The Ojai Post

Ojai Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration Project Phase 2
Saturday, February 20 and 27 - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain or shine, Libbey Park Gazebo
Join the Watershed Committee in a native planting and non-native plant removal project, to reestablish a functioning wetland and riparian ecosystem that supports a diversity of fish and wildlife species and to improve the flow of water. How: wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, and bring gloves. Tools will be provided, but if you can bring your own shovel and/or trowel, that would help. Call 805-669-8445 for more info.

Our Seeds: come to the film, stay for the seed swap
Saturday, February 27, 4:30pm, Ojai Theatre
Join the Green Coalition at the theatre for a movie on Seeds, generously sponsored by Nutiva. All are welcome, $10 suggested donation. For more info call 805-669-8445.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Ojai Calendar Project is celebrating the birthday of Mr. February, Buddy Wilds tonight at Made in Ojai from 6 to 9pm. The party will continue at Movino's where Daniel Ash will spin.

Continue reading "Men of Ojai At Made in Ojai" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

At their first meeting of the New Year, the docents of the Ojai Valley Museum and their guests were treated to a talk and tour given by Ellen Hall, President of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. Marian Newman, docent coordinator, gave a brief address and then Hall, a former mayor of Ojai and past director of the Ojai Valley Museum, walked the docents through the newest exhibit, Go Green, Ojai!

Continue reading "Go Green Ojai! Museum Update" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

Back to the matter at hand:

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Young at Heart" »

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

Transition Ojai is now live!

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

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

How Do Transition Towns Begin?

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

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

From the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Museum:

“An Introduction to the Museum,” the fifth children’s event in the series “Take Me to the Museum,” will be held on Saturday, January 9, at the Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W. Ojai Avenue. Two sessions will be available from 10 am to noon and from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Continue reading "OV Museum: Children's Event" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The caption that came with the video below said, "Love is the answer to overcome anything." After watching it, I would add, "Having good parents helps alot!"

This video is a peek into the life of Patrick Henry Hughes, who was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder: arms that could not straighten, legs that would never be able to walk, and most devastating of all, permanent blindness. He had been born with no eyes -- the eyes he has are artificial. It shows him as a baby, and later as a toddler, playing the piano. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

About Patrick Henry Hughes, author of I Am Potential.
www.patrickhenryhughes.com

Continue reading "Inspiration for 2010: "I Am Potential"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

My dog runs ahead
her exuberance, her ecstasy
is contagious

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

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

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

I'm like a decade late to the party, but these guys are totally great.

Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Possess Your Heart"

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

From the fine folk at the OV Museum...

Join historian and author Joseph Ross for a presentation and booksigning at the Ojai Valley Museum, Sunday, Jan. 10 from 1 to 3 pm. Ross’s latest book, Krotona in the Ojai Valley, is a portrait of the prominent theosophists that colored the economic, cultural and spiritual life of the unique Ojai community in the 1920's.

Continue reading "Krotona in the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

from the fine folk at the OV Museum...

What was the original name of the Ojai Playhouse in 1914 when it first opened? How were prisoners in the Ojai jail kept in line without a guard ever being posted? Where can you find the largest collection of fountains in the valley? If questions like this intrigue you and you enjoy history, you may be interested in working with the Ojai Valley Museum docents, a group of volunteers that are the glue holding the daily museum operations together.

Continue reading "Ojai Museum Docent Program " »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I am a latecomer to the world of Wii, my appetite for video games dying with Atari's passing many years ago. For some reason, if the game's champions and villains aren't primitive low-res insects, monsters, or spaceships, they have no appeal to me.

So I was more than a little surprised when a box of Wii showed up at our door several weeks ago. Apparently, a neighbor had hooked my wife on Wii Fit. I set it up and she started Wii-ing like a teenager. It wasn't long before she convinced me to give it a try.

Continue reading "Oui Wii" »

Posted by Todd Miller at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

I'll be in DC, where I'll be lucky if it hits the low '40s. Hope y'all in Ojai come out to support this fun reception... the museum exhibit is quite stunning and a testament to the hundreds of man-hours and woman-hours that have been put in.

Go Green Ojai Reception - Sunday Dec. 13, 4pm
The Green Coalition is putting together a great museum exhibit that will run from December 10 through February 14, 2010. Kick things off by attending the Reception, featuring Casa Barranca organic wine and music by the Foothill String Quartet. The admission cost for the reception will be $25. Reservations on the Green Coalition website or paid at the door.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the fine folks at MOBAA:

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

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

All ages welcome. Free event!

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

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

Continue reading "MEINERS OAKS HOLIDAY STROLL" »

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

Proceeds from the Friday, Dec. 18 7:30pm, performance of “A Christmas Carol,” put on by the Ojai Performing Arts Theater, will benefit the Ojai Education Foundation, which provides support to Ojai public school programs. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.ojaief.org or by calling OEF President Mike Caldwell at 646-8430; OEF board member Carol Holly at 646-7101 or at the Attitude Adjustment Shoppe at the “Y” in Ojai.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

On Saturday evening, the following email was issued:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Fallen Angels,” by photographer Bobbi Bennett will featured in a gallery show with The Men of Ojai 2010 Calendar collection this Thursday, December 3, 6 to 9pm at Casa Barranca Wine Tasting Room, 208 East Ojai Ave. Bennett has exhibited nationally and is widely collected. Her work joins that of Attasalina Dews in the 2010 Men of Ojai Calendar. The image "Fallen Angels" is in the permanent collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art at "50 x72".

Two original (20X24) c-prints and digital prints will be available for purchase at the Thursday evening fund raising event. The Men of Ojai portraits will also be auctioned.

Admission is $30 and includes one Men of Ojai 2010 Calendar, 2 glasses of Casa Barranca wine and edibles from Azu, Feast Bistro and Osteria Monte Grappa. Ticket stubs are redeemable for10% discounts at the three eateries and 20% discounts at Casa Barranca Wine Tasting Room through the holiday season. Proceeds benefit Ojai Calendar Project, an nonprofit organization dedicated to funding the arts in the Ojai Valley. For tickets and information visit www.menofojai.com or call 805-603-0079.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 09:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service,
sponsored by Ventura Interfaith Ministerial Association
Tuesday, November 24, 7pm @ Ventura Center for Spiritual Living, 101 South Laurel Street, Ventura | 805-643-1933
office@venturachurch.com

Join many friends from many faith traditions for music, worship, fellowship, and gratitude! All proceeds will benefit the Ventura Homeless Prevention Fund.

Participating Organizations:
An Lac Mission
Church of the Foothills
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3rd Ward
First United Methodist Church
Project Understanding
The Salvation Army
Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Temple Beth Torah
Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
Ventura Center for Spiritual Living
Ventura Church of Christ
VIMA (Ventura Interfaith Ministerial Association
...and more!

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow...”
Melodie Beattie

Posted by evan austin at 07:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

4. Cover. Label. Refrigerate.

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

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

More information and full event press release follows:

Continue reading "Save Thanksgiving!" »

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

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

On December 5, The Ojai Valley Museum will present an event highlighting the work of internationally known local resident and photo-historian Joseph Sohm.

Continue reading "Museum: An American Dream on the Big Screen" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

From the fine folk at the OV Museum...

Uno: Winners were announced Saturday at the Ojai Valley Museum’s Ojai Celebrates Art II. The crowd that came to see the Ojai-themed work was treated to painted and photographed scenes familiar to Ojai residents.

Dos: Ojai artists and authors Alice and Richard Matzkin will be the featured speakers at a Sunday Gathering at the Ojai Valley Museum on November 22, from 2 – 4 pm. The Matzkins will give a presentation about their recently published book, The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self, followed by a booksigning.

Tres: The Ojai Valley Museum’s Board of Trustees is announcing its search for a museum director. “For the last two years, the Board has managed the museum and is now in a position to seek candidates who have the qualifications and skills to promote and develop the potential of the museum”

Full stories after the jump...

Continue reading "Latest News from the Ojai Valley Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

I did a telephone interview with director and producer Anders Anderson who's film Stolen Lives will screen tonight at 8pm at Ojai Art Center theater. His co-producer Andy Steinman will attend this evenings screening but Mr. Anderson is on holiday with his family, so we did a conference call set up by his publicist Matthew Wolf of Rogers & Cowen:

Continue reading "Stolen Lives Tonight at 8pm" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

The opening night party begins tonight, Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, 905 Country Club Road.

Afterward, Ellsberg, his wife Patricia, along with filmmakers Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, are set to do a question-and-answer session.

For more information on the festival go to:

http://www.ojaifilmfestival.com

The full program can be downloaded by going to the folllowing link:

http://www.ojaifilmfestival.com/files/OVIFF09-Program.pdf

Over the next four days we will be reporting back at this site on what films viewers recommend...

Check back frequently for periodic updates.

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am happy to announce that The Men of Ojai 2010 Calendar has completed production. There will be a reception tonight from 7 to 9pm at Firebird Plaza, 960 E. Ojai Ave. to unveil the gallery prints of the calendar images. 12 18X24 photographs will be auctioned and the calendars will be on sale. Those who supported the calendar project with pre-purchases may pick up your calendars this evening. Calendars are $25. tax included. Calendars go on sale tomorrow, Ojai Day at these locations: Made in Ojai, Ojai House, The Oaks, Kindred Spirit, Busy Babes, Ojai Valley Museum and at our booth on Ojai Ave. during the festivities.

Continue reading "The Men of Ojai 2010 Calendar Gallery Exhibit " »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

"Climb the Pine" by Patrice Robbins

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

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

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

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Osteria Monte Grappa" »

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

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

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

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

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

PR:

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival is proud to announce its line-up of more than 60 films to be screened at the upcoming Festival November 5th through 8th in several venues throughout Ojai and at Ventura’s Brooks Institute. For a complete, downloadable schedule of all films and pass and ticket purchase information, visit www.ojai-venturafilmfestival.com.

Continue reading "Film Festival Announces Lineup" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Memories by Susan Diets, Class of 1967

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from the fine folk at the Museum... video coming soon...

Videography is often an important introduction to major exhibitions at museums. Over a period of time, the Ojai Valley Museum had dreamed of making such an introduction available to its visitors for its exhibits. With an extremely limited budget, this boutique museum could not easily afford to employ professionals to do this very special creative endeavor for the museum.

