The Ojai Post

Guest editorial by Michael Shapiro, Ojai activist and one of the leaders of Stop the Trucks

Why I'm Endorsing Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council

While his opponent is a talented individual who brings professional expertise and experience, only Lenny Klaif adds to his own career as an attorney - years of regularly attending Ojai City Council meetings.

His constant vigilance and attendance at Ojai City Council meetings – frequently and actively engaging the Council on a wide variety of issues that are important to Ojai’s citizens – has truly demonstrated an unyielding interest in, and concern for, his beloved Ojai while also gaining invaluable experience and understanding of how to best govern if he were to be elected.

Continue reading "Michael Shapiro: Why I'm Endorsing Lenny Klaif for Ojai City Council" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Today is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming June 8th Primary Election. If you are not yet registered you can still do so before this evening. Go to the post office and you can register there.

The next meeting of the Ojai Valley Democratic Club is today, Monday, May 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery St. At the beginning of this meeting we will be doing phone banking on behalf of Ojai City Council Candidate, Len Klaif. Those interested in helping in phone banking and discussing future planned precinct walks, please feel free to come to the Ojai Art Center Gallery early at 6:00 p.m. Bring a charged cell phone and a laptop computer if you have one. If you don't have a laptop, that's not a problem. The rest of the meeting after 8:00 p.m. will be given over to operations planning and a discussion of Get Out The Vote strategies for the June 8th Primary election.

If you're not sure about other people/things on the ballot, follow after the break to see the OVDC, County and State Democratic Voters Guide.

Continue reading "Register To Vote! OVDC Meeting and Voter's Guide" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 02:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Following is a letter to the Vons Corporation from the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. At issue is that Vadnais Investments, the owner of the Ojai Vons shopping center, has historically refused to allow or install bike racks, despite Vons' public commitment to sustainability initiatives.

My two cents: Vons corporate should strongly encourage Dean Vadnais to take the Green Coalition up on their offer, and then issue a press release on their commitment to sustainability with this Ojai project as an example. Don't do anything, and they risk getting pulled into the negative PR that could ramp up as a result of stonewalling. Do the right thing for the community and the environment, and reap the rewards - pretty simple.

Continue reading "OVGC: Letter to Vons Corp re: Bike Racks" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

Global Village School is celebrating its 10th anniversary this Saturday from 1-4 at their office at 207 N. Ventura St. (the former location of Ojai Creates!) The school offers an international K-12 homeschool diploma program that empowers students to cultivate their gifts and passions by engaging them in a creative, flexible educational process grounded in the principles of peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability.

As part of the festivities, Global Village is showcasing its new K-8 Whole Child, Healthy Planet curriculum, which is being used by private and charter schools as well as homeschoolers. The K-8 curriculum guides combine a student-centered approach (creative, flexible, holistic, and experiential, with a learning styles focus) with an emphasis on the four core principles of the Earth Charter: Respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, social and economic justice, and democracy.

The public is invited to take part in the celebration, which will include live acoustic music, refreshments, and the opportunity to meet Global Village staff and families.

Posted by Sally Carless at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Every Day is Bike-to-Work-Day in Europe!

The following video offers a look into the beautiful country of Holland, a place where transit is clean, efficient, and safe.
Translation: Everyone rides bikes and uses public transportation.

http://www.good.is/post/what-rush-hour-could-look-like-the-glorious-bike-traffic-of-utrecht-holland

Thanks to Ojai Trees for sending this video!

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

Celebrate Bike-to-Work Week, May 17-- 21, 2010
May is National Bike Month, and the League of American Bicyclists is partnering with hundreds of cities across the country to promote Bike-to-Work Week from May 17-21 and Bike to-Work Day on Friday, May 21.

If you grew up in Ojai fifty years ago, as I did, you’ll remember a time when you could safely walk and bicycle everywhere, even during peak hour traffic times. Ojai was naturally bicycle-and-pedestrian-friendly. Times have changed. According to the most recent (2008) Ojai Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 6,000 cars a day now travel on Grand Avenue.

Continue reading "A New Look at the Top Ten Reasons for Making Ojai a Bicycle-and-Pedestrian Friendly Community" »

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

pleased to share this community presentation and discussion with y'all...

International journalist Nomi Morris will speak this Monday, May 10th, at 7 pm, about the BP oil leak disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, and will lead a community discussion on the issue. Morris, who has offered the series “Behind the Headlines” at Theater 150 this spring, felt it was necessary to respond to community concern and so she changed her scheduled talk on China to the current news about the Gulf of Mexico.

Continue reading "Behind the Headlines: Oil Spill Disaster" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

VISIT BICYCLE CITY: http://www.bicyclecity.com/

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 5, 4:00 -5:00 pm,
at Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria, 515 West El Roblar in Meiners Oaks
across the street from the Project Ride community bike shop.

May is National Bike Month! http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

About the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee

Continue reading "Get Inspired! Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Meeting, Wed, May 5, 4:00 pm " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This seems important and direct to me. Maybe it does to you, too!

From AfterDowningStreet.org:
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, a "Teach-In on Capitol Hill," was held in Room 2168 of the Rayburn House Building, in Washington, D.C., dealing with the question of what the U.S. Congress must do to end the U.S. Wars and secure a peaceful Middle East. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) served as the moderator. On the panel were: David Swanson, Chris Hedges, Ann Wright, Jeremy Scahill, and Josh Stieber. You can view the entire 80-minute teach-in by clicking here.

Funding an escalation of war in Afghanistan with $33 billion is:
illegal,
immoral,
against the public will,
economically catastrophic,
counterproductive on its own terms, and
a cynically motivated intentional failure
READ WHY

Continue reading "Seven Reasons for Congress to Vote NO on Escalation" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

May 1, 2010. 10:00am --12:00pm.
Theater 150, located at 316 E. Matilija, Ojai, California.

Slide show/Lecture with Ann Bryant, Executive Director and Founder of the Tahoe Bear League
$10 donation. No one turned away due to lack of funds. Children free.
Same day at 3:00 pm, Bear Encounter Training
Please note that you must attend the morning event to attend the afternoon Bear Encounter Training. Location to be announced at the morning event. Please come. Our goal is to train as many Ojai residents as possible so that we can prevent another tragedy like the Aliso Bear incident.

Continue reading "Living with Bears and Bear Encounter Training, in Ojai, Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 am, Theater 150" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Tonight, starting at 7pm in the Chaparral Auditorium at 414 E. Ojai Avenue.
Walk or ride your bicycle by the light of the full moon, if you can!

Don't miss this presentation by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Watershed Committee chair and conservation biologist, Brian Holly. Learn about the Ojai Creek riparian habitat restoration project -- a vision for ongoing stewardship and restoration of the Ojai watershed.

Brian Holly will lead the audience through an explanation of why we needed the restoration work and the progress of this project that began in November of 2009. Brian will then move to the bigger picture and show how we can continue with the success of this endeavor in other parts of the Ojai Watershed.

Download a flyer with event details HERE http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/CreekRestorationFlyer.pdf

Continue reading "Reminder: Ojai Creek Restoration Project and Watershed Presentation -- Wednesday, April 28, 2010" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Come out and meet the Democratic Candidates for the Democratic Nomination to go up against Elton Gallegly in November.

The Primary is June 8th!

Tim Allison---------------------Marie Panec-----------------Shawn Stern

*recently endorsed by
the California Democratic Party

Where: Ojai Art Center
When: Monday April 26th, 7PM

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:19 PM | Permalink | author bio

Saturday, April 24th, 11am--5pm. EarthWalk starts at 10 am.
Valet Bike Parking
Ride your bike to EarthPlay on the Meadow and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will see that you get Valet Bike Parking for your trusty ride! http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/2010/04/valet_bike_parking_at_earthpla.shtml

Here are Ojai's Earth Day Details:
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned fun for Earth Day, no need to look very far! The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, in partnership with Oak Grove School, Ojai Valley Green Coalition, Rotary Ojai – West, Rotary Club of Ojai, and other earth friendly Ojai organizations will offer a community-wide Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 24th, 11am -- 5pm. (EarthWalk starts at 10 am)

Starting at Rotary Park on Ojai Avenue, check out alternative transportation at Rotary West’s exhibit, and find out how you can win a great prize by getting out of your car for the day. From there, join an EarthWalk at 10am, to EarthPlay on the Ojai Meadows Preserve for an earthly fun day of eco-friendly activities celebrating the earth beneath our feet on Ojai’s own nature preserve. Located on Maricopa Highway next to Nordhoff High School, the Preserve is just minutes away from just about anywhere in Ojai.

Continue reading "Reminder: Ojai's EarthPlay on the Meadow Today-- April 24" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

In addition to core subjects, an innovative distance learning school teaches children to respect and care for the environment while encouraging nonviolence, peace and justice.

In celebration of Earth Day, Global Village School, a leader in distance learning through homeschooling, is proud to announce its new K-8 Whole Child, Healthy Planet curriculum. This innovative approach in education features a learning styles-centered program, focusing on engaging the whole child with an emphasis on diversity and developmental stages.

The school’s new K-8 curriculum guides are centered on the four core principles of the Earth Charter: (1) Respect and Care for the Community of Life (2) Ecological Integrity (3) Social & Economic Justice (4) Democracy, Nonviolence, Peace and Diversity.

Continue reading "In Celebration of Earth Day, Global Village School Launches Unique Homeschool Curriculum Based on The Earth Charter" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 03:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Good news for Ojai! The US Department of Transportation has declared that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists must be placed alongside, not behind, those of motorists. In what amounts to a true paradigm shift, the automobile will no longer be the prime consideration in federal transportation planning.

Continue reading "Pedaling Toward a Greener Ojai: Moving Forward On Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

DEM2010

UPDATE For the full list of CDP Endorsements Click HERE UPDATE

It's that time of year again and I'm at the California Democratic Party Convention at, of all places, the JW Marriott at "L.A Live". This is a brand new hotel, yet this is their choice for carpet in the conference rooms which are all named after precious metals or gems.

Follow after the break to hear what other atrocities I'm being subjected to.

Continue reading "**UPDATE FINAL** California Democratic Convention in Los Angeles" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

Sunday, April 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Ojai Retreat 160 Besant Road in Ojai (above the Ranch House Restaurant)

The story of the development of life on Earth is not just a theory for biology books. It is the key to understanding our world today – not only our environment, but the moral and spiritual dimensions of our world as well.

This is the theme of ‘Deep Time and the Meaning of Life’, a talk to be given by David E. Moody, Ph.D. Dr. Moody’s talk explores the intersection between science and the sacred. It examines the extraordinary mystery of why our planet is so perfectly suited for life, with just the right climate and chemistry for us and all living things. Did this happen because God made it this way? Or are we just lucky? Or is there a deeper, more interesting explanation?

