The Ojai Post

By Ojai author Stephen Mitchell

Take a gentle deep breath, turn on the sound,
and please click here: Psalm 122

I rejoiced when I heard them announce,
“The time of warfare is past.
No more will brother hate brother
or violence have its way.
No more will they drown out God’s silence
and shut their hearts to his song.”

Pray for peace in the cities
and harmony among the races.
May peace come to live on our streets
and justice within our walls.
With all my heart I will pray
that peace comes to live among us.
For the sake of all earth’s people,
I will do my utmost for peace.

(The Psalms, translated by Stephen Mitchell)

I dedicate Psalm 122
to evan Austin and his family,
Tara Blasco and Lyn Hebenstreit, the 2008 Noble Peace Prize honorees,
and the Ojai Peace Coalition.
Look for them in the 2009 Parade, Entry #46!

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Wow. Here's the AP news story lead:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement Friday that she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

Right, she is stepping down to run for the White House, and has nothing to do with mounting legal fees associated with ethics complaints. We'll see.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

The world’s greatest newspaper, the Ventura Star, in it’s quest to provide a balanced point of view, has outdone itself by publishing just about anything. Including letters from unhappy folks who seek a platform to misinform.

Carla Bonney claims to be part of a “diverse, nonpartisan group of people, who share a common commitment to work as hard as we can to stop our government from running wild over our rights and freedoms.”

Carla is the organizer of one of many Tea Party protests scheduled for the Fourth. She and others are opposed to the continuation of the tax and spend policies that have brought us to the brink of insolvency and moral ruination. Evidence of her glowing patriotism and her supporters can be found at her website Patriot Revival.

Included in Carla’s list of objections are socialized medicine, deficits, and the administration running roughshod over the Constitution. Good thing socialized medicine was in the list or I would have thought she was talking about her favorite past president. Ooops. Excuse me. She’s non-partisan.

Continue reading "Tea Parties on the Fourth" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

No, the title of this article is correct.

We had our monthly Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation meeting last night. I’ve been the treasurer since the end of the ice age. Lots of good folks on the OVLFF board. We don’t always agree but we seem to get things done.

The Foundation has been blessed of late with more income than expense. Funds provided by the community let us support the three branches in the Ojai Valley by providing equipment, building improvements, and programs that augment what the County spends.

The Wright Library is located in Ventura and is not in our sphere of influence. Hard times have hit Wright as County tax revenues have fallen. Cuts have been made. Wright has been targeted for closure even though it is an active, busy place. As with any change, those most affected by it have risen to Wright’s defense. The Friends Foundation in Ventura that supports Wright has taken on a herculean task to keep the doors open. The community is up in arms, money raised, ballot propositions written, sales tax increases contemplated, and commitments extracted from elected representatives.

Continue reading "No representation without taxation" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Single Payer – The Way Forward

Monday June 22nd 2009
Ojai Arts Center
113 S Montgomery, Ojai
7pm

Congress will be moving forward with healthcare reform legislation in the coming weeks. The draft bill was scheduled to be released the week of June 15 and has been slowly move through different committees. We want to ensure that real reform really happens. Come and listen to some great speakers, learn more about Single Payer and take action with letter writing.

Speakers:

Al Stroberg, an Ojai resident for 17 years, with a great interest in and personal knowledge of medical care delivery systems.

Dr Rochelle Wilson, an Ojai Valley physician with a B.S is in Nutrition and Food Science from Cal State Long Beach. Medical school was the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and residency was at University of California, Irvine. As a family physician for 25 years I continually deal with the serious dysfunction of a system that challenges, if not impairs, the quality of the doctor-patient relationship.

Dr. Bill Honigman Progressive Democrats of America, California State Coordinator

Garrett Clifford, an Ojai Valley resident with experience in the health care industry

Refreshments will be available. Small donations always welcome

For more information call 640 7340 or visit the Ojai Valley Democrats website

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:38 PM | Permalink | author bio

Sponsored by Heal the Community, a group of local parents and residents impacted by the April gang-related murder of Seth Scarminach, the forum will allow residents to discuss the issue of gangs in our valley with a panel of community leaders and experts.

i was there at the start, but my almost-two-year-old insisted that we leave early. The Matilija auditorium holds 300 people, and there were more folks crowding around every door and sitting outside. Notes were taken and will be available at a later date, and there will be an additional forum in late summer/early fall.

What did you see, hear, or say tonight? Who provided the best solutions? What were they?
And, as MC Brett Bradigan asked, what are YOU willing to do to help?

Posted by evan austin at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

Carin sent me an e-mail this morning asking that I write my state legislators and tell them that we should keep the parks open. The Governator has proposed shutting most of them down to keep California finances from falling into the Pacific.

Now I like trees as much as the next guy. But I have so many requests to contact my legislators that I don’t know where to start. Food for the home-bound, health care for the indigent, school class sizes smaller than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, help for single mothers with a dozen or more kids housed at Motel Six, prison guards who won’t be able to spend their normal two weeks on the French Riviera, and my own local library that may have to burn its books. What’s a guy to do?

Continue reading "Brother, can you spare a dime?" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

The ill-conceived budget and constitutional amendments that went with it have been rejected...now what?

Fear not. All is not lost. Now the fun begins. The state budget, like most state budgets, is in a shambles. Unlike most states, however, here in California we have no good solutions because of the undemocratic 2/3 rules. In an act of deliberate irony I'll quote the godfather of casino capitalism and deregulation, Milton Friedman “Only a crisis produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around." Well, we do have some good ideas lying around right now and I will outline them below, but first we must give our Democratic Assembly members and Senators some much need courage.

Continue reading "Help Repeal 2/3 Rules in California" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

Anti-War Vigil
Military Recruiting Center
4300 E. Main St., Ventura, CA
4:30pm - 5:30pm,
Friday May 22, 2009
(near the mall, south of where 101 freeway and Highway 126 intersect)

Stop Sending our Children to War! Bring a sign to hold!

We will be joined by the Santa Maria Catholic Worker which has led protests at Vandenberg Air Force Base for years. Sponsored by the Oak View Catholic Worker

Posted by evan austin at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Confused about the May 19th Special Election?

Recommendations from the Ojai Valley Democrats:
___________________
1A - NO
1B - YES
1C - NO
1D - NO
1E - NO
1F - YES
___________________
As some of you are aware, there's an election coming up. May 19th you will be asked to vote on Propositions 1A, B, C, D, E & F. This is a special election called because the legislature needs your vote to change the Constitution of the State of California. This is a direct result of the budget the legislature passed in February to deal with a $42 billion deficit. Since the budget was fashioned back in January - February, the deficit has grown, some say higher than $50 billion, so this budget doesn't even actually solve the whole budget shortfall to date. The Ojai Valley Democrats met on Monday, April 27th and we discussed in depth and voted on our recommendations, the following is what we decided.

Continue reading "Are you ready to Vote?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

from Kristofer Young:

Have you EVER heard ANYBODY say that health insurance and health care are affordable in America? Me neither.

Our health care system is broken, has been so for a long time, and is bankrupting our Country.

We have tried the free-market approach, but greed, waste, and the absence of wellness and preventive care, have made it an expensive and abysmal failure. Since 2000, health insurance premiums have almost doubled and health care premiums have grown three times faster than wages.

It is not time for more of the same. It IS time for change. It is time to provide an affordable public option for health care.

Insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and providers, all big-money and big-lobbying players, just met with the President and offered to try to cut the 6% annual inflation of health care costs by 1.5 % per year. Such a deal. This offer is business as usual; more of the same.

Join “Health Care for America Now” to make certain that everyone in this Country has accessible, quality health care they can afford, and to guarantee coverage and real choice: keep your private insurance plan or join a new public health insurance plan so you are no longer at the mercy of the private insurance industry.

Contact: Health Care for America Now, 1825 K Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 454-6200 info@healthcareforamericanow.org http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

Stand up this year, stand up now, for your family’s health and for our Country.

Kristofer Young, DC

Continue reading "Health Care Reform NOW" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

Sweetie and I were cruising down the Dennison Grade yesterday. Beautiful day, crystal clear even with that awful fire in Santa Barbara. About halfway down the grade we stopped at the temporary stoplight that heralds the road work on the cliff-side. Two guys with shovels were poking at the newly graded area. “At this rate they may finish before the next ice age ” I said to Sweetie.

The radio came to life with the 10 o’clock news. “State budget deficit to increase dramatically even if all six ballot propositions pass voter scrutiny on May 19. Bills won’t be paid. People in need will go without.”

“Those guys in Sacramento should be ashamed of themselves. What do we need them for?” my lovely wife said in her own unique style. “They should be doing their job. It’s their fault we’re in this mess. They shouldn’t get paid for doing nothing.”

Continue reading "Throw the bums out...whoever they are" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

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

This "swine flu" article by F. William Engdahl is one of the most interesting ones I've found so far and if I make a fool of myself posting this, so be it. I'm most curious to find out what Ojai Post readers think. The original source with photographs can be viewed here:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13408

Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms
If we are to believe what our trusted international media report, the world is on the brink of a global pandemic outbreak of a new deadly strain of flu, H1N1 as it has been labelled, or more popularly, Swine Flu. As the story goes, the outbreak of the deadly flu was first discovered in Mexico. According to press reports, after several days, headlines reported as many as perhaps 150 deaths in Mexico were believed caused by this virulent people-killing pig virus that has spread to humans and now is allegedly being further spread from human to human. Cases were being reported hourly from Canada to Spain and beyond. The only thing wrong with this story is that it is largely based on lies, hype and coverup of possible real causes of Mexican deaths.

Continue reading "Do Your Own Research: Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

The Ventura County Planning Agency has issued a Notice of an Environmental Impact Scoping Meeting for the Ozena Valley Ranch Mine to be held in the Chaparral High School Auditorium at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6th.

Scoping Meetings are an important forum to establish the breadth of a EIR. This one time meeting provides Ojai an opportunity to comment on issues that must be addressed in the EIR, and to the extent that the County has not adequately identified those issues, to give the reasons why the issue must be addressed, and how it should be addressed.

If a "fair argument" is made that a significant impact may occur as a result of the Project, legally the County must analyze the issue regardless of what Ozena wants or the cost of such reports. Establishing a record on such matters is vitally important.

Issues to be discussed include but are not limited to the following impacts upon the totality of the haul route from Lockwood Valley to the 101: Air Quality; Toxic Wastes; Road Safety; Road Damage; Hours of Operation; Hours of Allowable Trucking through the Ojai Valley; Establishing a Restricted Zone that actually protects critical parts of the Ojai Valley, such as our schools, hospital, medical clinic, senior mobile home parks and condo complexes, the "Y" Shopping Center; and provide for Reasonable and Feasible Monitoring and Compliance, etc.

We need to have every single person who opposes gravel trucking through the Ojai Valley to attend and pack the room. This is one of our very few opportunities left to make our feelings about this project known directly to the Planning Agency. If we fail to act now as a community, it may be too late to act later! Please be there and bring all of your friends and family!

The current proposal for a modification of the existing permit would DOUBLE the amount of trucking through the Ojai Valley from Cuyama that we experienced in 2007 - 2008 and strip away almost every single protection we have fought for over the past two and a half years!

The Stop the Trucks! Coalition will also be sending around "Individual Petitions" for concerned Ojai residents to forward to the Planning Division. These petitions will list many of the specific issues that must be examined in the EIR and/or reviewed by the Planning Division in their consideration of these permit applications.

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: CRITICAL MEETING TO BLOCK OZENA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH AT 6:00 PM AT CHAPARRAL" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:42 PM | Permalink | author bio

Check out this article by Journalist David Kirby on the Huffington Post:
Swine Flu Outbreak -- Nature Biting Back at Industrial Animal Production?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/swine-flu-outbreak----nat_b_191408.html

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

DAY 3 Update

CALIFORNIA STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION
Quick reference for the Propositions and the position of the CDP on the props on the ballot May 19th:

Prop 1A State Budget Change = Neutral
Prop 1B Education Funding = Yes
Prop 1C Lottery Modernization(Read License to Steal) = Yes
Prop 1D Children's Services = Neutral
Prop 1E Mental Health Services Funding = Neutral

I'll post the info on all the other resolutions as another article here on the ojaipost.

Continue reading "Live Blogging the California Democratic Party Convention" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 05:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

REMEMBERING ROUTE 33 THE WAY IT WAS WAY BACK IN 2001 BEFORE THE OZENA MINE BEGAN OPERATING

As we approach the May 6th EIR Scoping meeting at 6:00 pm at Chaparral, we thought it useful to reprint this article purchased some time ago from the LA Times that describes Route 33, Maricopa Highway, way back in 2001 before the gravel trucks came to town. Life was very different then, wasn't it...

Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery

Highways: California 33 is a lure to those seeking solitude--and others wanting to dump bodies.
By MATT SURMAN, Times Staff Writer

Sunday, February 4, 2001

Up in the back country of Ventura County, beyond the mountains on curving California 33, legend had it 100 years ago that this was Satan's stagecoach route to hell.

Only evil people could see Satan on his infernal rides. But good people could sense him in the ghostly whoosh of wind and the goose bumps left behind.

In many ways, the sense of mystery and danger and a touch of evil have only grown with the passing of a century.

This road--scratched from the coast across the mountains above Ojai to the Santa Barbara County line--can get downright spooky.

Step right off the highway and into the woods, and it's not unusual to find folks blasting away at trees, road signs or an abandoned trailer.

Go a little farther and you could stumble across an illegal field of marijuana--thousands of plants have been seized in the past year alone--and find yourself worrying whether the growers might be lurking nearby.

Even worse, it could be a body. This road over what was once the path to hell has become the favorite dumping ground for some of the county's most notorious modern-day killers.

Nichole Hendrix, a 17-year-old allegedly killed by skinhead associates, was one of the victims. Her remains were found in October 1999--nearly six months after her killing--far below a hill offering a pristine view of impenetrable pines.

The body of Kali Manley, an Oak View teenager killed when she took a ride with the wrong man, lay in a culvert beneath the highway for days as cars drove overhead, until her killer, David Alvarez, led authorities to the remains the day after Christmas 1998.

In a campground "back there" in 1994, Andy Lee Anderson and his Australian shepherd lost their lives because a teenager with a shotgun wanted Anderson's shiny blue pickup truck.

