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

This free music event, hosted and funded by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in LA, looks really interesting.

Mugham, the classical music of Azerbaijan, is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes. The sung poetry sometimes includes tahrir segments, which use a form of throat singing similar to yodelling. The poetry is typically about divine love and is most often linked to Sufi Islam. In contrast to the mugham traditions of Central Asian countries, Azeri mugham is more free-form and less rigid; it is often compared to the improvised field of jazz.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
6.30 – 8.00 p.m.
FREE
Location: Matilija Auditorium
703 El Paseo Rd. Ojai, CA 93023

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Here's a press release I just put together for some great seniors at Besant Hill School (Happy Valley)

HAPPY VALLEY SENIORS LEAVE LEGACY OF MUSIC & ART
For high school seniors graduating this spring from Besant Hill School of Happy Valley, part of the requirements for receiving a diploma is completing a final project.
Three of these students, Dar Naghshineh, Dylan Keenen, and Madeline O’Connor, are organizing a fund-raising event at the Upper Ojai campus that will bring together music, art and food for an afternoon of free entertainment.

Continue reading "Ojai's Alive Arts & Music Festival" »

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

As you may know, Libbey Bowl is aging and in need of repairs or even rebuilding. Following is a survey created by the Ojai Music Festival to give needed input on Libbey Bowl as they help the City of Ojai compile information it needs in rebuilding Libbey Bowl. There is information about the status of the Bowl, vision for moving forward, a request for your input, and an invitation to attend a meeting included in this survey. The survey responses will be compiled after Sunday, May 13th.

Take the Libbey Bowl Survey here.

My fondest Libbey Bowl memory is actually from before we moved here. We were camping in Wheeler Gorge for a couple nights, and came into town to watch a movie being shown in Libbey Bowl. We sat on the benches, looking up through the magnificent oaks, where Mars was at is closest point to the earth and shone through, between the branches of the tree. Magical moments like that make Ojai one of the greatest places in the world.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | 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

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 following is a "link" of an explanation of Why and How the music video "Shut Up and Be Happy" was made (featuring some Ojai Locals). It's a short 3min film of the film maker, Dvorah Adler talking to the judges and voting audience about the film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8pks8v3iiM

To see the original entry & song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qev6xgnvdKY&feature=related

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | 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

(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

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

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

...and only entrant, Raymond Powers, with this delightful entry...

It was Spring, yet I had lost that in my step. In my driveway lay a blue dragonfly, motionless and rigid like the brown earthbound autumn leaves. I picked up the winged one and placed it in my palm. So light, it's weight imperceptible in my hand. It seemed strange to have one born of flight, of air and river life, leave it's remains on an asphalt grave. A metaphor, my life in my hands. Breathing three times, gentle, warm, across the cross that lay so still. Then, a tremble, a tickle, a straight vertical ascension, above the treetops and out of sight. This is where the miraculous meets the mundane, and the future moves beyond our imagination.

Congrats, Raymond. Please stay on the line and our producer will get your info and send you a package.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

I recently attended the Rubicon Theatre Company's latest production, Bus Stop, starring Angela Christian, Jason Chanos and Ojai's own John Bennett Perry, the cowboy troubadour of the Ojai Valley Boys (and Matthew's dad).

From the Web site:
"Bus Stop is the 1950s romantic comedy about a group of travelers tossed together during a Kansas snowstorm. The film, by Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner William Inge, starred Marilyn Monroe and Don Murray. While exuberant and comical on the surface, at its core this play is a tenderhearted tale of love, loneliness and longing, revealing our deep hunger for companionship and understanding. Rubicon’s production stars Broadway and West End actress Angela Christian and regional theatre sensation Jason Chanos, with screen veteran and Ojai resident John Bennett Perry as Virgil. Let the warmth of this great American classic melt your winter blues!”

Continue reading "Rubicon Theatre: Plays and Classes" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The 9th Annual Village of Tales Ojai Storytelling Festival is coming May 1-4, 2008. I'm looking forward to attending this year - I've heard so many fun stories about it, but haven't made my way down to Libbey Bowl yet.

I have a pair of tickets to give away to the March 22nd Bill Harley and Niall de Búrca benefit, with proceeds to go to the Village of Tales Storytelling Festival. Bill Harley is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and winner of a Grammy Award while Niall de Burca is considered one of Ireland’s treasures.