Continue reading "Deep Time and The Meaning of Life -- Sunday, April 18th, at the Ojai Retreat" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

from the Ojai Peace Coalition's Action Blog:

So today was (is, really, until midnight) Tax Day in America, and while some will clamor that income taxes are illegal and shouldn't be paid at all, others will offer reasons and ways to resist paying all or part of one's taxes on moral/philosophical grounds. Still others are disgruntled at the extra cash they shell out simply because their marriage is not recognized by the nation, and the Tea Partiers will be doing whatever the hell it is that they do, and deleting differing viewpoints from their Facebook pages.

Tax Day in America seems to me to be an excellent time to check in on our national priorities, for two reasons: 1) in this capitalist nation, where we've spent our money is a clear indicator of where our priorities are NOW, and 2) while everyone's mind is on the money they're paying and expecting back, including our politicians, is a great time to have a discussion about how we want our money - capitalism's word for "priorities" - to be invested in the future.

Obviously the wars are fucking us over in every way. If that language is too strong for you, check out how you might be avoiding or denying the realities of war, both on the battlefields and back here at home. Our language has exceptionally strong words like that for a reason, and i can think of no better application than here.

Continue reading "Tax Day Priorities" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will be on the Ojai City Council Agenda, Tuesday, April 13, 2010. (See article below or click here) http://www.ojaipost.com/2010/04/bicyclepedestrian_master_plan.shtml

John van Houten, M.D., sent the following cover Letter concerning the City's Bike/Ped Plan to Ojai City staff and Council in September, 2009.

To the Ojai City Council members and the City Manager,

Attached please find a copy of a letter that I submitted to the Ojai Valley News that was published last week (September 18, 2009).

My motivation for writing this letter lay in the fact that my children are unable to safely ride their bikes to school despite living within a mile from both schools. Riding down any main street in Ojai is an exercise in weaving around parked cars, avoiding being “mirrored” by passing cars on the left and “doored” by the parked cars on the right.

Continue reading "Letter to the City from John van Houten, M.D., "It is time for Ojai to take a new look at the existing Bike Plan" " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Alternative Transportation is on the Ojai City Council Agenda, Tuesday April 13, 2010. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm. It's hard to predict when the council will discuss the items below, as it depends in part on how many people speak at the beginning of the meeting on "Unscheduled Items." My guess is around 8:15 pm.
Item 4 - Grand Avenue Bicycle Lanes
Item 5 - Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan
Item 6 - Transit System Service Reduction Options
Click here to read the full agenda and staff reports: http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/

The Grand Avenue Bicycle Lanes were on the Ojai City Council agenda way back in 1997. Teachers, parents and students wrote numerous letters and testified at City Council meetings on why Safe Routes to School are needed.

Continue reading "Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan on Ojai City Council Agenda " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Meeting
Wed April 7, 4:00 -5:00 pm,
at Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria, 515 West El Roblar in Meiners Oaks
across the street from the Project Ride community bike shop.

New Transportation Committee members are welcome, and anyone who can’t attend this meeting but would like to join may contact Suza at Sfrancina@aol.com or (805) 646-2613.

Continue reading "Reminder: Bicycle Friendly Ojai Valley Green Coalition Meeting, Wednesday, April 7 at 4pm. " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

Evan Austin's article about Von's bag policy reminded me to post this item sent by Ojai City Council member Betsy Clapp

In the Bag: Santa Barbara Council Considers Reusable Bags Initiative

Shopping at the grocery store might get slightly more expensive in Santa Barbara if residents would be open to imposing a tax on customers who don’t bring their own re-usable bag when they shop. In order to see if residents would be in favor of such a measure, Santa Barbara’s city council will consider conducting a survey of residents to determine not only if they would approve a tax but also how much the tax should be, according to Noozhawk.

Continue reading "Santa Barbara City Council Considers Reusable Bags Initiative. Will Ojai follow? " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From Sue Williamson and the Ojai Wildlife League

I’m very happy to announce that Ann Bryant, Executive Director and Founder of the Tahoe Bear League will be giving a lecture/slide show on LIVING WITH BEARS on May 1st, 10 AM, at Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija Street, in Ojai.

The Lecture/Slideshow will be from 10:00 to noon. $10 suggested donation -- no one turned away, children free. There will be a BEAR RESCUE INTENSIVE workshop offered later in the afternoon for those who have attended the lecture and would like to be part of a Bear Response Team in Ojai, or just would like to learn more skills for handling bear encounters. So set the date aside, and if you can help us get the word out to publicize this event please call the Ojai Wildlife League at (805) 640-0187, or email us at sue@ojaiwildlifeleague.com

Continue reading "Living With Bears Expert Ann Bryant Coming to Ojai!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

"The indigenous people of what is now California revered both black and grizzly bears alike. The bear was a sacred animal, a spiritual brother of the wild. What a sad, sorry sight this society has become when we continually try to justify killing more predators as people continually encroach and build homes and ranches deeper and deeper into their habitat. " -- Anthony Prieto

Anthony Prieto, a hunter from Santa Barbara, wrote the following Opinion in response to Julia Di Sieno's guest commentary, "Too Hard to Bear." Julia is the executive director of the Animal Rescue Team who tried to save the Aliso Street Bear killed in Ojai last year.

Opinion: Bear hunting plan a grisly affair
In response to Julia Di Sieno's recent guest commentary, "Too hard to bear," and after reading some of the follow-up responses, I felt I had to speak up as well. I've hunted in Santa Barbara's back country for almost 25 years. I hunt wild pigs and black-tail deer only. I only shoot what I'm going to feed my family.

Continue reading "A Hunter Speaks Out On Fish & Game's Proposed Bear Hunting Changes" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

from the fine folk at Laurel Springs School...

"LET SUMMER SCHOOL COME TO YOU" by Linda Harmon

Though high school students have just returned from spring break, many may already be thinking about summer. Their parents may remember their own summers fondly; a more “laid back” schedule and maybe some time spent at the beach, but times they are a changing.

Continue reading "Laurel Springs Online Summer Classes Opportunity" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Meet Betty Eiler. If you need a good dose of motivation to roll out your yoga mat this morning, take a moment to view Betty's joyful yoga practice on her site: http://www.bettyeileryoga.com

I first met Betty at a yoga conference about twenty years. At the time, I was on an arduous journey trying to tie up a yoga book. I had gone through three agents and my brave manuscript had met with untold rejections.When I found out that Betty started yoga later in life, (at around age fifty) I had this idea that she would make a great cover girl.

Continue reading "Meet Betty Eiler, Sunday morning yoga inspiration" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Film Showing -- Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Opening remarks by Das Williams

Click here for film poster: POC_Poster.pdf

On Saturday afternoon, March 27th, at 4:30pm at the Ojai Theatre, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will make a special presentation of the documentary film, The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

The film focuses on the oil supply crisis that the collapse of the Soviet Union brought upon Cuba. This Cuban experience of the 1990s offers lessons to help prepare other nations with petroleum-based economies—such as our own—for a future in which oil will become more more expensive and could eventually be unavailable.

Speaking prior to the film screening will be Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams, who grew up in Ojai. He is a candidate for the California State Assembly and a community organizer for the Ventura-based nonprofit CAUSE,
Coastal Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy

Continue reading "Reminder to see, "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil," Saturday, March 27th" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Ojai is fortunate to have two outstanding, experienced candidates: Paul Blatz and Leonard Klaif. Both of them are familiar with the issues before us. Tonight is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the differences between them. Below is information on tonight's (Monday night) event, sponsored by the Ojai Valley Democratic Club. Open to the public.

WHEN: Monday March 22nd at 7PM
WHERE: Ojai Art Center
WHY: To get to know the two candidates for city council on the June ballot

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Thanks to Ojai bicycle/pedestrian advocate John van Houten, M.D., for calling my attention to this article.

As the new Chair of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee this is the best news for making Ojai a model bicycle/pedestrian friendly city that I've seen in years. It will help us move forward in implementing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that the City of Ojai adopted over ten years ago.

Here are some excerpts-- a link to the entire article appears at the end.

Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals

At long last, the feds have said the needs of pedestrians and cyclists must be placed alongside, not behind, those of motorists.

Continue reading "Good News for Ojai: Feds Deem Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Equals" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

By Ojai author David E. Moody

Most of us know that people who live in Alaska or near the North Pole do not see much daylight for long stretches of time, while those who live on the equator see a great deal of sunlight. And so you might think that on the equator the sun is exactly, directly overhead pretty often -- maybe once a day, every day, for most or all of the year.

But actually that is not the case. Because the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted, the sun is almost never directly overhead even on the equator. Instead, the entire northern hemisphere leans toward the sun all day long and all night long for six months of the year, and away from the sun all day and all night for the other six months of the year.

Continue reading "Spring Equinox: One Brief Shining Moment" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

In the next of her "Behind the Headlines" series at Ojai's Theater 150, journalist Nomi Morris will discuss "Iran: What's Next."

Morris will look at the opposition movement that sprang up after last summer's election as well as the Tehran regime's continued commitment to develop its nuclear program.

Continue reading "Iran: What's Next? Journalist Nomi Morris lecture at T150" »

Posted by Chris Wilson at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Now that the campaign for the vacant city council seat left by Joe DeVito is officially underway, I feel it's time to announce the launch of Leonard Klaif’s website: Klaif4ojai.com

Here you can not only peruse his political views but you can get to know Len as a human being and meet his whole family!

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

To all Ojai Wildlife League Supporters,
We are getting down to the wire with the California Fish and Game Commission making a decision on April 21, 2010, regarding whether to expand bear hunting, the use of dogs and permit unlimited killing of bears. If you haven't written a letter please do so as soon as possible. The email address is fgc@fgc.ca.gov For sample Letters visit www.OjaiwildlifeLeague.com.

Expanded bear hunts don't pass smell test
By Wayne Pacelle, president, Humane Society of the United States.

For too long, the California Department of Fish and Game has served the interests of the trophy-hunting lobby over the interests of the millions of California residents who do not hunt. Wildlife watchers in California outnumber bear hunters by a factor of 250 to 1. But nothing demonstrates just how far the agency will go to placate this narrow trophy-hunting constituency than new proposals to expand the range and the terms for killing black bears with packs of dogs in California.

Continue reading "Opinion: Expanded bear hunts don't pass smell test" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Welcome to Day 38 of the 64-day Season for Nonviolence; one of today's affirmations and practices is

KINDNESS: Do something kind for someone for no reason other than to be kind. Bring beauty to a place where it may be needed without letting anyone know that you were the one who did it. Write about how it felt and then share this story with someone.

Tell us what you've done or will do...anonymous posts welcome!

The Season's daily affirmations and practices are updated EVERY DAY at ojaipeace.org.

Posted by evan austin at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Are you interested in learning how Ojai can respond to the challenges and opportunities of Peak Oil, Climate Change, and Economic Instability?

The third in a series of meetings of Transition Ojai
Tuesday, March 2, at 6.45 pm
Glen Muse
815 Libbey Ave, Ojai
For directions and map click here: Transition Ojai

"We'll be bringing our ideas for actions/events/publicity/work groups etc. together in order to move Transition Ojai onto the next phase. This will not be a meeting for those who are new to transition, but of course everyone is welcome:), however, there will not be an opportunity at this meeting to present the basic ideas of our Transition Initiative," said Wayne Thompson, Transition Ojai organizer.