And they were only a few of the victims.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Maricopa Highway: Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

There's a statewide special election coming up on May 19, covering Proposition 1A through 1F.

What's important, how are you voting?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

URGENT!! URGENT!!

The current proposal for a modification of the existing permit would DOUBLE the amount of trucking through the Ojai Valley from Cuyama that we experienced in 2007 - 2008 and strip away almost every single protection we have fought for over the past two and a half years!

PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICED BY THE VENTURA COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION
WEDNESDAY - MAY 6 AT 6:PM
OJAI’S CHAPARRAL AUDITORIUM
414 E. OJAI AVENUE @ 6:00 PM

STOP THE TRUCKS! COALITION
Contact: Michael Shapiro, Chairperson
805-646-7484

Details to follow in subsequent posts.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: SAVE THE DATE! CRITICAL MEETING TO BLOCK OZENA! WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH AT 6:00 PM AT CHAPARRAL " »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

This is interesting... from the VC Star:

A revision to the rules that govern the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council sailed through the Ventura County Board of Supervisors today, with none of the opposition promised by one advisory council member.

The supervisors voted 5-0 to approve Bennett’s revisions. One Ojai Valley MAC member, Jerry Kaplan, had lobbied against the changes, but he did not attend Tuesday’s hearing.

And why didn't anyone attend Tuesday's hearing? A procedural change took care of that. The VC Star missed half the story.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FROM JERRY KAPLAN, ELECTED OJAI VALLEY MAC DISTRICT 7 MEMBER

Steve Bennett’s Limitation of Ojai Valley MAC Passed in “Tricky Political Style”

Supervisor Steve Bennett showed Tuesday that he is definitely no novice in the world of political dirty tricks. Bennett recently proposed an amendment to the rules governing the Ojai Municipal Advisory Council which would limit matters the Council could discuss to only those relating to planning (eliminating the discussion of matters regarding health, safety and welfare) and which were placed on the agenda by Bennett or the Planning Department (eliminating the right of Council members to place matters on the agenda).

Council member Jerry Kaplan has been a staunch opponent of these proposals to marginalize the Council and notified Bennett’s office that he planned to attend to Board of Supervisor’s meeting, where the agenda showed that discussion of the proposal was the 12th item on the afternoon session agenda, which started at 1:30 PM. Kaplan was there, armed with documentation and prepared to speak. Council Chairman Russ Baggerly was also present. HOWEVER, Supervisor Bennett, as chairman of the Board of Supervisors exercised his prerogative and took the proposal out of order during the 8:30 AM morning session, where it passed with no one present to speak against it. Would the result have been different if Kaplan and Baggerly had been allowed to present documents and speak. Who knows? Certainly the citizens of unincorporated Ojai Valley won’t know. Is this democracy in action?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

from the OV Chamber...

At the April 14, 2009 City Council meeting, the Council passed to a second reading, the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Outdoor Merchandise Displays. In essence, this means that barring anything unforeseen, the amendment will be passed into the books on April 28 and become law as of May 15, 2009.

Continue reading "Final General Standards For All Outdoor Displays" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

There's a lot of noise coming from the right-wing echo chamber about the "Tea Parties" taking place in a lot of places throughout the country today. FOX News is reporting that the illustrious House Minority Leader, John Boehner (R-Ohio) had this to say: "Across our nation, thousands of Americans are participating in taxpayer tea parties today for one simple reason: overtaxed families and small businesses have had enough,"

Continue reading "Who are the real Teabaggers?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

From the VC Star...

Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett could be heading for a showdown with some of his constituents today as he tries to revise the ground rules for an advisory committee in the Ojai Valley.

During its meeting today, the supervisors are scheduled to vote on an update to the ordinance that created the Ojai Valley MAC in 1974. It would sharpen the group’s focus, so it is tasked only with reviewing land use, development and public works projects. The old rules included a much longer description of topics the MAC might address, “including, but not limited to, matters of public health, safety, welfare, public works and planning.”

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! interviewed Professor Noam Chomsky of MIT.

Here is the mp3 from Democracy Now! I encourage you to listen to the interview. If, for some reason, you can't listen to mp3 go here. This interview will go a long way toward clearing your head about what is happening, on all fronts, with the Obama Administration. Settle in and imagine you are putting on some classical music to which you want to actively listen. I always find Chomsky to be the audio/rhetorical equivalent of burning sage.

Continue reading "Noam Chomsky on Democracy Now!" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 07:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Image via Wikipedia

The following guest editorial is from Ojai Valley resident Sunday Rylander.

Sometimes I can't believe how long of a journey this has been, but it looks like we are finally reaching the end of the process to get the skate park built in Ojai.

For those of you who skateboard or read the local newspapers you can't miss the fact that during this past year of fundraising for the Ojai Skate Park, and attending what feels like a thousand meetings, a 22, 000 sq. foot Fillmore skate park opened, Piru is starting the process and Moorpark was just approved to start building a 1.7 million skate park that will be finished by the end of summer! Oh... and I can't forget the amazing 40,000 sq. foot Santa Clarita skate park that opened two weeks ago.

We would greatly appreciate it if you and your children, grandchildren, neighbors and community members that support the Ojai Skate Park could join us Tuesday at the OUSD School Board meeting. It's really important that we go to this meeting and show how supported and important the Ojai skate park is to our community and see the latest plans of the Ojai skate park that our community donated $261,000 in 6 months time (totaling $361,00 with the City of Ojai's donation of $100,000) for the children to have a concrete skate park.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Skate Park Update and Action" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

A letter from OV Municipal Advisory Councilman Jerry Kaplan...

Dear Supervisors Linda Parks, Kathy Long, Peter Foy and John Zaragosa,

My name is Jerry Kaplan and I was elected to the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council (OVMAC) in November, 2008. This was the first contested OVMAC election in 14 years. A significant point of my platform was that the OVMAC should reclaim the role of a community voice. Other MAC’s in Ventura County appear to have “flourished” by doing so, while the OVMAC has “wilted”.

At the March meeting of the OVMAC, Supervisor Steve Bennett submitted a proposed amendment to be brought before the Board of Supervisors which would eliminate those important areas of OVMAC involvement including the “HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE” of the residents of the unincorporated areas of the Ojai Valley and would also further prohibit OVMAC members from placing any items on the agenda. Only Supervisor Bennett or the Planning Commissioner would have that power.

Continue reading "OVMAC : On To The County" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From the SF Chronicle, looks like the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will be pouring money into CA-24 in 2010 in an attempt to oust stalwart Republican Elton Gallegly:

California GOP voter registration is "dropping like a rock," a new study shows, declining so fast that Democratic Party officials see an unprecedented opportunity to gain voters and House seats in the 2010 election.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted 35 districts across the country represented by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives - including eight in California [on the list is Gallegly - ed.]...

UPDATE, 11:37pm: Nice link from Brian Dennert at the VC Star. Where's SPK on this?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

The 2009 Season for Nonviolence began on January 30. This 65-day period between the memorial dates of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4th) and is used globally as a time for personal and community reflection on the healing and transforming power of nonviolence and the contributions towards Peace made by these two great leaders.

Apr 04: Peace Free-For-All! Know it, Love it, Live it!

Continue reading "[UPDATED DAILY!] Reflections on Peace" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (39) | author bio

I went to the Ojai Friends of the Library meeting last night. As usual, on the way I picked up Martha. “Hi Martha, waiting long for me?” She said “No, I was listening to the President’s talk and then answer the reporters’ questions.” Crap, I thought. I had forgotten all about the press conference. “How did he do” I said. “He’s pretty glib” she said.

Not a bad assessment coming from a 92 year-old woman who’s probably seen it all, even with severe eyesight problems. I made a mental note to click on CNN when I got home.

Continue reading "Mission accomplished...not yet" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE OJAI POST

From Jerry Kaplan, recently elected to the MAC for District 7

RE: SUPERVISOR STEVE BENNETT RECENT PROPOSED CHANGES TO “CUT OUT THE HEART” OF THE MAC (OJAI VALLEY MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL).

County Supervisor Steve Bennett (District 1, Ojai Valley) interrupted the most recent monthly meeting of the MAC (March 16) to announce and pass out his proposed changes to the 35 year old resolution forming the MAC. The MAC had just started a discussion of a noticed agenda item “A discussion of the MAC’s Mission and the responsibilities of duly elected or appointed members of the MAC, in relationship to the contents of the Board of Supervisors original, and amended, resolution forming the MCA, on July 23, 1974.

Continue reading "Proposed OVMAC Changes" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

AIG…bet you can’t even tell me what it stands for. All you know is that it must be populated with hordes of money hungry capitalists. People who are out for the fast buck. Men (and women) who cut and run. The worst of America’s shining lights. In short, folks who reflect the values we all cherish. Or seem to.

As evidenced by the remorseless blood-lust displayed by the media, members of Congress and the President, the 416 people who salted away $165 million deserve to be drawn and quartered, at least. A public hanging might be better…with street vendors selling voodoo dolls and popcorn. Bring back the guillotine. Off with their heads. Even Sweetie is beside herself not knowing who to blame for this effrontery. So she, like you, blames everyone.

Continue reading "Madame DeFarge Would Be Pleased" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | 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

My usual Monday bus driving ended on a high note. I heard that rich people were going to be as poor as the rest of us. Or nearly.

As I swung onto Sulphur Mountain Road I listened to an interview conducted by Warren Olney, host of NPR’s To The Point. I love Warren Olney. He gets the best from his guests without inserting his own opinions. Much different than David Gregory, Tim Russert’s replacement on Meet the Press. David doesn’t need guests. He knows the answers to the questions before he asks them. Oh how I miss Tim.

But I digress. Warren’s show focused on Obama’s proposed tax adjustments that would steal from the rich to give to the poor. Visions of Errol Flynn in tights danced through my head as he battled Basil Rathbone, while Olivia DeHaviland waited with breasts heaving.

Continue reading "Taking from the rich" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Tonight's City Council meeting was a great one...government in action, with a full room of energetic Citizens. We heard proclamations to the group behind our local Arbor Week activities and to the 2010 Census, some salient public comments dealing mostly with small business signage (specifically, being able to have a small display or sandwich board out to advertise specials or sales), and a quickly approved Consent Calendar totaling $429,714.62 and approving the minutes of six meetings. Discussion Items 2 and 3 dealt with the City's use of pesticides and the proposed purchase of a City-wide phone system, respectively. Public Works Director Mike Culver gave what i thought were brilliantly coherent and detailed reports on both these topics and the research and planning that he and his staff had put together at the Council's direction (short version: the City uses some pretty low-impact herbicides a few months a year and will be putting together a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management program with direction from a task group to include diverse Citizenry and mindful via public comment of instances in which killing "weeds" might be completely unnecessary. Councilwoman Betsy Clapp playfully urges the use of goats for weed control. The current phone system is physically broken and antiquated and splits the City into three departments...the new one funnels all calls through City Hall and connects the public with the department they're after with an extension after that, makes interdepartmental communication easier, and will pay for itself - $40,623 - after 14 months, saving us $5,000 per year after that on our phone bills.)

Then we got to the main reason i was there: the proposed repeal of the City's ordinance regarding leaf blowers.

Continue reading "Total Leaf Blower Ban Proposed!" »

Posted by evan austin at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (37) | 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

For the life of me, I don't see how our city manager's recommendation to direct staff to prepare an ordinance repealing Section 5-11.05(e) of the Municipal Code, dealing with leaf blowers, fits in with the Roadmap to a Sustainable Ojai (posted on the City's web site) and our stated goal of making Ojai a model green community.

If you Google questions like "what Cities ban leaf blowers?" or "do leaf blowers make workers hard of hearing?" etc., hundreds of web sites pop up. This morning I e-mailed a copy of the most comprehensive document I've found so far, copied below, to our city manager, council members and interested members of the public.

FACTS

Click on Links Below for Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Leaf Blowers:

Leaf Blower Noise and Its Consequences
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#conseq

Air Pollution From Leaf Blowers
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#air

Leaf Blowers and Health: Letter to California Air Resources Board
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#carblett

Continue reading "Are Leaf Blowers On the Roadmap to a Sustainable Ojai?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

I noticed a couple items of interest on the upcoming City Council agenda (scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30pm)

Report on City Use of Pesticides. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to develop an Integrated Pest Management program for the City

Ordinance Regarding Leaf Blowers. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to prepare an ordinance repealing Section 5-11.05(e) of the Municipal Code, dealing with leaf blowers.

Follow the links to RECOMMENDATION above for the staff reports; both are important issues for the environment of Ojai, and citizens should be aware of the discussion.

Also, I think we need to revisit the topic of the Housing Element, another environmental issue for our Valley. Nearly four cities in ten and a quarter of counties are out of compliance with the law, so maybe it isn't even important. The Housing Element is intricately tied to affordable housing, not just growth, and so that aspect is important. The Public Policy Institute has an interesting report on the issue of noncompliance. Where are we on this process? Do you know? What are your thoughts?

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (28) | 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

The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments TODAY, March 5, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in three cases challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, a statewide ballot initiative that was passed by a majority of California voters in November 2008.

Watch the proceedings live at eqca.org, on the California Channel online, or on local television channel 25.

cross-posted at ojaipeace.org

Posted by evan austin at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Funny you should ask.

On Monday Feb. 23rd at the Ojai Valley Democrats general meeting at the Ojai Art Center, we were treated to a very enlightening presentation about a poorly understood, often boring subject—the California State budget. Professor Scott Frisch of the Political Science Department at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) came and talked to us about our dysfunctional budget process. Prof. Frisch is incredibly knowledgeable about budget issues, in fact, it happens to be his specialty, and he really schooled us on the fact that the entire sordid mess is our own fault.

Join me after the flip to see what you can do.

Continue reading "Sooo... What the f*** happened with the California Budget?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

i'm very excited to announce the NEW Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog at

www.ojaipeace.org

Posted by evan austin at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

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

President Obama pledged to end the war in Iraq in 16 months. That means the last soldier should be gone by May 20, 2010 — 5/20/10.

