free Palestine Movement) & Professor Richard Falk

WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
5654 Ralston St., Ventura, Ca., 93003

$20 donation per person for whole evening: dinner, music, and lecture.
$10 donation for just 7 pm Richard Falk lecture.

For further info: ventura4ajustpalestine@gmail.com or call 805-407-7997

Much more detail plus background info after the jump:

Unprecedented US Concern Over Israeli - Palestinian Policy
U.N. Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Richard Falk,
Speaking on “Peace, Power, and Palestine” in Ventura, Friday, March 26

Unprecedented concern at Israel’s refusal to limit its illegal expansion in the occupied West Bank and throughout the occupied Palestinian territories is becoming a problem for U.S. diplomatic and, possibly even military relations with various allies in the Middle East. (Israel is the largest recipient of US military aid in the world). This coincides with efforts by a Venturans for a Just Palestine (VJP) to bring Rapporteur Falk here to address issues of critical importance internationally.

Recently Vice President Joe Biden told Israel's Prime Minister:

“This is starting to get dangerous for us. What you’re doing here undermines the security of our troops who are fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. That endangers us and it endangers regional peace.”

According to the major Israeli daily newspapepr Yedioth Ahronoth:

“The vice president [Biden] told his Israeli hosts that since many people in the Muslim world perceived a connection between Israel’s actions and US policy, any decision about construction that undermines Palestinian rights in East Jerusalem could have an impact on the personal safety of American troops fighting against Islamic terrorism.”

The message couldn’t be plainer: Israel’s intransigence could cost American lives. [References below]

On Friday, March 26th, VJP will hold its Second Annual Free Gaza Event. This year, U.N. Special Human Rights Rapporteur to the Occupied Territories, Professor Richard Falk will present on the topic of Peace, Power, and Palestine. Dr. Paul Larudee, founder of the Free Palestine Movement, will also give a brief presentation.
Prior to this, the group is offering a cultural opportunity with a dinner of authentic Middle Eastern food to the unique sounds and dance performed by the acclaimed U.C.S.B Middle East Ensemble. The event will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 5654 Ralston. St., Ventura, 93003.

Dr. Falk is the Albert G. Milbank Professor Emeritus of International Law and Practice at Princeton University and was visiting Distinguished Professor in Global and International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2001, he was appointed by the United Nations to serve on a three person Human Rights Inquiry Commission for the Palestine Territories and in 2008 was appointed as Special Rapporteur to them. Professor Falk is also the author of numerous texts that include Achieving Human Rights, Crimes of War: Iraq; The Declining World Order: America's Imperial Geopolitics (Global Horizons);and Predatory Globalization: A Critique, among many others. Professor Falk’s latest book, Killer Technologies (Themes for the 21st Century Series) will be released in June, 2010.

In December of 2008 prior to its military attack on Gaza and in defiance of the international community and the United Nations, Israel denied Falk, who is also an American Jew, the right to enter Palestine regardless of his official duties as Rapporteur. In 2009, Israel also refused to allow entry to Gaza to Richard Goldstone, a Zionist and head of the independent United Nations fact finding mission, who was sent to investigate international and human rights and humanitarian law violations related to the conflict.

Dr. Falk has issued a statement condemning Israel for ‘war crimes” because of disproportionate use of force and collective punishment in their 2008 assault on Gaza. He has since called for the International Criminal Court at the Hague to investigate those responsible.

Israel remains the primary recipient of U.S. military aide and as such has a direct impact on our own economy. Also, remnants of those U.S. supplied weapons were found in Gaza after the 2008 attack there. This talk, then, offers Venturans a rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s leading intellectuals speak on issues of significance not only to Palestine, but to U.S. citizens in general.

Dinner and Music to start at 5:30 PM, with the lecture to start at 7.
The requested donation for the entire event is $20. Doors for lecture only will open at 6:45 and a donation of $10 is requested.

For further information, call 805-407-7997 or email
ventura4ajustpalestine@gmail.com

REFERENCES:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/laurarozen/0310/What_Biden_told_Netanyahu_behind_closed_doors_This_is_starting_to_get_dangerous_for_us.html?showall

http://www.israel-palestinenews.org/2010/03/gordon-duff-us-tells-israel-you-are.html

Posted by Sally Carless at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ojai is fortunate to have two outstanding, experienced candidates: Paul Blatz and Leonard Klaif. Both of them are familiar with the issues before us. Tonight is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the differences between them. Below is information on tonight's (Monday night) event, sponsored by the Ojai Valley Democratic Club. Open to the public.

WHEN: Monday March 22nd at 7PM
WHERE: Ojai Art Center
WHY: To get to know the two candidates for city council on the June ballot

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Radio Ojai has a free download of Ojai local Lola Haag performing "Poor Butterfly", and here's a note about her trio's upcoming show...

Ojai's own Lola Haag will perform at the Historic Pierpont Inn in Ventura on Saturday, April 24th, 2010. Lola will be singing a variety of jazz standards including selections from both of her CDs "The Sarah Vaughan Songbook" and "Good Morning Heartache." The cover charge is only $10.00, and... drum roll please... the Pierpont will be offering the "Lola Birthday Special" of 2 martinis for the price of 1.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai Substation...