Continue reading "Transition Ojai meeting tonight, March 2, 6.45 pm at Glen Muse" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The following letter by Julia J. Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc., made the front page of the Santa Barbara News-Press editorial section yesterday (February 28, 2010). Animal Rescue Team was one of the wildlife organizations that offered to help save the Aliso Street bear last October. Julia spoke at the Ojai City Council following the killing of this Ojai bear. Her organization is a resource for the Ojai Wildlife League.

To Eric Loft, Chief, California Department of Fish and Game:
The effects on the statewide black bear population that shall be addressed in the April Environmental Document Regarding Bear Hunting include:
• Increasing the regulated annual harvest up to 2,500 bears;
• Incorporating portions of San Luis Obispo, Modoc, Lassen and Inyo counties into the black bear hunt zones;
• Eliminating the in-season closure mechanism;
• Altering the dog control use boundary;
• Modifying the dates for archery bear season.

Continue reading "Opinion: TOO HARD TO BEAR: Why does the Department of Fish and Game want to expand bear hunting?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

My nephew, Das Williams, is running for California State Assembly. Das grew up in Ojai and attended local schools. Old-timers may recall that as a young lad Das played the lead role in Badger Claws, an Illusions Theatre production based on the book, Badger Claws of Ojai, a story about a Chumash Indian boy. His mother (my middle sister) and I are looking forward to attending the debate.

Ventura County Democratic Party: 35th Assembly District Debate
On Thursday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m. the Democratic Club of Ventura will host a debate between 35th Assembly District candidates Susan Jordan and Das Williams. The debate will be moderated by local business owner and political consultant David Maron. CAPS will film the debate for future broadcast.

The debate will be held in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library at 651 Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Ample parking is available in the public lot behind the library. Members and non-members are invited. The event is free of charge though a $5 donation is requested to help the club cover expenses. Doors will open at 6 pm and the meeting will start at 6:30 pm. Snacks will be served.

Continue reading "Susan Jordan-Das Williams Debate:Thurs.Feb. 25th, 6:30 pm." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Journalist Nomi Morris will take a dispassionate look at an issue that continues to polarize communities: the decriminalization of marijuana.

This event takes place March 1, 2010, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija, Ojai, California Admission $10, $7 students and seniors.

Continue reading "Marijuana in California: Failed Experiment or Role Model for the Nation?" »

Posted by Chris Wilson at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Yesterday morning, as I was about to turn off my computer and fly out the door for an early morning yoga class, I received an email from one of my students with the following editorial in the New York Times.
OPINION February 19, 2010
Op-Ed Contributor: Not Grass-Fed, but at Least Pain-Free

The author, Adam Shriver, is a doctoral student in the philosophy-neuroscience-psychology program at Washington University. According to his editorial, "Recent advances in neuroscience suggest it may soon be possible to genetically engineer livestock so that they suffer much less."

I contemplated the insidious implications of removing the ability to feel pain all the way to my yoga class. By the time I arrived I was fed up with the arrogance of the human race.

When I first started teaching forty years ago I had this innocent hope that yoga would lead to enlightenment. Enlightenment begins with empathy. Empathy encompasses the ability to experience the pain and suffering of other living things. Empathy is the first step. And, as J. Krishnamurt pointed out, "The first step is the last step."

Continue reading "Enlightenment Begins With Empathy" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

California Fish and Game Commission,

Dear California Fish and Game Commission:

Only recently did I learn my home state of California lists the Black Bear as a 'game' animal and permits killing of cubs as small as 50 pounds. I am horrified! Bears are shy, gentle animals that only come into contact with humans when they are looking for food or water or when people enter their territory.

I have seen these magnificent creatures in the Sierras and in natural habitat close to Ojai. Usually the bears climb a tree and wait until people have left - mom sends her cubs up first.

Continue reading "Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai, to Fish & Game re Plan to Expand Bear Hunting" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

A sensitively written story in the LA Times, by Steve Chawkins.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ojaibear13-2010feb13,0,2128142.story

Story of the Bear Sculpture
http://www.ojaipost.com/2009/10/aliso_street_bear_sculpture.shtml

Continue reading "Ojai memorializes Elliot, the bear that touched its heart" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

An Invitation from Marcia Benkert

Although the notice is short, I’m excited to share the news, and invite you to an important Public Art Dedication, in Ojai, California, Friday, February 12, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., 328 E. Ojai Avenue (fountain plaza behind Bonnie Lu’s).

This majestic, steel sculpture of a Black Bear represents a memorial to our respected wildlife, and a reminder to ourselves, of the painful lessons that we, as a community, have needed to learn in order to effect a change in the way we respond to innocent animals wandering into our neighborhoods.

Continue reading "Bear Art Dedication – Friday, Feb. 12, 4 pm, Fountain Plaza" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Today, February 8th, 2010, is my mother's eighty-ninth birthday. I feel fortunate that she is in good health and able to live independently and enjoy her life.

As I watch her doing housework, playing the piano, laughing with her great grandchildren and taking walks, I am reminded of how four years ago my father called to tell me that my mother was in the Ojai Valley Community Hospital. I cannot recall ever hearing his voice sound so broken and sad. At first I could not even understand what he was saying - something about, "If only I had fixed the hallway carpet."

Continue reading "Helping My Mother to Walk Again After She Fell and Broke Her Thigh Bone " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Today is January 30: Day One of the 64-day Season For Nonviolence that spans the death dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. It is in honor of the lives, work, and commitment of these men and others who advanced the consciousness and practice of nonviolence in profound and dramatic ways, and who continue to inspire peoples’ personal, social, and political lives to this day, that we invest the energy to consider one reflection or practice each day during this period.

1. Today, I will reflect on what Peace means to me.

COURAGE: Light a candle to symbolize your commitment to accept the courage to practice 64 Ways of living nonviolently.

Follow the Season at ojaipeace.org!

Posted by evan austin at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

from the fine folk at the Ojai Foundation...

Malidoma Somé, author, diviner, ritual specialist and initiated Elder of the Dagara Tribe of Burkino Faso, West Africa will be in Ojai all next week offering a public talk, private divinations and a weekend-long retreat. Given the name “be friends with the stranger” at birth, Malidoma believes he is fulfilling his destiny by bringing Dagara wisdom and rituals to westerners seeking to revitalize their connection with nature, magic and community.

Continue reading "Malidoma Somé to visit Ojai" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I had a meeting at the Ojai Valley Museum offices today, and had a bit of time after to walk through the Go Green Ojai exhibit which runs through February 14th. It is an extremely impressive community collaboration, with fantastic displays, real materials crafted for the exhibit, great documentation and a lot of love for the sustainability movement and the OVGC's efforts valley-wide. Please do make the time to go see it while its up. Following is information on a series of talks that will act as an educational companion to the exhibit.

Continue reading "Go Green Ojai! Lecture Series" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The other day Tyler Suchman posted a brief item entitled, Medical Marijuana on the OVN (January 17, 2010) in which he noted that the Ojai Valley News is accepting advertising for medical marijuana. He asked the question, "When did the public perception shift enough that a rather conservative publication such as the OVN would accept a medical marijuana advertisement? Was there a tipping point, such as Attorney General Eric Holder’s statement in February that the DEA would end its raids on state-approved marijuana dispensaries? "

Here's a related editorial by Ojai writer John Wilcock, who has been studying marijuana since 1961.

Guest Editorial by John Wilcock: Contemplating Medical Marijuana
Now that virtually every community is suffering a surfeit of medical marijuana clinics, it’s become an issue that clamors for discussion. Sure, there are too many of these places, many run by greed heads whose life plan is to make a good living out of patients’ suffering. (There are also too many for-profit hospitals).

Continue reading "From the Ojai Orange: Contemplating Medical Marijuana" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) Search Team, based in Ojai, found three young girls trapped in the rubble yesterday. It is times like this that all the training, all the work over the years, really pays off. Three girls will now (hopefully) have a future.

From their website:
"At 1:15pm local (Haiti) time yesterday, an SDF Search Team in Port-au-Prince located three girls, trapped alive since Tuesday in the rubble of Haiti’s devastating earthquake.

Bill Monahan and his Border Collie, Hunter, were searching a neighborhood near the Presidential Palace, concentrating on a large bowl-shaped area of rubble which was all that remained of a 4-story building.

After criss-crossing the area, Hunter pin-pointed the survivors’ scent under 4 feet of broken concrete and did his “bark alert” to let Bill know where the victims were. Bill spoke with the survivors, then passed them bottles of water tied to the end of a stick. As they reached for the water one of the girls said, “Thank you.” Highly trained rescue crews from California Task Force 2 are now working to extricate the girls from the wreckage and provide first aid."

Continue reading "Ojai Search Dogs Find Haiti Earthquake Survivors" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Back to the matter at hand:

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

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

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

Transition Ojai is now live!

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

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

How Do Transition Towns Begin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is a link to a great article in the VC Star about the 2009 adventures of Ojai locavores Kristofer and Joanne Young
and their new local-food project ~ Locavore Light 2010

The year of eating locally
Ojai couple's new challenge has easier guidelines
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/31/the-year-of-eating-locally-ojai-couples-new-has/

Continue reading "Kristofer and Joanne Young: The Year of Eating Locally " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

All I Want For Christmas is Safe, Clean Drinking Water
On a drizzly Sunday night, I went with a friend to Meditation Mount to hear a talk on "Ending World Hunger." To be honest, it was the last thing I wanted to do. I had a tooth-ache, I was tired and I have enough problems of my own taking care of my elderly parents, my animals, paying my bills and working on local issues, without adding "ending world hunger," to my already impossible to-do list.

I made the effort to show up for this event mainly because the speakers, Lyn Hebenstreit and Tara Blasco, directors of the Ojai-based Global Resource Alliance (GRA) organization, are my longtime friends. They had just returned from a two-months trip to rural East Africa to help locate new sources of clean water. I figured the least I could do was show-up to hear about it.

Continue reading "Despair and Disparity" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Here we are on this shortest day of the Winter Solstice. A day to pause, reflect and light a candle. As we look out on the foggy early morning landscape, imagine how bleak these winter days would be without our trees, the lungs and guardians of the earth.

A few days ago one of the young readers of the Ojai Post gleefully left a video clip with a comment that said, "Check out the Ojai Hippies in the forest !" I confess the child in me laughed at the clip -- but truth is, there's nothing funny about clear-cutting trees.

Continue reading "From Copenhagen to Ojai: Clear-Cutting the Truth About Trees " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

"You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can't bomb it into peace" -Michael Franti
You can't slash away uncomfortable truths, either...but that doesn't mean people won't try. The above photograph is of my car, a 2001 Ford Focus that you've probably seen around the valley for almost as long as this war's been on, which i call "Arlington Mobile" after the Arlington West temporary memorials in Long Beach and Santa Barbara (which, of course, take their names from Arlington National Cemetary). Both of my driver's side tires were slashed sometime late last week, which affords me the opportunity to reflect on the dramatic, terrifying, confounding, and even amusing disconnect between the message and the response, and to "ping" our local collective consciousness with the fact that "the holidays are here, and we're STILL at war".

i've reflected on this before, and yet it still comes as a poignant reminder: the gap between an uncomfortable Truth (the persistence of war and the actual number of American military dead) and a violent response (nasty notes, egging, slashing tires) is ENORMOUS, MISPLACED, and INDIRECT. That gap SHOULD be filled with education, social skills and awareness, and democratic empowerment...a tall order, for sure.