Let's try this for the giveaway. In honor of The Ojai Post's upcoming ten thousandth comment (today or tomorrow), leave a story in this thread, 100 words or less. I'll pick a couple impartial judges and the winner will get the tickets.

Some basic ground rules - the story must be yours. It has to have happened in Ventura County. No plagiarism, embellishment accepted. Points for style, wit, humor and pathos. Contest closes at the end of Monday, March 10.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

I was lucky enough to catch local yoga teacher Amy Arani at the SoCal Musician showcase at the Ventura Theater Friday night. Amy plays piano and was backed by three Ojai musicians (Will Makiling on drums, Chris Foley on guitar, Dave Anter on bass) for most of her set. Amy's rich voice reminded me at times of Natalie Merchant, Cher, Sarah MacLachlan, Siouxie Sioux (remember the Banshees?) with a touch of Tori Amos.

Comparisons aside, her voice is fantastic. Amy will be graduating from UCSB in a couple of weeks and hopefully focusing more on her music. Meantime you can visit her at http://www.myspace.com/amyarani . She's playing this Wednesday at the Experimental Cafe in Oxnard at 9:45pm.

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

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

Happy Belated Valentines Day!! Here's Hoping you
find your Soul Mate, Love Dvorah

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | 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

In honor of Valentine's Day, NPR recently shared their listeners' favorite love songs on their show, "All Songs Considered." There are a lot of interesting picks, some that I had never heard of - not your typical mainstream collection. I can't believe Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" didn't make the list. And the one my husband and I love, The Smith's, "A Light That Never Goes Out," also didn't make the cut. What could be more romantic than these lyrics: "And if a double-decker bus/crashes in to us/to die by your side/is such a heavenly way to die./And if a ten-ton truck/kills the both of us/to die by your side/well, the pleasure, the privilege, is mine?" Romantic, funny and sad all at once.

What's your favorite love song? What are you doing for V-day? Do you have a V-Day wish for anyone?

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

Can A Story Change The World?

In the spring of 2003, three young Americans from California left in search of such a story. What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them. Come, and discover the unseen.

INVISIBLE CHILDREN showing @ 9:30 Friday night (after 27 Dresses) at the Ojai Playhouse/Theatre. Movie is free, but donations are appreciated.

Invisible Children Mission Statement: Invisible Children improves the quality of life for war-affected children by providing access to quality education, enhanced learning environments, and innovative economic opportunities for the community.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin: Supported Legs Up the Wall Pose

During the course of a typical day, most people spend 16 hours with the head above the heart and the legs and pelvic area below the heart. Because of this, one of the first poses I teach students of all ages, is "Legs Up the Wall Pose."

Supported Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani in Sanskrit), known as Yoga’s Great Rejuvenator, is a gentle, inverted pose that can be practiced by almost everyone. It is a safe position that most people can hold long enough so that gravity can return the blood from the extremities to the vital organs.

Inverted Poses:The Elixir of Life

Continue reading "Yoga in the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Jack Johnson lives in Hawai'i with his wife and kids, loves the natural world, and makes a brand of laid back, mostly acoustic rock that's popular in local surf communities like Santa Barbara and Ventura in addition to being highly palatable for nearly all radio-cafe-mall playing. He also has been to Ojai to play Locally Grown 1.

Jack's fourth studio album, Sleep Through The Static, comes with this description:

My friends and I have just finished recording a new album called Sleep Through the Static. At this point in my life I weigh about 190 lbs and my ear hairs are getting longer. I also have a couple of kids. My wife popped them out, but I helped. Some of the songs on this album are about making babies. Some of the songs are about raising them. Some of the songs are about the world that these children will grow up in; a world of war and love, and hate, and time and space. Some of the songs are about saying goodbye to people I love and will miss.

Continue reading "Album Review: Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through The Static"" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Ojai's native daughter, singer/songwriter Rain Perry, will open a ground-breaking show this weekend at Theater 150, guided and supported by her many wonderful friends, including Kim Maxwell, JB White, Deb Norton, Peter Bellwood, and Guy Webster. Her show is about growing up as a "wild child" raised by a hippie dad, and the good and the bad of that. I hope all of Ojai comes out to see it, because it's both funny and thoughtful, in Rain's inimitable style.

For more, plus a taste of one of the songs she will sing, please see a fuller post at my site, a slightly modified version of the cover story in this week's VC Reporter.

For now, here's a picture from Guy. Emotionally speaking, Rain bares all in this show. That's part of what makes it so touching.