Continue reading "OV Museum: Seizing The Opportunity" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Plans for a community-wide fund-raising effort to build a new Libbey Bowl will be announced by Ojai community leaders at a 10 a.m. press conference Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the old Bowl in Libbey Park in downtown Ojai.

Continue reading "Save Libbey Bowl Campaign Kick-off " »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

Friday, September 25th

5pm – Ojai Theater

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

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

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

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

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

Always awesome Jane Doe's at the Movino Wine Bar tonight, as part of Brad Buley's Futur Wednesdays...

Here's a taste:

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

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

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

AN AFTERNOON OF LAUGHTER & MUSIC

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

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

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

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

Listen to Kathleen's poignant interview on Radio Ojai.

Continue reading "Fundraiser for Acupuncturist Kathleen MacGregor" »

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

Continue reading "Living Peace in Ojai Photos - Set 2" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Continue reading "Living Peace in Ojai Photos - Set 1" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

Schedule:

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

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

This was not surprising, but sad - pancreatic cancer is a painful disease I've witnessed firsthand. Rest in peace.

Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers' hearts with "Dirty Dancing" and then broke them with "Ghost," died Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Presenters:

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

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

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

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

Continue reading "Morning Meditation Under the Great Oak" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

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

www.ojaistudioartists.org

Dear Members, Collectors and Art Enthusiasts,

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ojai Valley Museum’s second annual juried art show, OJAI CELEBRATES ART, is open to artists 18 years of age and older working in any gallery media. Cash awards will be given for first, second, and third place winners in the amounts of $300, $200 and $100.

Continue reading "OV Museum: Ojai Celebrates Art" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

i receive press releases... sounds like a fun event.

In the mid-1970s The Bothy Band forever changed the face of Irish traditional music. One of the band’s founding members, and one of its driving forces, was uilleann piper Paddy Keenan. The virtuosity and ferocity of his playing led to his being described as “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes”, and his style has continued to mature in the intervening years as he has pursued a solo career. Generally acknowledged as the most accomplished uilleann piper performing today, he is certainly one of the most brilliant musicians of his generation.

Continue reading "PR: In Concert - Paddy Keenan and Fionn O Lochlainn" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Posted by Mike Didj at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Nice article in the VC Star on Ojai resident, legendary photographer and motorcycle museum curator Guy Webster, and his upcoming appearance in the Focus On The Masters program.

This is a guy who had Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in his dad’s living room in the mid-1960s performing “The Sounds of Silence,” operated a toy sailboat with Jagger in his pool and nearly got crushed with David Cassidy during a crowd stampede at a concert.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition presents:

The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?
Saturday August 29, 4:30pm
Ojai Theatre
$10 suggested donation

"This documentary is a definitive look at how the water crisis affects the American Southwest states and its escalating economic toll. From the White House to the House of Representatives, the film's writer, director, and executive producer, Jim Thebaut, interviews key thinkers in an intelligent and informed discussion about the evolving water crisis."

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

a little PR...

The Ojai Big Band under the direction of Dan Willard, will present a free concert on Sunday, September 13 from 3 – 5 p.m., sponsored by the Ojai Presbyterian Church. The Ojai Big Band currently rehearses at the church and plays for dances, weddings and other special events, but “this concert will be more jazz and will allow the band to “stretch out” and play arrangements that they normally do not have a chance to play,” says Dan Willard, director of the band.

Continue reading "The Ojai Big Band" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

It seems that yoga is very big now-a-days. Even Oprah is asking the big question: "What's the meaning of life?". She recently did a 10 week live, on-line seminar with New Age Guru Eckhart Tolle, discussing "the meaning of life". I thought I'd offer my version in this short music video. (you may notice some Ojai residents singing along) -- love Dvorah

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 06:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

The Ojai Calendar Project presents the 2010 Men of Ojai Calendar. Presale of the calendar has begun. To order your calendar now go to: www.menofojai.com. Your purchase will support the costs of production and contribute to the community spirit of the project.

Continue reading "2010 Men Of Ojai Calendar On Sale Now" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from the fine folk at Ojai Valley Museum - congrats on a successful event...

SOLD OUT!

The Ojai Valley Museum announced today that the “Mad About Sergio” reception is sold out. The response has been overwhelming and the museum must consider the comfort of our guests and the physical capacity of the facility. We will not be able to accommodate anyone who comes to the door without a prior official RSVP. Everyone with an official reservation will be admitted.

There will be two Sunday Gatherings with the cartoonist during the run of the exhibit. These will also be well attended so make your reservations early. For questions and information please contact the museum at (805) 640-1390 or see: http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from the fine folk at the OV Museum...

"Ojai Valley Museum docents are even more MAD about Sergio after hearing him explain in detail how the retrospective of his work that is now on exhibit at the museum evolved. Bi-monthly educational docent meetings are held at the museum for participants. For information on becoming a docent call 805-640-1390."

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From the Ojai Valley Museum - article by Denise Picard, photography by Ashley Conde/Brooks Institute. Enjoy!

Anatomy of an Exhibit

What occurs behind the scenes building an exhibit? Obviously there is talent, but in addition there is a lot of work and passion. Take for instance the current Ojai Valley Museum exhibit, “MAD About Sergio.” The seed was planted when Bobbie Boschan, Vice President of the Museum Board of Trustees met Sergio Aragonés two years ago at the former location of Artful Living. He was taking knitting lessons so he could knit a scarf for his wife for Valentine’s Day. The following year, when Boschan saw the cover of the program for the Ojai Film Festival, created by Aragonés, the seed sprouted into the idea of an exhibit.

Continue reading "MAD About Sergio: Anatomy of an Exhibit" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

hot show, see you there - Brad Buley at 9, Jane Doe's at 10. Following is lonelygirl15 of YouTube fame featuring The Jane Doe's "Junkie".

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

One of the reasons why I volunteer for the playwright's conference every year is that I get a chance to connect with old friends and colleagues and get reacquainted with a process I know all too well – the play workshop. It is a process that maybe only interesting to theater geeks and professionals but it is fascinating and I get great pleasure in knowing that some of theater's most gifted minds come here to Ojai to workshop their new creations and prepare them for the Great White Way. Some great minds have assembled for the 12th season of the Ojai Playwright's Conference and last night I made a surprise visit on one of those old friends.

Continue reading "Ojai Playwrights Conference Aug. 11-16" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Free Future Wednesday tomorrow night at Movino Wine Bar - 9pm, Brad Buley followed by The Jane Doe's in a special acoustic "red-eyed soul" performance. Andy and Brad are good friends of mine, but I'm not blowing smoke when I tell you Andy is hands-down one of the best vocalists and songwriters you'll ever see. A fun clip of Brad doing his 'hawk:

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I'm heading to Canada in the morning and was reminded of my old friends Bob & Doug.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

...is underway, with public presentations and live theater starting up on August 11th.

Check out the OPC website.
Read the active OPC blog.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I am presenting a free seminar on Social Media & The Arts, underwritten by The Irvine Foundation and the Ventura County Community Foundation. If you are an artist, musician, in an arts organization or a non-profit, you should get a lot out of this specially-designed seminar. Spread the word!

Thursday, September 10, 2009
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Ventura County Office of Education
5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo CA 93012

We expect it to fill up fast - the room holds around 100 people, has a big screen and wireless access, so bring down a laptop. REGISTER (FREE) HERE.

Continue reading "Free "Social Media & The Arts" Seminar" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "Teaching Yoga in the Ojai Valley " »

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

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

“Mad About Sergio,” a premier retrospective exhibit of the work of world famous Mad Magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragonés opens on August 7 at the Ojai Valley Museum, and will run through October 4, 2009. The retrospective will feature original artwork by the artist as well as inform the viewer about the process of cartooning. The opening reception will be August 22 from 5 to 7 pm.

Continue reading "Mad about Sergio" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 79 minute documentary is a sometimes wacky, sometimes serious look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad scientist and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom. 4:30PM Today at the Ojai Theater.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/

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

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

I just got a text message from my friend Brad Colton, who is joining Astrella tonight on drums. This guy is an unbelievable percussionist.

See you at the free show tonight - its going to be a blast.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Dutch and Henry share some Cheerios....

Oak View neighbor, photojournalist, and author David Labelle will be sharing hints from his great little book, I don't Want to Know All That Technical Stuff: I Just Want to Shoot Pictures.

6 to 9 p.m, Saturday
Topping Room of the E.P. Foster Library
651 E. Main St., Ventura.

David's a great guy, with a 40 year award-wining career in photojournalism and teaching. And he's an Oak View native! If you've got some time tomorrow and you're looking for pointers on what David defines as the TLC of photography: timing, light, and composition, stop by!

Posted by Leigh Melander at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Sally Carless at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Congrats to the Theater 150 crew on a great review from Philip Brandes in the LA Times. Excerpt:

Teeming with vitality and intensity, Kubzansky's in-your-face staging bursts from both ends of the reconfigured 80-seat venue through a central runway flanked by the two audience rows. The solid ensemble performances is heightened by Randall Tico's atmospheric sound design.

Theater 150's impressive first foray into full professional status shows there really are more "Hamlets" on heaven and earth than are dreamt of in even the most jaded philosphy.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Submitted Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

Come on out tomorrow night, Friday, July 24th at the Ojai Women's Club at 441 E. Ojai Avenue. The evening features a DJ, full bar and special live performance by Astrella Celeste. Doors open at 8 p.m. Entrance is free. The event is sponsored by the Ojai Beverage Company and Thirty-Three Productions.

From her bio, "First thrust into the spotlight in early childhood, Astrella released a hit single in Italy at age 8, which impelled the Pope to request a meeting with her. A veteran of acting schools and dance troupes, Astrella also served as co-writer and backup vocalist for her world-renowned father, singer Donovan, and has repeatedly toured with him for the past 15 years."

Listen to "Rain" from Astrella's album Blue Star over at Radio Ojai. Check out more photos, music and more at Astrella's MySpace page. Did I mention the show is FREE?

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

a nice post on Otto Heino by Janna over at Conejo Post. short excerpt below...

I felt like I was a friend of Otto Heino. He was just that kind of person, who, if you met him a few times, you felt like you knew him. He was so greatly talented, but so friendly and natural too. Otto lived and potted in the east end of Ojai, among the towering old oak trees, and near acres of orange orchards. He had a gallery/store called The Pottery, in front of his home and studio, and it was open most afternoons, for anyone interested to wander through, either on the honor system, or with a friend helping out there.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

There are two new shows on Radio Ojai!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hear this is a must see... looks really fun and of great relevance to our community.