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department / Ojai Substation, has launched a new program that offers a convenient confidential drop box where Ojai Valley residents can deposit unused or expired pharmaceuticals, in an effort to divert harmful drugs away from the environment and children. Pharmaceuticals are medications, including prescription drugs such as painkillers, hormones, antidepressants, antibiotics, cold/flu remedies, OTC medications and veterinary medicines.

There are many risks associated with storing prescription drugs that are not part of a current drug therapy. The prescriptions may be outdated and not effectively treating the symptoms they are intended for. If prescription drugs are being stored and the person they are prescribed for is not taking them according to the prescription, it is possible they could be taken by mistake or potentially stolen. If prescription drugs are disposed of in our water supply, a potential for contamination to the water, our environment, and our residents may occur.

Ojai Valley residents are encouraged to utilize the collection bin located in the public lobby of the P.D. during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday - 8AM to 5PM. This program is not intended for commercial use, and is restricted from receiving mail, batteries, trash and syringes – as placarded on the exterior of the bin.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

David Frum, former speechwriter for W, penned an interesting article on HCR today. He's calling this the GOP's Waterloo, in large part because Republicans went all-in for defeat of the bill, instead of working with Democrats to craft legislation. The following paragraph shows why progressives aren't fully satisfied, and why the right-wing teabagging freak-out calling this a socialist-fascist government takeover makes no sense:

Could a deal have been reached? Who knows? But we do know that the gap between this plan and traditional Republican ideas is not very big. The Obama plan has a broad family resemblance to Mitt Romney’s Massachusetts plan. It builds on ideas developed at the Heritage Foundation in the early 1990s that formed the basis for Republican counter-proposals to Clintoncare in 1993-1994.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

from reader JG on behalf of the coming production of Corpus Christi at the Zalk Theatre of the Besant Hill School in Upper Ojai...

Terrence McNally's acclaimed and notorious play, Corpus Christi, is being presented at the Zalk Theatre of the Besant Hill School in Upper Ojai on March 26, 27, and 28. When the play was first performed at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 1998 the playwright was subjected to death threats and the theatre received bomb threats.

Set in Corpus Christi Texas in the 1950's, this play is a modern retelling of the Jesus story with the main character a gay man who preaches nothing but unconditional love. Coincidentally, two days before the play's opening in New York in 1998, Matthew Shepherd was brutally killed in Wyoming. The 108 Production's show revival began in 2008 in the San Fernando Valley, and has traveled to the Rattlestick Theatre in Manhattan, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, and numerous locations in California.

The Ojai production is near the end of their Spring 2010 tour, and will be preceded by a presentation at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. A film crew is documenting this 108 Production, and hopes to have a video documentary available by the end of the year.

The play's sold out off-Broadway run in New York is typically performed by thirteen young men, but this play's production continues to honor the message of celebrating diversity by casting men and women of a large age range, varying religious beliefs and all walks of life. And the message of the play is finally being felt: celebrating love, diversity, and equal rights for all.

Ojai is very privileged to host this three day presentation of the play, which is the first time it has been performed in either Santa Barbara or Ventura County. John Grant is presenting this play with 108 Productions and in association with The Ojai Playwrights Conference and the Besant Hill School of Happy Valley. Fur further information and tickets go to www.108productions.org or telephone (805) 640-1210 or at the Ojai Theatre, 145 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

~kNot~ our own ...

Posted by Millennium Twain at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Thanks to Ojai bicycle/pedestrian advocate John van Houten, M.D., for calling my attention to this article.

As the new Chair of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee this is the best news for making Ojai a model bicycle/pedestrian friendly city that I've seen in years. It will help us move forward in implementing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that the City of Ojai adopted over ten years ago.

Here are some excerpts-- a link to the entire article appears at the end.

Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals

At long last, the feds have said the needs of pedestrians and cyclists must be placed alongside, not behind, those of motorists.

In what amounts to a sea change for the Department of Transportation, the automobile will no longer be the prime consideration in federal transportation planning. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the needs of pedestrians and cyclists will be considered along with those of motorists, and he makes it clear that walking and riding are “an important component for livable communities.”

“People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning,” LaHood wrote on his blog. “This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.”

He goes on:

We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

LaHood’s announcement came on the heels of his appearance at the National Bike Summit, where he was greeted like a rock star and told the crowd, “Our mission is the same as your mission,” and “I think we’re beginning to put our money where our mouth is on these issues.”

And how!

What his policy statement effectively says is multimodal transportation (meaning pedestrians and cyclists) will be an “equal” part of all new infrastructure projects getting funding from Washington.

Walking and bicycling foster safer, more livable, family-friendly communities; promote physical activity and health; and reduce vehicle emissions and fuel use,” reads the introduction to the policy statement. “Legislation and regulations exist that require inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian policies and projects into transportation plans and project development. Accordingly, transportation agencies should plan, fund, and implement improvements to their walking and bicycling networks, including linkages to transit.”

