The Ojai Post

Today, February 8th, 2010, is my mother's eighty-ninth birthday. I feel fortunate that she is in good health and able to live independently and enjoy her life.

As I watch her doing housework, playing the piano, laughing with her great grandchildren and taking walks, I am reminded of how four years ago my father called to tell me that my mother was in the Ojai Valley Community Hospital. I cannot recall ever hearing his voice sound so broken and sad. At first I could not even understand what he was saying - something about, "If only I had fixed the hallway carpet."

Continue reading "Helping My Mother to Walk Again After She Fell and Broke Her Thigh Bone " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A year ago, D.K. wrote about Treasure Beach. At the time it was a combination dress shop and cafe, which seemed to close as quickly as it opened. Perhaps recognizing the concept wasn't taking hold, it re-opened recently, and has really transformed since it's inception. Bill and I dined there last night and had a very pleasant meal.

While a shopping component remains, it's been pushed to the back, and the merchandise has been reduced to cookbooks and a few gourmet food items. A nice comfy bright orange sofa set adjacent to the bookshelves creates a cozy living room vibe (as if you are dining in someone's home). The restaurant seating - rattan chairs and a combination of clothed or tile mosaic tables surrounded by slate gray banquets - feels modern and minimalist, almost hip. The crowd was the well-dressed hippie set, buzzing with lively intellectual conversations.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Treasure Beach" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Nomi Morris, an honest-to-God foreign correspondent, who put together a special report on Haiti a few years back for the Canadian newsmagazine Macleans, will speak on the earthquake and the humanitarian crisis in Haiti tonight evening at Theater 150.

She's a friend, a good speaker, and a good answerer of questions, so I encourage the curious and the concerned of Ojai to come out and join us at Theater 150's excellent space for presentation and talkback.

Here are the details, as reported by the Star:

OJAI — Theater 150 will host journalist Nomi Morris at 7 p.m. Monday for a presentation and discussion entitled “Haiti: Where It Has Been, Where It Is Heading.”

Morris, a former Middle East bureau chief for Knight Ridder Newspapers, and a former Berlin correspondent for Time magazine, reported from Haiti after the Clinton-era intervention of the mid-1990s.

Now a resident of Ojai, she writes and speaks on current affairs, focusing on the issues behind the news headlines. Her talk will put the Haiti earthquake disaster in the context of the country’s history and decades of international aid efforts.

For details on the address, etc., please see below:

Continue reading "Foreign Correspondent to Speak about Haitian Crisis" »

Posted by Kit Stolz at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Today is January 30: Day One of the 64-day Season For Nonviolence that spans the death dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. It is in honor of the lives, work, and commitment of these men and others who advanced the consciousness and practice of nonviolence in profound and dramatic ways, and who continue to inspire peoples’ personal, social, and political lives to this day, that we invest the energy to consider one reflection or practice each day during this period.

1. Today, I will reflect on what Peace means to me.

COURAGE: Light a candle to symbolize your commitment to accept the courage to practice 64 Ways of living nonviolently.

Follow the Season at ojaipeace.org!

Posted by evan austin at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Join the Ojai Valley Democratic Club for a FAREWELL CELEBRATION in honor of

SUE BROIDY

Many people in Ojai know Sue, not just through her work with the OVDC and the California Democratic Party, but through her volunteer work in everything from the OVGC to affordable housing and the homeless task force. Come help us celebrate this wonderful member of our community.

When: Monday, Jan 25th at 7 pm

Where: Ojai Art Center
113 S. Montgomery St
Ojai, CA 93023

Potluck information and Details after the break.

Continue reading "Sue Broidy is leaving Ojai -- *2nd UPDATE*" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Corporatist Rising

Not many people realize that we have a constitutionally limited, representative democracy in this country. It hasn't worked perfectly, but it did work better than no democracy at all. I say DID because it is now dead. This post isn't about the election Tuesday in Mass or the DLC infiltration of the of the Obama administration or any of those little problems. All of those little problems are swept away with today's Supreme Court decision.

Continue reading "Say Buy Buy to American Democracy" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (69) | author bio

No doubt you are well aware of the disaster, needs, and response in Haiti, and if you're like me it can seem overwhelming to know how to help. Specifically, there can be a general doubt about where your money (if that's how you choose to reach out) is best placed, given that many relief organizations - including the Red Cross - have high overhead costs that divert some of the funds away from direct relief. It is not my intention to judge or discourage past or future donations to great orgs like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and others...but i would like to make you aware - with a grateful hat-tip to Lisa Snider of Radio Ojai - of Direct Relief International, which "provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment."

Why is DRI so special? For one thing, spending less than one-half of one percent of their annual support on fundraising and less than one percent on administration means that 99% of funds go directly to relief. For those of us in Ventura County, there's another bonus: DRI is based in nearby Santa Barbara. Two great reasons to donate to Haiti relief today? i think so.

Cross-posted on the Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog.

Posted by evan austin at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The other day Tyler Suchman posted a brief item entitled, Medical Marijuana on the OVN (January 17, 2010) in which he noted that the Ojai Valley News is accepting advertising for medical marijuana. He asked the question, "When did the public perception shift enough that a rather conservative publication such as the OVN would accept a medical marijuana advertisement? Was there a tipping point, such as Attorney General Eric Holder’s statement in February that the DEA would end its raids on state-approved marijuana dispensaries? "

Here's a related editorial by Ojai writer John Wilcock, who has been studying marijuana since 1961.

Guest Editorial by John Wilcock: Contemplating Medical Marijuana
Now that virtually every community is suffering a surfeit of medical marijuana clinics, it’s become an issue that clamors for discussion. Sure, there are too many of these places, many run by greed heads whose life plan is to make a good living out of patients’ suffering. (There are also too many for-profit hospitals).

Continue reading "From the Ojai Orange: Contemplating Medical Marijuana" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The legendary estate that sits on the far side of Sulphur Mountain is up for sale. I'm not aware of the Hagmans' plans going forward, but I know they have been good citizens and valued members of the Ojai community for many, many years.

Larry Hagman and his wife Maj have listed their 43-acre Ojai estate for $11 Million. The 9-Bedroom 14-Bath Mediterranean-style estate is located at 9950 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai, CA 93023 – about 50 miles from Santa Barbara and about 80 miles from Los Angeles. Apparently Hagman converted the entire estate to solar power so that his annual electrical bill was a mere $13.00 – down from $37,000...he spent $750,000 on the project but he did receive a $300,000 credit from the electric company.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) Search Team, based in Ojai, found three young girls trapped in the rubble yesterday. It is times like this that all the training, all the work over the years, really pays off. Three girls will now (hopefully) have a future.

From their website:
"At 1:15pm local (Haiti) time yesterday, an SDF Search Team in Port-au-Prince located three girls, trapped alive since Tuesday in the rubble of Haiti’s devastating earthquake.

Bill Monahan and his Border Collie, Hunter, were searching a neighborhood near the Presidential Palace, concentrating on a large bowl-shaped area of rubble which was all that remained of a 4-story building.

After criss-crossing the area, Hunter pin-pointed the survivors’ scent under 4 feet of broken concrete and did his “bark alert” to let Bill know where the victims were. Bill spoke with the survivors, then passed them bottles of water tied to the end of a stick. As they reached for the water one of the girls said, “Thank you.” Highly trained rescue crews from California Task Force 2 are now working to extricate the girls from the wreckage and provide first aid."

Continue reading "Ojai Search Dogs Find Haiti Earthquake Survivors" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | author bio

Posted by evan austin at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Good news for Upper Ojai residents who have been longing to purchase necessary supplies without navigating the Dennison Grade on a daily basis.
After a nearly six month closure the Upper Ojai convenience store has reopened and is now selling beer and wine.
Located at 12679 Ojai Santa Paula Road, Stagecoach Station is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

It should be an interesting meeting tonight! This evening our City Council members will be deliberating on applicants for the vacancy created by the resignation of Joe DeVito last month. While appointing a fifth member to the council is a serious matter, I anticipate some humorous small town drama.

For those new to city meetings, they are held at Ojai City Hall, 401 S. Ventura Street. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. This Item, "Appointment to City Council to Fill Unexpired Term," is number four on the agenda, so it might be after 8 p.m. before it comes up. I recommend arriving on time, if you can, so that you get your bearings, especially if you plan to speak at the podium for the candidate of your choice.

Delicious Pepperidge Farm cookies, coffee, assorted herbal teas and spring water are available in the city hall kitchen to add to the small-town friendliness of the meeting and to help keep you awake when things get bogged down. I have also been known to take home a handful of chocolate lady fingers to ease the pain of disappointment at the outcome -- or to celebrate small victories -- as the case may be.
WARNING: The coffee at city hall is real. This is not your low-caffeine-organic type brand. I drank it once and immediately felt a terrific jolt to my nervous system -- got the shakes and was up all night.

Back to the matter at hand:

As of this morning, five brave souls have applied for the position. In alphabetical order, the five candidates are:
Paul Blatz, Demitri Corbin, Leonard Klaif, Mike Lenehan and John Mirk.

Continue reading "Ojai City Council Appointment On Agenda Tonight, Tuesday, January 12, 2010" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

“Want to go to Theater 150 to hear the old folks sing?” Bert, in her usual efficient way had spotted the publicity, ably developed by our neighbor Shed Behar. ”We better hurry because it will probably sell out.” I mumbled something only heard by my inner self.

Our neighbor, Joan Rush, four other women and two men…all grandparents…were exposing themselves to the community in a way that most of us only dream of. Get up in front of friends and relatives. Stare into bright lights. Hope that you don’t forget the words, miss a high note or have a heart attack. Risk some polite applause. Go home to a stiff drink. Then do it three more times.

Continue reading "Young at Heart" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Transition Ojai is now live!

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.

The first in a series of informative Transition Town meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 7pm, at 1215 Drown Avenue, Ojai (above Grand, last house on left before intersection with Pleasant Ave).
For more information contact Wayne Thompson at 805 798 2152 or e-mail transitionojai@gmail.com

How Do Transition Towns Begin?

Continue reading "Welcome to Transition Ojai! Learn All About Transition Towns Here." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Below is a link to a great article in the VC Star about the 2009 adventures of Ojai locavores Kristofer and Joanne Young
and their new local-food project ~ Locavore Light 2010

The year of eating locally
Ojai couple's new challenge has easier guidelines
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/31/the-year-of-eating-locally-ojai-couples-new-has/

Continue reading "Kristofer and Joanne Young: The Year of Eating Locally " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I head out in the dark
to catch the magic moment --
the crack of dawn

My dog runs ahead
her exuberance, her ecstasy
is contagious

I look West
and the full moon
is hanging high in the sky
by an etheric thread

Continue reading "Early Morning in Ojai at the Dawn of the New Year " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Same band, different song, great video. Good morning, happy new year, Ojai!

Death Cab for Cutie - "The New Year" (nod to MK, hat-tip Bob Cesca)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Dear Ojai -

You're the best. Have a great time tonight, drive safely, hug your friends, love your family and get ready for a great 2010. May you have prosperity, good health and compassion towards others. May you accomplish your goals, release your traumas and kick the habit. May you do business with integrity, responsibility and cooperation. May you invest your time and money locally. May you laugh out loud every day. Here's to big things for the Ojai Post, the Ojai community, our world and the greater good in the new year.

xoxo,
Tyler

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

R.I.P Ruben Duarte (Ruben's Burritos)- Thank you for you years of service to the Ojai community. Much love to his family and closests friends.

From: Julie Lynn Tumamait-Stenslie Fri. Dec.25
Good Morning and Merry Christmas, Sad News , Ruben Duarte,passed away into Spirit this morning around 8:30 a.m. Prayers and support for the family is needed at this time.Thank-you all for the prayers and love. Peace be with you all.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

How would you like some free, locally-produced Christmas music to decorate/eat/wrap/unwrap by?

Ojai Radio is currently featuring local artist, Todd McHatton's Christmas Songs. Click here for a listen!

And to download the whole 5 song EP for FREE click here! If you like indie rock, Harry Nilsson, or Christmas.... give it a listen.

Posted by evan austin at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

All I Want For Christmas is Safe, Clean Drinking Water
On a drizzly Sunday night, I went with a friend to Meditation Mount to hear a talk on "Ending World Hunger." To be honest, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I had a tooth-ache, I was tired and I have enough problems of my own taking care of my elderly parents, my animals, paying my bills and working on local issues, without adding "ending world hunger," to my already impossible to-do list.

I made the effort to show up for this event mainly because the speakers, Lyn Hebenstreit and Tara Blasco, directors of the Ojai-based Global Resource Alliance (GRA) organization, are my longtime friends. They had just returned from a two-months trip to rural East Africa to help locate new sources of clean water. I figured the least I could do was show-up to hear about it.

Continue reading "Despair and Disparity" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Here we are on this shortest day of the Winter Solstice. A day to pause, reflect and light a candle. As we look out on the foggy early morning landscape, imagine how bleak these winter days would be without our trees, the lungs and guardians of the earth.

A few days ago one of the young readers of the Ojai Post gleefully left a video clip with a comment that said, "Check out the Ojai Hippies in the forest !" I confess the child in me laughed at the clip -- but truth is, there's nothing funny about clear-cutting trees.

Continue reading "From Copenhagen to Ojai: Clear-Cutting the Truth About Trees " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

If you're out and about shopping today stop by Chaparral Auditorium where Dawn and Dana hold their popular Warehouse Sale. My friend Natalya is sharing the space and introducing Walter Leather of Ojai. It's handcrafted fine leather motorcycle apparel. Natalya had a sales tent two Ojai Days ago and it was very popular, so she's decided to open up business here. She's joined by Ferris and Godfrey of Santa Fe Jewelry , offering 50% handcrafted jewelry from the finest artists in the Southwest. It's beautiful jewelry and it's only here for this weekend. The Warehouse Sale goes on today from 11 to 6. Enjoy your day!

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace" -Michael Franti
You can't slash away uncomfortable truths, either...but that doesn't mean people won't try. The above photograph is of my car, a 2001 Ford Focus that you've probably seen around the valley for almost as long as this war's been on, which i call "Arlington Mobile" after the Arlington West temporary memorials in Long Beach and Santa Barbara (which, of course, take their names from Arlington National Cemetary). Both of my driver's side tires were slashed sometime late last week, which affords me the opportunity to reflect on the dramatic, terrifying, confounding, and even amusing disconnect between the message and the response, and to "ping" our local collective consciousness with the fact that "the holidays are here, and we're STILL at war".

i've reflected on this before, and yet it still comes as a poignant reminder: the gap between an uncomfortable Truth (the persistence of war and the actual number of American military dead) and a violent response (nasty notes, egging, slashing tires) is ENORMOUS, MISPLACED, and INDIRECT. That gap SHOULD be filled with education, social skills and awareness, and democratic empowerment...a tall order, for sure.

Some friends have come forward to help me replace the tires. That's the easy part. The OTHER things we need...to have healthy, communicative, and non-violent people all around? Of course, those are more difficult. i suggest we start with education...even sixth grader Ethan Matsuda knows that.

Posted by evan austin at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Sue Horgan, Ojai City Council Member and two term Mayor, announces that she intends to run for the Ventura County Treasurer and Tax Collector position.

Continue reading "Ojai City Council Member, Sue Horgan, Announces Intent to Run for Ventura County Treasurer and Tax Collector" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Steve Olsen, Mayor Pro Tem
Sue Horgan, Councilmember
Carol Smith, Councilmember
Betsy Clapp, Councilmember

Re: Upcoming Ojai City Council Vacancy

Dear Members of the Council:

It will come as no surprise that I submit my name for consideration for appointment to fill Joe DeVito’s term on the Ojai City Council. I have attached my resume to my application, but believe that this letter outlining my more pertinent experience is appropriate.

I moved to Ojai some seventeen years ago; I had come up to explore Rose Valley Falls at the suggestion of a friend. I immediately fell in love with Ojai, came back the following weekend looking for a place to live, and moved here shortly thereafter.

Continue reading "Ojai City Council Vacancy -- Letter from Leonard J. Klaif " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

"Copenhagen police ended up preemptively arresting nearly a thousand people Saturday. Another 230 protesters were preemptively arrested on Sunday during a demonstration to block the city's ports." --Democracy Now, Dec.14,2009
http://i3.democracynow.org/2009/12/14/using_controversial_law_danish_police_preemptively

Thank you en dank je wel to Jan Lundberg, my long-distance Dutch mentor, for keeping me in the loop over the years with his missives on Culture Change. Jan is founder of the Sustainable Energy Institute (formerly Fossil Fuels Policy Action), a nonprofit organization. Today I received the following article and photographs:

Cop-enhagen: Preemptive Mass Arrests in Context of History of Danes'Movement
By David Rovics

"The signs up all over the airport and various places elsewhere in town are calling it Hopenhagen, but everybody I know is calling it Cop-enhagen, which seems far more appropriate.

