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Around Ojai :: The Ojai Post

April 12, 2011

green garages and white dirt

F O R A G E R
green garages and white dirt

13 April 2011


In our last episode, Mr. Rodillas was fraught with an onset of busy brain brought on by too frequent perusals of the musings made by the National Weather Service’s senior forecaster in Nardtown. Rod didn’t write his newsletter, consequently.
Talking minus thirty four tops at 20,000 feet. “Might have to issue a frost warning,” The Swami said. So Mr. Rodillas filled the garage with all the transplants that Felipe brought him on the previous Friday. You remember what the temperature was like around then. 97.
That was then and this is Ojai. Box canyon. Cold as Truckee. Hot as Coachella.
Garage was so full of bell peppers and basil plants you couldn’t step inside. On the Thursday night Rod called Johnny Blythe, around 11:30.
“ Fumple?, Blythe says.
“ Are you up, Blythe? Did you put those Dixie Cups out yet?”
“ They said it was only going to get down to 40.”
“ Better check your mercury, Blythe. Its already 29 degrees in Rose Valley. You’re going down.”
“ Really?”
“ If you don’t have white dirt at dawn, I’ll buy you new boots.’
“ Damn.”
“ Get out there and pop those cups on those tomatoes. It will only take you 47 minutes. Go ahead and time it.”
In the morning, Mr. Rodillas didn’t have to buy Johnny Blythe new alligator Luccheses. Rod didn’t even bring his checkbook. The Swami said it got down to 31 at the county yard and Rose Valley hit 24. Blythe had saved his tomatoes.
Friday night was colder. On Saturday they were all calling Mr. Rodillas a genius.
“ How’d you know?”
“ Practice.”
See, Mr. Rodillas gets mistaken for some flawless savant just because he has chopped his thumb so often he has a pocket full of band aids.
He’ll go By Cracky on you in no time, regaling of the time when Blythe and Highlove hatched that damn Beltaine Circus project for May Day, 2003.
May Day! That was apt. SOS: Ice storm almost closed the Pine Mountain grade. The party in Lockwood Valley looked like sepia footage of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, with the smitten tribe wandering around on the frosty mud with blankets over their heads. All of Pappy Rodilla’s wonderful tomatoes back in Meiners went black. Zucchini seemed to have had a run-in with a blow torch.
Funny thing about this recent event was that all the volunteer potatoes breaking out from years past died, but the lines of intentionally planted spuds were fine. People ask me why I plant flowers.
“ They look nice," I answer.
“ And the angels and divas enjoy them,” I say to myself.


May 28, 2010

Michael Shapiro: Why I'm Endorsing Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council

Guest editorial by Michael Shapiro, Ojai activist and one of the leaders of Stop the Trucks

Why I'm Endorsing Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council

While his opponent is a talented individual who brings professional expertise and experience, only Lenny Klaif adds to his own career as an attorney - years of regularly attending Ojai City Council meetings.

His constant vigilance and attendance at Ojai City Council meetings – frequently and actively engaging the Council on a wide variety of issues that are important to Ojai’s citizens – has truly demonstrated an unyielding interest in, and concern for, his beloved Ojai while also gaining invaluable experience and understanding of how to best govern if he were to be elected.

Continue reading "Michael Shapiro: Why I'm Endorsing Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council" »

May 24, 2010

Register To Vote! OVDC Meeting and Voter's Guide

Today is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming June 8th Primary Election. If you are not yet registered you can still do so before this evening. Go to the post office and you can register there.

The next meeting of the Ojai Valley Democratic Club is today, Monday, May 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery St. At the beginning of this meeting we will be doing phone banking on behalf of Ojai City Council Candidate, Len Klaif. Those interested in helping in phone banking and discussing future planned precinct walks, please feel free to come to the Ojai Art Center Gallery early at 6:00 p.m. Bring a charged cell phone and a laptop computer if you have one. If you don't have a laptop, that's not a problem. The rest of the meeting after 8:00 p.m. will be given over to operations planning and a discussion of Get Out The Vote strategies for the June 8th Primary election.

If you're not sure about other people/things on the ballot, follow after the break to see the OVDC, County and State Democratic Voters Guide.

Continue reading "Register To Vote! OVDC Meeting and Voter's Guide" »

May 17, 2010

33rd Annual Art in the Park

PR from the Ojai Art Center...

Succulent oil painting by Iris.jpgMemorial Day weekend takes on an added degree of excitement May 29th and 30th with the return of one of Ojai’s main cultural events, the 33rd annual Art in the Park. The open-air juried show draws artists and art lovers from all over southern California to Libbey Park for two days of sales and socializing. From 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday the park will come alive with the art and chatter of over 50 artists hoping to make a connection and sell their work. Art lovers will be there to purchase their newest treasure or just to have a chance to appreciate the newest work of a previously unknown artist.

Continue reading "33rd Annual Art in the Park" »

May 16, 2010

Congratulations -- Ojai's Deb and Chris Get Married!

Ojai acting troupe's leaders wed onstage in musical extravaganza

This is such a great story in today's VC Star --with fabulous photos.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/may/15/ojai-acting-troupes-leaders-wed-onstage-in/

I expect that this story will travel around the world...

May 15, 2010

What Rush Hour Could Look Like: The Glorious Bike Traffic of Utrecht, Holland

Every Day is Bike-to-Work-Day in Europe!

The following video offers a look into the beautiful country of Holland, a place where transit is clean, efficient, and safe.
Translation: Everyone rides bikes and uses public transportation.

http://www.good.is/post/what-rush-hour-could-look-like-the-glorious-bike-traffic-of-utrecht-holland

Thanks to Ojai Trees for sending this video!

A New Look at the Top Ten Reasons for Making Ojai a Bicycle-and-Pedestrian Friendly Community

Celebrate Bike-to-Work Week, May 17-- 21, 2010
May is National Bike Month, and the League of American Bicyclists is partnering with hundreds of cities across the country to promote Bike-to-Work Week from May 17-21 and Bike to-Work Day on Friday, May 21.

