OVGC Film: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
On Saturday afternoon, March 27, at 4:30 p.m. 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.
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The views expressed herein are the personal views of each individual author or commenter and are not intended to reflect the views of The Ojai Post or its Authors, Tribal Core or Tyler Suchman as managing editor.
all rights reserved
The views expressed herein are the personal views of each individual author or commenter and are not intended to reflect the views of The Ojai Post or its Authors, Tribal Core or Tyler Suchman as managing editor.
Energy & Environment :: The Ojai Post
March 08, 2010
KINDNESS is nonviolent.
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.
March 02, 2010
Transition Ojai meeting tonight, March 2, 6.45 pm at Glen Muse
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" »
March 01, 2010
Opinion: TOO HARD TO BEAR: Why does the Department of Fish and Game want to expand bear hunting?
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.
February 24, 2010
Susan Jordan-Das Williams Debate:Thurs.Feb. 25th, 6:30 pm.
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." »
February 20, 2010
Enlightenment Begins With Empathy
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."
February 17, 2010
Letter from Marjorie Emerson, Ojai, to Fish & Game re Plan to Expand Bear Hunting
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.
February 16, 2010
Freedom: A Haiku
Today is Day 18 of the 64-Day Season for Nonviolence that spans the death dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. One source lists the following as today's Quotation, Affirmation, and Practice, and i thought the OP community might enjoy participating!:
FREEDOM:
Quotation: "Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change." -Stephen Covey
Affirmation: Freedom means that we have the independent will to act and respond creatively, that we have the self-awareness to self-reflect and to change as dictated by the compass of conscience. Moment by moment today, I become conscious of my freedom.
Practice: Claim your definition of freedom. Write a haiku poem about freedom.
These affirmations are updated EVERY DAY at ojaipeace.org.
January 30, 2010
Season for Nonviolence Begins Today
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!
January 19, 2010
Donate to Haiti Relief Through Local Org
No doubt you are well aware of the disaster, needs, and response in Haiti, and if you're like me it can seem overwhelming to know how to help. Specifically, there can be a general doubt about where your money (if that's how you choose to reach out) is best placed, given that many relief organizations - including the Red Cross - have high overhead costs that divert some of the funds away from direct relief. It is not my intention to judge or discourage past or future donations to great orgs like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and others...but i would like to make you aware - with a grateful hat-tip to Lisa Snider of Radio Ojai - of Direct Relief International, which "provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment."
Why is DRI so special? For one thing, spending less than one-half of one percent of their annual support on fundraising and less than one percent on administration means that 99% of funds go directly to relief. For those of us in Ventura County, there's another bonus: DRI is based in nearby Santa Barbara. Two great reasons to donate to Haiti relief today? i think so.
Cross-posted on the Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog.
January 16, 2010
Ojai Search Dogs Find Haiti Earthquake Survivors
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" »
January 12, 2010
Ojai City Council Appointment On Agenda Tonight, Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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" »
January 10, 2010
Welcome to Transition Ojai! Learn All About Transition Towns Here.
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." »
January 02, 2010
Kristofer and Joanne Young: The Year of Eating Locally
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 " »
December 29, 2009
CSA Memberships available for January
Gozo Farm and The Farmer and The Cook have memberships available in their CSA program. Community Supported Agriculture is a popular, international movement that connects consumers with farmers who provide produce to that membership on a weekly basis. Memberships are $100 per month. Over time, the expense is a definite value to members, who also enjoy picked-that-day freshness and superb post-harvest handling, providing a highly nutritious product. Products vary from season to season and week to week. Eight to twelve items are in every membership box. Occasionally we supplement our organic produce with local organic produce ( mostly fruit) or things we encounter regionally from other organic farmers, like late season tomatoes from Buelton or avocados from Santa Paula. Pick-ups are at the Farmer and The Cook in Meiners oaks every Wednesday or Thursday. write to Steve Sprinkel at farmerandcook@gmail.com for Ojai memberships.
If you had placed your name on our waiting list previously, please let me know. Our list got wings and is somewhere else.
A similar program from the same farm also serves Ventura. Call John at 272-5337 for VENTURA delivery.
December 23, 2009
Despair and Disparity
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.
December 21, 2009
From Copenhagen to Ojai: Clear-Cutting the Truth About Trees
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 " »
December 17, 2009
End War, Starting with Education
"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.
December 15, 2009
Ojai Culture Change: Update on Copenhagen Climate Summit
"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" »
December 14, 2009
To my Ojai friends: Don't let the climate doubters fool you
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" »
While we sleep here in Ojai, protests rocked Copenhagen
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
December 12, 2009
Ojai Noble Peace Prize Recipients Back from Africa -- Will Present Progam on Ending World Hunger
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.
December 07, 2009
Happy, Merry, Joyous, Cheery Chalica!
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.
December 06, 2009
Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals
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" »
December 03, 2009
In With the New!
Better Shopping
Even though I wrote the previous entry on supporting local businesses, here we can explore the complicated nature of shopping. A decision on where to purchase and what to purchase can be difficult if you weigh all the options, but especially social and environmental responsibility.
One of my favorite sources for grading products and companies is Better World Shopper. Even with a product like gasoline, there is a range of grades.
Better World Shopper ranks on a company level but there are other aspects you could weigh.
November 29, 2009
Ojai Democratic Club Wants Election to Fill DeVito Council Seat, or Appoint Leonard Klaif
The Ojai Valley Democratic Club unanimously passed a Resolution at its November 23, 2009 general meeting asking the Ojai City Council to fill Joe DeVito’s seat with an election. DeVito resigned before his term was up next November and will leave office at the end of December 2009. Should the council not have an election, the Club asked the Council to appoint Leonard Klaif who lost by only 70 votes when DeVito’s seat was last up for election.
November 18, 2009
Acorns Appear Abundant: Wet Winter on the Way?
According to climatologists, it's going to be wet this winter.
Experts on El Niño, the well-known global weather circulation pattern that often brings warm winters and heavy rain to the West Coast, recently released a chart showing the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) strengthening across the Pacific.
This is good news for those of us in SoCal hoping for rain.
Here's a recent satellite picture, from the NASA-affiliated Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, showing the elevation of a Kelvin wave building along the equator as of two weeks ago.
JPL's forecaster extraordinaire Bill Patzert, who earlier this year doubted that El Nino would significantly increase our chances of rain, now sounds convinced.
"In the American west, where we are struggling under serious drought conditions, this late-fall charge by El Niño is a pleasant surprise, upping the odds for much-needed rain and an above-normal winter snowpack," he said.
Continue reading "Acorns Appear Abundant: Wet Winter on the Way?" »
November 10, 2009
Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009
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" »
October 31, 2009
Woman Among Warlords
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.
October 28, 2009
OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
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!" »
October 27, 2009
Not sure what to do if you see a bear? Check out the Ojai Wildlife League OWL website
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
October 25, 2009
Why I Support Ojai City Council Candidate Lenny Klaif
The question has been raised as to whether or not Joe DeVito can vote to appoint his own successor. I was on the City Council the last time a council member was unable to complete her term. While this person was involved in the selection process, she did not actually vote, as the vote was taken after she left the council. A vacancy cannot be filled until there is actually a vacancy. If it turns ot that I am wrong about this, I will publish a correction here.
The time table on the City website http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/ (Item 3 - Process to Fill Unexpired Council Term) states that the council plans to fill the vacancy December 8 or 15, while Devito is still in office. To learn more, come to the council meeting this Tuesday night.
Why I support Lenny Klaif
As a former mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like people to know why I support City Council candidate Leonard Klaif, either by appointment or special election.
Continue reading "Why I Support Ojai City Council Candidate Lenny Klaif " »
October 23, 2009
Good News for Ojai: Len Klaif for City Council
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" »
October 22, 2009
Ojai Bear's Death Due to Department of Fish & Game Incompetence -- Guest Editorial by Ann Bryant
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.
October 21, 2009
Ojai Bear News: Pedro Nava Seeks Review of State Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies
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.
October 19, 2009
Aliso Street Bear Incident Ojai Community Meeting - Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm
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" »
October 16, 2009
Ojai Valley Defense Fund on Radio Ojai
I just sat down with John Broesamle, President of the newly formed Ojai Valley Defense Fund, a 501c3 with a mission to "provide financial support to groups undertaking legal action to protect and sustain the environmental quality of the Ojai Valley for the public benefit." The OVDF will officially begin their campaign to raise $1,000,000 tomorrow at Ojai Day. Listen to my interview with John to find out if OVDF is looking to pick up where CPO left off, how they feel about affordable housing, whether they consider themselves a NIMBY and what threats they feel need to be acted upon. And stop by their booth tomorrow to find out more about them. Listen here.
October 14, 2009
Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda
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" »
October 13, 2009
New Information on Ojai Bear Story Reported On Front Page of Santa Barbara News Press
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...
More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear
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 " »
October 10, 2009
OVGC Upcoming Events
Ojai Valley Green Coalition Three-Year Birthday Party
Wed., Oct 28, 7pm-8:30pm, Chaparral Auditorium
Ojai Day Bike Valet
Sat., Oct 17th, 10am-5pm, Ojai Library parking lot
details after the jump...
October 09, 2009
You May Say I'm A Dreamer...
On this day in 1940, John Lennon was born. Today, 69 years later - and 29 years after his murder - many people around the world still consider him a cultural icon and hero, and his songs still find meaning, particularly within the struggle for peace.
In other recent news:
NASA bombed the moon last night, in search of water. The explosion was intended to send up a plume through which a special spacecraft would fly, hoping to detect water particles. The hope being that where there's water, there may be life...to which i respond, "So WHAT?" Here's my fear: finding any scrap of water/life on the Moon may allow us to more legitimately imagine moon colonies, which further separates us from the urgent need to manage the population and planet we ALREADY HAVE.
President Obama receives Nobel Peace Prize while waging two wars. It's a shocker to many...my early read of things is that most people of all stripes think it a little heavy and premature and cheapens the value of the award (though possibly improving the U.S.'s image), while smaller pockets of fanatics continue to hail Obama as either the messiah or satan. This NYTimes article seems to do a good job of describing the challenges and options on the President's table relative to Afghanistan. The Nobel Committee's own literature and a statement by Chairman Jagland remind us that the Prize has historically been given sometimes as an incentive to continue peace work that one has begun, not necessarily in recognition of goals accomplished.
October 08, 2009
Sixth Annual Earth Charter Awards Honor Local Activists
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" »
September 30, 2009
Global Village School Founder Honored on Int'l Day of Peace
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" »
September 29, 2009
Tsunami Advisory
How about them apples? From the VCSD Office of Emergency Services...
At 10:48 AM on September 29th, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.0 occurred in the Samoa Islands region. A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-Washington border.
September 25, 2009
G20 - Live Blog from Mac Lojowsky - UPDATE 6:15 pm 9_25
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" »
September 23, 2009
Ojai Forum on the New Economy Starts Friday!
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!" »
SoCal Megadroughts and Megafires: Caused by Global Warming?
On an insufferably hot Santa Ana condition day in SoCal, with the Guiberson fire eating its way into the Moorpark area, it's worth asking if the fires we face this year are directly linked to the lack of rain we've experienced for the last three years, and if they are linked, more broadly, to the "megadrought" identified by numerous researchers that has taken hold in SoCal in the latter half of this century.
Continue reading "SoCal Megadroughts and Megafires: Caused by Global Warming?" »
September 22, 2009
El Nino or El Fizzle?