Continue reading "Ojai Culture Change: Update on Copenhagen Climate Summit" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Yesterday I received a message from a longtime friend, someone I dearly love and respect. We had been e-mailing back and forth about global warming. Much to my surprise, he wrote:

"I'm no expert on global warming, but I do know that there are many seemingly qualified opinions that refute the so called "scientific consensus". Most new books coming out now - and there are dozens of them, seem to come down on the side of either yes, there may be global warming, but it is due primarily to natural causes - most likely solar cycles, or no, global warming is over and we have entered a period of global cooling, or the view that political, scientific and economic self interest have distorted the IPCC "consensus" and are an example therefore "bad science".

Continue reading "To my Ojai friends: Don't let the climate doubters fool you" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (38) | author bio

Indian Activist Vandana Shiva Speaks at Climate Summit Protest:
"The Earth Must Call The Shots. The Earth Will Make The Rules."

Protests rocked Copenhagen on Saturday as anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 people (depending on who you talk to) marched to the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen to demand a strong climate treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Indian physicist, author, and activist Vandana Shiva spoke to the crowd before the march: http://www.commondreams.org/video/2009/12/14-0

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Sunday, December 13, 5:00 pm, at Meditation Mount

Lyn Hebenstreit and Tara Blasco, directors of the Ojai based non-profit Global Resource Alliance (GRA) and recipients of Ojai's 2008 Noble Peace Prize, are back from their tenth field trip to Africa. They will present an inspiring two-hour program entitled, "Ending World Hunger," on Sunday, December 13, 5:00 pm, at Meditation Mount.

Lyn and Tara will give a brief overview of hunger worldwide and share their most recent two month experience in rural East Africa. Their slide-show presentation will present a first hand view of poverty and explore how to empower people to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and disease.

Continue reading "Ojai Noble Peace Prize Recipients Back from Africa -- Will Present Progam on Ending World Hunger " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

from a laundry list of agencies: Ojai Police Department, Patrol / Investigations; National Transportation Safety Board; Federal Aviation Administration

Sheriff’s Deputies from the Ojai Police station were dispatched to investigate multiple reports of a small plane crash in the Ojai Valley. The callers gave various locations for deputies to check before locating the plane wreckage next to the residence at 24 Krotona Road, in the Krotona Institute of Theosophy.

Continue reading "Krotona Plane Crash Kills 2" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Debut Performance in Ventura County
Saturday, December 12th at 7:30 pm

A holiday concert, Comfort and Joy, with Grammy Award-winning musicians, Tingstad and Rumbel, will take place at Meditation Mount on Saturday, December 12th at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available online at www.meditation.com; $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Meditation Mount is located at 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai, CA, 93023. A holiday ‘Food Drive’ is part of the concert.

Grammy Award winners Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel have performed, recorded and toured together for nearly 25 years with 19 albums to their credit. In 1998, their album, “American Acoustic,” was honored as Acoustic Instrumental Album of the Year, which led to a Carnegie Hall appearance in 2000. In 2003 they received a Grammy Award for their album, “Acoustic Garden.”

Continue reading "Coming to Ojai: A Joyous Holiday Concert with Tingstad and Rumbel at Meditation Mount" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Ojai council votes for appointment, not election, to fill seat of retiring mayor
By Kevin Clerici
Posted December 9, 2009 at 6:53 a.m.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/09/ojai-council-votes-for-appointment-not-election/

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Here yesterday, gone tomorrow. Couple photos below - first from my iPhone, second from reader Randy Graham.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The winter season is a time of cold and dark in our hemisphere, and thus has arisen historically as a time for cultural and religious traditions that center around warmth and light in many forms. There are two such opportunities to connect as a community in the coming week:

Dec 10 - Join Ventura County Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (VC CLUE) and the New Sanctuary Movement on International Human Rights Day to kick off a week of action across the nation to shine a light on the urgent need for just and humane immigration reform.


Dec 11 - Join the Jewish Community Center of Ojai for a multi-cultural celebration of light, facilitated by Jean Bates, to honor the many seasonal traditions through music, dance, poetry, storytelling, songs, and audience participation.

Posted by evan austin at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Thanks to Ojai Wildlife League (OWL) member, Leslie Purcell, for the following information.

The Fish & Game Commission is meeting this week in Los Angeles (usually they meet in Sacramento).
Meeting Agenda:http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2009/120909agd.asp
This is an opportunity to have public input regarding their policies. According to the Agenda, on Wed. Dec 9, they are addressing Marine Protected areas, and have public comment from 10-12:30. Thursday public comment at 9:30 am. There is also an issue in LA about the eight coyotes shot and killed in Griffith Park in September. (as I understand it, killed by Dept of Agriculture at night, per request of Dept. F&G).

Two OWL members, Sue Williamson and Cheryl Palmer (possibly others) will be attending Thursday morning to read OWL's Letter to Assemblymember Pedro Nava (link after the jump) and comment on possible future policy changes.

Continue reading "Ojai Wildlife League Members Will Speak at Fish & Game Commission in LA, Dec 9-10, 2009" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From the fine folks at MOBAA:

Sales! Specials! Caroling! Refreshments! Music! Art! Santa Claus!

Meiners Oaks Business and Artist Association (MOBAA) invites the community to the Meiners Oaks Holiday Stroll, Saturday, December 12, 2009, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

All ages welcome. Free event!

Meiners Oaks businesses along El Roblar Dr. will be open and having holiday sales and specials. Some will have in-store raffles and surprises! There will be live music, art displays and refreshments to enjoy as well as Christmas Caroling and entertainment by Hula Hoopers and Fire Dancers!

Participating businesses include: Living Aikido, Summer’s Dawn Massage, REMax, Cardinali Brothers Music, David Whipple Jewelry Design, Beehive Beauty Boutique, Euterpe Farms, Farmer and The Cook, Papa Lennon’s, Ortiz Nursey, Ojai Pool Store, Project Ride, Terramor Organic Home, Four Paws Pet Grooming and Healthy Lifestyles Liquid Nutrition. (more after the jump)

Continue reading "MEINERS OAKS HOLIDAY STROLL" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

On Saturday evening, the following email was issued:

-----Original Message-----
From: OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
To: OJAI-VENTURA FILM FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL
Sent: Sat, Dec 5, 2009 8:07 pm
Subject: FILM FESTIVAL RERSIGNATIONS

Please be advised that the following officers and directors of the Ojai Film Festival Corporation d/b/a Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival have resigned:

David Shor
Rinaldo Brutoco
James Holland
Sheila Cluff
Bill Monot
Lori Wyatt
John Bennet Perry

Moments ago, David Shor, former Board Chairman and President of the festival, released the following statement:

I am proud of where I was able to take the festival as its board chairman and president, essentially leading it from its demise a few years ago to the position of acclaim it achieved this year. Over the course of the last three years a new strategic plan was developed and executed to expand the festival and attract wider audiences and serve a broader geographic area within Ventura County. As a result the festival expanded into Ventura, formed strategic partnerships with the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and Brooks Institute, began the Celebrity Golf Classic, changed its name to the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival, and for the first time attracted very capable and committed directors & officers from outside of Ojai. Additionally, many new donors, sponsors & advertisers signed-on with the festival and enabled the expansion into new venues, expanded special events and screenings, and the festival attracted the best films in its history. A relationship with the British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) was formed along with many other special and meaningful relationships. (continued after the jump)

Continue reading "Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival: David Shor Releases Statement About Resignations" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From an online article published today, entitled "Chalica, new weeklong UU holiday, slowly gains adherents - slowly":

Part of the reason that Chalica has the following that it does is that it has a song. Two songs actually. Evan Austin, a member of the UU Church of Ventura, Calif., wrote “The Chalica Song,” several years ago, using the same tune as the “Hanukkah Song” sung by comedian-actor Adam Sandler. Austin’s song, molded in part around names of famous UUs, found its way onto YouTube where it has been viewed more than 1,300 times. [Posted here is the updated, second version]

Austin said, “I just liked the idea of Chalica as a fresh new thing.” Could there be a copyright issue in emulating Sandler’s song? “It’s just four guitar chords repeated over and over,” he noted.

Continue reading "Happy, Merry, Joyous, Cheery Chalica!" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Dear OWL Member, Ojai Valley resident, or other member of the public,

Please read the letter below. If you approve, reply with your first and last name, to suewill@roadrunner.com as soon as possible and we will add your name to the signatures. Please respond even if you have already sent an individual letter.

Response to Pedro Nava Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident
To: Ben Turner, Legislative Aide, Assemblymember Nava’s Capitol Office, ben.turner@asm.ca.gov

From: the Ojai Wildlife League, (OWL) http://www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com/

Dear Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Mr. Ben Turner,

Thank you for investigating the protocol and policies that resulted in the killing of an Ojai black bear by the California Department of Fish and Game on October 10th, 2009.

Continue reading "Please Sign Letter to Pedro Nava from the Ojai Wildlife League" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

A deep bow and sun salute to Ojai Valley Green Coalition member Kayla Capper for calling my attention to this nicely put together article on why the roadmap to a sustainable Ojai Valley should include rethinking our habit of eating animals.

Source: Huffington Post , December 6, 2009
Top 10 (Recent) Developments On Factory Farming And Vegetarianism
By health and wellness expert Kathy Freston

On Thanksgiving, I spent some time taking stock of my life and the world around me and, as we're supposed to do over the holiday, giving thanks for all the joys -- little and big -- in my life. One of the larger joys for which I am giving thanks is all of the recent attention that has been lavished on a topic that is near and dear to my heart -- the cruelty and environmental harm involved in raising animals for food.

Continue reading "Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

A few moments ago, in Meiners Oaks:

Continue reading "In With the New!" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

To: Roland Takayama, rtakayama@dfg.ca.gov
Dear Roland Takayama,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. It is a beautiful day here in Ojai.

I am writing because even though I have done my best to understand the circumstances and policies that resulted in the order to kill the Ojai black bear on October 10th, 2009, I am still filled with grief when I think about what happened.

Continue reading " Letter to Captain Roland Takayama, California Department of Fish and Game, re Ojai Bear Incident" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This Letter is in response to Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident

To: Ben Turner, Legislative Aide, Assemblymember Nava’s Capitol Office, ben.turner@asm.ca.gov

Dear Mr. Turner and Assemblyman Pedro Nava,

Thank you for investigating the circumstances and policies that resulted in the killing of an Ojai black bear by the California Department of Fish and Game on October 10th, 2009.

I have read the official CDFG Report, as well as all the articles and interviews with Roland Takayama, the local head warden responsible for "dispatching the bear," in various Ojai, Ventura and Santa Barbara publications.

As someone who witnessed the bear’s death, I have written several Letters and articles pointing out the conspicuous omissions in Mr. Roland Takayama’s version of the bear incident. (See Letter below).

"Dispatching" a bear should be an action of last resort --not the ignorant and cruel Fish & Game back-up plan that we witnessed here in Ojai. Killing bears does not keep bears out of residential neighborhoods. As long as attractants are present and as long as there is no mitigation during years of fire and drought, bears will come.
:

Continue reading "Letter to Assemblymember Nava from former Ojai Mayor, re Ojai Bear and Department of Fish & Game" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Reposted from ojaipeace.org, from OPC member Kris Young:

Dear Friends in the Ojai Valley, and others,

MoveOn.org has invited us to join hands across our Nation on Tuesday, December 8 at 5:30 to vigil for healthcare reform now, entitled “Cost of Delay”. We need to convey the unbearable costs of delaying healthcare reform.

I would be hosting a vigil in Ojai, but I will be in Ventura that evening for an executive board meeting for Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, so I will join the vigil in Ventura.

Please consider standing up for yourself and for us for healthcare reform now by hosting a vigil in Ojai. It is so simple to host one of these events; simple online directions from MoveOn.

Create the vigil for any locality by going HERE!

In health and peace and citizen involvement,
Kris

Posted by evan austin at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A press release from County Health:

The Ventura County Public Health Department will be holding an H1N1 vaccine clinic, open to the public, at Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Those who will be eligible to receive the vaccine, which is given at no charge, are the following groups: children from the ages of six months to 24-years of age; healthy household of infants under 6 months of age; pregnant women, and adults between the ages of 24 and 64-years of age who have high risk medical conditions, such as lung disease, diabetes and asthma. Also included are medical and health care personnel with direct patient contact.

People not included in these groups have been shown to be at low risk for serious illness from the H1N1 virus.

The novel H1N1 (swine) vaccine, is available for Ventura county residents only. Additional sites where the vaccine will be available can be found on the Health Care Agency website: www.vchca.org/H1N1.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:50 PM | Permalink | author bio

The Ojai Valley Democratic Club unanimously passed a Resolution at its November 23, 2009 general meeting asking the Ojai City Council to fill Joe DeVito’s seat with an election. DeVito resigned before his term was up next November and will leave office at the end of December 2009. Should the council not have an election, the Club asked the Council to appoint Leonard Klaif who lost by only 70 votes when DeVito’s seat was last up for election.

Continue reading "Ojai Democratic Club Wants Election to Fill DeVito Council Seat, or Appoint Leonard Klaif" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Note: The Aliso Street Bear was killed by the California Department of Fish and Game on Saturday night, October 10th, 2009. These past seven weeks there have been several interviews with Roland Takayama, the local head warden responsible for "dispatching the bear," in Ventura and Santa Barbara County Publications. My reponses to these interviews will follow in a separate Post. Here is an update from Assemblymember Pedro Nava.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John D. Mann (916) 718-7420
November 24, 2009

Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident and California Department of Fish & Game Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies. Nava Asks for Public Input

Following a series of meetings with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) is requesting public input regarding the policies and actions that resulted in the euthanizing of a black bear in Ojai in October. A memo summarizing DFG’s policies and reasoning behind the decision to euthanize the bear follows below.

Continue reading "Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

1. Select a tray(s) to prepare: mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, or turkey.

2. Purchase food item(s) and large foil baking tray or pick up a tray at no cost from Ventura Missionary Church. Turkeys will also be available at no cost beginning 11/19 at Ventura Missionary. One tray should yield approximately 40 servings.

3. Prepare the dish* at home and place in full size foil baking tray.

4. Cover. Label. Refrigerate.

5. Deliver to rear entrance of the Knights of Columbus Hall at 36 Figueroa, downtown Ventura at 8:45am Thanksgiving morning.

*Turkeys are to be pulled and deboned right away, and immediately refrigerated.

More information and full event press release follows:

Continue reading "Save Thanksgiving!" »

Posted by evan austin at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A "pop-up store" at 260 E Ojai Ave. this weekend only features:

“The Trunk Show from Kyrgyzstan”, bringing art and handicrafts from the Silk Road to your door. The store offers one-of-a-kind wool felt rugs, embroidered wall hangings, housewares, toys for children, hats, slippers and exceptional silk scarves with felt inlays. The collection includes both traditional Kyrgyz work, drawing from their centuries-old nomadic culture, as well as contemporary designs by Kyrgyz artists. A photography exhibit portraying rural life in Kyrgyzstan is also part of the show.

Friday, Nov 20, 6:00-8:00 PM (opening reception)
Saturday, Nov 21, 10 AM to 8 PM
Sunday, Nov 22, 10 AM to 5 PM
for more info: Candra Day, 307-413-5847, canday@wyoming.com

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A few days ago I posted a video, What Can The (Seasonal) Flu Shot Do For You? The following article, "H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Will history repeat itself?" by Lauren Feder, M.D., is a follow-up to the video and Comments.

Dr. Feder writes: "On October 1, 2009 I attended the International Public Conference on Vaccination in Washington, D.C. where renowned experts spoke to approximately 600 participants from health professionals to families who had been affected by vaccine reactions. Although the theme centered on, "Show Us the Science & Give Us the Choice," the timing of this meeting coincided with the beginning of the flu season and the major concerns about the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) and the new vaccine.

Continue reading "Ojai residents want to know, "H1N1 Flu: Will history repeat itself?"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (49) | author bio

This note was sent via email by Clive and Marion Leeman of the Ojai Peace Vigil, 2007 recipients of the OPC’s Noble Peace Prize, and is originally posted at ojaipeace.org:

Dear Peace Friends,

Today, November 13, was the fifth anniversary of the Ojai Peace Vigil, which started one week after Bush won re-election in 2004.

By fortunate coincidence, we also received the first sign yesterday, Thursday, November 12, that a huge policy change in the Afghan War may be coming. News was leaked yesterday that U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, a retired general and former commander of U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan, has been advising President Obama by email not to send any more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Apparently, the president has now scrapped the four military options he has been considering, all entailing an increase in troops.

Just as intriguing is the news presented on The Rachel Maddow Show last night that President Obama has been reading Lessons In Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam, by Gordon Goldstein, which demonstrates how JFK rejected the advice of his generals on Vietnam and took control of the decision-making process himself, and how LBJ acquiesced to the generals and ended up with a disaster.