If you grew up in Ojai fifty years ago, as I did, you’ll remember a time when you could safely walk and bicycle everywhere, even during peak hour traffic times. Ojai was naturally bicycle-and-pedestrian-friendly. Times have changed. According to the most recent (2008) Ojai Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 6,000 cars a day now travel on Grand Avenue.

Continue reading "A New Look at the Top Ten Reasons for Making Ojai a Bicycle-and-Pedestrian Friendly Community" »

May 05, 2010

Get Inspired! Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Meeting, Wed, May 5, 4:00 pm

VISIT BICYCLE CITY: http://www.bicyclecity.com/

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 5, 4:00 -5:00 pm,
at Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria, 515 West El Roblar in Meiners Oaks
across the street from the Project Ride community bike shop.

May is National Bike Month! http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

About the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee

Continue reading "Get Inspired! Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Meeting, Wed, May 5, 4:00 pm " »

May 03, 2010

Seven Reasons for Congress to Vote NO on Escalation

This seems important and direct to me. Maybe it does to you, too!

i hope that the connection to Ojai specifically does not need to be spelled out...it's clear that throwing trillions of federal dollars into foreign wars while our local community lays off teachers, cuts the Rec Dept, and threatens to cut Ojai Day is not a good recipe for healthy society.

From AfterDowningStreet.org:
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, a "Teach-In on Capitol Hill," was held in Room 2168 of the Rayburn House Building, in Washington, D.C., dealing with the question of what the U.S. Congress must do to end the U.S. Wars and secure a peaceful Middle East. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) served as the moderator. On the panel were: David Swanson, Chris Hedges, Ann Wright, Jeremy Scahill, and Josh Stieber. You can view the entire 80-minute teach-in by clicking here.

Funding an escalation of war in Afghanistan with $33 billion is:
illegal,
immoral,
against the public will,
economically catastrophic,
counterproductive on its own terms, and
a cynically motivated intentional failure
READ WHY

1. Call Your Congress Member at (202) 224-3121 and tell them that you will vote against them if they vote to fund an escalation in Afghanistan. Sure, their opponent could be worse, but not much, and decent representation will only be possible if representatives fear the public more than they fear the funders, media, and parties.

Continue reading "Seven Reasons for Congress to Vote NO on Escalation" »

April 30, 2010

Oak View Memorial Day Parade is May 31!

This just in from the Oak View Civic Council:

MemorialParade-500px.jpg

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Join us for the Memorial Day Parade Monday May 31 2010!!

The Oak View Civic Council honors our Ojai Valley Veterans. Our theme is “Honoring our Veterans, in War and Peace”. Monday May 31st, we start with a pancake breakfast from 7–10: am organized by the American Legion in Oak View. Our valley wide Memorial Day Parade starts at 9:45 along Old Ventura Ave. in Oak View and entrants march/roll down the shortest parade route ! We encourage your organization to join us to make this community parade a wonderful event for all.

Continue reading "Oak View Memorial Day Parade is May 31!" »

Living with Bears and Bear Encounter Training, in Ojai, Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 am, Theater 150

May 1, 2010. 10:00am --12:00pm.
Theater 150, located at 316 E. Matilija, Ojai, California.

Slide show/Lecture with Ann Bryant, Executive Director and Founder of the Tahoe Bear League
$10 donation. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Children free.
Same day at 3:00 pm, Bear Encounter Training
Please note that you must attend the morning event to attend the afternoon Bear Encounter Training. Location to be announced at the morning event. Please come. Our goal is to train as many Ojai residents as possible so that we can prevent another tragedy like the Aliso Bear incident.

Continue reading "Living with Bears and Bear Encounter Training, in Ojai, Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 am, Theater 150" »

April 29, 2010

Memorial Service for Gary Ellingsworth

(follow-up from Bret) A memorial service for Gary Ellingsworth, former chief negotiator for the Writers Guild of America, will be held Friday at Seafresh from 3 to 5 p.m. Come share stories or just come to hear a few about a man who was a legend. The family is bringing photos for us all to look at. Even if you didn't know Gary personally, it will be an opportunity to honor a life well-lived.

The next time you see a person dining alone at one of our local restaurants, go up and say hello. Tell them Gary Ellingsworth sent you. You just might meet a fascinating character and make a lifelong friend. And the life you change for the better may be your own.

April 28, 2010

Ojai Businesses Get Involved in Save Libbey Bowl

The following note is from the Save Libbey Bowl Campaign...

Ojai Businesses help to Save Libbey Bowl
Please click through and visit these businesses as they help us meet our goal!

Continue reading "Ojai Businesses Get Involved in Save Libbey Bowl" »

Reminder: Ojai Creek Restoration Project and Watershed Presentation -- Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Tonight, starting at 7pm in the Chaparral Auditorium at 414 E. Ojai Avenue.
Walk or ride your bicycle by the light of the full moon, if you can!

Don't miss this presentation by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Watershed Committee chair and conservation biologist, Brian Holly. Learn about the Ojai Creek riparian habitat restoration project -- a vision for ongoing stewardship and restoration of the Ojai watershed.

Brian Holly will lead the audience through an explanation of why we needed the restoration work and the progress of this project that began in November of 2009. Brian will then move to the bigger picture and show how we can continue with the success of this endeavor in other parts of the Ojai Watershed.

Download a flyer with event details HERE http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/CreekRestorationFlyer.pdf

Continue reading "Reminder: Ojai Creek Restoration Project and Watershed Presentation -- Wednesday, April 28, 2010" »

April 26, 2010

Obit: Gary Ellingsworth

The following obituary was submitted by Bret Bradigan, who considered Gary Ellingsworth "a very dear friend." A memorial service at Seafresh is pending.

Once a Giant

gary-photo-1.jpgOur late friend hated blue skies
Bible-quoting preachers,
Politicians kissing babies
Women who are all sweetness

He liked drunks in church
Nudists playing volleyball,
Stray dogs making friends,
Birds singing of fair weather as they crap.
— May issue, Paris Review

One of the many things that make Ojai so fascinating is the lives that people led before they came here. We know many of our neighbors as quiet, unassuming people we see around town, with little knowledge about the often-epic lives they lived. It was my great good fortune to know one such character, Gary Ellingsworth, motoring around town in his distinctive yellow VW bus with his trademark floppy hat, suspenders and ready wit.