This year's expected El Nino (the boy child) is looking considerably less robust than advertised just three months ago. From a typically excellent story by Rob Krier in the San Diego Union Tribune:
Anyone counting on El Niño to wipe out California's drought this winter may be counting chickens long before they've hatched.
Long-range forecasters are less and less bullish about El Niño, a global atmospheric condition that could bring extra precipitation to San Diego County.
Most of them say the odds still slightly favor a wetter-than-normal rainfall season in California, which could use a drenching after three straight years of drought. But the fledgling El Niño is showing signs of losing steam.
September 20, 2009
Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Updated Schedule of Events
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" »
September 19, 2009
It's About the Bike: A Doctor's Prescription for a Healthy, Wealthy and Green Ojai
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.
September 18, 2009
Paul Jenkin: Matilija Dam Removal
Paul Jenkin has a Facebook article: "New Solution for Dam Removal," including a recap of Wednesday night's Matilija Dam Design Oversight Group (DOG) Meeting.
The primary topic of discussion was how to reduce the escalating costs of the project and re-energize the efforts to remove this obsolete dam. Project managers presented a new proposal that may provide a solution to the problem of managing the fine sediments trapped behind Matilija Dam.
Become a Fan of the Ojai Post while you're there... www.facebook.com/ojaipost
September 17, 2009
Ojai Forum on the New Economy: Schedule of Events
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" »
September 12, 2009
Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Register Now!
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!" »
September 11, 2009
Peace Film Series: PROMISES
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.
September 08, 2009
Stop the "Gravel" Trucks: Live Video of Gravel Trucks Racing Down Maricopa Highway
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.
Ojai Forum on the New Economy,
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/
September 06, 2009
Possible Fire by Lake Casitas
from a reader - unconfirmed...
fire by Lake Casitas ranger station? smoke visible from South Mira Monte - Wormword and Bonmark
...more in the comments...
photo from reader Vicki - click to enlarge
September 05, 2009
OVGC and OVYF: Energy Savings
Tim Broderick, Energy Consultant and co-chair of the OVGC Building & Construction committee, will give a presentation on saving energy and saving money as a result. Click the image to the left to download a flyer.
Save the date:
Sept 23, 7-8:30pm
Chaparral Auditorium
September 04, 2009
Ojai Economic Forum, September 25th - 27th
September 03, 2009
Stop the "Gravel" Trucks: Diesel Exhaust Linked To Cancer
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" »
September 02, 2009
Fair No Fun for 4-H Pet Market Animals, but Happy Ending For One Lucky Pig
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" »
August 30, 2009
Ojai Healthcare Forum: Unusually Respectful
...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.
August 26, 2009
OVGC Movie: Are We Running Dry?
The Ojai Valley Green Coalition presents:
The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?
Saturday August 29, 4:30pm
Ojai Theatre
$10 suggested donation
"This documentary is a definitive look at how the water crisis affects the American Southwest states and its escalating economic toll. From the White House to the House of Representatives, the film's writer, director, and executive producer, Jim Thebaut, interviews key thinkers in an intelligent and informed discussion about the evolving water crisis."
August 14, 2009
Call for Nominations
Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals.
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." »
August 13, 2009
Good News for Los Padres!
You may remember that in 2005 the Bush administration decided to open up national forests to building more roads so commercial interests could log and mine more effectively. 58 million acres in US states and Puerto Rico were to be opened, including 465,000 acres in Los Padres alone. There have been court battles ever since.
As irritating as I can find him, Schwarzenegger did go to bat for this land, which includes the Sespe and the Topa Topas and the Nordhoff Ridge and Chief Peak, by petitioning for protection in 2006. These appeals were denied in 2007, and in 2008, CA Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman along with AG Jerry Brown brought suit against the feds, claiming that the US Forest Service had failed to manage the land appropriately.
Well, the Obama administration has come down on the side of the forest angels, and is siding with environmentlists in a Wyoming court case that could go a long way towards settling this permanently.
More in the Huffington Post...
Sure would be nice to not ever have to worry about a line of oil derricks adorning the Topa Topas...
August 12, 2009
Ojai Economic Forum - SAVE THE DATE!
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: www.ojaieconomy.com/2009-ojai-forum/
August 11, 2009
4-H Kids and Their Animals: the Ultimate Betrayal at the Fair
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" »
Guest Editorial: Smitty West on Bees
observations from M.O. resident, native plant grower, exemplary musician and all-around good guy Smitty West...
Bees
Last week, I saw a contractor measuring and marking along the right-of-way in front of Euterpe Farms, and I stopped and chatted with the guy to see what was up.
He was working for the utility company (I assume Edison) and told me he was surveying for the replacement of a rotten utility pole. I saw it was an old wood one, and I asked him if they were going to put in those new fancy brown fiberglass ones that I have seen all over town.
August 09, 2009
Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse
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" »
August 04, 2009
New Graywater Code
reader Jack passed this on - the California Building Standards Commission passed a new graywater code, which is a good step in addressing unsustainable water resource consumption.
Half of all carbon emissions are from buildings. Buildings built to current codes are sucking the groundwater out from under California. Graywater permits are part of an outdated system that focuses on microscopic risk as our species is engulfed by huge, emerging risks.
"On August 4th, 2009, California can legally install simple laundry and single fixture systems without a permit. For the first time, licensed professionals can legally help with the 1.7 million existing graywater systems in the state. " - Art Ludwig, graywater researcher and educator
July 31, 2009
More on Ojai Bucks!
July 27, 2009
Ojai's Lively Debate on Global Warming: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted In Next Five Years, Study Warns
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.
Guest Editorial by Pat McPherson:"Why does it take Ojai so long to build a skate park?"
"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.
July 26, 2009
Where do you get your news? CommonDreams.org
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" »
July 25, 2009
2009 Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Save The Date
http://www.ojaieconomy.com/2009-ojai-forum/
Continue reading "2009 Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Save The Date" »
July 24, 2009
California Budget Open Thread
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.
July 11, 2009
Mad City Chickens!
I hear this is a must see... looks really fun and of great relevance to our community.
Saturday, July 25th at 4:30pm, Ojai Theater will be the local premiere of the film, "Mad City Chickens," a wacky and wonderful documentary about one Wisconsin city's "chicken underground" fighting city hall to make their poultry passion legal. This is a film you don't want to miss, even if you don't eat eggs or have a hankering for feathered friends. You will laugh out loud and even Sci-Fi and Twilight Zone fans will appreciate the style of the film.
One thing's for sure, if you've been on the fence about getting chickens, you'll be convinced to join the growing ranks of home farmers who are committed to a more sustainable food system and to make happy hens a part of your life.
After the film we'll be having a chat with Garm Beall, founder of the website backyardchickens.com about how to get started raising chickens with Q&A at the Village Jester pub next door.
This is a fundraiser ($10) for the Food & Agriculture Committee of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, so that we can plant more vegetable gardens for folks and conduct more culinary events. So please broadcast this to others (Ojai and beyond) who love food and need a good laugh!
Keep it fresh, keep it fun!
Dulanie Ellis-La Barre
Grow Food Party Crew & the Culinary Club
July 09, 2009
Water Tales
A couple stories that caught my eye...
Australian town bans bottled water sales: Residents of a rural Australian town hoping to protect the earth and their wallets have voted to ban the sale of bottled water, the first community in the country — and possibly the world — to take such a drastic step in the growing backlash against the industry.
El Nino conditions return to affect weather: In general, El Nino conditions are associated with increased rainfall across the east-central and eastern Pacific and with drier than normal conditions over northern Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. A summer El Nino can lead to wetter than normal conditions in the intermountain regions of the United States and over central Chile. In an El Nino year there tend to be more Eastern Pacific hurricanes and fewer Atlantic hurricanes. The forecasters said they expect this El Nino to continue strengthening over the next few months and to last through the winter of 2009-2010.
Stop The Trucks: Follow Up to the Scoping Meeting
(Illumination News Service)
The Coalition recently followed up with Kim Rodriguez, Director, Planning Division of the Ventura County Resource Management Agency in order to highlight our ongoing concerns about what we believe are possible continual violations of the Ozena mining permit:
Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Follow Up to the Scoping Meeting" »
July 07, 2009
Nominations Are Open Now!
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?)
July 06, 2009
Guest Editorial: Alasdair Coyne
The following is from our fellow Ojai citizen, Alasdair Coyne. I thought it was a great read...
A Brief History of Environmental Activism in the Ojai Valley
The citizenry of Ojai has a long history of successful fights against major development proposals which threatened to change the nature of the Ojai Valley. This brief summary presents an overview of the biggest campaigns that Ojai residents have led over the past half century.
Some of these campaigns opposed specific projects slated for the Ojai Valley. Others contested proposals outside Ojai, whose air quality impacts would have led to greatly reduced air quality in the Ojai Valley. Air pollution blows in to Ojai from the direction of the ocean and gets held there by the hills that surround the valley.
June 29, 2009
The Luxury of Fireworks Dampened to Feed Hungry Residents
Cities across the Nation are reconsidering where to put their funding. The idea of fireworks is becoming a luxury when stacked up against citizens going hungry or people losing their jobs. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-fireworks29-2009jun29,0,2351470.story
"The last food bank line I saw had more than 1,000 people in it," said Mayor Rosemarie Vasquez of Montebello Ca. "We figured that, instead of burning the money in the air, why not give it to people who need it." ~~ on why she's spending the $39,000 budget on food rather than fireworks.
June 24, 2009
In Memory of Theodore "Ted" L. Cartee, Ojai Activist, Spiritual Seeker, Kindred Spirit
Death cuts you off with a very, very, very sharp razor from your attachments, from your gods, from your superstitions, from your desire for comfort . . . So how can I find out, actually, not theoretically, what it means to die? It means to be totally free, to be totally unattached to everything that man has put together, or what you have put together . . . totally free. . . While you are living, every moment you are dying, so that throughout life you are not attached to anything. That is what death means.
-- J. Krishnamurti, public talk, January 1, 1986, six weeks before his death
The Ojai Valley News web site has a spot that lists "RECENT DEATHS." There I read the names of my teachers and classmates from Matilija and Nordhoff... childhood dentists and doctors from long ago...my yoga students.... former mayors and city council members....Ojai activists....old friends and acquaintances... I am aware that someday my parent's name and then my own name....will appear under "RECENT DEATHS..."
Yesterday I got a shock when I suddenly saw the name of Ted Cartee, a man with deep roots in Ojai, a man only a few years older than me. I got on the phone and called one of his longtime friends. Today I read his obituary in the Ventura County Star. I am posting it here. I don't know what else to do. Life goes by in the twinkling of an eye. One brief moment in eternity he and I were carpooling to a meeting at the Government Center. We were laughing, speaking out, celebrating some small victory for Life On Planet Earth. Next moment we drop the body and fly free of this Earthly realm, with all it's joys and sorrows.
Yoga classes end with Savasana, Corpse Pose. Why do we do yoga? We do yoga to fully incarnate and consciously inhabit our bodies. And to prepare for death.
June 19, 2009
Watershed Revolution Documentary
Press Release:
New Film Answers the Question “What Is a Watershed?”
(Ojai, Calif. - May 18, 2009) Stunning high–definition cinematography will be featured in the film premiere of Watershed Revolution on June 24 at Ojai’s Chaparral High School Auditorium.
The 30-minute documentary film, which is being shown by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, profiles our Ventura River watershed and the community members and organizations working to protect and restore it. It highlights the unique challenges faced by a river that is this community’s main source of water. The film emphasizes the need for floodplain protection, sustainable agriculture, and community awareness of local water resources.
June 18, 2009
Town Meeting: Gang Violence
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?