Continue reading "Friday the 13th...A Day For Hope?" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=149Aa-ZYjcc

When you see this aired on national television, you will know the government is really concerned about your health.

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

From Sue Williamson: Greetings all Bear Fans!

On Thursday, November 12, 7pm, we will be having our first organizational meeting to officially form the Ojai Wildlife League. The meeting will be held at Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai.

This meeting is for people who have the committment, interest, time and resources to do some level of work for this new organization.

This is your opportunity to have a say in how the wildlife of California are going to be treated!

Continue reading "Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Wow, what a night at the Ojai Valley Inn! I just returned from the film festival's red carpet, where celebrities and filmmakers talked about their screenings. Demitri Corbin was there with camera in tow, so I expect we will see some great footage from him, too. Tomorrow is the last day of the fest, with 46 films being screened from 10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. Get out there!

Click here to listen to 11 interviews in 20 minutes on Radio Ojai.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I went to the first screening at the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival of the documentary film "Ingredients," and bumped into local food activist, Marty Fujita of Food for Thought, who participated in the post-screening panel discussion. Following the two-minute interview with Marty, I offer my brief review of the film. It's an excellent film! Go see the second screeing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Matilija. Listen to the interview here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From Julie Tumamait-Stenslie:

Bear Dance Ceremony
Location:710 S. La luna Ave. Ojai ,Ca. 93023
Time:5:00PM Saturday, November 7th

This gathering is for the community, come and understand the connection with native people and the bear. This is a time to come together and heal. Everyone in the valley is invited. I want to see families, bring the children. Dress warm, bring chairs, food and water for yourselves. - To learn more about the Bear Dance: http://blueskywaters.com/beardancehome.html

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (25) | author bio

It's a beautiful, sparkling, sunny autumn day here in the Ojai Valley. Three weeks have gone by since the death of the Aliso Street Bear. Some are saying, "Why all the fuss over one bear, when every day millions of other animals and people are suffering and dying?" That first Sunday morning, a few hours after I heard the bear crashing down from the tree, I knew at some level that my grief was not only for this individual bear, but for all the injustice and senseless death in the world.

The Ojai Bear Poems featured here are by local poets David Moody, Robert Peake, mt2 and Crow.

Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear
By David E. Moody, Ph.D.

I fear the two-legged creature
More than any other.
I know not why.
But my thirst
Drives me into his lair.

I wait until dark
When all his kind
Have gone into their caves
And my blackness
Blends into the night.

And there in the very heart of his land
I find where the two-legged creature
Keeps his supply of sacred water
A whole fountain of precious water
And I slake my aching thirst
To my heart's content.

Continue reading " Ojai Poetry: The Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear and Other Poems" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

The Ojai Foundation, a sanctuary for spiritual seekers of all sorts, this week inaugurated a "great teacher series" by bringing deep ecologist and Buddhist Joanna Macy in to lead a workshop and give a talk on Thursday night. She spoke in the Foundation's gorgeous Council House, which was filled with people for the occasion.

A truly inspiring talk it was, and that's coming from one who is skeptical about gurus and leaders of all sorts, be they Buddhist, Christian, Democratic, ecological, you name it.

It's so easy, so enjoyable really, to turn our problems over to some one else to solve.

[Here's a picture of the Council House, designed by local architect Jane Carroll]

Continue reading "The Gifts of Uncertainty: Joanna Macy Speaks to the Present Moment" »

Posted by Kit Stolz at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Today
Chapparal Auditorium
October 28, 2009 7:00pm-8:30pm

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition is now three years young, and the group would like you to help them celebrate on Wednesday, October 28, from 7 to 8:30 P.M. at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Flyer Here
In addition to toasting the start of their fourth year with sparkling cider, they’ll be enjoying delicious organic cupcakes.

Continue reading "OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The question has been raised as to whether or not Joe DeVito can vote to appoint his own successor. I was on the City Council the last time a council member was unable to complete her term. While this person was involved in the selection process, she did not actually vote, as the vote was taken after she left the council. A vacancy cannot be filled until there is actually a vacancy. If it turns ot that I am wrong about this, I will publish a correction here.

The time table on the City website http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/ (Item 3 - Process to Fill Unexpired Council Term) states that the council plans to fill the vacancy December 8 or 15, while Devito is still in office. To learn more, come to the council meeting this Tuesday night.

Why I support Lenny Klaif
As a former mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like people to know why I support City Council candidate Leonard Klaif, either by appointment or special election.

Continue reading "Why I Support Ojai City Council Candidate Lenny Klaif " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (30) | author bio

Ojai City Council News: Following the announcement by Councilmember Joe De Vito that he is retiring at the end of the year, Ojai activists are stepping forward with a nomination.

It's official, Lenny Klaif has agreed to step forward to become our next City Council member. We are circulating a petition to the City Council asking them to appoint Lenny as Joe's replacement at the end of this year. As you may recall, Joe won the last election over Lenny by just a few votes, and the final count was not available for days after the election ended. I personally endorse Lenny and feel if he were on the council we would not have the problems with the Skate Park or the expensive law suit and delay in writing the chain store ordinance. Lenny is an attorney who knows how to stand up when it counts.

Continue reading "A Message from Ojai Resident Pat McPherson:"It's official, Lenny Klaif has agreed to step forward ..."" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

From local attorney Leonard Klaif, who for years has been a frequent speaker at Ojai City Council meetings:

"When Joe Devito’s resignation becomes effective at the end of 2009, the City Council will either schedule a special election or appoint someone to complete the remainder of Joe’s term. In either case, I am a candidate. I love the City of Ojai, my home for nearly 20 years. I have attended City Council meetings for nearly that long as an outspoken advocate for the arts, for the skate park, the preservation of open spaces, and, in general, to preserve our small town charm. I have been a member of the Board of the Ojai Art Center for 15 years. I am an attorney, and can quickly read and understand the legal documents presented to the Council before each meeting."

Continue reading "Good News for Ojai: Len Klaif for City Council" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Note from Suza: Ann Bryant is executive director of the BEAR League of Lake Tahoe. Ojai resident Sue Williamson, one of the organizers of the Ojai Wildlife League, has discussed the Ojai incident extensively with Ann. To learn more, please join us at the Bear meeting tonight, 7:30 pm, Matilija Auditorium.

Bear's death due to Department of Fish & Game incompetence,

The beautiful but unfortunate bear who inadvertently ventured into Ojai recently should most certainly still be alive today and would be were it not for the inappropriate and woefully disturbing actions of a governmental agency --the Department of Fish and Game -- that answers to no one and blatantly disregards its own mission to protect California's wildlife.

Continue reading "Ojai Bear's Death Due to Department of Fish & Game Incompetence -- Guest Editorial by Ann Bryant " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

Broken Word has been a very successful reading series debuting local writing talent at Ojai's own The Farmer and the Cook in Meiners Oaks. The final reading of this year's series will be held on Thursday, October 29^th at 6PM. Please note the earlier time.

In honor of Halloween, the final reading will celebrate poems and stories that touch upon the dark and sometimes frightening aspects of human nature. Come enjoy a chill in the air--and emanating from the page. Listen to original stories and poems from local writers while enjoying The Farmer and the Cook's delicious vegetarian Mexican food, and take advantage of one dollar off organic beer and wine all evening. For more information and directions, please visit the Broken Word website.

Posted by Robert Peake at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020181257.htm

ScienceDaily (Oct. 21, 2009) — Young men who voted for Republican John McCain or Libertarian candidate Robert Barr in the 2008 presidential election suffered an immediate drop in testosterone when the election results were announced, according to a study by researchers at Duke University and the University of Michigan.

In contrast, men who voted for the winner, Democrat Barack Obama, had stable testosterone levels immediately after the outcome.

Female study participants showed no significant change in their testosterone levels before and after the returns came in.

Continue reading "From Science Daily: Presidential Election Outcome Changed Voters' Testosterone" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

On Monday, Oak View resident Laura Hanson and her son were in an accident on 33 in Casitas Springs. Tragically, Ms. Hanson was killed.

For more information, please visit The Ventura County Star.

Posted by Leigh Melander at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John D. Mann
Note from Suza: Pedro Nava is going to be running for the Attorney General of California--he was a prosecuting attorney and is an animal advocate.

Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) sent a letter today to the Director of the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) requesting a review of the Department’s policies in regards to tranquilizing and euthanizing wildlife that are deemed to be a public threat.

Earlier this week, DFG officials were contacted to respond to a large black bear that had climbed a tree in Ojai. The animal was ultimately tranquilized and euthanized.

Continue reading "Ojai Bear News: Pedro Nava Seeks Review of State Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Please join Sue Williamson, Tom Farmer and Chris Nottoli, three of the people forming the Ojai Wildlife League in an effort to bring together the people and organizations willing to prevent the deaths of wild animals who come into Ojai. Information is being sought and will be shared about the resources we have as a community to form effective strategies and organizations that can ensure public safety, educate the public about wild animal encounters and carry out non-lethal wildlife removal.

When: Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Location: Matilija Jr. High School Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road.

Format: Sue, Tom and Chris will share all of the specific information about the incident and give reports on how other communities and organizations handle such incidents.

Continue reading "Aliso Street Bear Incident Ojai Community Meeting - Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

For those of you who missed it or would like to see it again.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Day Photos" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I really love Ojai Day... gets better every year.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I just sat down with John Broesamle, President of the newly formed Ojai Valley Defense Fund, a 501c3 with a mission to "provide financial support to groups undertaking legal action to protect and sustain the environmental quality of the Ojai Valley for the public benefit." The OVDF will officially begin their campaign to raise $1,000,000 tomorrow at Ojai Day. Listen to my interview with John to find out if OVDF is looking to pick up where CPO left off, how they feel about affordable housing, whether they consider themselves a NIMBY and what threats they feel need to be acted upon. And stop by their booth tomorrow to find out more about them. Listen here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Each morning this week, when I step outside my door to go to to work, I see the silhouette of a bear in the pine tree across the street. From this distance, it looks just like the several-hundred-pound black bear that I first discovered in the same position, on the same branch, last Saturday morning. But it is not him. It is a 70-pound metal sculpture created by my neighbor, Mark Benkert, honoring the memory of the bear. The following video tells the story of how it got there.

"Climb the Pine" by Patrice Robbins

Posted by Robert Peake at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

An email from Susan Kapadia, former chef and owner of World Flavor Café, revealed that she sold her business to Stefano and Tammi Bernardi, who have served as long-time co-owners of Via Vai and Pane E Vino in Montecito. Stefano and Tammi have made some changes to the layout of the restaurant space to allow for a few more seats and created a fantastic rustic northern Italian menu (Stefano is from the region between Venice and Verona). Bill and I dined at Osteria Monte Grappa last night and were thrilled (ecstatic actually) to have another quality dining option in the Ojai Valley. It’s also refreshing to see experienced restaurateurs at the helm. And, they brought one of their top chefs (Cesar) from Pane E Vino.

The menu is reasonably priced with countless offerings, including plenty of vegetarian options. The bambinos also have their own menu. We found the space to be a bit cramped and hot and the sloped floor an odd curiosity (our beverages were definitely tilting precariously in our neighbor’s direction).

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Osteria Monte Grappa" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

Hi all:

Another message from Joe Evans.

(Tyler, thanks for getting the last one up -- I'm really preoccupied these days!)

As often is the case, Joe has PDF's of incidents around the Valley. If you'd like more information, please email him at ojaivalley.citywatch@ventura.org

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch October 14" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The Council Chambers were overflowing. Every seat was taken. People were sitting on the floor. People were floating out the door. There was not enough room to hold all the outrage!

I wondered what Jere Kersnar, our City manager was thinking. He often has a smirk on his face, like a father who tolerates the foibles of his children. Tonight it was his fate to listen to testimony from two officers from Fish & Game, the Chief of Police, an animal rescuer, a pet psychic, a Chumash Elder, an avocado Rancher who has co-existed with bears for twenty years, a young boy who asked why couldn't there be a bear bag (or a net) at the bottom of the tree, and all the residents of Aliso and Signal and rest of Ojai who witnessed the Bear saga from beginning to the sad, tragic end.

Continue reading "Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

Just got home from City Council. Meeting highlights later. Rest assured the Bear will be on a future agenda. Found this video link of the Aliso Bear in the Comment section. Maheekat writes:

"Here's some video of the bear for everyone:"

Until I watched this video, I only saw the Bear from far-away, hoping that staying away would help. It is so amazing and moving to see this beautiful willd Bear up close! I am in awe. Be sure to watch it!

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Thanks to Ojai resident Cory Sipper for alerting me to the front page Ojai Bear story in today's Santa Barbara News-Press. Angel Pacheco, News-Press Staff Writer, reports new information that is critical in undertanding the full scope of what took place here in Ojai.

Here are some highlights:

" Fish and Game officials shot it with bean bags and tranquilizers, causing it to fall 40 feet to the ground, according to Julia Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc. Further shots were fired into the bear, which had been in the tree sleeping, she said.

"It's unbelievable what happened," said Ms. Di Sieno, who, as the incident was unfolding, offered her nonprofit group's trailer and cage to transport and hold the bear. She also reportedly offered to bring a veterinarian to the area. Ms. Di Sieno said while sheriff's officials were on board with her idea to hold the bear, Fish and Game personnel would not speak with her once they took over the scene...

Continue reading "New Information on Ojai Bear Story Reported On Front Page of Santa Barbara News Press" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (40) | author bio

Part One in a series on the Ojai Community's response to a killing of a black bear in Ojai.

One of the most misunderstood of all creatures is the bear. Like so many other Ojai residents I am filled with sorrow and anger over the killing of a black bear who climbed a tree on Aliso Street, a residential street in downtown Ojai, a few miles away from the mountains that surround the Ojai Valley.

This is not the first bear that has been killed in recent years in the neighborhoods of our valley, but we hope that it will be the last.

In our efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future, a group of concerned citizens is in the process of educating themselves about the habits of black bears, the statewide policies of the Department of Fish & Game's policy on bear encounters, and local law enforcement, as well as how other communities are handling the problems that arise when bears show up in residential neighborhoods.

The constructive idea of an "Ojai Bear Commission," has also been proposed, and will be included in this series.

Continue reading "More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Photo by Erin Ellwood, used with permission

Saturday morning, I awoke to discover several police vehicles parked on our street, and a crowd gathering on our front lawn. The previous night, a several-hundred-pound black bear had scaled our neighbor's back fence, bounded down the gravel footpath between our houses and, confused by the people and lights, followed his instincts up a large pine tree across the street. People came to take pictures. People brought their small children, and hoisted them up on their shoulders to get a better view. Eventually, the police cordoned off the street, and still people gathered along the line of yellow police tape to catch a glimpse of the bear.

Meanwhile, the authorities below patrolled the street. Their primary concern was public safety—and for this concern, I am grateful. They responded bravely in the middle of the night to an emergency call. And they stayed on, keeping watch over us, and him, all day. However, the thinking that unfolded over the next eighteen hours about how to handle the situation diverged between two extremes: an approach similar to the policy that Arizona Fish and Game follow with regard to wild animals posing a threat to public safety, which Suza Francina pointed out—known as "when in doubt, take it out"—and the hope-against-hope that the bear could return home with minimal intervention from the authorities.

Continue reading "Bear's Death Deserves a Constructive Community Response" »

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (73) | author bio

"After court decisions in Arizona eroded the state’s longstanding immunity from being sued over the actions of wild animals, lawyers began obtaining large verdicts from public managers over humans’ harmful encounters with wildlife — with the result that managers began moving to a “when in doubt, take it doubt” policy of slaughtering wild creatures that might pose even a remote threat to people. The continuing results of the policy came in for some public discussion after a bear wandered into a residential area near Rumsey Park in Payson, Ariz. and was euthanized by Arizona Game and Fish personnel.

Continue reading "The bear’s death warrant? Public liability." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Memories by Susan Diets, Class of 1967

Last weekend I overcame my adolescent shyness and reunited with my old classmates and teachers at the Nordhoff Centennial Celebration.

Those of you who were around when the high school was first established in 1909 will recall that our whole town was once called Nordhoff, and that is how the high school got its name. But in 1916, a group called the anti-Nordhoffians, with the help of the manager of the Foothills Hotel, Mr. Morse, convinced a hopelessly divided town to convert from "Nordhoff" to the new name, "Ojai."

Continue reading "The Last Semester, Ojai's Nordhoff, 1909 - 2009" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

WHAT: 6th Annual Earth Charter Summit Celebration and Awards Presentations. FREE admission and refreshments.

WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ventura College Guthrie Hall. Event co-sponsor: Ventura College International Studies Program. Directions to Ventura College and campus map.

BACKGROUND: The CPR-endorsed Earth Charter is a UN-commissioned declaration of principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century.