Saturday, July 25th at 4:30pm, Ojai Theater will be the local premiere of the film, "Mad City Chickens," a wacky and wonderful documentary about one Wisconsin city's "chicken underground" fighting city hall to make their poultry passion legal. This is a film you don't want to miss, even if you don't eat eggs or have a hankering for feathered friends. You will laugh out loud and even Sci-Fi and Twilight Zone fans will appreciate the style of the film.

One thing's for sure, if you've been on the fence about getting chickens, you'll be convinced to join the growing ranks of home farmers who are committed to a more sustainable food system and to make happy hens a part of your life.

After the film we'll be having a chat with Garm Beall, founder of the website backyardchickens.com about how to get started raising chickens with Q&A at the Village Jester pub next door.

This is a fundraiser ($10) for the Food & Agriculture Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, so that we can plant more vegetable gardens for folks and conduct more culinary events. So please broadcast this to others (Ojai and beyond) who love food and need a good laugh!

Keep it fresh, keep it fun!
Dulanie Ellis-La Barre
Grow Food Party Crew & the Culinary Club

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

Instructor: Suza Francina, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher

Class Description:

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

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

TONIGHT: Ojai resident Canyon Cody went to Spain in 2008 with a Fulbright grant to research immigrant music and record an Arab flamenco hip-hop album. The pre-release concert is tonight, Friday July 10th at Farmer + the Cook. The show is free! Music will start at 7pm. Before the concert at 6pm, Canyon Cody will give a talk about his Fulbright research project about multi-cultural music in Spain. There will be drinks and delicious organic food.

TONIGHT: A Midsummer's Night Jazz featuring Ellen Johnson on vocals, Scott Hiltzik on keyboards, Richard Matzkin on drums and Ryan Rost on bass. No cover show at Il Giardino, 401 E Ojai Ave., 7:00 - 9:30pm, reservations recommended, 805-640-7381.

SATURDAY, JULY 18th: a FREE event - Global Economic Dissolution & Evolution: A Creative Dialogue on Emerging Opportunities. Join the World Business Academy, Progressive Asset Management, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the Ojai Economy Group and Meditation Mount for a provocative evening of dialogue and inquiry exploring the 'green shoots' of economic recovery and opportunities rising from the ashes of the recent global meltdown. Featuring Howard Smith, Rinaldo Brutoco, Stuart Valentine and Roger Collis. REGISTER HERE.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Hamlet is coming to Theater 150!
Previews July 16 and 17: 8PM
July 18: 8PM -Opening Night Gala
Runs July 19-August 8
Thursday-Saturday: 8PM, Sunday 2PM
Tickets $15-$29 Gala-$50
Sundays, as always, 2-for-1

And also there is a set of Hamlet trading cards with an incentive for local merchants to participate. Check out both press releases after the jump...

Continue reading "Theater 150 presents Hamlet" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

Neverland photos courtesy of fine Ojai citizen Randy Graham...

(and this odd little note - "Matt Tyson, 31, of Ojai, Calif" is quoted in an AP article today on the performers appearing at Staples Center for MJ's memorial...)

Continue reading "Neverland Tribute Photos" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

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

Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

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

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

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

Press Release:

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

10th ANNUAL OJAI-VENTURA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

NOV. 5 – 8, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The response to the Men of Ojai Calendar project has been great. So far we have 30 candidates. I still have an additional dozen men to interview, so I've scheduled time at the Ojai Arts Center to meet with potential calendar models. If you or anyone you know is interested in being in the 2010 Men of Ojai calendar, please stop by the Ojai Art Center tomorrow, Wednesday from noon to 3pm. For more info please email me at demitri@pinkminute.com or call 805-603-0079. Thank you.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

HopeDance FiLMs and Pesticide Free Ojai present:

FRESH
Monday, June 29, 6pm
Suggested Donation: $5-$10

The Ojai Retreat • 160 Besant Road • 646-2536 • www.ojairetreat.org
6pm: Potluck (organic popcorn and refreshments provided)
7pm: Film & Discussion

Fresh celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Among several main characters, FRESH features urban farmer and activist, Will Allen, the recipient of MacArthur’s 2008 Genius Award; sustainable farmer and entrepreneur, Joel Salatin, made famous by Michael Pollan’s book, the Omnivore’s Dilemma; and supermarket owner, David Ball, challenging our Wal-Mart dominated economy.

FRESH flyer (PDF)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The following entry from DK is the winner of the Locally Grown contest. It captures the topic with elegant simplicity. Thanks to everyone for participating and reading.

Savor every meal
For the miracle it is
Each and every bite

Congrats, DK, and drop me an email to sort out your tix. For the rest of you, see you there!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Reflections on Ojai Music Festival 2009

I’m so appreciative that the Ojai Music Festival continues to create inspiring and entertaining programs. I always know that I will be witness to world class performances with virtuoso musicians playing works by composers who are dedicated to their craft. This year was no different.

Continue reading "Reflections on Ojai Music Festival 2009" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

I have a pair of reserved tickets to this Saturday's Locally Grown concert for one talented participant.

It's time for a haiku contest! In the comments of this post, give us a haiku on food. Read more about the concert, and get ideas for your haiku by reading the Locally Grown press release I posted last week. You can enter more than once. Winner will be chosen by an as-yet-undetermined number of judges on Thursday, 4pm.

Food For Thought | Event Tickets

(what is a haiku?)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | author bio

Tonight, 6pm, Libbey Park marks the beginning of the 2009 Ojai Music Festival, with a FREE event. Check out the entire program, including tonight's offerings, which begin with a Trimpin sound sculpture in the park, followed by an 8pm performance in Libbey Bowl by a collection of artists including Jeremy Denk and eighth blackbird's Lisa Kaplan and Matthew Duvall.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Two big music weekends in a row here in Ojai - Music Festival this weekend, and Locally Grown next weekend. Press release from the latter...

Locally Grown concert celebrates summer solstice

As the summer outdoor concert season heats up, Locally Grown, a benefit concert in support of Food For Thought, the Ojai Healthy Schools program, will take place under the stars in Ojai’s Libbey Park on Saturday, June 20th from 5 pm to 10 pm. Tickets range from $20 to $30 for lawn seats, $40 to $50 for reserved seats, to $150 for VIP seats (which includes admission to the after-show festivities) and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com. “We’re excited to be celebrating the summer solstice, since a big part of our mission is to reconnect people to the natural cycles of the earth by eating seasonal, locally grown produce, ” according to Marty Fujita, President of Food For Thought.

Continue reading "Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Locally Grown" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Bummer. Lost again." »

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

The Council of Fabulousness will reconvene today to select models for the 2010 Men of Ojai calendar. Auditions will take place this afternoon from 2 to 4pm on the new patio of the Ojai Beverage Company, 655 E. Ojai Ave. Those who are interested should bring a recent photo. The calendar is being produced in partnership with Bret Bradigan, Attasalina Dews and myself. Shooting will take place between June 22 and August 1. The calendar will be unveiled Friday, October 16 at a gallery reception at the Ojai Valley Museum and will go on sale on Ojai Day, Saturday, October 17. Proceeds from the calendar sales will benefit local arts programs. For more information contact project manager Demitri Corbin at 805-603-0079 or email to demitri@pinkminute.com.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

A very special private screening of EARTH benefiting the Ojai Valley Green Coalition:
Tonight - Saturday, June 6 2009 - 9:30 p.m. $6
The Ojai Theatre - 145 E. Ojai Ave.
(805) 646-1011

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

Saturday, June 6th, 5pm till 8pm

Click ahead for more details...

Continue reading "Celebration of Nature and Song" »

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

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currently writing from Ojai Coffee Roasting Co... there are literally twenty five Hollywood types in here sizing up OCRC as a location for some movie. Of course they aren't grabbing a coffee, they are just creating a ridiculous amount of noise, pointing around where some actor is going to walk, and how the camera is going to catch the scene.

Have I mentioned how much I don't miss living in LA?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Elvis Costello with The Police
Medley: "Watching the Detectives, Walking on the Moon, Sunshine of Your Love"
From January, 2009 on Costello's Sundance TV show Spectacle
(h/t Bob Cesca)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

From NPR's All Songs Considered:

Who's the greatest beatboxer in the world? We'll soon find out, when the annual Beatbox Battle World Championship gets underway in Berlin, Germany on May 28. Each year contestants from all over the world flock to the city to lay down some sweet, human-generated beats in hopes of snagging the grand prize. This year's winner will be crowned on May 31.

In the meantime, the BBWC has announced the winner of its wildcard competition. It's Julia Dales, a 17 year-old from Canada.

She's got my vote. (h/t C&L)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image via Wikipedia

CONCEPT REVIEW (CR 09-02) FOR THE REVAMPMENT OF A BOWLING CENTER THAT INCLUDES SITE IMPROVEMENTS, ADDITION OF APPROXIMATELY 475 SQUARE FEET TO THE EXISTING BUILDING, AND CONSTRUCTION OF THREE PATIO AREAS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND A BATTING CAGE for property located at 1202 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, California, Assessor’s Parcel Number 028-0-073-010. The General Plan Land Use designation of the site is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning classification of the site is General Commercial (C-1). Property Owner: Gail Bazzano. Applicant: Stacey Benotto.

Wouldn't it be great to have the bowling center back after all these years?

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

Holy cow, The Breeders rocked. What are you listening to?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

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

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

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

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

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

Flaming Lips and the band White Dwarfs and Stardeath cover Madonna's Borderline. (hat tip C&L)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

Taylor Hicks in Ojai tomorrow? From @DustinBlackburn on Twitter...

Anyone want to be an extra for 3 hours on monday @5:30pm for a taylor hicks video in ojai ca?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Attasalina and the Seraphim Rising are launching their first tour; Wrestling with the Angels at Theater 150. Tickets for Friday, April 24th are $15 and can be purchased at www.theater150.org or in Ojai at Coffee Connection, Cardinali Bros. Music and Studio Sauvageau. Doors open at 8, Show begins at 9pm. Limited Seating. Food & Drink.