He died peacefully Friday, April 16 at his home in Ojai. He was 87.

Continue reading "Obit: Gary Ellingsworth" »

Save Ojai Day

This has been forwarded to me by multiple people today...

I am writing this to enlist your help to save Ojai Day from the chopping block. Currently the City Council is looking to cut Ojai Day as a part of 2010/2011 budget cuts. I hope that you feel as I do, that losing this community event would be a great loss in a time when we need to come together. With my current cuts to the Ojai Day budget, the event will only cost the city a net of $8,000, perhaps even less, in indirect costs.

Continue reading "Save Ojai Day" »

CD 24 Democratic Candidates Forum

Come out and meet the Democratic Candidates for the Democratic Nomination to go up against Elton Gallegly in November.

The Primary is June 8th!
tim_allison.jpgP1010315_(3) sized.jpgShawn Stern.jpg
Tim Allison---------------------Marie Panec-----------------Shawn Stern
*recently endorsed by
the California Democratic Party


Where
: Ojai Art Center
When: Monday April 26th, 7PM

April 24, 2010

Reminder: Ojai's EarthPlay on the Meadow Today-- April 24

Saturday, April 24th, 11am--5pm. EarthWalk starts at 10 am.
Valet Bike Parking
Ride your bike to EarthPlay on the Meadow and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will see that you get Valet Bike Parking for your trusty ride! http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/2010/04/valet_bike_parking_at_earthpla.shtml

Here are Ojai's Earth Day Details:
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned fun for Earth Day, no need to look very far! The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, in partnership with Oak Grove School, Ojai Valley Green Coalition, Rotary Ojai – West, Rotary Club of Ojai, and other earth friendly Ojai organizations will offer a community-wide Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 24th, 11am -- 5pm. (EarthWalk starts at 10 am)

Starting at Rotary Park on Ojai Avenue, check out alternative transportation at Rotary West’s exhibit, and find out how you can win a great prize by getting out of your car for the day. From there, join an EarthWalk at 10am, to EarthPlay on the Ojai Meadows Preserve for an earthly fun day of eco-friendly activities celebrating the earth beneath our feet on Ojai’s own nature preserve. Located on Maricopa Highway next to Nordhoff High School, the Preserve is just minutes away from just about anywhere in Ojai.

Continue reading "Reminder: Ojai's EarthPlay on the Meadow Today-- April 24" »

April 21, 2010

Libbey Bowl Exhibit at the Museum

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

1972 Krishnamurtie at the Bowl_web-1.jpg

In Ojai, California, an outdoor landmark of world-renown will be razed to the ground on June 21, 2010 and reconstruction will begin immediately thereafter. Beginning in 1957, Ojai’s Libbey Bowl amphitheater has gathered international music and theatre groups attracting audiences from southern to northern California, and from east coast to west coast. As a tribute to the past, present and future of Ojai’s Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Valley Museum will mount an historical exhibition showcasing the highlights of the Bowl’s first 50 years, and the plans for its reconstruction and future use.

Continue reading "Libbey Bowl Exhibit at the Museum" »

Pedaling Toward a Greener Ojai: Moving Forward On Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

Good news for Ojai! The US Department of Transportation has declared that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists must be placed alongside, not behind, those of motorists. In what amounts to a true paradigm shift, the automobile will no longer be the prime consideration in federal transportation planning.

Continue reading "Pedaling Toward a Greener Ojai: Moving Forward On Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan" »

April 16, 2010

Deep Time and The Meaning of Life -- Sunday, April 18th, at the Ojai Retreat

Sunday, April 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Ojai Retreat 160 Besant Road in Ojai (above the Ranch House Restaurant)

The story of the development of life on Earth is not just a theory for biology books. It is the key to understanding our world today – not only our environment, but the moral and spiritual dimensions of our world as well.

This is the theme of ‘Deep Time and the Meaning of Life’, a talk to be given by David E. Moody, Ph.D. Dr. Moody’s talk explores the intersection between science and the sacred. It examines the extraordinary mystery of why our planet is so perfectly suited for life, with just the right climate and chemistry for us and all living things. Did this happen because God made it this way? Or are we just lucky? Or is there a deeper, more interesting explanation?

Continue reading "Deep Time and The Meaning of Life -- Sunday, April 18th, at the Ojai Retreat" »

April 15, 2010

Tax Day Priorities

from the Ojai Peace Coalition's Action Blog:

NotMyPriorities.org federal spending pie chart

So today was (is, really, until midnight) Tax Day in America, and while some will clamor that income taxes are illegal and shouldn't be paid at all, others will offer reasons and ways to resist paying all or part of one's taxes on moral/philosophical grounds. Still others are disgruntled at the extra cash they shell out simply because their marriage is not recognized by the nation, and the Tea Partiers will be doing whatever the hell it is that they do, and deleting differing viewpoints from their Facebook pages.

Tax Day in America seems to me to be an excellent time to check in on our national priorities, for two reasons: 1) in this capitalist nation, where we've spent our money is a clear indicator of where our priorities are NOW, and 2) while everyone's mind is on the money they're paying and expecting back, including our politicians, is a great time to have a discussion about how we want our money - capitalism's word for "priorities" - to be invested in the future.


Obviously the wars are fucking us over in every way. If that language is too strong for you, check out how you might be avoiding or denying the realities of war, both on the battlefields and back here at home. Our language has exceptionally strong words like that for a reason, and i can think of no better application than here.

Continue reading "Tax Day Priorities" »

Happy Birthday to Made in Ojai

from the Made in Ojai crew...

Another birthday party? Already? Yes, it’s true. Last April, Made in Ojai re-opened as Made In Ojai - Artisans & Mercantile. This unique business is made of two distinct parts: Ojai Artisans, a group of creative artists who display their work and share in all aspects of running the shop; and Ojai Mercantile, which carries local products, from olive oil to hula-hoops, as well as books and music.