(as of today, 4,237 American military deaths and )

Posted by evan austin at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council is a valley-wide elected board which makes policy recommendations to Steve Bennett's office, the County Board of Supervisors and other bodies. We're going to be tracking the MAC a little more closely, as there are some big valley issues such as the trucks, Casitas Dam removal, flood plain designation and more. I've included a link to an archive page up in the Resource section in the upper-right. I just posted an agenda for the next meeting, Feb 9th, 7pm.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Green Coaliton is bringing Gretchen Lewotsky (a.k.a. the Climate Jedi) to Ojai next week to present an updated version of Al Gore’s Academy Award-winning documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Trained by Al Gore himself, Gretchen talked with me today on Radio Ojai about the latest information on climate change and why you can't miss this event. The event takes place Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 7:00 PM at Matilija Junior High School Auditorium, located at 703 El Paseo Rd in Ojai. A donation of $5.00 at the door is suggested. Click here for more information. And click here to listen to the 10-minute interview.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Subtitled for the sign-impaired.

Posted by evan austin at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

From the AP:

Sens. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., have been taken from an inauguration luncheon for President Barack Obama. A Capitol police officer stood up at the luncheon and said medical attention was needed. The 76-year-old Kennedy, who had been attended Obama's oath-taking on the Capitol's West Front, has been battling a brain tumor.

During a talk to members of Congress and others, Obama called attention to Kennedy, saying "I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy."

Obama said that Kennedy "was there when the voting rights act passed, along with John Lewis, was a warrior for justice."

"And so I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him," Obama added. "And I think that's true for all of us. This is a joyous time. But it's also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and (Kennedy's wife) Vicki."

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

check out whitehouse.gov

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

Wow, Ojai Playhouse was packed - we sat in the aisle. What a great experience. What's on your mind?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

Everything changes --that is the only thing certain in this world. If you stand or sit still, with your mind quiet and attune to the cosmos, any place in Ojai--or anywhere on the Planet--you will see not only the exquisite detail of the present moment--but, if you go very deep, you will "see" and sense into what has transpired over the years on the very place you are now on ...

The Closing of a Circle
By Francis X Cline

There are unsettling ghosts of America past all about the National Mall. Hundreds of thousands of people will gather there Tuesday for the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president. Three blocks from where Barack Obama takes the oath, there was once the Saint Charles Hotel, a popular accommodation on Pennsylvania Avenue before emancipation ruined business for slave traders. It proudly advertised that down below its first-rate restaurant, guests could avail themselves of six, 30-foot-long arched slave cells, replete with wall rings and shackles. The management promised: “In case of escape, full value for the Negro will be paid.”

Continue reading "On this happy day, this memory took my breath away" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

So I've had a couple emails asking me if I knew of any celebrations, viewing parties, general debauchery going on in Ojai for the inauguration. Anyone know of anything going on? Sue, SPK, Carol, Dennert, what do ya know?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

I just read this article about regional job cuts in the Pacific Coast Business Times. Here is an excerpt:

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa alone shed more than 700 positions, according to state records, at least 37 of them in accounting, engineering and the resort’s executive office. Nearly 350 housekeeping and food service employees lost jobs at the resort, according to state records.

The article goes on to say:

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa shed the most jobs of any single company, eliminating more than 700 jobs in at least two rounds of cuts. The resort did not return several phone calls and messages from the Business Times requesting comment.

It’s unclear whether the resort’s job cuts were seasonal or related to larger economic forces, though it made no such cuts in 2007.

I knew things were rough over there, but I had no idea.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

Ojai Silent Candlelight Vigil for Peace in Gaza/Israel
Thursday January 15, 2009  4:30-5:30 pm
At the "Y" in Ojai (corner of Vons shopping center Hwy 33 and Hwy 150)

Join us as we mourn the loss of lives in this conflict and as we take a public stand for an immediate ceasefire and end to the blockade on Gaza. We ask participants to respect the silence of this vigil and to not bring signs or banners (we will have one large one identifying our intent). Bring a candle, your prayers, and your spirits of hope.

Contact for more info: Email Tanya Cole or call 805-640-3650

Sponsoring Organizations: Integrity Now, Ojai Peace Coalition, Ojai Code Pink

Posted by evan austin at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (56) | author bio

Brian Dennert, blogger-extraordinaire at the VC Star, hosts an online debate: Is America A Center Right Nation?. If you're a political junkie, its good readin'. David Atkins, who represents the left, is thereisnospoon, one of the more active and popular diarists on 800-lb progressive gorilla DailyKos.com.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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

We were treated to not one, but TWO gas-powered leaf blowers this morning! Not only did they wake up Noa, but the timestamp clearly indicates a violation of our City's Municipal Code, which states in part that

"Leaf blowers may be operated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday, except legal holidays. While electric leaf blowers are allowed in all zones, gas-powered blowers will only be allowed in non-residential zones after December 31, 1998. Other special provisions governing gas blowers include: (1) they may not be operated within 150 feet of residences, motels, schools, and hospitals; and (2) they must be operated with their factory mufflers in good working order."

While the grounds maintenance folks usually do come after 8 a.m., i count THREE violations this morning (not counting Planet-Killing and Baby-Waking). i live in apartments governed by the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura. What's my next move?

Posted by evan austin at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

from local event organizers, and posted at the OPC Action Blog:

Ventura County Caravan to National Day of Emergency Mass Action
in LA at Westwood Federal Building (11000 Wilshire Blvd)

LEAVES:
Ojai, 9:30 am at Full of Beans parking lot on 11534 N Ventura Ave Ojai. RSVP hola2tanya@yahoo.com or call 805-421-9708

Ventura, 10 am at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 4360 E. Main St. corner with Telephone Rd.
Call 805-641-1789 if you are interested. No calls, no ride! (Go to TO instead.)

Thousand Oaks, 10:30 am at TO Trans Center, Rancho & Hwy 101

Contact organizers at 805-241-0708 or answervc@riseup.net

TWO MORE (ONLINE) ACTIONS AFTER THE JUMP!

Continue reading "Carpool to Emergency Mass Protest of Violence in Gaza" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

(originally posted September 26, 2008 at Huffington Post)

One of the greatest benefits of an Obama presidency is hidden in plain sight: the relationship between Michelle and Barack. They provide a great role model of a healthy relationship, at a time when such models are sorely needed.

For example…

Imagine having a president who is not distracted from the nation’s business by the stresses of secrets in the presidential marriage.

Continue reading "The Obama Relationship: A Major Benefit Nobody Is Talking About" »

Posted by Gay Hendricks at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | 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

From TheHill.com, a DC publication...

Hoekstra will become the latest Republican member of the House Intelligence Committee to announce his departure from the lower chamber. The second-ranking Republican on the committee, Rep. Terry Everett (Ala.), is retiring this year, while Rep. Heather Wilson (N.M.) lost a bid for Senate in 2008.

The retirement list could still grow. Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) is considering a bid for a Senate seat left open by the retirement of Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.). Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), the third-ranking Republican on the Intelligence Committee, had to be convinced to run for a twelfth term in 2008, leaving some to wonder whether he will run again in two years.

If Gallegly retires, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), presently the committee’s fifth-ranking member, would be next in line for the ranking member’s slot.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The following guest editorial is from Ojai resident David Moody...

Democracy in Ojai

Democracy represents an ideal, and we actually achieve only some approximation to it. In a perfect democracy, all the citizens would meet and discuss every issue until it was resolved. We give up a slice of perfection when we vote for representatives to speak and decide each issue for us, and we accept other compromises for the sake of efficiency.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, we are entitled to ask, How well are we doing? Are there any obvious flaws in the system that could readily be corrected? The recent election for Ojai City Council suggests at least one area that is ripe for improvement.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: David Moody" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (35) | author bio

I was raised in the Pentecostal church. Somewhere in my subconscious are the memories of hundreds of hours reading the Bible, listening to Sunday school teachers, youth pastors, and fervent "fire and brimstone" preachers. We belonged to the Assemblies of God, the world's largest Pentecostal denomination. Thanks to the church sponsorship, my family was able to emigrate from Holland to Ojai.

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be "saved" and turn my Life over to God. Especially during revivals. But, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on ones point of view, even as an eight-year old I questioned the Bible. My sisters and I sang "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...." almost every Sunday morning, sometimes in front of the whole church, accompanied by the piano or organ. But I was the only one in my family brave enough to raise my trembling hand and ask questions like, "How can we be happy in heaven with all those other people burning in hell?"

From bumper stickers and conversations, I gather that most of my family members oppose same-sex marriage. This morning I read this week's Newsweek Cover Story on Gay Marriage. The opening paragraph said,

Continue reading "What the Bible Teaches About Marriage" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (56) | 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 (2) | 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

Submitted by Kristofer Young, DC
November 27, 2008
 
It was the night, I mean the middle of the night, of November 7, 2008. Just three days previous, Barack Obama had been elected the 44th President of our great nation. And wouldn’t you know it, the President-elect, showed up in my dream.
 
The scene was a modest home, not ours. The occasion a friendly, informal dinner. As I entered the living room, I saw Barack. I didn’t know that he had been invited, but was not overly surprised to see that he was one of the guests. Though we had not previously met, I felt the joy of an opportunity to be with a beloved friend.
 
I walked right to him and gave him one of those light and loving fist jabs to the shoulder, as men are apt to do. Wasting no time, I cut to what was on my mind.
 
“I am really looking forward to our country establishing universal health care under your guidance. As a chiropractic physician, I have many thoughts and hopes about how health care providers that are not medical doctors should be included in our new system”, I said.
 
Just then my conscious mind realized that Barack might be hoping for a relaxed evening with friends; a break from others like me, telling him what they want, and why.
 
“I’m sorry, you’ve probably had enough of dealing with issues and responding to constituents. I don’t want to spoil your evening with this discussion,” I added.
 
“No, Kris,” the President-elect replied, “I need to hear what you have to say!”
 
The dream ended at that moment.
 
I awoke to the new day knowing that our new President is listening, not just to me, but to all Americans. And I awoke with the joy of knowing that our new President will guide us to a new system of health in which all people are cared for, and in which all valid healing practices will be offered on a level playing field.
 
You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.

Kristofer Young, DC
www.Ventura-Chiropractor.com
www.eatlocaloneyear.com   Ojai-centered, Ventura County-based Locavore Project

Posted by evan austin at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Question: what’s the difference between the great depressions of 1932 and 2008?

Answer: the New Deal

It seems that all possible parallels between 1932 and 2008 are being drawn except for the most important one: the way out of these respective messes.

Continue reading "Don’t let a crisis go to waste" »

Posted by Todd Miller at 06:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (49) | author bio

Following is a guest editorial from Ojai resident George Kalogridis, founder of George's Organics International.

Peak to Trough: Why Ojai Leaders Still Don’t Get It

Economists have their own jargon, which includes a unique interpretation of the terms peak (the top of a trend) and trough (when the trend starts to reverse course). The beginning of a recession is known as a peak. The current recession is at its peak right now, but we are starting this recession at or below the previous Trough levels of earlier recessions. The economy is so bad that we are starting this economic downturn where many previous recessions stopped.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: George Kalogridis" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

If that's not a double entendre I don't know what is.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

So, i've been hearing a lot from the pro-discrimination community about how the point of marriage is to procreate, in order to perpetuate our society or species or whatever. That's followed by the notion that since homosexual unions don't result in natural, biological children they cannot fulfill that role and therefore don't qualify for "marriage".

i call bullshit.

Continue reading "Married, With or Without Children" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

In the 19th State Senatorial District between Republican Tony Strickland and Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson, they are still counting votes. An email from the Jackson campaign:

It has been over two weeks since Election Day, and it is hard to believe that we still do not know the results of our State Senate race.

We have been receiving periodic updates from Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and as we suspected, the numbers have been fluctuating up and down. We've been waiting for the provisional ballots to be counted, which occurs only after the Vote By Mail ballots are counted by each county.

Continue reading "Jackson-Strickland Update" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (17) | 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

The following article is by my friends Gordon Davidson and Corinne McLaughlin, who frequently visit Ojai and teach at Meditation Mount.

There has always been a higher, spiritual hand active in the life of the United States, beginning with its founding in 1776 by one of the greatest gatherings of political geniuses ever seen on the planet. And throughout its 212 year life, at each moment of agonizing need, the United States has seen an inspired leader emerge to meet the crises of the times with vision, strength and the gifts required. Abraham Lincoln saved the Union and ended slavery, Franklin D. Roosevelt acted boldly to help end the Great Depression and defeat the Axis Powers. And now, in this moment of historical crisis, another great leader, uniquely qualified to meet the needs of our nation and the world, has come forth, overlighted by Spirit, as an expression of the soul of the American people.

Continue reading "The Spiritual Dimensions of Obama's Leadership" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | author bio

(from the Ojai Chamber...) Last Tuesday we had a very successful Town Hall Meeting I at the Ojai Valley Women’s Club. Over 90 business and commercial property representatives attended, and you gave a very positive response to the presentations we gave, both the Marketing Plan for Ojai and the Main Street Program template.

Next Wednesday evening, November 19 we will hold Town Hall Meeting II, a second meeting at Chaparral Auditorium with Ojai residents invited. It is imperative that we have all of you come to this meeting, and that you bring your friends. We need your positive support and input if we are to keep the momentum going, and bring these plans to fruition!

Click for details on Town Hall Meeting II

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Very funny excerpt form Brendon Burchard

Posted by Raymond Powers at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

As part of a nationwide protest, there will be a Rally and March for Equality in response to Proposition 8, this Sat. Nov. 15th at 10:30 am in front of City Hall on Poli St., and at 12 noon in the Mission Park in Ventura (on Main St. across form The Mission). Bring No on 8 and your hand-made original signs! Be creative and positive - we are rallying for rights, for equality, and for our friends and neighbors.

This is part of a nationwide movement. For more information visit http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/?t=anon

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (57) | author bio

Web helps Obama with transition
BBC

Barack Obama is turning to the web as he prepares to become US president.
Via a website called Change.gov, the Obama campaign plans to provide a guide to the transition process. The site also solicits suggestions from US citizens about their vision for America, and lets them apply for a post with the new administration. On its transition website, the US governmental watchdog has listed the 13 most urgent issues that will soon confront President-elect Obama.