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

First, this:

Steve Reich, the 2008 featured composer at the Ojai Music Festival described by New Yorker magazine as “the most original musical thinker of our time,” has won a Pulitzer Prize for Double Sextet, which was commissioned and premiered in 2007 by eighth blackbird, the music director of the 2009 Ojai Music Festival. The 22-minute work can be performed either by a sextet playing against a prerecording of the work or as an ensemble of 12 instrumentalists.

On Sunday, June 14, the closing day of the four-day Ojai Music Festival, eighth blackbird will be joined by six ‘live’ musicians in a performance of Steve Reich’s Double Sextet, to open the Festival’s four-hour Marathon Finale.

And after the jump, a bunch of photos from the 2009 Ojai Music Festival Preview, which was held up at Meditation Mount this weekend. (photo credits: Lynn Malone)

Continue reading "News From The Music Festival" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE JESTER!

This month's film is Running Dry

Continue reading "Movie Night at the Jester Tonight" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

There are a few new shows on Radio Ojai highlighting current events this week and next:

An interview with the band We Govern We, playing tonight at the Whisky.

An interview with Attasalina Dews, who talks about her band, Attasalina and the Seraphim Rising, playing 4/24 at Theater 150.

The latest installment of The Ojai Moment with Lisa and Matt: Matt Spins & Tweets. Lisa talks to Matt about the joys of spinning at Bryant Street Gym, Lisa's Lab chews up Simon and Garfunkel and Matt is tweeting on Twitter. Current events: Ellen Johnson 4/24, Elvis in Ojai 4/25 and The Ojai Tennis Tournament 4/23-26.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

OK, this is outrageous. The description from ThruYou - "What you are about the see is a mix of unrelated YouTube videos/clips edited together to create ThruYou. In other words, what you see is what you hear." More here...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Attasalina and the Seraphim Rising are launching their first tour; Wrestling with the Angels at Theater 150 in Ojai on Friday, April 24th. Newly formed on 2008, Attasalina and the Seraphim Rising have eclectic musical inspirations drawn from the late 70’s and early 80’s art rock movements such as glam, punk, goth and industrial. Influential artists include: David Bowie, Bauhaus, Siouxie and the Banshees and Skinny Puppy. Their debut stage performance features a mix of original songs as well as unique material from some of the underground’s supreme artists. Woven together like a story, their music creates a powerful ambiance from the moment you step into the theater.

Continue reading "Music 150 Debut" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Submitted by Fran Pavelko, vice chairman:

HospitaliTEA is our SpecialTEA - The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis

Tradition Remains at the HospitaliTEA Tent For the 109 th year.
The BeauTEA and PossibiliTEAs for another great year are endless.

TEA –Talk –Tradition and HospitaliTEA go hand in hand, under the
TEA Tent and on the courts. That is “LOVE” at “The Ojai.”
Over 130 gracious ladies volunteer to serve TEA and cookies, and
welcome players, parents, and the faithful locals to “The Ojai.” The
BeauTEA of “The Ojai” event is enjoying Tennis, TEA and Tradition.

The “TEA Tent” is the nicest tradition of “The Ojai,” comments Ruby Morrison, who has served as president, secretary and board member. Ruby now holds the prestigious title of “Director Emeritus” and adds with pride, “It’s so beautifully done and such a nice surprise to people. Some say – we’re the Wimbledon of the West.” During the course of the tournament, approximately 1,500 cups of TEA will be poured and over 10,000 cookies will be served.

Continue reading "The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Enjoy!

Posted by Sally Carless at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

My friend, John Hankins, sent this over. He is one of the actors in the play. I'm taking advantage of the special this weekend and will attend Saturday night. Hope to see you there!

Ojai ACT
Art Center Theater
A non-profit community ensemble

“Noises Off!” Opens

Leave it to an actor to write a play where the funniest action occurs backstage, but with equal hilarity onstage, coming to the Ojai Art Center Theater stage March 28 through April 25.

It’s “Noises Off!” by Michael Frayn, who spawned this rowdy comedy while standing in the wings watching a farce starring Lynn Redgrave.

“It was funnier from behind than in front and I thought that one day, I must write a farce from behind,” Frayn said.

“Noises Off!” is a play within a play, with the actors putting on a silly comedy entitled “Nothing On” and blowing their lines, entrances and relationships.

Continue reading "“Noises Off!” at Ojai ACT" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

What a great deal for locals. Get lawn tix for the Ojai Music Festival for only 10 bucks each. Enter promo code Ojai10 at ojaifestival.org by April 24th. lawn coupon (PDF)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Jeff Kuyper, Executive Director of Los Padres ForestWatch, joined me on Radio Ojai recently to talk about the Ojai Wild! Annual Benefit on Saturday, April 4. He also talked about his organization and how it keeps our wild lands wild.

Tickets for Ojai Wild! are $75 for adults, $20 for children under 14 years of age, and a table for 8-10 people may be reserved for $600. Tickets are available by calling the Los Padres ForestWatch office at 805-617-4610.

Listen to the interview here.

Learn more about the event after the jump.

Continue reading "Ojai Wild!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

some events housekeeping...

Ojai Yoga Crib - October 23-25
Join Kira Ryder, Alana Mitnick, Uschi Gibson and the community of Lulu Bandha's for the seventh Ojai Yoga Crib and spend a magical weekend in the gorgeous Ojai Valley in Southern California.

Five Day Plein Air Painting Workshop - April 27 - May 1
Learn to interpret the beautiful Ojai countryside in terms of paint, using value and color to create form. The aim of the Plein Air Painting Workshop is to teach you to think, see, and express light and form in your paintings.

Annual Community Passover Seder - Sat, April 11, 5:30pm
Join the Annual Community Passover Seder, conducted by Rabbi Yossi Carron, Jewish Community of the Oaks. Saturday April 11, 2009, 5:30PM at Soule Park Golf Course.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Mark your calendars for summer solstice - Saturday, June 20th, when the 2009 installment of the Locally Grown benefit concert for Food for Thought Ojai returns to Libbey Bowl.

PR: Locally Grown Benefit Concert Returns to Libbey Bowl

“This year’s Locally Grown benefit concert will celebrate the diversity of our community, as well as continue our focus on environmental stewardship” announced Food For Thought president, Marty Fujita, today. “It also takes place on Saturday, June 20th at summer solstice, which is significant to us, since a big part of Food For Thought’s mission is to reconnect people to the natural cycles of the earth by eating seasonal, locally grown produce.” The event will feature an eclectic mix of musical styles including American roots rock, Mexican-American rhythms, Reggae and Afro-Cuban beats.

Continue reading "Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

There are a lot of things happening with the new Ojai Valley Democratic Club. There is a meeting tonight at 7 pm at the Ojai Art Center for anyone interested attending.

Continue reading "It's your Democracy..." »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

from them...

The Ojai Music Festival is currently seeking volunteers to assist at this year’s 63rd Festival slated for June 11 to 14. Volunteer positions include hospitality, production, set up, security, ushering, artist liaisons, and office assistance. This is an exciting and fun way to experience the Ojai Music Festival from within and meet new people. The volunteers make the Festival happen!

Continue reading "Volunteer for the Ojai Music Festival" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Paul Prudence is a computational artist and author of the mesmerizing website: http://dataisnature.com/. In this video, paul uses sound sensitive prototypal systems that seem to evoke a sense of Synaesthesia in the viewer.

Posted by Mike Didj at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

All sorts of announcements have come my way - take a gander through the following...

Roberta Raye at Made in Ojai says: Made In Ojai is restructuring from a consignment shop to an artisans’ collective. The store will close for re-design March 30-April 3rd and re-open on April 4, 2009. Membership is limited. Apply by March 25, 2009 - the store is located at at 323 East Matilija Street, and is open between 11 and 6 weekdays and 11-4 weekends.

Anca Colbert invites you to "Views of Early California: A Golden Light" - images from the 1880s to the 1950s. TONIGHT at The Oaks of Ojai - Friday, March 20th - 5 to 7 PM, spa foods and drinks will be served. There are many gems to discover: rare views of Ojai, Matilija Canyon, The Thacher School, The Oaks when it was called El Roblar Hotel, many more.

Linda Harmon announces that Ojai Day is looking for Artists: the Ojai Day Committee is now accepting submissions of images by visual artists that will be juried for reproduction as the annual Ojai Day Poster. Submit camera ready image of their work, contact information, and current biographical for use in publicity to Linda at lhart412@roadrunner.com, mailed to the Committee c/o Linda Harmon, 412 N. Fulton St., Ojai, or dropped off at the City of Ojai’s Boyd Recreation Center, 510 Park Rd., or contact her at 640-0381.

Lulu Bandha's says: Come gather for a slideshow to hear stories from India and the beginnings of LuckyUschi. There will be tea and snacks and the opportunity to browse in the LuckyUschi boutique. TONIGHT - Friday Night, March 20th, 7:30 to 9:30pm, FREE.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Out of the ashes of the official Ojai Poetry Festival, a group of enthusiastic local volunteers has banded together to bring a new event to Ojai: The Ojai Valley Poetry Fest on June 6th, 2009 at the Ojai Art Center. The event will feature Wanda Coleman, Frank T. Rios, Jackson Wheeler, and Marsha de la O.

The group is also looking for local poets to host and perform half-hour to hour-long segments throughout the day of the festival, and volunteers in all aspects of the event. Admission is free in exchange for volunteering on the day of the event. To apply for the poetry program, send a short proposal--100 words or fewer--along with the number of poets involved to: OjaiPoets@gmail.com by April 1, 2009.

Click here for more details about this exciting new event.

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Michael Shapiro, Chair of Stop the Trucks, sent the following letter regarding Weigh Tickets as a response to an email (below) from Chris Stephens, Director of Resource Managment for the County of Ventura.

Hello Chris -

I've finally read your email regarding how the Coalition might obtain a full year's worth of weigh tickets from the Ozena Ranch Mine facility. Obviously - the "evidence" you've collected is entirely insufficient.

I've turned your email over to our attorney -- for I do not have the legal skills to know how to go from here. Naturally - I view your email not only with great disappointment - but I also see it as one more example of how the Planning Division does not wish to let genuine evidence come to light by conveniently hiding behind a rather poorly collected and insufficient randsom sample of Ozena weight tickets. I'm not that naieve, Chris, to believe that if you and your other colleagues really wished to collect a full year's data that you would certainly be able to do so. The fact that you aren't willing to do that speaks volumes: You fear the TRUTH and simply can't handle the TRUTH.

We'll have to seek another legal remedy to get to the bottom of this. How unfortunate.