Continue reading "Happy Birthday to Made in Ojai" »

April 11, 2010

Letter to the City from John van Houten, M.D., "It is time for Ojai to take a new look at the existing Bike Plan"

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will be on the Ojai City Council Agenda, Tuesday, April 13, 2010. (See article below or click here) http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/04/bicyclepedestrian_master_plan.shtml

John van Houten, M.D., sent the following cover Letter concerning the City's Bike/Ped Plan to Ojai City staff and Council in September, 2009.

To the Ojai City Council members and the City Manager,

Attached please find a copy of a letter that I submitted to the Ojai Valley News that was published last week (September 18, 2009).

My motivation for writing this letter lay in the fact that my children are unable to safely ride their bikes to school despite living within a mile from both schools. Riding down any main street in Ojai is an exercise in weaving around parked cars, avoiding being “mirrored” by passing cars on the left and “doored” by the parked cars on the right.

Continue reading "Letter to the City from John van Houten, M.D., "It is time for Ojai to take a new look at the existing Bike Plan" " »

Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan on Ojai City Council Agenda

Alternative Transportation is on the Ojai City Council Agenda, Tuesday April 13, 2010. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm. It's hard to predict when the council will discuss the items below, as it depends in part on how many people speak at the beginning of the meeting on "Unscheduled Items." My guess is around 8:15 pm.
Item 4 - Grand Avenue Bicycle Lanes
Item 5 - Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan
Item 6 - Transit System Service Reduction Options
Click here to read the full agenda and staff reports: http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/

The Grand Avenue Bicycle Lanes were on the Ojai City Council agenda way back in 1997. Teachers, parents and students wrote numerous letters and testified at City Council meetings on why Safe Routes to School are needed.

Continue reading "Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan on Ojai City Council Agenda " »

April 09, 2010

Larry Hagman's Ojai Estate on Christie's

Really great video Christie's put together as a selling tool for the Hagman estate in Upper Ojai. Gives a rarely seen flavor of the entire estate, which is quite spectacular. I'll invite you all up when I close escrow.

The Equine Sanctuary in Ojai faces crisis and rescued horses might have to be put down

The rescued horses at The Equine Sanctuary have 5 days of hay left and perhaps enough pelleted grain to get through Friday. If they don't get the resources they need, the founder/director of the nonprofit sanctuary Alexis Ells will be faced with putting these rescued horses down. For a sanctuary whose very core message teaches "life is not disposable", this is a sad and terrifying prospect.

I received a message about this crisis on my facebook wall from a source that Ells says she doesn't even know. That is how fast communications now travel and my hope in writing this story is that everyone forward this story to at least five others,post it on your own facebook wall or send it to a television station so the right people who have solutions can be reached. The Equine Sanctuary has two primary needs. It needs immediate care for 8 horses that do not have enough food for another week and it needs larger solutions for the future; for all 30 horses it cares for and funding, backing, and help with grant writing so it can continue its therapeutic programs. Quite frankly in these times, it needs a miracle.

The Equine Sanctuary was hand-selected by National Geographic out of all other therapeutic horse programs in the country to be featured in their magazine. It was a great honor and now The Equine Sanctuary is recognized internationally for what they do. The irony though is that due to their recognition, they haven't received funding but rather almost daily, Ells receives a call about another horse that needs rescuing. "You have to come pick up this horse!" someone pleads on the other end of the phone. So many seek the help of The Equine Sanctuary yet they are needing help themselves.

Continue reading "The Equine Sanctuary in Ojai faces crisis and rescued horses might have to be put down" »

April 06, 2010

Reminder: Bicycle Friendly Ojai Valley Green Coalition Meeting, Wednesday, April 7 at 4pm.

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Meeting
Wed April 7, 4:00 -5:00 pm,
at Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria, 515 West El Roblar in Meiners Oaks
across the street from the Project Ride community bike shop.

New Transportation Committee members are welcome, and anyone who can’t attend this meeting but would like to join may contact Suza at Sfrancina@aol.com or (805) 646-2613.

Continue reading "Reminder: Bicycle Friendly Ojai Valley Green Coalition Meeting, Wednesday, April 7 at 4pm. " »

April 05, 2010

Santa Barbara City Council Considers Reusable Bags Initiative. Will Ojai follow?

Evan Austin's article about Von's bag policy reminded me to post this item sent by Ojai City Council member Betsy Clapp

In the Bag: Santa Barbara Council Considers Reusable Bags Initiative

Shopping at the grocery store might get slightly more expensive in Santa Barbara if residents would be open to imposing a tax on customers who don’t bring their own re-usable bag when they shop. In order to see if residents would be in favor of such a measure, Santa Barbara’s city council will consider conducting a survey of residents to determine not only if they would approve a tax but also how much the tax should be, according to Noozhawk.

Continue reading "Santa Barbara City Council Considers Reusable Bags Initiative. Will Ojai follow? " »

Guest Editorial: Bret Bradigan

4-2 cover-small.jpgTaking The Ojai road
by Bret Bradigan

The shock of my unceremonious firing at the Ojai Valley News on Dec. 1, 2009 had worn off by the start of the New Year. I then realized I had the opportunity to realize larger purposes in a way previously impossible. With my children grown and successfully launched into the world, I can now look at the landscape of my life and decide best how to reinvent my professional career.

My plan is to publish a magazine that represents this place at its essence. Its title: The Ojai Magazine. It will be published quarterly, with the first issue due in early June. It will be free, and widely distributed throughout our valley and beyond.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Bret Bradigan" »

April 04, 2010

Wanna Go Bagless? Not At Vons...

VONS-NO-BAG-LOGO.jpg

The consciousness shift away from plastic bags is taking hold, for sure...although at times it can seem maddeningly slow. And like most social/environmental/economic movements, the change will have long taken place in the lives of the public before the last holdouts - businesses, institutions, political structures - are drug along weakly protesting (and lamely pretending to have invented the movement in the first place).

i directly observed a woman in the checkout line at Ojai's Vons market, trying to negotiate carrying out her minor purchase - a single bottle of wine - under her arm, rather than in a brand-new, planet-choking petroleum bag. The clerk informed her that it is the policy of the store that every purchase leaves the store in a bag. The customer took her plea to the manager, who confirmed the policy.