CPR, in conjunction with VC's International Studies Program, coordinates Ventura County's annual Earth Charter Summit and presents Earth Charter Awards to those community activists who best embody the Earth Charter's core values. Please join us in celebrating the Earth Charter and honoring the 8 local heroes and sheroes selected as this year's Ventura County ambassadors of Earth Charter Principles:

Continue reading "Sixth Annual Earth Charter Awards Honor Local Activists" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

7:30 PM on Saturday, Oct 17
530 W. El Roblar, Meiners Oaks,

Continue reading "Klezmer Band In Concert, October 17th" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:00 PM | Permalink | author bio

This special press release was submitted by Smitty West:

"As you may have seen, I’m turning the Smitty and Julija show this week into a fund-raiser for the Ojai home fire victims…the Erickson Family."

Ojai Home Fire Benefit
For Tom and Judith's Family
Date: Friday, October 9, 2009
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: Il Giardino Restaurant Patio
401 E. Ojai Avenue

Continue reading "Ojai Home Fire Benefit" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Sally Carless, founder and Executive Director of Global Village School, recently received the Ojai Peace Coalition’s Noble Peace Prize. Each year, the Coalition honors a local individual who works for and exhibits peace in their lives.

The nomination most specifically cited Carless’s attention to peace and justice issues through the establishment and continued operation of the Ojai-based Global Village School, an international K-12 homeschool diploma program with a creative, flexible approach and an emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability. Global Village offers a full diploma program and college preparatory classes that prepare students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other.

According to evan austin, founder of the Ojai Peace Coalition, “The purpose of the Noble Peace Prize is to recognize and honor local actions and lifestyles that positively affect our community in ways consistent with the Ojai Peace Coalition's aims and values, and to create S/Heroes of Peace with the idea that culture is defined in part by our traditions, rituals, and honored individuals.”

Continue reading "Global Village School Founder Honored on Int'l Day of Peace" »

Posted by evan austin at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The loud explosions resonated throughout the Ojai Valley are caused by a house fire in the 400 block of Grand (near Montgomery) in Ojai. The fire department are on the scene.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 03:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

The vision for the forum is to create an annual international gathering on the New Economy in Ojai. Imagining into the new economy is focused on creating a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. We are not trying to fix the old but rather exploring new models and approaches, such as complementary currencies, mutual credit system, new investment tools, governance, and communications that builds healthy communities.
http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Friday, September 25th

5pm – Ojai Theater

Program: What is the global perspective on the new economy? Solutions from a whole systems approach lead directly to a local living economy.

Hazel Henderson: Ethical Markets (live via video feed)
Stuart Valentine, Iowa Progressive Asset Management
Rinaldo Brutoco, World Business Academy

Hazel is the author of Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy (2006). A consultant on sustainable development in over 30 countries and a syndicated columnist. She is an advocate for socially responsible business and investment. As founder of Ethical Markets Media she also produces a public television series.

Continue reading "Ojai Forum on the New Economy Starts Friday!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:20 PM | Permalink | author bio

From the fine folk at Made In Ojai...

Made In Ojai - Artisans & Mercantile invites you to celebrate its first year in business with a birthday party this Sunday, September 27 from 4-8 PM on the patio behind the store, 323 E. Matilija Street in Ojai. There will be live music, dancing, refreshments, local authors signing books, and more.

Continue reading "Made In Ojai - Artisans & Mercantile Birthday Party" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

DOCENTS DO DOWNTOWN OJAI -- ON HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS
Contributor: Cricket Twichell

When Aunt Bertha from Bangor comes to visit, take her on an Ojai Valley Museum Guided Historical Walking Tour, and make sure you come too. This is a great way to learn about Ojai’s colorful past, get the skinny on our pioneer families, check out architectural highlights and gain a sense of what makes Ojai special.

Continue reading "Ojai Historical Walking Tours" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The vision for the forum is to create an annual international gathering on the New Economy in Ojai. Imagining into the new economy is focused on creating a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. We are not trying to fix the old but rather exploring new models and approaches, such as complementary currencies, mutual credit system, new investment tools, governance, and communications that builds healthy communities.

You are invited to participate in a deep exploration into the design of an action-based road map leading to new models for a vibrant economy in Ojai and beyond. The confluence of various tipping points in global, national and local economies have come together to provide an extraordinary opening for innovation and positive social change.

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

Continue reading "Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Updated Schedule of Events" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

AN AFTERNOON OF LAUGHTER & MUSIC

The Friends of Shabad Kathleen MacGregor are proud to host an eclectic Sunday afternoon of comedy and music on September 27, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Ojai Community Church, 907 El Centro Street, Ojai, CA 93023. Proceeds from the event will help defray living expenses while Kathleen undergoes cancer treatment and stem cell transplantation.

The event will feature local Ojai legends The Household Gods, the comedic Ventura Improv Company, musical favorites Don & Patricia Cardinali & Friends, jazz by the international Toni Jannotta Trio, 13-year-old L.A. comic Steven (Steve-O) Ford, refreshments and a silent auction. Ojai’s own Buddy Wilds will host the event as Master of Ceremonies.

Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for seniors (65 and over) and youth ages 13-17. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in Ojai at Cardinali Brothers Music (139 W. El Roblar Drive, 805/646-2098‎); Ojai Creates (606 E. Ojai Avenue, 805/640-6558); and Ojai Coffee Roasting Company (337 E. Ojai Avenue, 805/646-4478‎). Tickets will also be available at the door.

For further information contact Patricia Cardinali at Cardinali Brothers Music at (805) 646-2098.

Listen to Kathleen's poignant interview on Radio Ojai.

Continue reading "Fundraiser for Acupuncturist Kathleen MacGregor" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Guest Editorial by John van Houten, M.D.

The city of Ojai has made a concerted effort to become a “green” city in the past few years. However, it has ignored one very effective way to be more environmentally responsible, and that is by promoting cycling as an alternative form of transportation.

Ojai is a haven for recreational cyclists and even pro level cycling teams due in large part to our beautiful terrain and agreeable year round weather. However, there is no support for cycling as a form of daily transportation.

Continue reading " It's About the Bike: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthy, Wealthy and Green Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

You are invited to participate in a deep exploration into the design of an action-based road map leading to new models for a vibrant economy in Ojai and beyond. The confluence of various tipping points in global, national and local economies have come together to provide an extraordinary opening for innovation and positive social change.

The vision for the forum is to create an annual international gathering on the New Economy in Ojai. Imagining into the new economy is focused on creating a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. We are not trying to fix the old but rather exploring new models and approaches, such as complementary currencies, mutual credit system, new investment tools, governance, and communications that builds healthy communities.
http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

Continue reading "Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Schedule of Events" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Instructor: Suza Francina,
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500, author and consultant for research studies about yoga.

Time: Thursday 5:30 -- 7:00 PM (starts September 24, 2009)
Beginners are welcome in this ongoing class and you may join anytime.

Location: Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai

This new fall evening class will typically begin and end with relaxing, supported lying down (supine) restorative poses. Classes also include weight bearing Standing Poses, practiced with the support of a wall. More experienced/intermediate students will have the opportunity to fine-tune their practice of the two pillars of yoga, Headstand and Shoulderstand. All ages and levels are welcome in this new Thursday evening class. Please call Suza at 646-2613 or e-mail Sfrancina@aol.com, to discuss any health concerns, injuries, etc.

More details about this Restorative Yoga Class:

Continue reading "New Thursday Evening Restorative Yoga Class in Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

You are invited to participate in a deep exploration into the design of an action-based road map leading to new models for a vibrant economy in Ojai and beyond. The confluence of various tipping points in global, national and local economies have come together to provide an extraordinary opening for innovation and positive social change.

The vision for the forum is to create an annual international gathering on the New Economy in Ojai. Imagining into the new economy is focused on creating a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. We are not trying to fix the old but rather exploring new models and approaches, such as complementary currencies, mutual credit system, new investment tools, governance, and communications that builds healthy communities.

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Presenters:

Joshua Addison - Bell Arts Factory
Ojai Community Bank
Rinaldo Brutoco - World Business Academy
Roger Collis - Ojai Economy Group, Meditation Mount
Susan Davis - Capital Missions Company
Dulanie Ellis - Ojai Valley Green Coalition
Tim Gallagher - Gallagher 20/20, previously Ventura County Star
Tim Hall - Eco Ranchos
David Hedman, ThermaPure
Hazel Henderson - Futurist, Ethical Markets
Michael Lind - REC Solar
Michael Lindfield - Meditation Mount
Ted Moore - ICEL
Zhena Muzyka - Zhena’s Gypsy Tea
Stephen Nellis - Pacific Coast Business Times
Bill O’Brien - Hawkes and Associates
Lena Robinson - San Francisco Federal Reserve
Mary Anne Rooney, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade
Carrie Rosenbloom - eMommy
Dave Smith - Ventura County United Way
Howard Smith - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Bruce Stenslie - Economic Development Collaborative - Ventura County
Ava Stern - Rainbow Vision, Santa Fe
Tyler Suchman - Ojai Economy Group, The Ojai Post
Julie Tumamait - Chumash Elder
Stuart Valentine - Iowa Progressive Asset Management
Thayne Whipple - Ojai Economy Group
Jodi Womack - The Womack Company, No More Nylons
Ken Wright - Showerminder

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Continue reading "Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Register Now!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

It's no use trying to save the world
When I myself am drowning

I sit now under the Great Oak
A tree so strong, so majestic
So silent, so serene

Continue reading "Morning Meditation Under the Great Oak" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

PROMISES explores the nature of boundaries and tells the story of a few children who dared to cross the lines to meet their neighbors. Rather than focusing on political events, the seven children featured in PROMISES offer a refreshing, human and sometimes humorous portrait of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Living Peace in Ojai's 2009 film series presents PROMISES at the Ojai Playhouse on Saturday September 12, 2009 at 4:30pm, by donation. Please join us.

Posted by evan austin at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The time for glitz and feel-good campaign/advertising rhetoric is over. Now we need to hear definitively what our new President is really all about.

Will he come out and support real change and reform of the health care system or will he abandon the Progressives and the people who worked so hard to get him elected last year? In short,

Will he be FDR

or will he be Grover Cleveland

It's all up to him.

Continue reading "Obama's Defining Speech Tonight! 5PM UPDATED - EPIC !" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (78) | author bio

Continue reading "Mark Whitwell at Sacred Space Studio Thursday,Sept.10,8:30am-12:30pm" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Check this out thrill ride.... Filmed from a motorcycle going up Maricopa Highway, Route 33, from just before the Double Tunnels to just past the Rose Valley turn off, you will dodge Gravel Trucks coming out from behind blind curves...

During these ten minutes you will pass no less than 5 double hoppers, most of which are clearly and dangerously crossing over the double yellow lines. That's one truck every 2 minutes!

The first three appear at about 1:50 (one minute, 50 seconds in). The fourth appears around blind curve at around 8:25. The fifth also crosses over the double yellow line at around 9:50.

You can advance the player if you want or just watch the whole thing from the bottom of the mountain to the top. We suggest you turn your volume way down low!

Also, you can blow up to a Full Screen view (pretty wild!) by hitting the Google View tab at the bottom right of the Flash Player.

Continue reading "Stop the "Gravel" Trucks: Live Video of Gravel Trucks Racing Down Maricopa Highway" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

You are invited to participate in a deep exploration into the design of an action-based road map leading to new models for a vibrant economy in Ojai and beyond. The confluence of various tipping points in global, national and local economies have come together to provide an extraordinary opening for innovation and positive social change.

The vision for the forum is to create an annual international gathering on the New Economy in Ojai. Imagining into the new economy is focused on creating a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. We are not trying to fix the old but rather exploring new models and approaches, such as complementary currencies, mutual credit system, new investment tools, governance, and communications that builds healthy communities.

Presenters: Lena Robinson (San Francisco Federal Reserve), David Brubaker (Ojai Community Bank), Tim Gallagher (Gallagher 20/20, Ventura County Star), Stephen Nellis (Pacific Coast Business Times), Rinaldo Brutoco (World Business Academy), Bruce Stenslie (Economic Development Collaborative), Dave Smith (Ventura County United Way), Stuart Valentine (Iowa Progressive Asset Management), Hazel Henderson via live satellite remote, many more.

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Continue reading "Ojai Forum on the New Economy, " »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Mark Your Calendar!
2009 Studio Tour
October 10th & 11th, 2009
10AM to 5PM

www.ojaistudioartists.org

Dear Members, Collectors and Art Enthusiasts,

The Ojai Studio Artists Tour, held since 1984, is an October pilgrimage that brings art lovers and collectors to over fifty artists' studios to see new creations, view works in progress, and enjoy a weekend steeped in fine art conversation. OSA invites you for a behind-the-scenes art tour of Ojai, to visit with our artists in their creative environment and attend our Saturday night reception.

Sincerely,
Ojai Studio Artists
a non-profit organization
www.ojaistudioartists.org

Continue reading "Ojai Studio Artists 2009 Tour - Save The Date" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:10 PM | Permalink | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Economic Forum, September 25th - 27th" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Living Peace in Ojai Peace Film Series presents "War Child" at 4:30 pm on Saturday September 5th at the Ojai Playhouse/Theatre, admission is by donation.

"Left home at the age of seven/one year later I'm carryin' an Ak-47." For hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan's brutal civil war, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. They are the bitter reality of a young man who was "forced to sin" but determined to "never give up and never give in." Today, wounded but still hopeful, he fights a new battle: bringing peace to his beloved Sudan and building schools in Africa. This time, his weapon is a microphone. See why audiences from New York to Berlin to London rave about the award-winning film, War Child, and have embraced the hip-hop artist with a terrifying past and a gentle soul. Interspersing original interviews, live concerts, and rare footage of Jal as a seven year-old boy, War Child will make viewers cry, laugh, dance, and celebrate the power of hope.

Posted by evan austin at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

AN ARTICLE THAT JUST APPEARED IN SCIENCE DAILY CONFIRMS SOME OF OUR GREATEST FEARS.

Damage to our air quality is one of the reasons the Coalition has been opposed to gravel trucks traveling through the Ojai Valley on their way from the Cuyama valley to Oxnard and Ventura. Ojai has what is known as a "closed" air shed, which means that pollutants collect here in the valley and remain trapped. Despite appearances that might suggest otherwise, Ojai has some of the worst air quality in the County.

Scientists have demonstrated that the link between diesel fume exposure and cancer lies in the ability of diesel exhaust to induce the growth of new blood vessels that serve as a food supply for solid tumors.

Continue reading "Stop the "Gravel" Trucks: Diesel Exhaust Linked To Cancer" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Hey everyone:

Joe's email this morning is about an attack that sounds really frightening -- and the person responsible is still, as they say in the movies, "at large."

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch Important Alert!" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

Guest Editorial by Marty Fast, a former 4-H leader who lives in Ojai

The Ventura County Fair is over. What happened to the 4-H pet market animals? Most of them have been transported to the slaughterhouse. How many of the 4-H animal owners accompanied their pets to the slaughterhouse? How many of the 4-H pet owners have ever been to a slaughterhouse to witness the horrific process of slaughter?

Continue reading "Fair No Fun for 4-H Pet Market Animals, but Happy Ending For One Lucky Pig" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

...not unusual for Ojai, mind you. But as compared to similarly-themed gatherings across our nation, Friday night's town hall meeting was marked by order and respect that we can and should be VERY proud of.

From the Ventura County Star article by Tom Kishen:

Amid rallies and forums across the country that have sometimes been angry and often accusatory, the Ojai event was different from the beginning. Organizer Kristofer Young, a holistic chiropractor, asked the about 80 participants to stand if they wanted a respectful meeting. Everyone did.

Ojai citizens will rally at the Y from 5-7pm on Monday August 31st for healthcare reform.

A town hall meeting on healthcare reform will take place in Ventura on Monday August 31st at 7pm in the Topping Room of the E.P. Foster Library, 651 East Main Street.

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Today's Ojai Valley City Watch Alert from Sergeant Joe Evans (details after the jump):

HIghlights
...A car thief on North Ventura avenue
...Folks living it up and trespassing as they do so at Matilija Hot Springs
...Good news on crime trends in the Valley over all
...Have a Neighborhood Watch party!

Our Neighborhood Watch group in Oak View has done this and it's been a marvelous way to a) feel less like the cranky old people who call the cops any time a kid steps on our lawns and b) get to know some incredible neighbors. Highly recommend it!

Continue reading "City Watch Alert: August 28" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION NOW!

Posted by evan austin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Democratic Club invites you to Join us today, Monday 24th at the Health Care Reform Rally at the Y in front of Vons ( Maricopa and the 33) between 5pm and 6.30pm.

Bring signs if you have them!

THEN

Join us for the political satire "Bob Roberts" at The Village Jester

LOCATION: The Village Jester, 139 E Ojai Ave

COST: $12 for simple menu and one drink!