June 17, 2009
Plastic Rainbow
I pulled this photo from changents.com. The garbage patch the size of Texas continues to grow and is off the coast of California, surrounds the Hawaiian islands and stops just off the coast of Japan. The above photo demonstrates that plastic has encroached our food supply.
May 19, 2009
Film premiere: Watershed Revolution
from the Ojai Valley Green Coalition...
WATERSHED REVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY
New Film Answers the Question “What Is a Watershed?”
Stunning high–definition cinematography will be featured in the film premiere of Watershed Revolution on June 24 at Ojai’s Chaparral High School Auditorium.
The 30-minute documentary film, which is being shown by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, profiles our Ventura River watershed and the community members and organizations working to protect and restore it. It highlights the unique challenges faced by a river that is this community’s main source of water. The film emphasizes the need for floodplain protection, sustainable agriculture, and community awareness of local water resources.
May 18, 2009
Are you ready to Vote?
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.
May 16, 2009
OVGC: The Passive Design Revolution
On May 27 at 7 p.m. in the Chaparral Auditorium located at 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, Wayne Pendrey will be presenting a program called “The Passive Design Revolution” at the monthly community gathering of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition.
Wayne's letter to the editor after the jump...
May 11, 2009
OVGC: The Passive Design Revolution
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.
May 08, 2009
Open Thread: Kind of hot for May Edition
May 04, 2009
Happy 90th Birth Day, Pete!
Yesterday, May 3rd, was the undefinable Pete Seeger's 90th birth day. i recorded my favorite Seeger tune for him this morning, and there's also a movement/petition to give Pete a Nobel Peace Prize.
May 02, 2009
Clothesline Making a Comeback
featuring Ojaian Bernadette DiPietro...
May 01, 2009
Water, water, everywhere
I didn’t get a chance to watch all of Obama’s press conference on Wednesday. Too busy wrestling with our well booster pump, visiting Dr. Thacher for our annual inspection, and soaking up the beautiful Ojai spring wonderland.
Our booster pump went south about ten days ago. For the uninformed, a booster pump forces water up the hill to storage tanks where it is eventually gravity fed back down to our house. Since water has yet to learn how to run uphill, once your storage tanks empty you’re done, fini, over, dry.
When I tell people that we get our water from a well, their first reaction is “Wow, lucky for you that you don’t have to pay those rates charged by Casitas Water.” Then, I recite the litany of costs associated with owning a well and they quickly move to a new subject. Booster pumps are the least of it.
April 29, 2009
Twitter Contest: win a free autographed book
"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.
Do Your Own Research: Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms
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" »
April 28, 2009
Stop The Trucks: CRITICAL MEETING TO BLOCK OZENA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH AT 6:00 PM AT CHAPARRAL
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.
April 27, 2009
Swine Flu Outbreak -- Nature Biting Back at Industrial Animal Production?
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
April 23, 2009
STOP THE TRUCKS: Maricopa Highway: Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery
REMEMBERING ROUTE 33 THE WAY IT WAS WAY BACK IN 2001 BEFORE THE OZENA MINE BEGAN OPERATING
As we approach the May 6th EIR Scoping meeting at 6:00 pm at Chaparral, we thought it useful to reprint this article purchased some time ago from the LA Times that describes Route 33, Maricopa Highway, way back in 2001 before the gravel trucks came to town. Life was very different then, wasn't it...
Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery
Highways: California 33 is a lure to those seeking solitude--and others wanting to dump bodies.
By MATT SURMAN, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 4, 2001
Up in the back country of Ventura County, beyond the mountains on curving California 33, legend had it 100 years ago that this was Satan's stagecoach route to hell.
Only evil people could see Satan on his infernal rides. But good people could sense him in the ghostly whoosh of wind and the goose bumps left behind.
In many ways, the sense of mystery and danger and a touch of evil have only grown with the passing of a century.
This road--scratched from the coast across the mountains above Ojai to the Santa Barbara County line--can get downright spooky.
Step right off the highway and into the woods, and it's not unusual to find folks blasting away at trees, road signs or an abandoned trailer.
Go a little farther and you could stumble across an illegal field of marijuana--thousands of plants have been seized in the past year alone--and find yourself worrying whether the growers might be lurking nearby.
Even worse, it could be a body. This road over what was once the path to hell has become the favorite dumping ground for some of the county's most notorious modern-day killers.
Nichole Hendrix, a 17-year-old allegedly killed by skinhead associates, was one of the victims. Her remains were found in October 1999--nearly six months after her killing--far below a hill offering a pristine view of impenetrable pines.
The body of Kali Manley, an Oak View teenager killed when she took a ride with the wrong man, lay in a culvert beneath the highway for days as cars drove overhead, until her killer, David Alvarez, led authorities to the remains the day after Christmas 1998.
In a campground "back there" in 1994, Andy Lee Anderson and his Australian shepherd lost their lives because a teenager with a shotgun wanted Anderson's shiny blue pickup truck.
And they were only a few of the victims.
UCSB'S "Floatopia" Bad For Community And Planet
April 22, 2009
Dear UCSB Students:
I have been Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UCSB for almost twenty years, and during that time I have found countless reasons to be proud of UCSB students. I have watched as students championed issues of social justice—militating for the rights of gays/lesbians/bi-sexual/transgender citizens, fighting for equal pay and equal rights for women, working to ensure that the full range of opportunities are available to all Americans. I have watched as you organized to protect academic preparation programs for underserved communities, and as you provided such programs yourselves. Time and again, you have backed up your protests and your talk with hard work and resources. You entered the political arena registering more students to vote than any other university in the nation. You have spoken out against sexual violence against women, and you have protested manifestations of hate in our community. You, as UCSB students, have routinely stood at the forefront of the hard issues, showing yourselves to be true scholars, leaders and citizens of the 21st Century.
It is from this perspective that I find the general student reaction around Floatopia to be so stunningly perplexing.
Continue reading "UCSB'S "Floatopia" Bad For Community And Planet" »
April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day, Earth.
April 20, 2009
OVGC: Advocacy 101 Workshop
(from the OVGC) April the 22nd—which happens, appropriately enough, to be Earth Day—will be the date of this month’s gathering for the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s Ecology and Community series. The presentation will again be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chaparral High School Auditorium at 414 E. Ojai Avenue, with a discretionary donation jar at the door.
The focus of the evening will be citizen advocacy, or how to work within an established system to create change. “Advocacy 101,” as the presentation is being called, will provide know-how for the active support of an idea or cause or the promotion of a change in governmental policy.
Movie Night at the Jester Tonight
MOVIE NIGHT AT THE JESTER!
This month's film is Running Dry
April 17, 2009
Science Friday: Colony Collapse Disorder
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.
April 15, 2009
Update on the Ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers in Ojai
It was the perfect night to have the ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers within the City on the agenda. The winds were howling and the leaves were blowing wild and free. Surely the whole Ojai City Council would see that leaf blowers are among the least justifiable and most obnoxious technological inventions dreamed up by modern man.
Six weeks ago, at the March 4 City Council meeting, a recommendation was made by City staff to repeal the ordinance dealing with gas-powered leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. At that meeting (as well as other meetings in recent years) numerous members of the public spoke up in favor of a city-wide ban on all leaf blowers, gas and electric.
At last night's meeting this was item #9 on the agenda and the hour was late. This time only Marleen Luckman and I spoke up in support of Option A: "No person shall operate a leaf blower, whether fuel or electrically powered, within the City."
Marleen Luckman, an environmental health expert and member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, reiterated the many health issues that she and other speakers had addressed in past meetings.
When it was my turn to speak at the podium I expressed that there should be no question that at the very least a City as classy as Ojai should adopt Option B: "No person shall operate a gas or fuel powered leaf blower within the City." This would strengthen the current ordinance, described above.
Continue reading "Update on the Ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers in Ojai" »
April 09, 2009
Gypsy Moth Spraying Resource Page
OK, new Gypsy Moth Spraying Resource Page has been started to track the conversation around the issue. It's chronological, so if you're new to this issue, start from the bottom up.
It's also listed in the upper-right under Resource Pages.
(photo credit: University of Wisconsin Urban Horticulture website
April 01, 2009
[UPDATED DAILY!] Reflections on Peace
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!
March 28, 2009
Ojai Wild!
Jeff Kuyper, Executive Director of Los Padres ForestWatch, joined me on Radio Ojai recently to talk about the Ojai Wild! Annual Benefit on Saturday, April 4. He also talked about his organization and how it keeps our wild lands wild.
Tickets for Ojai Wild! are $75 for adults, $20 for children under 14 years of age, and a table for 8-10 people may be reserved for $600. Tickets are available by calling the Los Padres ForestWatch office at 805-617-4610.
Learn more about the event after the jump.
Earth Hour 2009 is TONIGHT!
EARTH HOUR 2009 is tonight, 8:30pm local time. From EarthHour.org:
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
March 26, 2009
Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009
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.
March 19, 2009
Weatherization in Ventura County
Having heard that it was part of President Obama's stimulus plan, I volunteered to look into weatherization programs for our community on behalf of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition.
A brief overview from the Department of Energy:
The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. During the last 32 years, the U.S. Department of Energy 's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program has provided weatherization services to more than 6.2 million low-income families.By reducing the energy bills of low-income families instead of offering aid, weatherization reduces dependency and liberates these funds for spending on more pressing family issues. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by about $350 per year at current prices. This spending, in turn, spurs low-income communities toward job growth and economic development.
March 18, 2009
FEMA / Flood Plain Re-Mapping Meeting
from MAC member Jerry Kaplan...save the date if you're interested.
I have just been officially informed by representatives of FEMA and Ventura County that they are planning a joint Community-Wide meeting in Ojai the evening of April 7, 2009... Supervisor Steve Bennett made a preliminary announcement of this meeting at the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) meeting on March 16th.
March 17, 2009
Jim Ruch: How will limited water constrain Ojai growth?
The following is a white-paper from 52-year Ojai Valley resident and member of the Ojai Conservation District board Jim Ruch. Jim prepared two papers regarding water constraints, one for the City of Ojai and one for the Unincorporated Areas. I'll print out the City of Ojai version below to start the conversation.
Download them here:
City of Ojai
Unincorporated Areas
Faced with a deadline to complete a growth-accelerating housing element for its general plan, the City of Ojai must determine whether the limited availability of water constitutes a resource constraint requiring a housing management policy that provides for significantly less new development than arbitrarily mandated by the State.
Continue reading "Jim Ruch: How will limited water constrain Ojai growth?" »
March 13, 2009
Lawn Mower Trade in Program
I'll preface this to say that I think having a lawn is completely wasteful, in terms of upkeep and water consumption, and that native plant gardens and/or food forests are a wiser choice for land management. Given that, for those die hards who have lawns Ventura County is offering a trade in program to encourage you to change from your gas powered mower to an electric one.
Sponsored by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
Trade in any gas-powered lawn mower and get a huge discount on any electric mower at Lowe’s in Ventura or Simi Valley.
Turn in your mower to either Oxnard Metal (805) 483-0512 or Standard Industries in Ventura (805) 643-6669. Make sure you get a receipt for your old mower. Mowers must be drained of any oil or gasoline. Fluids should be recycled at your local Household Hazardous Waste program. More information on Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs is available at http://www.wasteless.org/5_5HHWCollect.html.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District staff will issue you a voucher worth $129 off the price of a standard corded electric mower or $200 off the price of a cordless electric mower. Customer pays sales tax. Vouchers limited to one per household.
Stop The Trucks: The First Casualty of War is the Truth
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" »
March 11, 2009
Total Leaf Blower Ban Proposed!