Continue reading "Wanna Go Bagless? Not At Vons..." »

Living With Bears Expert Ann Bryant Coming to Ojai!

From Sue Williamson and the Ojai Wildlife League

I’m very happy to announce that Ann Bryant, Executive Director and Founder of the Tahoe Bear League will be giving a lecture/slide show on LIVING WITH BEARS on May 1st, 10 AM, at Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija Street, in Ojai.

The Lecture/Slideshow will be from 10:00 to noon. $10 suggested donation -- no one turned away, children free. There will be a BEAR RESCUE INTENSIVE workshop offered later in the afternoon for those who have attended the lecture and would like to be part of a Bear Response Team in Ojai, or just would like to learn more skills for handling bear encounters. So set the date aside, and if you can help us get the word out to publicize this event please call the Ojai Wildlife League at (805) 640-0187, or email us at sue@ojaiwildlifeleague.com

Continue reading "Living With Bears Expert Ann Bryant Coming to Ojai!" »

April 03, 2010

A Hunter Speaks Out On Fish & Game's Proposed Bear Hunting Changes

"The indigenous people of what is now California revered both black and grizzly bears alike. The bear was a sacred animal, a spiritual brother of the wild. What a sad, sorry sight this society has become when we continually try to justify killing more predators as people continually encroach and build homes and ranches deeper and deeper into their habitat. " -- Anthony Prieto

Anthony Prieto, a hunter from Santa Barbara, wrote the following Opinion in response to Julia Di Sieno's guest commentary, "Too Hard to Bear." Julia is the executive director of the Animal Rescue Team who tried to save the Aliso Street Bear killed in Ojai last year.

Opinion: Bear hunting plan a grisly affair
In response to Julia Di Sieno's recent guest commentary, "Too hard to bear," and after reading some of the follow-up responses, I felt I had to speak up as well. I've hunted in Santa Barbara's back country for almost 25 years. I hunt wild pigs and black-tail deer only. I only shoot what I'm going to feed my family.

Continue reading "A Hunter Speaks Out On Fish & Game's Proposed Bear Hunting Changes" »

March 28, 2010

Meet Betty Eiler, Sunday morning yoga inspiration

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

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

Continue reading "Meet Betty Eiler, Sunday morning yoga inspiration" »

March 26, 2010

Reminder to see, "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil," Saturday, March 27th

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

Click here for film poster: POC_Poster.pdf

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

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

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

Continue reading "Reminder to see, "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil," Saturday, March 27th" »

Missing Dog

missing-dog.jpg

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

March 25, 2010

OVDC endorses Len Klaif for Ojai City Council

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News Release

Ojai Valley Democratic Club

For immediate Release:

Ojai Valley Democratic Club Endorses Len Klaif for City Council



Continue reading "OVDC endorses Len Klaif for Ojai City Council" »

March 24, 2010

" Always remember to preheat your pan before using."

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

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

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

Continue reading "" Always remember to preheat your pan before using."" »

March 22, 2010

Reminder: City Council Candidate Forum Tonight at Ojai Art Center

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

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

March 21, 2010

Good News for Ojai: Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals

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

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

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

Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals

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

Continue reading "Good News for Ojai: Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals" »

March 20, 2010

Spring Equinox: One Brief Shining Moment

By Ojai author David E. Moody

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

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

Continue reading "Spring Equinox: One Brief Shining Moment" »

March 17, 2010

Leonard Klaif: Your Voice on the Council.

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

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

March 16, 2010

Candidate's Forum for City Council Special Election

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Sponsored by the Ojai Valley Democratic Club. Open to the public.

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

Continue reading "Candidate's Forum for City Council Special Election" »

March 15, 2010

Opinion: Expanded bear hunts don't pass smell test

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

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

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

Continue reading "Opinion: Expanded bear hunts don't pass smell test" »

March 08, 2010

KINDNESS is nonviolent.

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

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

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

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

March 02, 2010

Transition Ojai meeting tonight, March 2, 6.45 pm at Glen Muse

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

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

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

Continue reading "Transition Ojai meeting tonight, March 2, 6.45 pm at Glen Muse" »

March 01, 2010

Opinion: TOO HARD TO BEAR: Why does the Department of Fish and Game want to expand bear hunting?

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

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

Continue reading "Opinion: TOO HARD TO BEAR: Why does the Department of Fish and Game want to expand bear hunting?" »

February 25, 2010

So uh.... What Was That Explosion?

Did anyone else hear that loud boom or explosion at around 11 AM? I've heard from people as far as Mira Monte and Meiners Oaks who heard it as clearly as we did here in downtown Ojai. Current theories are that it was a sonic boom. Anyone have any other ideas? My 4 year old thinks it was an alien spaceship.

February 24, 2010

Susan Jordan-Das Williams Debate:Thurs.Feb. 25th, 6:30 pm.

My nephew, Das Williams, is running for California State Assembly. Das grew up in Ojai and attended local schools. Old-timers may recall that as a young lad Das played the lead role in Badger Claws, an Illusions Theatre production based on the book, Badger Claws of Ojai, a story about a Chumash Indian boy. His mother (my middle sister) and I are looking forward to attending the debate.

Ventura County Democratic Party: 35th Assembly District Debate
On Thursday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m. the Democratic Club of Ventura will host a debate between 35th Assembly District candidates Susan Jordan and Das Williams. The debate will be moderated by local business owner and political consultant David Maron. CAPS will film the debate for future broadcast.

The debate will be held in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library at 651 Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Ample parking is available in the public lot behind the library. Members and non-members are invited. The event is free of charge though a $5 donation is requested to help the club cover expenses. Doors will open at 6 pm and the meeting will start at 6:30 pm. Snacks will be served.