Sincerely,

Michael Shapiro
Chair - Stop The Trucks! Coalition

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: The First Casualty of War is the Truth" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

A great event for the kids from the Ojai Music Festival...

Crash, bang, toot! The Ojai Music Festival’s BRAVO! education program will present a first-time Musical Instrument Petting Zoo on March 18, from 3 to 6 pm (update: come when you can between 3 and 6pm), at the Miramonte Elementary School. A free community event, the Petting Zoo is geared to students grades first through third who might be interested in learning more about orchestral instruments.

Continue reading "Free Musical Instrument Petting Zoo" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Ojai-based musician April Hendrix and her band have just released an electronic press kit. The video which features interviews with band and a live performance of her song "The Well" at The Hub, was filmed by SPK and Rob Clement. April is managed by Lanny Kaufer. You can check April's profile on MySpace where you can hear a few other original tunes and see a calendar of her upcoming gigs. Enjoy!

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Today is International Women’s Day, which has been observed since 1911 (just 9 years later, women in the U.S. were given the right to vote). This year’s theme, as designated by the U.N. (individual countries also develop their own themes) is “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”

A great way to honor and recognize women locally is to attend the Ventura County Women’s EXPO, taking place this weekend, March 13-15, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Fifty dynamic guest speakers will present on various topics over the three-day event, including health, relationships, career, finances and motherhood. The topic I am presenting is much less weighty and ambitious – I will be talking about local wines!

Continue reading "Happy International Women's Day! Come to the VC Women's EXPO 3/13-15" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from the Ojai Valley Museum - Denise Picard writes up the reception and awards ceremony...

Sunshine was among the guests last Thursday afternoon, for the reception and awards ceremony of the museum’s latest exhibition, “Awesome Art.” Outside, in the museum’s lovely patio, there were pizzas, fresh fruit, lemonade, and Ojai Valley School provided delicious cookies. But the main attraction was inside, where over 260 students from six valley high schools mingled with their parents, teachers and friends to view the art work of their peers.

Continue reading "Awesome Art at the OV Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I was about to head down the hill to buy a cigar. It’s one of those forbidden pleasures I engage in a couple of times a year. In order to curb my usage, I only buy one at a time. That gives my guilt complex a chance to work on me before I actually lay out the cash. It’s an awful habit. Mouth tastes like the inside of a shoe for two days.

So I said to Sweetie “You know what…I think I’ll shlep down the hill to get a cigar.” She said with a beautiful smile “Go ahead. You’ll enjoy it.” OK, I said, I’ll just check my e-mail. Bad decision.

Continue reading "I'd Rather Smoke a Cigar" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 05:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

WHO: Fishtank Ensemble
WHAT: Live Music, Gypsy, Balkan, Flamenco and Jazz (“cross-pollinated gypsy music”)
WHEN: Thursday March 5 at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30)
WHERE: Ojai Valley Women's Club, 441 E Ojai Ave
HOW MUCH: $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Ticket info www.ojaiconcertseries.com

Catch gypsy/Balkan/jazz/flamenco group Fishtank Ensemble for the first time in Ojai as part of the Ojai Concert Series. The group, known for their wildly eclectic gypsy and Balkan flavored music, consists of one sexy diva and 5 crazy musicians, including a former peripatetic violinist who left his gypsy wagon in Europe after years of musical research and will break every hair on his bow to set the room on fire.

Continue reading "Gypsy/Balkan/Jazz Group "Fishtank Ensemble" in Ojai on Thursday March 5th" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 08:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

VENTURA’S FIRST EVER “YOGATHON” TO SUPPORT KIDS’ ARTS

Today, Saturday, February 28, Yoga Jones and Kids' Arts will host Ventura's first ever “Yogathon” fundraiser at the historical Elks Lodge, 11 S. Ash Street at Main, in Ventura.

Local teachers, including Ojai teachers Suza Francina at 2pm and Kira Ryder at 5pm, and others such as well-known Yogini and Indian dancer, Hemalayaa Behl, (4pm) will hold classes every hour from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The event will finish with an uplifting evening Kirtan, with the Ojai Kirtan Band at 7:00 pm.

A full day pass is $50 at the door or $15 per class, which includes free entry to the evening Ojai Kirtan Band event.

Arrive early to register and bring a mat and blanket.

Besides the yoga classes, the Yogathon features a silent auction, art exhibit, refreshments, massage and healing arts.

The event coordinators hope to raise awareness and funds to support continued free art and yoga classes for disadvantaged youth. One demonstration during the event will include a group of children asked to draw a picture and then participate in yoga, afterwards they will be asked to draw another image to illustrate the immediate difference yoga makes in a child’s perspective.

Continue reading "Ojai Yogis Invited to Ventura's First Ever YOGATHON " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The Ojai Post, February 27, 2006, entry #1:

The Ojai Post is a community blog, featuring Ojai residents from all walks of life writing about the unique Ojai experience. Ojai is a special place, not just for its geography, flora and fauna, small-town architecture and rich native American history - its also because of the people - talented, creative souls who tend to walk to the beat of their own drummer and carve their own path through life. Check in for daily musings, rants, Ojai news and greater goings-on from the place some call Shangri-La.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

You going? From the Mardi Gras folks with a final day heads-up and info on the fundraiser...

Mardi Gras is coming! It's all happening this coming Saturday, February 21, starting at 7:30 at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door. See press release or poster for ticket locations. This year's theme is "Venetian Vibrations: Unmask Your Passion!" Fittingly, artist Robert Lamarche's amazing masks are on sale now at Studio Sauvageau for those who need a stunning, last minute costume.

Live music, costume contest, Rondia's Southern homestyle cooking plus beer, wine, cocktails, fantastic decorations and slideshow! Don't miss the coronation of 2009 Mardi Gras King and Queen Scott and Betsy Smith of Euterpe Farms!

As always, this is a fundraiser and I have a special interest this year because my stepson, Denlow Enlow (my late wife Harmony's son), is the beneficiary of the proceeds. He is coping with the devastating effects and expenses of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Please help us get the word out to the community about this year's 19th annual benefit.
Thanks,
Lanny Kaufer

Continue reading "Mardi Gras Tomorrow Evening" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Right here in our own backyard, we have two great wineries with tasting rooms open to the public: Casa Barranca and Old Creek Ranch (have you been?). Casa Barranca specializes in organic wine, and Old Creek has some wonderful Mediterranean styles. We also have Movino, where Buddy Wilds serves up glasses of intriguing varieties, like Earthquake Zin or Caymus Conundrum, when he’s not up on the stage or coiffing a hair-do or two. And over at the Ojai Beverage Co., Jorge and Joby have daily tastings to tempt any palate, and 1000 bottles to choose from. I’ll be presenting on local wines (there are more than you'd think) at the upcoming Ventura County Women’s Expo and would love to hear your thoughts about wine. What have you tasted lately that’s got you swooning over the grape? And do you have any fun wine quotes (or even song lyrics) to share, like, “In vino veritas (In wine there is truth),” or Dean Martin’s, “You haven't drunk too much wine if you can still lie on the floor without holding on.”

More Dishing Ojai columns here.

Radio Ojai interview with Beth Sutherland, Producer of the Ventura County Women's Expo here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni (6 July1924–14 February2009, better known by the stage name Louie Bellson.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

One of my favorite winter moments in Ojai is when the sun is shining in the west, the dark rain clouds fill the eastern sky, and the light illuminates the tallest trees as they tower above the orchards.

Here's an interesting thing coming up March 5th from the Ojai Concert Series... “Fishtank Ensemble” - a unique eclectic blend of Romanian folk, Gypsy, Balkan, Flamenco, Klezmer and originals.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Golda Meir, (1898-1978) will be portrayed by noted Ojai actor, Catherine Dain, in a 45 minute staged abridged reading of William Gibson's play:

GOLDA'S BALCONY

Directed by Gai Jones and produced by Edie Smith
7 PM Saturday Feb 28, 2009

Jewish Community of the Oaks
530 West El Roblar, Meiners Oaks
Suggested minimum Donation $10
Program will be followed by a Dessert Reception

"Golda’s Balcony" offers the compelling story of Golda Meir’s transformation from a young Russian immigrant in Milwaukee to an activist for a Jewish state in Palestine and then to its leader – Prime Minister of Israel.

Framing her tale with the decisions she was forced to make during the 1973 war, she attempts to answer the question “What is the price for survival?” There were no easy answers for Golda, who sacrificed her relationships with her husband and children for her obligations to her country. Her uneasy conclusion was,

“Peace, there will be peace when the Arabs learn to love their children more than they hate the Jews".

"Perfect!" New York Magazine "Enlightening!" New York Times

"Amazing Personal History!" Variety

"Laughter and Tears!" Akron Beacon Journal "Fascinating !" AP

"Momentous ! Riveting!" The Detroit News

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:13 PM | Permalink | author bio

Posted by evan austin at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

from the Ojai Valley Museum...

“Awesome Art” will be on display for all to enjoy from February 12 through April 5 at the Ojai Valley Museum. The exhibition, showcasing art by Ojai Valley students from Nordhoff High School, Thacher School, Besant Hill School, Ojai Valley School, Villanova Preparatory School and Oak Grove School, has become an annual Ojai Valley Museum tradition.

“Awesome Art” is very popular with students from all schools and all grade levels, as well as their families and teachers. As for the public, they appreciate witnessing the wide range of emerging artistic talent in the Ojai Valley.

Continue reading "Awesome Art at the Ojai Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Oren Lavie - "Her Morning Elegance"

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Not on the Test: Here's a great song by Tom Chapin, who just happens to be coming to town for two shows Friday night.

For more info on the song and the testing issue, visit http://notonthetest.com or Tom Chapin’s personal site. Here’s some info about Chapin and the Friday night concerts being hosted by the Ojai Concert Series:

Tom Chapin has gained widespread critical and popular acclaim for his recordings aimed at 4 to 11 year-olds and their families. He has created a body of songs which are quickly becoming children’s classics. Tom Chapin’s award-winning albums. aimed at both adults and children, span many styles and generations. His musical career began with his brother, the legendary songwriter Harry Chapin, and for more than thirty years, Tom has been entertaining and amusing audiences with life-affirming original songs. Tom’s adult concerts and recordings are sparked by strong, intelligent songwriting and the intricate, melodic guitar work that has become his trademark. The New York Times calls Tom Chapin “one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.”