Continue reading "Website for Obama Transition" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Let me be the first on the Ojai Post to congratulate Betsy Clapp for her stunning victory in the Ojai City Council race. In this five-way race for two slots, Betsy took the lead position with 28% of votes. From the very first day I heard Betsy talk and announce her candidacy, I have supported her campaign. She has worked diligently over the last several months to meet the community and to understand the issues and concerns. I am certain she will do an excellent job and I look forward to her leadership on the Ojai City Council in the next four years. If you would like to read more about Betsy and her positions, visit her web site Betsy4Council.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 05:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (25) | author bio

[Update: 5:28am] - Final election results for Ojai have been posted. Follow the link below. Congratulations to Betsy Clapp and Sue Horgan.
[Update: 11:20pm] - I'm done for the nite - if you're up late and see Ojai results, please post in the comments. I'll update the Results page first thing in the AM. It's been quite a night.

OJAI ELECTION RESULTS
FINAL RESULTS PENDING

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA!

SWING STATES:
OBAMA: VA, PA, NH, OH, NM, IA, CO, FL, IN, NV
MCCAIN: AZ
TOO CLOSE TO CALL: MO, NC, MT

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (116) | author bio

I've planned on liveblogging the election, beginning later this afternoon when results start rolling in. We'll also have up-to-date Ojai election results, via the link in the yellow box at the top of the site. Click through the jump below for some voting video...

Continue reading ""I Voted!" Election Thread" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Here we are! The River of Life has brought us to this day. It's easy to be philosophical about the outcome of a small-town City Council Election, but I cannot imagine the state of mind of Barack Obama and John McCain as the clock is ticking down.

Yesterday I met with Carlon Strobel, our wonderful Ojai City Clerk, and she reminded me of what happens if there is a tie. Here in our small town, where only about 8,000 residents live within the City Limit, (approximately 4,800 registered voters), if a candidate loses by even a single vote, there is no provision for a recount. Therefore... if it's a tie.... the winner is determined by A TOSS OF THE COIN! (Or, they can pick straws. Either way, it's in the hands of fate.)

So in case there are any undecided voters, here are my
Endorsements from the Ojai Community and Beyond
FrancinaSuzaflyer.pdf

Continue reading "Ojai Elections: What Happens If There Is A Tie?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

From KTLA:

SANTA BARBARA -- A portion of Highway 101 is closed in both directions in downtown Santa Barbara after a masked gunman was spotted on a freeway overpass.

Witnesses say the gunman, wearing brown fatigues and a black ski mask, was spotted waving a gun around on the La Cumbre overpass around 7:10 a.m. Monday.

Sergeant Lorenzo Duarte with the Santa Barbara Police Department says the man was armed with a revolver and was also waving an American flag. Some witnesses say the man shouted anti-Obama slogans.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

This was submitted by Ojai resident Patrick Duffy:

At risk of being called all kinds of names, I, in good conscience, submit the following:

To qualify my opinion, let me state that I have gathered my information intelligently by watching both candidates and their campaigns from many different sources and media - not just the liberal-left or the extreme right.

That said, I don't understand how Christians can support McCain/Palin. Though their party claims to be based on those same moral principals, these past months have demonstrated the opposite. Both of them have falsely accused their opponent repeatedly with divisive, hate filled rhetoric in bearing witness to their brother and opponent. Their words have fostered a wider schism in this country than ever before. Comments like terrorist, Muslim and anti-American can only be cultivated in a field of ignorance. I'm certain that's not the case for all but many across this country believe it when so called leaders speak such lies. That, in my heart, cannot be justified with a win on Tuesday.

Continue reading "Decision '08 Guest Editorial" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Here is a list of the questions that were asked of our intrepid City Council Candidates, in the video of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Environmental Forum, posted below. This Green Forum was devoted entirely to environmental issues. The Candidates were not given the questions in advance. Pity the person that had to go first!

1. Please take one minute and introduce yourself. In your introduction, please tell us what type of support for environmental issues we can expect from you as an Ojai city council member.

2. What do you see as Ojai’s most pressing environmental concern? How would you work on this as a city council member?

Continue reading "Would You Be in Favor of a Ban on Plastic Bags?, and Other Questions at the Ojai Green Coalition Candidates Forum " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (35) | author bio

Following are parts 1-4, in its entirety, of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Environmental Forum in which the five City Council candidates participated on Monday. Big thanks to Ojai Post author Christopher Foley, and his company Foleypod, for filming, editing and posting this video.

Continue reading "Green Coalition Candidates Forum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

David Moody has been a resident of Ojai for over thirty years. He is the former Director of Oak Grove School and currently Director of the tutorial service, Mind Over Math.

All five candidates for City Council were on hand for the forum sponsored by Ojai Valley News, Chamber of Commerce, and Board of Realtors. Four of the five candidates acquitted themselves admirably, while the fifth seemed somewhat out of his league.

The candidates largely agreed with one another on several of the issues raised, but a few sharp differences emerged. These differences each pitted the two challengers, Suza Francina and Betsy Clapp, against the incumbents Sue Horgan and Rae Hanstad.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: David Moody" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Supporters of marriage equality rallied tonight in Ojai's "Y" intersection in an enthusiastic show of opposition to Prop 8 and support for equal rights. By its end, the gathering numbered 120 to 150 people, including members of the Santa Paula and Ventura congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Church. There was an impressive and perhaps unexpected amount of honking, waving, and smiling from passing motorists. For balance, two large trucks attempted to squeal their tires and speed aggressively away, only to slam on their brakes and risk collision with people waiting to turn into the shopping center parking lot. One of these vehicles was pursued by the police.

More photos after the jump!
(thanks to Sally Carless for most of the photos!)

Continue reading "Marriage Equality Supporters Rally at the Y" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

“It’s becoming evident, through the fog of recent debate and discussion, that the people of Ojai are again in charge, and that our public officials are again taking their cues from those they serve.”

“Populi Vex”
Bret Bradigan
Ojai Valley News, October 24, 2008

“Fog” is the operative word in Bret Bradigan’s latest SLAPP suit editorial in search of a point. Once again, Mr. Bradigan gropes for meaning through a haze he helped precipitate.

First, a fact check. Mr. Bradigan writes:

“...Furchtenicht’s allegedly thwarted ballot initiative from 2006, designed to ban chain stores and increase affordable housing....Monte Widders...refused to assign it a title and place it on the ballot for the voters to decide.”

Wrong.

Continue reading "Populi Vex: Refutatio" »

Posted by Todd Miller at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Ojai resident Rinaldo Brutoco gave a brilliant, fascinating keynote speech at the recent Earth Charter Summit in Ventura. He is a visionary economist, author, consultant, and founding president of the World Business Academy.

According to Brutoco, it's one of those “good news, bad news” kinds of situations. He started out with the bad news (but hang in there and keep reading, because there is some good, very hopeful, news in all this). The bad news is that the economic collapse is far worse than most people can imagine: it is not easily reversible. We're way past a recession; we're right on the edge of a depression. The global debt is so huge that it can't be paid back. At close to $600 trillion, the unregulated derivatives market is more than three times the value of the entire world's financial assets. The $55 trillion credit defaults market is more than the GNP of all the world's nations combined. Less than 2% of the currency circulated in the world actually buys something; 98% is speculation. Wall Street is basically a gambling casino.

Brutoco (along with many other economists) feels that the recent “bailout” is “stunningly bad.” He states that Treasury Secretary Paulson didn't understand the problem, which is leveraged debt and overly expanded monetary policy. Paulson suggested more of the same, and then within a day or two the world leaders all agreed to still more of the same. Following right after that came the huge drops in the markets, as people around the world sensed that the leaders didn't know what they were doing. The economy crashes because there is no trust in leadership.

Continue reading "Economic Collapse as an Opportunity to Heal the Earth " »

Posted by Sally Carless at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

It seems like a hundred years since I bicycled over to City Hall to take out candidate papers for this year's Ojai City Council election, but it was only August 6th.

In order to qualify, I needed at least 25 signatures of registered voters living within the City of Ojai. That part only took a few hours. Then I discovered that the cost of a ballot statement has gone up from $350 in 1996 to $600. As a writer and yoga teacher of modest means, with many four-legged friends to feed, that almost stopped me in my tracks.

As the word got out, the universe delivered a sprinkle of checks and $20 bills. By the end of the week I was an official Ojai City Council Candidate. Since then there have been about ten interviews, four Candidate forums, and dozens of other campaign related activities. Today, for the first-time, there is no forum to prepare for, no questionnaire or other time-sensitive document to fill out. In case anyone is curious what all is involved in running for office, here are some of the highlights, and a list of the interview/forum questions, in chronological order.

Continue reading "101 Questions for Ojai City Council Candidates" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I've been playing with some of the latest web 2.0 technologies as it relates to the election. In particular, the little widget below is a feed of discussion pulled from many different sources into one window. The focus is on the social network sites on the web such as Twitter, YouTube, Google Reader, Flickr, Seesmic, etc.

In addition to this widget, you might be interested in checking out the Twitter Election stream. It's just another fun way to stay connected and talk about the election season. And finally, if you an iPhone user and an Obama fan then go grab the Obama iPhone App - an amazing use of the technology. It can search your contact list, sort them by State (in order of importance to the election), and then track if you have called them about the election.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 05:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Come down tonight to the City Council meeting at 7:30pm to express your thoughts on Channel 10 and public access TV in Ojai. Following is the executive summary from a city report (emphasis mine) (PDF download):

Time Warner Cable has notified the City of Ojai of its intent to convert to a statewide franchise agreement for the provision of video services to its customers. The City should see no reduction in its current revenues as a result of this change, and has the opportunity to adopt a special ordinance that will provide additional revenues to support a local government channel. Time Warner will upgrade the existing video equipment at City Hall to industry standards prior to expiration of the local franchise agreement. Following that, the City will be responsible for future maintenance and upgrades to this equipment. Time Warner will discontinue its management of the current local channel, Channel 10. In order to continue broadcasting on this channel, the City will have to assume responsibility for its operation. Staff believes it is in the best interest of the City to operate this channel as a government only channel.

Update 11:44am: here is an article from January outlining the possible draw-down or outright closing of Ojai public access (OVN).

Update 3:31pm: My prepared comments for tonight's meeting after the jump...

Continue reading "City Council Meeting: Public Access TV" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Please come on down and check out the Green Coalition Candidates Environmental Forum this evening at Chaparral Auditorium, 7pm. Listen to all of the City Council Candidates on the major environmental issues and opportunities facing Ojai.

More here...

UPDATE 9:18pm: Thank you to our five City Council Candidates, all of the volunteers, including Chris Foley of Foleypod and Jim and Camilla Becket of Becket Films, and certainly all of the citizens who came out to support the environmental forum. Use this as a discussion thread for now. We will be posting and archiving video in its entirety in the next couple days.

UPDATE 08/29 - 8:42pm: Following the jump are notes on candidate responses from the Forum. Feel free to take a look, and we are still working on archiving the video, which we will post when ready.

Continue reading "City Council Candidate Forum Tonight" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (34) | author bio

The Ojai Peace Coalition's 2008 Voting Guide is out, and i want to highlight our recommendations to vote YES on Proposition 2 and NO on Proposition 8.

The 8 Debate has 81 comments and counting, so though it has slipped off of the front page, HERE IS THE LINK TO IT so you can keep accessing it from here!

Proposition 2 calls us to end the violent mistreatment of millions of animals, which is a hallmark of terminally ill societies. The Ojai Post thread for that is HERE.

UPDATE: 10/29/08

Posted by evan austin at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (71) | author bio

h/t: www.onelazyliberal.blogspot.com

Continue reading "Obama's Loss Traced to Non-Voter" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

I've added a page covering the two candidates running for Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council District 7, which basically covers the east end and the area north of downtown Ojai. All Ojai Valley citizens can vote for the MAC. All other districts have candidates running unopposed.

Click through to learn more about Jerry Kaplan and Alan Saltzman, and read their Candidate Statements. The MAC isn't very well known to Ojai Valley residents, so read up a bit and be sure to vote.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

At last night's Ojai City Council forum/debate, someone in the audience asked the question, "Do you consider it appropriate for the city council to take a position on state issues, such as Proposition 2, or national issues, such as the war in Iraq, or international issues, such as global warming?"

In my one-minute response, I pointed out the fact that many California City Councils, individual City Council Members, Mayors and Former Mayors, Senators, Representatives, Assembly Members and other elected officials do in fact take a position on state and national issues.

For example, if you visit the YesOnProp 2 website you will see endorsements from over one hundred elected federal, state and local officials including US Senators Barbara
Boxer and Dianne Feinstein; State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and

Continue reading "Does Ojai Care About Animals?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (68) | author bio

The decision came in yesterday in favor of City Attorney Monte Widders.

We conclude that the action was timely filed. While we recognize the strong public policy in favor of putting initiative measures before the electorate, that policy is not advanced where, as here, the proposed measures are plainly unconstitutional on their face. We further conclude that the action does not qualify as a SLAPP suit because Widders demonstrated that he is entitled to judgment in his favor as a matter of law. Accordingly, we shall reverse the sustaining of the demurrer, affirm denial of Furchtenicht's anti-SLAPP motion, and direct the trial court to enter judgment in favor of Widders.

Decision B196583.pdf

Continue reading "Widders v. Furchtenicht" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

The signs are up, many of us have already voted, and most have probably already decided, so let's have at it, Ojai! What's your understanding of Proposition 8, and where do you stand?

* FIRST THINGS FIRST: As a Citizen and as a No On 8 supporter, i mourn what appears to be defacement of the two large Yes On 8 signs in the Valley (in front of the Baptist church and at Crestview Drive) and reject that action as gravely injurious to the mutual integrity needed to keep our discourse civil and rational, and our democracy healthy. i certainly empathize with the frustration that these acts were likely borne of, and hope that damages can be swiftly repaired.

SECOND, let's please be respectful of each other and of this forum by adhering to the posted community standards: Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. You also agree not to impersonate any regular authors or commenters with the intent to participate in deceptive dialogue. Violators may be banned. Please treat fellow commenters with civility and respect, as if you were engaging in person. Despite differing opinions, we would all like to see Ojai's character and quality of life preserved and improved for generations to come. We're in this together. i recognize that this can be a deep and passionate issue, and encourage us all to rise above the virtual sign-defacement that personal attacks would amount to and represent.

Continue reading "The 8 Debate" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (90) | 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

Tonight at 6:30pm is the Chamber/OVN candidate forum at Chaparral Auditorium. My guess is it will be a little tamer than 2006...

Continue reading "Candidate Forum tonight" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

Locals Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks had some interesting, entertaining, and very important things to say about John McCain today on the Huffington Post. Here's an excerpt:

Never mind that when John McCain smiles, it looks about as warm and inviting as a moonlit New England country graveyard.