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.
March 10, 2009
Are Leaf Blowers On the Roadmap to a Sustainable Ojai?
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?" »
March 06, 2009
Nonviolent Training & Organic Potluck
Sunday, March 8th
There will be a Non-Violent training for our protest rally this Sunday, March 8th, 3pm - 6pm at Golden Oaks Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 1273 S Rice Rd in Meiners Oaks. Please park on the street and walk in. There is no parking inside the Mobile Home Park. Please carpool, if possible.
Please bring an organic dish for a potluck following the training...
For more information, please call 805.794.1856 or e-mail pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com
Peaceful protest against the spraying, March 9th
The California Department of Food and Agriculture will begin the spraying of Dipel, a Btk formulation, March 9 in Meiners Oaks, in an attempt to eradicate the gypsy moths in the area. Many residents are very concerned about the possible negative environmental and health impacts. Pesticide Free Ojai Valley is planning a peaceful protest against the spraying on Monday March 9th.
Please meet at the intersection of El Roblar and Hwy 33 at 7:30 a.m.
People are encouraged to bring signs.
For more information please call 805.639.3764 or email pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com
Wild About Ojai 2009
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.
Open Thread: City Council & the Environment
I noticed a couple items of interest on the upcoming City Council agenda (scheduled for Tuesday at 7:30pm)
Report on City Use of Pesticides. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to develop an Integrated Pest Management program for the CityOrdinance Regarding Leaf Blowers. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to prepare an ordinance repealing Section 5-11.05(e) of the Municipal Code, dealing with leaf blowers.
Follow the links to RECOMMENDATION above for the staff reports; both are important issues for the environment of Ojai, and citizens should be aware of the discussion.
Also, I think we need to revisit the topic of the Housing Element, another environmental issue for our Valley. Nearly four cities in ten and a quarter of counties are out of compliance with the law, so maybe it isn't even important. The Housing Element is intricately tied to affordable housing, not just growth, and so that aspect is important. The Public Policy Institute has an interesting report on the issue of noncompliance. Where are we on this process? Do you know? What are your thoughts?
March 05, 2009
Climate: It's Not Just a Metaphor
On yesterday's radio news show Here and Now, economist Roger Lowenstein warned that Medicare is on track to fail in 2016. By sheer coincidence, 2016 is also the year that the Arctic will be ice-free in the summer, according to the climate pessimists.
But there's a difference between these two crises. Fixing Medicare, although not easy, is within the bounds of possibility. To rework the climate to keep the Arctic frozen, on the other hand, is beyond our powers, at least for the next couple of decades.
This crucial difference is the subject of an op-ed I wrote for this past Sunday's Ventura County Star. For a linked version, please see my site at A Change in the Wind. Or simply read more....
March 02, 2009
Ojai Peace Coalition's NEW Action Blog!
i'm very excited to announce the NEW Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog at
www.ojaipeace.org
We have a few Authors signed up to participate, with more coming! We took all of the input from our recent online poll and reorganized the information on the page to reflect your priorities and preferences, as well as switching blog hosts to give us greater flexibility. All of our past Action Blog entries have been imported, so there's still a complete archive of our actions! Please check it out and check it often!
February 28, 2009
Vote for Earth!
Earth Hour 2009 by WWF - Sign up for Earth Hour!
VOTE EARTH! YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE.
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
Read more at earthhour.org.
February 27, 2009
Happy 3rd Birthday, Ojai Post!
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.
February 25, 2009
Solar Night in 15 Minutes
Whoops sorry for the late notice... hope you can head on down.
Chaparral Auditorium, 7pm-8:30pm tonite.
OJai Valley Green Coalition - Energy Action Committee presents:
SOLAR NIGHT
comprehensive slide show about the solar electric industry, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with solar specialists from the Energy Committee. Attendees will learn about utility rates, solar power, costs and financing and how to determine if you're a good candidate for solar power.
January 27, 2009
Green Coalition: Solar Night Slideshow
from the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Green Coalition:
A comprehensive educational slideshow and general overview of the solar electric industry will be presented by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s Energy Committee on Feb 25, 7 pm at the Chaparral High School Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave
January 23, 2009
Updated Inconvenient Truth Comes to Ojai
The Ojai Valley Green Coaliton is bringing Gretchen Lewotsky (a.k.a. the Climate Jedi) to Ojai next week to present an updated version of Al Gore’s Academy Award-winning documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Trained by Al Gore himself, Gretchen talked with me today on Radio Ojai about the latest information on climate change and why you can't miss this event. The event takes place Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 7:00 PM at Matilija Junior High School Auditorium, located at 703 El Paseo Rd in Ojai. A donation of $5.00 at the door is suggested. Click here for more information. And click here to listen to the 10-minute interview.
January 13, 2009
Vigil for Peace in Gaza/Israel
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
January 09, 2009
Stop the Trucks: Naked & Topless No More?
Tired of having your windshield smashed by loose rock flying off a double hopper gravel truck?
So are we.
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?" »
Leaf Blowers: My Second Alarm Clock
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?
January 02, 2009
Can This Be Part of the Green Revolution for Ojai?
I'm so happy to hear about this. I've been saying for years that this is a viable way to harness people power and curious why no one had taken the simple dynamo design and applied it.
BBC
A US gym has installed specially-adapted exercise bikes that recycle energy generated by people as they work out. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon, aims to be a carbon neutral exercise facility through the use of solar power and human-generated energy from clients as they pedal and run.
Continue reading "Can This Be Part of the Green Revolution for Ojai?" »
December 29, 2008
E-Waste Recycling Day
New Year's Resolution: responsibly get rid of a bunch of crap on January 10th...
Saturday, Jan. 10 - legally dispose of electronic equipment and small appliances Saturday, January 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of Ojai Community Bank, 402 W. Ojai Ave. Electronic devices, including computers, monitors, and accessories, TVs, radios, stereos, as well as small appliances such as toasters and microwaves will be accepted. It is illegal to throw such equipment into the trash or even the recycling bin. The Ojai Valley Green Coalition will also be accepting CDs, DVDs, iPods, cell phones, ink and toner cartridges, incandescent holiday lights, and household batteries weighing up to five pounds. For more information call (805) 653-8445.
December 19, 2008
Is this true? Did anyone else hear about this?
The following message from long-time environmental advocate, Robert Redford, urges Americans to protest President Bush's plan to auction off Utah's Redrock wilderness to oil and gas speculators on December 19. It was sent to you by
Dear Friend,
No one voted on Election Day to hand over Utah's Redrock wilderness to oil companies.
But the Bush Administration cynically chose that very day to advance an outrageous plan that will sell off leases for some 300,000 acres of spectacular Utah canyonlands to oil and gas speculators.
Continue reading "Is this true? Did anyone else hear about this?" »
December 17, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ozena Loses Court Case on Trucking Hours
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" »
December 10, 2008
Brazilian Indians 'win land case'
Brazilian Indians 'win land case'
BBC
Indigenous people say the case could set a precedent to protect their lands. Indigenous leaders in Brazil say they have won an important victory for the rights of their community, at a key hearing of the Supreme Court. Eight of the court's 11 judges voted to keep a reservation in the Amazonian state of Roraima as a single territory.
However the case is not expected to be formally concluded until next year as one judge asked for more time to consider his ruling. The judgement will lead to the eviction of non-indigenous farmers. There are more than 100 similar cases before the Supreme Court but it is thought this ruling will establish an important legal precedent, which touches on a number of sensitive issues.
December 07, 2008
Happy Chalica!
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!**
November 24, 2008
Experts Agree on Rain Forecast: It'll Be Dry. Or Not.
If you talk to the National Weather Service, they will tell you (link) that we're in an "ENSO-neutral" condition, and for that reason they're unwilling to predict the upcoming rain season in our region.
But according to this typically excellent story from Rob Krier at the San Diego Union-Tribune, many forecasters who spoke at a winter forecasting seminar last weekend suspect that despite normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific today, we will have a dry winter in our region. Krier explains:
One of the key factors that long-range forecasters watch, sea-surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean, is not providing much of a clue this year. When those waters are abnormally warm, a condition known as El Niño, Southern California tends to get a very wet winter. When the waters are much cooler than normal, a La Niña occurs, and the region is generally dry.
This fall, the water temperatures in the Pacific have been very close to normal. Under such "neutral" conditions, the forecasters look at other factors but usually have a more difficult time predicting precipitation patterns. The Climate Prediction Center in Maryland has basically punted, forecasting an equal chance of a wet, dry or normal winter in Southern California.
This fall, the water temperatures in the Pacific have been very close to normal. Under such "neutral" conditions, the forecasters look at other factors but usually have a more difficult time predicting precipitation patterns. The Climate Prediction Center in Maryland has basically punted, forecasting an equal chance of a wet, dry or normal winter in Southern California.
The Climate Prediction Center explains their logic, or tries to, in their inimitably eye-glazing way:
A
majority of the SST forecasts indicate a continuation of ENSO-neutral
conditions (-0.5°C to 0.5°C in the Niño-3.4 region) into the first half
of 2009 (Fig. 5).
Several dynamical models suggest the development of a La Niña during
Northern Hemisphere Winter 2008-09. This outcome becomes more likely if
the current Madden-Julian Oscillation were to stall in a location that favors enhanced
low-level easterlies and increased upwelling in the east-central and
eastern Pacific. However, it is rare for La Niña to develop late in the
year. Therefore, based on current atmospheric and oceanic conditions
and recent trends, ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue
into early 2009.
Huh? They write that badly and still couldn't even reference the models?
This is why we need reporters. Krier writes that Klaus Wolter, a climate research at NOAA, predicted "a more bleak picture for Southern California. He believes that the atmosphere is dialing up a weak La Niña and that other forces will contribute to a drier-than-normal winter."
Meanwhile a little rain is expected this evening, and more tomorrow. The call is for "a slug of moisture" that will move "directly over L.A. and Ventura County." Sounds like good news...
Below see an infrared image of the incoming clouds and moisture from the NWS:
From A Change in the Wind
Continue reading "Experts Agree on Rain Forecast: It'll Be Dry. Or Not. " »
November 19, 2008
The Spiritual Dimensions of Obama's Leadership
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" »
November 18, 2008
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
I read recently (but couldn’t track down the source) the following statistic:
48 percent of those polled mistakenly believed that buying “green” products was actively good for the planet. In contrast, only 22% understood that “green” products are simply less harmful.
November 04, 2008
Ojai Elections: What Happens If There Is A Tie?
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?" »
November 02, 2008
Gypsy Moth Quarantine Alert
from Dulanie Ellis, Chairperson of the OVGC Food & Agriculture Committee, via Suza:
Meiners Oaks is quarantined because of findings of Gypsy Moths. The findings are on Rice Road, the quarantine area extends as far east as Rancho Matilija and west to the Ojai Valley Country Club. THIS IS A SERIOUS THREAT. There are no natural predators for the Gypsy Moth and they can potentially destroy our oak forests. They have absolutely devastated the forests of Pennsylvania and other Eastern States.
RESTRICTIONS: Residents must not move any of the following from their property without first getting a free inspection and clearance from the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner:
** Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats and associated equipment (they cling to tires & underneath vehicles)
** Outdoor household articles including furniture, garden tools and garden machinery. (This means we need to carefully inspect any tools we'd be using to work on other people's gardens!)
** Trees & shrubs with persistent woody stems, including green waste & garden pruning material. (How this affects buying plants from Mountain Meadow nursery, I'm not sure. But it will also have implications for using compost from the recycling yard).