Children's show at 5:30pm, adult performance at 7:30pm. Go to Ojai Concert Series for ticket info, or call Shane Butler at: 805-665-8852.

Posted by Sally Carless at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Great story from the LA Times... maybe you recognize the painting from the Ojai for Obama campaign headquarters?

Lindberg "was going through the stacks and said, "Hey, did you know this is Barack Obama?' " [Ojai's David] Bush said.

"It's truly one of those yard-sale finds," said Bush, an environmental lawyer.

The painter gave the portrait to Lindberg, who tried to donate it directly to Obama's national campaign, Bush said. But she never got a response to her queries. When Lindberg learned that Ojai was mounting its own campaign push, she stepped forward with the donation. As soon as McCluer saw it, she had to have it, her husband said. McCluer offered $2,000, but the campaign office organizers were unsure whether they should part with it.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

One last reminder for the 7pm event tonite -

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition welcomes Al Gore trained Climate Jedi Gretchen Lewotsky to its Ecology and Community series Wednesday January 28, 2009 • 7:00 pm $5 donation.

Inconvenient Truth slideshow and discussion with Gretchen Lewotsky Currently VP of State & Local Government Affairs and Environmental Operations for the Fox Entertainment Group, in January 2007 Gretchen was chosen by Al Gore's The Climate Project to be one of the 1000 persons selected world-wide to be trained by Al Gore to present his An Inconvenient Truth slideshow.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

More images after the jump!

Continue reading "Images from MLK Day 09" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

U2: Sunday Bloody Sunday
Old Crow Medicine Show: Motel In Memphis
John Baez: We Shall Overcome
NPR Podcast: Martin Luther King Music
NPR: 'A Musical Celebration'

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from the Ojai Music Festival...

Libbey Bowl serves as a historic gathering place for events including the Ojai Music Festival. Over the last few years, the City of Ojai has conducted numerous structural studies only to find that the termite and wood rot damage is so severe that the Libbey Bowl is in critical condition and must undergo a major rebuild.

Please join the City of Ojai, Ojai Music Festival, and the Ojai community at the Commissions Special Joint Meeting to hear about plans for rebuilding the Bowl.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009
7:00 pm
Sarzotti Park (510 Park Road, Ojai)
open to the general public

Agenda items include:
* Overview of Assessment and Needs
* David Bury of Bury Architects unveiling of preliminary site plans

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Libbey Bowl project, please contact
(805) 646-3117 or email info@LibbeyBowl.org.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The 9th annual Ojai Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration is coming on Monday, January 19. Press release follows...

The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is pleased to announce that John R. Hatcher III, President of the Ventura County Chapter of N.A.A.C.P., will be the featured speaker at this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. The 9th annual event, free to the public, will be held in Ojai’s downtown Libbey Park on Monday, January 19, from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Special guest performers include San Diego hip hop musician/poet Gill S.O.T.U. and gospel choir Living Sacrifice from Santa Barbara. Top local youth musicians and singers will represent many of the schools in the area. They will be joined by Ojai-based, internationally known singers Perla Batalla and Julie Christensen. Local youth will provide food, booths, artwork and much more. Many Ojai students are participating in a writing contest based on this year’s theme.

Continue reading "2009 Ojai Martin Luther King Jr. Day" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I'm really enjoying Punch Brothers, which is led by Chris Thile, formerly of Nickel Creek. The album is sort of bluegrass chamber music. It's a fascinating listen. I'm also enjoying the last Nickel Creek album "Why Should The Fire Die?," which I never got around to buying when it came out in 2005. I picked up both albums this weekend on iTunes.

I've also been playing with the Pandora app on my iPhone. You pick an artist you like, and it starts streaming songs you can give a thumbs up or thumbs down to, and as it learns your preferences, it builds out essentially a radio station. I have a few channels set up, including ones based on Old Crow Medicine Show, Moby and Mother Hips. It's very similar to SonicNet's app, which was available in the late '90's, but was killed due to licensing restrictions.

What are you listening to?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Bumped into Lisa and Bill, and then Kira and Eric coming out of Gran Turino - they all said it was classic Clint Eastwood, and a really great film.

Ali-Sun and I decided to go for Milk. What a courageous story about a man who was able to shift reality by inspiring people to sacrifice and contribute to a greater good in order to foster positive societal change.

What are you watching on the big screen or the little one?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Tired of having your windshield smashed by loose rock flying off a double hopper gravel truck?

The Conditional Use Permit for the Ozena mine requires that all gravel trucks be covered but no one that we've spoken to in the Ojai Valley has ever remembered seeing a covered gravel truck... Ever!

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Naked & Topless No More?" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I received the following email from Howard Freiberg regarding the passing of local musician Al Westcott...

Goodbye Old Friend
He was a friend of mine. He was a friend of many. It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Al Westcott last night, January 7, 2009. Al has been a very close friend of mine since 1983. Many of you met him at past Ojai Rock Fest shows. He performed as "Maggie's Pa" as well as helping put on the production of many of these events. Al died while doing what he loved best....playing music. He was performing at a Retirement Home when he passed out and later died of a massive heart attack. Al was the person who got me to come to Ojai almost 6 years ago by helping me land a great job. He was the one who went with me to the doctor when I was first diagnosed with Cancer, and then went on to organize a benefit to help me pay the mound of expenses I was to incur. He was a true friend. Everyone who met Al always liked him. He made people smile. He had a great sense of humor, and was extremely charitable, even down to his dying minute. It was a pleasure knowing you Al, you'll be greatly missed!

Al's Web Site
Al's MySpace Page
Feature on RadioOjai.com

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

If you love to have a good time and you enjoy music, then the Ojai Valley Women's Club in downtown Ojai is the place to be this Saturday evening at 6:00pm. Leslie and I met Joe Reilly a couple years ago and were immediately impressed by his honest music and deep connection with environmental issues, spirituality, and to children. Joe was a huge hit for those who attended his show at the Eco Store. Don't miss this chance to see our friend from Michigan (he has a song or two about that too!) open his West Coast Tour in Ojai.

The show starts at 6:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2009. The suggested donation is $10/adults, $5/children, $25/family, and age 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door. We're happy to have Deina Bleu Santoyo opening the show with a set of her favorite lullabies made popular by Disney and Dreamworks. You can to hear more songs by Joe on MySpace.

Joe Reilly is a born teacher and naturalist. He creates music that is especially accessible to children and addresses issues and joys of our environment. - Great Lakes Bioneers

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Not long after the disappointing news that the 2009 Ojai Poetry Festival has been cancelled, a group of poets and poetry lovers in Ojai, many of them past volunteers and committee members from previous festival seasons, began organizing with the intent to bring poetry to Ojai in a new and different form. I am pleased to pass on this announcement of the first general meeting of the Ojai Valley Poetry Association:

Hello Poets and Festivilians,

We were all shocked and dismayed (although not entirely surprised, considering the current economic climate) to hear that the festival committee had to cancel the intended program for the 2009 Ojai Poetry Festival.

Nevertheless, a few of us optimistic souls met at the library and vowed to continue the good work of Festival co-founders Jim Lenfestey, Linda Silver, and Gael Belden--albeit in a new incarnation. To that end, John Kertis formed the Ojai Valley Poetry Association (OVPA), an unincorporated, non-profit entity under the auspices of the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation, to oversee potential fundraising and organization of this year's festival. The current five-member board consists of myself, John Kertis, Liz Grumette, Dave Ray and Phil Taggart.

We're sending out a call to old and new friends of poetry to meet on Wednesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. at the Ojai Library to discuss the new agenda, new line-up possibilities and fund-raising potential. Volunteers are needed to design and manage all aspects of the Festival. All are welcome to the conversation.

Please pass the word.

Your Poetry Pal,
Tree Bernstein

Posted by Robert Peake at 09:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

press release from the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Museum

The Ojai Valley Museum will present two Sunday talks to accompany its current exhibit, “Sing Me A Story, Dance Me Home.”

Continue reading "Sunday Talks at the Ojai Valley Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Raymond Powers at 02:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

'Tis the season and if you've still got a few gifts to cross off your list, head on over to the OBC to grab a bottle of bubbly. Grab another to ring in the new year, too! I recently sipped champagne and chatted with Jobe Yoby and Jorge Alem of the Ojai Beverage Company. Over a glass of bubbly, they talked with me about the difference between champagne and sparkling wine, how to open it, the glassware, the different styles, and how it's made. Listen here.

Happy Festivus (for the rest of us)! December 23 is the official un-holiday! But the beauty of Festivus is you can celebrate it whenever you want. More on the history and traditions of Festivus after the jump...

Continue reading "Festivus and Champagne!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

In a case titled "Elizabeth Ann Vergilio Vs. County of Ventura," the owners of the Ozena gravel mine challenged the County's right to impose hours of operation and transit through the Ojai Valley.

Judge Reiser ruled against Virgilio and Ozena. Even though Stop the Trucks was not a direct participant in this case, it is a huge victory for the Coalition. Much of the County's brief was based on our research and complaints.

The "Stop the Trucks" Coalition has not only been supporting the County's contention that the rules must hold, we've also insisted that the County also actually enforce those rules.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ozena Loses Court Case on Trucking Hours" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Posted by Raymond Powers at 01:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

an update on the Sing Me a Story, Dance Me Home exhibit and other news from the Ojai Valley Museum...

Ann Scanlin, President of the Ojai Valley Museum Board of Trustees, met with valley teachers and museum docents to discuss the latest exhibit at the museum. She gave them interpretive materials that they can use to prepare their students for this exhibit and the enrichment programs that the museum will provide to enlighten students about the culture of Native California. The exhibit is a beautiful collection of art, sculpture, basketry, and poetry created by Native Californians. “I believe this will be a wonderful experience for my students and the community,” noted Ron Schindel, sixth grade teacher at Oak Grove School.

Continue reading "Latest from the OV Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Please join Ingrid Boulting, William Aura and myself for a special Free public screening of PLAYING FOR CHANGE, holiday handmade Tibetan jewelry boutique and brief presentation "Destination: Himalaya" by William Aura, producer/founder of Aura Imports, a humanitarian project that supports education for Tibetan refugees. William produced and recorded the segments of PLAYING FOR CHANGE that were filmed in India with the Tibetan and Indian musicians.