Never mind that he exhibits more twitches, tics and jaw-clenches than the night shift at a meth lab.

Never mind that he's started having prison-camp flashbacks such as addressing the citizens of a rally as "My fellow prisoners."

A long campaign and economic uncertainty can stress out anyone, whether he's a 72-year-old presidential candidate or just some average retirement-age guy who's trying to keep nine houses and a dozen cars running in tough economic times.

However, when he came out with his recent macho swagger about fear, we felt it was time to intervene. Specifically, he gave a prescription for fear that is dangerous. It's a method of dealing with fear that will drive you nuts if it doesn't kill you first. If you missed the actual quote, he said, "I know what fear feels like...I know what hopelessness feels like. I felt those things once before. I WILL NEVER LET THEM IN AGAIN..."

We feel compassion for him and the circumstances that brought him to make the fateful choice to seal out his emotions. It's a serious problem for him health-wise, but when he seeks to inflict it on the rest of us, it's time to set him straight. Here's a shot of straight-talk expresso for John McCain: When you won't let yourself to feel your natural, organic feeling of fear, you get out of touch with reality. If you won't acknowledge the existence of fear, you can't tell the difference between what you're really scared about and what you think you're scared about. You don't have a clue about what's going on inside you. You don't know whether there's a real threat out there or just something your mind is making up. You think life is dangerous, but the reality is just the opposite: you're dangerous to life.

Continue reading "Katie and Gay Hendricks on McCain, Body Language, and Fear " »

Posted by Sally Carless at 03:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

1. Choose your partner very carefully. Be mindful of societal, religious, or family pressures that might damage your decision-making process by rushing it or by confusing your own values.
• Know what your values are, as well as your goals and life plan, so that you can choose another person who compliments them.

2. If you marry, please maintain an element of practicality in your promises to one another. It's easy to be swept up in romantic language, and it's important to be making intent-ful vows that are realistic and that you intend to keep.
• Don't break the bank! An average American wedding costs around $20,000, which starts your life together already under a financial burden (See items 3 and 4). It pays to be creative and frugal.

3. If you choose to have children, only have as many as your finances and emotional maturity can handle. A family that is emotionally and financially strained will have less peace and a weaker bond, and growth for growth's sake is the mentality of the cancer cell.

Continue reading "evan's Prescription for Strengthening the Family & Protecting Marriage" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

Thanks to Amy for sending this to me. Secret... I am so in love with Sarah Silverman. (Yeah, me and about 100,000 other men and women) Personally I think the two party system is completely dysfunctional, and voting for either candidate is support for an entirely corrupt system controlled by international $$ concerns. That said, I'm ready to try a new story, with new characters, and more life affirming core values. No, I'm not talking about the dual gender ticket.

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Also, people who return from the military should get to be teachers without having to take any exams.

What did you hear?

Posted by evan austin at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

(Jerry & Anne Kaplan)

My good friend and co-founder of the Ojai Coalition to "Stop the Trucks," Jerry Kaplan is running for the M.A.C., the Municipal Advisory Council.

To learn more about Jerry, his campaign, his platform and why we need to elect him to the M.A.C., please go to:
http://kaplanformac.com/

(Jerry Kaplan & Tyler Suchman at a Stop the Trucks Rally)

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:18 PM | Permalink | 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

Though it is easy to get distracted by the Presidential election, we should all educate ourselves on the other issues on the ballot. I would like to highlight four of the twelve propositions because the City Council will be taking a position on them on Tuesday. According to the Council Agenda:

RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 08-____formalizing the City’s viewpoint on Measures before voters on the ...opposition of Proposition 5 Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act of 2008 and 7 Solar and Clean Energy Act of 2008, and support for Proposition 9 Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008 and Proposition 11 Redistricting, Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Continue reading "State Propositions - 5, 7, 9, & 11" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

Have at it, like the two guys on TV...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) | author bio

Warning: This video contains a few &$%# and *@#!

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

What are your thoughts? Passionate interview (after the jump) with Naomi Wolf. Paranoid or perceptive?
If we disregard the fear she keeps stating she feels, is she speaking some truth? Does her line of thought support the actual events? Is trans-partisanship what's needed to ensure constitutional freedom?

It seems there is so much to research and learn to come to an educated opinion. I tend to simplify things for myself; are individuals or a group's ideology, aware of how their actions affect the whole, are their actions humanistic, is their behavior destructive or creatively constructive, is there an understanding of their symbiotic relationship with the earth, do they take care of themselves so they can take care of others, are they willing to admit their mistakes and make a change if necessary, can they respond to a circumstance before they react. In politics and personal relationships these are some of the things that, for me, are important.

Intriguing interview after the jump:

Continue reading "Paranoid or Perceptive?" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (58) | author bio

Isn't she just cute as a button, Republican base?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (51) | author bio

Silverado Sales On Apathy Street
At the corner of Wary Blvd.

Canvassing for Obama in Las Vegas in an Afternoon’s Golden Light

By Steven Sprinkel

4608 words

My wife Olivia and I have driven from Ventura County, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to help secure the electoral college votes upon which the outcome of the Presidential Election of 2008 may depend. Nevada owns five votes. The Campaign for Change sends us out towards Henderson on I 215 on our first sortie. The temperature is 98 degrees at 1:40 PM on the 27th of September. I grow vegetables for a living in much the same environment, so I have providentially thought to bring a giant straw hat, which I come to believe softens my character towards strangers. Olivia wears a baseball hat.

Continue reading "Silverado Sales " »

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

I was going to post on something local, but saw this gem from the ongoing Katie Couric interviews. This is truly stunning. You know, I don't think Sarah Palin is dumb at all, judging by her meteoric political rise.

What strikes me is a fundamental incuriosity about the world outside of Alaska. The fact that she was only able to name a single Supreme Court decision earlier this week? She refuses to or can't name a single publication she reads? How do you defend that?

COURIC: And when it comes to establishing your world view, I was curious, what newspapers and magazines did you regularly read, before you were tapped for this, to stay informed and to understand the world?

PALIN: I've read most of them again with a great appreciation for the press for the media, I mean...

COURIC: Like what ones specifically? I'm curious that you...

PALIN: Um, all of 'em, any of 'em that um have been in front of me over all these years, um...

COURIC: Can you name any of them?

PALIN: I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news too. Alaska isn't a foreign country where it's kind of suggested it seems like, wow how could you keep in touch with what the rest of Washington, DC may be thinking and doing, when you live up there in Alaska. Believe me, Alaska is like a microcosm of America.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

The following guest editorial is from Sean Keenan, aka SPK. How about a pro-McCain debate summary from a knowledgeable reader? Contact info on the left column.

A Clear Choice: Obama won the debate

I watched the debate. From what I could make out beyond all the graphics and crazed scorecards of various political hacks polluting the screen, Obama trounced McCain. It was a plain and simple, old-fashioned ass kicking. Albeit in a very civil way, at least on Obama's side. McCain came off as snide and condescending while Obama gave detailed information and showed a deep understanding of all the issues. I was left feeling sorry for McCain, and a bit worried for his health. At one point we were actually debating whether he had recently or was currently having a stroke.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial - SPK: "A Clear Choice"" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (41) | author bio

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!" »

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

Who's watchin' tonite?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Lawmakers in Sacramento are being asked to decide whether people with green eyes should have strict limits placed on their freedom of speech, after investigation of several pro-solar-energy websites revealed their authors to have this common trait. The decision could come as early as next month, with potential impact on the communications industry. "I'm not going to hire a Green-Eye," said Gerald Thomas, editor of Culver City, California's Culver Chronicle. "You can't just have anybody saying what they like where other people can read it. This is a democracy, remember? To me, that means we choose our words very carefully." Fresno's local Wolfe News television producer, Rick Kermit, agrees: "Look, I'm all for people having green eyes, but I draw the line at being forced to hire you, give you air time, or let you teach my children. All of your other rights are still intact...let's protect America."

Opponents of the legislation cite equality concerns. "Right now, having green eyes is a perfectly benign trait, having no bearing on one's social status, ability to perform a job, or get benefits," said Tilly Jensen, blue-eyed director of the newly-formed All Eyes on California group, which advocates against the new legislation. "If this passes, we're talking about creating a class of people with fewer rights than the rest of us, and it's fundamental that we not create laws that discriminate. As it turns out, the civil rights movement is not over." Jensen cites the landmark 1954 case of Brown v Board of Education, in which it was ruled by the U.S. Supreme Court that "separate but equal" is inherently unequal.

Globally, 1-2% of people have green eyes, making the financial impact relatively low. However, supporters of eye-color rights warn that the precedent is dangerous and could lead to further legislated discrimination.

Continue reading "Free Speech? Not If You Have Green Eyes." »

Posted by evan austin at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

SuzaforOjai.com

More Info About Suza at SmartVoter.org

I am pleased to announce that I have been endorsed by the National Women's Political Caucus
Ventura County

Note: Endorsements are valley-wide and beyond. You do not need to live in the City of Ojai to endorse an Ojai City Council Candidate. If you would like to endorse me, please send your name, address and phone number to info@suzaforojai.com . (To learn more about all the candidates, visit the Ojai City Council link at the upper right corner of the Ojai Post page.)

I welcome your questions, suggestions and ideas for making Ojai a model green and sustainable community.

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

Pick your favorite politicians. Pick your favorite topic. Google Labs provides a nice quote from each side. Great use of technology.

In Quotes by Google

Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVAKx8E_r4

I guess the Law in Martial Law should be in quotes, because Section 1385 of the Posse Comitatus Act states:

"Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or the Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

Prison Planet Article

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

At last night's record-makingly-short City Council meeting, the five councilmembers unanimously adopted a resolution in support of Measure P, a parcel tax for the November 4 ballot. As explained by school board president Steve Fields, the measure will add $89 per year to property taxes for seven years, with an exemption for property owners over the age of 65. The school board is also considering leasing their district office to generate funds. The measure is not designed to be a long-term nor sufficient fix for the education budget problems, but a temporary one to keep our schools functioning until Sacramento can come up with a better budget. Councilwoman Carol Smith called it "criminal" that California ranks 47th in the nation in per-student education spending.

Posted by evan austin at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Given what is at stake in this election, I've asked myself if I've done everything that I can to make a difference. I made this ad ("Daisy 2008"), which is posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJtVnkNdNl4 I encourage you to view it and pass it on.

Posted by Todd Miller at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

If I had a chance to ask a question during the Joe Biden-Sarah Palin debate, I would ask Governor Palin: "Do you believe in dinosaurs?"

As a creationist who claims that the world was literally created by God in seven days, she rejects the theory of evolution and therefore cannot believe in dinosaurs.

If she answers, "Yes, i do believe in dinosaurs," she will be contradicting her whole belief system.

Why is this question important? Because Palin's fundamentalist beliefs and the preaching in her church in Wasilla shape her political aspirations. Her regular pastor, Ed Kalins, suggested in 2004 that those who voted for John Kerry would not go to heaven and in 2005 that anyone who criticized President Bush after hurricane Katrina would go to hell.

Continue reading "Ojai's Clive Leeman asks, " Does Sarah Palin Believe In Dinosaurs?"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

UN: Guns fall silent in Afghanistan on Peace Day
Published: Sunday, September 21, 2008 | 11:17 AM ET
Canadian Press: Jason Straziuso, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KABUL - The guns fell silent across much of Afghanistan for International Peace Day on Sunday.

The UN said tens of thousands of U.S., NATO and Afghan soldiers were observing peace day by refraining from offensive operations.

For the most part, the Taliban insurgents were also standing down to mark the day.

Government officials in most places reported no violence, and several credited Peace Day efforts.

Continue reading "Peace One Day (365 To Go)" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:45 PM | Permalink | author bio

Before succumbing to cancer, feature filmmaker Aaron Russo ("Trading Places," "Wise Guys," "The Rose") spoke with Alex Jones about his (Aaron's) friendship with Nick Rockefeller and about the conversations they had about the origins and funding of 9/11, the NWO, and the Women's Movement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Friend of Radio Ojai, Smitty West, sent me a hilarious song by the Sarah-Dippity Singers, "Wasilla Girl," which he recorded last week in one day in his Ojai studio. He sent it to me on Tuesday and I only just now got around to posting it. Meanwhile, it has already played on Air America Radio on the Thom Hartman Show, and John Kerry's office grabbed it for an Obama rally this Saturday in North Carolina. Take a listen, all the way through, because the ending is priceless.

I wonder if Sarah Palin has heard it yet?

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX9r-L1gKQc

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Posted by Raymond Powers at 01:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

I received the following submission from reader and occasional author Sean Keenan, who you may also know as SPK... if someone wants to send me a pro-McCain editorial, please do, using the Contact Us link on the left. - tyler

"A Clear Choice"

The empire is falling. Bush is basically an amalgam of Augustus Caesar and Nero. He, his administration and his party have neutralized our Republic and turned our government into a crony-serving money-machine for the likes of Cheney's KBR. In eight short years the Repugs, with the weak-kneed acquiescence and therefore tacit approval of the Democrats, have dismantled our republic and accelerated into full-fledged imperial overreach. Why anyone would want to take over as President at this point is beyond me.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: "A Clear Choice" - Sean Keenan" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (83) | author bio

Downtown Ojai, 10:00pm

A brief but high-speed chase ended abruptly at the corner of Grand and Signal Streets when the sedan being chased by Ojai police jumped the curb and traveled nearly 50 feet, landing upside-down in the backyard of the home there.. The driver then fled on foot, with police in pursuit. Many area residents came to the sidewalks, some with flashlights, as indistinct yelling was heard nearby.

By 10:15pm the suspect was apprehended, and witnesses say he was yelling "Mama, Mama!" as he was loaded into the police car. Sheriffs say the unidentified man, whom they're not sure is from around here, fled from the police after they responded to a domestic abuse call.

Posted by evan austin at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Fannie and Freddie last week, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch going down, AIG and Washington Mutual next?

This economy is a disaster, and American citizens are left holding the bill as the government continues to bail out these giant companies at taxpayer expense. Now that's a welfare state. When do we hit rock bottom? How much blame does the Bush administration shoulder?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (31) | author bio

I hope I can stop laughing long enough to post this piece by Garrison Keillor. What a pity he lives in Lake Wobegon and not in Ojai! If you need some comic relief, read on...