“This is an issue that has been ignored far too long, even as thousands have died or been injured unnecessarily just by doing something as simple as trying to cross the street,” James Corless, director of Transportation for America, said in the T4A blog. “We thank Secretary Lahood for his leadership at DOT and for elevating this urgent issue to the level of prominence that it deserves.”

To view the entire article/photographs click here:
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/lahood-policy-statement/

Related Ojai Post Links
It's About the Bike: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthy, Wealthy and Green Ojai
Guest Editorial by John van Houten, M.D.
http://www.ojaipost.com/2009/09/_its_about_the_bike_a_doctors.shtml

Link to this quote: "People across America who value bicycling should have a voice"
http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/03/my-view-from-atop-the-table-at-the-national-bike-summit.html

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation articles
http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/action-committees/transportation/

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at Pappa Lennons (outside court yard area) 515 W El Roblar, across the street from the Project Ride bike shop. Our next meeting date is April 7 at 4:00 pm. If you cannot make it to the meeting but would like to join the OVGC Transportation Committee please e-mail Sfrancina@aol.com

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

By Ojai author David E. Moody

Most of us know that people who live in Alaska or near the North Pole do not see much daylight for long stretches of time, while those who live on the equator see a great deal of sunlight. And so you might think that on the equator the sun is exactly, directly overhead pretty often -- maybe once a day, every day, for most or all of the year.

But actually that is not the case. Because the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted, the sun is almost never directly overhead even on the equator. Instead, the entire northern hemisphere leans toward the sun all day long and all night long for six months of the year, and away from the sun all day and all night for the other six months of the year.

The transition point between those two periods occurs for one brief moment on a single day when the sun is precisely, directly overhead at the equator, passing from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, (or vice versa). That single moment will occur today, March 20, at 10:37 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

We celebrate the day on which this moment occurs as the vernal equinox -- vernal meaning spring, and equinox meaning night and day are of equal length.

David E. Moody, Ph.D., is a longime Ojai resident, writer and teacher.

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

From the Ojai Valley Green Coalition...

On April 3 and 17, community members will continue a collaborative effort to return the Ojai Creek to its natural functioning state. The Watershed Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, under the leadership of conservation biologist Brian Holly, will be planting native species to replace the non-natives removed last winter.

The community is invited to an initial training and the subsequent planting activities near the streambed. This work day will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Libbey Park Gazebo in downtown Ojai. Wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Feel free to bring your own shovel, trowel, and gloves; gloves and tools will be provided, but can run out in the event of a large number of volunteers.

This creek restoration project is made possible by funding from the Earth Island Institute and by support from the Wetlands Recovery Project and the Coastal Conservancy of Southern California.

Participants may go to www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org prior to the event to check for any updates regarding time, location, or personal items to bring. To learn more, leave a message for Deborah Pendrey, Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, at (805) 669-8445, or send an email to Deborah at coordinator@ojaivalleygreencoalition.org.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the next of her "Behind the Headlines" series at Ojai's Theater 150, journalist Nomi Morris will discuss "Iran: What's Next."

Morris will look at the opposition movement that sprang up after last summer's election as well as the Tehran regime's continued commitment to develop its nuclear program.

How the United States responds to Iran in the coming months could have lasting implications on the Middle East and the balance of power in the world.
Will a new round of tougher economic sanctions work? Will Israel take matters into its own hands and bomb Iranian nuclear facilities?

"The prospect of a nuclearized, Islamic Iran scares alot of people," said Morris. "Part of why we feel so helpless is that there is no easy solution to Iran's confrontation with the West, especially after mass protests there led to even more repression. Still, if we understand the forces at play, a complex situation can look clearer and less ominous."

Morris was Middle East Bureau Chief for Knight Ridder Newspapers before moving to Ojai in 2001. Previously she was a correspondent for TIME in Berlin and a senior writer at Canada's news magazine Maclean's. Currently Morris contributes to the "Beliefs" feature of the Los Angeles Times.

Morris' session Iran:What's Next is the fourth in a series of eight current affairs evenings that she is conducting as part of Theater 150's Local Access initiative, in which the theater opens its doors to other community events. She has done similar current events courses for University of California Santa Barbara's extension program.

"I'm pleased for this opportunity to provide a continuing education series here in Ojai. It's a great way for people to gain a deeper understanding of what's going on in the world, right here in town," Morris said. "Residents of our area have alot of knowledge and life experience. The level of discussion at 'Behind the Headlines' has been very high."

"Iran: What's Next?" with Nomi Morris will be held on Monday, March 22 at 7 pm at Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija Ave, Ojai.
Admission is $10 and $7 for students and seniors. No advance reservations. Website: theater150.org
Upcoming "Behind the Headlines" dates are: March 22, April 12, 26, May 10, 24.

Posted by Chris Wilson at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

They are busy these days!

After the jump, details on two events: The Ojai Valley Museum hosts its 5th NATIVE PLANT SALE on Saturday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum's Back Courtyard. Ojai Valley Museum Director
Michele Pracy will conduct a presentation on "THE BUSINESS OF BEING AN ARTIST" Sunday, March 28, 2010.