Playing for Change - Free Public Screening
(donations accepted)
http://www.playingforchange.com
Thursday Dec. 18, 7pm
Sacred Space Studio
410 Bryant Street Circle Ste. A
Ojai,CA 93023

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Today is the last day of Chalica, a seven-day celebration of the principles that underlie the Unitarian Universalist movement, beginning on the first Monday in December. Like all holy-days, it was conceived by a person to meet a need; in this case is was a woman named Daylene Marshall from British Columbia, who a few years ago decided that a winter holiday to honor the UU principles would be a community-building and unifying thing. Chalica continues to grow grassroots-style, with people discovering and creating it every year. The general practice is to light a chalice (or candle) in one's home each day in honor of one principle, and to give gifts or take actions that further it. Part of its beauty for me is that, just as one needn't be a Christian to celebrate Christmas, you don't have to identify as a Unitarian Universalist to appreciate and celebrate these ideals! The seven principles are:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

**Read on for an exclusive Radio Ojai interview and hilarious video!**

Continue reading "Happy Chalica!" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music. Local musician and producer, William Aura, produced the part of this movie that was filmed in India. He recorded some Tibetan musicians and played bass on one of the songs. We hope to have a screening of the film soon here in Ojai.

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.

Sign up at Playing For Change for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:35 PM | Permalink | author bio

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a hike with Ojai Valley Land Conservancy preserve manager, Rick Bisaccia, and 20 other trekkers. He took us up to the 80-acre Ilvento Preserve, the first property the OVLC acquired in 1997. I last went on this 2-mile hike with the OVLC in the spring of 2006 to write a story for the Sierra Club’s local paper, and although the wildflower sightings were abundant, so, too, were the ticks. This time, the dry weather kept the ticks away, but Rick took the time to give his now famous Tick Talk, which served to give us all the willies. About a mile into the hike are some of the most spectacular views in the valley. I snapped this photo of Rick with my cell phone at the preserve’s highest point, 2024 feet, offering views of Lake Casitas and, on clear days, the Pacific. The Ilvento Preserve is open year-round to the public. For more information on the OVLC, to become a member (it’s cheap!) or to find out about their guided hikes, check-out their Web site for dates, times and reservation information.

More after the jump, including evan on Radio Ojai, and cheap eats in the valley...

Continue reading "Hiking, Chatting and Eating in Ojai" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Two great music options this evening...

April Hendrix with a full band at The Hub, 9pm
featuring Sunny Erickson (guitar), David Gorospe (keyboards), Aron Van Alstine (bass) and Greg Weiser (drums)

Slim Trio at Movino, 9pm
featuring Bruce Kimmell, Adrian Burke and Brad Buley

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I was mesmerized all day by the patterns and rhythms of the pitter patter. Thanks Tyler for the Carpenters tune. Used to watch their TV show when I was more of a kid. Here's some other great videos. Enjoy:

Peter Gabriel - Red Rain

Annie Lennox - Here Comes the Rain Again (Live Duet)

Quite the Opposite of Karen Carpenters Experience
Fred Astaire - Singing in the Rain

Jame's Taylor's - Fire & Rain (first TV appearance)

Credence Clearwater - Have Your Ever Seen the Rain

Bob Dylan - Hard Rain Gonna Fall (concert for Bangledesh)

A Classic Butch Cassidy clip
Burt Bacharach - Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

Posted by Raymond Powers at 01:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

(press release from the Ojai Valley Museum...) For the second time in the past few years the Ojai Valley Museum is hosting an exhibition produced by the California Resources Alliance (CERA). The first one, Votes of the Women, aroused a large interest in the Ojai community in 2001. The second, Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home: Art and Poetry from Native California will also be a “must-see” because of the museum’s access to these engaging, high quality exhibits.

All over the world people have handed down their stories, be they English ballads, Irish whaling tunes, native and Inuit and African-American tribal stories and tunes. All stories have played and important role in our collective oral history. Native California and Chumash traditions, arts, and crafts have done this in the same way for California. Like the state itself, the California Native peoples are remarkably diverse with over 300 languages and distinct geographical centers that shape communities, traditions, ideologies and ceremonies. The works exhibited in Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home are embedded with California forests, rivers, deserts, valleys and mountains. Native California surrounds us everywhere we look.

Continue reading "Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Ojai musicians Smitty West, Shades of Day, Alan Thornhill and Nathan McEuen are among the recently announced nominees selected to compete in the 2nd Annual MAVRIC Awards (that's Music Awards for Ventura Roots and Independent Creations). Radio Ojai musicians making the cut include Delaney Gibson, Champagne Sunday, Shades of Day and Smitty West.

Judging is weighted and online voting will count for 20%, which will start soon at www.mavric-awards.com. Also, look forward to hearing more about MAVRIC week, giving nominees a chance to perform live before the winners are announced in January.

The MAVRIC Awards will take place on Sunday, January 25th at the Thousand Oaks Civic Center. Last year's awards show was absolutely fantastic - sort of like our very own Grammies! For more details, go to www.mavric-awards.com.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from msnbc:

The singer/songwriter sued McCain in August after the Republican candidate for the highest office in the land used his song, “Running on Empty,” in a campaign commercial that targeted Obama’s energy plan. At the time, many didn’t take the legal threat very seriously, but based on two motions filed this week in U.S. District Court in California, the McCain campaign sure does.

The second filing is...an anti-SLAPP motion, which is typically used by defendants as a way to seek monetary damages after a plaintiff has subjected a defendant to a lawsuit meant to chill free speech. So far, McCain is only looking for attorney’s fees and costs, but claiming an artist has interfered with free speech is quite the poke of an eye in show business.

Posted by evan austin at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Jimi Hendrix's drummer Mitch Mitchell dies
BBC

Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer in the seminal 1960s band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been found dead in his US hotel room, authorities say. The 61-year-old was discovered in the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon, in the early hours of Wednesday. A medical examiner told Associated Press news agency the death appeared to be from natural causes but that there would be an autopsy.

The inevitable drum solo after the jump.

Continue reading "So many transitions.." »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

“I thought the first line was vulgar and rude. It made me not want to read any further and not attend the film festival.
Comment #10 Posted by: another anonymous”*

This afternoon as I crossed the street to go into the post office I noticed that the Ojai Theatre marquee still announced the Ojai Film Festival. It's Monday, another work week and our attention moves on to upcoming events. But this year's film festival marks the beginning of a new direction for the festival.
OFF treasurer Bill Monot in opening statements before Saturday night's gala event noted that the festival happened during this worsening financial climate. I don't know what the numbers are as far as attendance. There were many screenings that were not very well attended. And others were full, like the gala event at the Ojai Valley Inn on Saturday night.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Wrap Up" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

I had the chance to see Miriam Makeba on Paul Simon's Graceland tour and had already been a fan of so many of her recordings. She passed away yesterday at age 76. Thank you for all you gave and all you endured. Ms Makeba, known as Mama Africa, was born in Johannesburg in 1932 and was a leading symbol in the struggle against apartheid. Complete bio after the jump.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7719417.stm

Continue reading "RIP - Miriam Makeba" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival – Slide Show" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

President-elect Obama's press conference was 30 minutes late getting started, so I hopped on my bike to make the 12:30pm screenings. Seeing how the film maker's party would be there, I decided to stay for all the screenings. I got there just after the doors had closed. I slipped into the back row as a moderator was speaking of Hope Frazier. It took me a minute to figure out she was speaking of the film Hope made about her hometown and how it complimented the main feature, then lights were dimmed and the first film began. PROCRASTINATION is a 4 minute animated short from the UK by student film maker Johnny Kelly.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival – Day 2" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 08:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Photo Slide Show Coming Soon!

“Will someone please shove something up my #$@ AND MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I'M ALIVE AGAIN!!!"

That quote is from a disgruntled guest attending last year's OFF film makers party. I laughed remembering the situation which prompted the remark as I bicycled to the Ojai Valley Inn to pick up my press credential. This year, festival organizers hope to erase the memory of last year's debacle with a strategy to bring the festival's profile up a notch. Leading the way is OFF chairman David Shor. With sponsorship from Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and the first Annual Ojai film Festival Celebrity Golf Classic, along with an expanded program, organizers have a long range vision of attracting a wider regional audience. I ran into David at OFF's makeshift office at the inn's Shangri la Pavilion. He was in a mad dash of finish last minute details before the opening night party that included a silent and live auction, golf tournament award ceremony, and the traditional free outdoor movie screening.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival 2008" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

If you attended the free screening last night at the Inn, I would love to have you on today's show. Contact me and I will fill you in on the details. Participants will also get an official Radio Ojai fridge magnet!

Among the screenings tonight, at 5:30 is Tru Loved, a light-hearted story about the teen daughter of lesbian moms, and at 8:00 is Mulligans - called The Graduate for a new generation - the story of an affair between a father and his son's best friend from college.

More information here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I first heard Yma Sumac when I was a little boy. My mother had her first album. I was captivated by the evocative nature of her voice. She passed away today at the age of 86.

Bio after the jump

Continue reading "RIP- Yma Sumac - Pachamama" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

The Ojai Film Festival asked me to be their official podcaster this year, which led me to an amazing interview with Sergio Aragones, the world's fastest cartoonist and creator of the 2008 Ojai Film Festival poster and program cover. Sergio talked with me about his life as a cartoonist, his 40 years with MAD Magazine, his love of film and what brought him to Ojai 25 years ago. At 71 years old, with a handle bar mustache, long gray pony tail and deep Spanish accent, I found him to be engaging and utterly charming. If I sound a bit giddy, it's because I'm smitten! Listen here (9 minutes, 30 seconds).

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:33 PM | Permalink | author bio

November 6th - 9th

Short films and feature-length… Serious and comic… Documentaries and narratives… From emerging filmmakers and well-known pros.

During this world-class festival, 57 hand-selected, juried films will be screened twice at Ojai venues from Thursday, November 6 through Sunday, November 9.

Here’s just a sample of the films we’ll be showing on the big screens:
*A moving documentary of a family’s struggle that puts a human face on America’s health crisis.
*The latest feature film from master animator Bill Plympton.
*Personal stories and interviews with religious leaders and scientists, portraying forgiveness as the element that unifies humanity.
*What happens when a Native American attorney must re-examine old, abandoned beliefs.
*An exploration of the creative process in the life and work of a master artist, reflecting our deepest impulses to make form out of spirit.
*The Graduate for a new generation – when mom finds out about the affair between dad and their son’s best friend.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival: Just One Week Away!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:18 PM | Permalink | author bio

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

1) Do you now or have you in the past personally supported "Stop the Trucks!"

