ojai news at The Ojai Post :: blog, newspaper, events in Ojai, California

With planning already underway for this year's Living Peace in Ojai celebration in September, the Ojai Peace Coalition is ready to receive nominations for our exclusive Noble Peace Prize, to be awarded during Living Peace!

Visit the nomination page!

Last year's first-ever Noble Peace Prize was awarded to Clive and Marion Leeman of the Ojai Peace Vigil which is STILL happening every Friday evening under the Pergola in front of Libbey Park. If you know of someone who is working for more health, sanity, security, and harmony for our community and world, please nominate them!

Posted by evan austin at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Required Reading

The idea of planning for the future takes on a whole new meaning after reading Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing the Save Civilization. The first book in the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s “Ojai Reads” program is by Lester R. Brown, whom Time Magazine calls “one of the U.S.’s most respected environmentalists.” Founder and President of the esteemed Worldwatch Institute for its first 26 years, Brown helped pioneer the concept of “sustainable development.”

That’s a concept that takes on a whole new urgency once you’ve read this book. My advice for readers: put a bookmark between Section I “A Civilization in Trouble,” and Section II “The Response.” That way you can get through the first 131 pages that are full of troubling data about global trends and possible outcomes and know that solutions will be offered.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Caryn Bosson" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The following announcement comes from Camille Carlson, who commutes by bicycle from Meiners Oaks to her job teaching Spanish at Monica Ros School in the east end. She is one of the new wave of activists leading the charge to make the Ojai Valley a world class Bicycle-Pedestrian Friendly Community.

Hello Friends, Family and the Ojai Community,

I'm writing to remind you that May is National Bike Month.

May 12-16 is Bike to Work Week.
May 16 is National Bike to Work Day.
May 11-17 is also National Transportation Week

Check out www.bikeleague.org (American League of Cyclists) if you get a chance.
Just wanted to see if anyone is interested in commuting by bike to work or 'wherever' together at any point during the month of May. It makes the ride all that more fun!!

I also discovered that May 21st is the evening for the Ride of Silence. Check out these videos or visit www.rideofsilence.org.

Continue reading "May is National Bike Month" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in Ojai!

A few weeks ago, I posted a story about the birth of my son, Forty Years Ago, in the Small Town of Ojai
In celebration of Mother's Day, I'd like to share with you the story of the birth of my daughter at the home of Beatrice Wood

Birth and death, the two great mysteries of life, are all but hidden from view in our modern culture. By the time I was pregnant with my second child, I was much better educated about childbirth and realized more fully what I had been up against fourteen years earlier, when I gave birth to my first child at age eighteen.

In the intervening years, while I was studying to be a yoga teacher in San Francisco, the publishers of Yoga Journal organized a conference of pioneers in the birth movement. The panel of speakers presented pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding from a natural and spiritual perspective, in line with yoga philosophy. One of the speakers was the French obstetrician, Frederick Leboyer, author of the revolutionary book, Birth Without Violence .

Continue reading "A Birth Story for Mother's Day" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Look out for the locavores: New Ojai group to eat only food grown locally for a year
http://vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/look_out_for_the_locavores/5946/

By now you have probably heard that Kristofer and Joanne Young are organizing a locavore project in the Ojai Valley for the entire year of 2009. A locavore is a person who pays attention to where her/his food comes from and commits to eating local food as much as possible. I just finished reading the link above to a great article in the VC Reporter that answers the questions I had about committing to a local eating lifestyle. Turns out you can sign up and still hang on to three foods each month that are things that may not be available locally. In my case I was worried about giving up organically grown brown rice, millet and tofu --three things my Dutch-Indonesian bones cannot live without. Now that I know I can eat grains with my local vegies, I'm ready to sign up.

There is an introductory meeting on Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 PM at the Young's house in Ojai. Here is an invitation with the details: .http://groups.google.com/group/eat-local-one-year

Download, view, or print the meeting flyer here.

Continue reading "EAT LOCAL ONE YEAR ~ BE THE CHANGE OJAI " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

For those of you who attended partially or all of the event Thank You! Together we are making a huge difference.

I'm excited to share the success of HUB's Awakening Your Brilliance event with you all. We had close to 500 people at the Radisson near LAX attend and the feedback has been wonderful. People walked away with a clearer personal and global vision and tools to transform their lives and bring their dreams into fruition. Speakers such as Rev. Michael Beckwith, Mark Victor Hansen, Janet Bray-Attwood, Charlie Gay, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Kimmie Weeks, Freddie Ravel and others inspired a profound call to action and empowerment.

Humanity Unites Brilliance (HUB) is already making a huge impact in the lives of those who are in need. In a few short months we have over 1200 members and have funded $102,000 of humanitarian aid domestically and internationally. That's 40% of all of our profits we give away! As a member you have an opportunity to generate income for yourself, and in so doing, be catalysts for positive social change.