Posted by Kit Stolz at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

Deb Norton, Co-Artistic Director of Theater 150, has been working with me and five other playwrights for the past 12 weeks to create six 10-minute plays. We've all submitted our final scripts and they are now in the hands of T150's very talented actors, who will read the plays this weekend. Come on down for the readings on Saturday the 9th at 5pm and Sunday the 10th at 4pm. Purchase tickets for $10 here.

Continue reading "It's This or Jail: 6 Great Plays This Weekend at T150" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:54 AM | Permalink | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin -- Downward Facing Dog Pose

The Downward-Facing Dog Pose, known in Sanskrit as Adho Mukha Svanasana, is named for the way dogs and other animals naturally stretch their bodies several times a day. The shape of the pose resembles a dog stretching, with the arms and hands stretched out like a dog’s forepaws; the shoulders, spine and chest stretching; and the pelvis and tail bone high up in the air, stretching as far back away from the hands as possible.

When dogs stretch, they do so with great enjoyment--with all their heart and soul and a smile on their face!

Stretching daily in Downward-Facing Dog removes a lifetime of stiffness from the body and develops spinal strength and agility.

Continue reading "Yoga In the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin -- the Yoga Splits

For a larger view of this inspiring pose: http://www.suzafrancina.com/media/JHJacobs_060609_055_suza.jpg

This joyous, exhilarating pose is known in yoga as Hanumanasana, the Monkey Pose. When you practice this fabulous stretching pose, it feels--and looks like-- you are taking a giant leap! This powerful stretch, with the arms reaching up toward the heavens represents a "leap in consciousness," a change from one stage of life to the next. The inspiring teacher demonstrating the pose is in her 70's. Hanumanasana is a fun pose to practice at the end of your yoga session, when your body is nice and warmed up from practicing Standing Poses, Downward Facing Dog Pose, Lunges and other Yoga Basics. In the beginning, the pose can be practiced by placing a bolster and folded blankets under the hips and pelvis.

Photo of Betty Eiler by Jim Jacobs.

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Thanks to Peggy LaCerra for sending me this!

"The Best Peace Sign!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85yrIgA4Nk

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

GURU that is. Funny how they appear in the most unexpected forms. My Buddha.

It doesn't matter who your Guru/Buddha is, AWAKENING can happen at any time, regardless of who you are, what you say or what you do. You could be praying or watching tv eating ding-dongs. Contrary to common belief, it doesn't matter how long you've been meditating, chanting, doing yoga, going to church, or doing service. Awakening is always a surprise. A GIFT with no past or present merit or strings attached. A HAPPENING. Two short videos for your entertainment. AWAKENING #1 (the realization) Part #2 (the interviews and breakthrough) - Love, Dvorah

Continue reading "I'LL SHOW YOU MINE - IF YOU SHOW ME YOURS!" »

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Starting this coming Monday, Tree Bernstein will host a regular poetry reading series at The Village Jester Restaurant & Pub on the first Monday of each month. The evening will start with an open mic at 8PM and a featured poet at 8:30. This coming Monday, February 4th, the series will kick off its feature with poet and Ojai Poetry Festival co-founder James P. Lenfestey and his collection of poems inspired by the 1200-year-old Chinese hermit poet Han-shan, including titles such as "Han-shan is the Cure for Warts," and "Thinking of Sex Like the Chinese." This is an evening not to be missed.

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Bob Ballard is doing great things for the homeless. He is bringing them an opportunity to create. And he is doing great things for art lovers. He is bringing them art from an unlikely place: homeless shelters. He is doing all of this because he wants to shift perceptions.

The story of Ballard's nonprofit, Hearts of Fire, is in this week’s VC Reporter. Excerpt:

Hearts of Fire has become a burning passion for Ballard, who admits, “I’m not trying to solve any problems, not find them housing and food. I’m just looking for a way for them to express themselves.”

“We’re just really excited about what’s going to happen next,” he said.

This is only on newsstands until tomorrow, but you can always check it out online (but the newsstand version is better because you will get a better look at the featured artwork).

See the music video that inpired Ballard's work after the jump.

Continue reading "Homeless Art" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Hollywood and fans the world over were shocked last week when Oscar-nominated actor Heath Ledger, gaining fame for challenging roles in films such as Monster's Ball, Brokeback Mountain, and this coming summer's The Dark Knight, was found dead in his apartment with sleeping pills nearby, at the age of 28.