** Timber and building material, including lumber, planks, poles, logs, firewood, fencing and building blocks.
To schedule a FREE inspection, contact the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner's Office from 7:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday 933-2926, or Saturdays at 665-7295.
Please broadcast this far and wide. The moths are in the cocoon stage now, when they hatch to larvae each one can eat up to a square foot of leaves a day. This quarantine is in effect for the next 2 years, in order to monitor several life cycles worth of Gypsy Moths. This means we need to be diligent about our living habits for quite some time.
Thanks for your help, and please welcome the inspectors who will be happy to inspect your property free of charge.
Downloads:
Gypsy Moth Info Sheet (.pdf, 213kb)
Gypsy Moth Q&A (.doc, 38kb)
Gypsy Moth Official Letter & Map (.doc, 1.2MB)
Would You Be in Favor of a Ban on Plastic Bags?, and Other Questions at the Ojai Green Coalition Candidates Forum
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?
November 01, 2008
Green Coalition Candidates Forum
Following are parts 1-4, in its entirety, of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Environmental Forum in which the five City Council candidates participated on Monday. Big thanks to Ojai Post author Christopher Foley, and his company Foleypod, for filming, editing and posting this video.
October 30, 2008
VCSD: Public Safety During Arundo Removal
From a VCSD press release:
The giant reed, commonly known as arundo, is being cleared with the use of heavy equipment. All required permits have been obtained by the property owners...Since transient individuals were known to reside in the area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department was asked to provide assistance in notifying trespassers of the impending action...
On November 3rd and 4th, sheriff’s deputies and social services personnel will again be on scene. November 3rd is the date designated for moving. Assistance will be provided to those who want help moving their property to storage containers for later retrieval. On November 4th, anyone still remaining on the private property will be evicted. This is absolutely necessary to ensure that no one is injured during the brush clearing process. The Department prefers to resolve this situation without making arrests and is hopeful that voluntary compliance will occur.
The goal of this operation is to keep the peace, ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected, and treat all persons humanely and with respect...
101 Questions for Ojai City Council Candidates
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" »
October 27, 2008
City Council Candidate Forum Tonight
Please come on down and check out the Green Coalition Candidates Environmental Forum this evening at Chaparral Auditorium, 7pm. Listen to all of the City Council Candidates on the major environmental issues and opportunities facing Ojai.
More here...
UPDATE 9:18pm: Thank you to our five City Council Candidates, all of the volunteers, including Chris Foley of Foleypod and Jim and Camilla Becket of Becket Films, and certainly all of the citizens who came out to support the environmental forum. Use this as a discussion thread for now. We will be posting and archiving video in its entirety in the next couple days.
UPDATE 08/29 - 8:42pm: Following the jump are notes on candidate responses from the Forum. Feel free to take a look, and we are still working on archiving the video, which we will post when ready.
October 25, 2008
Stop the Trucks: City Council Candidate, Betsy Clapp, Answers Our Election Year Questions
(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
1) Do you now or have you in the past personally supported "Stop the Trucks!"
Yes, I have and I will continue to do so.
2) If so, please give examples of actions you have actually taken.
I have donated money. I am also actively speaking out about your organization "Stop the Trucks" and letting people know that I will do everything I can to support the cause when I am elected.
3) Do you believe the Ojai City Council should take a more active role in the truck campaign, such as providing funding and legal support?
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.
October 24, 2008
Green Coalition Candidates' Environmental Forum
Monday, Oct. 27 - City Council Candidates’ Environmental Forum – The Ojai Valley Green Coalition and The Ojai Post will co-sponsor a candidates’ forum, where the subject matter of all questions will revolve around environmental issues pertinent to the Ojai Valley. The moderators will be Tim Baird, president of the Green Coalition and Tyler Suchman, founder of The Ojai Post. The questions were suggested by the Green Coalition’s 10 committees. The forum starts at 7 pm, at the Chaparral High School Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave. For more information call 805-653-8445 and visit OjaiValleyGreenCoalition.org.
October 23, 2008
Stop the Trucks: County Planning Officials Failed to Heed Warnings About Potential Road Collapse
Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division
![DSC00002[1].JPG](http://www.ojaipost.com/images/DSC00002%5B1%5D.JPG)
(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.
October 21, 2008
Does Ojai Care About Animals?
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
October 20, 2008
Ojai Film Festival Announces Slate of Films
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" »
October 16, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ojai City Council To Help Fund "Stop The Trucks" Effort
"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
October 12, 2008
STOP THE TRUCKS: Ojai City Council to Meet Tuesday on how to Deal with Ozena
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.
STOP THE TRUCKS: Ozena Wants to Expand Hours of Trucking Thru Ojai and Hand Pick the Consultant who will Review their new Proposal!
(Trucks passes through town on Ojai Ave & Montgomery, photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
In documents recently obtained by the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" through a Ventura County Public Records Request, the Coalition has learned that Ozena wants to alter their existing permit so that trucking through the Ojai Valley will begin as early as 3:00 am and continue as late as 6:00 pm during the week with "No Route Restrictions" at all on Saturdays!
This proposal would more than double trucking from a total of seven hours a day during the week to a new and even more intrusive and disturbing 15 hours a day!
In a recent review of weigh tickets from 2007, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition estimated that Ozena is likely now violating existing permit hours in trips through Ojai by as much as 55%. In a letter to "Stop the Trucks," County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, agreed with the Coalition that violations have been under reported by the Planning Division.
In a further review of emails obtained through that same Records Request, we found that the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, rejected the consultant the County originally selected, URS, because: "...the proposed costs did not appear in line to the anticipated scope of work. Ozena believes that a competitive process will provide a qualified CEQA contractor in a more cost effective manner."
In a separate email Mr. Hecht then went on to propose the names of three other firms:
STOP THE TRUCKS: County CEO Finds Ozena Violations Greater Than Reported
In a letter to the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" Coalition, Ventura County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, wrote: "After the CEO's office reviewed the July and August 2007 weigh tickets tickets communicated by the RMA" (Resource Management Agency) "a statistically significant sampling of the 649 original tickets was conducted by our office and it was determined that potential northbound violations were omitted from consideration by the Planning Division. If these potential northbound violations had been included , the number of violations would have been materially higher..."
"Stop the Trucks" had previously reported that upwards of 55% of all Ozena related trips through the Ojai Valley were likely in violation of these rules.
Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: County CEO Finds Ozena Violations Greater Than Reported" »
October 07, 2008
Organic farming gets federal push
There is a significant cost to farmers that go organic, from initial crop setup to decreased initial yields. The new farm bill provides for financial support to encourage the transition.
The new farm bill could help feed America's appetite for organic food by enticing more farmers to switch from conventional agriculture. The legislation, which passed this year, offers farmers as much as $20,000 a year to cover the cost of converting their farms to organic agriculture. There also is money to offset certification costs and new funding for organic research.
October 02, 2008
Green Tour Ticket Giveaway!
I have five pairs of tickets to give away FREE to Ojai's First Green Home and Building Tour on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Email me with your full name and I'll confirm, and put your name +1 on a will call list. It's going to be a really cool event, where you can talk to the designers, contractors and "green building docents."
September 26, 2008
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!
September 25, 2008
Announcing the Official Suza Francina for Ojai City Council Web Site
More Info About Suza at SmartVoter.org
I am pleased to announce that I have been endorsed by the National Women's Political Caucus
Ventura County
Note: Endorsements are valley-wide and beyond. You do not need to live in the City of Ojai to endorse an Ojai City Council Candidate. If you would like to endorse me, please send your name, address and phone number to info@suzaforojai.com . (To learn more about all the candidates, visit the Ojai City Council link at the upper right corner of the Ojai Post page.)
I welcome your questions, suggestions and ideas for making Ojai a model green and sustainable community.
September 24, 2008
Green is Gold: The New CA Gold Rush
Waterway Cleanup
What an incredible effort on behalf of these volunteers to clean up our waterway... letter to the editor follows the photo, but here's a key quote:
...our band of enthusiastic volunteers picked up 212 pounds of trash and recyclables, plus at least 1,000 pounds of large items such as couches, tires, lawnmowers, and construction material. You read right, there are folks using an embankment off south Matilija Road as their personal landfill.
September 22, 2008
RAY BRADBURY at the Ojai Film Festival, Saturday, November 8th
September 19, 2008
Latest on the Matilija Dam Removal
OVN has an article... an excerpt:
Relocating the removed sediment in the amount of 2 to 6 million cubic yards will be no mean feat. The people who attended the meeting apprehensively sat through the first half hour of slide show presentation reviewing the history of the dam and asked a few questions as the anxiety among them grew more vocal. Besides doubt that the levee, planned to be built south of Meyer Road near the Ventura River trailhead, would serve to protect their community from flooding, several people expressed concern that the levee would, instead, increase the dangers of flooding to their homes and properties by changing the contours of the river bed.
And this from a stellar supporting cast member... blah blah blah, me me me. Lovely.
September 14, 2008
Comic Relief
I hope I can stop laughing long enough to post this piece by Garrison Keillor. What a pity he lives in Lake Wobegon and not in Ojai! If you need some comic relief, read on...
September 13, 2008
Global Warming Helps Cool California Coast, Study Finds
In a story that has yet to be covered by the San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, or even the Los Angeles Times, this week the Ventura County Star featured on the front page (see here) a story about a San Jose State researcher, Robert Bornstein, who has found substantial evidence that global warming in California over the last fifty-plus years has led to a cooling along the coast in the summer.
Bornstein revealed his study at the state-funded California Climate Change Research conference. The curious can find his slides at the portal (along with numerous other studies).
The study is called Cooling Summer Daytime Temperatures in Coastal California during l948-2005: Observations and Implications for Energy Demand.
Two aspects of the study are especially striking for Ventura County residents.
Continue reading "Global Warming Helps Cool California Coast, Study Finds" »
September 06, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ventura County Officials Finally Admit there are Problems and MAC Candidate Jerry Kaplan Responds to our Election Year Questions
(Caltrans photo of the collapse of Maricopa Highway in Cuyama Valley)
Last week in a Ventura County Star article by Tony Biasotti, Ventura County officials conceded that there are significant problems in the Planning Division but the real questions is this: Are they Willing To Change?
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/sep/04/officials-concede-land-use-problems/
According to Biasotti Ventura County officials hosted an unusual meeting in a conference room just off of the courthouse cafeteria.
"Everyone on our team has affirmed we have a problem here," Matt Carroll, the top deputy to County Executive Officer Marty Robinson, said at the opening of the meeting. "The facts speak for themselves."
"Complaints about the system from developers and property owners are nothing new..." " But this time, the county is listening and often agreeing..."
"Last year, the county commissioned a report on its land-use procedures by Tom Berg, a consultant who once held (Chris) Stephens' current position as Resource Management Agency director. Based on interviews with 75 people in and out of county government, Berg's report concluded that the land-use process was in need of "systemic changes."
"The county put together a committee of high-level managers, including Carroll and Stephens, to analyze Berg's recommendations and start putting them into action."
Preserving the Spirit of Ojai
Suza Francina for Ojai City Council
Dear Ojai Post Reader,
As you may know, I am running for re election to the Ojai City Council. This election takes place the same time as the General Election, on November 4th.
There are two open seats on the Ojai City Council. I am asking for your vote for one of them.
If you are a regular reader of the Ojai Post you have probably seen my articles on a wide range of topics, from birth to death to animals, leaf-blowers, alternative transportation and other environmental issues*. The fact of the matter is that local, national and global politics touches every aspect of our lives from the moment we enter the Planet till our inevitable departure.