"SUNDAY GATHERING"

Ojai Valley Museum Director Michele Pracy will conduct a presentation on "THE BUSINESS OF BEING AN ARTIST" Sunday, March 28, 2010, 2 – 4 p.m. Museum Back Courtyard - 130 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA. Free for 2010 Museum Members, $8 Non-members, $5 Students. Seating is limited, reservations required, call: (805) 640-1390.

The topic is especially geared toward Awesome Art Student participants, but all practicing artists are welcome!

OJAI MUSEUM ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE

The Ojai Valley Museum hosts its 5th NATIVE PLANT SALE on Saturday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum's Back Courtyard. In celebration of the Easter Weekend, this sale will include Orchids and Easter Lilies in addition to the usual inventory of native and drought resistant plants. All plants available for sale are suitable for climate and water conditions of the Ojai Valley and nearby southern California valley communities.

Plants are being provided by Lawrence Nicklin, Plantasia Landscaping; Scott & Betsy Smith, Euterpe Farms; David Mason, The Village Florist. Plant experts will be available during the sale for advice and information.

Proceeds from the Plant Sale benefit the Programs of the Ojai Valley Museum. Museum Members receive a 10% discount on purchases; a Membership Table is available at the Plant Sale for new member sign-ups throughout the day.

Event will be held at the Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W. Ojai Avenue. For more information, call (805) 640-1390.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Ojai PD, 25 year old Brandon Hoffmeister was arrested on suspicion that, as the Janitor of Nordhoff High, he regularly sold weed to students, and smoked with them 20-30 times over a two month period. Unbelievable.

Deputy Valenzuela entered the classroom and saw a thick cloud of smoke and smelled the odor of burnt marijuana. She also saw Nordhoff High School Janitor, Brandon Hoffmeister, 25 years, with 3 male juvenile students. As Deputy Valenzuela directed Hoffmeister and the students out of the classroom, Hoffmeister ran from Deputy Valenzuela.

Official Report

Nature of Incident: Possession of Controlled Substance on School Grounds, Furnishing Marijuana to a Minor over 14 years Old, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Resisting / Delaying Arrest.

On 03/11/10, Nordhoff School Resource Officer Deputy Valenzuela was contacted by Nordhoff School staff regarding marijuana being smoked in a vacant classroom.

On 03/18/10, Officer Deputy Valenzuela was on foot patrol on the campus of Nordhoff High School. Deputy Valenzuela became suspicious when she saw an empty janitors cart, near the classroom, she had previously received the complaint about. Deputy Valenzuela entered the classroom and saw a thick cloud of smoke and smelled the odor of burnt marijuana. She also saw Nordhoff High School Janitor, Brandon Hoffmeister, 25 years, with 3 male juvenile students. As Deputy Valenzuela directed Hoffmeister and the students out of the classroom, Hoffmeister ran from Deputy Valenzuela. Hoffmeister was located, on campus, a short time later and placed under arrest.

During Deputy Valenzuela’s investigation she discovered an empty plastic baggie, in the classroom, which contained marijuana residue. Hoffmeister admitted to providing marijuana to students over the past 2 months and having smoked marijuana, with students, on campus, approximately 20-30 times over the two month period.

Hoffmeister was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Bail was set at $100,000.00

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

Dear Congressman Gallegly,

I realize that you will probably vote against the Health Care Reform bill. However, I wanted you to know how much I think we need it…even if it is flawed.

As the only industrialized country in the world without a national health care program, as a nation whose health care costs are rising faster than those of other countries, as we are unable to demonstrate longer life or better health than they can, and as nearly 40 million of our citizens are without insurance protection, something is desperately needed. Now, not later.

You should also know that you and your colleagues have squandered an historic opportunity to have been part of a united coalition to solve this health care crisis. And, through placing political ambitions above the common good, have missed the chance to produce an even better solution than the one before us.

It is unfortunate that I, your other constituents and 40 million more Americans will be unable to point to you and say “He helped, he did his part. Thank you Elton.”

Nevetheless, this bill will pass and you will have missed your chance.

Thank you.

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Now that the campaign for the vacant city council seat left by Joe DeVito is officially underway, I feel it's time to announce the launch of Leonard Klaif’s website: Klaif4ojai.com

Here you can not only peruse his political views but you can get to know Len as a human being and meet his whole family!

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

WHEN: Monday March 22nd at 7PM
WHERE: Ojai Art Center
WHY: To get to know the two candidates for city council on the June ballot.

Join the OVDC and candidates Paul Blatz and Len Klaif for the vacant city council seat left by Joe DeVito. The candidates will give a brief speech on why they are running and why they thing they would make good city council members and then they will take questions from the audience.

After the forum, OVDC members in good standing will have an opportunity to vote on which candidate to endorse. To be an OVDC Member in good standing, dues for 2010 must be current. Dues may also be paid by cash, check or online at the meeting. Those wishing to join the club may do so at the meeting provided they are registered to vote.

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I just got word from the county that I was once signature shy of nomination, so I will not be a candidate in the special election. Best of luck to Paul and Lenny and may the best man win!