Some friends have come forward to help me replace the tires. That's the easy part. The OTHER things we need...to have healthy, communicative, and non-violent people all around? Of course, those are more difficult. i suggest we start with education...even sixth grader Ethan Matsuda knows that.

Posted by evan austin at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

"Copenhagen police ended up preemptively arresting nearly a thousand people Saturday. Another 230 protesters were preemptively arrested on Sunday during a demonstration to block the city's ports." --Democracy Now, Dec.14,2009
http://i3.democracynow.org/2009/12/14/using_controversial_law_danish_police_preemptively

Thank you en dank je wel to Jan Lundberg, my long-distance Dutch mentor, for keeping me in the loop over the years with his missives on Culture Change. Jan is founder of the Sustainable Energy Institute (formerly Fossil Fuels Policy Action), a nonprofit organization. Today I received the following article and photographs:

Cop-enhagen: Preemptive Mass Arrests in Context of History of Danes'Movement
By David Rovics

"The signs up all over the airport and various places elsewhere in town are calling it Hopenhagen, but everybody I know is calling it Cop-enhagen, which seems far more appropriate.

Continue reading "Ojai Culture Change: Update on Copenhagen Climate Summit" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Yesterday I received a message from a longtime friend, someone I dearly love and respect. We had been e-mailing back and forth about global warming. Much to my surprise, he wrote:

"I'm no expert on global warming, but I do know that there are many seemingly qualified opinions that refute the so called "scientific consensus". Most new books coming out now - and there are dozens of them, seem to come down on the side of either yes, there may be global warming, but it is due primarily to natural causes - most likely solar cycles, or no, global warming is over and we have entered a period of global cooling, or the view that political, scientific and economic self interest have distorted the IPCC "consensus" and are an example therefore "bad science".

Continue reading "To my Ojai friends: Don't let the climate doubters fool you" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (38) | author bio

Indian Activist Vandana Shiva Speaks at Climate Summit Protest:
"The Earth Must Call The Shots. The Earth Will Make The Rules."

Protests rocked Copenhagen on Saturday as anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 people (depending on who you talk to) marched to the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen to demand a strong climate treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Indian physicist, author, and activist Vandana Shiva spoke to the crowd before the march: http://www.commondreams.org/video/2009/12/14-0

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Sunday, December 13, 5:00 pm, at Meditation Mount

Lyn Hebenstreit and Tara Blasco, directors of the Ojai based non-profit Global Resource Alliance (GRA) and recipients of Ojai's 2008 Noble Peace Prize, are back from their tenth field trip to Africa. They will present an inspiring two-hour program entitled, "Ending World Hunger," on Sunday, December 13, 5:00 pm, at Meditation Mount.

Lyn and Tara will give a brief overview of hunger worldwide and share their most recent two month experience in rural East Africa. Their slide-show presentation will present a first hand view of poverty and explore how to empower people to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and disease.

Continue reading "Ojai Noble Peace Prize Recipients Back from Africa -- Will Present Progam on Ending World Hunger " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ojai council votes for appointment, not election, to fill seat of retiring mayor
By Kevin Clerici
Posted December 9, 2009 at 6:53 a.m.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/09/ojai-council-votes-for-appointment-not-election/

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

The winter season is a time of cold and dark in our hemisphere, and thus has arisen historically as a time for cultural and religious traditions that center around warmth and light in many forms. There are two such opportunities to connect as a community in the coming week:

Dec 10 - Join Ventura County Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (VC CLUE) and the New Sanctuary Movement on International Human Rights Day to kick off a week of action across the nation to shine a light on the urgent need for just and humane immigration reform.


Dec 11 - Join the Jewish Community Center of Ojai for a multi-cultural celebration of light, facilitated by Jean Bates, to honor the many seasonal traditions through music, dance, poetry, storytelling, songs, and audience participation.

Posted by evan austin at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Thanks to Ojai Wildlife League (OWL) member, Leslie Purcell, for the following information.

The Fish & Game Commission is meeting this week in Los Angeles (usually they meet in Sacramento).
Meeting Agenda:http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2009/120909agd.asp
This is an opportunity to have public input regarding their policies. According to the Agenda, on Wed. Dec 9, they are addressing Marine Protected areas, and have public comment from 10-12:30. Thursday public comment at 9:30 am. There is also an issue in LA about the eight coyotes shot and killed in Griffith Park in September. (as I understand it, killed by Dept of Agriculture at night, per request of Dept. F&G).

Two OWL members, Sue Williamson and Cheryl Palmer (possibly others) will be attending Thursday morning to read OWL's Letter to Assemblymember Pedro Nava (link after the jump) and comment on possible future policy changes.

Continue reading "Ojai Wildlife League Members Will Speak at Fish & Game Commission in LA, Dec 9-10, 2009" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

Dear OWL Member, Ojai Valley resident, or other member of the public,

Please read the letter below. If you approve, reply with your first and last name, to suewill@roadrunner.com as soon as possible and we will add your name to the signatures. Please respond even if you have already sent an individual letter.

Response to Pedro Nava Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident
To: Ben Turner, Legislative Aide, Assemblymember Nava’s Capitol Office, ben.turner@asm.ca.gov

From: the Ojai Wildlife League, (OWL) http://www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com/

Dear Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Mr. Ben Turner,

Thank you for investigating the protocol and policies that resulted in the killing of an Ojai black bear by the California Department of Fish and Game on October 10th, 2009.

Continue reading "Please Sign Letter to Pedro Nava from the Ojai Wildlife League" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

A deep bow and sun salute to Ojai Valley Green Coalition member Kayla Capper for calling my attention to this nicely put together article on why the roadmap to a sustainable Ojai Valley should include rethinking our habit of eating animals.

Source: Huffington Post , December 6, 2009
Top 10 (Recent) Developments On Factory Farming And Vegetarianism
By health and wellness expert Kathy Freston

On Thanksgiving, I spent some time taking stock of my life and the world around me and, as we're supposed to do over the holiday, giving thanks for all the joys -- little and big -- in my life. One of the larger joys for which I am giving thanks is all of the recent attention that has been lavished on a topic that is near and dear to my heart -- the cruelty and environmental harm involved in raising animals for food.

Continue reading "Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

To: Roland Takayama, rtakayama@dfg.ca.gov
Dear Roland Takayama,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. It is a beautiful day here in Ojai.

I am writing because even though I have done my best to understand the circumstances and policies that resulted in the order to kill the Ojai black bear on October 10th, 2009, I am still filled with grief when I think about what happened.

Continue reading " Letter to Captain Roland Takayama, California Department of Fish and Game, re Ojai Bear Incident" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This Letter is in response to Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident

To: Ben Turner, Legislative Aide, Assemblymember Nava’s Capitol Office, ben.turner@asm.ca.gov

Dear Mr. Turner and Assemblyman Pedro Nava,

Thank you for investigating the circumstances and policies that resulted in the killing of an Ojai black bear by the California Department of Fish and Game on October 10th, 2009.

I have read the official CDFG Report, as well as all the articles and interviews with Roland Takayama, the local head warden responsible for "dispatching the bear," in various Ojai, Ventura and Santa Barbara publications.

As someone who witnessed the bear’s death, I have written several Letters and articles pointing out the conspicuous omissions in Mr. Roland Takayama’s version of the bear incident. (See Letter below).

"Dispatching" a bear should be an action of last resort --not the ignorant and cruel Fish & Game back-up plan that we witnessed here in Ojai. Killing bears does not keep bears out of residential neighborhoods. As long as attractants are present and as long as there is no mitigation during years of fire and drought, bears will come.
:

Continue reading "Letter to Assemblymember Nava from former Ojai Mayor, re Ojai Bear and Department of Fish & Game" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Note: The Aliso Street Bear was killed by the California Department of Fish and Game on Saturday night, October 10th, 2009. These past seven weeks there have been several interviews with Roland Takayama, the local head warden responsible for "dispatching the bear," in Ventura and Santa Barbara County Publications. My reponses to these interviews will follow in a separate Post. Here is an update from Assemblymember Pedro Nava.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John D. Mann (916) 718-7420
November 24, 2009

Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident and California Department of Fish & Game Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies. Nava Asks for Public Input

Following a series of meetings with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) is requesting public input regarding the policies and actions that resulted in the euthanizing of a black bear in Ojai in October. A memo summarizing DFG’s policies and reasoning behind the decision to euthanize the bear follows below.

Continue reading "Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

A few days ago I posted a video, What Can The (Seasonal) Flu Shot Do For You? The following article, "H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Will history repeat itself?" by Lauren Feder, M.D., is a follow-up to the video and Comments.

Dr. Feder writes: "On October 1, 2009 I attended the International Public Conference on Vaccination in Washington, D.C. where renowned experts spoke to approximately 600 participants from health professionals to families who had been affected by vaccine reactions. Although the theme centered on, "Show Us the Science & Give Us the Choice," the timing of this meeting coincided with the beginning of the flu season and the major concerns about the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) and the new vaccine.

Continue reading "Ojai residents want to know, "H1N1 Flu: Will history repeat itself?"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (49) | author bio

This note was sent via email by Clive and Marion Leeman of the Ojai Peace Vigil, 2007 recipients of the OPC’s Noble Peace Prize, and is originally posted at ojaipeace.org:

Dear Peace Friends,

Today, November 13, was the fifth anniversary of the Ojai Peace Vigil, which started one week after Bush won re-election in 2004.

By fortunate coincidence, we also received the first sign yesterday, Thursday, November 12, that a huge policy change in the Afghan War may be coming. News was leaked yesterday that U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, a retired general and former commander of U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan, has been advising President Obama by email not to send any more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Apparently, the president has now scrapped the four military options he has been considering, all entailing an increase in troops.

Just as intriguing is the news presented on The Rachel Maddow Show last night that President Obama has been reading Lessons In Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam, by Gordon Goldstein, which demonstrates how JFK rejected the advice of his generals on Vietnam and took control of the decision-making process himself, and how LBJ acquiesced to the generals and ended up with a disaster.

Continue reading "Friday the 13th...A Day For Hope?" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=149Aa-ZYjcc

When you see this aired on national television, you will know the government is really concerned about your health.

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

From Sue Williamson: Greetings all Bear Fans!

On Thursday, November 12, 7pm, we will be having our first organizational meeting to officially form the Ojai Wildlife League. The meeting will be held at Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai.

This meeting is for people who have the committment, interest, time and resources to do some level of work for this new organization.

This is your opportunity to have a say in how the wildlife of California are going to be treated!