When I ran in 1996 there were no web sites like the Ojai Post. E-mail and the Internet was not yet a part of our daily lives. After I was elected, the city manager laughingly told me that I sent the first ever e-mail to City Hall. So here I am, posting the first Ojai City Council fund-raising letter on the Internet.
September 04, 2008
Palin's Appalling Record on Wolves, Bears and Other Wildlife
Tonight Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will accept the Republican nomination for Vice President, a position that would put her second in line to be President of the United States. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is asking for help letting people know where she stands on the brutal and needless aerial hunting of wolves and bears. So I am posting the video below in response to this request:
http://actionfund.defenders.org/palinvideo
Warning: This video is extremely disturbing. It contains graphic images of aerial hunting of wolves -- a brutal and needless practice that Governor Palin has fought hard to promote and expand. Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has:Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf; Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting; Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.
September 01, 2008
Stop The Trucks - Second Election Edition
Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?
(Downtown Ojai in Winter, photo credit to Lauren Simone)
Or This Vision?
(A traffic at the "Y." Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith)
Suza Francina was the first of the five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies to respond to our questions for candidates. (see below) "Stop the Trucks" hopes the other City Council candidates and those running for the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) will take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).
Continue reading "Stop The Trucks - Second Election Edition" »
World Affairs Council Presentation: When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433
The World Affairs Council CA Central Coast Presents:
When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433.
September 11, 2008 at the Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers and no-host bar 5:30-6:30, presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members
During the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics, China celebrated the achievements of the great navel fleets of the Ming Dynasty, events hardly known or recounted in the West.
By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.
After the emperor’s death, the chief Mandarin sought to undermine the power of his foes by decreeing that the fleets be grounded, the records destroyed and overseas trade forbidden. The result crippled China for the next 600 years - a decline that is only being reversed today as witnessed during the Olympics.
August 30, 2008
More locally grown food coming to Ojai and rest of California
Today's Washington Post has a great article entitled, "As Food Becomes a Cause, Meeting Puts Issues on the Table." It describes how far some people will go these days to get locally grown food. In California, more than 40 residents volunteered their back yards to an aspiring young bicycle-riding farmer who couldn't afford to buy land of his own. In exchange for a weekly supply of produce, they would let him till their all-American lawns into rows of lettuce, broccoli, squash and peas.
I bet the Washington Post would love to feature a story on Steve Sprinkel and his wife, Olivia Chase, of Farmer and the Cook; Dulanie Ellis-La Barre and other members of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Food and Agriculture Committee; Kris and Joanne Young, leaders of the Ojai Locavores; and other Ojai foodies...
Here's a link to the Washington Post story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/29/AR2008082903447.html?referrer=emailarticle
August 29, 2008
Metaphors Abound
photo taken today, August 29, 2008 by evan austin
Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???
Ray Smith of Daly Road Graphics sent us these notes and photographs about Gravel Trucks in which it appears that trucks coming and going from Santa Paula are driving on residential streets. If true this would a clear violation of local road and traffic regulations. While we await further confirmation, here is Ray's first person report:
" I spotted another truck near my home. Apparently, they are coming from Santa Paula, but instead of going through downtown via Ojai Avenue, they cut north to Grand Avenue. They head east, turn onto West Summer St.,
then south on Canada to pick up Ojai Avenue again. This is the third time I've seen one do this. "
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???" »
August 23, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Election Year Edition
Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?
Or This Vision?
(A double hopper stuck in traffic at the "Y" heads into the heart of Ojai on Route 150/Ojai Avenue.. Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith Monday, May 6, 2008)
With five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies and several of the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) seats also facing competitive races, the Ojai "Stop the Trucks!" Coalition is asking everyone running for office to take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).
August 11, 2008
Vision for Sustainable Ojai: Green Energy Front and Center
Today's New York Times has a great article by Stephanie Rosenbloom entitled "Giant Retailers Look to Sun for Energy Savings," on how green energy is now front and center in the minds of the business sector.
“It’s very clear that green energy is now front and center in the minds of the business sector,” said Daniel M. Kammen, an energy expert at the University of California, Berkeley. “Not only will you see panels on the roofs of your local stores, but I suspect very soon retailers will have stickers in their windows saying, ‘This is a green energy store.’ ”
Here's the rest of the article:
Giant Retailers Look to Sun for Energy Savings
August 07, 2008
Rainwater Harvesting with Brad Lancaster
The Ojai Valley Green Coalition welcomes
best-selling author Brad Lancaster to the Ecology and Community series:
Thursday August 28, 2008 • 7:00 pm • $2 donation
Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue
(805) 653-8445
Based on his book Rainwater Harvesting, Vol. 2, Brad will show you how to select, place, size, construct, and plant your chosen water-harvesting earthworks and present detailed how-to information and variations of a diverse array of earthworks, including mulch, vegetation, and greywater recycling, so that you can customize the techniques to your site.
Jim MacDonald, a Ventura County top building official, will start the evening with a discussion of the county’s new greywater codes.
August 05, 2008
World Affairs Council Presentation
World Affairs Council CA Central Coast
When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433.
Speaker: Howard Smith
September 11, 2008
Location: Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
Time: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers
and no-host bar 5:30-6:30,
presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members
By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.
Ojai Film Festival Party In Paradise
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL
PARTY IN PARADISE
FEATURING Music by: Julie Christensen & the Household Gods
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008 6 – 9 P.M.
GLEN MUSE, 815 Libbey Ave., Ojai, CA 93024
August 04, 2008
Obama Campaign Office Opens in Ojai
OBAMA CAMPAIGN OFFICE OPENS — All are invited to the grand opening of the Barack Obama campaign office and birthday celebration on Monday, August 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija St., Suite 116, at the corner of Montgomery.
For more information go to OjaiforObama or e-mail info@ojaiforobama.com.
July 29, 2008
Earthquake Open Thread
Hi,
We understand that there was an Earthquake today in the Chino Hills area of California at approx. 11:40am today, July 29th.
More info will be posted on this thread. Post any info you might have on this quake.
Thanks
July 28, 2008
Red Cross goes green with LEED cert
The Ventura County chapter of the American Red Cross announced it is going green - they are renovating their headquarters to meet LEED Silver status. Nice effort that will help continue the trend of green building throughout the county. Combine that with natural building code changes, and we really will have a plan for the future here in Ventura County. Press release after the jump.
July 25, 2008
Ojai Valley Gas Prices
If you're a motorist and are heading out this morning, here's what you have to look forward to:
Regular Unleaded (87 Octane):
Valero, Ojai - $4.39
Chevron, Ojai - $4.49
Union 76, Ojai - $4.49
Circle K, Mira Monte - $4.22
Shell, Oak View - $4.21
Thrifty, Oak View - $4.19
American Gas, Meiners Oaks - $4.29
updated July 25, 2008
as reported at ojainews.com
July 17, 2008
Carbon Free by 2018?
In a game-changing speech reminiscent of JFK's call to put a man on the moon, Al Gore calls for the US to abandon electricity generated by fossil fuels within a decade, and ties it directly to the economy and national security.
“We’re borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet,” Mr. Gore said. “Every bit of that’s got to change.”
...and here's a technical feasibility article by energy banker and international geopolitical author Jerome Guillet on moving to 100% electricity from renewables by 2020. The final paragraph below...
While a goal of 100% of carbon-free electricity is probably unrealistic, it therefore seems possible to get pretty close to that, especially if [existing] nuclear and hydro are included in the mix. A plan that announced a specific goal of 40-50% of wind-generated electricity by 2020 and 10-20% of solar, with the appropriate feed-in mechanisms, demand guarantees for manufacturers and investment in the grid would therefore be realistic, make economic sense, and fulfill two major strategic goals: reduce carbon emissions, and lower fossil fuel demand.
July 10, 2008
Gravel Truck Accident on Highway 33
I've gotten word of a major overturn, spill and gravel truck accident on Route 33 north of Ojai.
Ventura County Star reports a "semi-truck crash" causing closure of Highway 33 near the northern Ventura County border, just south of Ventucopa in Santa Barbara County.
UPDATE 8:23pm: OVN posted this photo with a description of what happened to Ozena Gravel Mine truck driver Eric Aguilar's trailer.
July 09, 2008
HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
Send your donations to the Stop The Trucks! Coalition – c/o The Ojai Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1134, Ojai, CA, 93024, or you may also walk your contribution into the Chamber’s offices anytime during the business week, at 201 S. Signal Street -- in the Ojai Festivals building -- in downtown Ojai.
HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
By Michael Shapiro, Chairman / Stop The Trucks! Coalition
Repeating what I wrote last week in my Ojai Valley News Guest Editorial -- various news reports about the recent Santa Barbara-based Diamond Rock Mine didn’t tell the full story. It is simply not true that the Stop the Trucks! Coalition prevailed during the recent hearings before the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, and that’s why we’re appealing the decision of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission to approve the Diamond Rock Mine’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). If we don’t, it paves the way for the granting of their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and simultaneously strips-away any of Ojai’s legal rights to challenge them in the event that they “change their minds” and hundreds of rock and gravel mine-transport trucks end-up careening through Ojai after all.
July 02, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ojai Complains of Gravel Trucks on Highway 33
(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)
Below are some of the highlights from Ventura County Star reporter Tony Biasotti's article last week.
"Until last year, it was common for Bob Walker to wake up before dawn to the sound of grinding engine brakes, as a caravan of gravel trucks passed his house. 'When they're coming through at 2:30 or 3 a.m., and you're sleeping, it gets pretty loud,' Walker said during a recent interview at his home, just north of Ojai on Highway 33. 'At one point, it was an everyday thing.'"
…But many Ojai residents still chafe at what they see as enough truck traffic to turn their bucolic city into a loud, smoggy, congested mess. Ventura County (Planning Division), they say, has ignored their concerns. Walker filed three complaints against one mining company, starting in 2005, and said the county never acknowledged any of them until a few months ago.
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ojai Complains of Gravel Trucks on Highway 33" »
June 29, 2008
Mercedes off petroleum by 2015?
A couple blog posts in the news from ecogeek.org and Yahoo! Green...
Wow.
In less than 7 years, Mercedes-Benz plans to ditch petroleum-powered vehicles from its lineup. Focusing on electric, fuel cell, and biofuels, the company is revving up research in alternative fuel sources and efficiency.
Meanwhile... "U.S. calls for moratorium on solar". Huh?
Faced with the burgeoning demand and sunny land in the southwest United States, the Bureau of Land Management (the U.S. agency that controls government-owned lands that aren't forests) has decided to put a two-year moratorium [on] new solar power plants. During this period, it's going to be doing studies on the impact that solar power plants have on desert habitat and wildlife.
June 28, 2008
Ojai Film Festival Volunteer Needed for Microsoft Access
Volunteer with knowledge of Microsoft Office Access needed ASAP to help with the Ojai Film Festival.
Microsoft Office Access, previously known as Microsoft Access, is a relational database management system from Microsoft that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software development tools. It is a member of the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Volunteer Needed for Microsoft Access" »
STOP THE TRUCKS: Mine Opponents Suspect Official Bias
(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
In Thursday’s Ventura County Reporter, Editor Bill Lascher wrote:
“A broad coalition of Ojai residents, environmentalists, business owners, public officials and educators launched a blistering attack June 17 on county planners overseeing permits for mining operations.
Ventura County Chief Executive Officer Marty Robinson confirmed county officials plan to discuss allegations in a letter sent by Stop the Trucks Coalition Vice-Chair Howard Smith about oversight of the controversial Ozena Valley Ranch mine.”