Lauded personally as a "down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving, unselfish individual", his death prompted remarks from such Hollywood heavyweights as Mel Gibson and Ang Lee, both of whom mourned the "tragic loss" of a young life.

On the same day as Ledger's death, 20-year-old Army Sergeant Michael R. Sturdivant of Conway, Arkansas died in Kirkuk, Iraq "of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident during convoy operations". Those who knew him praise his service-oriented attitude, dedication, and volunteerism. His life was marked by a good heart and kind words. Needless to say, Sturdivant's untimely and tragic death received only local attention.

And why is this? Is an actor's life worth more than a soldier's? Is a tuxedo more prized than camouflage? Many will unhesitatingly (although with some disgust) answer "Yes!", and it would seem that the evidence is on your side. i answer "Yes" also, but not because i believe that one life or vocation is worth more than another. i believe that Mr. Ledger's tragedy is so because it was UNEXPECTED. The difference for Mr. Sturdivant is that death is one of the accepted risks of his job. Rarely mentioned or stated explicitly, to be killed is one of the things a soldier - and those who send him or her into battle - can EXPECT. Soldiers are made to die, and war was made to kill them.

Continue reading "Soldiers Are Made To Die" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (23) | author bio

Thanks for the tip from Ojai Post author, Kenley Neufeld:

As part of his West Coast tour, singer/songwriter Joe Reilly will make a stop in Ojai to play at the WE ARE ALL RELATED Concert For The Earth, tonight, Saturday, January 26, 2008, 7:30 pm at EARTHPLAY ECO STORE, Ojai Ave, Ojai, $10 Presale, $12 at the door, 640-6844. His "The Michigan Song," a politcal and humorous look at the politics of water in the Great Lakes, can be heard on Radio Ojai.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

A rainy day book review: Writing Begins with the Breath.

These rainy days are great for writing! I've already gone through four pieces of Rudi's Organic Apple 'n Spice bread (not as good as Farmer and the Cook apple walnut muffins but good enough to fuel the brain) and, in between checking the Ojai Post, am actually getting some work done!

I am a self-taught writer. Almost forty years have flown by, but I still recall the day I triumphantly placed my first newspaper column, thick with white-out, on the desk of Fred Volz, the grand editor of the Ojai Valley News. Through sheer desperation and force of will, in the midst of taking care of my two-year old son Bo, I managed to turn my messy pages into a sparkling published masterpiece --or so it looked to me!

A few weeks ago I found a book sitting on a chair near my front porch. When I saw the title, "Writing Begins with the Breath," for me, a yogi-writer, it was love at first sight! I thought to myself, "Wow! Just what I need!" Destiny dropped this book in my lap just in the nick of time, as I am about to embark on a very personal writing adventure.

Continue reading "Writing in Ojai on a rainy day." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

The rain continues steadily, with a forecast for continued sky-water through Saturday night (AccuWeather) or Monday (Weather Channel). Our local Police and Highway Patrol are reporting no road closures or major accidents, but there are many flooded areas which are mostly marked with cones and/or signs. As always in the rain, simply be cautious and aware, reduce your speed, and increase your stopping distance.

Continue reading "A Downpour of News" »

Posted by evan austin at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Change whatever plans you have for Saturday night and head down to the Village Jester to hear live original music performed by Azure Sol.

A couple of weeks ago, Bill and I ended up at the Jester for a late lunch (mmm, sweet potato fries). While we were there, Azure Sol auditioned for Nigel. The lead singer, Jessica Standley, has a beautiful voice - bluesy and soulful. The band is sort of folksy with contemporary beats blended in. They will be really fun to dance to. I just enjoyed listening, not only because it's so nice to hear original music, but because their music has a contemplative quality, too.

To hear their single, "Imaginary Friend," tune into Radio Ojai. Sounds a bit like Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine."

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Happening in the Valley today and into the weekend: "Bringing Up Baby" at the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center in Oak View begins today (which i can personally vouch for as an excellent parenting/partnering/caregiving experience with real benefit to our community and planet), followed by music, cooking, peace, and theater tomorrow. Saturday sees the 22nd Annual Peddler's Fair, free chiropractic, and tequila tasting. Sunday is all about more eating, more drinking...and supporting Democratic presidential candidate and Ojai visitor Dennis Kucinich.