Continue reading "Comic Relief" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Check out the City Council Candidate Resource Page for the details on the four candidate forums occurring between now and election. Click the link at the top of the right column of this site.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The September edition of The Ojai Business Journal is now online:

http://www.ojaichamber.org/images/obj/sept%2008_obj.pdf

Continue reading "Ojai Chamber of Commerce & The Ojai Business Journal Now Online" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 12:02 PM | Permalink | author bio

From Dennis Kucinich, America's Most Courageous Congressman
Dear Friend,

We suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursing peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.

It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 9/11.

Before the Congress adjourns, I will bring forth a new proposal for the establishment of a National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which will have the power to compel testimony and gather official documents to reveal to the American people not only the underlying deception which has divided us, but in that process of truth seeking set our nation on a path of reconciliation.

The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.

Read full article here.
http://kucinich.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2430&Itemid=1
In peace,

Dennis J Kucinich
www.Kucinich.us
216-252-9000 877-933-6647

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Well, friends, i'm off for the weekend to serve as a mentor/chaperon for some local youth attending the PeaceJam conference at Loyola Marymount. i thought i'd leave you with this. She also comes in Regular and Superhero.

Posted by evan austin at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

While I have many reasons for supporting Obama, the principal reason he has my vote is a simple one: he is a very intelligent and well-educated man. In our nation's history, the more intelligent the president, the better his cabinet choices tend to be. I cite JFK, FDR, Lincoln, and, yes, Clinton as examples. Say what you will about Clinton's moral choices, he had a brilliant cabinet. Quite frankly, I could care less about our president's promiscuity, as long as he's balancing our budget and ending our addiction to oil (both foreign and domestic).

Continue reading "Why I am Voting for Obama" »

Posted by Todd Miller at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (75) | author bio

I thought it would be interesting to get to know the real Brian Cox, so I sat down with him to talk about bee farming in the Ojai Valley, and a couple other things. Brian talks a little about what has affected the bee population, how not to get stung and why it’s important to close the door to the honey room. He also talks about being the lone conservative voice on these pages and gives a plug for a presidential candidate. Tune in to the full 12-minute interview on Radio Ojai, where you can also hear an interview with Smitty West and new music from Delaney Gibson.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

(Caltrans photo of the collapse of Maricopa Highway in Cuyama Valley)

Last week in a Ventura County Star article by Tony Biasotti, Ventura County officials conceded that there are significant problems in the Planning Division but the real questions is this: Are they Willing To Change?

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/sep/04/officials-concede-land-use-problems/

According to Biasotti Ventura County officials hosted an unusual meeting in a conference room just off of the courthouse cafeteria.

"Everyone on our team has affirmed we have a problem here," Matt Carroll, the top deputy to County Executive Officer Marty Robinson, said at the opening of the meeting. "The facts speak for themselves."

"Complaints about the system from developers and property owners are nothing new..." " But this time, the county is listening and often agreeing..."

"Last year, the county commissioned a report on its land-use procedures by Tom Berg, a consultant who once held (Chris) Stephens' current position as Resource Management Agency director. Based on interviews with 75 people in and out of county government, Berg's report concluded that the land-use process was in need of "systemic changes."

"The county put together a committee of high-level managers, including Carroll and Stephens, to analyze Berg's recommendations and start putting them into action."

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ventura County Officials Finally Admit there are Problems and MAC Candidate Jerry Kaplan Responds to our Election Year Questions" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Suza Francina for Ojai City Council

Dear Ojai Post Reader,

As you may know, I am running for re election to the Ojai City Council. This election takes place the same time as the General Election, on November 4th.

There are two open seats on the Ojai City Council. I am asking for your vote for one of them.

If you are a regular reader of the Ojai Post you have probably seen my articles on a wide range of topics, from birth to death to animals, leaf-blowers, alternative transportation and other environmental issues*. The fact of the matter is that local, national and global politics touches every aspect of our lives from the moment we enter the Planet till our inevitable departure.

When I ran in 1996 there were no web sites like the Ojai Post. E-mail and the Internet was not yet a part of our daily lives. After I was elected, the city manager laughingly told me that I sent the first ever e-mail to City Hall. So here I am, posting the first Ojai City Council fund-raising letter on the Internet.

Continue reading "Preserving the Spirit of Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

I have been a community organizer. I left a full time job to work for free in my community for three years, pulling together neighbors, government, and nonprofits to create a fiercely-needed community center in my town.

I have felt great pride about our accomplishments with this project, and felt that the financial sacrifice I made in the salary I lost was well worth it. For the first time, we have a legitimate library in my little town. Our children have safe, creative, embracive places to go after school. Neighbors have a place to meet neighbors, and we have a swath of green in the middle of a fairly tightly packed residential neighborhood that hosts everything from Little League to pick-up soccer games on the weekend.

I drive or walk by this center every day, as it is half a block away from my house. There are few things that I've done in my life that feel like they have even close to such a tangible and lasting meaning.

There are a lot of things that I could have done with the money I would have earned had I not left my paying job. My graduate degree could have been paid off, or the remaining debt on our house. We could have afforded the kinds of travel that my husband and I dream of on slow Sunday afternoons. Or I could have had a far different kitty to start my own business than I have, allowing me to move forward far more quickly towards my own version of the small-business-owning American dream.

Giving that up was, to me, worth it. And I recognize that it pales in comparison to the lifetimes that many people spend doing this kind of volunteer work.

But according to Sarah Palin and her scriptwriters, it was an exercise in pointlessness.

In her speech at the Republican National Convention last night, Governor Palin, in a dig about Barack Obama's step away from a high paying position at a law firm into the trenches of inner city community building, stated, "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organiser", except that you have actual responsibilities."

To say that I am insulted by this statement doesn't even begin to cover my rage. This country and the world have benefitted from Americans who have chosen to step away from the rewards of lucrative careers into working for free or for minute salaries to make their communities, and communities around the world, safer, stronger, more functional, and more vibrant.

How dare she? How dare she attack those who choose to give of themselves?

These are true American values, Ms. Palin. Family and community values where people roll up their sleeves and take responsibility for fixing what is broken in our communities.

These are the kinds of responsibilities we can be proud of.

What you took on in your tenure as mayor of Wasilla included an attempt to ban books from the library, firing those on the town staff who didn't agree with you or didn't support your mayoral campaign, and leaving the town $20 million in long term debt as you moved forward to your new responsibilities as governor.

For shame.

Posted by Leigh Melander at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Tonight Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will accept the Republican nomination for Vice President, a position that would put her second in line to be President of the United States. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is asking for help letting people know where she stands on the brutal and needless aerial hunting of wolves and bears. So I am posting the video below in response to this request:
http://actionfund.defenders.org/palinvideo

Warning: This video is extremely disturbing. It contains graphic images of aerial hunting of wolves -- a brutal and needless practice that Governor Palin has fought hard to promote and expand. Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has:Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf; Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting; Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

as promised, the RNC photo and open thread... go to it, Ojaians!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

The Ojai City Council Candidate Debate, put on by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Ojai Valley News, will be held Oct. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chaparral Auditorium. Hold your absentee ballots until after you've had a chance to attend!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

(Downtown Ojai in Winter, photo credit to Lauren Simone)

Or This Vision?

(A traffic at the "Y." Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith)

Suza Francina was the first of the five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies to respond to our questions for candidates. (see below) "Stop the Trucks" hopes the other City Council candidates and those running for the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) will take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks - Second Election Edition" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The World Affairs Council CA Central Coast Presents:
When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433.

September 11, 2008 at the Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers and no-host bar 5:30-6:30, presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members

During the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics, China celebrated the achievements of the great navel fleets of the Ming Dynasty, events hardly known or recounted in the West.

By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.

After the emperor’s death, the chief Mandarin sought to undermine the power of his foes by decreeing that the fleets be grounded, the records destroyed and overseas trade forbidden. The result crippled China for the next 600 years - a decline that is only being reversed today as witnessed during the Olympics.

Continue reading "World Affairs Council Presentation: When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:45 AM | Permalink | author bio

Today's Washington Post has a great article entitled, "As Food Becomes a Cause, Meeting Puts Issues on the Table." It describes how far some people will go these days to get locally grown food. In California, more than 40 residents volunteered their back yards to an aspiring young bicycle-riding farmer who couldn't afford to buy land of his own. In exchange for a weekly supply of produce, they would let him till their all-American lawns into rows of lettuce, broccoli, squash and peas.

I bet the Washington Post would love to feature a story on Steve Sprinkel and his wife, Olivia Chase, of Farmer and the Cook; Dulanie Ellis-La Barre and other members of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Food and Agriculture Committee; Kris and Joanne Young, leaders of the Ojai Locavores; and other Ojai foodies...
Here's a link to the Washington Post story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/29/AR2008082903447.html?referrer=emailarticle

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

photo taken today, August 29, 2008 by evan austin

Posted by evan austin at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Ray Smith of Daly Road Graphics sent us these notes and photographs about Gravel Trucks in which it appears that trucks coming and going from Santa Paula are driving on residential streets. If true this would a clear violation of local road and traffic regulations. While we await further confirmation, here is Ray's first person report:

" I spotted another truck near my home. Apparently, they are coming from Santa Paula, but instead of going through downtown via Ojai Avenue, they cut north to Grand Avenue. They head east, turn onto West Summer St.,
then south on Canada to pick up Ojai Avenue again. This is the third time I've seen one do this. "

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I caught this story last night on KEYT and it has been gnawing at me ever since.

Gary Wilde, the President and CEO of Community Memorial Health Systems, which owns Ojai Valley Community Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, was featured in a news story about members of the LDS church who went door to door to support Proposition 8, a ban on gay marriage. Wilde says he supports "preserving the traditional definition of marriage," which I am guessing doesn't include the agreement that the man will put the toilet seat down.

Continue reading "Hospital CEO Comes Out...Against Gay Marriage" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (25) | author bio

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

Or This Vision?

(A double hopper stuck in traffic at the "Y" heads into the heart of Ojai on Route 150/Ojai Avenue.. Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith Monday, May 6, 2008)

With five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies and several of the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) seats also facing competitive races, the Ojai "Stop the Trucks!" Coalition is asking everyone running for office to take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Election Year Edition" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Have you ever forgotten how many houses you own?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is again offering its 14-week Self-Employment Training (SET) course, beginning the second week in September!

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION:

WEV_SMALL_FLYER.pdf

During the course, participants will learn how to write a business plan, as well as practical information and training to an idea into a reality – launching a business! The class is divided into modules, beginning with start-up basics and continuing through marketing, finances, advertising, pricing, HR issues, etc.

WEV encourages all business owners (women & men) to sign up for a free, one-hour orientation. Space is limited, so register today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact

Mary Anne Rooney
Regional Leader, Ventura County
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV)
& Small Business Loan Fund
400 E. Esplanade Drive, Suite 300
Oxnard, CA 93036
ph: 805.604.9000 ext. 241
fx: 805.604.7784
www.wevonline.org

WEV is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women across the globe

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

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, August 19th in a special joint meeting with the Commissions on Planning and Parks & Recreation at 7:30pm, where the main agenda item is discussion of the Skate Park project. Full agenda can be read HERE.

Posted by evan austin at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I've requested Candidate Statements from all five of the qualified Ojai City Council candidates. Ms. Francina is first in. You'll be able to read them on our Ojai City Council resource page. Consider this an open City Council thread...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

Today's New York Times has a great article by Stephanie Rosenbloom entitled "Giant Retailers Look to Sun for Energy Savings," on how green energy is now front and center in the minds of the business sector.

“It’s very clear that green energy is now front and center in the minds of the business sector,” said Daniel M. Kammen, an energy expert at the University of California, Berkeley. “Not only will you see panels on the roofs of your local stores, but I suspect very soon retailers will have stickers in their windows saying, ‘This is a green energy store.’ ”

Here's the rest of the article:
Giant Retailers Look to Sun for Energy Savings

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (48) | author bio

Just received a release from Pat McPherson, who has elected not to run for City Council after pulling papers to do so a couple weeks ago... and note that Suza took out nomination papers today.

Ojai, California – Pat McPherson, a resident of Ojai for 21 years and co-founder of an international engineering and manufacturing company located in Carpinteria, California has announced today he will not run for Ojai City council after pulling papers on July 23, 2008.

Continue reading "Pat McPherson not running for Ojai City Council" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

World Affairs Council CA Central Coast

September 11, 2008
Location: Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
Time: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers
and no-host bar 5:30-6:30,
presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members

By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.

Continue reading "World Affairs Council Presentation" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:40 PM | Permalink | author bio

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL

GLEN MUSE, 815 Libbey Ave., Ojai, CA 93024

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Party In Paradise" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:17 PM | Permalink | author bio

Did you receive a letter that looks like this (see back side? It looks all official. It has a logo similar to the County, the address is on Main St., assessor's ID number, all my property value information, etc. Upon closer scrutiny I discovered this is from a company "based" in Ventura (elsewhere too) that will take my $171 and submit a simple form to the County to have my property assessment adjusted.

Turns out I can submit this form to the County myself, for FREE. The County has a easy web page called How to Request a Decline in Value Review where you can download the form.

So, if you received a letter from Property Tax Adjustment Services...don't send them any money. Do it yourself for free.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

OBAMA CAMPAIGN OFFICE OPENS — All are invited to the grand opening of the Barack Obama campaign office and birthday celebration on Monday, August 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija St., Suite 116, at the corner of Montgomery.

For more information go to OjaiforObama or e-mail info@ojaiforobama.com.

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

I haven't been on radio in about 15 years, since my college sportscasting days, but I joined Coach Ron Tunick on air last week for 1/2 an hour to talk about my new company, Emergencity. Coach Ron has an afternoon drive-time business show called "The Business of Life" on KKZZ AM-1140 from 4-6pm. It was a hoot being back on air (on the other side of the mic) and the Coach was a gracious host. Check out the podcast starting at 29:00, if you'd like to hear my radio voice. :)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I've started a new resource page for the upcoming city elections. I'll be adding information and maintaining it as a community resource. Let us know if you have suggestions, observations, etc. It will be accessible via a link under "Resource Pages" in the upper right of the site.

Ojai City Council Candidates 2008

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (109) | author bio

This morning we learned of a news report that the United States Army is planning on using our own brothers and sisters -- live pigs -- in a new training exercise.