Continue reading "Susan Jordan-Das Williams Debate:Thurs.Feb. 25th, 6:30 pm." »

February 22, 2010

Extreme Beach Cruising Ojai Dennison Grade

February 20, 2010

Enlightenment Begins With Empathy

Yesterday morning, as I was about to turn off my computer and fly out the door for an early morning yoga class, I received an email from one of my students with the following editorial in the New York Times.
OPINION February 19, 2010
Op-Ed Contributor: Not Grass-Fed, but at Least Pain-Free

The author, Adam Shriver, is a doctoral student in the philosophy-neuroscience-psychology program at Washington University. According to his editorial, "Recent advances in neuroscience suggest it may soon be possible to genetically engineer livestock so that they suffer much less."

I contemplated the insidious implications of removing the ability to feel pain all the way to my yoga class. By the time I arrived I was fed up with the arrogance of the human race.

When I first started teaching forty years ago I had this innocent hope that yoga would lead to enlightenment. Enlightenment begins with empathy. Empathy encompasses the ability to experience the pain and suffering of other living things. Empathy is the first step. And, as J. Krishnamurt pointed out, "The first step is the last step."

Continue reading "Enlightenment Begins With Empathy" »

February 17, 2010

Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai, to Fish & Game re Plan to Expand Bear Hunting

California Fish and Game Commission,

Dear California Fish and Game Commission:

Only recently did I learn my home state of California lists the Black Bear as a 'game' animal and permits killing of cubs as small as 50 pounds. I am horrified! Bears are shy, gentle animals that only come into contact with humans when they are looking for food or water or when people enter their territory.

I have seen these magnificent creatures in the Sierras and in natural habitat close to Ojai. Usually the bears climb a tree and wait until people have left - mom sends her cubs up first.

Continue reading "Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai, to Fish & Game re Plan to Expand Bear Hunting" »

February 16, 2010

Freedom: A Haiku

Today is Day 18 of the 64-Day Season for Nonviolence that spans the death dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. One source lists the following as today's Quotation, Affirmation, and Practice, and i thought the OP community might enjoy participating!:

FREEDOM:

Quotation: "Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change." -Stephen Covey

Affirmation: Freedom means that we have the independent will to act and respond creatively, that we have the self-awareness to self-reflect and to change as dictated by the compass of conscience. Moment by moment today, I become conscious of my freedom.

Practice: Claim your definition of freedom. Write a haiku poem about freedom.



These affirmations are updated EVERY DAY at ojaipeace.org.

February 13, 2010

Ojai memorializes Elliot, the bear that touched its heart

A sensitively written story in the LA Times, by Steve Chawkins.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ojaibear13-2010feb13,0,2128142.story

Story of the Bear Sculpture
http://www.ojaipost.com/2009/10/aliso_street_bear_sculpture.shtml

Continue reading "Ojai memorializes Elliot, the bear that touched its heart" »

February 11, 2010

Bear Art Dedication – Friday, Feb. 12, 4 pm, Fountain Plaza

An Invitation from Marcia Benkert

Although the notice is short, I’m excited to share the news, and invite you to an important Public Art Dedication, in Ojai, California, Friday, February 12, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., 328 E. Ojai Avenue (fountain plaza behind Bonnie Lu’s).

This majestic, steel sculpture of a Black Bear represents a memorial to our respected wildlife, and a reminder to ourselves, of the painful lessons that we, as a community, have needed to learn in order to effect a change in the way we respond to innocent animals wandering into our neighborhoods.

Continue reading "Bear Art Dedication – Friday, Feb. 12, 4 pm, Fountain Plaza" »

February 09, 2010

Marty Fujita Passes Away

I'm very saddened to hear of the passing of Marty Fujita, co-founder of Food for Thought and a vital contributor to the Ojai community. (VC Star article)

marty-fujita-obituaryMarty Fujita of Ojai, co-founder of the Food for Thought nutritional program, died of lung cancer Monday morning. She was 56. Fujita was an author, environmental scientist and community organizer.

A public celebration of Fujita’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road in Ojai. Contributions in her name can be made to Food for Thought Ojai, P.O. Box 1645, Ojai, CA 93024. For more information on the group, visit www.foodforthoughtojai.org.

Shari Skinner Passes Away

Very sad news on the passing of Shari Skinner... she was very nice, very smart and a pillar of this community.

shari-skinner-obituaryDear all,
For those of us who knew Shari personally or had their lives touched by her through the Ojai Valley or Ojai Community banks, it is the time to honor a great woman and mourn her passing. She fought the good fight against breast cancer for (7?) years. When the pain became too much to bear a week or two ago, she went on a morphine drip to make her more comfortable. In the few moments she was awake, Shari's light shined bright and she was in good spirits to the end. A memorial is being planned.
Sincerely,
Edie Smith

February 08, 2010

Helping My Mother to Walk Again After She Fell and Broke Her Thigh Bone

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 " »

February 07, 2010

Dishing Ojai: Treasure Beach

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 banquettes - 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" »

January 31, 2010

Foreign Correspondent to Speak about Haitian Crisis

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.

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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" »

January 30, 2010

Season for Nonviolence Begins Today

snv-logo.jpgToday 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!

January 24, 2010

Sue Broidy is leaving Ojai -- *2nd UPDATE*

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

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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*" »

January 21, 2010

Say Buy Buy to American Democracy


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" »

January 19, 2010

Donate to Haiti Relief Through Local Org

DRI.jpgNo 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.

January 18, 2010

From the Ojai Orange: Contemplating Medical Marijuana

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" »

Hagman Estate on the market

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.

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January 16, 2010

Ojai Search Dogs Find Haiti Earthquake Survivors

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" »

January 15, 2010

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. this Monday in Ojai!

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January 13, 2010

Upper Ojai Market "Stagecoach Station" reopens

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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.

January 12, 2010

Ojai City Council Appointment On Agenda Tonight, Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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" »

January 10, 2010

Young at Heart

“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" »

Welcome to Transition Ojai! Learn All About Transition Towns Here.