Continue reading "After the Rain, a Smattering of Headlines" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Esteemed reader Lanny Kaufer sent me a release for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration with this note... "I have a special interest in this year's program. As a veteran of Dr. King's SCOPE project I registered "Negro" voters in rural Virginia in 1965-66. Through my association with King's organization, the SCLC, I met Deric Gilliard who lives in Atlanta and is a former Communications Director of the SCLC. By piecing together sponsors and speaking engagements at local schools, we (the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and I) managed to entice him to come out here for a few days to share his first-hand knowledge of the Movement and many of the activists who embodied it."

The eighth annual Ojai Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration is Monday, January 21, 2008 from 11am-4pm at Libbey Park (fountain plaza) in downtown Ojai. The rain location is the Chaparral Auditorium.

This year’s theme is “Where Do You Stand?” Nearly every school in the Ojai Valley will be participating in this free community-wide program. This youth-led event, presented by the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, will include art, music, and the spoken word in a festive setting with food and activities for every age.

Continue reading "2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Ojai" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I'd like to recommend that you go see the play "The Death of Bessie Smith" by Edward Albee, at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night only in Zalk Theater at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley in Upper Ojai. Admission is free.

Continue reading "Death of Bessie Smith at Zalk" »

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

The annual planning meeting of the Ojai Poetry Festival committee will take place Tuesday, February 5th at 7:00 PM at the Ojai Public Library. The agenda will include themes, poets, format, and committee assignments for the 2009 event. Please RSVP to Jimfest [at] aol [dot] com if you are planning to attend (and, if you forget, just show up anyway). There will also be an informal gathering after the meeting to socialize and fondly remember our late founding committee member, Hope Frazier. Join us in continuing the tradition of one of the premiere literary events on the West coast.

Posted by Robert Peake at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Hope Frazier died Saturday night at her home in Ojai. She was 60. Hope was diagnosed in April with an aggressive form of colon cancer. Even though I live only a few blocks from her house and walk past it regularly, I was not aware that she was struggling for her life.

I have many memories of Hope, who I met at a community gathering held at her house some years ago. I remember how she led me into her very funky art/writing studio where she explained, among other things, that she didn't waste a single piece of paper. Every scrap had some creative recycled use. I remember purchasing a wall hanging made of rice paper with a photograph of Grandmother Oak, taken at sunset the day before the tree was taken down. Underneath the image of Grandmother Oak was a poem called "Grandmother Oaks Last Pink Moment."
(After I first wrote this I learned that Hope's Grandmother Oak's Last Pink Moment monoprint, from a photograph made in Libbey Park, was the signature image of the Ojai Poetry Festival)
http://www.ojaipoetryfestival.org/regional_2007.html#frazier

This morning I felt inspired to visit Hope Frazier's website, a place that reflects Hope's magic and her love of the natural environment and all living things. I discovered so many things about her, that I know will inspire my own Life and creativity in the coming New Year. I hope you too will visit her site, if you have not done so already. www.HopeFrazier.com

This morning friends of Hope received the following e-mail message from her husband, Doug Adrianson, in which he shared some links to her obituaries. He wrote:

"Below are links to what is appearing today in the Miami Herald and Pasadena Star-News. I'm sure the OVN will run something, but not until tomorrow. Please share these with the circle -- they may learn a few things about the old gal that they didn't know!"

http://www.miamiherald.com/511/story/363108.html
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_7850468

http://www.insidesocal.com/publiceye/2007/12/hope_frazier_rip.html

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Not a new one, but still a good one. Click to listen:

Brett Dennen - They Holidays Are Here (And We're Still At War)

(Lyrics after the jump)

Continue reading "The Holidays Are Here (And We're STILL At War)" »

Posted by evan austin at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Two recent articles in the Ojai Valley News and the Los Angeles Times highlight the ongoing problems created by massive numbers of gravel trucks coming through the Ojai Valley.

The first is from the November 21st edition of the OVN by Nao Braverman in which she reports:

"Traffic threat from Santa Barbara County mines remains..."

"...Two new gravel mine expansion applications have Ojai Valley advocates concerned about an increase in truck traffic. Those community members are fighting to protect the quality of local air, noise and safety, particularly because the valley’s tourist-based economy depends on it…"

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Gravel Mines Eye Expansion and a Clear Pattern of Risk Emerges from Smog" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:49 PM | Permalink | author bio

Continue reading "The Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

As you may know, the former mortuary is Theater 150's new home. I'll assume they did some serious saging of the property. Tonight is the gala opening of their new play, Inspecting Carol. Tickets are $50 per person. Performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Check it out and support local theater.

