Chris Wilson

chris

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805.208.9254

Hi, I'm Chris Wilson. I've been pleasantly trapped in Ojai since 2001, and as far as I'm concerned that's long enough to truly call this town my home. I was born in the Pacific Northwest where skies are grey and hills are green. I studied journalism at Washington State University, and then rolled to California to practice writing in various forms and enjoy golden hills and blue skies.

Here in Ojai, I found a blend of creative and casual that rings my bell. So I've stayed and become a writer for hire. I do a little PR, some editing and creative non-fiction. I pedal round town on my Schwinn beach cruiser. Longest ride to date: Oxnard airport to Ojai, about 25 miles in 2 hours 45 minutes.

I've reported the news, featured the fantastical and profiled multiple personalities for three California community newspapers: Kern Valley Sun, Half Moon Bay Review and Ojai Valley News. I love small-town life.

I launched the one-sheet Pink Minute paper to amuse my creative self. Watch for it around town from time to time. I've sold scooters, assembled and sold musical instrument lamps, wired an electric car, caught Casitas bass, lent my creative direction to the launch of a bridal magazine, and sold and designed advertising.

I created an Ojai Face design and made an online store with t-shirts, coffee mugs and mouse pads. And I've been screen printing them myself in recent months and have been selling them at the Ojai Village Pharmacy in the Arcade.

Sometimes I wash windows for some of the Valley's finest residents. I find the process meditative and satisfying.

I cherish late night walks in the empty streets of downtown Ojai, a moon-lit sky that drizzles stucco in romance and music that pours from the public house all sweet and bumping. I love Pixie Tangerines, thought-free strolls on Shelf Road, and long drawn-out Pink Moment sunsets.

Posts

New Green Shipping Service in Ojai via Craigslist

by Chris Wilson April 14, 2010

I’ve often thought a bicycle delivery service made good sense for our Valley, and now I’m pleased to see that its happening.
I was sifting through boxes of junk and furniture on Craigslist last night and found this interesting ad.
green shipping – $1 (ojai)
Date: 2010-04-13, 1:52PM PDT
Carbon-free shipping is now available…

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The most meaningful 20 minutes you’ll ever spend with a plastic bag

by Chris Wilson March 23, 2010

A great short film about a plastic bag voiced by Werner Herzog, via Reddit.

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Iran: What’s Next? Journalist Nomi Morris lecture at T150

by Chris Wilson March 19, 2010

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In the next of her “Behind the Headlines” series at Ojai’s Theater 150, journalist Nomi Morris will discuss “Iran: What’s Next.”
Morris will look at the opposition movement that sprang up after last summer’s election as well as the Tehran regime’s continued commitment to develop its nuclear program.

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The Pixie is Sweet, but the Spelling is Bitter.

by Chris Wilson March 10, 2010

Via the Orange County Register
Pixie tangerines offer sweet treat
Ojai Pixie Tangerines
This is a fine little article about our Valley’s treasured specialty citrus crop, with a journalistic oops.

Tony Thacker, his daughter Emily and his granddaughter Celeste Ayala showed off this year’s bumper crop. Tony explained that the 2010 harvest will yield about 20…

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Pace of life in Upper Ojai

by Chris Wilson February 26, 2010

Captured this image recently while walking through the back alley hide-aways of Upper Ojai.
Upper Ojai Cow Guernsey Cattle Raven Hiking Nature
The Guernsey and the Raven: Neverm00000re

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Marijuana in California: Failed Experiment or Role Model for the Nation?

by Chris Wilson February 23, 2010

Journalist Nomi Morris will take a dispassionate look at an issue that continues to polarize communities: the decriminalization of marijuana.
Nomi Morris Theater 150 Ojai Marijuana
This event takes place March 1, 2010, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija, Ojai, California Admission $10, $7 students and seniors.

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Extreme Beach Cruising Ojai Dennison Grade

by Chris Wilson February 22, 2010

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Upper Ojai Market “Stagecoach Station” reopens

by Chris Wilson January 13, 2010

2010-01-12 12.01.04.jpg
Good news for Upper Ojai residents who have been longing to purchase necessary supplies without navigating the Dennison Grade on a daily basis.
After a nearly six month closure the Upper Ojai convenience store has reopened and is now selling beer and wine.
Located at 12679 Ojai Santa Paula Road, Stagecoach Station…

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April Hendrix releases EPK

by Chris Wilson March 11, 2009

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…

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Ojai Day Bed Races are back

by Chris Wilson October 14, 2008

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. –…

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