The City Council has agreed to give financial support to the "Stop the Trucks" organization. There are some legal hurdles that need to be addressed, but I believe we need to find a way to make it happen.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: City Council Candidate, Betsy Clapp, Answers Our Election Year Questions" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:41 PM | Permalink | author bio

Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division

(All pictures are courtesy of Maureen and Dan Smith, Wheeler Hot Springs)

In a August 21, 2006 letter regarding the Ozena Valley Ranch Mining project, the Board of the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council warned Christopher Stephens, then the Director of Planning for the Ventura County Planning Division and now the head of the entire Resource Managment Agency for the County, that "SR-33 has suffered many landslides and slipped roadways in past years. The vibration created by the mine's trucks on SR-33 may be adding significantly to the problem of road slippage, slumps, and slides. No review of vibration as a potential impact on SR-33 has been included in the Draft MND and vibration from trucks may present a significant adverse impact on the environment."

In February of 2008 a portion of Route 33 collapsed into the river. Below are a dozen photographs of the damage done, indicating the collapse was far more significant than originally reported.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: County Planning Officials Failed to Heed Warnings About Potential Road Collapse " »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:31 PM | Permalink | author bio

Local musician and activist Lanny Kaufer and his son Aran recently created an inspiring new music video in support of Barack Obama. Lanny originally recorded his “Time to Believe” Martin Luther King, Jr-inspired song in 2004, when he created his album, "The High Road," with an all-star band and notable background vocals by the late, great June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters.

Then, this year, with original producer Cody LePow at the helm, they brought in Ojai's own James Antunez to replace Lanny's lead vocal with his soul jazz stylings. Aran Kaufer just recently created a video for it and put it up on YouTube in support of Barack Obama's campaign. Echoing the song's refrain, Lanny says that, "Now's the time to believe in the good we can do."

The Kaufer family's first YouTube video, "You Rock, Barack," accessible from this YouTube link under the heading "more from: kaufer2008," has been viewed by over 25,000 people since December. A third Obama video, "Rise," a solo project by Aran, can also be found there.

Posted by Sally Carless at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

FILM FESTIVAL DATES
November 6-7-8-9, 2008
PRESS CONTACT: Maureen McFadden
(805)966-0190/momcfadden@aol.com

Ojai’s Ninth Annual Film Fest
2008 SLATE OF FILMS ANNOUNCED ALONG WITH CELEBRITIES

Ninth Annual Ojai Film Festival spools out its programs November 6 – 9 with 57 independent films, lifetime achievement honor ceremonies, and a seminar to fill in the four-day event. Hosting sponsor and headquarters for the festival is the premiere AAA five-diamond award-winning resort, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Ojai has become a viable path for filmmakers and their work to get noticed. Hollywood producer, Peter Guber said of the Ojai FF at the podium of the Toronto Film Festival last year, “Ojai is the next Telluride!” That festivalis like Ojai, a four-day event focused on films one would not otherwise see in the mainstream but of a very high caliber. Artistic Director, Steve Grumette, who was one of the founders of the festival in 2000 said, “There are so many more films being made since the advent of digital technology, and in the past eight years, the festival has sent over a dozen films on to win the highest honors in the industry, including Academy Award nominations and Oscars.”

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Announces Slate of Films" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:29 PM | Permalink | author bio

Ojai Day was awesome today. Great turnout, a ton of booths, perfect weather - we had a great time. Hope you enjoy the photos. There's a secret toy surprise at the bottom of the box..

Continue reading "Ojai Day 2008 In Pictures" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

"Stop the Trucks" has turned its attention from Diamond Rock to the Ozena Valley Ranch and Gravel mine.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting the council agreed to give financial support to the Stop the Trucks Coalition, after a victory for the citizens’ group in August...

“After this agreement has been worked out, keeping the Diamond Rock Mine’s trucks out of Ojai, it has been pretty clear to me that whatever this group did, they did it successfully,” said Mayor Sue Horgan.

For Nao Braverman's full story go to the Ojai Valley News Blog at:

http://ojaivalleynews.blogspot.com/2008/10/council-to-help-fund-stop-trucks-effort.html

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:59 PM | Permalink | author bio

Alexandra Mooney is this year’s Featured Artist for the Ventura Artwalk. View her work at ArchiTexture Salon, 25 South Ventura Avenue, during Harvest ArtWalk Weekend on October 18-19. Alex uses a digital camera to create images that resemble abstract paintings.

Anca Colbert has a show this month at Gem Quest featuring rare and original Vintage Travel posters. Cool stuff from Europe, South America and Asia.

Click to enlarge the photos

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

OJAI DAY NEWS:THE BED RACES ARE BACK!

This traditional Ojai event offers street fair favorites along with Mandala Painting, Bed Races, and much, much more.

October 2008 - Ojai, CA The spirit and flavor of Ojai is perfectly captured on the third Saturday of October (October 18, 2008) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Two of the interactive favorites are back: the Mandala Creation and the Bed Races.

Continue reading "Ojai Day Bed Races are back" »

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 06:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Here is a tasty morsel from Ojai band, Chronic Stew. You will recognize a few faces from Myridian, now on hiatus. They play a mix of original songs and classic rock covers. Check out their MySpace page and catch them at their upcoming local performances at the Deer Lodge and the Village Jester next month.

By the way, there are 19 other free and downloadable original songs by local musicians on Radio Ojai for you to enjoy!

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Ojai Lions Club hosting a Beer and Wine Garden at Ojai Day 2008

If you love a good Pac 10 rivalry and a cold frosty beer as part of your Saturday activities, then make a point of being at Ojai Day on October 18 in downtown Ojai.
Ojai’s premier cultural event and street fair has taken another step forward this year by providing a beer and wine garden in the Los Caporales parking lot next to Libbey Park. And a big screen TV will be set up in the beer garden for the football game between the Stanford Cardinal and UCLA Bruins beginning at 2 p.m. Note able Nordhoff High School Alum Micah Reed is the center for the Bruins.

Continue reading "Ojai Day 2008 to include a wine and beer garden" »

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

This Tuesday, October 14th, at 7:30 pm the Ojai City Council will meet for its regular session. Part of the agenda will be devoted to discussions on how to co-ordinate efforts to deal with the Ozena Valley Ranch & Gravel Mine's proposed renewal and modification of their C.U.P. with the County of Ventura.

Given the well documented negative impact of these highly disruptive and polluting mining and trucking operations on agriculture, fishing, the economy, our water supply, our environment and the health of our children, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition urges everyone in the Ojai Valley to attend and share your opinions with the City Council.

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:52 AM | Permalink | author bio

(Trucks passes through town on Ojai Ave & Montgomery, photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

In documents recently obtained by the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" through a Ventura County Public Records Request, the Coalition has learned that Ozena wants to alter their existing permit so that trucking through the Ojai Valley will begin as early as 3:00 am and continue as late as 6:00 pm during the week with "No Route Restrictions" at all on Saturdays!

This proposal would more than double trucking from a total of seven hours a day during the week to a new and even more intrusive and disturbing 15 hours a day!

In a recent review of weigh tickets from 2007, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition estimated that Ozena is likely now violating existing permit hours in trips through Ojai by as much as 55%. In a letter to "Stop the Trucks," County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, agreed with the Coalition that violations have been under reported by the Planning Division.

In a further review of emails obtained through that same Records Request, we found that the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, rejected the consultant the County originally selected, URS, because: "...the proposed costs did not appear in line to the anticipated scope of work. Ozena believes that a competitive process will provide a qualified CEQA contractor in a more cost effective manner."

In a separate email Mr. Hecht then went on to propose the names of three other firms:

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Ozena Wants to Expand Hours of Trucking Thru Ojai and Hand Pick the Consultant who will Review their new Proposal!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:22 AM | Permalink | author bio

In a letter to the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" Coalition, Ventura County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, wrote: "After the CEO's office reviewed the July and August 2007 weigh tickets tickets communicated by the RMA" (Resource Management Agency) "a statistically significant sampling of the 649 original tickets was conducted by our office and it was determined that potential northbound violations were omitted from consideration by the Planning Division. If these potential northbound violations had been included , the number of violations would have been materially higher..."

"Stop the Trucks" had previously reported that upwards of 55% of all Ozena related trips through the Ojai Valley were likely in violation of these rules.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: County CEO Finds Ozena Violations Greater Than Reported" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:18 AM | Permalink | author bio

Two great annual art events in Ojai this weekend - be sure to check out the Ojai Studio Artists Tour and the Art "B" Tour.

There are some amazing artists throughout the Valley, including my partner, AliSun Trees, who painted the piece above, exhibiting at Ecologic Life on S. Montgomery Ave.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Hello Ojai!
This is the first in a series of press releases that I'll be posting here about the activities, events and performers you'll be treated to at Ojai Day 2008.
Video of Emy Reynolds performing at Ojai Day 07. She'll be performing on the "Teen Stage" at 1 p.m. this year.
The entire release is posted after the jump.

For more info about Emy see her website or her myspace. And check Ojai Day website for more details on the event.

Continue reading "Emy Reynolds to perform on Ojai Day "Teen Stage"" »

Posted by Chris T. Wilson at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Lisa interviews Dean Adams, Ted Richey and Julie Albright, who join her to discuss this weekend's Book Boogie Woogie at Libbey Bowl. Tune in here.

Hat tip to Kenley Neufeld, who suggested the interview!

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from the Ojai Valley Museum...

First juried art exhibit at the Ojai Valley Museum, October 18 – November 16. This special exhibit showcases art by seventy artists working in a wide variety of media (painting, photography, printmaking, book art, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media), each inspired by an Ojai Valley theme. Reception and award ceremony will be on Ojai Day, October 18th from 3-5 p.m. Admission to the museum will be free that day. 130 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai. (805) 640-1390 for more information.

some cool photos after the jump.

Continue reading "Ojai Celebrates Art" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:31 PM | Permalink | author bio

PR - The Annual General Meeting of Ojai Festivals, Ltd. will be held on Saturday, October 4, at Azu Restaurant in Ojai. A buffet lunch will begin at 12:30 pm with the general meeting commencing at 1 pm.

Continue reading "Ojai Music Festival Annual Meeting" »

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