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

To all Ojai Wildlife League Supporters,
We are getting down to the wire with the California Fish and Game Commission making a decision on April 21, 2010, regarding whether to expand bear hunting, the use of dogs and permit unlimited killing of bears. If you haven't written a letter please do so as soon as possible. The email address is fgc@fgc.ca.gov For sample Letters visit www.OjaiwildlifeLeague.com.

Expanded bear hunts don't pass smell test
By Wayne Pacelle, president, Humane Society of the United States.

For too long, the California Department of Fish and Game has served the interests of the trophy-hunting lobby over the interests of the millions of California residents who do not hunt. Wildlife watchers in California outnumber bear hunters by a factor of 250 to 1. But nothing demonstrates just how far the agency will go to placate this narrow trophy-hunting constituency than new proposals to expand the range and the terms for killing black bears with packs of dogs in California.

With these steps, the department is walking straight into an expensive and needless wrangle with voters -- because rank-and-file citizens cannot, and will not, condone this kind of unsporting and inhumane mismanagement and may be left with no choice but another ballot initiative to bring the government to its senses.

Californians may remember that in the 1980s the department pressed to authorize a trophy hunting season for mountain lions, despite objections from the public. Wildlife protection and humane organizations eventually initiated a ballot measure, which voters approved in 1990 and then affirmed again in 1996. Unfortunately, this lesson appears lost on today's department regulators.

The department is calling for a significant expansion of the range open to hound hunting of bears, including starting a season in San Luis Obispo County, no doubt to give trophy hunters from Los Angeles and the Bay Area a convenient hunting ground. Farther north, the department wants to expand the bear hunting range in Modoc and Lassen counties. This is heavily forested country and prime bear habitat. The adoption of this proposal surely will mean more harassed and dead bears.

That's to the liking of the trophy-hunting lobby, of course, and the department is bending over backward to be accommodating. DFG proposes to rescind a regulation that automatically ends the season once 1,700 bears have been killed. For the last three years, hunters have met this quota early and the season was curtailed. Now, under this abrogation of responsibility, trophy hunters can take aim on an unlimited number of bears -- a shocking step backward.

But it gets even worse. Much worse. The department also proposes expanding the hound-hunting season across much of the state. It already is legal in California to chase bears with packs of radio-collared hounds, despite the fact that bears have less stamina than dogs and must soon seek refuge in a tree. DFG now wants to permit this activity all season long, beginning just as soon as bears emerge from their dens with dependent cubs. This would separate mothers from their cubs -- and even make tiny bears targets.

Hound hunters typically use radio telemetry devices, the same devices bear researchers and national park employees use to track bears.

But the department wants to allow even more sophisticated technology to ease the trophy hunters' path. Under the DFG plan, high-tech hunters could use Global Positioning System transmitters on their dogs' collars, complete with "tip switches."

That way, dogs are released to chase bears and trophy hunters can climb back into their heated trucks to drink coffee while they track the "hunt" on a portable GPS receiver. When dogs tree a bear, they stop looking down at the ground -- bear hounds track by scent -- and raise their heads to look up into the tree. If they look up for a long period of time, a "tip switch" on the collar alerts the shooters that the chase is over.

The trophy hunters grab their rifles, follow the GPS signal straight to the bear, and shoot the trapped animal at point-blank range off a tree branch. It's about as sporting as following a printed zoo map to the bear grotto.

These proposals didn't bubble up from California communities dealing with increased conflicts with bears -- not that such conflicts are resolved by expanding hunting. Rather, this reckless war on the state's natural resources was proposed by trophy hunters who want to shoot more black bears and mount their hides and heads on their walls.
California's bears are an icon for our state. They are a natural treasure we all enjoy and appreciate, and they need and deserve protection, particularly in light of poaching pressures from those professional rings that sell bear parts abroad. It's outrageous enough that California allows any hounding of black bears, but bears have only "dodged the bullet" and avoided eradication in California because regulations have maintained an annual quota.

The leadership of the trophy hunting lobby again shows its colors in demanding no interference -- and short-sighted regulators have obliged by not even bothering to conduct research on local bear populations in the areas of the proposed expansion to determine what impact an unlimited trophy hunt might have on the health and stability of the bear populations in the effective areas.

Most responsible hunters profess an ethic of sportsmanship and fair chase, and the use of high-tech devices to shoot unlimited numbers of bears doesn't meet the smell test.

Voters in Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington have taken to the polls already to protect bears against hound hunting. Voters in California have already displayed their desire to put majestic wildlife ahead of the misguided and selfish interests of an overreaching trophy hunting lobby.

The mission of the Department of Fish and Game includes managing our diverse wildlife and their habitats for "their use and enjoyment by the public." It's time they stand up for wildlife and for the entire "public," not just trophy hunters.

Notes:
Wayne Pacelle is president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. Members of their staff were part of the team that helped with the research and documentation in the preparation of comments that were submitted to the California Department of Fish & Game last week.