Continue reading "Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

It's a beautiful, sparkling, sunny autumn day here in the Ojai Valley. Three weeks have gone by since the death of the Aliso Street Bear. Some are saying, "Why all the fuss over one bear, when every day millions of other animals and people are suffering and dying?" That first Sunday morning, a few hours after I heard the bear crashing down from the tree, I knew at some level that my grief was not only for this individual bear, but for all the injustice and senseless death in the world.

The Ojai Bear Poems featured here are by local poets David Moody, Robert Peake, mt2 and Crow.

Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear
By David E. Moody, Ph.D.

I fear the two-legged creature
More than any other.
I know not why.
But my thirst
Drives me into his lair.

I wait until dark
When all his kind
Have gone into their caves
And my blackness
Blends into the night.

And there in the very heart of his land
I find where the two-legged creature
Keeps his supply of sacred water
A whole fountain of precious water
And I slake my aching thirst
To my heart's content.

Continue reading " Ojai Poetry: The Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear and Other Poems" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Malalai Joya and the Tale of 2 CNNs
http://www.commondreams.org/video/2009/10/30-1

Published on Friday, October 30, 2009 by AntiWar.com
Malalai Joya and the Tale of 2 CNNs
by Eric Garris

"The Bravest Woman in Afghanistan," Malalai Joya did two CNN interviews on Thursday. Joya is an elected member of the Afghanistan parliament who has been suspended for "insulting fellow members of parliament" in a television interview. She is articulate and firm in her position that the Western occupation is feeding the violence.

The first interview was broadcast on CNN (US). In the middle of the interview, as Joya made clear she opposed US occupation, interviewer Heidi Collins said "occupation would certainly be your word, a lot of people would take great issue with you calling the US presence in your country an ‘occupation'." Joya went on to defend her position as Collins' interrupted snidely. As Joya tried to respond to Collins, she was cut off.

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Today
Chapparal Auditorium
October 28, 2009 7:00pm-8:30pm

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition is now three years young, and the group would like you to help them celebrate on Wednesday, October 28, from 7 to 8:30 P.M. at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Flyer Here
In addition to toasting the start of their fourth year with sparkling cider, they’ll be enjoying delicious organic cupcakes.

Continue reading "OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Thanks to Cory Sipper and her husband Brad, the OWL website is up:
www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com

The following is a good example of what you will learn from the website.

Being Bugged by a Bothersome Bear? Get Educated

Continue reading "Not sure what to do if you see a bear? Check out the Ojai Wildlife League OWL website" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | author bio

Ojai City Council News: Following the announcement by Councilmember Joe De Vito that he is retiring at the end of the year, Ojai activists are stepping forward with a nomination.

It's official, Lenny Klaif has agreed to step forward to become our next City Council member. We are circulating a petition to the City Council asking them to appoint Lenny as Joe's replacement at the end of this year. As you may recall, Joe won the last election over Lenny by just a few votes, and the final count was not available for days after the election ended. I personally endorse Lenny and feel if he were on the council we would not have the problems with the Skate Park or the expensive law suit and delay in writing the chain store ordinance. Lenny is an attorney who knows how to stand up when it counts.

Continue reading "A Message from Ojai Resident Pat McPherson:"It's official, Lenny Klaif has agreed to step forward ..."" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

From local attorney Leonard Klaif, who for years has been a frequent speaker at Ojai City Council meetings:

"When Joe Devito’s resignation becomes effective at the end of 2009, the City Council will either schedule a special election or appoint someone to complete the remainder of Joe’s term. In either case, I am a candidate. I love the City of Ojai, my home for nearly 20 years. I have attended City Council meetings for nearly that long as an outspoken advocate for the arts, for the skate park, the preservation of open spaces, and, in general, to preserve our small town charm. I have been a member of the Board of the Ojai Art Center for 15 years. I am an attorney, and can quickly read and understand the legal documents presented to the Council before each meeting."

Continue reading "Good News for Ojai: Len Klaif for City Council" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Note from Suza: Ann Bryant is executive director of the BEAR League of Lake Tahoe. Ojai resident Sue Williamson, one of the organizers of the Ojai Wildlife League, has discussed the Ojai incident extensively with Ann. To learn more, please join us at the Bear meeting tonight, 7:30 pm, Matilija Auditorium.

Bear's death due to Department of Fish & Game incompetence,

The beautiful but unfortunate bear who inadvertently ventured into Ojai recently should most certainly still be alive today and would be were it not for the inappropriate and woefully disturbing actions of a governmental agency --the Department of Fish and Game -- that answers to no one and blatantly disregards its own mission to protect California's wildlife.

Continue reading "Ojai Bear's Death Due to Department of Fish & Game Incompetence -- Guest Editorial by Ann Bryant " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John D. Mann
Note from Suza: Pedro Nava is going to be running for the Attorney General of California--he was a prosecuting attorney and is an animal advocate.

Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) sent a letter today to the Director of the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) requesting a review of the Department’s policies in regards to tranquilizing and euthanizing wildlife that are deemed to be a public threat.

Earlier this week, DFG officials were contacted to respond to a large black bear that had climbed a tree in Ojai. The animal was ultimately tranquilized and euthanized.

Continue reading "Ojai Bear News: Pedro Nava Seeks Review of State Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Please join Sue Williamson, Tom Farmer and Chris Nottoli, three of the people forming the Ojai Wildlife League in an effort to bring together the people and organizations willing to prevent the deaths of wild animals who come into Ojai. Information is being sought and will be shared about the resources we have as a community to form effective strategies and organizations that can ensure public safety, educate the public about wild animal encounters and carry out non-lethal wildlife removal.

When: Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Location: Matilija Jr. High School Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road.

Format: Sue, Tom and Chris will share all of the specific information about the incident and give reports on how other communities and organizations handle such incidents.

Continue reading "Aliso Street Bear Incident Ojai Community Meeting - Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

The Council Chambers were overflowing. Every seat was taken. People were sitting on the floor. People were floating out the door. There was not enough room to hold all the outrage!

I wondered what Jere Kersnar, our City manager was thinking. He often has a smirk on his face, like a father who tolerates the foibles of his children. Tonight it was his fate to listen to testimony from two officers from Fish & Game, the Chief of Police, an animal rescuer, a pet psychic, a Chumash Elder, an avocado Rancher who has co-existed with bears for twenty years, a young boy who asked why couldn't there be a bear bag (or a net) at the bottom of the tree, and all the residents of Aliso and Signal and rest of Ojai who witnessed the Bear saga from beginning to the sad, tragic end.

Continue reading "Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Thanks to Ojai resident Cory Sipper for alerting me to the front page Ojai Bear story in today's Santa Barbara News-Press. Angel Pacheco, News-Press Staff Writer, reports new information that is critical in undertanding the full scope of what took place here in Ojai.

Here are some highlights:

" Fish and Game officials shot it with bean bags and tranquilizers, causing it to fall 40 feet to the ground, according to Julia Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc. Further shots were fired into the bear, which had been in the tree sleeping, she said.

"It's unbelievable what happened," said Ms. Di Sieno, who, as the incident was unfolding, offered her nonprofit group's trailer and cage to transport and hold the bear. She also reportedly offered to bring a veterinarian to the area. Ms. Di Sieno said while sheriff's officials were on board with her idea to hold the bear, Fish and Game personnel would not speak with her once they took over the scene...

Continue reading "New Information on Ojai Bear Story Reported On Front Page of Santa Barbara News Press" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (40) | author bio

Part One in a series on the Ojai Community's response to a killing of a black bear in Ojai.

One of the most misunderstood of all creatures is the bear. Like so many other Ojai residents I am filled with sorrow and anger over the killing of a black bear who climbed a tree on Aliso Street, a residential street in downtown Ojai, a few miles away from the mountains that surround the Ojai Valley.

This is not the first bear that has been killed in recent years in the neighborhoods of our valley, but we hope that it will be the last.

In our efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future, a group of concerned citizens is in the process of educating themselves about the habits of black bears, the statewide policies of the Department of Fish & Game's policy on bear encounters, and local law enforcement, as well as how other communities are handling the problems that arise when bears show up in residential neighborhoods.

The constructive idea of an "Ojai Bear Commission," has also been proposed, and will be included in this series.

Continue reading "More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

"After court decisions in Arizona eroded the state’s longstanding immunity from being sued over the actions of wild animals, lawyers began obtaining large verdicts from public managers over humans’ harmful encounters with wildlife — with the result that managers began moving to a “when in doubt, take it doubt” policy of slaughtering wild creatures that might pose even a remote threat to people. The continuing results of the policy came in for some public discussion after a bear wandered into a residential area near Rumsey Park in Payson, Ariz. and was euthanized by Arizona Game and Fish personnel.

Continue reading "The bear’s death warrant? Public liability." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Memories by Susan Diets, Class of 1967

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

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sally Carless, founder and Executive Director of Global Village School, recently received the Ojai Peace Coalition’s Noble Peace Prize. Each year, the Coalition honors a local individual who works for and exhibits peace in their lives.

The nomination most specifically cited Carless’s attention to peace and justice issues through the establishment and continued operation of the Ojai-based Global Village School, an international K-12 homeschool diploma program with a creative, flexible approach and an emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability. Global Village offers a full diploma program and college preparatory classes that prepare students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other.

According to evan austin, founder of the Ojai Peace Coalition, “The purpose of the Noble Peace Prize is to recognize and honor local actions and lifestyles that positively affect our community in ways consistent with the Ojai Peace Coalition's aims and values, and to create S/Heroes of Peace with the idea that culture is defined in part by our traditions, rituals, and honored individuals.”

Continue reading "Global Village School Founder Honored on Int'l Day of Peace" »

Posted by evan austin at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

UPDATE 6:15pm 9_25 below the fold
Mac is out of the city of Pittsburgh and on the way back to Cleveland to visit his family. He promises to write up a full report of his experiences and analysis later this evening and I'll be posting that as soon as I get it. Just finished looking at the G20 Conference accord and the first thing that strikes me is that they claim they are interested in re-regulating the financial sector. Well, yeah. That's the smart move based on the collapse of the global economy and the political pressure. BUT, they also say that the what's known as the Doha Round of the WTO, their last meeting that ended in failure, should be adopted. The Doha Round called for total deregulation of the financial sector. I'm sorry, but those two positions are mutually exclusive and they cannot be inhabited simultaneously. They may be able to close down an entire American city, ship in 5,000 cops from all over the country and deploy a combat hardened National Guard battalion to stop like 6,000 kids from annoying them, but they can't be for continued deregulation of capital and re-regulation of capital. More later...

The Ojai Post is lucky enough to actually have a person on the ground with the protesters. My good friend Mac Lojowsky has arrived in Pittsburgh this evening and he will be updating me with photos, and his impressions from the scene. Mac Lojowsky is a freelance journalist who has covered and participated in the global justice movement since 1999. He is a graduate of the Evergreen State College and makes his living as a carpenter. After the break is his first dispatch from Pittsburgh from earlier this evening.