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." »

January 02, 2010

Kristofer and Joanne Young: The Year of Eating Locally

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 " »

January 01, 2010

Early Morning in Ojai at the Dawn of the New Year

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 " »

New Year Music Thread

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)

December 31, 2009

Safe and Happy New Year's Eve, Ojai!

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

December 26, 2009

R.I.P Ruben Duarte

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.

December 24, 2009

It's Christmas Eve!

mchatton-xmassongs.jpgHow 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.

December 23, 2009

Despair and Disparity

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" »

December 21, 2009

From Copenhagen to Ojai: Clear-Cutting the Truth About Trees

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 " »

December 20, 2009

Holiday Shopping

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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!

December 18, 2009

Open Thread

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December 17, 2009

End War, Starting with Education

arlingtonmobile_slashed.jpg "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.

December 16, 2009

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

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" »

December 15, 2009

Ojai City Council Vacancy -- Letter from Leonard J. Klaif

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 " »

Ojai Culture Change: Update on Copenhagen Climate Summit

"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" »

December 14, 2009

To my Ojai friends: Don't let the climate doubters fool you

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" »

While we sleep here in Ojai, protests rocked Copenhagen

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

December 12, 2009

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

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 " »

December 10, 2009

Krotona Plane Crash Kills 2

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" »

Coming to Ojai: A Joyous Holiday Concert with Tingstad and Rumbel at Meditation Mount

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" »

December 09, 2009

A lively Ojai City Council Meeting last night...

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/

December 08, 2009

Ojai Snow Day

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

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Two Upcoming Interfaith Gatherings

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:

interfaithvigil_121009.jpg 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.


Celebration_of_Light_Flier.jpg 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.

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

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" »

December 07, 2009

MEINERS OAKS HOLIDAY STROLL

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" »

Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival: David Shor Releases Statement About Resignations

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" »

Happy, Merry, Joyous, Cheery Chalica!

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!" »

December 06, 2009

Please Sign Letter to Pedro Nava from the Ojai Wildlife League

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" »

Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals

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" »

December 03, 2009

In With the New!

A few moments ago, in Meiners Oaks:

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Continue reading "In With the New!" »

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

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" »

December 02, 2009

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

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" »

December 01, 2009

Healthcare Reform Vigil in Ojai?

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

Dear Friends in the Ojai Valley, and others,


I strongly favor healthcare reform this year; even imperfect reform, which it will be.

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

November 30, 2009

H1N1 Flu Clinic to be held in Ojai at Nordhoff High School

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.

November 29, 2009

Ojai Democratic Club Wants Election to Fill DeVito Council Seat, or Appoint Leonard Klaif

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" »

November 25, 2009

Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident

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 " »

November 22, 2009

Save Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving needs our help! Specifically, the "One City" Thanksgiving meal and celebration now in its second year in nearby Ventura. This all-volunteer event is hosted by a collective of faith, business, non-profit and government organizations all working together for a better Ventura, and is "to include representatives from all of Ventura, friendly faces both young and old, rich and poor, tall and short, east and west, here and there" said VSSTF member Jack Broms, M.D. A restaurant that was to cook most of the turkey backed out for reasons unknown, and the event is now scrambling to enlist Volunteer Chefs to prepare a few key dishes! Distributed instructions are as follows:
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!" »

November 20, 2009

Kyrgyz Trunk Show & Sale

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

November 17, 2009

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

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?"" »

November 14, 2009

Friday the 13th...A Day For Hope?

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?" »

November 12, 2009

What Can The (Seasonal) Flu Shot Do For You?

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.

November 10, 2009

Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

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" »

November 08, 2009

On the Red Carpet of the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival

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.

November 06, 2009

Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival: Ingredients

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.

November 02, 2009

Bear Dance Ceremony in Ojai

BearSml.jpg

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

November 01, 2009

Ojai Poetry: The Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear and Other Poems

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" »

October 31, 2009

The Gifts of Uncertainty: Joanna Macy Speaks to the Present Moment

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]

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

October 28, 2009

OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

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!" »

October 25, 2009

Why I Support Ojai City Council Candidate Lenny Klaif

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 " »

October 24, 2009

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

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 ..."" »

October 23, 2009

Good News for Ojai: Len Klaif for City Council

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" »

October 22, 2009

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

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 " »

October 21, 2009

Final Broken Word Reading of the Season

Poetry Matters! 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 29th 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.

From Science Daily: Presidential Election Outcome Changed Voters' Testosterone

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" »

Condolences to the Hanson Family

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.

Ojai Bear News: Pedro Nava Seeks Review of State Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies

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" »

October 19, 2009

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

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" »

October 18, 2009

Ojai Day Mandala 2009

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

October 17, 2009

Ojai Day Photos

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Continue reading "Ojai Day Photos" »

Open Thread: Ojai Day Edition

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

October 16, 2009

Ojai Valley Defense Fund on Radio Ojai

ovdf.bmpI 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.

October 15, 2009

The Story of the Bear Sculpture

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

Dishing Ojai: Osteria Monte Grappa

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" »

October 14, 2009

Ojai Valley City Watch October 14

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" »

Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda

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" »

October 13, 2009

Video filmed in Ojai: In Memory of the Bear on Aliso Street

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!

New Information on Ojai Bear Story Reported On Front Page of Santa Barbara News Press

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" »

More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear

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 " »

October 11, 2009

Bear's Death Deserves a Constructive Community Response


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" »

The bear’s death warrant? Public liability.

"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." »

October 09, 2009

The Last Semester, Ojai's Nordhoff, 1909 - 2009

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" »

October 08, 2009

Sixth Annual Earth Charter Awards Honor Local Activists

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" »

Klezmer Band In Concert, October 17th

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

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

October 06, 2009

Ojai Home Fire Benefit

This special press release was submitted by Smitty West:

ojai_home_fire_poster_benefit_JPG.jpg"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" »

September 30, 2009

Global Village School Founder Honored on Int'l Day of Peace

NoblePrize1.JPG

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" »

September 24, 2009

Night Explosions in Ojai

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.

September 23, 2009

Ojai Forum on the New Economy Starts Friday!