Inspecting Carol
A Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off in this hilarious alternative Christmas offering. A non-profit theater company rehearses A Christmas Carol, having dusted off this cash cow every season for nearly a generation. This year, though, their Dickensian money-maker will be thwarted by a stranger who might have the power to close their coffers for good. Everything goes wrong with their production, and hilarity is piled upon hilarity.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

1. TOMORROW (Saturday the 8th) evening at 8pm in the Ojai Art Center Gallery is the "Spirited Christmas" jazz and blues dance/concert to benefit the Foundation for American Roots Music (FARM) in bringing back the Bowlful of Blues and the Roots-Music-in-the-Schools Program!
Rock in the holiday season with the Jimmy Calire Quartet and special guest April Hendrix!

2. there are just three days left to vote for the Democratic presidential candidate who best shares your values of Peace, Justice, Environment, and Democracy in the Ojai Peace Coalition's poll on our new Action Blog. the poll can be found in the right-side column just below the opening frame. Vote! (then register for real voting just above the poll!)

3. wanna know what the agenda is for the upcoming City Council meeting? it's posted at OjaiNews.com along with a growing archive of past agendas and minutes! know what's on the table before you go!
coming up on December 11: Council chooses our new Mayor!

Posted by evan austin at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Every year I usually put together a CD of my favorite music released that year. This is my best of list for 2007. Listed below are Song - Artist - CD Title. The order is how it will be on the CD for friends and family.

1. Trapeze - Patty Griffin - Children Running Through
2. Time is a Lion - Joe Henry - Civilians
3. Nantes - Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
4. Believe E.S.P. - Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
5. Electric Alice - Grinderman - Grinderman
6. Frozen GTR - Thurston Moore - Trees Outside the Academy
7. Neon Bible - Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
8. Get Innocuous! - LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
9. The Dull Flame of Desire - Bjork - Volta
10. House of Cards - Radiohead - In Rainbows
11. Life Moves On - Steven Jansen - Slope
12. Playground Martyrs (reprise) - Steve Jansen - Slope
13. Anesthetize - Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet
14. Together We're Stranger - No-Man - Together We're Stranger
15. At the End of Time: Broad Chalke - Robert Fripp - At the End of Time

Please share your top 10 (or 80 minutes worth of) songs from 2007.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

FARM presents “SPIRITED CHRISTMAS” CONCERT
featuring JIMMY CALIRE and APRIL HENDRIX
DECEMBER 8, 2007

Foundation of American Roots Music (FARM), the non-profit organization behind Ojai’s famed Bowlful of Blues, will host a fundraising concert in the Ojai Art Center gallery on Saturday, December 8th beginning at 8 p.m. The evening, entitled “Spirited Christmas,” will feature the Jimmy Calire Quartet playing jazz arrangements of Christmas standards from his album of the same name followed by a holiday-themed blues dance with special guest vocalist April Hendrix.

FARM, under the direction of blues impresario Michael Kaufer, hopes to bring back the Bowlful of Blues in the fall of ’08. The group also plans to reinstate its Roots Music-in-the-Schools programs that have reached many Ventura County children over the 20-plus years of the festival’s history. All proceeds from the December 8 event will be applied toward those goals.

Holiday appetizers and an open bar will be available. Admission is $20 per person. Tickets are now on sale at Cardinali Brothers Music, 139 W. El Roblar Dr., Meiners Oaks; Ojai Creates, 606 E. Ojai Ave.; and Ojai House, 304 N. Montgomery St., Ojai. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Businesses are encouraged to reserve blocks of seats early for holiday staff parties by calling FARM’s information line at 646-7230. For more information, go to www.bowlfulofblues.com.

Bowlful of Blues staff and supporters invite the community to bring in the holiday season in a swinging fashion while helping FARM bring back Ojai’s own Bowlful of Blues!

Continue reading "FARM presents "Spirited Christmas", December 8th" »

Posted by evan austin at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Calling all wordies: are you addicted to Scrabble? Catch yourself stroking the watermarks of high-cotton-content paper? Always check the colophon of books you like to see what font was used? Then you might want to check this out: Lettre Sauvage's First Open Studio on Saturday, November 17 from 6-10PM.

This is a letterpress studio in Santa Paula that has produced limited edition prints for such poets as Anne Carson and Stephen Dunn, and offers classes and workshops on the forgotten fine art of letterpress printing. Should be a hoot.

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:58 AM | Permalink | author bio

From the City of Ojai Arts Commi