What kind of training exercise could that be? we wondered. At first we worried it might be something like chasing live pigs, or wrestling them, or capturing them and tying them up or or some other cruel and insensitive practice.

But then we learned the real reason.

Continue reading "From Rosie and Tillie: Ojai SpokesPigs Alert" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

Guess who the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office relied on for unbiased safety information about Monsanto's glyphosate herbicide?

You guessed it. Monsanto.

In the Fish and Wildlife Office's March 31, 2005 report Biological Opinion for the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project, glyphosate safety references are limited to:

1) an August 25, 2004 look at Monsanto's "Roundup Pro herbicide technical fact sheet" (a web page that no longer exists); and

2) a 1994 study prepared by toxicologist Mike McKee, a Monsanto employee.

Some of the many studies on glyphosate and glyphosate-containing herbicides not referenced by this report. See also Glyphosate Found in Wastewater Discharged to Streams (2006) and International Program on Chemical Safety.

If you want to read the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office's March 31, 2005 report (.pdf file), go to the web site of the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project and click on "USFWS Biological Opinion."

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Send your donations to the Stop The Trucks! Coalition – c/o The Ojai Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1134, Ojai, CA, 93024, or you may also walk your contribution into the Chamber’s offices anytime during the business week, at 201 S. Signal Street -- in the Ojai Festivals building -- in downtown Ojai.

HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
By Michael Shapiro, Chairman / Stop The Trucks! Coalition

Repeating what I wrote last week in my Ojai Valley News Guest Editorial -- various news reports about the recent Santa Barbara-based Diamond Rock Mine didn’t tell the full story. It is simply not true that the Stop the Trucks! Coalition prevailed during the recent hearings before the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, and that’s why we’re appealing the decision of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission to approve the Diamond Rock Mine’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). If we don’t, it paves the way for the granting of their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and simultaneously strips-away any of Ojai’s legal rights to challenge them in the event that they “change their minds” and hundreds of rock and gravel mine-transport trucks end-up careening through Ojai after all.

Continue reading "HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:04 PM | Permalink | author bio

Sweet Poison

Aspartame Kills

In health,

Jock Doubleday
Director
Natural Woman, Natural Man, Inc.
A California 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation
http://www.SpontaneousCreation.org
director@spontaneouscreation.org

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)

Below are some of the highlights from Ventura County Star reporter Tony Biasotti's article last week.

"Until last year, it was common for Bob Walker to wake up before dawn to the sound of grinding engine brakes, as a caravan of gravel trucks passed his house. 'When they're coming through at 2:30 or 3 a.m., and you're sleeping, it gets pretty loud,' Walker said during a recent interview at his home, just north of Ojai on Highway 33. 'At one point, it was an everyday thing.'"

…But many Ojai residents still chafe at what they see as enough truck traffic to turn their bucolic city into a loud, smoggy, congested mess. Ventura County (Planning Division), they say, has ignored their concerns. Walker filed three complaints against one mining company, starting in 2005, and said the county never acknowledged any of them until a few months ago.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ojai Complains of Gravel Trucks on Highway 33" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:47 PM | Permalink | author bio

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

In Thursday’s Ventura County Reporter, Editor Bill Lascher wrote:

“A broad coalition of Ojai residents, environmentalists, business owners, public officials and educators launched a blistering attack June 17 on county planners overseeing permits for mining operations.

Ventura County Chief Executive Officer Marty Robinson confirmed county officials plan to discuss allegations in a letter sent by Stop the Trucks Coalition Vice-Chair Howard Smith about oversight of the controversial Ozena Valley Ranch mine.”

For the full story go to:
http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/mine_opponents_suspect_official_bias/6073/

Some further highlights:

“Frustrated by what they perceive to be lax enforcement of planning regulations, Smith and his allies called for the ouster of a key Ventura County planning official for decisions related to the mine, which is located several miles north of Ojai, east of State Route 33.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Mine Opponents Suspect Official Bias" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:06 PM | Permalink | author bio

i spent a couple of hours yesterday evening in downtown Ventura, handing out information about and with my new friends from the Ventura chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and am still energized by the experience. Of course, i'm not a veteran (although i have recently joined Military Families Speak Out since my brother leaves tomorrow to begin his training as a Marine Reservist), but i am a civilian ally who hopes to have a classy black "I SUPPORT IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR" tshirt very soon.

The Ventura IVAW chapter is small and relatively new, but is eager and active. They spent several hours on friday outside the main gates of the Port Hueneme Navy Base with IVAW applications and information about GI resistance to this war, where they were shouted at, flipped off, and photographed by the Military Police. But they were there, building visibility and offering support to anyone strong enough to shrug off the heavy social stigmas within the military just long enough to get some information about how to serve AND resist.

Continue reading "Iraq Veterans Against the What?!" »

Posted by evan austin at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

On the heels of evan's Peacemaker post, I'll flip the coin and share a local political story that has received some coverage. Joel Angeles, the chief of staff for Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Moorpark) was placed on a one month leave of absence for getting involved in a physical altercation with Democratic protestors outside a Thousand Oaks gathering for Audra's husband Tony Strickland who is running for the 19th District Senate seat.

Angeles was with the GOP protestors, holding a sign calling Tony Strickland's opponent, Hannah-Beth Jackson, a hypocrite. The groups didn't have separation and some pushing and shoving occurred. While no charges were filed, and my guess is that this blows over in a hurry, what is a candidate's chief of staff doing putting himself in a position like that?

Links to additional reading from Brian Dennert, Flap and the VC Star after the jump...

Continue reading "Strickland aide Joel Angeles benched after altercation in T.O." »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The World Affairs Council of America, California Central Coast Chapter
Proudly Presents:

Social Business: Investing in Social Change and International Responsibility

A native of Bangladesh, Mr. Sham is experienced in government
and non-government sectors. He is closely involved with Nobel Peace Prize-winning
Grameen Bank and its family of organizations. He has also worked in the
Ministry of Agriculture and the Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation

Lunch Presentation
Thursday, July 10, 2008
12 - 2 pm
Camarillo Library Community Room
4101 Las Posas Rd
Camarillo, CA 93010

RSVP to Ashley Bailey
(805) 299-2394 or by email
WACA@paladinprinciple.com
By Monday, July 7th

$30 WACA Members
$35 Non-Members

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I can hardly write an article - it's so absurd that someone running for president needs his wife to answer his emails and google for him. The man belongs in a mausoleum and the sooner the better! Unconscionable for someone in the modern world who wants to lead this country into a new era! Truly unimaginable! Here's the video, decide for yourselves. Amazing!

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

While U.S. citizens doze to stories about Britney impersonators and "why the full moon will appear larger," Canadian citizens are doing something.

On June 10, 2008, Libby Davies delivered a Parliamentary Petition in Canada's House of Commons demanding a new 9/11 investigation. The petition states, among other things, that:

"scientific and eyewitness evidence shows that the 9/11 Commission Report is a fraudulent document and that elements within the U.S. government were complicit in the murder of thousands of people on 9/11/2001."

But the Canadian petition may be too late. U.S. martial law is on its way. And FEMA detention camps are waiting for you and your family if you choose to resist the New World Order.

9/11 was not just a pretext for U.S. military presence in the Middle East but a pretext for U.S. military presence in the U.S. For this purpose, the U.S. Army is granting a record number of misdemeanor and felony waivers to new recruits to swell Army ranks.

Continue reading "800 FEMA detention camps in the United States" »

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

This is just in from the NY Times website:

June 17, 2008
Oregon woman plans to parade topless on July 4
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 6:51 p.m. ET

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A woman seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string. The Chamber of Commerce says that's contrary to the rules for the family celebration. She says she'll sue if she can't parade as she wishes.

Jen Moss has been known as ''The Naked Lady'' since she moved to Ashland in May from Ojai, Calif., drawn by the town's nudity laws. They specify only that people must cover their genitalia in a city park or the downtown commercial district, which means Moss need not cover her breasts.

The police in California, she says, harassed her when she rode her bicycle wearing a G-string and pasties.

Moss applied for an entry for the parade, which draws thousands each year.

The Ashland Chamber of Commerce learned of her coverage plans from an online posting. She promised to lead in-line skaters ''wearing only a hemp G-string and blowing a conch shell.''

''We don't feel that someone in the parade who is topless or nearly naked is appropriate for a family audience,'' said parade chairman James Kidd.

Continue reading "Jen To Strike Again!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (49) | author bio

It was over 30 years ago when President Jimmy Carter gave his infamous energy address. Just think how our current circumstances might have been different had we listened to President Carter.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Wow, this will dominate the news cycle this weekend... from the NYT Political Blog (h/t SRS)...

Tim Russert, the host of “Meet the Press,” and NBC’s Washington bureau chief, has died. He was 58.

Mr. Russert was a towering figure in American journalism and moderated several debates during the recent presidential primary season.

Tom Brokaw, the former anchor of NBC Nightly News, came on the air at 3:39 p.m. that Mr. Russert had collapsed and died early this afternoon while at work. He had just returned from Italy with his family.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

One of the most provocative and entertaining writers on sustainable cities is James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape and other books. The Washington Post recently published an article by Kunstler entitled Wake Up, America. We’re Driving Toward Disaster. He writes:

Everywhere I go these days, talking about the global energy predicament on the college lecture circuit or at environmental conferences, I hear an increasingly shrill cry for “solutions.” This is just another symptom of the delusional thinking that now grips the nation, especially among the educated and well-intentioned.

Continue reading "Peak Oil and the Greening of Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

When I came home Monday evening, my roommate immediately told me that "Dennis Kucinich is reading the Articles of Impeachment on C-Span." It's moments like this that make me vow to get a TV again. I quickly called a friend and I could hear Kucinich in the background.

"Yes! Yes! " my friend said, " Dennis Kucinich is on the floor of the House of Representatives introducing Articles of Impeachment against George W. Bush right now!! He is doing it in a very dignified manner. He refuses to be hurried. Each Article takes five or ten minutes to read and there are 35 Articles all together on every aspect of the Bush presidency. It's been going on for two hours and he's only half done! So far the charges included misleading Congress about the threat from Iraq and Iran, authorizing and condoning torture, illegal domestic surveillance..." I quickly fed the animals and raced to my friend's TV.

Continue reading "Kucinich Impeaches Bush for Four Hours " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (64) | author bio

On November 30th, 2007, the former president of Italy, Francesco Cossiga, wrote in Italy's largest newspaper:

". . . all of the democratic circles of America and of Europe . . . now know well that the disastrous attack [on 9/11] was planned and realized by the American CIA and Mossad with the help of the Zionist world to put under accusation the Arabic countries and to persuade the Western powers to intervene in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Cossiga joins a long list of top military leaders, intelligence professionals, scientists, structural engineers, architects, members of Congress, 9/11 Commissioners, legal scholars, heroic first responders, family members of 9/11 victims, and psychiatrists who question the U.S. government's version of events on September 11, 2001.

As a result of U.S. citizens' general acceptance of the official story of 9/11, martial law is coming soon to major cities in the U.S.

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) | author bio

From the VC Star... Jorgensen headed to surprise victory; Gallegly wins

Apparently powered by the appeal of the word "educator," a teacher and former nurse from Solvang appeared headed to an unexpected win in the three-way race for the Democratic nomination in the 24th Congressional District.

Marta Jorgensen, reached by phone Tuesday evening and informed of the early returns, was incredulous. "You're kidding! That's a pretty amazing thing."

For three weeks during the campaign, Jorgensen had suspended campaigning and announced she was supporting Jill Martinez, a developer of affordable housing and the Democratic nominee from two years ago.

But, saying she thought Martinez and Oak Park insurance agent Mary Pallant were not paying enough attention to Santa Barbara County voters, Jorgensen jumped back in.

"I was certain I had shot myself in the foot on that," she said. "I thought maybe I'd get 8 or 10 percent."

With 83 percent of the returns counted, Jorgensen was leading, with 47 percent of the vote, over Martinez, with 32 percent, and Pallant, with 21 percent.

Vote totals at the OC Register (not including many mail-in ballots, apparently). More discussion at Brian Dennert's VC Star blog.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

So I have had a couple people email me about the sad news that Ojai Video is closing its doors. You are welcome to talk about it here. I'd be curious to know how much of an effect Netflix and Blockbuster's similar service have had on this local mom-and-pop. It's hard to compete using an obsolete business model. Even after I subscribed to Netflix, we would still pop in on occasion to supplement our mail-order movies. I always enjoyed my visits there, liked the friendly slacker staff, and usually found something good to watch. Sigh.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

A couple weeks ago, evan and I drafted a set of ten questions that we sent to all of the 24th Congressional District candidates - Jill Martinez and Mary Pallant on the Democratic side and Elton Gallegly and Michael Tenenbaum on the Republican side. Ms. Martinez was the first to reply - results after the jump...

Continue reading "Ojai Post Q&A: Jill Martinez" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

With regular unleaded fuel in Ojai over $4.25 per gallon and a barrel of oil at $135, a record high, peak oil is on many people's mind. Our friends at the Santa Barbara based Community Environmental Council sponsored a half day Tri-County Energy Summit for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties today in Santa Barbara. The 150 attendees were community activists, non-profit representatives, business leaders, city planners, elected city/county officials, and other governmental employees. I went as a representative of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. The agenda was full and we heard from seven speakers. The sponsoring organization made a proposal to be Fossil Free By 33, with specific plans to make this happen. I will outline what I heard from the speakers, review the proposals, and then make some commentary.

Continue reading "Peak Oil and a Regional Energy Summit" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Many of you may remember when i last attended the Memorial Day events here in the Ojai Valley in 2006, after which i wrote this report which brought up issues of patriotism, accountability, veteran-civilian relations, and the meaning of supporting the troops while opposing the war.