For the full story go to:
http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/mine_opponents_suspect_official_bias/6073/
Some further highlights:
“Frustrated by what they perceive to be lax enforcement of planning regulations, Smith and his allies called for the ouster of a key Ventura County planning official for decisions related to the mine, which is located several miles north of Ojai, east of State Route 33.
Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Mine Opponents Suspect Official Bias" »
June 24, 2008
Native Plant Hike with Lanny Kaufer
Join Ojai's legendary herbalist Lanny Kaufer for a hike to the shady oak forest of Wills Canyon.
Learn to identify native plants used for food, home remedies, survival, landscaping, ceremony and more. Lanny has been leading entertaining and informative nature walks for groups of all ages since 1976. I guarantee you will have a wonderful time and what you learn may someday save your life!
Saturday, June 28
8:30-11:30 AM
at the Ventura River Preserve in Meiners Oaks
(Trailhead by Rice and El Roblar)
For more details click here:
native-plant-flyer-6-28-08.pdf
June 21, 2008
Investing in Social Change
The World Affairs Council of America, California Central Coast Chapter
Proudly Presents:
Mohammad Khalid Sham
Social Business: Investing in Social Change and International Responsibility
A native of Bangladesh, Mr. Sham is experienced in government
and non-government sectors. He is closely involved with Nobel Peace Prize-winning
Grameen Bank and its family of organizations. He has also worked in the
Ministry of Agriculture and the Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation
Lunch Presentation
Thursday, July 10, 2008
12 - 2 pm
Camarillo Library Community Room
4101 Las Posas Rd
Camarillo, CA 93010
RSVP to Ashley Bailey
(805) 299-2394 or by email
WACA@paladinprinciple.com
By Monday, July 7th
$30 WACA Members
$35 Non-Members
Keeping Cool in Hot Ojai with Rosie, Tillie and Artoo-Detoo
I hear it's supposed to soar to 113 degrees today. My house does not have air conditioning so I've discovered all sorts of tricks for staying cool. I wash my clothes in cold water and wear them wet. I put ice cubes down my underwear. Last night I took a walk in wet clothes and came home dry. Of course cold showers or a tub of cold water helps. Or I go outside near some thirsty trees and make rain by pointing the hose towards the sky and get nice and soaked.
A bigger challenge is keeping Rosie and Tillie ("Ojai's SpokesPigs") from having a heat stroke. Tillie broke her kiddie pool, so yesterday, in the boiling hot mid afternoon, I stepped out into the 107 degrees inferno and headed for the Y in search of a new pool. I went into True Value Hardware. Their pools were too big but while I was there I decided I could use another fan. Like a child in a toy store, I spent 15 minutes examining the display models and studying the inviting pictures on the box.
Continue reading "Keeping Cool in Hot Ojai with Rosie, Tillie and Artoo-Detoo" »
June 20, 2008
Just To Be Perfectly Clear on the Drilling Issue
For those who blame environmentalists for high oil prices and a supposed lack of oil supply...
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) introduced The Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act of 2008 (H.R. 6251) last week, illustrating how energy companies are not using the federal lands and waters that are already open to drilling.
The 68 million acres of leased but inactive federal land have the potential to produce an additional 4.8 million barrels of oil and 44.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day. This would nearly double total U.S. oil production, and increase natural gas production by 75 percent. It would also cut U.S. oil imports by more than one-third, reducing America's dependency on foreign oil.The Rahall bill would force oil and gas companies to either produce or give up federal onshore and offshore leases they are stockpiling by barring the companies from obtaining any more leases unless they can demonstrate that they are producing oil and gas, or are diligently developing the leases they already hold, during the initial term of the leases.
Coal companies, which are issued leases for 20-year terms, are required, as a result of the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976 to show that they are diligently developing their leases during the initial lease term. The law was enacted in an effort to end rampant speculation on federal coal as a result of the energy crises of the 1970's.
Oil and gas companies, however, are not required to demonstrate diligent development. Because of this, oil and gas companies have been allowed to stockpile leases in a non-producing status, while leaving millions of acres of leased land untouched. The Rahall legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to define what constitutes diligent development for oil and gas leases.
This Day In History: 1979
From History.com... Solar-energy system installed at White House
Carter presided over a nation still suffering from the fallout of the 1973-74 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil embargo. Carter, a proponent of alternative and sustainable energy sources, put into practice what he preached and, in June 1979, had a $28,000 solar-heating system installed on the White House roof. The system consisted of 32 photovoltaic panels that generated enough energy to provide hot water for the entire White House. During his term Carter also had an energy-efficient wood-burning stove installed in the drafty White House residential quarters.In 1986, President Reagan had the solar panels removed and put into a federal storage facility in Virginia, stating that the energy crisis that had affected both foreign and domestic policy during Carter’s term would not be a factor during his own. (emphasis mine) Both the environmental organization Greenpeace and a college in Maine asked to have the solar panels after they were taken down. As an October 2004 Associated Press article reported, Greenpeace’s request for the panels, which they wanted to use in a homeless shelter, was ultimately rejected, and in 1992, the conservation-minded Unity College of Maine installed them to use for the generation of hot water in the student dining hall. Former President Carter sent a congratulatory note to the college saying he was glad the panels would be of some use.
By 2004, the solar panels had worn out. Unity College kept one of the panels for “historical significance,” donated another panel to the Smithsonian Institute and offered the rest for sale.
June 19, 2008
Fire in Ventura
The County of Ventura Fire Department's Public Information Office tells me that the BRUSH FIRE at Barnett and Cameron in the City of Ventura is receiving a full brushfire response including bulldozers and air support, and that units from the City and County of Ventura are responding. No units from Ojai have been called into service yet.
from the VCFD...
Units from the Ventura City and Ventura County Fire Departments are responding to an 8-10 acre BRUSH FIRE.
Update: 4:20pm - drove by an hour ago, looked like they were mopping things up. - Tyler
June 18, 2008
That Huge Moon? It's Just an Illusion
Why the Moon Looms Especially Large Tonight
As the full moon rises this Wednesday, many people (including myself) will be fooled into thinking it's unusually large.
The moon illusion, as it's known, is a trick in our minds that makes the moon seem bigger when it's near the horizon. The effect is most pronounced at full moon. Many people swear it's real, suggesting that perhaps Earth's atmosphere magnifies the moon.
The moon always looks biggest when it's closest to the horizon, but Wednesday's full moon may seem even bigger than usual. That's because it is just two days before the summer solstice, when the sun hits its highest point in the sky.
But it really is all in our minds. The moon is not bigger at the horizon than when overhead.
June 17, 2008
Bugs that excrete crude oil
Not quite sure what to make of this, or if its even real (although Vinod Khosla puts his money where his mouth is). This may be a reasonable piece of the energy independence puzzle in the next ten years. Ultimately, it reinforces the necessity to continue funding science, innovation and alternative energy initiatives.
Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol
What is most remarkable about what they are doing is that instead of trying to reengineer the global economy – as is required, for example, for the use of hydrogen fuel – they are trying to make a product that is interchangeable with oil. The company claims that this “Oil 2.0” will not only be renewable but also carbon negative – meaning that the carbon it emits will be less than that sucked from the atmosphere by the raw materials from which it is made.
Update 10:15pm: a particularly entertaining look at the issue from Scott Adams, Dilbert impressario.
Jen To Strike Again!
This is just in from the NY Times website:
June 17, 2008
Oregon woman plans to parade topless on July 4
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 6:51 p.m. ET
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A woman seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string. The Chamber of Commerce says that's contrary to the rules for the family celebration. She says she'll sue if she can't parade as she wishes.
Jen Moss has been known as ''The Naked Lady'' since she moved to Ashland in May from Ojai, Calif., drawn by the town's nudity laws. They specify only that people must cover their genitalia in a city park or the downtown commercial district, which means Moss need not cover her breasts.
The police in California, she says, harassed her when she rode her bicycle wearing a G-string and pasties.
Moss applied for an entry for the parade, which draws thousands each year.
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce learned of her coverage plans from an online posting. She promised to lead in-line skaters ''wearing only a hemp G-string and blowing a conch shell.''
''We don't feel that someone in the parade who is topless or nearly naked is appropriate for a family audience,'' said parade chairman James Kidd.
Guest Editorial: Sonia Nordenson
Ojai Still Reads
We may have lost all but one local bookstore, but on Tuesday evening, June 10, a group of at least thirty citizens of Our Town gathered at the Ojai Library at 7:00 to talk about the first in a whole planned series of environmental books to be read and discussed under the aegis of the “Ojai Reads” project.
The project was initiated in April by Kenley Neufeld, chair of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s Transportation Committee. Kenley chose the book—Lester Brown’s Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization—and also enlisted a panel of local experts to give their thoughts on the ideas expressed by Brown. This community reading program is being cosponsored by the Green Coalition, the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation, the Ojai Library, and Local Hero Books (which is, sadly, soon to be no more).
June 13, 2008
Was Carter a Forward Thinker?
It was over 30 years ago when President Jimmy Carter gave his infamous energy address. Just think how our current circumstances might have been different had we listened to President Carter.
June 11, 2008
Peak Oil and the Greening of Ojai
One of the most provocative and entertaining writers on sustainable cities is James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape and other books. The Washington Post recently published an article by Kunstler entitled Wake Up, America. We’re Driving Toward Disaster. He writes:
Everywhere I go these days, talking about the global energy predicament on the college lecture circuit or at environmental conferences, I hear an increasingly shrill cry for “solutions.” This is just another symptom of the delusional thinking that now grips the nation, especially among the educated and well-intentioned.
June 10, 2008
Kucinich Impeaches Bush for Four Hours
When I came home Monday evening, my roommate immediately told me that "Dennis Kucinich is reading the Articles of Impeachment on C-Span." It's moments like this that make me vow to get a TV again. I quickly called a friend and I could hear Kucinich in the background.
"Yes! Yes! " my friend said, " Dennis Kucinich is on the floor of the House of Representatives introducing Articles of Impeachment against George W. Bush right now!! He is doing it in a very dignified manner. He refuses to be hurried. Each Article takes five or ten minutes to read and there are 35 Articles all together on every aspect of the Bush presidency. It's been going on for two hours and he's only half done! So far the charges included misleading Congress about the threat from Iraq and Iran, authorizing and condoning torture, illegal domestic surveillance..." I quickly fed the animals and raced to my friend's TV.
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May 29, 2008
Peak Oil and a Regional Energy Summit
With regular unleaded fuel in Ojai over $4.25 per gallon and a barrel of oil at $135, a record high, peak oil is on many people's mind. Our friends at the Santa Barbara based Community Environmental Council sponsored a half day Tri-County Energy Summit for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties today in Santa Barbara. The 150 attendees were community activists, non-profit representatives, business leaders, city planners, elected city/county officials, and other governmental employees. I went as a representative of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. The agenda was full and we heard from seven speakers. The sponsoring organization made a proposal to be Fossil Free By 33, with specific plans to make this happen. I will outline what I heard from the speakers, review the proposals, and then make some commentary.
My Memorial Day 2008
Many of you may remember when i last attended the Memorial Day events here in the Ojai Valley in 2006, after which i wrote this report which brought up issues of patriotism, accountability, veteran-civilian relations, and the meaning of supporting the troops while opposing the war.
This year's Memorial Day was quite different for me, but not so much because of the local events. i have made some significant personal strides relative to the above issues by listening to the testimony of warriors at the Winter Soldier 2008 event, responding to my brother's choice to join the Marine Corps Reserves, reading some of the local veterans' stories in their book "Ojai Valley's Veterans Stories", and connecting to local organizers of Iraq Veterans Against the War.