Continue reading "G20 - Live Blog from Mac Lojowsky - UPDATE 6:15 pm 9_25" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

This is written by poet, writer, and long-time Ojai resident, Fiona O'Connell:

One thing that we of the twenty-first century do not lack is words. In this up-to-the-nanosecond era we are deluged in them to the despairing point that we sometimes suspect we are drowning. Our main focus as we wade neck-deep through the rushing river of political locution and counter-locution is how best to get to the far shore (peace and quiet) in one healthy piece.

But in this same century there is another thing we have and there are no words for it. Ridiculous? No, not at all. Every once in a blessed while in the middle of the excess of verbosity a lifeline is tossed, whereupon we lunge for it, grab it, and find ourselves on the far shore (peace and quiet) where the sun of the good, the true and the beautiful is shining. A lifesaving book is securely tied to the lifeline; it is a copy of Three Cups of Tea. Hmmm we murmur inaudibly, “Two’s always been my limit. What might three be about?”

Continue reading "Three Cups of Tea" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

Friday, September 25th

5pm – Ojai Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 01:12 PM | Permalink | author bio

Guest Editorial by John van Houten, M.D.

The city of Ojai has made a concerted effort to become a “green” city in the past few years. However, it has ignored one very effective way to be more environmentally responsible, and that is by promoting cycling as an alternative form of transportation.

Ojai is a haven for recreational cyclists and even pro level cycling teams due in large part to our beautiful terrain and agreeable year round weather. However, there is no support for cycling as a form of daily transportation.

Continue reading " It's About the Bike: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthy, Wealthy and Green Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

Schedule:

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:39 PM | Permalink | author bio

Instructor: Suza Francina,
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500, author and consultant for research studies about yoga.

Time: Thursday 5:30 -- 7:00 PM (starts September 24, 2009)
Beginners are welcome in this ongoing class and you may join anytime.

Location: Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai

This new fall evening class will typically begin and end with relaxing, supported lying down (supine) restorative poses. Classes also include weight bearing Standing Poses, practiced with the support of a wall. More experienced/intermediate students will have the opportunity to fine-tune their practice of the two pillars of yoga, Headstand and Shoulderstand. All ages and levels are welcome in this new Thursday evening class. Please call Suza at 646-2613 or e-mail Sfrancina@aol.com, to discuss any health concerns, injuries, etc.

More details about this Restorative Yoga Class:

Continue reading "New Thursday Evening Restorative Yoga Class in Ojai " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Presenters:

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

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

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

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

The time for glitz and feel-good campaign/advertising rhetoric is over. Now we need to hear definitively what our new President is really all about.

Will he come out and support real change and reform of the health care system or will he abandon the Progressives and the people who worked so hard to get him elected last year? In short,

Will he be FDR

or will he be Grover Cleveland

It's all up to him.

Continue reading "Obama's Defining Speech Tonight! 5PM UPDATED - EPIC !" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (78) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:37 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:53 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ventura County Fair is over. What happened to the 4-H pet market animals? Most of them have been transported to the slaughterhouse. How many of the 4-H animal owners accompanied their pets to the slaughterhouse? How many of the 4-H pet owners have ever been to a slaughterhouse to witness the horrific process of slaughter?

Continue reading "Fair No Fun for 4-H Pet Market Animals, but Happy Ending For One Lucky Pig" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

...not unusual for Ojai, mind you. But as compared to similarly-themed gatherings across our nation, Friday night's town hall meeting was marked by order and respect that we can and should be VERY proud of.

From the Ventura County Star article by Tom Kishen:

Amid rallies and forums across the country that have sometimes been angry and often accusatory, the Ojai event was different from the beginning. Organizer Kristofer Young, a holistic chiropractor, asked the about 80 participants to stand if they wanted a respectful meeting. Everyone did.

Ojai citizens will rally at the Y from 5-7pm on Monday August 31st for healthcare reform.

A town hall meeting on healthcare reform will take place in Ventura on Monday August 31st at 7pm in the Topping Room of the E.P. Foster Library, 651 East Main Street.

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION NOW!

Posted by evan austin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Democratic Club invites you to Join us today, Monday 24th at the Health Care Reform Rally at the Y in front of Vons ( Maricopa and the 33) between 5pm and 6.30pm.

Bring signs if you have them!

THEN

Join us for the political satire "Bob Roberts" at The Village Jester

LOCATION: The Village Jester, 139 E Ojai Ave

COST: $12 for simple menu and one drink!

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This weekend at Mountain Meadows Nursery 245 Old Baldwin Rd., Ojai 646-0714, from 10am-12 Oscar Carmona of Healing Grounds Nursery in Santa Barbara will give a talk on organic gardening at home. He is a prophet of organic gardening with the language of a philosopher.

Oscar's message this weekend for Ojai specifically is: "Container gardens can be cool when it’s hot. Yes Ojai, you too can enjoy lettuce all year round."

Continue reading "Free ** Organic Gardening Workshop This Weekend in Ojai" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From neighbor Kris:

Hello Friends in the Valley!
 
I am the lead organizer for Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, the Ojai Peace Coalition, Organizing for America, and Health Care for America Now, in creating a Town Hall Meeting on Healthcare Reform this Friday, the 28th of August from 7-9 PM at Chaparral Auditorium.
 
I hope that you will come to the meeting. I hope that you will actually be responsible for making sure that 5 other people actually come to the meeting . I hope that at least 500 people show up. The room won’t hold 500; that is the point. Our current health (disease) system won’t hold us either. We need to spill out peacefully into the street. We need to be seen. We need to be counted. We need to be heard. But, will you be there? And will your 5 be there?
 
Now is the time! Let us make it happen! You know that we cannot go on paying double for second rate healthcare in this Country.
 
These are groups and bodies that need to be notified and invited; Ojai City Council, Board of Education, Food for Thought, the Green Coalition, and every organized faith in the Valley. Who else?
 
Please post here if you will attend. Feel free to post the names of your 5 friends that will be attending. Please post the groups and individuals that you will be contacting. Don’t worry about groups or individuals being invited by 20 different people. All that does is show the interest and involvement.
 
Please shake it up peacefully. We need change now.
 
See you on Friday the 28th at 7 PM.
 
In cooperation,
Kris
Kristofer Young, DC

[You can also RSVP through Facebook]

Posted by evan austin at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

CLICK THE IMAGE to go straight to the nomination page, hosted right here on the OP!

Posted by evan austin at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Today is auction day for the 4-H market animals at the Ventura County Fair. Yesterday, I had another talk with a friend who has been involved with 4-H since childhood. He knows everything that happens to each kind of animal from beginning to end. I do my best to be respectful of his views. But at one point in our conversation, when he was questioning why I want to save the llife of the lamb he has raised, I heard myself say, "Just imagine if the lamb were a dog. Then you would undertand how I feel."

Continue reading "Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Suza,

I have been reading your articles about 4-H kids. I understand why they should not send their animals to the slaughterhouse.

What I am about to tell you here are events that actually transpired, as accurate as my memory can recall. I could never in my life think up anything like this.

Several years ago I was living on a five-hundred acre ranch right in the middle of the Wind River Indian Reservation, a hundred miles east of the Grand Teton Park in Western Wyoming. I was trading my husbandry talents and the feeding and care of fifty horses and mules, plus summer time irrigating of all the pastures, in exchange for a nice ranch house and the use of any of the stock I wanted to ride. For me and my many dogs and cats, it was ideal.

Continue reading "Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (42) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "Teaching Yoga in the Ojai Valley " »

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

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

(This post contains a guest post emailed to me by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous, but first I have to set the stage)

The fact that the Blue-Dog(Blue Cross) Democratic Caucus and Senators like Baucus(Hey, that rhymes) can block meaningful health care reform is a disturbing outrage. Now, the situation is extremely fluid and big things are afoot. The Progressive Caucus has come out to block any bill in the house that has a watered down "Public Option." We need to support those Representatives and tell them to fight for us.

Go HERE to help support the people in the House who are fighting for us.

Continue reading "Now is the time to be heard on Health Care Reform" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following is a message from Skate Ojai

Your patience and support for the new Ojai permanent skate park have been tremendous. Hopefully, you are as tired of all the emails, city council & school board meetings, and talk, talk, talk, as we are.

The saga goes on and the School District is truly now trying to stop this project.

Please read the recent article in the View entitled, Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave, When at First We Practice to Deceive. It spells out what the scenario might really be as we go into Year Two of this effort.

During the last year the School Board has written several times in the paper that they do not want the new skate park located there due to excessive drug use and vandalism. Recently we acquired the crime statistics from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Continue reading "Skate Ojai Saga Continues: Year Two" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 07:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Two more articles to add to the lively debate right here on the Ojai Post.

Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted

New estimate based on the forthcoming upturn in solar activity and El Niño southern oscillation cycles is expected to silence global warming sceptics

by Duncan Clark

The world faces a new period of record-breaking temperatures as the sun's activity increases, leading the planet to heat up significantly faster than scientists had predicted over the next five years, according to a new study.

Continue reading "Ojai's Lively Debate on Global Warming: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted In Next Five Years, Study Warns " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

"All I know is what I read in the newspaper," said Will Rogers. If I believed this too, then the recent article in the July issue of the Ojai Ventura View* would concern me.

The delays to get the skate park built bring up some serious questions that need to be addressed. Some people say other cities have built a skate park in less than a year from inception to ribbon cutting. So why does it take Ojai so long? Is it because we don’t have the resources or expertise to manage such a project, or is it a delay tactic as is suggested by the View? This is a simple project compared to what is in store for us to raise money and remodel the Bowl, and raises serious questions whether the City is capable of undertaking such a project.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial by Pat McPherson:"Why does it take Ojai so long to build a skate park?"" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

For a long time now I have been wondering who else in Ojai subscribes (free) to Common Dreams. Common Dreams has become my number one source of "News." Here are the Headlines from their week-end ediition. If you wonder why we are in Afghanistan, be sure to read:
Malalai Joya: The Big Lie of Afghanistan
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/26

Headlines.

Revealed: Secret Climate Change Evidence Bush Tried to Hide
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/07/26

Continue reading "Where do you get your news? CommonDreams.org" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (35) | author bio

Yoga in the Ojai Valley

In my articles here on the Ojai Post, I've discussed how yoga props make yoga safer and more effective for people with osteoporosis and other health issues.

People sometimes tell me, “But not everyone can afford to go to a yoga class or purchase all those expensive props like yoga bolsters, backbenders or wall ropes.” One person even accused me of being “elitist,” arguing that many people cannot afford to attend classes at fully equipped yoga centers and that they don’t have the money to purchase props for home use.

My reply is this: One year of yoga often costs less than a single day in the hospital! Plus there are convenient alternatives to standard props for situations in which yoga props are not available. In fact, the greatest props of all for improving your balance and building strong bones -- walls, kitchen counters and chairs-- are usually readily available.

Continue reading "One Year of Yoga Costs Less Than a Day in the Hospital" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

As I write this the California Assembly is voting for the bills that will implement the Governor and the minority Republican's ALL-CUTS-BUDGET. The Democrats in the Assembly are caving in and passing this thing which will steal from local and county governments and allow new oil drilling off Santa Barbara among other horrible things. The State Senate already passed all the bills and went on vacation. The Assembly is the only thing standing in front of the Closing of California, and the Democrats just do not have the courage or the wits to stop this. We are witnessing the drowning of the state of CA in a bathtub. Hope you enjoy the future oil spills. It is a very sad day for my home state.