This year's Memorial Day was quite different for me, but not so much because of the local events. i have made some significant personal strides relative to the above issues by listening to the testimony of warriors at the Winter Soldier 2008 event, responding to my brother's choice to join the Marine Corps Reserves, reading some of the local veterans' stories in their book "Ojai Valley's Veterans Stories", and connecting to local organizers of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

***

At this time in 2006 i didn't have a nine-month-old daughter, so i was a little slower getting out the door this time. i missed the pancake breakfast at the American Legion building in Oak View, but caught the last half of the parade, where i noted several violations of the Federal Flag Code. After the parade a sizable crowd gathered at Longhorn's Feed & Supply to hear speakers and for the awarding of the parade trophies. i approached as Ms. Shelley Rhoades was reading the same poem she read last time in Libbey Park, while Boy Scout Troop 503 did the same enigmatic flag-passing ceremony. i began to wonder what was going to happen at the park.
Some guy took the "stage" and led us all in prayer to a Christian God, thanking him for our community and lifestyle and for helping us preserve it, in Jesus' name. Veteran Al Wescott sang his original song "Soldiers, Sailors, and Tired Old Men", just like he did in 2006. The teen girls in their long satin dresses and label-sashes gave out awards to everything from a bagpiper to a llama (although i think it was an alpaca, technically) to "pooper scoopers". People clapped and cheered, then left.

Continue reading "My Memorial Day 2008" »

Posted by evan austin at 02:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

In response to Obama's remark, a car dealer in Missouri gives a free gun with purchase. Oh, you can choose a $250 gas card, if you like, instead. I'd prefer a $125 card and a bow & arrow, but I'm old school.

Story from BBC:
US car dealer in free gun offer

A car dealership in the United States is offering a free handgun with every vehicle sold. Max Motors in Butler, Missouri, says sales have quadrupled since the start of the offer. Customers can choose between a gun or a $250 (£125) gas card, but most so far have chosen the gun. Owner Mark Muller said: "We're just damn glad to live in a free country where you can have a gun if you want to." The dealership sells new and old vehicles, including General Motors and Ford cars and trucks, and its logo shows a cowboy holding a pistol. It has sold more than 30 cars and trucks in the past three days, an increase which the owners put down to their promotional offer.

Inspiration from Obama
Mr Muller said that every buyer so far "except one guy from Canada and one old guy" chose the gun, rather than the gas card. He recommends a Kel-Tec .380 pistol, which he describes as "a nice little handgun that fits in your pocket". He added that the promotion was inspired by recent comments from one of the Democratic nominees for the presidential election, saying: "We did it because of Barack Obama. "He said all those people in the Midwest, you've got to have compassion for them because they're clinging to their guns and their Bibles. I found that quite offensive. We all go to church on Sunday and we all carry guns."

The website advertisement for the offer, which continues until the end of the month, mentions that an approved background check on gun ownership is required.
Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7416120.stm

Published: 2008/05/23 07:07:21 GMT

Posted by Raymond Powers at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent

Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai, Los Padres
Trucks Brake for Highway 33

"The main artery through Ojai, State Route 33 sits in western Ventura County, just a few miles from the Santa Barbara County border. Along Route 33 sit schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and Ojai’s busiest intersection. What it will not accommodate — to the relief of many Ojai residents — is the daily rumbling of hundreds of semi trucks carrying thousands of pounds of gravel to construction sites throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties..."

“The Highway 33 corridor is not suitable for these big trucks,” said 1st District Planning Commissioner Michael Cooney..." "...Michael Shapiro of the Stop the Trucks Coalition, citing the air quality impact on the health, safety, and welfare of those living or traveling near Route 33, said industrial traffic through Ojai would have had a palpable and “scary” impact on residents, creating an industrial feel that could potentially harm the valley’s income from its reputation for arts and tourism. “It [would have] totally, adversely affected the economy,” Shapiro said..."

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Santa Barbara Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

On involvement
If you're going to complain, get involved

From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:

"As has been groused about numerous times on these pages and society in general, too many people whine about the actions taken by government and other institutions without ever taking action to challenge those institutions.

Some lament in Ventura County that red tape and not-in-my-backyard-minded activists hinder progress. Yet, without a vigilant active community little would be done to help the vast majority of our citizens, many decisions would be taken with myopic profit motives and few socially minded initiatives would get off the ground...."

"...Now, the first signs are emerging of other successes by local activists, even as new fights take shape...."

"...Ojai residents concerned about mining truck traffic along Route 33 have scored something of a victory and will have a chance to ensure that victory holds May 14. That day, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission will consider final action on the proposed Diamond Rock mine. After criticism of the mine's plans to use Highway 33 to transport material and other environmental concerns that might impact Ventura County more than Santa Barbara County, the plan was altered to prevent trucks from traveling south on 33, to reduce its production rates and truck trips to avoid situations where those truck trips might be necessary, and to address other environmental concerns. It is a testament to the continued involvement and dedication of Ojai and Cuyama Valley residents - as well as the mine owner's willingness to discuss community concerns - that such progress was made..."

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Praise for Ojai in the Press" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:01 PM | Permalink | author bio

January 1999 - $8 / barrel
October 2004 - $53 / barrel
August 2005 - $65 / barrel
July 2006 - $77 / barrel
September 2007 - $80 / barrel
October 2007 - $90 / barrel
January 2, 2008 - $100 / barrel
March 12, 2008 - $110 / barrel
May 9, 2008 - $125 / barrel
May 21, 2008 - $132 / barrel
One Year Forecast - $171 / barrel

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (34) | author bio

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

Visit the nomination page!

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

Posted by evan austin at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

good night for Barack Obama... throw him a few bucks if you're so inclined. it's expensive fighting the VRWC.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

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

May 2, 2008 -- "Bush's recent confession to conspiracy to torture guarantees that after leaving power he will be prosecuted and convicted for crimes against humanity. And Cheney, the real power in the Bush Administration, is not only implicated in torture and other war crimes but also the prime suspect in the mass murders of September 11th, 2001. . . . With sure prosecutions hanging over their heads when they leave office, their only way out is "flight forward" into a wider war -- a war so terrible it would allow them to suspend elections, declare martial law, and remain in power indefinitely. A long list of former high-level officials, right up to former President Jimmy Carter, is warning us against false-flag provocations by the Cheney regime designed to launch war with Iran. Some of these officials, including President Reagan's former top economic advisor Paul Craig Roberts, have been openly echoing Congressman Ron Paul's warning that 'this government is determined to have martial law.'"
- Kevin Barrett, M.U.J.C.A. News, May 2, 2008, kevin@mujca.com

Fortunately :), Ojai is an island unto itself and need not concern itself with martial law scenarios. If martial law is indeed declared, military personnel are not going to make the trip up to Ojai from Ventura, because the weather down in Ventura is much cooler.

Continue reading "Ojai Too Hot for Military" »

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

Iraq Veterans Against the War held a series of hearings on the weekend of March 14 through 16, 2008 (the same weekend as Not One More! here in Libbey Park) called "Winter Soldier 2008", modeled after the Winter Soldier hearings in 1971 during the Vietnam War.

i have downloaded all of the testimony from these emotional and enlightening hearings, and will gladly burn you a 10-disc audio set for $10 (a single mp3 disc for $1). $5 will go to the Ojai Peace Coalition, and $5 will go toward the new IVAW Chapter in Ventura. email me to request a copy.

here's Infantrymen Clifton Hicks and Steven Casey giving testimony as part of the March 14th panel "Rules of Engagement, Part One": LISTEN. DOWNLOAD.

Continue reading "Winter Soldier Audio Discs Available" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from Peace Action's Peace Blog:
April has been the most deadly month for U.S. troops since September.

Those who died in Iraq in recent weeks:
Sgt Michael Lilly 23 Boise ID
Sgt Jeremiah McNeal 23 Norfolk VA
Cap Ulises Burgos Cruz 29 Puerto Rico
Spc Matthew Morris 23 Cedar Park TX
Pvt Shane Penley 19 Sauk Village IL
Col Stephen Scott 54 New Market AL
Maj Stuart Wolfer 36 Colorado Springs FL
Sgt Emanuel Pickett 34 Teachey NC
Spc Jason Kazarick 30 Oakmont PA
Maj Mark Rosenberg 32 Miami Lakes FL
Sgt Jeffrey Hartley 25 Hempstead TX
Sgt Richard Vaughn 22 San Diego CA
Spc Jeremiah Hughes 26 Jacksonville FL
Sgt Timothy Smith 25 So Lake Tahoe CA
Sgt Anthony Capra 31 Hanford CA
Sgt Shaun Tousha 30 Hull TX
Cpl Dean Opicka 29 Waukesha WI
Air Adrian Campos 22 El Paso TX
Cpl Jordan Haerter 19 Sag Harbor NY
PO Cherie Morton 40 Bakersfield CA
Ltn Matthew Vandergrift 28 Littleton CO
Pvt Ronald Harrison 25 Morris Plains NJ
Spc Stephen Christofferson 20 Cudahy WI
Sgt Adam Kohlhaas 26 Perryville MO
Sgt Guadalupe Ramirez 26 Mohave Valley AZ
Cpl Jonathan Yale 21 Burkeville VA
Ltn Timothy Cunningham 26 College Station TX
Pvt John Bishop 22 Gaylord MI
Sgt Ronald Blystone 34 Springfield MO
Sgt Shaun Whitehead 24 Commerce GA

426 Iraqi sisters and brothers were killed.

Cf: www.icasualties.org

Posted by evan austin at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Are you involved with a non-profit organization? Did you know that over 1.5 million non-profits exist in the United States and over 300 in the Ojai Valley alone? Pretty phenomenal when you think about it. I just finished reading a book by Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant, two MBAs, who wrote a study on high impact non-profit organizations. The books is called Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits. It was a good read considering the potentially dry topic.

"At a time when the social sector has grown to more than $1 trillion, understanding what leads to impact is essential. Whether you're a non-profit leader, philanthropist, business executive, board member, volunteer, or simply interested in changing the world, this book will inspire you to be a stronger force for good."

Continue reading "Forces for Good" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 05:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

New on the Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog:

• Mother's Day for Peace: Sunday May 4th from 3-5pm at the E.P.Foster Library on Main Street in Ventura.

• The Future of Local Transportation, Saturday, May 10, 2008 (National Train Day) from 2-3:30pm at Ruby's Café of Oxnard, 348 South Oxnard Blvd.

• Nominate a Peace Pioneer for a $10,000 prize from Ben & Jerry's!

• Tell the Presidential candidates to declare clean cars a priority starting Day One of their administration.

• Women today make up 56% of college graduates and nearly half of the labor force in this country, yet women make only 73 cents to a man's dollar, and mothers only make 60 cents, for the exact same job. AND THE SENATE FAILED TO PASS THE FAIR PAY ACT LAST WEEK, with Senator McCain saying that women just need "education and training". Tell him he's off-target.
(for the energetic: sign this petition in support of the Fair Pay Act through Commitee for a Democratic Majority)

• DVDs of last week's "Are Peace and Impeachment Possible?" town hall are coming...email me if you'd like a copy!

• Tell DHS that the Social Security database is not an appropriate tool for enforcing the immigration laws.

• Share your story or comments about how important it is to provide healthcare coverage for all kids in California. MomsRising.org will share your comments and pictures with California lawmakers to show them that real families are impacted and care about this issue.

Posted by evan austin at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I've been refraining from commenting on recent fallout from the Citizens for a New Vision of Ojai presentation before city council but Peter Strauss guest editorial in the OVN warrants quick response, so here it is.

Continue reading "IN RESPONSE TO PETER STRAUSS" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (39) | author bio

Natalie Wood’s sister, Lana Wood (who played Plenty O’Toole in the James Bond film, “Diamonds are Forever”), publicly proclaimed her support for the 9/11 Truth movement, this month, saying that Americans should “awaken to the fact that we as a nation have been lied to about the events of September 11th, 2001.”

http://www.stj911.org/members/index.html

Lana Wood joins over 240 professors, 380 engineers and architects, 130 senior military, intelligence service, law enforcement, and government officials, and 100 pilots and aviation professionals in bringing the light of reason to the events of 9/11.

http://patriotsquestion911.com/
http://physics911.ca/members/

Other recent converts to 9/11 truth (January to April 2008):

John Edward Anderson, BS ME, MS ME, PhD Astronautics, PE , Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota;

Frank J. Cullinan, BS CE, PE, Professional Civil Engineer, State of California;

Continue reading "Bond Girl Bonds with Physics Professors" »

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

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

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

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

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

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

Ex-governor Jesse Ventura formally apologized, this month, for not knowing what he should have known six and a half years ago: that 9/11 was an inside job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQdlBAp-24g

Below is a link to a video in which Jesse Ventura discusses 9/11. The show's hosts believe in the Official Conspiracy Theory -- the "boxcutter" theory :) -- so the discussion gets heated almost immediately:

http://www.foundrymusic.com/media/displaymedia.cfm/id/17907/page/show_video_num

There are no people leaving the 9/11 Truth Movement, only people joining it. Lynn Margulis, distinguished evolutionary biologist and recipient of the National Medal of Science -- America's highest honor for scientific achievement -- is one of the latest converts:

http://www.mujca.com/margulis.htm

Who's next?

Sincerely,

Jock Doubleday
9-11 factualist
Director
Natural Woman, Natural Man, Inc.
A California 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation
http://www.SpontaneousCreation.org
http://www.SpontaneousCreation.org/SC/links.htm

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 09:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

(photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith)

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

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

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

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

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

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

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

Posted by evan austin at 12:26 AM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ventura County Star used to operate a number of online community hubs under the YourHub.com banner. Local residents could post stories of interest, from softball game results to bake sales to editorials.

The decision was made in the last few months to fold those sites into the main website, with Ojai's community-generated stories available at http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/yournews/yn-ojai/

Pseudonymous user "T. Genovese" today posted a strongly biased and inflammatory article entitled Ojai Day Laborer Stop 'CLOSED" by Anti-Illegal Immigration Activists, the article being neither a pure news story, nor editorial.

Here's the thing: the VC Star makes no distinction about these user-posted articles, which are available through Google News and web search - in other words, much of the traffic to the page won't come through the "Your News" main page, which has "community journalism" in the page title. There's no qualification of its origin, no strong community-generated branding that distinguishes a hyper-partisan article from the strong journalistic integrity of the Star and its parent company, E. W. Scripps Co. There is a box on the right side that says "Post A Story ... Post An Event ... Become A Blogger," but there is little, if any, cognitive connection between that box and the article.

And so now, the article is being picked up by the anti-illegal immigration groups as news coverage for their event, with the association of it carrying the full weight of the Ventura County Star.

I think its great that the Star is embracing user-generated content and making their publication more interactive. But the implications for their long-cultivated brand warrant more consideration than it appears they have been given by allowing such biased content to appear without qualification under the Ventura County Star masthead.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (55) | author bio

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