Submited by Sue Williamson
www.Ojaiwildlifeleague.com
Phone: 805-640-0187
Email: sue@ojaiwildlifeleague.com

Received from the California/Nevada Regional Conservation Committee
BLACK BEAR TASK FORCE
Richard J. Garcia - Chair

Credit:
Opinion by Wayne Pacelle previously published in the Santa Barbara News-Press, March 14, 2010.

Related Ojai Post articles:
Opinion: TOO HARD TO BEAR: Why does the Department of Fish and Game want to expand bear hunting?
Letter by Julia J. Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc.
http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/03/opinion_too_hard_to_bear_why_d.shtml

Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai, to Fish & Game re Plan to Expand Bear Hunting
http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/02/letter_from_marjorie_emerson_o_1.shtml

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Global Village School is the featured recipient of an activity at Made in Ojai Artisans and Mercantile for the month of March. This artisan cooperative consists of 36 local artists who take turns staffing the store, which carries their work. They also sell food products, personal care items, books, music, etc.

Throughout March, Made in Ojai is sponsoring a Wishing Well to collect donations for Global Village School. This Sunday, March 14, from 10 to 2, they are having an artisans fair to highlight the Wishing Well. The fair will spotlight an amazing diversity of work in all kinds of media created by Ojai artists.

Made in Ojai Artisans and Mercantile is located at 323 E. Matilija St. #101 in Ojai. For more information on the store or the Artisans Fair, call 646-2400.

Global Village School is an accredited international K-12 homeschool diploma program with a creative flexible approach and an emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability. The school’s focus is on preparing students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other. Global Village seeks to help students lead authentic and meaningful lives, and strives to have them leave school feeling confident in their abilities to make an impact on the world around them. Based in Ojai, Global Village is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. To find out more about Global Village, visit the website or call 646-9792.

Posted by Sally Carless at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is a segment Time Warner Cable did on me (Laura Stinchfield) being a pet psychic.

I talk to a cat (Ike) that is going into surgery to remove cancerous tumors and a black lab (Zuma) who talks about something her pet sitter could do differently. Iris the goat is also featured.

Myself and several of my clients are interviewed on animal communication and whether we think it is a fad or if it will be a growing field. (Thank you Jaya, Jon, Jodi and Tina of Aloha Dog Grooming).

Posted by Laura Stinchfield at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

From the Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Substation Detectives:

Nature of Incident: Commercial Burglary, Vandalism and Petty Theft
Location: Nordhoff High School, Ojai
Dates: Between February 20, 2010 and February 21, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Substation Detectives

Suspect - City of Residence - Age
Ian McMahon, Meiners Oaks, 18 years old
Male Juvenile, Oak View, 16 years old
Male Juvenile, Ojai, 16 years old
Male Juvenile, Ojai, 16 years old

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department’s Ojai Detectives concluded an investigation into a commercial burglary and vandalism that occurred at Nordhoff High School between the evening of February 20, 2010 and the morning of February 21, 2010. Deputies initially responded to the school reference a flag that had been stolen from a local Jewish camp and was found flying from the football stadium flagpole at Nordhoff High School. When Deputies arrived to investigate the stolen flag incident, they found that the suspects had forced entry into two snack bars in the area of the football stadium, the announcer’s box above the bleachers in the stadium, a metal storage container and the girl’s locker room. The deputies also found that the school’s pool and marching band equipment truck had been vandalized and a swastika had been painted on the asphalt of the southwest parking lot.

During the investigation four suspects were identified and property stolen during the incident was recovered. The suspects were ultimately arrested for 459P.C. – Commercial Burglary, 594(b)(1) P.C. – Vandalism over $400.00, and 484(a) P.C. – Petty Theft. Three of the four suspects were juveniles. Based on the investigation a hate crime could not be established.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Via the Orange County Register
Pixie tangerines offer sweet treat

This is a fine little article about our Valley's treasured specialty citrus crop, with a journalistic oops.

Tony Thacker, his daughter Emily and his granddaughter Celeste Ayala showed off this year's bumper crop. Tony explained that the 2010 harvest will yield about 20 percent more than last year's, but the fruit will be smaller. Most will be between 1 3/4- and 2 inches in diameter, with few fitting into the jumbo or colossal categories. The trees have a habit of bearing a large crop one year and a small crop the following year.

Posted by Chris Wilson at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

On Saturday afternoon, March 27, at 4:30 p.m. at the Ojai Theatre, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will make a special presentation of the documentary film The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

The film focuses on the economic crisis that befell Cuba when its chief sponsor, the Soviet Union, collapsed in l990. Without its oil subsidy, Cuba was forced to virtually reinvent its economy overnight. Instead of importing foodstuffs, the government turned to encouraging the production of local foods. Instead of relying on petroleum-based fertilizers, the government consulted with organic farming experts from Australia to learn how to fortify Cuba’s soils. Instead of funding mass transportation and big urban hospitals, the government supported local clinics and governance.

The Cuban experience offers lessons to help prepare other nations with petroleum-based economies - such as our own - for a future in which oil will become more expensive and could eventually be unavailable.