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Guest Editorial by Ojai Resident Thomas Sherk

I am writing to let people know what really happened on the 4th of July.

Some time in June I saw a Letter to the Editor in the Ojai Valley News by Earth Friend Gen for the July 4th Almost Naked Bike Ride. I decided to do the Ride because I was raised by a hippy mother who brought us to nudist beaches and camps throughout childhood. I recently talked with my mom who is gravely ill and not long for this world. Out of a tribute to her, I decided to participate. Prior to the 4th, I had never met Earth Friend Gen.

As a group, we met at the Y and rolled on the bike path towards the parade. Turning left on Bristol, we approached the parade crowd from the rear. As we got closer, a middle aged white male approached me and pulled a knife out of his front pocket, opened it and stepped towards me, saying, “I will cut your f*****g nuts off.” He continued walking towards me. I had to back up when he was within a foot of me. He threatened two other people on bikes next to me in the same way.

Continue reading "My 4th of July Bike Ride " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

from Calitics on Sunday:

And so the budget drama hurtles toward its inevitable conclusion, perhaps as soon as tomorrow. Democrats have caved and given Arnold Schwarzenegger what he wanted - a cuts-only budget that does massive and lasting damage to the state of California, to the people who live here, and to our collective future...

In the coming days we will hear Democratic legislators claiming this is some sort of victory - that Cal-WORKS wasn't eliminated, that California can again pay its bills. These are hollow, pyrrhic victories. The raid on local government funds will ensure dozens of cities go bankrupt and will lead to reckless public safety cuts, especially to firefighters. Schools are going to get another hit without any firm guarantee that they will be repaid - we haven't seen details of the "agreement" to repay the $9.5 billion schools are owed, but Arnold seems to have won the battle to prevent repayment from becoming a constitutional mandate, meaning that repayment shouldn't be counted on until the checks are actually cut.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I can feel in my bones that this is a good day to introduce my Blog:
Yoga for Healthy Bones

I started this blog about a year ago to help answer the questions I'm frequently asked about practicing yoga after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, arthritis, and related health concerns. When my eighty-eight year old mother fell and broke her thigh bone and ended up at the Ojai Hospital for surgery and rehabilitation, I was faced with the challenge of getting her out of a wheelchair and walking again. So this blog gives me the oppotunity to share what I've learned working with elders and people of all ages and abilities who want to keep their amazing skeletal structure strong for a lifetime --without taking Forteo or the other latest toxic miracle bone drug.

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Although Sally Carless is one of our fine authors, I think she'd hesitate in making a direct appeal to the Ojai Post readership on behalf of Global Village School. So I thought I'd take the liberty of doing so myself. Please read on for all the great work that GVS is doing and how you can participate.

Continue reading "Global Village News" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From a reader:

School resource officer funding for 2009-10 on Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 p.m., OUSD board meeting agenda.

Also, closed session is on skate park.

Download the Agenda

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

Here I am the week of my 60th birth day dismantling my whole life and moving all my Earthly belongings (mostly books, manuscripts, journals, photographs, yoga props and daily-life essentials like kitchenware, towels and bedding), into an 8 x 8 x 12' PODS container. It feels like some kind of rite of passage or initiation. A 60th birthday cleanse!
View image

Continue reading "My 60th Birthday: Coincidence or Cosmic Plan? " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | 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 the Ojai Valley Green Coalition:

For the May event in its “Ecology and Community” series, the Ojai Valley Green Coalition will share smart, time-tested heating and cooling strategies of architectural design as the new way to control indoor temperatures. A presentation entitled “The Passive Design Revolution” will be given on May 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chaparral High School Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue.

Continue reading "OVGC: The Passive Design Revolution" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Excerpted from pbs.org:

The upcoming film, “Crips and Bloods: Made in America,” takes viewers to the Southern California neighborhoods where the notorious street gangs began. Through interviews with current and former gang members, director Stacy Peralta gives viewers an insider’s look into a 40-year-old conflict that has taken thousands of lives.

Peralta explains that he was inspired to make “Crips and Bloods” after the 1992 civil unrest that resulted in the destruction of many South Los Angeles neighborhoods. Peralta set out 15 years later to answer the following question: “If affluent, middle-class white American teenagers were forming gangs, arming themselves with automatic weapons and killing one another, how would our country respond?” To say the film is a powerful statement is to put it mildly. Peralta documents a heart-wrenching story while leaving us hopeful.

The film will air locally (Ojai) on PBS station KCET 28, on Tuesday May 12 at 10pm.

Posted by evan austin at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

This is confirmed - Tim Baird will be replacing the retiring Superintendent in Encinitas, with an expected start in July.

I for one will really miss Tim. I have had the opportunity to work with him closely as a fellow board member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and on the steering committee of the Public Access Group and his heart, motivation and work ethic have always been top-notch. I'm disappointed I won't be able to work with him on a new project I am cooking up.

As superintendent of OUSD, Tim has been in the middle of some controversial issues that naturally result in supporters and detractors. I'd say it comes with the territory. If you're going to leave a comment, be respectful.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The recent tragic destruction of two young lives in our community has drawn responses of great variety. One common call has been for more action on the part of schools (even though we all know full well that teachers are getting laid off and schools are threatened with closing). Enter the InnerKids Foundation, with its mission to teach a "non-reactive, clear, compassionate way of living" that "is visceral (you can feel it), non-conceptual (you don’t have to think about it), and can be learned."

The InnerKids program teaches mindful awareness through games & activities that develop:

* Calming Skills * Focus * Attention * Kindness * Compassion * Emotional Balance * Clarity

This training (and others like it, though this is the best one i've looked at) are backed by an ever-increasing body of scientific research to support these practices, and NONE of the traits listed above are present in children who join gangs or kill each other. Just $ 6,000.00 adopts a school or community based program for older children and teens. Could we, as a community, identify a school and/or age group that could benefit most from this training (that is most "at-risk") and pursue these funds? Can we afford NOT to?

Posted by evan austin at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

from the OEF...

Ojai educators: Ojai Education Foundation — the nonprofit group that supports Ojai’s public schools — is once again accepting applications for its annual minigrants to help fund classroom projects.

Continue reading "Ojai Education Foundation offers classroom grants" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

WILD ABOUT OJAI
eco-education events at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

Birds of the Ojai Valley
Friday evening, May 1st at 7pm
at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy 370 Baldwin Road, Ojai
Enjoy the fourth in our 2009 Wild About Ojai series as Jesse Grantham, California Condor Project Manager, OVLC board member and local birding expert, with Allen Bertke, Ventura Audubon member and bird photographer extraordinaire present a slideshow of stunning bird photographs identifying migratory birds frequently seen in Ojai. Many of Allen’s photos have been taken in his own back yard where he has counted 102 different birds and photographed nearly as many.

Participants will learn to identify Ojai’s many feathered friends, where to look for them, how to plan a habitat within the home landscape, and also gain valuable information on birding supplies and publications.

Birds of the Ojai Valley Part II - Bird walk on the Ojai Meadows Preserve Saturday, May 9th at 8:30am
Join Jesse Grantham, Allen Bertke and fellow birdwatchers, for a birding tour of the Ojai Meadows Preserve. This is a great chance to see first-hand how the newly created habitat for local migratory birds and wetlands species on the Meadow has attracted several previously absent birds and waterfowl. Meet at the Nordhoff High School parking lot, wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars.

Reservations required. Programs are FREE for OVLC members, $10 for non members. Become a member today and come to all Wild About Ojai eco-education events and hikes for free!
805 649-6852 ext. 7 or ovlc@ovlc.org.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Note: After I posted the article below it was pointed out to me that the source was questionable (See Comments). Upon rereading it my guess is that there is an element of truth mixed with fiction. Below is an edited version of what originally appeared here. After I do some more research I may pull the whole thing...

"Remember 1976 and the so called Swine Flu outbreak that was purported to be a coming pandemic? It only infected recruits at Ft. Dix. Why? Because I believe that the so called Swine Flu virus infected the recruits due to the vaccines they were given. Whether the government developed the Swine Flu 1976 virus and infected the recruits as a means to test the public to see if people would comply with a call to take vaccination against Swine Flu, or the recruits became infected via contaminated vaccine they were given as part of the recruit regimen, that outbreak was as phony as they come. I was one of the people duped into taking a Swine Flu shot and it made me so sick. I was sick in bed for three months after taking the vaccine.

Continue reading "Do Your Own Research: Do Not Take A Swine Flu Vaccine!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Two news items from the OVYF...

1) Pronto, featuring Wilco keyboardist and Ojai resident Mikael Jorgensen, will be performing at a benefit concert for the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, Friday May 15, 7pm, Women's Center. Opening the show will be Scarnella, featuring Nels Cline, lead guitarist of Wilco and Carla Bozulich, who you may know from Geraldine Fibbers. Nels is a friend of mine and puts on an amazing show.
On the web: Pronto | Scarnella | Wilco | Nels Cline | Carla Bozulich

2) The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is one of 16 California agencies selected to promote Flex Your Power campaign messages

Generation Communications (Gen Com), a program of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, has been selected to participate in a statewide outreach campaign to educate the public about ways to conserve energy, reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The Flex Your Power campaign includes print advertising and community outreach.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley Youth Foundation News" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from local parent Christine Brondyke:

It’s come to my attention that Ojai Public Schools has a significant problem with bullying…by teachers.

I realize that teaching is one of the hardest professions out there. I’ve done it…and every day that I did, I went home exhausted. It is HARD work! I also know that OPS has many amazing and talented teachers who wouldn’t dream of mentally, emotionally, or physically hurting a child. But for a moment, I want to talk about those who do.

This week, my nine year old son came home from school and asked me to write a note so that he would never have to participate in P.E. again. (That’s physical education) When I asked him “Why?” he said that day his P.E. teacher was yelling at his class to line up and he was slow in doing so… the teacher came over to my son as he was pushing himself off of the ground to get up. The teacher kicked my son’s ankle in anger and my son went back down to the ground. My son says he then attempted to get up quicker and the teacher grabbed him by his ear and pulled him the rest of the way up while yelling “What is this?” My son answered “My ear!” And his teacher responded “Then start using it!”

Continue reading "When The Bully In The Classroom Isn't A Student" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | 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

Reader H. sends the following from Science Digest - "Cure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse?"...

For the first time, scientists have isolated the parasite Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) from professional apiaries suffering from honey bee colony depopulation syndrome. They then went on to treat the infection with complete success.

And more from Ars Technica...

A new study published in the journal Environmental Microbiology Reports may clarify things, as a team of Spanish researchers report the cause of the colony collapse disorder, and also suggest a cure. The researchers isolated the parasitic fungi Nosema ceranae from a pair of Spanish apiaries, while finding none of the other proposed causes—Varroa destructor, IAPV, or pesticides. With the identification of the invading pathogen, the team treated other diseased colonies with fumagillin—an antibiotic—and observed a complete recovery of the colony.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

From the VC Star...