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This weekend at Mountain Meadows Nursery 245 Old Baldwin Rd., Ojai 646-0714, from 10am-12 Oscar Carmona of Healing Grounds Nursery in Santa Barbara will give a talk on organic gardening at home. He is a prophet of organic gardening with the language of a philosopher.

Oscar's message this weekend for Ojai specifically is: "Container gardens can be cool when it’s hot. Yes Ojai, you too can enjoy lettuce all year round."

Continue reading "Free ** Organic Gardening Workshop This Weekend in Ojai" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From neighbor Kris:

Hello Friends in the Valley!
 
I am the lead organizer for Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, the Ojai Peace Coalition, Organizing for America, and Health Care for America Now, in creating a Town Hall Meeting on Healthcare Reform this Friday, the 28th of August from 7-9 PM at Chaparral Auditorium.
 
I hope that you will come to the meeting. I hope that you will actually be responsible for making sure that 5 other people actually come to the meeting . I hope that at least 500 people show up. The room won’t hold 500; that is the point. Our current health (disease) system won’t hold us either. We need to spill out peacefully into the street. We need to be seen. We need to be counted. We need to be heard. But, will you be there? And will your 5 be there?
 
Now is the time! Let us make it happen! You know that we cannot go on paying double for second rate healthcare in this Country.
 
These are groups and bodies that need to be notified and invited; Ojai City Council, Board of Education, Food for Thought, the Green Coalition, and every organized faith in the Valley. Who else?
 
Please post here if you will attend. Feel free to post the names of your 5 friends that will be attending. Please post the groups and individuals that you will be contacting. Don’t worry about groups or individuals being invited by 20 different people. All that does is show the interest and involvement.
 
Please shake it up peacefully. We need change now.
 
See you on Friday the 28th at 7 PM.
 
In cooperation,
Kris
Kristofer Young, DC

[You can also RSVP through Facebook]

Posted by evan austin at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Last week, my husband and I went to the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center to share with a group learning how to make Chumash clapper sticks and pine needle baskets, let by the delightful Julie Tumamait.

It was so much fun that I promised Center Director Mike Havstad that I'd share info about upcoming events. Well, true to form, I'm doing it at the last minute...

Tomorrow, Ron Barrett (the guy with jacket on in the photo above) will be talking about his efforts to save ocean animals like seal pups (the guy without the jacket in the photo above).

11 AM
Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center
Los Padres National Forest
Route 33

Continue reading "Tomorrow At Wheeler Gorge: Rescuing Ocean Animals" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

You may have seen the printed walking guide in shops around town. I'm pleased to host the digital version of the Ojai Village Walking Guide here on the Post. It'll be accessible in the right "Resource Page" column for your convenience.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

This morning from Sargent Joe Evans -- a prowler in Ojai.

UPDATE: Prowler caught! See after the jump for details.

Continue reading "City Watch Alert: August 16" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

CLICK THE IMAGE to go straight to the nomination page, hosted right here on the OP!

Posted by evan austin at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Today is auction day for the 4-H market animals at the Ventura County Fair. Yesterday, I had another talk with a friend who has been involved with 4-H since childhood. He knows everything that happens to each kind of animal from beginning to end. I do my best to be respectful of his views. But at one point in our conversation, when he was questioning why I want to save the llife of the lamb he has raised, I heard myself say, "Just imagine if the lamb were a dog. Then you would undertand how I feel."

Continue reading "Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

You may remember that in 2005 the Bush administration decided to open up national forests to building more roads so commercial interests could log and mine more effectively. 58 million acres in US states and Puerto Rico were to be opened, including 465,000 acres in Los Padres alone. There have been court battles ever since.

As irritating as I can find him, Schwarzenegger did go to bat for this land, which includes the Sespe and the Topa Topas and the Nordhoff Ridge and Chief Peak, by petitioning for protection in 2006. These appeals were denied in 2007, and in 2008, CA Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman along with AG Jerry Brown brought suit against the feds, claiming that the US Forest Service had failed to manage the land appropriately.

Well, the Obama administration has come down on the side of the forest angels, and is siding with environmentlists in a Wyoming court case that could go a long way towards settling this permanently.

More in the Huffington Post...

Sure would be nice to not ever have to worry about a line of oil derricks adorning the Topa Topas...

Posted by Leigh Melander at 05:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: www.ojaieconomy.com/2009-ojai-forum/

Continue reading "Ojai Economic Forum - SAVE THE DATE!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:22 PM | Permalink | author bio

Guest Editorial by Marty Fast, a former 4-H leader who lives in Ojai

Once again this year, the 4-H animals are on display at the Ventura County Fair. Many of these animals return home once the fair is over, but what happens to the pigs and other market animals? Market pigs begin their life with great pain and suffering. Procedures such as castration, tail docking and ear notching are all done with no painkillers or anesthesia.

Continue reading "4-H Kids and Their Animals: the Ultimate Betrayal at the Fair" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Dear Suza,

I have been reading your articles about 4-H kids. I understand why they should not send their animals to the slaughterhouse.

What I am about to tell you here are events that actually transpired, as accurate as my memory can recall. I could never in my life think up anything like this.

Several years ago I was living on a five-hundred acre ranch right in the middle of the Wind River Indian Reservation, a hundred miles east of the Grand Teton Park in Western Wyoming. I was trading my husbandry talents and the feeding and care of fifty horses and mules, plus summer time irrigating of all the pastures, in exchange for a nice ranch house and the use of any of the stock I wanted to ride. For me and my many dogs and cats, it was ideal.

Continue reading "Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

Last night, like most nights, I came home from playing with my horses. It was a bit late (I'd been watching the moon rise) and it was quite dark....

Upon my arrival I am greeted at the door by my dog Orion, wildly wagging his tail as he usually does when I come home. My other dog, Willow, however, doesn’t come to greet me. “That’s odd,” I think, and so I look around for her.

She’s standing in our hallway, and her tail is wagging wildly, but she’s not facing me. She’s turning her head around to look at me and then back to stare at a a big black splotch on the floor, wiggling and waggling as she’s standing over it, but with a certain nervous, “uuuuuuhhhhh, mommmm?” tension. (Reminding me of the time that my tough cats were all lying on my crumpled harp cover on the floor in Kentucky — when I lifted it up, there were three baby chimney swifts underneath there. Apparently they were aggressive enough, even though they couldn’t fly and could barely see, that the cats felt it necessary to throw the harp cover over them and then sit on it until reinforcements arrived...)

I look to see what she’s responding to and see the big black splotch. From standing height, with no glasses, it looks like a pile of Willow fur, but I don’t think she’s likely to be focused on hair balls as she is such a conscientious, regular creator of such.

So I crouch down to peer at the big black splotch, which focuses in my eyeballs as this:

Continue reading "A Houseguest" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Teaching Yoga to the Elders of Ojai
View image
Ojai, California, 1972.
Suza and her first yoga teacher, Sarah Kirton, who is described in Yoga for People Over 50, (1977).

The first thing my 90-year old student asked me while she was on the floor stretching her legs was, "Do you have a boyfriend?" "Oh my God," I thought, "It just never ends. Romance will always be more interesting than the rest of life."

I like to pry into the lives of my students as much as they like to pry into mine. After forty years of teaching, in every setting and every sort of circumstance, I can safely say that nothing is as it seems. In the course of a typical month I make the rounds all over the valley, from picture-perfect estates in Rancho Matilija, the top of Foothill, Thacher, McAndrew and high up Sulphur Mountain Road in Upper Ojai, to more modest homes in the hills of Krotona, to humble apartments and small family houses on the valley floor, and even old "shacks" that are falling apart and going back to the Earth.

Continue reading "Teaching Yoga in the Ojai Valley " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:08 PM | Permalink | author bio

Bonus: Tyler Suchman sighting!
[UPDATE] YouTube video more easily embedded!:

Posted by evan austin at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

(This post contains a guest post emailed to me by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous, but first I have to set the stage)

The fact that the Blue-Dog(Blue Cross) Democratic Caucus and Senators like Baucus(Hey, that rhymes) can block meaningful health care reform is a disturbing outrage. Now, the situation is extremely fluid and big things are afoot. The Progressive Caucus has come out to block any bill in the house that has a watered down "Public Option." We need to support those Representatives and tell them to fight for us.

Go HERE to help support the people in the House who are fighting for us.

Continue reading "Now is the time to be heard on Health Care Reform" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

Guest Editorial by John Wilcock, publisher of the Ojai Orange.

We were all born naked and how we look when we meet our maker is not especially relevant. And in between, most people like to be covered, especially in public.

But not everybody. It’s summer, a time when even the prudish tend to doff their clothes, albeit in the privacy of their homes. It’s when naked bodies become public that the trouble begins.

Continue reading "Public Nakedness -- Can Nude Be Lewd? " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Well, I just had to get this puppy up right away because Joe is singing the praises of Oak View!

In addition to this week's report, Joe wanted to share with people all of the programs that City Watch manages, which include:

• City Watch Reunite Program: to ensure the safety of family members who need extra support. (Designed by residents of the Valley together with the police department.)
• Vacation Patrols: let the police know you're traveling and ask them to keep an eye on your property.

For more info on these and any other City Watch program, please email Sergeant Joe Evans at ojaivalley.citywatch@ventura.org.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch July 29, 2009" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

This Yoga in the Ojai Valley post is from Suza's Blog Yoga for Healthy Bones

Before I write more about yoga props, walls and chairs, I want to respond to two recent questions .

One person wrote: "Suza thanks for sharing.... the back bends shown in your slideshow .. are they good for osteoporosis backs?"

Another person wrote: "I have read many posts on here about not doing bending, twisting, etc and don't understand how yoga could be safe. Years ago before having osteo and other issues, I did yoga and I understand how it would not be safe now. Are there yoga classes that are tailored to osteo patients? how do you find them?"

Continue reading "A Yoga Question: Are backbends good for "osteoporosis backs"?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

The following is a message from Skate Ojai

Your patience and support for the new Ojai permanent skate park have been tremendous. Hopefully, you are as tired of all the emails, city council & school board meetings, and talk, talk, talk, as we are.

The saga goes on and the School District is truly now trying to stop this project.

Please read the recent article in the View entitled, Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave, When at First We Practice to Deceive. It spells out what the scenario might really be as we go into Year Two of this effort.

During the last year the School Board has written several times in the paper that they do not want the new skate park located there due to excessive drug use and vandalism. Recently we acquired the crime statistics from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Continue reading "Skate Ojai Saga Continues: Year Two" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 07:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Two more articles to add to the lively debate right here on the Ojai Post.

Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted

New estimate based on the forthcoming upturn in solar activity and El Niño southern oscillation cycles is expected to silence global warming sceptics

by Duncan Clark

The world faces a new period of record-breaking temperatures as the sun's activity increases, leading the planet to heat up significantly faster than scientists had predicted over the next five years, according to a new study.

Continue reading "Ojai's Lively Debate on Global Warming: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted In Next Five Years, Study Warns " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

"All I know is what I read in the newspaper," said Will Rogers. If I believed this too, then the recent article in the July issue of the Ojai Ventura View* would concern me.

The delays to get the skate park built bring up some serious questions that need to be addressed. Some people say other cities have built a skate park in less than a year from inception to ribbon cutting. So why does it take Ojai so long? Is it because we don’t have the resources or expertise to manage such a project, or is it a delay tactic as is suggested by the View? This is a simple project compared to what is in store for us to raise money and remodel the Bowl, and raises serious questions whether the City is capable of undertaking such a project.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial by Pat McPherson:"Why does it take Ojai so long to build a skate park?"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Yoga in the Ojai Valley

In my articles here on the Ojai Post, I've discussed how yoga props make yoga safer and more effective for people with osteoporosis and other health issues.

People sometimes tell me, “But not everyone can afford to go to a yoga class or purchase all those expensive props like yoga bolsters, backbenders or wall ropes.” One person even accused me of being “elitist,” arguing that many people cannot afford to attend classes at fully equipped yoga centers and that they don’t have the money to purchase props for home use.

My reply is this: One year of yoga often costs less than a single day in the hospital! Plus there are convenient alternatives to standard props for situations in which yoga props are not available. In fact, the greatest props of all for improving your balance and building strong bones -- walls, kitchen counters and chairs-- are usually readily available.

Continue reading "One Year of Yoga Costs Less Than a Day in the Hospital" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Continue reading "Mark Whitwell - 4 Day Yoga Intensive" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:08 PM | Permalink | author bio

http://www.ojaieconomy.com/2009-ojai-forum/

Continue reading "2009 Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Save The Date" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 12:08 PM | Permalink | author bio

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/documents/Cook-Application.pdf

Posted by Howard Smith at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Hey everyone:

Joe Evans sent out another Ojai Valley City Watch this week; here 'tis.

Please note that if you'd like to reach Joe, you can email him at ojaivalley.citywatch@ventura.org or call him at 805-646-1414.

If you join the City Watch email list, you can also receive weekly crime maps for the area to get a sense of where and when things are happening...

Thanks, Joe!

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch July 23" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Submitted Press Release:

Brooks Institute to Serve as Festival’s First-Ever Ventura Venue; Hosting Screenings, Workshops, Panels and Special Events on Nov. 5 – 8, 2009

OJAI, CALIF. (July 21, 2009) − The Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival, formerly Ojai Film Festival, and Brooks Institute are proud to announce that the Institute will serve as the host for all Festival programming in Ventura as the event marks its 10th anniversary by expanding its footpint into the City of Ventura.

Running from November 5 - 8, 2009, this milestone year will render opportunities for a broader regional and national audience to take part in a variety of Festival events at the Brooks Institute campus. Formerly a motion picture studio, the Institute will host many of the Festival’s screenings, the annual filmmaker party and all of the Festival’s workshops and panels. Additionally, Ventura Marriott has signed on as a hotel sponsor. Ojai continues to serve as the Festival’s headquarters with screenings held at various Ojai venues.

Continue reading "Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival Announces Historic Partnership with Brooks Institute" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Guest Editorial by Ojai Resident Thomas Sherk

I am writing to let people know what really happened on the 4th of July.

Some time in June I saw a Letter to the Editor in the Ojai Valley News by Earth Friend Gen for the July 4th Almost Naked Bike Ride. I decided to do the Ride because I was raised by a hippy mother who brought us to nudist beaches and camps throughout childhood. I recently talked with my mom who is gravely ill and not long for this world. Out of a tribute to her, I decided to participate. Prior to the 4th, I had never met Earth Friend Gen.

As a group, we met at the Y and rolled on the bike path towards the parade. Turning left on Bristol, we approached the parade crowd from the rear. As we got closer, a middle aged white male approached me and pulled a knife out of his front pocket, opened it and stepped towards me, saying, “I will cut your f*****g nuts off.” He continued walking towards me. I had to back up when he was within a foot of me. He threatened two other people on bikes next to me in the same way.

Continue reading "My 4th of July Bike Ride " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

I drove passed a fire in the field across the highway from Villanova (up toward Krotona Hill) on my way home at 2:19 this afternoon. Called it in to the Ojai Fire Department and they were already on their way. It is 2:52 and I can see a column of smoke from my house in Meiners Oaks and hear helicopters - carrying water or camera crews I do not know. It isn't on the County Fire Dept. site so it probably isn't too big....Any other news?

UPDATE - 3:03PM (from Tyler):

Fire Dept says:
- first reported at 2:37pm
- several units on scene, several more in route
- several homes threatened - those with grass exposure

UPDATE - 3:23PM (from Tyler):

see Chris Foley's comment for more details: lawn tractor hit a rock to spark the fire... fire is extinguished... firefighters looking for embers... blaze stopped before first row of oaks in approach to Krotona...

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

There are two new shows on Radio Ojai!

One is with 17-year-old singer/songwriter and Nordhoff High coed Jesse Lucas, who talks about her new demo CD and how she draws from personal experience (and sometimes dabbles in fiction) to create her signature acoustic-pop style. Jesse plays her guitar and sings her newest song "Maybe" at the top of the show. Listen here.

And yesterday I stopped in to chat with Joby at the Ojai Beverage Company about Astrella Celeste, playing Friday, 7/24, at the Women's Club, and the OBC's wine tasting event featuring 10 local winemakers pouring their finest on Saturday, 7/25. Listen here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I used to stop on my daily walks and visit Otto at his home. He was such a friendly, talkative soul during the time I lived in the East End of Ojai. Would be fun to share some Otto memories or stories if anyone has them. Here is the story in the Star. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/17/otto-heino-ojai-artist-known-for-glaze-dies-at/

“It’s the end of an era, really. Otto was truly one of the last great American craftsmen to live in our community,” said Donna Granata, founder of Focus on the Masters, a nonprofit educational organization that documents the lives and works of area artists.