Speaking prior to the film screening will be two-term Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams, who grew up in Ojai and is a Democratic candidate, endorsed by the California League of Conservation Voters, for election to the California State Assembly in the 35th district. In addition to his City Council service, Williams teaches at Santa Barbara’s Antioch University, serves as a Trustee of Peabody Charter School, is a community organizer for the Ventura-based nonprofit CAUSE, and is a national board member of the National Organization for Women. He will speak briefly on issues related to the film.

The presentation is being sponsored by the local natural foods company Nutiva, and there is a $10 suggested donation.

For more information, please contact Deborah Pendrey, Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, at (805) 669-8445, or via email at coordinator@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Welcome to Day 38 of the 64-day Season for Nonviolence; one of today's affirmations and practices is

KINDNESS: Do something kind for someone for no reason other than to be kind. Bring beauty to a place where it may be needed without letting anyone know that you were the one who did it. Write about how it felt and then share this story with someone.

Tell us what you've done or will do...anonymous posts welcome!

The Season's daily affirmations and practices are updated EVERY DAY at ojaipeace.org.

Posted by evan austin at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Another deadline looms. Another opportunity to pass health care reform. Another chance to blow it. But after reading Saturday’s front page of the world’s greatest newspaper, the Ventura Star, maybe blowing it is in our best interests.

Dark Side of Health Reform the banner screamed out at me. Expecting to read something nefarious, like death panels, I plunged into the article by Tom Kisken. It was indeed dark. Dark and dastardly. A “Tan Tax” for those who, like Congressman Boehner, can’t get enough UV rays from the sun and who seek out their fair share of melanomas from the hundred thousand or so tanning booths hiding within the dark recesses of our mini-malls and the back alleys of America.

Yes, Obama’s health care plan threatens to put the kabosh on tanning booths by putting a 10% tax on the services rendered by them. Like cigarettes, the Democrats have found a steady source of income from the bronzers who just can’t kick the habit. Tom goes on to tell us that the tax would raise $2.7 billion over the next ten years, assuming we all haven’t fried our skins naturally because of global warming, plastic bags and aliens from another planet who prematurely destroy our ozone layer.

Andrew Soto, a melanoma devotee, wasn’t impressed with the tax even if it is levied on an activity that might very well kill him. "I don’t think that’s cool," he said, noting that natural light can cause cancer too. "Why don’t they charge everyone, because of the sun?" Good point, Andy.

And just in case that doesn’t convince you of how wrong-headed Obama’s health plan is, newsman Tom notes the economic pressures these salons already face because of the recession. Many of them are run by small, independent entrepreneurs — husbands and wives or mothers and daughters…If the customer doesn’t want to pay a tax on tanning and they don’t come in, there’s another small business in California that will close, said Chris Talbot, co-owner of the CTZZZZ Ultimate Tan in Ventura. And the bronzer will have to settle for sunning at the beach and smoking Camels.

Gosh. Who knew? When I think of all the time I’ve spent writing about the importance of health care reform. When I think of the facts, figures and the forty million that don’t have coverage. When I think of all the CNN, PBS and NPR health care programs I’ve absorbed. When I realize the absurdity of those overly-detailed NY Times articles that laid out the issue clearly and, wink-wink, left little doubt as to the need for reform. When I think of the seven agonizing hours that I spent watching Obama’s Health Care Summit. What a waste.

Yes, it’s all laid out in a nutshell by the Star. The Tan Tax is another example of our government run amok. Balancing the outrageous costs of health care reform on the backs of those whose only crime is that they seek UV rays and a dark skin. It’s a damn good thing I read the world’s greatest newspaper.

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

~2010~

When(?) the World dost turn to Silence
And every voice is 'lost' ...

Laughter, sisters, brothers, friends --
Sounds but distant Sespe echos, 'tossed' ...

'elder-field' ...

Posted by Millennium Twain at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

treadmill guys outdo themselves:

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Google Inc. plans to offer ultra fast broadband on a trial basis to about 500,000 customers. Click here to nominate Ojai as a prototypical city which will give us Internet speeds 100 times faster than anything else currently out there in America. Google will be accepting nominations until March 26, 2010. The online application only takes a minute to fill out so lets give it a shot Ojai!!

Posted by Mike Didj at 01:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Boston.com often has great pictorials of historic events. No exception with the Vancouver Winter Olympics - Part 1 and Part 2.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Are you interested in learning how Ojai can respond to the challenges and opportunities of Peak Oil, Climate Change, and Economic Instability?

The third in a series of meetings of Transition Ojai
Tuesday, March 2, at 6.45 pm
Glen Muse
815 Libbey Ave, Ojai
For directions and map click here: Transition Ojai

"We'll be bringing our ideas for actions/events/publicity/work groups etc. together in order to move Transition Ojai onto the next phase. This will not be a meeting for those who are new to transition, but of course everyone is welcome:), however, there will not be an opportunity at this meeting to present the basic ideas of our Transition Initiative," said Wayne Thompson, Transition Ojai organizer.