OjaiForumFinal top.jpg

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!" »

Made In Ojai - Artisans & Mercantile Birthday Party

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" »

Ojai Historical Walking Tours

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.

Walking Tour_PFry_web.jpg

Continue reading "Ojai Historical Walking Tours" »

September 20, 2009

Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Updated Schedule of Events

OjaiForumFinal topSmall.jpg

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" »

Fundraiser for Acupuncturist Kathleen MacGregor

AN AFTERNOON OF LAUGHTER & MUSIC

KMacGregor picture.jpgThe 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" »

September 19, 2009

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

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 " »

September 17, 2009

Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Schedule of Events

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.

OjaiForumFinal top.jpg

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" »

September 16, 2009

New Thursday Evening Restorative Yoga Class in Ojai

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 " »

September 12, 2009

Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Register Now!

http://www.ojaiforum.com/
OjaiForumFinal top.jpg

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!" »

Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!

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Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

Morning Meditation Under the Great Oak

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" »

September 11, 2009

Peace Film Series: PROMISES

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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.

September 09, 2009

Obama's Defining Speech Tonight! 5PM UPDATED - EPIC !

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
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or will he be Grover Cleveland
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It's all up to him.

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

September 08, 2009

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

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

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

Rock the trucks!!FinalArt  Trim Top small.jpg

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" »

Ojai Forum on the New Economy,

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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, " »

September 07, 2009

Ojai Studio Artists 2009 Tour - Save The Date

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

www.ojaistudioartists.org

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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" »

September 04, 2009

Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!

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Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

Ojai Economic Forum, September 25th - 27th

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

September 03, 2009

"War Child" at Ojai Playhouse

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.
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"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.

Stop the "Gravel" Trucks: Diesel Exhaust Linked To Cancer

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

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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" »

Ojai Valley City Watch Important Alert!

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!" »

September 02, 2009

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

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" »

August 30, 2009

Ojai Healthcare Forum: Unusually Respectful

...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.

August 28, 2009

City Watch Alert: August 28

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" »

August 27, 2009

Educators for Peace

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CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION NOW!

August 24, 2009

Health Care Rally at the Y Today at 5pm

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!

Free ** Organic Gardening Workshop This Weekend in Ojai

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."

I attended Oscar's lecture at Green Thumb Nursery in Ventura last week and enjoyed it immensely and thought I'd let you know what to expect.

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

August 22, 2009

Ojai Town Hall Meeting on Healthcare Reform

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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]

August 21, 2009

Tomorrow At Wheeler Gorge: Rescuing Ocean Animals

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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" »

August 19, 2009

Ojai Village Walking Guide

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.

August 16, 2009

City Watch Alert: August 16

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" »

August 14, 2009

Call for Nominations

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


Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals.

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." »

August 13, 2009

Good News for Los Padres!

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...

August 12, 2009

Ojai Economic Forum - SAVE THE DATE!

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

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

August 11, 2009

4-H Kids and Their Animals: the Ultimate Betrayal at the Fair

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" »

August 09, 2009

Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse

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" »

August 05, 2009

A Houseguest

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" »

August 04, 2009

Teaching Yoga in the Ojai Valley

Teaching Yoga to the Elders of Ojai
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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 " »

July 31, 2009

More on Ojai Bucks!

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Ojai Bucks: Coming Soon To An Economy Near You!

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

July 30, 2009

Now is the time to be heard on Health Care Reform

(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" »

Public Nakedness -- Can Nude Be Lewd?

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? " »

July 29, 2009

Ojai Valley City Watch July 29, 2009

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" »

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

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"?" »

July 28, 2009

Skate Ojai Saga Continues: Year Two

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" »

July 27, 2009

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

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 " »

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

"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?"" »

July 25, 2009

One Year of Yoga Costs Less Than a Day in the Hospital

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" »

Mark Whitwell - 4 Day Yoga Intensive

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

2009 Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Save The Date

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

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

Ojai Big Chili Cook Off

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/

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

Ojai Valley City Watch July 23

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" »

July 23, 2009

Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival Announces Historic Partnership with Brooks Institute

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" »

July 21, 2009

My 4th of July Bike Ride

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 " »

Little Ojai Fire

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...

July 18, 2009

New Content on Radio Ojai: Jesse Lucas and OBC!

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.

July 17, 2009

Ojai's Famous Potter Otto Heino Has Passed Away at the age of 94

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

July 16, 2009

Suza's New Blog: Yoga for Healthy Bones

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.

July 13, 2009

Broken Word Reading Series in Ojai

Poetry Matters! 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.

July 10, 2009

New Sunday Morning Iyengar Yoga Class in Ojai

"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:

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July 09, 2009

Stop The Trucks: Follow Up to the Scoping Meeting

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(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:

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July 07, 2009

Nominations Are Open Now!

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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?)

July 03, 2009

Psalm for the 4th of July

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!

June 29, 2009

Live From OCRC

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.

June 28, 2009

OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR 10th ANNIVERSARY

OFF Meegan headshot.JPGPress 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.”

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June 27, 2009

YouTubin' for Social Change

Deepak Chopra: A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

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."

After the Krotona event, Deepak gave a talk to an intimate gathering at the Ojai Retreat. I got lucky and was invited to dinner with him and his wife at the Ranch House. The next day he did a booksigning at Local Hero before being whisked away to a series of events in Los Angeles where he spoke before an audience of several thousand.

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.

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June 26, 2009

Electric Car Needed for Parade

[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

June 24, 2009

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

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.

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10th ANNUAL OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

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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).

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

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" »

June 19, 2009

Watershed Revolution Documentary

watershed small.jpgPress 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.

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June 18, 2009

Town Meeting: Gang Violence

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?

Community Housekeeping

Some stuff from the community...

healing4.jpgTown 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.

weavers1.jpgAn 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.”


anca1.jpgArt 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.

birthresource1.jpgCenter 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.

newoak1.jpgU-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.

June 08, 2009

Bummer. Lost again.

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.

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June 04, 2009

Celebration of Nature and Song

untitled.bmpAdd 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...

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June 03, 2009