“He had a work ethic unmatched by anyone I know. This was a man who once produced a glaze to match a car,” Granata said of Heino, who was still using a pottery wheel and firing his own kilns into his 90s. “All of his success, literally, he created with his two hands.”

New Info** Otto's La Times Obituary http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-otto-heino21-2009jul21,0,1590279.story

Posted by DK Crawford at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

I can feel in my bones that this is a good day to introduce my Blog:
Yoga for Healthy Bones

I started this blog about a year ago to help answer the questions I'm frequently asked about practicing yoga after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, arthritis, and related health concerns. When my eighty-eight year old mother fell and broke her thigh bone and ended up at the Ojai Hospital for surgery and rehabilitation, I was faced with the challenge of getting her out of a wheelchair and walking again. So this blog gives me the oppotunity to share what I've learned working with elders and people of all ages and abilities who want to keep their amazing skeletal structure strong for a lifetime --without taking Forteo or the other latest toxic miracle bone drug.

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Broken Word Happy Hour is a spoken word reading series featuring fiction and poetry writers from around Southern California. I had the pleasure of participating in the second reading in this series back in May, and am looking forward to reading again alongside talented local word-wielders at the fourth Broken Word happening on Thursday, July 23rd at 7PM at Ojai's own Farmer & Cook.

Come enjoy a summer evening on the patio, listening to stories and poems while enjoying Farmer & Cook's signature vegetarian snacks as well as organic beer and wine. Previous events have been a great success--and now the secret is out! For more information and directions, visit the newly launched Broken Word website.

Posted by Robert Peake at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

"Life is so hard, how can we be anything but kind?" -- Thich Nhat Hanh

Yoga is fundamentally an act of kindness to yourself. All ages and levels are welcome in this new Sunday morning Iyengar yoga class. Please arrive early to discuss any health concerns, injuries, etc.

Sunday 8--9:20 AM (starts July 12, 2009)
Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai

Instructor: Suza Francina, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher

Class Description:

Continue reading "New Sunday Morning Iyengar Yoga Class in Ojai" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

(Illumination News Service)

The Coalition recently followed up with Kim Rodriguez, Director, Planning Division of the Ventura County Resource Management Agency in order to highlight our ongoing concerns about what we believe are possible continual violations of the Ozena mining permit:

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Follow Up to the Scoping Meeting" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 10:28 AM | Permalink | author bio

The Ojai Peace Coalition is SO proud to have borne our 2008 Noble Peace Prize honorees, Tara Blasco and Lyn Hebenstreit, as dignitaries in last Saturday's Independence Day parade (along with former Marine Sergeant Lyn Weeks, representing Veterans for Peace)! In addition to working to increase public health and decrease poverty in Africa, Lyn and Tara engage in spiritual activism right here in our valley community by leading meditation groups, as well as providing support for mothers and infants. Learn about their work in Africa by visiting the Global Resource Alliance website.

Nominations for the 2009 Noble Peace Prize are open now!
CLICK HERE to nominate your most valued local s/hero of peace!
(Need suggestions to get started? How 'bout this thread on community organizers, from September '08?)

Posted by evan austin at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

By Ojai author Stephen Mitchell

Take a gentle deep breath, turn on the sound,
and please click here: Psalm 122

I rejoiced when I heard them announce,
“The time of warfare is past.
No more will brother hate brother
or violence have its way.
No more will they drown out God’s silence
and shut their hearts to his song.”

Pray for peace in the cities
and harmony among the races.
May peace come to live on our streets
and justice within our walls.
With all my heart I will pray
that peace comes to live among us.
For the sake of all earth’s people,
I will do my utmost for peace.

(The Psalms, translated by Stephen Mitchell)

I dedicate Psalm 122
to evan Austin and his family,
Tara Blasco and Lyn Hebenstreit, the 2008 Noble Peace Prize honorees,
and the Ojai Peace Coalition.
Look for them in the 2009 Parade, Entry #46!

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Down here at Ojai Coffee Roasting Co. getting a little work done, and David Harris is set up with a drum machine and an electric guitar playing and singing really tastefully. Very nice. He'll be playing here until about 3:30pm or so - if you get a chance, pop in, grab a tea and enjoy some tunes.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Press Release:

Meegan Huff Expected to Expand Existing and Forge New Community Partnerships as Visibility of Regional Festival Rises

OJAI, CALIF. (June 25, 2009) – Formerly the Ojai Film Festival, the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival is proud to announce that Meegan Huff has been named the organization’s new executive director as the Festival approaches its 10th anniversary this fall. The behind-the-scenes leadership change comes on the heels of the Festival’s recent announcement that it is broadening its regional footprint by becoming an event encompassing the cities of Ojai and Ventura.

“We are thrilled to have Meegan as a part of our team,” says David Shor, chairman of the Festival. “She brings a strong creative energy to the team—not to mention enormous professional experience in diverse industries that benefit the Festival. We are confident that Meegan will move our vision forward and will take us to the next step in our evolution as we enter our next chapter as a lifestyle-driven destination festival.”

Continue reading "OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 10th ANNIVERSARY" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by evan austin at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Some of you may remember when Deepak Chopra came to Ojai a few years ago. First he spoke to a SRO crowd at the Krotona Institute where he eloquently reminded us of the perennial wisdom, the oneness of all life, and not to identify too much with the various roles we play in this world. For one fleeting moment I almost felt enlightened. I "got it" when he said, "Life is not only stranger than you think, it is stranger than you CAN think."

I'm sure Deepak has his flaws like all human beings, but I am impressed by his astute observations on the human condition. I just finished reading his compassionate tribute to Michael Jackson on the Huffington Post, and felt moved to post it here.

A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

"Michael Jackson will be remembered, most likely, as a shattered icon, a pop genius who wound up a mutant of fame. That's not who I will remember, however. His mixture of mystery, isolation, indulgence, overwhelming global fame, and personal loneliness was intimately known to me. For twenty years I observed every aspect, and as easy as it was to love Michael -- and to want to protect him -- his sudden death yesterday seemed almost fated.

Continue reading "Deepak Chopra: A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

[UPDATE 06.28.09] We could use a 2 OR 4 seat Gem-type electric car for our second dignitary. Please help, even if all you can offer is your neighbor's name and phone number! :)

Hey friends,

The Ojai Peace Coalition is looking for a 4-seat electric car to bear dignitaries in next weekend's Independence Day parade. If you own one that you'd be willing to lend, or know someone else who might help out, please email me.

Thanks!
-evan austin
Director, OPC

Posted by evan austin at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Death cuts you off with a very, very, very sharp razor from your attachments, from your gods, from your superstitions, from your desire for comfort . . . So how can I find out, actually, not theoretically, what it means to die? It means to be totally free, to be totally unattached to everything that man has put together, or what you have put together . . . totally free. . . While you are living, every moment you are dying, so that throughout life you are not attached to anything. That is what death means.
-- J. Krishnamurti, public talk, January 1, 1986, six weeks before his death

The Ojai Valley News web site has a spot that lists "RECENT DEATHS." There I read the names of my teachers and classmates from Matilija and Nordhoff... childhood dentists and doctors from long ago...my yoga students.... former mayors and city council members....Ojai activists....old friends and acquaintances... I am aware that someday my parent's name and then my own name....will appear under "RECENT DEATHS..."

Yesterday I got a shock when I suddenly saw the name of Ted Cartee, a man with deep roots in Ojai, a man only a few years older than me. I got on the phone and called one of his longtime friends. Today I read his obituary in the Ventura County Star. I am posting it here. I don't know what else to do. Life goes by in the twinkling of an eye. One brief moment in eternity he and I were carpooling to a meeting at the Government Center. We were laughing, speaking out, celebrating some small victory for Life On Planet Earth. Next moment we drop the body and fly free of this Earthly realm, with all it's joys and sorrows.

Yoga classes end with Savasana, Corpse Pose. Why do we do yoga? We do yoga to fully incarnate and consciously inhabit our bodies. And to prepare for death.

Continue reading "In Memory of Theodore "Ted" L. Cartee, Ojai Activist, Spiritual Seeker, Kindred Spirit" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Press Release:

the biggest, little FILM festival you’ve never heard about:

10th ANNUAL OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

NOV. 5 – 8, 2009

Newly-Expanded Film Festival Celebrates 10 Years of ‘Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film’ with a Celebrity Golf Classic, World Premieres, Nonstop Indie and Classic Film Screenings and More

WHAT: The Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival celebrates two milestones this year: its 10th anniversary and joining forces with the City of Ventura to bring its selection of world class feature, short, animated and documentary films to an even broader audience. Known for its welcoming, familial spirit and dedication to showcasing compelling stories from budding and established filmmakers, the Festival is located just 70 miles from Hollywood’s doorstep and has evolved into a top regional destination festival over the past ten years. Screened in locations throughout Ojai and Ventura, including the legendary Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, the Festival’s past films include many that have subsequently received widespread distribution, honors and awards, including Academy Awards. Also, each year the Festival bestows Lifetime Achievement Awards on industry icons and a Limelight Award on the best film submitted by a student filmmaker. Past lifetime achievement honorees have included Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451), Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon franchise, The Omen), Lauren Shuler Donner (St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, Dave) and Laszlo Kovacs (Ghostbusters).

Continue reading "10th ANNUAL OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

About the Instructor: Suza Francina, is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instuctor who has taught since 1972.

About the Class: All Level Iyengar Yoga Class
Friday Mornings 8--9:25 AM, (New students please arrive early)
Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, Ojai.

Class Description
Iyengar yoga classes cover the safe-practice of all categories poses: Restorative Poses, Standing Poses, Forward Bends, Back Bends, Twists, Inverted Poses, Lying Down Poses, Hip Openers, etc. Special attention is given to strengthening standing poses and deeply relaxing restorative yoga poses. Classes are unhurried, with plenty of props to provide support so that your practice is rejuvenating and restores your energy reserves. You will learn the safe practice of the two-pillars of yoga: Headstand and Shoulderstand. Those who are new to yoga will have the opportunity to practice safe, gentle variations, suitable for beginners. All ages and levels are welcome.

Continue reading "New Iyengar Yoga Class Friday Mornings at 8 AM with Suza Francina at Sacred Space Studio in Ojai" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Press Release:

New Film Answers the Question “What Is a Watershed?”

(Ojai, Calif. - May 18, 2009) Stunning high–definition cinematography will be featured in the film premiere of Watershed Revolution on June 24 at Ojai’s Chaparral High School Auditorium.

The 30-minute documentary film, which is being shown by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, profiles our Ventura River watershed and the community members and organizations working to protect and restore it. It highlights the unique challenges faced by a river that is this community’s main source of water. The film emphasizes the need for floodplain protection, sustainable agriculture, and community awareness of local water resources.

Continue reading "Watershed Revolution Documentary" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Sponsored by Heal the Community, a group of local parents and residents impacted by the April gang-related murder of Seth Scarminach, the forum will allow residents to discuss the issue of gangs in our valley with a panel of community leaders and experts.

i was there at the start, but my almost-two-year-old insisted that we leave early. The Matilija auditorium holds 300 people, and there were more folks crowding around every door and sitting outside. Notes were taken and will be available at a later date, and there will be an additional forum in late summer/early fall.

What did you see, hear, or say tonight? Who provided the best solutions? What were they?
And, as MC Brett Bradigan asked, what are YOU willing to do to help?

Posted by evan austin at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

Some stuff from the community...

Town Meeting Set For Gang Talk
Ojai Valley residents who want to work proactively to eliminate gang violence are encouraged to attend a town hall meeting on June 18. Sponsored by Heal the Community, a group of local parents and residents impacted by the April gang-related murder of Seth Scarminach, the forum will allow residents to discuss the issue of gangs in our valley with a panel of community leaders and experts. More at the OVN blog.

An OAC evening celebration of "The Weavers"
A star-studded medley of musical guests payed tribute to musical legend Pete Seeger at a recent New York benefit concert for the legendary folk singer's 90th birthday. Ojai isn’t New York, but the town still knows how to pay homage to Seeger and his seminal group “The Weavers.” The Ojai Center for the Arts is honored to be hosting an evening concert Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m., presenting the tribute band, “Work o' the Weavers.”

Art for Opera and Music Lovers
Visit Gem Quest Jewelers for Art Nouveau, Vintage Prints and Opera Views from local art consultant Anca Colbert. She's had shows there in the past, and they've always been great, so be sure to pop in. More info and flyer on the show here.

Center Celebrates Babies and Breastfeeding
Families of all kinds gathered at the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center recently to celebrate and share their experiences of parenting and nursing little ones. By noon, overcast skies opened up, providing a picture-perfect Ojai day for the outdoor picnic that included free massage and home-baked goodies that were donated by friends of the Nan Tolbert Center. Read more at birthresource.org.

U-Pick Lavender in Upper Ojai
There’s a still operating in the Upper Ojai and beginning Saturday, June 20th you’re invited to see it in operation. And don’t come expecting to sip an intoxicating beverage. Instead plan on feeling fully relaxed after a soothing sniff of lavender essential oil or a refreshing spray of lavender hydrosol (lavender water). Learn more at the New Oak Ranch.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Darn it. I lost again. Did great work on three stunning photographs and didn't even merit an honorable mention. Spent hours shooting the Old Mill renovation in Santa Paula, risking life and limb, and all I get is chopped liver. Where will it end?

The Ojai Art Center Photography Branch hung another standout show at the Art Center this weekend. Thirty photographers qualified fifty photos in the Branch's annual show Visions of Change. Well the only thing that didn't change was my winning nothing, nada, zilch.

Continue reading "Bummer. Lost again." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Add this to the never-ending list of great things to do this weekend! Submitted by Smitty West:

Euterpe Farms presents a FREE event: Celebration of Nature and Song

Bring Your Body and Soul to the Euterpe Rest Space
Under the Oaks..by the Windmill on the 600 block of Rice Road between Lomita and Camille

Saturday, June 6th, 5pm till 8pm

Click ahead for more details...

Continue reading "Celebration of Nature and Song" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:24 PM | Permalink | author bio

Theater 150's three-night one-act series, "Stop, Drop and Roll," will feature new works from playwrights Cindy Frings, Tara Jeffery, Nancy Kurland, George Miller, Sheila Murphy, Carrie Rosenbloom and yours truly! The theater's co-artistic director, Deb Norton, has been working with the playwrights since late February, so we are all more than ready to showcase our plays.

Check-out the line-up and purchase tickets after the jump.

Continue reading "Stop, Drop & Roll: 3 Nights of Plays at Theater 150" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Here I am the week of my 60th birth day dismantling my whole life and moving all my Earthly belongings (mostly books, manuscripts, journals, photographs, yoga props and daily-life essentials like kitchenware, towels and bedding), into an 8 x 8 x 12' PODS container. It feels like some kind of rite of passage or initiation. A 60th birthday cleanse!
View image

Continue reading "My 60th Birthday: Coincidence or Cosmic Plan? " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

In the past three months a group of Ojai residents and visitors have gathered for breakfast. The official name of the group is Geek Breakfast Ojai. We are loosely affiliated with Geek Breakfast founded in 2007 in Nashville.

A Geek Breakfast is a monthly community-driven meeting for local (and visiting) technology-minded people. Each month attendees congregate over bacon, eggs and plenty of coffee to discuss topics like social media, digital marketing, design, programming, and ways to better their communities.

Here in Ojai we have met three times and an average of 7-9 people have participated each time. The last two times we have gathered at Papa Lennon's in Meiners Oaks. They have graciously opened their space to a private breakfast served family style and the food simply ROCKS (and no, it isn't pizza for breakfast...try the fresh made scones).

We are programmers, business owners, librarians, personal coaches, and regular folk who like to talk tech and to network. See who has been involved on our Facebook page and RSVP if you can join us on June 10 at 7:30am. All are welcome.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Submitted by an anonymous reader. As with all legends, take with your own preferred level of grains of salt. And of course, if you have anything to add, or can share local legends and stories you have heard, please do.

The Last Lady of the Cats

This is a personal story, including some author speculation, based on encounters with one of Ojai’s not-so-atypical, possibly mystical beings…

Ojai has talking cats. English-speaking, talking cats.

But today, there’s only one Ojaian left who can hear them properly.

And she’s not talking.

Continue reading "Ojai Myths Series Installment No. 4" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Heads up from the Ojai Day Committee...

The Ojai Day Committee is still accepting submissions by visual artists for selection as the 2009 Ojai Day Poster. The deadline for this once a year opportunity is June 1.

Each year the Committee selects the work of one artist to represent Ojai on the annual event poster that is distributed throughout Ojai and Ventura. Artists are encouraged to submit a camera ready image of their work, contact information, and current biographical for use in publicity.