At a meeting Wednesday night, the [OUSD] board agreed to send notices to instructional assistants, librarians, technology specialists and others. About 70 pink slips were handed out to teachers and other employees last month.

Also on the agenda, the Ojai Skatepark [full coverage here]...

[City Recreation Director Dale] Sumersille hopes to go out to bid on the project this summer, with the Ojai Unified board taking action on the plan in May. On Wednesday, however, trustees said the plans were being presented to them for the first time and they voiced several concerns. While [Trustee Pauline] Mercado said she supported the skate park and thought the district should sign off on it being built, other board members said they had reservations. Among other things, they want the park to be supervised and a restroom built. Neither of those items are part of the plans, Sumersille said.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

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

Sweetie and I dragged our camera gear down to Meiners Oaks Elementary yesterday. Amy Hagen was teaching a violin class for the kids. Getting up earlier than usual is tough for Sweetie, but she finds that gazing at the kids faces is worth the loss of sleep. Well worth it.

The Bravo program is sponsored by the Ojai Music Festival. It’s designed to introduce school-age kids to the wonders of music. We’ve had the pleasure of photographing them and their mentors for several years.

Continue reading "Kids, Violins and Bravo!" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

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

PR: Locally Grown Benefit Concert Returns to Libbey Bowl

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

Continue reading "Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009" »

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

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

Tomorrow at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a literary luncheon with Discovery Channel Resident Expert and environmental scientist Summer Rayne Oakes. Coming up on April 26th is Jun Pinon, "celebrated San Francisco Floral Designer".

More info on the flyer after the jump...

Continue reading "Arts & Leisure Series at The Inn" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | 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 (38) | 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

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy events upcoming...

Friday March 13, 7pm - presentation by Stevie Adams at the OVLC office
Saturday March 14, 8:30am - river walk at the river bottom with Lanny Kaufer
Saturday March 14, 1pm - watershed driving tour from Matilija Dam to Foster Park

Great stuff from the OVLC. Reservations required. Flyer after the jump.

Continue reading "Wild About Ojai 2009" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Awesome Art at the OV Museum" »

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

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 (13) | author bio

from Judy K:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Eve of Justice: Lighting The Way For The Supreme Court

On March 5th, the California Supreme Court will hear oral argument on why Proposition 8 should be repealed. Wednesday, March 4 is the day before the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the validity of Prop 8. The night before this historic moment, we invite supporters of marriage equality, their friends and families, and most especially the 18,000 couples married last year, to join us in a showing of faith and support that love and justice shall prevail. We’ll stand together and send a unified message to our fellow Californians, including the Supreme Court Justices, that individual liberties like the right to marry are guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone and cannot be stripped away at the ballot box by a bare majority. Just as important, we will give our love and support to all the families headed by same-sex couples who are threatened by the recent electoral outcome, as well as same-sex couples whose hopes and dreams of marriage and family have been frustrated by enactment of Prop 8.

Please come out and stand with your friends and neighbors and show your support for fairness and equality!

On Wednesday evening at 6 pm:

Bring candles and signs.

(also check out Let California Ring's "I DO" Campaign, and listen to the oral arguments live on Thursday at eqca.org)

Posted by evan austin at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | 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

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

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

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

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

Arrive early to register and bring a mat and blanket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I get press releases... thoroughly enjoyed receiving this one. Congrats, Kenley!

Kenley Neufeld wins ACRL Community and Junior College Libraries Section Leadership Award

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has selected Kenley Neufeld, library director at Santa Barbara City College, as the 2009 winner of the Community and Junior College Libraries Section (CJCLS) EBSCO Community College Learning Resources Leadership Award. The award honors significant achievement in advocacy of learning resources, as well as leadership in professional organizations that support the missions of community, junior and technical colleges.

Continue reading "Kenley Honored By the American Library Association" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | 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

Interested in learning how to record some of those family stories you've been passing down for ages?
Meet Author Linda Weaver Clarke at Ray D. Prueter Library, Family Legacy Workshop Monday, February 9
6:30 – 8:30 pm, no registration required.
Turn your family history into a variety of interesting stories. Make your ancestors come alive on paper.
Learn the most important elements of writing.
Ray D. Prueter Library
510 Park Ave
Port Hueneme, CA 93041
(805) 486-5460

Continue reading "Free Family Legacy Memoir Writing Workshop with Author Linda Weaver Clarke Tonight!" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Following is a letter from OUSD Superintendent Tim Baird to the Ojai City Council members, addressing the council's expressed wish to see a more detailed operational plan for public access management by the Nordhoff High School Media Arts Academy...

February 5, 2009

Dear City Council Members,

Thank you for considering Ojai Unified School District’s proposal to serve as your contractor to operate our local public access channel. I understand that the City Council has some questions regarding our plans to operate the public access channel and I would like to take this opportunity to answer these questions and clear up any misunderstandings that may exist between District and City staff on this issue.

Continue reading "Public Access: Letter from OUSD" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

press release from the Ojai Valley Green Coalition...

Download the PDF

Between now and March 25, residents of the Ojai Valley will be reading a new book: Coming Clean: Breaking America’s Addiction to Oil and Coal. The author, Michael Brune, the Executive Director of the Rainforest Action Network, will come to Ojai on March 25 to discuss the ideas in his book.

The book can be checked out of the library or purchased for $15 at the bookstore Twice Sold Tales, next to the library in downtown Ojai. It will also be available at all Ojai Valley Green Coalition events.

Continue reading "Ojai Reads: Coming Clean" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

it doesn't get much better than this: wandering around Ojai's hills on a beautiful, sunny southern california with a group of kids and a local naturalist. yesterday was the second gathering of a group of homeschoolers who have set out to learn more about the earth, especially their local flora and fauna. so far it's been a deep reflection of this john muir quote, where we have all received far more than we were seeking. the group is made up of about 10 kids, aged 5 - 8, a mix of friends and siblings, and our own john muir is local naturalist, Lanny Kaufer. I think Lanny has been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable these Ojai kids are in their own backyard, and with how much they already know about local wildlife and plants. but as with learning anything, the more you learn, the less you know!
(Lanny doesn't know much about fairies so the kids will be teaching him too.)

more after the jump...

Continue reading "Learning by Living" »

Posted by Leslie Davis at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Subtitled for the sign-impaired.

Posted by evan austin at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | 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

More images after the jump!

Continue reading "Images from MLK Day 09" »

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

Global Village School recently received grants from Wishworks Inc. and two anonymous family foundations. The grants will support development of a new K-12 curriculum centered on the Earth Charter, a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society. The Global Village Curriculum will be formatted for use by schools, groups, and homeschoolers, and will combine a creative, flexible, student-centered approach with a learning styles focus. Modern media, technology, art, music, nature, imagination, and story will be integrated into the courses.

Global Village School, located at 207 N. Ventura St., has provided an accredited, customizable K-12 homeschool diploma program to students around the world for 9 years. GVS offers online and text-based courses, personalized curriculum options, and individualized teacher services. Grounded in the belief that knowledge and understanding are the keys to a true global community, GVS offers a full diploma program and college preparatory classes that empower students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other.

For more information, please e-mail Global Village School or call (805) 646-9792.

Posted by Sally Carless at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | 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

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

Inspired by the Book Thread...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

Been awhile since we've had one of these... what are you reading?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | 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

THACHER STUDENTS FOUND AT SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT

11:50 a.m., Ojai, California, December 9, 2008 – Santa Barbara Police found two missing Thacher School students, George Skan and Tyler Cook, at the Santa Barbara Airport today around 9 a.m. The students had been missing since Friday night. Thacher and the students’ parents are relieved and thankful that they are safe and healthy. At this time the Skans and Cooks are meeting their children at the airport.

The Thacher School, the Skans, and the Cooks would like to thank the Ventura County Sheriff’s office for their tireless efforts and help, the countless Search and Rescue professionals who combed the backcountry by horseback, foot and air, and the Thacher faculty and students. “Thanks to the help and attention focused on this by the news media,” said Head of School Michael K. Mulligan, “this has matter been brought to closure with the best outcome that anyone could have hoped for.”

Finally, The Thacher School would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the entire Ojai, Ventura, and Santa Barbara communities for their diligence, perseverance, and willingness to communicate information on the students’ disappearance.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (32) | 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 (5) | author bio

If you have any information, please call Thacher at 805-646-4377 805-798-1583 or email mmulligan@thacher.org, and please forward this to anyone who may have info. I'd recommend not showing up to help, as there are already multiple teams on the ground - if I hear otherwise, I'll post an update.

[UPDATE 12/07 - 1:50pm] VC Sheriff Press Release after the jump

[UPDATE 12/08 - 8:37am] Search called off, teens presumed to have run away (h/t anonymous)

[UPDATE 12/09 - 10:27am] Confirmed - Students Found. Thacher School Director of Communications Chris Land confirms that the students have been found and are being reunited with the parents. The kids are "safe and healthy" and we have a "happy ending." When the story has more clarity, the school will be issuing a press release. Great news from the east end...

================================

December 6, 2008

Dear Parents,

Last night, two of our students, a senior girl and a junior boy who are having a relationship, failed to appear for check-in at 10:30 pm. A search of the campus ensued, conducted by advisors, dorm heads, administrators, and seniors. When they were not found in the central campus, we expanded the search to the fields, outbuildings, and trails. At the end of wandering at 1:00 am when they still had not appeared, we contacted the parents. By 3:00 am, everyone had returned from their various searches and went to bed.

In the morning, the missing students had not returned. After a further daylight search, we called the police and made a missing minor report. That report is in the state-wide system. Ventura County Search and Rescue will begin work in the back country shortly. In addition, Cam Schryver has organized a group of upper class riders to comb the adjacent trails. In short, everything that can be done is being done.

We are in constant contact with both the authorities and the parents. Mike Mulligan, who is at a conference of boarding school leaders in Baltimore, is heading back to campus as quickly as possible. We have interviewed friends of both students but have not developed a clear notion of why they might have left the campus and where they might have headed.

We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you informed. Thanks for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Peter G. Robinson
Assistant Head of School

Continue reading "Alert: Missing Thacher Students" »

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

(press release from the American Red Cross...)

The American Red Cross of Ventura County invites children from 3rd to 5th grade, to participate in the free Safe Kid’s Day on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Jack Boyd Community Center in Sarzotti Park, Ojai.

Continue reading "American Red Cross Hosts Safe Kids Day" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:06 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

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

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

The Ventura County Star released their ballot suggestions today, and they gave the thumbs up to Measure P, which is a parcel tax to fund Ojai Valley Schools. This newest version asks for less money ($89 per parcel), is capped at seven years, and residents over 65 years of age are exempt.

A strong public education system impacts all Ojai residents’ quality of life, property values and community pride. This is not just a parent-student issue. What are your thoughts on Measure P?

Following the jump are anonymously submitted notes from the Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, Ojai Unified School District budget study session, which gives some insight into the measure.

Continue reading "Measure P" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

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 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

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

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 |