***
At this time in 2006 i didn't have a nine-month-old daughter, so i was a little slower getting out the door this time. i missed the pancake breakfast at the American Legion building in Oak View, but caught the last half of the parade, where i noted several violations of the Federal Flag Code. After the parade a sizable crowd gathered at Longhorn's Feed & Supply to hear speakers and for the awarding of the parade trophies. i approached as Ms. Shelley Rhoades was reading the same poem she read last time in Libbey Park, while Boy Scout Troop 503 did the same enigmatic flag-passing ceremony. i began to wonder what was going to happen at the park.
Some guy took the "stage" and led us all in prayer to a Christian God, thanking him for our community and lifestyle and for helping us preserve it, in Jesus' name. Veteran Al Wescott sang his original song "Soldiers, Sailors, and Tired Old Men", just like he did in 2006. The teen girls in their long satin dresses and label-sashes gave out awards to everything from a bagpiper to a llama (although i think it was an alpaca, technically) to "pooper scoopers". People clapped and cheered, then left.
May 22, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Santa Barbara Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai
Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith
Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent
Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai, Los Padres
Trucks Brake for Highway 33
"The main artery through Ojai, State Route 33 sits in western Ventura County, just a few miles from the Santa Barbara County border. Along Route 33 sit schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and Ojai’s busiest intersection. What it will not accommodate — to the relief of many Ojai residents — is the daily rumbling of hundreds of semi trucks carrying thousands of pounds of gravel to construction sites throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties..."
“The Highway 33 corridor is not suitable for these big trucks,” said 1st District Planning Commissioner Michael Cooney..." "...Michael Shapiro of the Stop the Trucks Coalition, citing the air quality impact on the health, safety, and welfare of those living or traveling near Route 33, said industrial traffic through Ojai would have had a palpable and “scary” impact on residents, creating an industrial feel that could potentially harm the valley’s income from its reputation for arts and tourism. “It [would have] totally, adversely affected the economy,” Shapiro said..."
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May 21, 2008
Stop The Trucks: Praise for Ojai in the Press
Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith
On involvement
If you're going to complain, get involved
From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:
"As has been groused about numerous times on these pages and society in general, too many people whine about the actions taken by government and other institutions without ever taking action to challenge those institutions.
Some lament in Ventura County that red tape and not-in-my-backyard-minded activists hinder progress. Yet, without a vigilant active community little would be done to help the vast majority of our citizens, many decisions would be taken with myopic profit motives and few socially minded initiatives would get off the ground...."
"...Now, the first signs are emerging of other successes by local activists, even as new fights take shape...."
"...Ojai residents concerned about mining truck traffic along Route 33 have scored something of a victory and will have a chance to ensure that victory holds May 14. That day, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission will consider final action on the proposed Diamond Rock mine. After criticism of the mine's plans to use Highway 33 to transport material and other environmental concerns that might impact Ventura County more than Santa Barbara County, the plan was altered to prevent trucks from traveling south on 33, to reduce its production rates and truck trips to avoid situations where those truck trips might be necessary, and to address other environmental concerns. It is a testament to the continued involvement and dedication of Ojai and Cuyama Valley residents - as well as the mine owner's willingness to discuss community concerns - that such progress was made..."
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Did you hear the one about the oil man in the White House?
January 1999 - $8 / barrel
October 2004 - $53 / barrel
August 2005 - $65 / barrel
July 2006 - $77 / barrel
September 2007 - $80 / barrel
October 2007 - $90 / barrel
January 2, 2008 - $100 / barrel
March 12, 2008 - $110 / barrel
May 9, 2008 - $125 / barrel
May 21, 2008 - $132 / barrel
One Year Forecast - $171 / barrel
May 13, 2008
Noble Peace Prize Nominations Open!
With planning already underway for this year's Living Peace in Ojai celebration in September, the Ojai Peace Coalition is ready to receive nominations for our exclusive Noble Peace Prize, to be awarded during Living Peace!
Last year's first-ever Noble Peace Prize was awarded to Clive and Marion Leeman of the Ojai Peace Vigil which is STILL happening every Friday evening under the Pergola in front of Libbey Park. If you know of someone who is working for more health, sanity, security, and harmony for our community and world, please nominate them!
Guest Editorial: Caryn Bosson
Required Reading
Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to Save Civilization by Lester Brown.
The idea of planning for the future takes on a whole new meaning after reading Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing the Save Civilization. The first book in the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s “Ojai Reads” program is by Lester R. Brown, whom Time Magazine calls “one of the U.S.’s most respected environmentalists.” Founder and President of the esteemed Worldwatch Institute for its first 26 years, Brown helped pioneer the concept of “sustainable development.”
That’s a concept that takes on a whole new urgency once you’ve read this book. My advice for readers: put a bookmark between Section I “A Civilization in Trouble,” and Section II “The Response.” That way you can get through the first 131 pages that are full of troubling data about global trends and possible outcomes and know that solutions will be offered.
May is National Bike Month
The following announcement comes from Camille Carlson, who commutes by bicycle from Meiners Oaks to her job teaching Spanish at Monica Ros School in the east end. She is one of the new wave of activists leading the charge to make the Ojai Valley a world class Bicycle-Pedestrian Friendly Community.
Hello Friends, Family and the Ojai Community,
I'm writing to remind you that May is National Bike Month.
May 12-16 is Bike to Work Week.
May 16 is National Bike to Work Day.
May 11-17 is also National Transportation Week
May 21- Evening for the Ride of Silence (in Ojai and nationwide)
Flyer for Ojai Ride of Silence
Ride of Silence flyer (PDF)
Check out www.bikeleague.org (American League of Cyclists) if you get a chance.
Just wanted to see if anyone is interested in commuting by bike to work or 'wherever' together at any point during the month of May. It makes the ride all that more fun!!
I also discovered that May 21st is the evening for the Ride of Silence. Check out these videos or visit www.rideofsilence.org.
May 08, 2008
EAT LOCAL ONE YEAR ~ BE THE CHANGE OJAI
Look out for the locavores: New Ojai group to eat only food grown locally for a year
http://vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/look_out_for_the_locavores/5946/
By now you have probably heard that Kristofer and Joanne Young are organizing a locavore project in the Ojai Valley for the entire year of 2009. A locavore is a person who pays attention to where her/his food comes from and commits to eating local food as much as possible. I just finished reading the link above to a great article in the VC Reporter that answers the questions I had about committing to a local eating lifestyle. Turns out you can sign up and still hang on to three foods each month that are things that may not be available locally. In my case I was worried about giving up organically grown brown rice, millet and tofu --three things my Dutch-Indonesian bones cannot live without. Now that I know I can eat grains with my local vegies, I'm ready to sign up.
There is an introductory meeting on Saturday, May 10th at 7:00 PM at the Young's house in Ojai. Here is an invitation with the details: .http://groups.google.com/group/eat-local-one-year
Download, view, or print the meeting flyer here.
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May 06, 2008
Announcement from Rosie and Tillie: Anti-Cruelty Measure Certified for California’s November Ballot
Thanks to all the volunteers who gathered signatures in Ojai, Ventura and rest of California, our Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified an anti-cruelty ballot initiative for the statewide general election to be held November 4, 2008.
This statewide initiative was the effort of Californians for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal protection organizations, veterinarians, environmentalists, food safety organizations and concerned citizens. According to Californians for Humane Farms, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act will provide the most basic protection to nearly 20 million animals confined in industrial factory farms in California: that they be able to turn around and extend their limbs.
May 01, 2008
Winter Soldier Audio Discs Available
Iraq Veterans Against the War held a series of hearings on the weekend of March 14 through 16, 2008 (the same weekend as Not One More! here in Libbey Park) called "Winter Soldier 2008", modeled after the Winter Soldier hearings in 1971 during the Vietnam War.
i have downloaded all of the testimony from these emotional and enlightening hearings, and will gladly burn you a 10-disc audio set for $10 (a single mp3 disc for $1). $5 will go to the Ojai Peace Coalition, and $5 will go toward the new IVAW Chapter in Ventura. email me to request a copy.
here's Infantrymen Clifton Hicks and Steven Casey giving testimony as part of the March 14th panel "Rules of Engagement, Part One": LISTEN. DOWNLOAD.
April 29, 2008
Activism Grab-Bag
New on the Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog:
• Mother's Day for Peace: Sunday May 4th from 3-5pm at the E.P.Foster Library on Main Street in Ventura.
• The Future of Local Transportation, Saturday, May 10, 2008 (National Train Day) from 2-3:30pm at Ruby's Café of Oxnard, 348 South Oxnard Blvd.
• Nominate a Peace Pioneer for a $10,000 prize from Ben & Jerry's!
• Tell the Presidential candidates to declare clean cars a priority starting Day One of their administration.
• Women today make up 56% of college graduates and nearly half of the labor force in this country, yet women make only 73 cents to a man's dollar, and mothers only make 60 cents, for the exact same job. AND THE SENATE FAILED TO PASS THE FAIR PAY ACT LAST WEEK, with Senator McCain saying that women just need "education and training". Tell him he's off-target.
(for the energetic: sign this petition in support of the Fair Pay Act through Commitee for a Democratic Majority)
• DVDs of last week's "Are Peace and Impeachment Possible?" town hall are coming...email me if you'd like a copy!
• Share your story or comments about how important it is to provide healthcare coverage for all kids in California. MomsRising.org will share your comments and pictures with California lawmakers to show them that real families are impacted and care about this issue.
April 24, 2008
"Supporting our Planet ... One Bite at a Time!"
"FOOD, FARM AND ECO-EATING" — an Ojai Valley Green Coalition presentation, will be held today, Thursday at 7--8:30 p.m. at Chaparral High School Auditorium.
This evening the Food and Agriculture Action Committee will give a lively presentation on how every choice we make about buying fresh and nutritious food, grown by our region's farmers, is a choice for the health of our environment -- both for the Ojai Valley and the global community.
Come discover other food resources that exist within the valley through the coalition's Food Security Assessment. Learn more about local food production and about a new Community Supported Agriculture program. Consider the environmental impact of livestock production and learn about Eco-Eating, an environmental option focusing on a plant-based diet.
We look forward to sharing an evening of film & media, gardening programs, books and what the food lovers of our valley are doing to add to our enjoyment of life and our food security through sustainable agriculture.
Chaparral Auditorium Unified School District 414 E. Ojai Ave.
$2 donation appreciated, but all welcome.To learn more about this event and other activities, visit us:
www.OjaiValleyGreenCoalition.org Info: 805.653.8445
"Every time you pick up your fork, you can make a big difference for the environment."
http://www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org/media/PresentationAnnouncement-FA.pdf
April 22, 2008
A Yoga In the Ojai Valley Earth Day Review: Green Yoga
Green Yoga by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D. and Brenda Feuerstein
View image
It's a beautiful Earth Day here in the Ojai Valley. Yet we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that growing numbers of scientists and biologists are proclaiming that our planet is dying. We who are alive today are living in the midst of an unprecedented ecological crisis in which the fate of our entire planet hangs in the balance. Biologists have labeled this tragedy the Sixth Mass Extinction: Every day, an estimated 150 species are becoming extinct -- an entire species comprising tens of thousands and even millions of individual plants, insects and animals.
As others have pointed out, individual action is both a drop in the bucket --- and potentially, collectively, supremely important.
Green Yoga is a blueprint for how the philosophy of yoga, with its reverence for life and recognition of universal consciousness, provides the spiritual wisdom to enable us to respond intelligently in our daily life.
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