Continue reading "2009 Ojai Day Poster submissions" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I just talked to Jami Sieber, cellist, vocalist and composer, via Skype about her upcoming show, playing with elephants and blending music and poetry. Jami will perform in Ojai on June 7th at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Space Studio; tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. Jami also has shows in Santa Barbara on 6/5 and in Los Angeles on 6/6. For more information, and to purchase her latest CD's "Only Breath" and "Unspoken," go to www.jamisieber.com. Listen to the interview here (which features bumper music from "The Moon Inside").

This is a story about Jami's previous show in Ojai.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The ill-conceived budget and constitutional amendments that went with it have been rejected...now what?

Fear not. All is not lost. Now the fun begins. The state budget, like most state budgets, is in a shambles. Unlike most states, however, here in California we have no good solutions because of the undemocratic 2/3 rules. In an act of deliberate irony I'll quote the godfather of casino capitalism and deregulation, Milton Friedman “Only a crisis produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around." Well, we do have some good ideas lying around right now and I will outline them below, but first we must give our Democratic Assembly members and Senators some much need courage.

Continue reading "Help Repeal 2/3 Rules in California" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

A special screening of "Navigating the Fog of Investing" will be held on Thursday, May 28th from 4:30-6:30 at the Ojai Theater (formerly known as the Ojai Playhouse) at 145 E. Ojai Avenue. The event is sponsored by Hoffman and Associates and a reception will be hosted immediately following the film at the beautiful Lavender Inn at 210 E. Matilija Street . Tickets are a $10 suggested donation in advance, $15 at the door. All proceeds will go to HELP of Ojai. For more info, call Chris Poynter at 805-646-5122 x16

Here is an interview with Help of Ojai about the event:

Continue reading "HELP of Ojai Fundraiser 5/28" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Anti-War Vigil
Military Recruiting Center
4300 E. Main St., Ventura, CA
4:30pm - 5:30pm,
Friday May 22, 2009
(near the mall, south of where 101 freeway and Highway 126 intersect)

Stop Sending our Children to War! Bring a sign to hold!

We will be joined by the Santa Maria Catholic Worker which has led protests at Vandenberg Air Force Base for years. Sponsored by the Oak View Catholic Worker

Posted by evan austin at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A regular at The Ojai Playwrights' Conference, actor and spoken-word poet Steve Connell returns to Ojai for performances at Theater 150 on May 22-24th. He has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, in the Aspen Comedy Festival, and is two-time winner of both regional and national slam poetry competitions. Connell has also performed at private events for both Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama. Tickets and information are available on the Theater 150 website.

Posted by Robert Peake at 09:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Confused about the May 19th Special Election?

Recommendations from the Ojai Valley Democrats:
___________________
1A - NO
1B - YES
1C - NO
1D - NO
1E - NO
1F - YES
___________________
As some of you are aware, there's an election coming up. May 19th you will be asked to vote on Propositions 1A, B, C, D, E & F. This is a special election called because the legislature needs your vote to change the Constitution of the State of California. This is a direct result of the budget the legislature passed in February to deal with a $42 billion deficit. Since the budget was fashioned back in January - February, the deficit has grown, some say higher than $50 billion, so this budget doesn't even actually solve the whole budget shortfall to date. The Ojai Valley Democrats met on Monday, April 27th and we discussed in depth and voted on our recommendations, the following is what we decided.

Continue reading "Are you ready to Vote?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

from Kristofer Young:

Have you EVER heard ANYBODY say that health insurance and health care are affordable in America? Me neither.

Our health care system is broken, has been so for a long time, and is bankrupting our Country.

We have tried the free-market approach, but greed, waste, and the absence of wellness and preventive care, have made it an expensive and abysmal failure. Since 2000, health insurance premiums have almost doubled and health care premiums have grown three times faster than wages.

It is not time for more of the same. It IS time for change. It is time to provide an affordable public option for health care.

Insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and providers, all big-money and big-lobbying players, just met with the President and offered to try to cut the 6% annual inflation of health care costs by 1.5 % per year. Such a deal. This offer is business as usual; more of the same.

Join “Health Care for America Now” to make certain that everyone in this Country has accessible, quality health care they can afford, and to guarantee coverage and real choice: keep your private insurance plan or join a new public health insurance plan so you are no longer at the mercy of the private insurance industry.

Contact: Health Care for America Now, 1825 K Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 454-6200 info@healthcareforamericanow.org http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

Stand up this year, stand up now, for your family’s health and for our Country.

Kristofer Young, DC

Continue reading "Health Care Reform NOW" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

When Hakane opened their doors recently, I wondered why our little town needed another sushi joint. Bill and I finally went last night, and now I know why.

Hakane has a different vibe than Sakura. It’s not as casual and laid-back as Eddie’s place, and the downtown Ojai location is certainly part of its appeal. There is indoor seating, including the obligatory sushi bar seats, and a comfortable and charming outdoor patio.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Hakane" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Governor Wants To Sell Ventura Fairgrounds

"The 63-acre fairgrounds might possess million-dollar ocean views, but
its current operators say selling the site for private development
would dishonor the wishes of the E.P. Foster family, which donated the
Seaside Park land to the public in 1909."

Continue reading " Governor Wants To Sell Ventura Fairgrounds" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Last Saturday, two young women showed up on our doorstep, wondering if we might have any work that needed to be done around our house -- yard work, cleaning, and so on. This isn't all that unusual in our neighborhood, but Saturday's version was a bit different: these two girls, Susie and Karina, were from the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation's Teen Center in Oak View, and were working on behalf of horses at the Humane Society.

Continue reading "Teens, Hard Work, and Generosity Leads to Horse Kisses" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Excerpted from pbs.org:

The upcoming film, “Crips and Bloods: Made in America,” takes viewers to the Southern California neighborhoods where the notorious street gangs began. Through interviews with current and former gang members, director Stacy Peralta gives viewers an insider’s look into a 40-year-old conflict that has taken thousands of lives.

Peralta explains that he was inspired to make “Crips and Bloods” after the 1992 civil unrest that resulted in the destruction of many South Los Angeles neighborhoods. Peralta set out 15 years later to answer the following question: “If affluent, middle-class white American teenagers were forming gangs, arming themselves with automatic weapons and killing one another, how would our country respond?” To say the film is a powerful statement is to put it mildly. Peralta documents a heart-wrenching story while leaving us hopeful.

The film will air locally (Ojai) on PBS station KCET 28, on Tuesday May 12 at 10pm.

Posted by evan austin at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Happy Mothers for Peace Day! Julia Ward Howe wrote the original Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870 to call for women to rise up and end war. This year we made donations to CodePink and the Peace Corps in honor of the mothers in our lives. What are you doing to honor your mother(s)?

Posted by evan austin at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

UPDATE 4:04PM: USGS reports a 4.2 earthquake 4 miles east of Ojai. No reports of damage. Latest USGS Coverage Here. Full coverage and interactive maps after the jump... click below to continue reading

Continue reading "Ojai Earthquake" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Hey Sharon, I want a commission if someone reads it here first! (tell her Tyler sent you, y'all)

For The First Time In A Decade, The World Famous Deer Lodge Is Up For Sale! It's One Of The Last Great California Roadhouses And Has Operated Continuously In This Location Since 1932. Present Building Dates Back To 1942. Here's Your Chance To Own A Real Legend--The Deer Lodge Restaurant & Dance Lounge, Complete With Stone Fireplaces Indoors And Out, Barbecue Pit, Full Bar, Kitchen, Basement, And A Heaping Helping Of Authentic Wild West Atmosphere. Building Is Approx. 2100 Square Feet. Lot Is 9,000 Sq. Ft. With Paved On-Premises And Street Parking. Real Estate And Business May Be Sold Separately. Real Estate Priced At $1,500,000. Business Priced At $499,000 Includes Liquor License, All Fixtures, Furniture, Signage, Name Rights, Website, Inventory, And Thousands Of Loyal Patrons. Contact Listing Broker For Details.

Bikers not included.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Submitted by an anonymous reader. As with all legends, take with your own preferred level of grains of salt. And of course, if you have anything to add, or can share local legends and stories you have heard, please do.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

You’ve heard the song. You’ve been over the bridge. You’ve eaten the tangerines off the trees under marmalade skies. Here’s one story of how it came about.

Continue reading "Ojai Myths Series Installment No. 3: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Yesterday, May 3rd, was the undefinable Pete Seeger's 90th birth day. i recorded my favorite Seeger tune for him this morning, and there's also a movement/petition to give Pete a Nobel Peace Prize.

Posted by evan austin at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

featuring Ojaian Bernadette DiPietro...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

From Joe Evans, today:

Good evening Watchers.

As many of you know our valley suffered a tragedy last weekend. A 16-year-old resident was murdered. A 14- year-old boy was arrested and is in jail for this horrible crime. Our community now deals with the aftermath of this event. Our sadness will be mixed with tears and anger. We will wonder why and never really get the answers we area hoping for. We may hear people who lash out with anger and feeling of revenge. We see people at their worst and at the same time we see heroes in our community speaking of peace.

As a community it is a time when we must talk of peace and not violence. When we hear people spouting words of violence we must change the conversation to that of peace. I know this is a difficult thing to do but it is the only way we can continue to heal without seeing more violence in our neighborhoods. We owe it to each other to stop the talk of violence and revenge. We know that talk sometimes leads to actions that would not normally happen.This will make the current situation worse and recovery from those action very difficult.

I am asking all members of this community to speak of peace and community harmony in the face of this tragedy. We must stay vigilant about allowing hate to take over our community and neighborhoods. There are many lessons to learn and we can not learn when we allow hate to dictate our actions.

You may have noticed a large police presence in our valley this last few days. Your Sheriff's Department has assigned many of it's specialized units to our valley this week. The purpose of this deployment is to discourage additional violence in our neighborhoods. At the same time the investigation into this crime continues and Detectives from your Major Crimes Unit are in town collecting evidence and following up on leads.

This is a trying time for many in our community. Please show patience with those who are directly dealing with this terrible crime. We must stand together and not accept hate or violence in our neighborhoods. We value our families, homes and neighbors. Let's make sure we do not allow hate and violence to separate us from the things and people we love.

As always, keep up the good work and please be safe.

Your friend and neighbor, Joe

I join Joe, and the other voices in our valley calling for peace, for support of our children, and for the energy to imagine a new way to engage with one another.

Posted by Leigh Melander at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

The recent tragic destruction of two young lives in our community has drawn responses of great variety. One common call has been for more action on the part of schools (even though we all know full well that teachers are getting laid off and schools are threatened with closing). Enter the InnerKids Foundation, with its mission to teach a "non-reactive, clear, compassionate way of living" that "is visceral (you can feel it), non-conceptual (you don’t have to think about it), and can be learned."

The InnerKids program teaches mindful awareness through games & activities that develop:

* Calming Skills * Focus * Attention * Kindness * Compassion * Emotional Balance * Clarity

This training (and others like it, though this is the best one i've looked at) are backed by an ever-increasing body of scientific research to support these practices, and NONE of the traits listed above are present in children who join gangs or kill each other. Just $ 6,000.00 adopts a school or community based program for older children and teens. Could we, as a community, identify a school and/or age group that could benefit most from this training (that is most "at-risk") and pursue these funds? Can we afford NOT to?

Posted by evan austin at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

"style, naturally" is written by eco-supermodel Summer Rayne Oakes, who presented last month at a gathering up at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. It is hand-autographed, and a perfect gift for someone who is interested in fashion and eco-trends.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ventura County Planning Agency has issued a Notice of an Environmental Impact Scoping Meeting for the Ozena Valley Ranch Mine to be held in the Chaparral High School Auditorium at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6th.

Scoping Meetings are an important forum to establish the breadth of a EIR. This one time meeting provides Ojai an opportunity to comment on issues that must be addressed in the EIR, and to the extent that the County has not adequately identified those issues, to give the reasons why the issue must be addressed, and how it should be addressed.

If a "fair argument" is made that a significant impact may occur as a result of the Project, legally the County must analyze the issue regardless of what Ozena wants or the cost of such reports. Establishing a record on such matters is vitally important.

Issues to be discussed include but are not limited to the following impacts upon the totality of the haul route from Lockwood Valley to the 101: Air Quality; Toxic Wastes; Road Safety; Road Damage; Hours of Operation; Hours of Allowable Trucking through the Ojai Valley; Establishing a Restricted Zone that actually protects critical parts of the Ojai Valley, such as our schools, hospital, medical clinic, senior mobile home parks and condo complexes, the "Y" Shopping Center; and provide for Reasonable and Feasible Monitoring and Compliance, etc.

We need to have every single person who opposes gravel trucking through the Ojai Valley to attend and pack the room. This is one of our very few opportunities left to make our feelings about this project known directly to the Planning Agency. If we fail to act now as a community, it may be too late to act later! Please be there and bring all of your friends and family!

The current proposal for a modification of the existing permit would DOUBLE the amount of trucking through the Ojai Valley from Cuyama that we experienced in 2007 - 2008 and strip away almost every single protection we have fought for over the past two and a half years!

The Stop the Trucks! Coalition will also be sending around "Individual Petitions" for concerned Ojai residents to forward to the Planning Division. These petitions will list many of the specific issues that must be examined in the EIR and/or reviewed by the Planning Division in their consideration of these permit applications.

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: CRITICAL MEETING TO BLOCK OZENA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH AT 6:00 PM AT CHAPARRAL" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:42 PM | Permalink | author bio

From the Sheriff:

While there are currently no identified cases of swine flu in Ventura County, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department would like to inform the public that we are closely monitoring the situation locally and nationwide. The Ventura County Public Health Department (under the authority of the Ventura County Health Care Agency) has primary jurisdiction in this matter and we are committed to providing law enforcement assistance if needed, including the activation of the Emergency Operations Center through the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, we are in communication with our partners in county and city government to ensure an effective flow of information and assist with the implementation of the county's Pandemic Flu Plan in the event it becomes necessary.

Continue reading "VCSD: Swine Flu Info" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Two news items from the OVYF...

1) Pronto, featuring Wilco keyboardist and Ojai resident Mikael Jorgensen, will be performing at a benefit concert for the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, Friday May 15, 7pm, Women's Center. Opening the show will be Scarnella, featuring Nels Cline, lead guitarist of Wilco and Carla Bozulich, who you may know from Geraldine Fibbers. Nels is a friend of mine and puts on an amazing show.
On the web: Pronto | Scarnella | Wilco | Nels Cline | Carla Bozulich

2) The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is one of 16 California agencies selected to promote Flex Your Power campaign messages

Generation Communications (Gen Com), a program of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, has been selected to participate in a statewide outreach campaign to educate the public about ways to conserve energy, reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The Flex Your Power campaign includes print advertising and community outreach.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley Youth Foundation News" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from local parent Christine Brondyke:

It’s come to my attention that Ojai Public Schools has a significant problem with bullying…by teachers.

I realize that teaching is one of the hardest professions out there. I’ve done it…and every day that I did, I went home exhausted. It is HARD work! I also know that OPS has many amazing and talented teachers who wouldn’t dream of mentally, emotionally, or physically hurting a child. But for a moment, I want to talk about those who do.

This week, my nine year old son came home from school and asked me to write a note so that he would never have to participate in P.E. again. (That’s physical education) When I asked him “Why?” he said that day his P.E. teacher was yelling at his class to line up and he was slow in doing so… the teacher came over to my son as he was pushing himself off of the ground to get up. The teacher kicked my son’s ankle in anger and my son went back down to the ground. My son says he then attempted to get up quicker and the teacher grabbed him by his ear and pulled him the rest of the way up while yelling “What is this?” My son answered “My ear!” And his teacher responded “Then start using it!”

Continue reading "When The Bully In The Classroom Isn't A Student" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

REMEMBERING ROUTE 33 THE WAY IT WAS WAY BACK IN 2001 BEFORE THE OZENA MINE BEGAN OPERATING

As we approach the May 6th EIR Scoping meeting at 6:00 pm at Chaparral, we thought it useful to reprint this article purchased some time ago from the LA Times that describes Route 33, Maricopa Highway, way back in 2001 before the gravel trucks came to town. Life was very different then, wasn't it...

Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery

Highways: California 33 is a lure to those seeking solitude--and others wanting to dump bodies.
By MATT SURMAN, Times Staff Writer

Sunday, February 4, 2001

Up in the back country of Ventura County, beyond the mountains on curving California 33, legend had it 100 years ago that this was Satan's stagecoach route to hell.

Only evil people could see Satan on his infernal rides. But good people could sense him in the ghostly whoosh of wind and the goose bumps left behind.

In many ways, the sense of mystery and danger and a touch of evil have only grown with the passing of a century.

This road--scratched from the coast across the mountains above Ojai to the Santa Barbara County line--can get downright spooky.

Step right off the highway and into the woods, and it's not unusual to find folks blasting away at trees, road signs or an abandoned trailer.

Go a little farther and you could stumble across an illegal field of marijuana--thousands of plants have been seized in the past year alone--and find yourself worrying whether the growers might be lurking nearby.