HUB provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and non-profits to create an effective fundraising engine while joining with others of like mind.

There is a local potluck party this Friday May 9 at 6:30pm where we will be sharing the impact HUB is having and how you can become involved. If you would like to know more please contact me 805.640.1525 or visit my website. http://www.simplebrilliance.hubhub.org

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Thanks to all the volunteers who gathered signatures in Ojai, Ventura and rest of California, our Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified an anti-cruelty ballot initiative for the statewide general election to be held November 4, 2008.

This statewide initiative was the effort of Californians for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal protection organizations, veterinarians, environmentalists, food safety organizations and concerned citizens. According to Californians for Humane Farms, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act will provide the most basic protection to nearly 20 million animals confined in industrial factory farms in California: that they be able to turn around and extend their limbs.

Continue reading "Announcement from Rosie and Tillie: Anti-Cruelty Measure Certified for California’s November Ballot" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

This week, an Ojai resident agreed to donate up to $50,000 in matching funds for a permanent, in-ground skate park in Ojai. This means Skate Ojai is only $72,000 from their goal of $350,000. The donations must be collected by June 30 to FINALLY make the permanent skate park a reality.

Skate Ojai has already raised $228K of the $350,000 needed to build the skate park. The City of Ojai has contributed $100,000 but will withdraw the money if Skate Ojai doesn't reach the goal by June 30.

I'm writing this because I think skating is cool. I always have. I'm not a skater but have enjoyed watching and being around the sport my whole life. I think it's really important that kids in Ojai have a real skate park. Last summer I had the thrill of watching my 7 year-old build his first board, plaster it with stickers, and try it out at the Ojai skate park. He took some lessons from a local teen who's a competitive skater. He had so much fun. We met some really great kids, teens and parents at the skate park. If there had been a skate park in Ojai when I was growing up here, some of my friends might be a little less skilled today with power tools from building those home-grown ramps, but I can assure you we woulda been at the skate park night and day. There's not much to do in Ojai when you're a teenager. At least back then we had the bowling alley and a video arcade in Meiners Oaks. Let's give our youth a place to hang out, be outdoors, get exercise and practice all those cool tricks.

Please, kick in if you can. Even the smallest donation will help.

HOW TO DONATE
Make a tax deductible donation today on their website at www.ojaiskatepark.com
or
Mail checks to: Ojai Community Bank, 402 W. Ojai Ave., 93023
Make checks out to: Skate Ojai

For more information contact Skate Ojai at:
info at ojaiskatepark dot com.

Posted by Leslie Davis at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Enriching The Human Spirit Through Film

Ojai Film Festival seeks volunteers for its' 9th annual edition with dates
November 6 through 9 (previously in October).

Host Sponsor for 2008 Festival is the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Volunteers are
sought in all areas. Please contact the film festival office and find out how
you can get involved as a volunteer NOW.

Call now (805)640-1947 or e-mail:
info@ojaifilmfestival.com

Volunteer applications are also available at the film festival office at
111 West Topa Topa by appointment only.
Please phone ahead (805)640-1947.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Seeks Volunteers -- VIP Tickets Now On Sale" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:19 PM | Permalink | author bio

My “big girl” drink of choice is the Hendrick’s gin martini with two meaty olives. Hendrick’s is heavy on coriander and juniper as is typical of a fine gin, and infusions of cucumber and rose petal give it a unique flavor. I usually have one on a Friday and rarely manage to drink the whole thing. After getting my bill one night after an early dinner at the Village Jester (previous DO column here), I was shocked to find that the charge for my martini was a whopping $14. Nigel explained that it’s a higher price because it’s a double shot. It appeared to be the same size as the other martinis in town, so, inspired by Matt Haag’s penchant for price comparisons, my mission was clear. So here it is, the official Ojai martini price check:

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: The Martini Debate" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition has announced a new community program called ‘Ojai Reads.’ Lester Brown’s book, Plan B 3.0, will be the first in a series of books whose subject matter centers on the environment. This reading event is also sponsored by the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation, the Ojai Library, and Local Hero Books. The reading period began on April 13th and will go through June 10th. There will be a discussion group on June 10th at the Ojai Library.

Continue reading "Ojai Reads" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (30) | author bio

"FOOD, FARM AND ECO-EATING" — an Ojai Valley Green Coalition presentation, will be held today, Thursday at 7--8:30 p.m. at Chaparral High School Auditorium.

This evening the Food and Agriculture Action Committee will give a lively presentation on how every choice we make about buying fresh and nutritious food, grown by our region's farmers, is a choice for the health of our environment -- both for the Ojai Valley and the global community.

Come discover other food resources that exist within the valley through the coalition's Food Security Assessment. Learn more about local food production and about a new Community Supported Agriculture program. Consider the environmental impact of livestock production and learn about Eco-Eating, an environmental option focusing on a plant-based diet.

We look forward to sharing an evening of film & media, gardening programs, books and what the food lovers of our valley are doing to add to our enjoyment of life and our food security through sustainable agriculture.

Chaparral Auditorium Unified School District 414 E. Ojai Ave.
$2 donation appreciated, but all welcome.To learn more about this event and other activities, visit us:
www.OjaiValleyGreenCoalition.org Info: 805.653.8445

"Every time you pick up your fork, you can make a big difference for the environment."
http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/media/PresentationAnnouncement-FA.pdf

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Green Yoga by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D. and Brenda Feuerstein
View image

It's a beautiful Earth Day here in the Ojai Valley. Yet we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that growing numbers of scientists and biologists are proclaiming that our planet is dying. We who are alive today are living in the midst of an unprecedented ecological crisis in which the fate of our entire planet hangs in the balance. Biologists have labeled this tragedy the Sixth Mass Extinction: Every day, an estimated 150 species are becoming extinct -- an entire species comprising tens of thousands and even millions of individual plants, insects and animals.

As others have pointed out, individual action is both a drop in the bucket --- and potentially, collectively, supremely important.

Green Yoga is a blueprint for how the philosophy of yoga, with its reverence for life and recognition of universal consciousness, provides the spiritual wisdom to enable us to respond intelligently in our daily life.

Continue reading "A Yoga In the Ojai Valley Earth Day Review: Green Yoga" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Slow Food Ojai / Ventura hosts Spring Harvest Family Picnic & Ice Cream Social

Children can sample locally grown fruits and veggies and participate in making (and eating!) fresh, homemade ice cream the old-fashioned way with hand-cranked ice cream makers.

Join Slow Food Ojai/Ventura and local families in celebration of Spring in Ojai and our local harvest.

Sunday, May 18
1:00 - 4:00
Soule Park

Families should bring their own lunch and beverage and a blanket to sit on. Slow Food Ojai/Ventura will organize the ice cream making and tasting, harvest tasting, and a few games for the kids.

A donation of $5 per family is requested.
Parking at Soule Park is $4.

For more information email slowfoodojai at sbcglobal dot net.

Posted by Leslie Davis at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ojai Tennis Tournament is one of Ojai's biggest traditions, one that I have covered extensively for these pages (I even interviewed a ball boy). It all begins this Thursday and runs through Sunday, April 24-27. A big part of the tradition is the Tea Tent. Sandy Herman is this year's Tea Tent Chair and has provided the following article for the good readers of the Ojai Post.

Continue reading "Pouring Tradition Continues at 108th Ojai" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

There is life after taxes (even though said taxes are funding the estimated $3 trillion war bill and and annual $54 billion in nuclear weapons, which are all about Death), and in the Valley of Plenty, there's lots of living to be done:

Tomorrow (Friday April 18th, 2008) sees parents socializing about their joys and challenges and Besant Hill School students performing Broadway's 27th longest running musical. The long-fenced Wetlands Project between Nordhoff High and Meiners Oaks is newly restored and open once again to the public, and a rally and fundraising kickoff to Save Ojai Schools (from State budget cuts) will be held on Sunday April 20th at OUSD Headquarters. An ongoing art exhibit titled "A Sense of Place" will feature the paintings of local artist Tegan Hope at Busy Babes hair salon until May 31st, and the Ojai City Council will meet on Tuesday the 22nd at 7:30pm. That same evening, co-founder of afterdowningstreet.org, David Swanson, will be speaking at the Ojai Retreat on strategies for saving our Constitution, Economy and Environment.

Just around the corner, the Ojai Storytelling Festival will open May 1st in Libbey Bowl, and an organizational meeting for Ojai's new locavore group is slated for May 10th (sign up here).

Click on over to the Ojai Post for current discussions of global warming, downed power lines, ending the war, illegal immigration, 9/11, childbirth, and more!

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

Posted by evan austin at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

Received a citizen report that a downed tree brought down a power line a few hundred yards west of Villanova Prep School around Loma. The road is closed, and the neighborhood has been without power for some time. No reports of injuries.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Had a wonderful time out at Ojai Earth Day. Thank you to everyone who worked very hard on this community event at Oak Grove School. As a member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, it was great to talk with so many people willing to make a difference in Ojai Valley. Share your Earth Day experience.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 06:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

(photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith)

On Tuesday afternoon, April 8th, members of "Stop the Trucks" coalition successfully testified before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors at their regular weekly meeting after a presentation by consultant Tom Berg, who had been hired to assess issues and problems at the county's Resource Management Agency which includes the Planning Division.

The Coalition stressed the need for monitoring and enforcement of permit conditions, particularly of gravel mine operations, a fact that was reflected back by four of the Supervisors to County staff at the end of the meeting.
The Planning Division currently is responsible for oversight of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued to the Ozena Mine and Gravel operation.

According to an article in the Ventura County Star by Tony Biasotti on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, Berg's noted that there are there are many ways in which the county could be more "transparent, predictable and accountable."
And, " the system has some problems."

Continue reading ""Stop the Trucks:" Expert cites problems in Ventura County's Resource Mangement Agency & Planning Division " »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:18 PM | Permalink | author bio

Forty years ago, on April 8th, in the small town of Ojai, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy.

It was 1968 and there were no midwives in Ojai, at least none that I knew of. To educate myself I went to Bart’s Books, and found a copy of Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read, one of the fathers of natural childbirth. This book describes the mess obstetrics was making of pregnancy and birth and how fear plays a big part in the pain of labor.

I had never actually seen a baby born, not even on film. But in Holland, where I was born, natural childbirth is the accepted form of delivery. My father had delivered my youngest sister at home and it was natural for me to think I too would simply have my baby at home. I grew up hearing stories about women in Indonesia who gave birth in the rice fields when it was too far to walk home.

Continue reading "Forty Years Ago, in the Small Town of Ojai ..." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) | author bio

This is a notice and reminder that the regularly scheduled Ojai City Council meeting of Tuesday April 8th has been cancelled. The next council meeting will be on Tuesday April 22nd at 7:30pm at City Hall.

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

Posted by evan austin at 12:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Friends Committee on National Legislation, in their most recent newsletter, cites three recent polls that indicate a majority of Americans think that U.S. military spending is too high and should be capped or reduced. And yet Congress is scheduled this month to consider President Bush's demand for an additional $102 Billion for the disaster in Iraq, which is on top of the $562 Billion already given to the occupation since 2003 and on top of the $3 Trillion the war is estimated to cost for veterans' care, weapons replacement, and higher oil prices. It's also on top of the human cost of over 4,000 Americans and over 1,000,000 Iraqis.

Closer to home, the State of California is out nearly $64.5 Billion from this war (while facing a $16 Billion deficit), and Ojai's share is $14.4 Million to date.

What to do?
• Sign the Ojai Peace Coalition's petition to the Ojai City Council, urging their adoption of a resolution calling for withdrawal of troops, contractors, and bases; appropriation of medical, psychological, financial, and educational assistance for veterans; redirection of war funds to neglected domestic needs; providing non-military support for rebuilding Iraq; and transfer of authority to Iraqis with the help of U.N. peacekeepers.

• Attend a presentation and discussion TODAY at 4:30pm about resisting war through taxes and counter-recruitment. Joseph Maizlish of Southern California War Tax Resisters will be presenting along with Norm Bauer of the Ventura County Committee to Stop the War and the War Resister's League. This is taking place at a private home...contact me for exact location.

Continue reading "Approaching Spiritual Doom (Plus What To Do About It!)" »

Posted by evan austin at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

In a news story written by Nao Braverman in Friday's Ojai Valley News, "owners of the Ozena Valley Sand and Gravel Mine and the Virgilio Family Trust filed a lawsuit against Ventura County last week, for allegedly changing the scope of their permitted operations without prior notice, hearing or environmental review, according to the lawsuit. They are also filing charges against the county for restricting the use of State Highway 33, which is allegedly in excess of the authority granted to the county, according to the legal petition."

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Gravel Truck Owners Suing Ventura County" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:47 AM | Permalink | author bio

Up to 54 cents of every dollar you send to Uncle Sam this tax season will go to the United States military in some way, and yet even as militarism is touted as a solution to the world's ills, we live in a time of unprecedented global unrest. The Ojai Peace Coalition invites you to spend an evening discovering the connections - both personal and collective - between the world's violence and our own hard work, and what nonviolent means are available for resistance.

Joseph Maizlish of Southern California War Tax Resisters and Norman Bauer of the Ventura County Committee to Stop the War will co-present about protesting war through tax resistance and counter-recruitment at a private home in Ojai on Saturday, April 5th, 2008.

Contact me for exact location and time.
This event is FREE, with donations accepted.

Posted by evan austin at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I've been here in Ojai for 5 years - and summer is my favorite time of the year. My kids come to visit, and we love walking into town and buying ice cream cones, while enjoying a stroll together through the shops. However, every time we walk by the "Ojai Ice Cream & Fudge company" (the only ice cream cone place in town), I get knocked out by all the artificial aromas coming from the place. I feel sorry for all the visiting adults and kids, as I watch them licking some blue/green bubble-gum concoctions made of artificial colors and flavors.

I actually tried their ice cream once and started sneezing after taking a couple of licks. I'm sensitive to artificial flavor and color. What a drag! It's so disappointing that in such a lovely-organic-home grown natural town like Ojai (where we pride ourselves in good healthy food); we can’t offer a fresh, natural ice cream cone made with natural un-chemicaled (possible even organic) ice cream. You’d think? Why don’t we let a Haagen Das, McConnell’s, Reed’s or even Breyers ice cream open shop? Anything but the artificial mess we have now posing for ice cream. It just ain’t healthy!

I’m sure I’ve probably overstepped my bounds, after all, I’m a new comer in town – but why hasn’t this ever come up before? Don’t we all like fresh healthy ice cream cones in the summer? Anyway, maybe you can help me understand the situation a little better, as I’m sure the owners are probably great people, who serve the community and love kids. I know I'd like them, but how come they don’t know who makes the pink bubble-gum blue green artificial chocolate chip ick-scream cones?

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

The corner of Montgomery Street and Ojai Avenue is ALIVE right now, and it's not just the heavy morning traffic. That collection of corners informally make up what some call a DLS, or Day Laborer Site, and there are at least three different groups there this morning, representing many sides of the immigration issue.

Save Our State and No More Invasion chose that corner in Ojai for an anti-illegal-immigration protest this morning, and their message seems to be heightened border security, more strict laws to deal with people who are currently here illegally, and mass deportation. These two groups are known for working together and for embracing tactics of fear and intimidation, including having used pepper spray on someone in recent months. They also videotape much of their protests and post the videos on YouTube.

One of the group's emails was intercepted, and so a second group present is the "ad-hoc anti-fascist coalition" which i believe is based in Ventura. They are mostly young people, dressed in much black and metal, and equipped with banners, signs, flags, and a bullhorn. This group equates SOS and NMI with fascists, Nazis, and white supremists, and so their call is for these Minutemen to go away.

A third, very small group is comprised of some locals who have a distaste for the negative and violent energies of the previous ones, who desire to stand in solidarity with the day laborers in a spirit of compassion. A fourth group is of course the laborers themselves, who were made aware of the impending protest within the past couple of days both by local activists and police. They are mostly quiet, having receded from the corner and watching in a loose group as the Minutemen and anti-fascists have their yelling match. Ultimately, they are not able to be on the actual corner where it's easiest to be picked up, so in a sense the Minutemen have succeeded for today.

The protests will last at least until noon...if you're going through downtown Ojai, you can't miss it.
Photos coming soon.

Posted by evan austin at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (77) | author bio

Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8-9pm local time.

http://www9.earthhourus.org/

Posted by evan austin at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Richard + Lauren Shuler Donner
and Ray Bradbury

Early Entry Deadline for Filmmakers April 15

(Ojai, CA) Ojai Film Festival has announced it will produce two Lifetime Achievement Awards programs to honor high powered producers, Lauren Shuler Donner and Richard Donner, Friday, Nov. 7 as well as an American icon, Ray Bradbury on Saturday November 8 as part of its ninth annual event set to run November 6 through 9, at the five-diamond resort – the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Chairman of the Festival Board, David Shor enthused, “I am pleased and honored to announce, Ray Bradbury and the Donners' have accepted our invitation to be honored at the Ojai Film Festival with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their amazing bodies of work that have inspired and entertained so many people around the world. All the honorees have one thing in common – they can’t be categorized in any one genre. These are major developments for our festival.”

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL TO HONOR RAY BRADBURY AND RICHARD & LAUREN SHULER DONNER" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:25 PM | Permalink | author bio

What say you, Ojai?

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (66) | author bio

A Yoga in the Ojai Valley DVD Review

EARTHLINGS
Nature Animals Humankind MAKE THE CONNECTION

Watch the movie here: http://freedocumentaries.org/film.php?id=119

Written, produced and directed by Shaun Monson.
Narrated by Academy Award Nominee Joaquin Phoenix.
Music by critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

This is the single most powerful and informative movie about society's treatment of animals! A must-see film for anyone who cares enough to know.
-- Woody Harrelson

The Humane Society calls EARTHLINGS "The definitive documentary film of all times that Americans don't want to see. "

If I had to name one movie that I want everyone to see, including my family, friends and yoga students, it would be EARTHLINGS . Then they would understand why I am so adamant that human beings must speak out on behalf of animals.

Continue reading "EARTHLINGS" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

Wow! What a great conversation about possibilities for the Dahl's Market in Oak View. I'm hearing through the grapevine that the new owners are in conversations with potential new tenants for a new market there, and will happily share any updates I get on what's happening when I hear anything certain. (And of course welcome anyone else who might know with certainty before I do to share concrete news -- I'm not in the "inner sanctum" of grocery conversations locally, just trying to...er....foment!) :-)

But, the interest in all of this leads me to my next question..

Continue reading "Oak View Energy" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Last night, I noticed a "For Lease" sign in front of Dahl's Market in Oak View.

Since Bert Dahl's retirement, the market has changed hands a couple of times. The latest store owners are a very nice family (who also own the Corner Market in Oak View), but to say that this has been gloriously successful store is an overstatement -- it's been more of a large quick mart than anything else.

Oak View could really use a legitimate -- if not inspired -- place to buy groceries. I've had some fantasies about what might happen there, but haven't known who to talk to...anyone in the Ojai Post community interested? Read on...

Continue reading "Any Would-Be Grocers Around?" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

What a week it's been!

Early Monday morning I got a call that two pot-bellied pig sisters, Rosie and Tillie, needed a home. Their rescue-mom had two more homeless pigs coming and there was no more room at the Pig Inn. I agreed to take them on faith, sight unseen.

That afternoon the sisters arrived in style in two large dog crates. Each crate was hoisted from the back of a station wagon on top of a child's wagon, in order to pull them into the backyard. The first one out was Tillie, who is black and looks like my old pig Rosie. ("Old" Rosie left her body three years ago.) Then came "new" Rosie, who is white. "New" Rosie does not resemble old Rosie so naturally, for the first few hours, I got "new" white Rosie and Tillie, the black-Rosie-look-alike, mixed up.

Within minutes of being released, the two sisters began happily rototilling the back yard and eating the delicious young spring grass and other goodies. Pig Heaven! So much space, rich mulch and soft earth!

Normally pigs naturally retire at sunset but these girls were too excited to sleep! I tried turning off all the outside lights and hoped they would go to bed like good little piggies. Around 8 p.m. I tiptoed into the yard to check on them. I could see their lumbering figures in the moonlight, one dark, one white, still digging and rooting. I tried luring them into their igloos with pieces of carrot and apple. Finally, somewhat exasperated, I sprinkled cereal into the back of their huts. When they stepped inside, I quickly tiptoed back into the house, turned off all the lights and went to bed.

Continue reading " Meet Rosie and Tillie, Ojai's First Spokespigs" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

My deepest condolences to the Smith family. - tyler

Harry Watson Smith died at home in Ojai on February 23, 2008 at the age of 22. The cause of death was pneumonia.

He was born September 1, 1985 in Metairie, Louisiana, where he lived until 1996 when his family moved to Ojai. He attended Montessori School of Ojai, Villanova Preparatory School, and graduated from Nordhoff High School in 2003. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served at Fort Pope, North Carolina until December 2006.

Harry was a talented pianist and musician, and also enjoyed water sports and fishing with his family and friends.

An oak tree will be planted in Harry’s memory on the family property at 3pm Friday.

The memorial service will be Saturday 4:00pm, March 1, 2008 at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1290 E. Grand Ave. All are welcome. Reception will follow at the family home.

Harry’s father, local musician Scott Smith, has been dedicating efforts to help remove the scourge of landmines from war-torn countries.

In remembrance of Harry, The Marshall Legacy Institute has named a Belgian Shepherd mine detection dog “Harry”. It will be trained and delivered to the country of Lebanon to safely help save innocent lives and return land to productive use.

The family is asking people who wish to make a gift to consider contributing to the purchase and training of mine detection dog “Harry” through the Marshall Legacy website. Please just note “for MDD Harry” on the check or online comment field.

Harry’s love, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

At my request, the National Priorities Project, which bills itself as "a 501(c)(3) research organization that analyzes and clarifies federal data so that people can understand and influence how their tax dollars are spent", has calculated war cost data specifically for the City of Ojai (previously the closest data available was for Ventura County).

By the numbers:
Taxpayers in Ojai, California will pay $12.6 million for the cost of the Iraq War through 2007. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:

5,170 People with Health Care OR
22,429 Homes with Renewable Electricity OR
234 Public Safety Officers OR
188 Music and Arts Teachers OR
1,933 Scholarships for University Students OR
1 New Elementary Schools OR
38 Affordable Housing Units OR
4,695 Children with Health Care OR
1,494 Head Start Places for Children OR
190 Elementary School Teachers OR
168 Port Container Inspectors

Posted by evan austin at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (33) | author bio

(Photo by Troy Harvey/Special to the VC Star)

In this Sunday's edition of the Ventura County Star, we see barracades divert traffic around a section of Maricopa Highway - Route 33 - about 10 miles north of Ojai that has collapsed into the North Fork of Matilija Creek.

Only residents and emergency personnnel are allowed to use northbound lanes. For all other vehicles, the CHP expects a long-term closure of the highway between Lockwood Valley to the north, where most of the gravel mines in dispute are located, and Matilija Road and the Ojai Valley to the south.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Collapse of Route 33" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

On Thursday, February 28th, Reverend Michael Dowd will be sharing ideas from his recent book "Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World", an epic on evolution written in a spiritual context. See for yourself why Nobel Prize winning scientists and religious leaders across the spectrum are praising his bold new book that builds bridges, provides guidance, and restores realistic hope for people of any religion or belief system.

7:00 PM Thursday, February 28th
Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road.
For more info, call 805-640-8815.

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

over-pass-work2.pdf

In today's Ventura County Star:
Saturday, February 23, 2008, from staff reports:

Bridge on Highway 33 Collapses: No One Hurt

A bridge support beam failure caused 130 to 150 feet of embankment along south-bound Highway 33 above Ojai to slide into the North Fork of Matilija Creek on Friday evening, authorities said.

The roadway was empty at the time of the collapse and no one was hurt, California Highway Patrol officials sad.

The bridge, located 10 to 12 miles north of Ojai, reportedly gave way about 6:15 p.m., according to the CHP.

Only southbound lanes were affected, officials said and northbound lanes remained open to residents and emergency personnel.

For all other vehicles, the CHP expects a long-term closure of the highway between Lockwood Valley Road to the north and Matilija Road to the south.

Caltrans crews worked to repair the roadway Friday night, authorities said.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Highway 33 Bridge Collapses!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From a letter sent by the Ojai Valley Democratic Club:

Because of the hard work we have all been doing, Ventura County is about to change from Republican to Democrat. Four years ago we were 16,000 behind. Now the gap is only 473! Help us close the gap and move on to a decisive majority!

To discuss common objectives and strategies in that pursuit, supporters of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Dennis Kucinich, along with members of the Ojai Peace Coalition, MoveOn.org, and the Ojai Green Coalition, are invited to attend a general meeting of the Ojai Valley Democratic Club this Saturday, February 23rd at 10:00am at the Ojai Arts Center, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai.

Posted by evan austin at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin--Handstands for Healthy Bones

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Photo Credit: Ruth Miller

Today a young woman brought her mother to my Gentle Yoga class. She explained that her mom had never taken yoga before and, as I could see from the mom's rounded spine, that she had osteoporosis. The daughter placed her mom's mat by the wall, alongside the rest of the students, who ranged in age from 62 to 84. The young woman explained that she took yoga from various teachers, and that she was here to accompany and observe her mom. She placed her own mat into a far corner of the room where, I realized five minutes into the class, she thought she would be able to do her own practice.

While my experienced students were hanging in Downward Facing Dog Pose in the lower yoga wall ropes,
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I showed the new student (the mom) how to lie down on the floor to relax her back. I put two folded blankets under her head and a ten-pound yoga sandbag across her pelvis. After checking to be sure that her upper and lower body were in line, she rested her lower legs on a chair seat. This is an easy position that passively stretches the back muscles.

It soon became evident that this new older student (the mother of the younger, experienced student), was a quick learner and soon she was practicing Downward Facing Dog Pose with the rest of us. While teaching, I could see the daughter out of the corner of my eye practicing other poses. "You know," I finally said, "This is not going to work. Come over here and take the class with us."

Continue reading "Yoga In the Ojai Valley, Breathe New Life Into Your Bones!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

I've added a couple new links and features to the site. Over in the left column, under About Us, you'll see a little "Flickr badge". This will display any photo from Flickr that is tagged ojaipost. To have your photos appear here, simply upload a photo to a Flickr account and tag the photo ojaipost.

I've also added a new Ojai Photos page, which will be accessible from the link in the right column under Resource Pages titled Submit Your Ojai Photos. That page will randomly display 10 images from Flickr that are tagged ojaipost.

I've started it off with a big batch of photos I have used here on the Post, including the Open Threads. I hope you enjoy and I am looking forward to seeing your photos here on the Post!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Christmas in Ojai from Daly Road Graphics

On February 1, 2008 "Stop the Trucks," filed the following formal complaint against the Ozena Mine with the head of the Ventura County Planning Division, Kim Rodriguez:

Please consider this letter on behalf of Ojai residents, John Broesamle, Howard Smith and the “Stop the Trucks” coalition a formal request to re-open the investigation of possible C.U.P violations on August 14, 2007 in the operation of gravel trucks in conjunction with the Ozena Valley Sand and Gravel Mine.

The Ojai “Stop the Trucks Coalition is comprised of the City of Ojai; Forestwatch; the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce; the Ojai Valley School District; the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors; and many hundreds of private citizens.

In your September 27, 2007 letter to Howard Smith (prepared by Pat Richards) and your January 8, 2008 letter to John Broesamle, the department denies both complaints of early morning and late afternoon CUP truck violations by citing the weigh tickets provided to the Planning Department by Ozena.

After an extensive forensic study of the weigh tickets turned over to the Planning Division by the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, “Stop the Trucks,” now firmly believes that the use of self-prepared weigh tickets, which appear to be the sole tool used by the division to monitor truck traffic, is not valid. It is a method in which the results can seemingly be manipulated at will by the mine operator; and/or the weigh master; the trucking contractor; and/or their designated drivers; and may result in fraud or misrepresentation of the facts. Clearly they fail the test as the evidentiary basis for any claims, pro or con.

Details of our review are in the “Analysis” provided both below and attached separately.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Complaint Against Ozena" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin: Backbends for a Healthy Heart

Continue reading "Yoga in the Ojai Valley - Happy Valentine's Day!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

A new story by Nao Braverman of the Ojai Valley News along with last year's press release from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reveals the heightened threat to our community: "Mine Owners Seek Expanded Routes, Hours; Despite death, bid to expand mine continues."

Some of the highlights from the OVN: "In mid-January, owners of the Ozena Valley Mine applied for modifications to their Conditional Use Permit to mine sand and gravel in Ozena Valley. Included in the application is a request to increase the number of truck trips hauling sand and gravel to and from the plant and expand the hours that their gravel hauling trucks are permitted to travel on Highway 33."

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ozena Mine Seek Expanded Routes & Hours" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

My daughter Monica meets Wilbur...

For a larger view: View image

More images after the jump!

Continue reading "A Visit to an Ojai Pig Sanctuary" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

This year the California Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legal right for gay and lesbian couples to marry. Join millions of like-minded Californians and sign this open letter asking the Governor to tell the court that the current law is unconstitutional and that all loving couples deserve the freedom to marry.

By adding your name, you’re taking a stand and showing that you’re someone who supports the freedom to marry and the honor, dignity and respect that come along with it. Make your voice heard by February 14, in this critical year for LGBT Californians. The time is now.

Happy Freedom To Marry Week, my LGBT friends. I DO support your freedom to marry if you choose to.

Today's Season for Nonviolence mantra:
Feb 11: Today, I will look beyond stereotypes and prejudices.

Posted by evan austin at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

I think these two items are worth passing on, from the City of Ojai's website:

Vehicle and pedestrian-vehicle accidents have captured local news as Ojai counted its fifth since New Year’s Eve on Wednesday evening.

Many accidents involve a single second of inattention or distraction, a moment when one takes for granted, “There is nothing coming.” We aren’t really looking to see what we might. We are trying to verify what we already know: the coast is clear.

The Ojai Police wants to remind everyone who drives to be careful, give your full attention to the job, and expect the unexpected. The safest driver is one who gives a little more room, slows down a bit, and looks both directions—really looks.

Please drive attentively and give yourself plenty of time for your travels. To cross the street use crosswalks or intersections. Be alert. Be alive tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The popular sculpture Early Bird Shopper (appears just above this message in the City's website banner, top right corner) was stolen from its perch in the Arcade Plaza. If you have any knowledge about the disappearance of this lovely piece by Sylvia Raz, please contact the Ojai Police at 646-1414.

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

Posted by evan austin at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I walked into Rainbow Bridge, the local health food Store and Deli and was happily greeted by college age Lindsey, Heather & Kristen at the registers, “How ya doing Dvorah?” chirps Lindsey, “I sold one of your books today.” “You want some sample chocolates?” asks Kirsten.

I’m always happy to see them, and feel at home the second I walk in. These beautiful young people who serve so open-heartedly, represent great hope and pride for this New Generation, that’s been so bombarded with sex/porn, drugs and Rockn'Rap.
I walk into the Deli for a bite to eat, and Christian (18-years-old) comes up to greet me behind the counter “Hey Dvorahji!” What can I get you? How’s Lilly?” I make a funny face. (He knows how much I love Lilly). I order a little of everything, and a ginger/coconut smoothie. Danny (a local college student) makes it and doesn’t even wince at my detailed instructions.

I watch Christian’s older brother Oscar help a difficult customer with good humor and a beautiful smile. I feel so proud of them. I notice the two twins Tony and Miguel cleaning the food area, getting ready to make sandwiches. I tease them about liking one more than the other – because he’s better looking. We laugh about it again. I take my meal outside and sit with Lilly. I see Monika & Byonca cleaning the tables, and when they see me they wave their rags. I wave my fork. I watch as Louis drags out a huge bag of garbage and Sharky sweeps up after him. “Dvorah! Whatchadoin’?” asks Sharky cheerfully. Both my thumbs go up, and I ask him about his love life. He gives me a big grin. I assume that mean good news. I’m happy for him. He’s adorable.

I stop for a minute to pick up some vitamins and see Khanun, Vanessa, and Dianne busy answering endless repetitive questions about upset stomach, indigestion constipation, desperation. They don’t roll their eyes once,