Transition Ojai
www.transitionojai.org
Contact: Wayne Thompson, 805 798 2152
E-mail transitionojai@gmail.com

"Transition Ojai is what we make it!"
If you are new to the concept of Transition Towns, please watch out for an Introduction to Transition Meeting coming soon. In the meantime, you can read The Transition Primer. Click Here.
http://transitionojai.org/PDF/TransitionInitiativesPrimer.pdf

Notes:
Welcome to Transition Ojai
View the complete slideshow presentation:
http://www.transitionojai.org/PDF/The_Ojai_Transition_Initiative_Introduction_Slideshow.pdf

Welcome to Transition Ojai! Learn All About Transition Towns Here.
http://transitionojai.org/index.html
The Transition Town movement represents one of the most promising ways of engaging people and communities to take the far-reaching actions that are required to mitigate the effects of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Here in Ojai I see the Transition Town model as a way to bring together and empower many different community projects, organizations and endeavors that are part of creating a sustainable community.

Related OjaiPost article:
http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/01/welcome_to_transition_ojai_lea.shtml

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The following letter by Julia J. Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc., made the front page of the Santa Barbara News-Press editorial section yesterday (February 28, 2010). Animal Rescue Team was one of the wildlife organizations that offered to help save the Aliso Street bear last October. Julia spoke at the Ojai City Council following the killing of this Ojai bear. Her organization is a resource for the Ojai Wildlife League.

To Eric Loft, Chief, California Department of Fish and Game:
The effects on the statewide black bear population that shall be addressed in the April Environmental Document Regarding Bear Hunting include:
• Increasing the regulated annual harvest up to 2,500 bears;
• Incorporating portions of San Luis Obispo, Modoc, Lassen and Inyo counties into the black bear hunt zones;
• Eliminating the in-season closure mechanism;
• Altering the dog control use boundary;
• Modifying the dates for archery bear season.

This project will involve the killing of American black bears. Some members of the public may find this offensive and this project may have an emotional effect on them. Although the loss of an individual black bear is tragic, the department concluded in the 2004 Final Environmental Documents Regarding Bear Hunting that this activity does not constitute a substantial adverse effect on human beings.

We at Animal Rescue Team Inc. urge you to reject the proposal from the California Department of Fish and Game to expand bear hunting.

Please do not permit bears to be hunted by dogs, especially those with electronic global positioning system (GPS) devices.

There is nothing sporting about shooting a frightened black bear that has climbed a tree to elude barking hounds. This method of "hunting" is cruel, inhumane, barbaric and unethical.

The best decision would be to ban an increase in bear trophy hunts, as well as the use of dogs equipped with GPS devices. On some occasions, hunting dogs have been injured, resulting in death. Certainly, a no-win situation.
Recently Santa Barbara's tri-county area has suffered near complete devastation of wildlife habitat due to five major wildfires. How does the state Department of Fish and Game justify an increase of selling bear tags from 1,700 to 2,500, and an additional 50 tags for trophy hunts?

Will the DFG also charge registration for each GPS dog used in treeing bears? What current scientific studies does the state DFG have to support an increase in bear tags, the use of GPS-tracking dogs, and trophy hunts?

We at Animal Rescue Team recognize that in many cases hunting is an important tool for wildlife management. Hunting gives resource managers a valuable tool to control populations of some species that might otherwise exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat and threaten the well-being of other wildlife species.

However, we strongly feel the use of electronic equipment (radio-telemetry devices on dogs) for bear hunting gives the hunter an unfair advantage and is, therefore, unethical. Pursuit of bears by dogs results in physiological stresses to bears that impacts individual bears and bear populations.

Please, not in our county.

Julia J. Di Sieno
Executive Director
Animal Rescue Team, inc.
805 896-1859
www.animalrescueteam.net
msladyjulia@hotmail.com

Notes:
The CA Department of Fish and Game is asking for an increase in the annual “bear harvest” from the current 1700 to 2500. They also want to allow GPS collars on bear hunting dogs. Use of dogs is already outlawed in some states. The Department of Fish and Game is seeking written comments from the public on the proposed changes through March 13. They should be submitted to: Dr. Eric Loft, Chief, Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Branch, 1812 Ninth St., Sacramento, CA 95818.
Email: fgc@fgc.ca.gov

Go to the Ojai Wildlife League “HELP” section for more information and a link to where you can learn more about how to take action:
http://www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com/dfg-increase-in-bear-harvest/

Fact Sheet on Hound Hunting
http://www.hsus.org/wildlife_abuse/campaigns/bears/hounding/hound_hunting.html

Related letters and articles
SanLuisObispo.com Tribune, Feb. 09, 2010
No bear hunt without local hearing
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/02/08/1021172/editorial-no-bear-hunt-without.html

Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai (published Ojai Valley News and Ventura County Star)
http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/02/letter_from_marjorie_emerson_o_1.shtml

Wildlife advocacy group against proposed changes to California bear hunting regulations
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2010/02/bear-hunting-opposition.html

Aliso Street Bear http://www.ojaipost.com/ojai-bear.shtml

"Bear hunting is a blood sport, and permitting hunters to use hounds to chase bears to exhaustion is glorified dog fighting that pits hounds against bears."

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)