Even worse, it could be a body. This road over what was once the path to hell has become the favorite dumping ground for some of the county's most notorious modern-day killers.

Nichole Hendrix, a 17-year-old allegedly killed by skinhead associates, was one of the victims. Her remains were found in October 1999--nearly six months after her killing--far below a hill offering a pristine view of impenetrable pines.

The body of Kali Manley, an Oak View teenager killed when she took a ride with the wrong man, lay in a culvert beneath the highway for days as cars drove overhead, until her killer, David Alvarez, led authorities to the remains the day after Christmas 1998.

In a campground "back there" in 1994, Andy Lee Anderson and his Australian shepherd lost their lives because a teenager with a shotgun wanted Anderson's shiny blue pickup truck.

And they were only a few of the victims.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Maricopa Highway: Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Hi everyone:

Well, this time it's only taken me 24 hours to pass along the news from Joe Evans...here 'tis:

Monte Via Thefts

Well our friends and neighbors in the Monte Via tract are at it again. This past weekend a crook decided to go into this neighborhood and look for victims. Well as we all know this is not a neighborhood of victims but it is a neighborhood who has a history of watching out for each other and catching crooks in the process.

In the early evening one of our neighbors found this crook in his garage. Our neighbor noticed that not only was this man in his garage but he was also wearing a hat that belonged to our neighbor. Well our neighbor took exception to the crook wearing his hat and called for his local deputies to assist him. The crook was detained by our neighbor until your deputies arrived. The crook had not only gotten into the garage but he also stole the hat out of our neighbors parked car.The crook was arrested and additional stolen property from another victim was found in the crooks pockets. The crook was booked into County Jail for Residential Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch Report April 21" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Submitted by an anonymous reader. As with all legends, take with your own preferred level of grains of salt. And of course, if you have anything to add, or can share local legends and stories you have heard, please do.

The Marijuanero

This is a story about a guy that various Ojaians swear they’ve seen up in the hills on occasion… especially apropos on this April 20.

In the mid- to late- 1970s, there was a famous “Ojai Bud.” This was one of the early legendary marijuanas, rare and sought after among connoisseurs. All sorts of mostly Hollywood types back in those days would make the trip up Highway 33 into the bucolic valley, in search of one of the notorious farmers who called the valley their home, and produced and offered, for a short period starting in late August each year, something fine enough to justify the turned on seeker’s journey.

Continue reading "Announcing Ojai Myths Installment No. 1" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE JESTER!

This month's film is Running Dry

Continue reading "Movie Night at the Jester Tonight" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

There are a few new shows on Radio Ojai highlighting current events this week and next:

An interview with the band We Govern We, playing tonight at the Whisky.

An interview with Attasalina Dews, who talks about her band, Attasalina and the Seraphim Rising, playing 4/24 at Theater 150.

The latest installment of The Ojai Moment with Lisa and Matt: Matt Spins & Tweets. Lisa talks to Matt about the joys of spinning at Bryant Street Gym, Lisa's Lab chews up Simon and Garfunkel and Matt is tweeting on Twitter. Current events: Ellen Johnson 4/24, Elvis in Ojai 4/25 and The Ojai Tennis Tournament 4/23-26.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

My husband and I have lived in Oak View for closing in on eleven years now. One of the things we've loved about this little town-that-could is how strong the sense of community is here, in spite of having no real downtown, being unincorporated and to many people, what you drive through on your way to Ojai.

This weekend, with the Hidden Gardens of Oak View Tour, a new generation of community members have stepped up to again support community -- organizing this tour as a fundraiser for the landscaping at the Oak View Park and Resource Center.

Continue reading "Growing Community in Oak View" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I had the unique opportunity to taste many delights at the Ojai and Ventura Famers Markets this weekend and wrote a piece about it for the VC Reporter. It was a blessed Easter weekend -- spring has sprung at the markets and there are lots of new products and surprises in store! For a slideshow of lots of photos! and more information about new products and vendors, (particularly at the Ojai Market), visit my blog.
Mange!

We also indulged in fresh curds of cheese ($5 for half a pound) from Ojai’s cheese guru — you’ll recognize him by the triangle of cheese on his head and the shirt that reads “What a friend we have in Cheeses.” We dipped the chewy delicious curds in some Mt. Olive Organic Pear Butter ($5 per jar) for an out-of-this-world taste explosion. The pear butter had the light grit of pear and the cinnamon and spice combination of unfiltered apple juice — divine!

Posted by DK Crawford at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

It was the perfect night to have the ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers within the City on the agenda. The winds were howling and the leaves were blowing wild and free. Surely the whole Ojai City Council would see that leaf blowers are among the least justifiable and most obnoxious technological inventions dreamed up by modern man.

Six weeks ago, at the March 4 City Council meeting, a recommendation was made by City staff to repeal the ordinance dealing with gas-powered leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. At that meeting (as well as other meetings in recent years) numerous members of the public spoke up in favor of a city-wide ban on all leaf blowers, gas and electric.

At last night's meeting this was item #9 on the agenda and the hour was late. This time only Marleen Luckman and I spoke up in support of Option A: "No person shall operate a leaf blower, whether fuel or electrically powered, within the City."

Marleen Luckman, an environmental health expert and member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, reiterated the many health issues that she and other speakers had addressed in past meetings.

When it was my turn to speak at the podium I expressed that there should be no question that at the very least a City as classy as Ojai should adopt Option B: "No person shall operate a gas or fuel powered leaf blower within the City." This would strengthen the current ordinance, described above.

Continue reading "Update on the Ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers in Ojai" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Submitted by Fran Pavelko, vice chairman:

HospitaliTEA is our SpecialTEA - The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis

Tradition Remains at the HospitaliTEA Tent For the 109 th year.
The BeauTEA and PossibiliTEAs for another great year are endless.

TEA –Talk –Tradition and HospitaliTEA go hand in hand, under the
TEA Tent and on the courts. That is “LOVE” at “The Ojai.”
Over 130 gracious ladies volunteer to serve TEA and cookies, and
welcome players, parents, and the faithful locals to “The Ojai.” The
BeauTEA of “The Ojai” event is enjoying Tennis, TEA and Tradition.

The “TEA Tent” is the nicest tradition of “The Ojai,” comments Ruby Morrison, who has served as president, secretary and board member. Ruby now holds the prestigious title of “Director Emeritus” and adds with pride, “It’s so beautifully done and such a nice surprise to people. Some say – we’re the Wimbledon of the West.” During the course of the tournament, approximately 1,500 cups of TEA will be poured and over 10,000 cookies will be served.

Continue reading "The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Image via Wikipedia

The following guest editorial is from Ojai Valley resident Sunday Rylander.

Sometimes I can't believe how long of a journey this has been, but it looks like we are finally reaching the end of the process to get the skate park built in Ojai.

For those of you who skateboard or read the local newspapers you can't miss the fact that during this past year of fundraising for the Ojai Skate Park, and attending what feels like a thousand meetings, a 22, 000 sq. foot Fillmore skate park opened, Piru is starting the process and Moorpark was just approved to start building a 1.7 million skate park that will be finished by the end of summer! Oh... and I can't forget the amazing 40,000 sq. foot Santa Clarita skate park that opened two weeks ago.

We would greatly appreciate it if you and your children, grandchildren, neighbors and community members that support the Ojai Skate Park could join us Tuesday at the OUSD School Board meeting. It's really important that we go to this meeting and show how supported and important the Ojai skate park is to our community and see the latest plans of the Ojai skate park that our community donated $261,000 in 6 months time (totaling $361,00 with the City of Ojai's donation of $100,000) for the children to have a concrete skate park.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Skate Park Update and Action" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

THANKS FOR THE UPDATE

BUT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT LATELY?

Because of the current GYPSY MOTH situation in Meiners Oaks, I was recently asked to help educate the public about the benefits of using a naturally occurring bacillus called BT, a relatively harmless-to-humans agricultural pesticide, which is also used by organic farmers like me in order to control worms related to the gypsy moth like cabbage loopers and beet army worms. A group of us, including Jim Churchill, Roger Essick and BD Dautch publicly announced our support. BD put it best when he said that we should be glad that the authorities have adopted a least-toxic-first method to control the pest. We hope it works.

Because if it doesn’t work , state and federal authorities have the power to use stronger pesticides over a wider area. The Gypsy Moth has been controlled in California 12 times using the methods we now observe in Meiners Oaks. Allowing the Gypsy Moth to take root here will lead to much more than BT being sprayed, because homeowners, property owners, golf course managers as well as government will then make an attempt to control it on their own. These people can buy whatever they want at the hardware store and spray it whenever they want without notice. You should know that. As well, we hope we don’t see helicopters spraying fierce toxic chemicals like malathion over everyone because the BT program did not work. Support this effort now or face grimmer consequences.

Now, if you want to criticize me for supporting the program, you should also know you are being ignorant and naïve. I have promoted organic agriculture all my adult life, here, state-wide, and nationally. I have helped a number of local farmers switch to organic or to use other methods for pest control. Over a long career as a professional environmentalist I have flat out put a lot of farmland into organic production. People take my advice. I have provided unlimited time and expertise to people individually, and through my writing.

Most significantly, my wife and I have operated an all-organic store for nine years in a neighborhood not very well-disposed to support it. However, we are pleased that we have been able to offer organic produce to people inadvertently, in a setting where it is not expected at a price that is not onerous. On the other hand, I have been buying a job here for nine years so you can eat clean food, so if you feel like criticizing me for supporting the BT program, have the courage to do it to my face. If you have been inconvenienced, made ill or been afraid, I am sincerely sorry and you have my sympathy, obviously, but let’s make an effort to be reasonable and perceive the consequences of not cooperating. Its ironic that people who want to end chemical pesticide use may inadvertently provoke an even more toxic response instead.

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

My friend, John Hankins, sent this over. He is one of the actors in the play. I'm taking advantage of the special this weekend and will attend Saturday night. Hope to see you there!

Ojai ACT
Art Center Theater
A non-profit community ensemble

“Noises Off!” Opens

Leave it to an actor to write a play where the funniest action occurs backstage, but with equal hilarity onstage, coming to the Ojai Art Center Theater stage March 28 through April 25.

It’s “Noises Off!” by Michael Frayn, who spawned this rowdy comedy while standing in the wings watching a farce starring Lynn Redgrave.

“It was funnier from behind than in front and I thought that one day, I must write a farce from behind,” Frayn said.

“Noises Off!” is a play within a play, with the actors putting on a silly comedy entitled “Nothing On” and blowing their lines, entrances and relationships.

Continue reading "“Noises Off!” at Ojai ACT" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Sweetie and I dragged our camera gear down to Meiners Oaks Elementary yesterday. Amy Hagen was teaching a violin class for the kids. Getting up earlier than usual is tough for Sweetie, but she finds that gazing at the kids faces is worth the loss of sleep. Well worth it.

The Bravo program is sponsored by the Ojai Music Festival. It’s designed to introduce school-age kids to the wonders of music. We’ve had the pleasure of photographing them and their mentors for several years.

Continue reading "Kids, Violins and Bravo!" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Please come and explore the The Hidden Gardens of Oak View Tour!

The self guided tour will feature eight gardens.  Tours can be taken during 10:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th. The tour begins at the Oak View Park and Resource Center located at 555 Mahoney Ave. 

Pre-sale tickets are $12.00 and $15.00 on the day of the event. 

100% of the money raised will be used to fund the landscape plans at the Oak View Park and Resource Center. Sponsorships are available!

Tickets are available at Green's Nursery, Old Creek Ranch Winery and the Oak View Park and Resource Center office.

Please call 649-1605 or email hiddengardensofoakview@gmail.com for more information.
 
Photo by Erin Labelle.

Posted by Leigh Melander at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from the Ojai PD - what a great story... Scot Olson is a bonafide hero.

Landscaper Scot Olson was working in a yard in the 800 Block of Thomas Street in Oak View. A family reunion was in progress next door with several children playing outside. Olson noticed two toddlers near the swimming pool and called to them to stay away from the pool. Believing adults were monitoring the children he returned to his work. A few moments later he looked over at the pool again and saw one of the toddlers floating on the surface of the water.

Olson broke through a picket fence that surrounded the yards, pulled the floating child from the pool and began rescue breathing. Seeing the other child was at the bottom of the pool he yelled for help and continued rescue breathing on the first. A woman came running to the pool and dove in to retrieve the child from the bottom.

Olson was able to revive the first toddler, then helped pull the second child from the pool. He immediately began rescue breathing on her too and was able to revive her. Both girls had regained consciousness prior to the arrival of emergency medical services. The children were transported to local area hospitals where they were treated and later released to their parents.

Mr. Olson’s decision to take action, quick intervention and knowledge in resuscitation techniques clearly saved the lives of these two girls!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Jeff Kuyper, Executive Director of Los Padres ForestWatch, joined me on Radio Ojai recently to talk about the Ojai Wild! Annual Benefit on Saturday, April 4. He also talked about his organization and how it keeps our wild lands wild.

Tickets for Ojai Wild! are $75 for adults, $20 for children under 14 years of age, and a table for 8-10 people may be reserved for $600. Tickets are available by calling the Los Padres ForestWatch office at 805-617-4610.

Listen to the interview here.

Learn more about the event after the jump.

Continue reading "Ojai Wild!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

EARTH HOUR 2009 is tonight, 8:30pm local time. From EarthHour.org:

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Posted by evan austin at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

some events housekeeping...

Ojai Yoga Crib - October 23-25
Join Kira Ryder, Alana Mitnick, Uschi Gibson and the community of Lulu Bandha's for the seventh Ojai Yoga Crib and spend a magical weekend in the gorgeous Ojai Valley in Southern California.

Five Day Plein Air Painting Workshop - April 27 - May 1
Learn to interpret the beautiful Ojai countryside in terms of paint, using value and color to create form. The aim of the Plein Air Painting Workshop is to teach you to think, see, and express light and form in your paintings.

Annual Community Passover Seder - Sat, April 11, 5:30pm
Join the Annual Community Passover Seder, conducted by Rabbi Yossi Carron, Jewish Community of the Oaks. Saturday April 11, 2009, 5:30PM at Soule Park Golf Course.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

There are a lot of things happening with the new Ojai Valley Democratic Club. There is a meeting tonight at 7 pm at the Ojai Art Center for anyone interested attending.

Continue reading "It's your Democracy..." »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

All sorts of announcements have come my way - take a gander through the following...

Roberta Raye at Made in Ojai says: Made In Ojai is restructuring from a consignment shop to an artisans’ collective. The store will close for re-design March 30-April 3rd and re-open on April 4, 2009. Membership is limited. Apply by March 25, 2009 - the store is located at at 323 East Matilija Street, and is open between 11 and 6 weekdays and 11-4 weekends.

Anca Colbert invites you to "Views of Early California: A Golden Light" - images from the 1880s to the 1950s. TONIGHT at The Oaks of Ojai - Friday, March 20th - 5 to 7 PM, spa foods and drinks will be served. There are many gems to discover: rare views of Ojai, Matilija Canyon, The Thacher School, The Oaks when it was called El Roblar Hotel, many more.

Linda Harmon announces that Ojai Day is looking for Artists: the Ojai Day Committee is now accepting submissions of images by visual artists that will be juried for reproduction as the annual Ojai Day Poster. Submit camera ready image of their work, contact information, and current biographical for use in publicity to Linda at lhart412@roadrunner.com, mailed to the Committee c/o Linda Harmon, 412 N. Fulton St., Ojai, or dropped off at the City of Ojai’s Boyd Recreation Center, 510 Park Rd., or contact her at 640-0381.

Lulu Bandha's says: Come gather for a slideshow to hear stories from India and the beginnings of LuckyUschi. There will be tea and snacks and the opportunity to browse in the LuckyUschi boutique. TONIGHT - Friday Night, March 20th, 7:30 to 9:30pm, FREE.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Out of the ashes of the official Ojai Poetry Festival, a group of enthusiastic local volunteers has banded together to bring a new event to Ojai: The Ojai Valley Poetry Fest on June 6th, 2009 at the Ojai Art Center. The event will feature Wanda Coleman, Frank T. Rios, Jackson Wheeler, and Marsha de la O.

The group is also looking for local poets to host and perform half-hour to hour-long segments throughout the day of the festival, and volunteers in all aspects of the event. Admission is free in exchange for volunteering on the day of the event. To apply for the poetry program, send a short proposal--100 words or fewer--along with the number of poets involved to: OjaiPoets@gmail.com by April 1, 2009.

Click here for more details about this exciting new event.

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The wildflowers are really coming out on our hills.

I'm not a botanist or even that well acquainted with botany, but I do love the flowers. I'll post a couple of pics I took of local flowers that are blooming right now. Please feel free to correct me if I give the plants the wrong names.

Continue reading "Wildflowers" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio