The Ojai Post

F O R A G E R
green garages and white dirt

13 April 2011


In our last episode, Mr. Rodillas was fraught with an onset of busy brain brought on by too frequent perusals of the musings made by the National Weather Service’s senior forecaster in Nardtown. Rod didn’t write his newsletter, consequently.
Talking minus thirty four tops at 20,000 feet. “Might have to issue a frost warning,” The Swami said. So Mr. Rodillas filled the garage with all the transplants that Felipe brought him on the previous Friday. You remember what the temperature was like around then. 97.
That was then and this is Ojai. Box canyon. Cold as Truckee. Hot as Coachella.
Garage was so full of bell peppers and basil plants you couldn’t step inside. On the Thursday night Rod called Johnny Blythe, around 11:30.
“ Fumple?, Blythe says.
“ Are you up, Blythe? Did you put those Dixie Cups out yet?”
“ They said it was only going to get down to 40.”
“ Better check your mercury, Blythe. Its already 29 degrees in Rose Valley. You’re going down.”
“ Really?”
“ If you don’t have white dirt at dawn, I’ll buy you new boots.’
“ Damn.”
“ Get out there and pop those cups on those tomatoes. It will only take you 47 minutes. Go ahead and time it.”
In the morning, Mr. Rodillas didn’t have to buy Johnny Blythe new alligator Luccheses. Rod didn’t even bring his checkbook. The Swami said it got down to 31 at the county yard and Rose Valley hit 24. Blythe had saved his tomatoes.
Friday night was colder. On Saturday they were all calling Mr. Rodillas a genius.
“ How’d you know?”
“ Practice.”
See, Mr. Rodillas gets mistaken for some flawless savant just because he has chopped his thumb so often he has a pocket full of band aids.
He’ll go By Cracky on you in no time, regaling of the time when Blythe and Highlove hatched that damn Beltaine Circus project for May Day, 2003.
May Day! That was apt. SOS: Ice storm almost closed the Pine Mountain grade. The party in Lockwood Valley looked like sepia footage of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, with the smitten tribe wandering around on the frosty mud with blankets over their heads. All of Pappy Rodilla’s wonderful tomatoes back in Meiners went black. Zucchini seemed to have had a run-in with a blow torch.
Funny thing about this recent event was that all the volunteer potatoes breaking out from years past died, but the lines of intentionally planted spuds were fine. People ask me why I plant flowers.
“ They look nice," I answer.
“ And the angels and divas enjoy them,” I say to myself.

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 09:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I love Frozen Yogurt and so do my kids. A friend told me there was a new Yogurt place in town, so I thought I'd walk over and check it out. I couldn't understand why they'd open a new yogurt place when AZU had natural Gelato right next door. But hey, the more the merrier I figured. A little competition can only bring more happiness.

When I walked in, the place was clean and inviting, with a nice variety of yogurt and toppings to put on top. A nice clean cut high school student welcomed me at the register, so I asked for a few different flavored samples. "Yum", I thought. "This stuff is great! Hey, young man can I see the ingredience?"

"Sure!" He said, as he handed me a book with all the ingredience. I eagerly flipped through the pages looking forward to making this one of my favorite frozen refreshing spots for the summer. Well, I was in for a SURPRISE!

I know many people probably don't care about the ingredience of what they eat, as long as it tastes good, but I'm just not one of those people. I do care about what I put in body and my children's, and I love healthy, clean, natural, unprocessed food, especially in my ice cream or frozen yogurt. And I guess I feel (living in Ojai, known for it's health & beauty) that isn't too much to ask.

This Yogurt place was another great opportunity to have some fresh, healthy natural frozen Yogurt but instead, we have PROCESSED, ARTIFICIAL FLAVORINGS AND COLORINGS WITH LOTS OF CORN SYRUP TO BOOT. Why? I just don't get it. Why can't you charge a little more and use some fresh ingredience?

Have you tasted Azu's Gelato? It's delicious and it's completely natural: Fresh fruit, fresh milk, eggs, natural flavorings. Why can't Bliss Yogurt do the same thing with their own "make your own twist"? Well, I guess it always boils down to money! More profit, less health for us.

It's unfortunate and, I think, disappointing for the entire community. Because we deserve healthy natural food, especially in Ojai: As we are known for living and offering visitors a healthy, conscious life style.

Well, I guess it's yummy, natural, healthy Azu Gelato for me! I'm grateful we have a frozen type dessert with some real ingredience: Like blueberry, cherry, vanilla, pistachio, lemon, chocolate flavors that aren't manufactured in a lab. And regardless of all the TV ad hype on the similarities of corn syrup and cane sugar; you'll find if you do the research, why most responsible health conscious companies have substituted corn syrup with simple cane sugar.

I am genuinely disappointed in having to write this negative review. I'm much happier saying Bon Appetit - encouraging residents & visitors to support and welcome a new business to Ojai.

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

I asked Quin at Mano Farm to tell me a bit more about what they are doing, and their approach to organic, sustainable agriculture here in the Ojai Valley...

We are a hand-cultivated farm on one acre of land in Ojai, California. We offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for Ojai residents and are presently seeking new memberships. Members purchase a “share” that is essentially an investment in the farm covering expenditures such as seed, water, irrigation, tools and labor. In return, members receive a weekly delivery of vegetables, herbs and flowers along with our biweekly newsletter.

Continue reading "Mano a Mano: Ojai's Experimental Farm" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

So here I was, enjoying an interesting article in the LA Times on Alice Waters, legendary chef and founder of Chez Panisse. She's slavishly devoted to and uncompromising in sourcing locally produced food. In describing the Washington DC fundraiser, I was pleased to see just how unique and valuable a certain Ojai export is...

Of course, not every chef in America has year-round access to fresh produce. That was clear in February, when Waters staged a fund-raising dinner in Washington, D.C., for charities that feed the poor there.

"I almost killed myself trying to serve something good at that dinner," said Moullé, the 59-year-old Frenchman who has been chef at Chez Panisse for two decades.

Prohibited from flying in any ingredients, save for the pixie Kishu tangerines from Ojai that Waters adores, Moullé fretted.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Randy Graham, Valley Vegetarian, has the write up on Saturday's Farm to Table Tour...

The day started at 8:30AM as 150 participants arrived at Soule Park to board buses and to begin their tour of three Ojai farms: Earthrine Farm, Friends Ranch and the Ojai Olive Oil Company. Upon boarding, the participants were welcomed by docents and given reusable tote bags.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I am in love with growing artichokes. When I bought them at a local nursery, a curmudgeon standing behind me said they "weren't worth it." "They take up a lot of room and you maybe get one artichoke". But I still wanted to try! Another person told me I'd have to wait at least a year to see the fruit of my labor. I felt foolish yet oddly determined as I paid for them at the counter. We planted them in the late fall of last year and boy did they grow -- about 6 ft in circumference each. As the plants kept growing, and crowding out other vegetables, (mostly the beets), I saw my boyfriend becoming impatient. "They are really large!," he'd say. "Can we move them in the summer?" "Do you think we could trim some leaves?" My boyfriend is a beet freak and was concerned one crop would impede the other.

I begged patience but I too was starting to wonder if Mr. Anti-Artichoke was right. Then after about 6 months of waiting, something miraculous appeared in the center of the bush -- a tight, green artichoke bud! Like any other new parents, Chris and I watched expectantly. Soon other babies appeared alongside the larger bud and to date we've eaten 8 artichokes with many left on the plant and our second artichoke, a large globe also has its first fruit! I am thinking about stuffing this larger artichoke with a sausage bread crumb mixture when we harvest it. It might be an entire meal on its own.

The artichokes we've grown and harvested moments before steaming them are meatier and moister than those I've bought at the market. It is truly like the flesh of the leaves tastes more like well MEAT than any others I've experienced. We're having gorgeous, hearty meals from them! But there is a part of the artichoke I've become obsessed with that most throw away. To me this versatile part is becoming my favorite part. That right, I am in love with artichoke stems!

**If you don't grow your own artichokes you can still often get the fruit with the stems attached at a local farmer's market!

(recipe following jump)

Continue reading "Lemony Artichoke Stem Slices with Toasted Almond Slivers" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

There is a joke going around about how I rarely make a recipe without adulterating it -- it's like some sort of compulsion. Another twist on this disorder is that I often research something and combine 3-4 divergent recipes into one dish. Why is cooking sometimes stressful in my world? perhaps because I don't just take on one unknown, but often a few at a time. The results can be either brilliant or catastrophic but it's always an adventure!

My boyfriend left some bananas browning on my counter. He said he'd take them home but kept forgetting. As their age spots started to equal the amount of yellow left on them, I decided to take action. I found a simple foolproof ancient banana bread for the basic chemistry of baking involved and had every intention of keeping to the recipe. But by the time two ingredients were in the bowl, I'd already strayed. Luckily, it turned out brilliant beyond my wildest hopes.

It has a crunchy crust due to the larger stone ground flour I added and the large flakes of toasted coconut which made it chewy/lightly crunchy. I also used up organic chocolate chips that had melted together into an amorphous blob in the heat one day. The chocolate chunks being larger and less consistent than chocolate chips made for bites of crunch and bites of melted, gooey bliss -- almost like a lava cake. I recommend using the graham flour and coconut large coconut flakes I did (available at Rainbow Bridge) as I believe that really 'made' the texture. Those products are linked in the ingredients list.

Recipe after jump:

Continue reading "Banana Coconut Chocolate Chunk Bread" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

The consciousness shift away from plastic bags is taking hold, for sure...although at times it can seem maddeningly slow. And like most social/environmental/economic movements, the change will have long taken place in the lives of the public before the last holdouts - businesses, institutions, political structures - are drug along weakly protesting (and lamely pretending to have invented the movement in the first place).

i directly observed a woman in the checkout line at Ojai's Vons market, trying to negotiate carrying out her minor purchase - a single bottle of wine - under her arm, rather than in a brand-new, planet-choking petroleum bag. The clerk informed her that it is the policy of the store that every purchase leaves the store in a bag. The customer took her plea to the manager, who confirmed the policy.

Continue reading "Wanna Go Bagless? Not At Vons..." »

Posted by evan austin at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (55) | author bio

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

Click here for film poster: POC_Poster.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

Via the Orange County Register
Pixie tangerines offer sweet treat

This is a fine little article about our Valley's treasured specialty citrus crop, with a journalistic oops.

Tony Thacker, his daughter Emily and his granddaughter Celeste Ayala showed off this year's bumper crop. Tony explained that the 2010 harvest will yield about 20 percent more than last year's, but the fruit will be smaller. Most will be between 1 3/4- and 2 inches in diameter, with few fitting into the jumbo or colossal categories. The trees have a habit of bearing a large crop one year and a small crop the following year.

Posted by Chris Wilson at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

Olivia and F&C featured on Huffington Post... an excerpt [h/t: Peake]):

A trained nutritionist, Chase found it much more satisfying to cook healthy food for people than to stand around in a lab coat discussing the nutritional benefits of vegetables. After stints in San Francisco and Seattle, she returned to Ojai and opened the City Bakery-Cafe in Ventura in 1989. After much success, she opened The Farmer and The Cook in 2001, and it has since evolved into a community hang out where locals regularly gather to sample her fresh farm-to-table cuisine and a truly stunning array of baked goods.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Enlightenment Begins With Empathy" »

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

F O R A G E R
Marty Fujita

9 February 2010

Marty Fujita died yesterday. She left much unfinished business for us to continue and an example of dedication and inspiration that will serve to guide us in fulfilling the work she began. Death mitigates one’s lack of focus and exposes the false calm of procrastination, neither of which afflicted Marty Fujita, whose goals are now ours more than ever. She was a co-founder of Food For Thought, the non-profit group aiming to improve children’s diets in and out of school as well as educate people in the Ojai Valley about the importance of local food production.

Farmers and their friends in Ojai lost an influential champion in Marty’s passing. She truly loved food from the ground up. Money was hardly the motivation for selling fruit with Jim Churchill and Lisa Breneis at the farmers market on Sunday. Neither was it the reason she helped pack fruit with them at their orchard, or why she organized countless meetings and events, networking with other groups, businesses and government to bring people together. Marty frequently held working lunches at The Farmer and The Cook, particularly when out-of-town somebodies were in attendance. I would thank her for the honor, and she would respond with “ Where else am I going to go?”

I thought she would survive cancer. Now I am asking “ What else can I do?” I would have continued on in the work in any case, but I feel like a big sail has been torn in half when the boat is merely halfway home. The work she did, and how she did it, still stands, like the empty mast, but the energy is lost. Replicating her vitality is impossible. Keeping on course is more likely. Making arrival a certainty depends on what some call manifestation. Marty Fujita’s dream is already upon us, unfolding in small ways that will probably make the grander plans fall into place. The hurt of it is that its way past time.

During life’s fretful journey through death, you’ll lose me and I’ll lose you. When I do, I will use your passing to make my own remaining steps a bit bolder, if for only a moment. The perfection of humanity is unlikely but with gratitude enjoyed piecemeal. Nonetheless there is some thanks in that gift of blazing early death, like shooting stars that light up cold space. Marty’s leaving was earlier than deserved, these words inspired not only because she’s gone, but also because of her spirit. Her family pays her greater honor. I expect to still see her daughters, Taylor and Dana, filling bags with tangerines and celery on Sundays. You may be there also to commune with the good sharing to be made then at the tables Marty helped set.

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

A year ago, D.K. wrote about Treasure Beach. At the time it was a combination dress shop and cafe, which seemed to close as quickly as it opened. Perhaps recognizing the concept wasn't taking hold, it re-opened recently, and has really transformed since it's inception. Bill and I dined there last night and had a very pleasant meal.

While a shopping component remains, it's been pushed to the back, and the merchandise has been reduced to cookbooks and a few gourmet food items. A nice comfy bright orange sofa set adjacent to the bookshelves creates a cozy living room vibe (as if you are dining in someone's home). The restaurant seating - rattan chairs and a combination of clothed or tile mosaic tables surrounded by slate gray banquettes - feels modern and minimalist, almost hip. The crowd was the well-dressed hippie set, buzzing with lively intellectual conversations.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Treasure Beach" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Friend's Ranch and Ojai on NYTimes.com:

Last year my friend Mark turned me on to Friend’s Ranch, a citrus-growing concern in Ojai, Calif., that ships oranges and avocados from Decemberish through sometime in June. At first, I’d just cop a little fruit from Mark every now and again. Then we went Dutch on a few boxes. Soon I was buying my own stash. Every tangerine, every orange, every piece of fruit was a revelation: robustly aromatic, gushingly fresh, each one a discovery.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Join the Ojai Valley Democratic Club for a FAREWELL CELEBRATION in honor of

SUE BROIDY

Many people in Ojai know Sue, not just through her work with the OVDC and the California Democratic Party, but through her volunteer work in everything from the OVGC to affordable housing and the homeless task force. Come help us celebrate this wonderful member of our community.

When: Monday, Jan 25th at 7 pm

Where: Ojai Art Center
113 S. Montgomery St
Ojai, CA 93023

Potluck information and Details after the break.

Continue reading "Sue Broidy is leaving Ojai -- *2nd UPDATE*" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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.

Posted by evan austin at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transition Ojai is now live!

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

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

How Do Transition Towns Begin?

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

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

cool stuff from Randy Graham... every vendor at the Ojai Farmer's Market.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Despair and Disparity" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Cover. Label. Refrigerate.

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

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

More information and full event press release follows:

Continue reading "Save Thanksgiving!" »

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

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

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

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

F O R A G E R

THAT CHIRIMEN SQUASH IS SO SPOOOOOKY PEOPLE WON’T EVEN BUY IT ON HALLOWEEN

Halloweenweek 2009

If it’s Wednesday, that must be Gai Lan in your share this week. Thursdays get the beets. Just not enough of the sweet Asian bunchlets to go around. But cry not, there is a whole lot of Asian out there for the Winter. You were promised a winter squash cookbook and its not in there because its not done yet. GOZO FARM’S COOKING HARD SQUASH IS NOT SO HARD is a small ambition but you put a project like that in front of a blabberkey like me and the forests will cry over all the paper that gets used up. I buy like forty reams a year. Ok. I will stop bragging. But remember it’s self-publishing, and any writer who is his own editor has a fool for a client.

Continue reading "Farmer and Cook, A Soup Opera" »

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Osteria Monte Grappa" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (31) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, September 25th

5pm – Ojai Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

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

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

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

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

Schedule:

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Presenters:

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring signs if you have them!

THEN

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

LOCATION: The Village Jester, 139 E Ojai Ave

COST: $12 for simple menu and one drink!

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

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

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

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

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

From neighbor Kris:

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

[You can also RSVP through Facebook]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Suza,

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

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

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

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

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

It has been eight years since the last time I fasted – it was in late 2001 – and for that fast I practiced in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters by fasting from sunrise to sunset for a couple of weeks during Ramadan.

Recently I was sharing about a personal relationship issue with a monastic friend and teacher and he suggested a period of fasting. I wasn't completely clear on how this could help or be related, but I trust my friend and know that fasting is a common practice in the monastery. The intention here is not a detox fast, but one of a spiritual nature. I started practicing with the fast for 1-2 weeks by fasting at the dinnertime meal. It wasn’t too difficult to eat two meals a day, but it did get difficult in the late afternoon. My dinner fast raised my confidence and understanding of fasting.

Continue reading "Discoveries in Fasting" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted

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

by Duncan Clark

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

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

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

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/

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

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

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

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

(Nice recipe submission from reader Randy Graham. My suggestion? Throw it all on an Italian filone roll and have a caprese sub. :)

Our garden is starting to produce a variety of tomatoes. Here is one of our favorite ways to enjoy tomatoes fresh from the garden. Easy to prepare, a true flavor-flash on the palate and very pretty when plated as above.

Continue reading "Guest Recipe: Fresh Caprese Salad" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

from Twitter...

@805foodie - http://twitpic.com/acc5v - Visual proof that World Flavor Cafe in Ojai is no more ...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Posted by DK Crawford at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (44) | author bio

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

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

Food For Thought | Event Tickets

(what is a haiku?)

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

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

The Ojai Beverage Company is opening up their outdoor seating on June 1. Should be a nice hang. Following is guest-article-meets-press-release from Randy Graham...

Ojai Beverage Company Expands

They are located at 655 E. Ojai Ave. and call themselves “The O.B.C.” which is short for The Ojai Beverage Company. Works for me!

The front of The O.B.C. is unassuming and if you’re going more than 35 MPH down E. Ojai Blvd. you might miss it altogether. That would be a shame. Walking into The O.B.C. for the first time is like following Alice down the rabbit hole. Once you’re in, a whole new world awaits you.

Continue reading "Outside at the OBC" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

When Hakane opened their doors recently, I wondered why our little town needed another sushi joint. Bill and I finally went last night, and now I know why.

Hakane has a different vibe than Sakura. It’s not as casual and laid-back as Eddie’s place, and the downtown Ojai location is certainly part of its appeal. There is indoor seating, including the obligatory sushi bar seats, and a comfortable and charming outdoor patio.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Hakane" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Randy Graham contributed this guest post on the new Knead Baking Company, next to Azu. You can check out more of Randy's writings at Valley Vegetarian, linked under "Ojai Bloggers" in the left column of the site.

Bobbi Corbin and Rachel Corbin. Mother and daughter. You may have seen them and their incredible creations at the Ojai Certified Farmer’s Market under the Knead Baking Company banner over the last year and a half. Now you can enjoy their breads and pastries beautifully presented in their new downtown Ojai location at 469 E. Ojai Ave.

Continue reading "Guest Post: Knead Baking Company" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I had the unique opportunity to taste many delights at the Ojai and Ventura Famers Markets this weekend and wrote a piece about it for the VC Reporter. It was a blessed Easter weekend -- spring has sprung at the markets and there are lots of new products and surprises in store! For a slideshow of lots of photos! and more information about new products and vendors, (particularly at the Ojai Market), visit my blog.
Mange!

We also indulged in fresh curds of cheese ($5 for half a pound) from Ojai’s cheese guru — you’ll recognize him by the triangle of cheese on his head and the shirt that reads “What a friend we have in Cheeses.” We dipped the chewy delicious curds in some Mt. Olive Organic Pear Butter ($5 per jar) for an out-of-this-world taste explosion. The pear butter had the light grit of pear and the cinnamon and spice combination of unfiltered apple juice — divine!

Posted by DK Crawford at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Submitted by Fran Pavelko, vice chairman:

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

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

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

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

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

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

F O R A G E R

Providing A Glimpse Into What It Takes
To Make Up A Nice Little Box of Food

Wan, that April, with his shores sooth, The garotte of March,
hat perched to the rote, And bathed every venue in swish liquor

Yeah we wish we had some swish liquors bathing our roots. So to speak. Read between Chaucer’s lines at ye peril. We begrudged nary a drop, scant as they were, which did bathe the blustered dust and gladdened some needy leaves, and we now await another round of promise, which is all that remains as the season is wrung out at less than thirteen inches of rain. But I have seen the rain come torrentially at the end of April, so hope seems not so terribly vain.

The dry caught us with our pipes scattered and a roll of drip tape was but a glint in the farmer’s eye, so short on agua were we. But, repenting of our ill preparation we have smartened ourselves up with some brand new plastic which we have set a-dripping. Now to guard against the meddlesome crows and feisty coyote, who both love to peck and chew upon our flimsy lines. Its easy though, as you may know, to distract them from their vandalism, just draw them a shallow tub of water for their personal slaking.

And Keep It Full.

Now to business: In your CSA box today you will discover Pixie Tangerines from Jim Churchill and some Yukon Gold potatoes we overbought in expectation that we could plant them, but 4000 feet of potatoes is enough! Indeed the potatoes have eyes sprouting on them a wee bit, but its merely a sign of Spring as well evidence that they have not been bathed in Sprout-Nip. Sprout Nip is a wonderful chemical (3-Chlorophenyl) carbamic acid, 1-methylethyl ester ) that is used to impede the sprouting of the potato-eyes, thus availing to retailers everywhere a much broader window in which to sell the conventional spuds. Enjoy its residues wherever French fries are sold. Apparently Sprout Nip is used as a swift herbicide prior to planting spinach. What a Joy!

There is nothing wrong and everything right in eating a potato that has modest sprouts on it, just crush them off or cut them and be done with it.

We also deliver fennel, carrots, cilantro and gold beets, spinach, baby Romaine, and wonderful collard greens, one last time, in lieu of kale.

The corn is six inches tall, but the squash got burned in the last bout of freezing. So late, so disheartening! The fickle tickle of Jack Frost put a bit of a scorch on the tips of yonder potatoes in the Land of Ainsworth, which we count on for its temperate clime. But the frost was way short of disaster, happy to say, and Mr. Tirado has hilled them up nicely. The big planting of potatoes, which we accomplished over the past few weeks, was watered neither by the sky nor our pipes, thus they were delayed from breaking through the earth, thankfully, because in the interim we did have cold temperatures on the Plains of Gozo.

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Katy Overstreet and David White have been taking Ojai school children to The Farmer and the Cook's Gozo farm to introduce them to local agriculture and pleasure that abounds in the growing and tasting of organic food. If your class or your child's class would like to arrange a field trip to the farm contact David White at david@ojaicra.org or (805) 390 0747. The educational program is supported by Food For Thought the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the Orfela Foundation.

photo by Timothy Teague!

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

PR: Locally Grown Benefit Concert Returns to Libbey Bowl

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

Continue reading "Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009" »

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

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

Hello Chris -

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Michael Shapiro
Chair - Stop The Trucks! Coalition

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

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

I was asked to highlight a woman-owned restaurant, preferably one with a female chef/cook for the VC Reporter's special Women's Issue. I got great suggestions like Feast Bistro and World Flavor Cafe in Ojai but I'd seen reviews of them fairly recently so I headed out to Oxnard to visit a place I hadn't been to before. There were really fun surprises as you'll see when you read the review.

There is also a slideshow with more pictures of food and fun after the jump , didn't want to make everyone crazy each time they open the post. :)

Continue reading "A Blast From the Past -- Fresh & Fabulous in Oxnard CA and the Woolworth Museum" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I've been eating this sauce like mad and I just had to share it with you all:

1/4 cup tamari
1/4 cup Sriracha (I've found it only at Starr here in Ojai)
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

put it in a jar, shake it up and pour it over food during the last few minutes of cooking.

Best on...

Continue reading "Best Sauce Ever" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

Posted by evan austin at 08:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

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

www.ojaipeace.org

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

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

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

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

Meyer Lemon Semifreddo with chocolate covered cocoa nibs and walnut brittle

Local eatery serves up local ingredients in a unique boutique

A few weeks ago I had the joy of going to Treasure Beach and Cafe' and wrote about it for the VC Reporter. When I spoke to them that day they told me they'd started serving Sunday brunch and I must say the menu sounded scrumptious!

They specialize in fresh preparations of seasonal, local ingredients and list the local, often Ojai, food sources on the menu. They also change the menu every week to fit what's available from growers.

I have posted more photos after the jump so you can see just how yummy it was. Here is the review in the VC Reporter.

Hope you enjoy!!

Continue reading "Food Review of Ojai's Treasure Beach and Cafe'" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 08:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

More Dishing Ojai columns here.

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

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

featuring M.O.'s very own Cook - click through to read much more...

Romance already is in the air at The Farmer & The Cook in Meiners Oaks, where husband and wife Steve Sprinkel and Olivia Chase are the titular farmer and cook, respectively.

But add a four-layer vegan chocolate-and-raspberry cake to the mix, and the atmosphere at the organic market, deli and cafe turns downright irresistible in a pseudo-sinful sort of way.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

As our culture “greens,” many of us are re-evaluating our lifestyles and making more choices in line with our values. One of my values has to do with Nature – loving it, caring for it, and cultivating a sustainable personal footprint on our planet. Today I want to share with you one remarkable, mindful way to reduce fossil fuel consumption. It’s so simple, maybe you’ll be inspired to try it, too!

I’ve been inspired to eat more mindfully by Kris and Jo Young, creators of Ojai’s “Eat Local One Year” project. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Locavore concept? Kris and Jo have initiated a local (yet also global) project to inspire people to eat locally - food grown within 100 miles of their home for all of 2009. Locavores do what they do to support the local economy, protect the environment and build strong communities.

Continue reading "Mindful Eating - Consider the Source" »

Posted by Brook Montagna at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

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

...at Giorgio's Pizza and Subs. Watching the UCLA Basketball Pac-10 opener and hopping on the wi-fi with my laptop. What are you up to?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Festivus and Champagne!" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I received the following press release - enjoy!

Food for Thought Ojai, a non-profit organization working on food issues in the Ojai public schools, invites the public to its second free series of exceptional films about food, agriculture and society.

The November series is built around three films: “Garbage! The Revolution Begins At Home”, “The Garden”, and “All In This Tea.” Each will be accompanied by a related short film. All screenings will be at Matilija Junior High School auditorium and free of charge.

Continue reading "“Films for Thought” returns to Ojai" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

This is great, I hadn't seen it before. Pop into Giorgio's for a bite and say hi to Robert and Fumie, who run one of the friendliest restaurants in town.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Does Ojai Care About Animals?" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has anyone tried the new World Flavor Café? I am hearing mixed reviews about the limited menu, prices and service, but there's more to it. My husband and I tried it and found that while they are a new establishment working out the kinks, the food is absolutely wonderful. Here is a copy of the review I wrote for the VC Reporter recently; what was your experience like?

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: World Flavor Café" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

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

Or This Vision?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

Or This Vision?

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

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

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

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

What a joy to have this and Other Conveniences to make my feeding frenzy's more manageable. :)

Posted by Raymond Powers at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Ventura, California - August 6, 2008 -- Joining with 120 countries worldwide celebrating World Breastfeeding Month, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors signed a Resolution proclaiming August 2008 to be Breastfeeding Awareness Month. At their August 5 meeting, the Board was joined by the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County (BCVC) in making presentations to the winners of the 3rd Annual Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace Awards.

The Government Center was buzzing with nursing babies in attendance to support the event, with their mothers in tow. This “nurse-in” celebration by moms and babies was to show their appreciation for the Board's recognition of the public health benefits of breastfeeding. The meeting was followed by a lawn picnic of nursing mothers, babies, and fathers organized informally by local nursing mothers, La Leche League, and local lactation professionals.

More photos and information after the break!

Continue reading "County Proclaims Breastfeeding Awareness Month!" »

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

World Affairs Council CA Central Coast

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

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

Continue reading "World Affairs Council Presentation" »

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

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL

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

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Party In Paradise" »

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

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Went out and bought some peaches, apples, eggs, figs, and a beeswax candle this morning. What did you get at the Farmers Market?

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, which absolutely puts me in the minority here in Ojai. Even in the heat of summer, Ojaians love their coffee. Or do they just love the social aspects of coffee; the see-and-be-seen draw of a well-roasted bean? The camaraderie, the chance meetings with familiar faces, the friendly exchange with the barista who knows your name – all good reasons to seek a cuppa Joe.

About once a week, I’m good for a decaf, nonfat something-or-other. These days I’m partial to decaf ice blendeds – either a Brown Sugar Latte at Full of Beans or a Caramel Latte at Coffee Connection.

Matt long ago inspired a price check on milk on Radio Ojai, which followed with martinis, so it was only natural, in keeping with the liquid culture theme, that we would get around to coffee. You can tune in for the results here, including Matt’s preview of the newest place to get caffeinated: Blanche Street Coffee & Tea.

Local Smitty West (some know him as Scott Smith) recently told me he is a huge coffee drinker, adding “My family is trying to get me to go to CA….Caffeine Anonymous, but I know I can quit at any time so I don’t need to go.” Between sips of coffee, he released his new CD “Your World.” This is the first video from the CD, from the single on track three, “Sequoia,” which he wrote while camping in the Sierras and seeing the destruction of a forest of Sequoias that had been logged more than a hundred years ago:

You can hear another one of Smitty's singles from the CD, an ode to Ojai called "It Ain't Mine," and learn more here.

So, Ojai, what’s in your cup today?

More Dishing Ojai columns here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!" »

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

TRUE or FALSE:

The motto of the United States, E pluribus unum, was taken from an ancient Roman salad recipe.

Continue reading "The Salad States of America?" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)

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

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

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

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

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

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Some further highlights:

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

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

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

Social Business: Investing in Social Change and International Responsibility

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

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

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

$30 WACA Members
$35 Non-Members

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

This is just in from the NY Times website:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Jen To Strike Again!" »

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

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

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

Continue reading "Kucinich Impeaches Bush for Four Hours " »

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

As the major annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Ojai West, empowering them to donate over $20,000 annually to our community and charities around our nation and world, the Ojai Wine Festival is quite an event. This year was the Festival's 21st year, featuring at least 38 wineries...ALL from California and MANY very local (there are microbreweries too!)

My wife and i first attended in 2005, to celebrate our near-to-the-date first wedding anniversary. We brought friends, cheese, and crackers...and made a tradition.

Full story (and video!) at ojainews.com

Posted by evan austin at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

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

From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Continue reading "EAT LOCAL ONE YEAR ~ BE THE CHANGE OJAI " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

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

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

My “big girl” drink of choice is the Hendrick’s gin martini with two meaty olives. Hendrick’s is heavy on coriander and juniper as is typical of a fine gin, and infusions of cucumber and rose petal give it a unique flavor. I usually have one on a Friday and rarely manage to drink the whole thing. After getting my bill one night after an early dinner at the Village Jester (previous DO column here), I was shocked to find that the charge for my martini was a whopping $14. Nigel explained that it’s a higher price because it’s a double shot. It appeared to be the same size as the other martinis in town, so, inspired by Matt Haag’s penchant for price comparisons, my mission was clear. So here it is, the official Ojai martini price check:

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: The Martini Debate" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

"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

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Slow Food Ojai / Ventura hosts Spring Harvest Family Picnic & Ice Cream Social

Children can sample locally grown fruits and veggies and participate in making (and eating!) fresh, homemade ice cream the old-fashioned way with hand-cranked ice cream makers.

Join Slow Food Ojai/Ventura and local families in celebration of Spring in Ojai and our local harvest.

Sunday, May 18
1:00 - 4:00
Soule Park

Families should bring their own lunch and beverage and a blanket to sit on. Slow Food Ojai/Ventura will organize the ice cream making and tasting, harvest tasting, and a few games for the kids.

A donation of $5 per family is requested.
Parking at Soule Park is $4.

For more information email slowfoodojai at sbcglobal dot net.

Posted by Leslie Davis at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

(photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith)

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

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

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

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

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

In a news story written by Nao Braverman in Friday's Ojai Valley News, "owners of the Ozena Valley Sand and Gravel Mine and the Virgilio Family Trust filed a lawsuit against Ventura County last week, for allegedly changing the scope of their permitted operations without prior notice, hearing or environmental review, according to the lawsuit. They are also filing charges against the county for restricting the use of State Highway 33, which is allegedly in excess of the authority granted to the county, according to the legal petition."

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Gravel Truck Owners Suing Ventura County" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:47 AM | Permalink | author bio

I've been here in Ojai for 5 years - and summer is my favorite time of the year. My kids come to visit, and we love walking into town and buying ice cream cones, while enjoying a stroll together through the shops. However, every time we walk by the "Ojai Ice Cream & Fudge company" (the only ice cream cone place in town), I get knocked out by all the artificial aromas coming from the place. I feel sorry for all the visiting adults and kids, as I watch them licking some blue/green bubble-gum concoctions made of artificial colors and flavors.

I actually tried their ice cream once and started sneezing after taking a couple of licks. I'm sensitive to artificial flavor and color. What a drag! It's so disappointing that in such a lovely-organic-home grown natural town like Ojai (where we pride ourselves in good healthy food); we can’t offer a fresh, natural ice cream cone made with natural un-chemicaled (possible even organic) ice cream. You’d think? Why don’t we let a Haagen Das, McConnell’s, Reed’s or even Breyers ice cream open shop? Anything but the artificial mess we have now posing for ice cream. It just ain’t healthy!

I’m sure I’ve probably overstepped my bounds, after all, I’m a new comer in town – but why hasn’t this ever come up before? Don’t we all like fresh healthy ice cream cones in the summer? Anyway, maybe you can help me understand the situation a little better, as I’m sure the owners are probably great people, who serve the community and love kids. I know I'd like them, but how come they don’t know who makes the pink bubble-gum blue green artificial chocolate chip ick-scream cones?

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (38) | author bio

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Richard + Lauren Shuler Donner
and Ray Bradbury

Early Entry Deadline for Filmmakers April 15

(Ojai, CA) Ojai Film Festival has announced it will produce two Lifetime Achievement Awards programs to honor high powered producers, Lauren Shuler Donner and Richard Donner, Friday, Nov. 7 as well as an American icon, Ray Bradbury on Saturday November 8 as part of its ninth annual event set to run November 6 through 9, at the five-diamond resort – the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Chairman of the Festival Board, David Shor enthused, “I am pleased and honored to announce, Ray Bradbury and the Donners' have accepted our invitation to be honored at the Ojai Film Festival with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their amazing bodies of work that have inspired and entertained so many people around the world. All the honorees have one thing in common – they can’t be categorized in any one genre. These are major developments for our festival.”

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL TO HONOR RAY BRADBURY AND RICHARD & LAUREN SHULER DONNER" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:25 PM | Permalink | author bio

A Yoga in the Ojai Valley DVD Review

EARTHLINGS
Nature Animals Humankind MAKE THE CONNECTION

Watch the movie here: http://freedocumentaries.org/film.php?id=119

Written, produced and directed by Shaun Monson.
Narrated by Academy Award Nominee Joaquin Phoenix.
Music by critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

This is the single most powerful and informative movie about society's treatment of animals! A must-see film for anyone who cares enough to know.
-- Woody Harrelson

The Humane Society calls EARTHLINGS "The definitive documentary film of all times that Americans don't want to see. "

If I had to name one movie that I want everyone to see, including my family, friends and yoga students, it would be EARTHLINGS . Then they would understand why I am so adamant that human beings must speak out on behalf of animals.

Continue reading "EARTHLINGS" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

The Mexican woman reacted to the suggestion as if she had been preparing for some time. She seemed to have filled a large stainless bowl with organic corn masa and started to run water in it before the end of the question had been posed. She had the flat cakes on the stove in subnano time.

If you have stood watching in fascination as a Latin American woman makes tortillas by hand you understand the vital good of the product and that the making of them is a history lesson, a spiritual act and a sporting event rolled into one.

Rosa has been cleared to make tortillas. The Farmer and The Cook might soon be known as El Sembrador y La Cocinera.

You could lay responsibility on Robert Garcia, Doc Chocolate as he is sometimes known hereabouts. Master of Mole. Put an accent on that e, please and pronounce it. Robert comes to work not with an ingredients list but a farm plan. We should make him work in his own room. Everybody wants to stand around and watch El Artiste. And that's just the Hetero Men.

We will have planted seeds for 2000 chile plants by the end of this week and plan on plenty more. The Ancho, The Guajillo, The Jalapeno, the Nueveo Mexicano: We are going spice. We got your epasote, your cilantro and oregano up. The tomatoes are alive.

We are staying with the pizzas, the pastas and the ensaladas. We have musical evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Damian Rice came up with his friends last weekend. He did not play. He wanted to enjoy the local scene, the Fritta Mixta, the Fettucine al Ajo, have some wine. We did a good job of ignoring him. Emy Reynolds did not. She was on stage at the time. She later said she has a Damian Rice poster in her bedroom. That must have been sort of buzzy.

Oh yeah. We are going to have a big music festival at the farm on the 20th of April, EARTHDAY. 10-7. Hope you can come. Olivia is planning her menu. Its going to be legit.

See you at THE FARMER AND THE COOK
call for reservations: 640-9608

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Last night, I noticed a "For Lease" sign in front of Dahl's Market in Oak View.

Since Bert Dahl's retirement, the market has changed hands a couple of times. The latest store owners are a very nice family (who also own the Corner Market in Oak View), but to say that this has been gloriously successful store is an overstatement -- it's been more of a large quick mart than anything else.

Oak View could really use a legitimate -- if not inspired -- place to buy groceries. I've had some fantasies about what might happen there, but haven't known who to talk to...anyone in the Ojai Post community interested? Read on...

Continue reading "Any Would-Be Grocers Around?" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

(Photo by Troy Harvey/Special to the VC Star)

In this Sunday's edition of the Ventura County Star, we see barracades divert traffic around a section of Maricopa Highway - Route 33 - about 10 miles north of Ojai that has collapsed into the North Fork of Matilija Creek.

Only residents and emergency personnnel are allowed to use northbound lanes. For all other vehicles, the CHP expects a long-term closure of the highway between Lockwood Valley to the north, where most of the gravel mines in dispute are located, and Matilija Road and the Ojai Valley to the south.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Collapse of Route 33" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

over-pass-work2.pdf

In today's Ventura County Star:
Saturday, February 23, 2008, from staff reports:

Bridge on Highway 33 Collapses: No One Hurt

A bridge support beam failure caused 130 to 150 feet of embankment along south-bound Highway 33 above Ojai to slide into the North Fork of Matilija Creek on Friday evening, authorities said.

The roadway was empty at the time of the collapse and no one was hurt, California Highway Patrol officials sad.

The bridge, located 10 to 12 miles north of Ojai, reportedly gave way about 6:15 p.m., according to the CHP.

Only southbound lanes were affected, officials said and northbound lanes remained open to residents and emergency personnel.

For all other vehicles, the CHP expects a long-term closure of the highway between Lockwood Valley Road to the north and Matilija Road to the south.

Caltrans crews worked to repair the roadway Friday night, authorities said.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Highway 33 Bridge Collapses!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

With so much talk of enlightenment lately, I thought I would enlighten the good readers of the Ojai Post about Ojai’s best kept secret: Regal’s is now doing wine dinners. I went to the Bell Wine Cellars Dinner last night, and for $50, food and wine enthusiasts were served five courses and seven tastes of wine. That’s not a typo. Five courses, seven tastes, fifty dollars! No one else in the valley has come close to this kind of offering for cheap yet discerning oenophiles. I happened to sit next to the Ojai Valley Inn’s new Food and Beverage Director, Kevin McDonough*, who was equally impressed. And sitting to my left was Anthony Bell himself, who came from South Africa 30 years ago to make wine in the Napa Valley.

Bell delighted us between courses with stories and passionate scientific descriptions of his winemaking adventures. He travels 30 weeks out of the year spreading the gospel of his grapes.

Chef Marcus Hollingsworth, former Executive Chef for the Pierpont, current food columnist for the Ojai Valley News and new guitarist for Azure Sol (click here to read a previous post about the band) created an incredible menu that paired exceptionally well with Bell’s wines. I’m still swooning over the citrus-glazed salmon course that received an unlikely but brilliant pairing with Bell’s Zinfandel.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Regal’s Wine & Spirits" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I had the opportunity to dine at Maravilla Restaurant at the Ojai Valley Inn last night. While we have some very fine restaurants in Ojai Valley, including the Ranch House, Suzanne's, Bodee's, Azu, Feast Bistro, Auberge and others, none match the exquisite dining experience of Maravilla.

Black truffle risotto, lobster bisque, apple rosemary and a tour of the kitchen after the jump.

Continue reading "Marvelous Maravilla at the Ojai Valley Inn" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:57 PM | Permalink | author bio

I walked into Rainbow Bridge, the local health food Store and Deli and was happily greeted by college age Lindsey, Heather & Kristen at the registers, “How ya doing Dvorah?” chirps Lindsey, “I sold one of your books today.” “You want some sample chocolates?” asks Kirsten.

I’m always happy to see them, and feel at home the second I walk in. These beautiful young people who serve so open-heartedly, represent great hope and pride for this New Generation, that’s been so bombarded with sex/porn, drugs and Rockn'Rap.
I walk into the Deli for a bite to eat, and Christian (18-years-old) comes up to greet me behind the counter “Hey Dvorahji!” What can I get you? How’s Lilly?” I make a funny face. (He knows how much I love Lilly). I order a little of everything, and a ginger/coconut smoothie. Danny (a local college student) makes it and doesn’t even wince at my detailed instructions.

I watch Christian’s older brother Oscar help a difficult customer with good humor and a beautiful smile. I feel so proud of them. I notice the two twins Tony and Miguel cleaning the food area, getting ready to make sandwiches. I tease them about liking one more than the other – because he’s better looking. We laugh about it again. I take my meal outside and sit with Lilly. I see Monika & Byonca cleaning the tables, and when they see me they wave their rags. I wave my fork. I watch as Louis drags out a huge bag of garbage and Sharky sweeps up after him. “Dvorah! Whatchadoin’?” asks Sharky cheerfully. Both my thumbs go up, and I ask him about his love life. He gives me a big grin. I assume that mean good news. I’m happy for him. He’s adorable.

I stop for a minute to pick up some vitamins and see Khanun, Vanessa, and Dianne busy answering endless repetitive questions about upset stomach, indigestion constipation, desperation. They don’t roll their eyes once, but patiently continue to offer their knowledge and commitment to alternative health.

Rainbow Bridge has truly become a “Community Gathering Place” and it’s largely because of these wonderful young people and Ernest Niglio, Marianne and Mary Trudeau (the creative brains behind this store) that it works so well. They transformed a prior crammed space, into an open beautifully clean friendly grocery store and deli, where you can meet for lunch, have a snack or just sit and read. Everyone is welcome.

Business is often done with a handshake, and Ernest, the general manager is a frank, honest New Yorker with an Ojai heart beating for peace. I’ve seen him keep his cool and good humor, even when challenged with outrageous requests (that only an educated, health conscious often wealthy clientele can demand). If you want chips from the Himalayas or a dip from the Ganges – well, he’ll try and get them for you, and so will the assistant managers Scott and Richard.

I love coming to Rainbow Bridge and appreciate everyone’s hard work, humor and commitment, especially the “Young, Cool, Kids” who so graciously SERVE us every day. Much Love and a Big THANK YOU to all of you:

Sharon, Susan, Joanie, Heather, Holly, Kim, Lindsey, Kimberly, Kirsten: Tracy, King David, Kelsey, Bill, Naomi, Marie, Louis, Monica, Danny, Danica, Terry, Tony, Miguel, Oscar, Christian, Byanca, Sharky, Patrick, Tyson, Seth, Dianne, Khunan, Vanessa, Jan, and of course, Ernest, Marianne and Mary.
See www.rainbowbridgeojai.com or you can always call 805-646-4017

Posted by Dvorah Adler at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (34) | author bio

Today is January 30th, 2008. It was on this day in 1948 that Mohandas K. Gandhi was shot and killed in Delhi, and it is on this date that we begin the Season for Nonviolence. This 64-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.

In this spirit the Ojai Peace Coalition presents our handy, consolidated, easily-printable, wallet-fittable, fun-to-foldable 64 Daily Reflections Card to keep with you so your commitments to Peace and Compassion are never more than a glance away. Enjoy!

Our first week of reflections are:
Jan 30: Today, I will reflect on what peace means to me.
Feb 01: Today, I will look at opportunities to be a peacemaker.
Feb 02: Today, I will practice nonviolence and respect for Mother Earth by making good use of her resources.
Feb 03: Today, I will take time to admire and appreciate nature.
Feb 04: Today, I will plant seeds--plants or constructive ideas.
Feb 05: Today, I will hold a vision of plenty for all the world’s hungry and be open to guidance as to how I can help alleviate some of that hunger.
Feb 06: Today, I will acknowledge every human being’s fundamental right to justice, equity, and equality.

Posted by evan austin at 01:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

In case you had any doubts about Fox News and you have 10 minutes to spend watching a video exposing their successful effort to squelch their own story about the dangers of bovine growth hormone, here you go......

Thanks to Lanny Kaufer for sending this!

http://www.blinkx.com/burl?v=_PA6ybzbJ9HjYZ8K4bupObjZCCNPvBOm

(I watched the whole thing while I did my morning shoulder stretches...it will wake you up!)

"In essence, the news organization owned by media baron Rupert Murdoch, argued the First Amendment gives broadcasters the right to even lie or deliberately distort news reports on the public airwaves."

Posted by Suza Francina at 05:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Happening in the Valley today and into the weekend: "Bringing Up Baby" at the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center in Oak View begins today (which i can personally vouch for as an excellent parenting/partnering/caregiving experience with real benefit to our community and planet), followed by music, cooking, peace, and theater tomorrow. Saturday sees the 22nd Annual Peddler's Fair, free chiropractic, and tequila tasting. Sunday is all about more eating, more drinking...and supporting Democratic presidential candidate and Ojai visitor Dennis Kucinich.

Continue reading "After the Rain, a Smattering of Headlines" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

We attended the first Village Jester Christmas Dinner and Show. All the tables were seated around 6:30 pm and the place was packed! We first thought we'd be squeezed in at the bar (due to our last minute decision making abilities) but somehow the magical Nigel found us a spot on the porch. All the heaters blazed and the canvas curtains were pulled down. There were two other tables on the porch, one huge table of thirteen I believe -- a couple with their six adult children and various others -- a small table of another family and us. My sister and I brought Santa Hats and Christmas Crackers to decorate the table with. We also had gifts for our two friends who were arriving.

We got our drinks, found our friends and met our fabulous waitress who'd been called in at the last minute due to the influx of diners. Billie Idol and other wacky 80s songs were playing as we got our bearings. Nigel was floating around, making sure everyone was seated and the pre-fix courses began. For vegetarians there was a tofurkey with vegetarian gravy for the entree but all of us opted for the good ole' fashioned turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Continue reading "Christmas Eve at The Village Jester: A Fabulous Small Town Adventure" »

Posted by DK Crawford at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

I've just put together a collection of 12 of the recipes I've made most often this year. All are vegetarian, most take between 40 and 60 minutes to prepare. Mostly straightforward ingredients you can find at our local Farmer's Market and the other stores in town. I'm happy to share if anyone wants them - email me at heather at ojai healers dot com and I'll send them off to you!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Two recent articles in the Ojai Valley News and the Los Angeles Times highlight the ongoing problems created by massive numbers of gravel trucks coming through the Ojai Valley.

The first is from the November 21st edition of the OVN by Nao Braverman in which she reports:

"Traffic threat from Santa Barbara County mines remains..."

"...Two new gravel mine expansion applications have Ojai Valley advocates concerned about an increase in truck traffic. Those community members are fighting to protect the quality of local air, noise and safety, particularly because the valley’s tourist-based economy depends on it…"

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Gravel Mines Eye Expansion and a Clear Pattern of Risk Emerges from Smog" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:49 PM | Permalink | author bio

I was practically inconsolable when Joe said he had sold Pangea to become a dental hygienist (I'm not making this up). When The Village Jester opened in its place, I was skeptical. After all, Bill and I were accustomed to quiet Friday nights, nearly having the bar and conversations with Joe all to ourselves. Occasionally, the projectionist from the movie theater next door would come in to sip from his snifter of brandy, warming on the corner of the bar, and now and then a local incognito celeb would belly up, but otherwise most Friday nights were uneventful. At least, that's how it seemed, since we always headed home before 9 - before things got interesting I'm told.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: The Village Jester" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (29) | author bio

"If a path to the better there be, it begins with a full look at the worst."
--Thomas Hardy

It's a spectacularly beautiful day here in Ojai. Everything looks so fresh and clean after last night's rain. I just had to abandon my desk work to soak up the sight of golden raindrops sparkling on all the leaves. A friend and I took a good brisk walk up Foothill and let the dogs run free in a wide open field. All the while we enjoyed that invigorating feeling that comes after the rain, when the world feels infused with the force of life.

As a yoga teacher I know how good it feels to stretch my limbs. All human beings can understand the pain of being confined in a small space. We know that being out in nature, under the clear blue sky, lifts our spirit.

When I came home I opened my e-mail. The first message I read was from the director of Humane California. It contained an article published in The Reporter,

Continue reading "The Call to Mercy" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Introducing the new Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog, which will feature current actions, archive our action alerts, maintain a set of links for online peace activism, and more! Visit now and let me know what you think about it!

Posted by evan austin at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

FARM presents “SPIRITED CHRISTMAS” CONCERT
featuring JIMMY CALIRE and APRIL HENDRIX
DECEMBER 8, 2007

Foundation of American Roots Music (FARM), the non-profit organization behind Ojai’s famed Bowlful of Blues, will host a fundraising concert in the Ojai Art Center gallery on Saturday, December 8th beginning at 8 p.m. The evening, entitled “Spirited Christmas,” will feature the Jimmy Calire Quartet playing jazz arrangements of Christmas standards from his album of the same name followed by a holiday-themed blues dance with special guest vocalist April Hendrix.

FARM, under the direction of blues impresario Michael Kaufer, hopes to bring back the Bowlful of Blues in the fall of ’08. The group also plans to reinstate its Roots Music-in-the-Schools programs that have reached many Ventura County children over the 20-plus years of the festival’s history. All proceeds from the December 8 event will be applied toward those goals.

Holiday appetizers and an open bar will be available. Admission is $20 per person. Tickets are now on sale at Cardinali Brothers Music, 139 W. El Roblar Dr., Meiners Oaks; Ojai Creates, 606 E. Ojai Ave.; and Ojai House, 304 N. Montgomery St., Ojai. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Businesses are encouraged to reserve blocks of seats early for holiday staff parties by calling FARM’s information line at 646-7230. For more information, go to www.bowlfulofblues.com.

Bowlful of Blues staff and supporters invite the community to bring in the holiday season in a swinging fashion while helping FARM bring back Ojai’s own Bowlful of Blues!

Continue reading "FARM presents "Spirited Christmas", December 8th" »

Posted by evan austin at 09:46 AM | Permalink | author bio

Is Caring for a Small Child a Sustainable Venture?

We’d better hope so. And it would appear that it is, given humankind’s long (though arguably non-illustrious) history on this planet; however, i’m wary of confusing “sustainability” with simple “strength in numbers”. Perhaps the human marketplace has simply been over-saturated with product long enough to give the appearance of staying-power, a perilous condition which we are on the fraying edges of now.

So how do we do it? How do we perpetuate our species – more of a social exercise than a biological or evolutionary necessity – in a way that’s healthy for both us and our planet? Here are some of my family’s solutions and opportunities:

• Much of Noa’s fabric environment is organic, sustainably-produced cotton. YES it’s more expensive than the planet-killing alternatives, and we’re very grateful that we have the means to invest in this way. to have the means to choose life and still choose death would be a tragedy. [hint: read into this as deeply as you dare] Terramor in Meiners Oaks is a great local source, as is the EarthPlay Eco Store at 900 East Ojai Ave.

• as we (slowly) use up the chemicals that populate our under-sink areas, we’re replacing them with eco-friendly options that sterilize countertops but not people. A simple Google search will yield over 56,000 resources, including simple cleaning recipes you can make yourself. Trader Joe's also has life-friendly cleaning supplies, and Plan-It Hardware is a good resource for businesses who want to offer green products (great website to send your favorite hardware, paint, and cleaning supplies retailer to!). Green Thumb in Ventura is listed as a planet-friendly place.

• CLOTH DIAPERS! They’re back, and better than the ones you remember: snazzy covers, no pins, and all the feel-good you can handle. seriously, we researched this decision a lot, and it comes down to this:
- Natural cloth on our baby’s skin, not a petroleum-based techno-diaper.
- While there is industrial-level energy expended to create cloth diapers AND to wash them over and over, it does not overpower the energy used to create plastic planet-chokers NOR is there the hidden cost of the space needed to store massive piles of dirty diapers.
- There is no diaper service for Ojai (a diaper service would rent you the cloth diapers, pick up and wash your dirties, and deliver you clean ones each week). This type of business is a dying breed, because of the ultra-convenience of eternal plastic pants. So, we’re washing them ourselves. Right now while Noa’s breastfeeding, it’s a pop-em-in-the-washer affair for two cycles (one cold and soapless, the other hot and with a minimal amount of Trader Joe’s biodegradable powder soap), then hang ‘em on the line to dry. The sun, baby: dries ‘em, warms ‘em, sterilizes ‘em...all for free.
- No pins! Today’s cloth diapers are held together with some variation of the Snappy: a three-armed stretchy fastener (elastic/plastic, yes) with tiny teeth. works like the metal clip that fastens most Ace bandages.
- Cloth diapered babies toilet train sooner than their petroleum-dipped counterparts because the cloth doesn’t wick the waste magically away from the skin and give a false sense of comfort. This means less diaper-using overall.
- Cloth diapering is cheaper over the diapered career of the child. While the initial investment is higher (we paid over $200 for our startup kit), the prolonged and consistently expensive graph for plastics will overpower the cloth’s more moderate trajectory soon enough.
- Overall, using cloth diapers is a) much easier than people are afraid it's not, and b) so very gratifying to know that somewhere, there’s not a giant pile of plastic and crap with your name on it.

CONTINUE FOR MORE!

Continue reading "Sustainable Child" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

So, I might be overstepping a line or two [everyone's going to have their favorite coffee shop!], but I want to talk briefly at one of the local businesses I frequent - the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company.

Known under various aliases such as: The Coffee Shop, Stacey's place, The Roaster, (or The Roasters), That Coffee Shop across from that little cafe (one of my favorites)

I was in earlier this week, and Stacey made the announcement, "We're now serving salads and sandwiches." And, it turns out appetizers as well!

We've had lunch there twice this week, here's a picture of a salad we enjoyed...

Posted by Jason Womack at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

...are not a new kind of underwear.

• Tomorrow (Oct 4) could be a busy day for the new parent with a love for the environment, pets, and jewelry: Hit up the first of six weekly baby-nurturing gatherings at the newly-opened Nan Tolbert Nurture Center from 11am-12:30, then pop over to Gem Quest Jewelers for their liquidation sale until 4pm, followed by a Blessing of the Animals at St. Thomas Aquinas from 4-6pm. Cap the evening off with a Green Coalition Waste Management Committee Meeting at 7pm!

>>read on for more!

Continue reading "Ojai News Briefs" »

Posted by evan austin at 06:38 PM | Permalink | author bio

Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, with co-sponsorship by the Ventura College International Studies Program, presents the 4th annual Earth Charter Summit Celebration and Awards on Saturday October 13, 2007 at 3pm at Ventura College's Guthrie Hall. [get map] The event is FREE and includes refreshments, live music by Inlakech Cultural Arts Center Mariachis, and vocalist Emy Reynolds - winner of the recent Battle of the Bands!

Continue reading "Earth Charter Summit Celebration in Ventura" »

Posted by evan austin at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Tyler Suchman named by Pacific Coast Business Times as one of their 2007 selections for top "40 Under 40" Business Leaders.

(Tyler Suchman, left; with Jerry Kaplan, right, at "Stop the Trucks" rally)

Tyler Suchman founded The Ojai Post and runs The Ojai Network, a collective of Ojai sites focusing on community and culture. His consulting company, Tribal Core, provides internet strategy, online marketing and search engine optimization services.

Continue reading "Congratulations, Tyler!!!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

The heat is off, and the sixth anniversary of 9/11 has just passed. Today's common thread: Diversity.
Take a look at the variety of things going on in our Valley lately!:

• Wilma Melville, founder of locally-headquartered National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, receives a $100,000 Purpose Prize for her efforts to help the two- and four-legged, which will be used to build a centralized local training center.
See and hear her story here.

• The Ojai Valley Green Coalition drew over 125 people to its most recent meeting, the purpose of which was to organize volunteers into action committees for food and agriculture; alternative energy; building and construction; environmental health; waste management; transportation; and water and land use. Per the OVN, the remaining committee meetings are as follows:
- Food and Agriculture Committee will meet Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the old Honor Farm, a.k.a. new Help of Ojai West Campus on Baldwin Road.
- Energy Conservation Committee will meet Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at a location to be announced.

LOTS more after the jump!

Continue reading "Valley of Diversity" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

This terrific online five-part video series by Peter Jennings explores how the food industry spends billions of dollars to sabotage your health.

Jennings also takes a critical look at our government's agricultural subsidy programs, and their unintended consequences on your nutritional choices and health. For example, sugar and fat receive 20 times more government farming subsidies than fruits and vegetables. Does this oversupply of fats and sugars, compared to fruits and vegetables, affect your food choices?

Some statistics, implicating both the food industry and the government as co-creating factors in the obesity epidemic, include:

* In 2002, consumers spent $174 billion on processed foods.
* 90 percent of foods marketed each year are processed foods.
* Last year, 2,800 new candies, desserts, ice-cream, and snacks were introduced to the marketplace, compared to 230 new fruits or vegetable products.
* The food industry spends $34 billion per year marketing their products.
* $12 billion is spent marketing to children.

The food industry is quick to point out that the choice is always yours (and it is, yet it is more difficult to make informed choices when the spin doctors are influencing the mass decisions, especially if you're a child)-- they're not making you buy something you don't want. They also want to blame the obesity problem on people's unwillingness to exercise.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

In celebration of the United Nations' International Peace Day, the Ojai Valley community presents a weekend of special events from Friday September 21 through Sunday September 23 entitled Living Peace in Ojai!

Convened by the Retreats of Ojai, the Ojai Peace Coalition, the Ojai Interfaith Alliance, various yoga centers, and many other volunteers, and underwritten by Casa Barranca and Glen Muse, the Living Peace in Ojai weekend is a coming together and celebration of our oneness, to explore and exemplify how we can activate and express Living Peace in ourselves and in our beautiful community every day, to help heal our fragile world.

If you would like to help in any way, please email info@livingpeaceinojai.com or call 805.715.7976!

The schedule of events includes:

Continue reading "Living Peace in Ojai!" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (34) | author bio

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition put out the call for volunteers this evening at the Go Green: Next Step meeting at Chaparral Auditorium. The response was tremendous, with over 130 citizens coming out to join a committee, buy a t-shirt and contribute to the community they love. Give yourself a big round of applause for being a part of the solution. Our work has just begun.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Ojai rejects ban on chain stores in downtown (VC Star)
By a 4-0 vote, the council rejected the [chain store] proposal and sent the matter back to the Planning Commission for revision — an outcome largely embraced by citizens and business owners who have debated the issue for weeks. (hat tip to Kenley)

Water rate hike OK'd for farmers (VC Star)
The Casitas Municipal Water District board Wednesday voted unanimously to raise water rates for farmers by 53 percent, citing repair needs. More than 30 farmers packed the district boardroom to oppose the increase, saying it will help drive them out of business, thereby changing the rural, agricultural feel of the Ojai Valley. (hat tip to Kenley)

How to Eat (and Read) Close to Home (NY Times)
What began five years ago as one publication that tried to tell the citizens of Ojai, Calif., everything they ever wanted to know about the food and wine in their community has turned into a network of 33 Edible magazines across the country. Each of them offers readers culinary news tailored to where they live. (hat tip to reader Rae)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

File this one under "food," or "music," but the combination is well worth it.

Last week Bill and I were looking to mix-up our Friday date-night routine and ended up at Farmer and the Cook. We heard their pizza was unparalleled and had noticed the new patio was attracting quite a crowd on the weekends. Maybe it was the beer and wine license kicking in or the addition of musical entertainment. We didn’t need much of a reason to check it out and I’m so glad we did.

When we arrived, looking somewhat bewildered I’m sure at the gathering scene, Nicole caught us with a friendly smile and a couple of menus and escorted us to a table. She asked our names and told us the food was excellent. Simple gestures like that are usually a sure sign we’re going to have a great evening.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Farmer and the Cook, Fred Schmitt" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:53 PM | Permalink | author bio

Click To Play

About this time last year, Jessie and i were grumbling all the way to Vegas. We were on our way to celebrate the combined birthdays of some dear friends with some college-style shenanigans, drinking, costumed theme nights, and general foolishness in a neon-lit adult playground in the desert, but we were ALSO missing Jack Johnson playing literally down the street from our home at Locally Grown 1. So this year, with the bill of Perla Batalla and Brett Dennen to lure us, we had our brown paper tickets nice and early. Vegas can wait (and it helps to have a newborn).

We arrived just in time to hear MC Claud Mann welcoming everyone, and Battle-of-the-Bands fourth place winners The Imaginative Clams took the stage as we found a good spot to sit in the elite (as designated by the colored bracelets and plastic chains) "Front Lawn" section. i gazed sadly backward at the row of faces that made up the front of the "Back Lawn" section with the Five Man Electrical Band's "Signs" playing in my head over whatever Avant Garage or The Philosophy were sharing from the stage. And then it happened: Emy Reynolds began to play.

Continue reading "Special Feature: Locally Grown 2" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Ojai Post readers, there's a whole lot more going on here than the Zaca fire! We've got a big event this weekend, the Locally Grown Concert, and it is being touted as a green event.

"Ojai's Libbey Bowl is going substantially greener for Food For Thought's benefit concert featuring Perla Batalla and Brett Dennen," announced event coordinator, Marty Fujita.

The event, Locally Grown 2, which features not only Batalla and Dennen, but the winners of the August 4th Ojai -Ventura youth Battle of the Bands competition, will benefit Food for Thought's farm-to-school program which educates children about healthy food choices and the importance of good environmental stewardship. Food For Thought's programs are in six of the seven schools of the Ojai Unified School District. The program also works with OUSD Food Service to introduce as much fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce into school meals as possible.

"We want this event not only to raise money for our program, but to be a model for how we can do large events, and keep our carbon footprint as small as possible. We may not be 100% green for this event, but we will be reaching for that standard," added Fujita.

Continue reading "Food For Thought Ojai's Locally Grown Concert Goes Green!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Kudos to Karl, owner of Oak Tree Restaurant and Bakery for a great little locally owned eatery. I've had a couple excellent meals there in the last few days. On Sunday, Karl whipped up a garlic and shallot-infused egg and cheese croissant for a late breakfast. Today, I had a fresh roasted turkey sandwich with pesto on nine-grain bread, accompanied by a mixed green salad with shredded carrots, tomatoes, homemade croutons and a honey lemon vinaigrette. And both days I walked away with an expertly crafted pastry to share with a friend. Try Oak Tree if you haven't already!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Four Youth Bands to Open Locally Grown Concert at Libbey Bowl in Ojai

Continue reading "Food For Thought Announces Battle of the Bands Winners!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Glenn Emanuel's remembrance ceremony was yesterday at the gazebo in Libbey Park. When i arrived at a few minutes before 4pm, there were but a handful of people gathered, most of whom were busily setting up easels of pictures and arranging chairs and sound equipment. within minutes, the gathering swelled to a strong crowd that read like a who's-who of the Ojai Valley...i saw Sid and Sheila Cohn, the Al-Awars, Jim Calire, John Azevedo, Noel Douglas, Peggy La Cerra, and dozens of other very familiar faces that i personally dont even have names for.

we opened with music and prayer, and elegant and heartfelt stories and reflections were shared by friends and family. as seems to be so often the case with those who leave us, these served to describe a person whom it feels beautiful to remember, but - as my wife observed as we solemnly left - whom we wish we'd known better while he was here. it's clear that Glenn loved us all, and that we all loved him no matter how large or small our piece of his experience.

i believe that Cheri Mason-Emanuel's son said it best when he introspected that Glenn never seemed sad...always happy. and so it hardly feels appropriate to be sad that he's gone; we can only be happy that he was here.

"Glenn was here", etched with care into the picnic tables of our minds and hearts. Ojai - and the world - are better for it.

Posted by evan austin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

This post is all over the place, but it's been a typical week in Ojai where I run into all sorts of interesting people and great food. I found the perfect sandwich, enjoyed a great evening of side-splitting laughter and met an inspiring and courageous woman - all right here in our little valley.

Dishing Ojai: Oak Tree Café and Bakery:
I have finally found the perfect sandwich in Ojai at the Oak Tree Café and Bakery at the corner of Fox and Ojai Avenue. I had the broiled open-faced tomato and mozzarella sandwich with olive tapenade spread and Bill had the albacore tuna salad sandwich with pesto spread (he threatened to order it "Mike’s Way," but I stopped him). Both were accompanied by a terrific salad tossed with shredded carrots, parmesan, tomatoes, their homemade croutons (which they sell by the bag) and choice of honey lemon or balsamic vinaigrette. We sat outside under a shady pepper tree sipping sun-brewed iced tea and devoured every bite. Oak Tree started as a small bakery and coffee stop down on Hwy. 33 in a converted ATM drive-thru selling the most amazing pastries. They still have the pastries, but you’ve got to get there early to enjoy them.

More Dishing Ojai starts here.

Read-on to find out about local comedy and a solo theatrical performance...

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Oak Tree Cafe, Theater 150 & Bodies Unbound" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:55 AM | Permalink | author bio

Follow me if you will on a little rambling journey where I touch on Battle of the Bands, New Content on Radio Ojai, Time Warner Cable Sucks, Best of Ventura County, Walking for Fitness...

Battle of the Bands deadline extended to 7/20!
As you already know from the press releases I have placed on these pages, Food For Thought is sponsoring a local Battle of the Bands for youth in Ojai and Ventura. The three winning bands will open the Locally Grown fundraising concert on August 25 at Libbey Bowl featuring headliners Brett Dennen - currently touring with John Mayer - and Perla Batalla – Grammy nominated vocalist and Ojai resident. The event will be the second Locally Grown fundraiser for Food For Thought Ojai; the first concert in 2005 featured singer/songwriter Jack Johnson.

The Battle of the Bands is open to youth ages 13-20 from Ojai and Ventura, and will take place August 4th and 5th at the Matilija Junior High School Auditorium from 10am – 5pm. Bands performing all varieties of music, from straight edge and punk to jazz and acoustic, are encouraged to enter. In addition to opening the Locally Grown 2 concert, the three winning bands will also be able to record their chosen song in a professional sound studio and receive free CD copies of the recording.

Entry forms and a sample recording must be submitted by July 20. Rules and other information can be found on the Food For Thought Ojai Web site.

New Content on Radio Ojai
Speaking of Food for Thought, at last weekend’s screening of The Real Dirt on Farmer John, Lesley Littlefield performed her song, “Oranginess,” which you can now listen to on Radio Ojai.

Continue reading "Several Random Thoughts: Bands, TW Cable, Radio Ojai, The Best & Walking" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Feast Bistro’s new summer menu is out and it is tasty. We tried the Asian Appetizer with summer rolls, spicy sesame noodles and grilled shrimp – really fresh and flavorful. Chef Susan also created a cioppino, but with an Ojai twist; the orange-saffron broth turns this traditional seafood stew into a local favorite.

After dinner we moseyed on over to Movino, where a local band was playing all original material for the Ojai wine-sipping crowd. Champagne Sunday’s lead singer, Jessi Reems-Terrell, reeled us in with her unbelievable vocals while the other two members of the band kept us there for an entire set with solid harmonies and brilliant hooks. I was so taken I begged them to let me put “Ventura Sky” on Radio Ojai, where it is now playing.

Also on Radio Ojai, Matt gives me his grilling secrets and we talk about Ojai’s quirky 4th of July parade. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be celebrating Independence Day atop one of Joe’s new cushy barstools in front of Pangea!

Lastly, check out the current Ojai Valley Visitors Guide, now on newsstands until the end of summer, for a progressive dining adventure down Ojai Avenue which includes Azu, Movino, Pangea and Feast Bistro.

More Dishing Ojai here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:19 AM | Permalink | author bio

Food For Thought Ojai is sponsoring its second Locally Grown fundraising concert on August 25 at Libbey Bowl. The concert will open with winners of the Battle of the Bands which takes place earlier in the month, then follow with headliners Brett Dennen - currently touring with John Mayer - and Perla Batalla – Grammy nominated vocalist and Ojai resident. The event is a fundraiser for Food For Thought Ojai, a nonprofit organization that brings nutrition education, garden-based learning and environmental and agricultural awareness to students of Ojai’s public schools. The first Locally Grown concert in 2005 featured singer/songwriter Jack Johnson.

“This is a great way for us to get our message out to the community,” said Marty Fujita of Food for Thought Ojai. Funds raised will go toward programs that promote good childhood nutritional practices, farm-field trips, school garden programs and salad bar lunches that feature locally-produced, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Continue reading "Food For Thought Brings Locally Grown Concert Back to Libbey Bowl!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Food for Thought, the Ojai Healthy Schools Program, is addressing a couple issues at the School Board meeting tonight, where next year's Nutrition Services program and budget are on the agenda.

The meeting begins at 7 pm and is held at Ojai Unified School District Board Room, Room #1, 414 East Ojai Ave. - across from Azu, behind the Chaparral Auditorium.

A letter from Food for Thought after the jump:

Continue reading "Food for Thought" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From a press release submitted by Food for Thought Ojai:

No, it’s not about the sausage company.

The Real Dirt on Farmer John is a movie about Illinois farmer John Petersen and his decades-long struggle to wrest right livelihood from his family’s farm. Winner of over 30 festival awards, this film has it all – life, death, sex, terrorism, art, failure, success. Helped along by the fact that his mom started taking 16 mm movies of the family when John was a child, and by the fact that John is an artist as well as a bred-in-the-bones farmer, this movie reaches far beyond any normal expectations of a documentary about a mid-western farmer.

Presented by Food for Thought Ojai, the Ojai Film Society, and Slow Food Ojai/Ventura. The Real Dirt on Farmer John will show Saturday and Sunday, June 30-July 1, at 4:30 pm at the Ojai Playhouse in downtown Ojai. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors and students at the door.

Farmer John Petersen will be at BOTH screenings for Q & A.

Continue reading "Farmer John Brings the Real Dirt to the Ojai Playhouse" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

THE GRAVEL TRUCK THREAT: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW? Until two years ago most gravel, the prime ingredient of both concrete and asphalt, came from quarries in Oxnard. Those closed and are being transformed into a residential area now known as Riverpark.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Questions & Answers" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From the Sacramento Business Journal, Subway to flood area with 65 more shops:

Subway Restaurants, which dominates the local sandwich market, plans to stay on top by opening 65 new stores in the Sacramento area over the next five years. Duplicating a strategy that works for Starbucks, Subway plans to flood the region with stores. The company is negotiating leases for 10 new stores in Sacramento and is eyeing more locations.

"Our business model is to be everywhere," said Shawn Hazeghazam, director of real estate for Cal-Neva [Subway]. "There are a lot more opportunities in this area."

From vegsource.com, Subway Versus the Vegan Café:

If the Subway Corporation has its way, its questionable business tactics may just succeed in destroying the lifelong dream of two brothers who pooled their life savings - and those of their families - to create a delicious haven for vegans in the Detroit/Grosse Pointe area.

The good news is that those of us in the vegan and vegetarian community may be able to help prevent that from happening.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Our own Kenley Neufeld is front and center in a VC Star story entitled Ojai debates chain retailers; Officials to consider 45-day moratorium (free reg req.).

Kenley Neufeld's Ojai is a place where people swap family stories and recipes at the farmers market and where the local pharmacy has existed since 1891. It's a place where people take their pet geese on walks using leashes, or jog with their llamas. A place where a cup of joe at Java & Joe is actually made by Joe.

It's not a hub for Subway, the fast-food giant that pumps out its familiar sandwiches in more than 27,000 outlets spanning 86 countries. Neufeld, a longtime Ojai resident, is pushing for a ballot initiative to keep chains like Subway, Starbucks Coffee and Gap out of Ojai. He and others say chain stores threaten to ruin the personality of their colorful area. "Ojai has a unique, natural beauty," Neufeld said, "and I would like to keep it that way."

It's really great to see Kenley get the recognition he deserves for his contribution in bringing this story to the community. A minor quibble, but it would be nice if writer Kevin Clerici actually mentioned The Ojai Post by name with a link, considering we broke the Subway story and the Jersey Mike's story, not to mention the unattributed local flavor quips he lifts from Heather McKenzie's Only in Ojai post...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

What no cage? and they even have beaks!

In early March I posted a story about the dialogue between Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market.

I just finished reading Pollan's book and not only is it an informative glimpse into the un-nature of our industrial food industry it is really an entertaining read as well. Here is an excerpt from a Mother Jones magazine article; http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2006/05/no_bar_code.html

It begs the important issues of what IS organic, how it has been coopted by the USDA, the importanced of buying, eating, supporting local and becoming aware of the food chain that occurs starting with the sun and ending in your belly, or actually the water treatment plant.

The premise of the book is best spoken in Pollan's own words:

Continue reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Hi Everyone,

Last night's PrimeTime special on "Planet Earth 2007" concluded with Diane Sawyer standing in a huge room packed floor to ceiling with plastic bags and paper towels to demonstrate just how many disposable products most of us in the modern world will use in a lifetime. Unfortunately, she failed to tell viewers just how easy it is to bring a stash of cloth bags to the market, much easier even than leaving the car at home for trips under three-miles. Yes, right along with a Chain-Store Ordinance, Ojai needs a Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance, like the one they have in San Francisco.

The following editorial first appeared in the April 11, 2007, Ojai Valley News, and the next day, as I stood in line at the Post Office and walked around town, at least six people, all highly-conscious, aware, progressive fringe-element types (and I mean this as a compliment since it is well-documented that most change in society begins with those of us on the fringe) told me how "guilty" my editorial made them feel. So, in case you missed it, I'm taking the liberty of posting it here.

Continue reading "It's Easy Being (Plastic or Paper) Bag Free!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Have you ever gone on a progressive dining adventure? The VC Reporter's 2007 Dining Guide is now on newsstands, and on page 18, you can read about the course-by-course progressive dine around Bill and I went on recently in downtown Ventura. I was thinking it would be fun to come up with something similar here in Ojai, like starting at Movino's and ending at Pangea. Any other ideas out there? I'm guessing Jersey Mike's to Subway is out!
More Dishing Ojai here.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 06:08 PM | Permalink | author bio

The following comment was left a few minutes ago on the Where Subway Is And Isn't thread. I called Ernest Salomon and confirmed that it was in fact he who left the comment.

Dear Tyler:
I want to inform you that one of your metally [sic] ill followers defaced our building last night. If destroying property is the object of your crusade against Subway, then I suggest that you use the following as your slogan:
WE HAVE TO DESTROY IN ORDER TO BUILD!
Posted by: Ernest Salomon | April 18, 2007 10:15 AM

I'll keep this brief. If by followers, you mean readers, then yes, we have lots of them - over 1,700 a day. I do not know if the person that committed the vandalism was a reader of The Ojai Post, and neither do you. That person might have got their information from a neighbor or from the Ojai Valley News or the OV Voice or the VC Star or simply saw the giant SUBWAY COMING SOON! banner in the window of the storefront.

I do not in any way condone destroying or defacing public or private property. It's not the way I go about effecting change, and it is not something that I suggest any of our readers do either. If we successfully stop Subway and other national chains from coming into Ojai, it is because the people have spoken as a majority, and the City of Ojai's officials have listened and responded.

UPDATE, 1:40PM:

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (34) | author bio

A year ago, WAL*MART announced plans to aggressively move into the organic food market. Soon, customers would be snapping up any of a bounty of 400 organic products - healthy living for the masses. Forget exploited overseas child labor, no employee health insurance, government subsidies and soul-sucking drudgery - now WAL*MART is selling organic! Welcome, former Whole Foods shoppers!

Continue reading "Organic food confined to PR for WAL*MART?" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Hope you are enjoying your gloomy Saturday in Ojai... There is a nice article in Canadian publication The Star Phoenix on the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Money quote:

With a 360-degree view of the dramatic mountain range, the 89-hectare Spanish colonial- style resort is nestled snugly within the valley. The air is noticeably fresh -- if not sweet -- compared to L.A. several hundred metres below.

With complimentary valet service, we leave our car behind and forget it exists until check-out two days later. The attention to detail is beyond expectation -- especially after having just disembarked an Air Canada flight where the menu selection is no longer chicken or beef, but water or orange juice, with the option to buy an overpriced, nearly naked, six-inch Subway sub.

Get it? Ojai is a place that people come to from around the world to get away from Subway. By preventing the urgent moratorium and allowing the Subway franchisee to file for the necessary permits, Joe DeVito has single-handedly torpedoed the very perception of what Ojai is.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Thanks to Kenley for submitting this initiative and exposing himself to a potential lawsuit from the City. Barring any attempt by the Council to thwart Democracy once again and sue Kenley like they did Jeff Furchtenicht, Monte Widders and the city have 15 days to return the initiative to us with a Ballot Title and Summary so we can begin gathering signatures. Another SLAPP suit by the City seems unlikely now because the ACLU has come out against their previous SLAPP suit in court. Then again, they did file a cross appeal against the ACLU. Who knows what moves them to do what they do? At least they appear to be making the right noises against Subway now. At any rate, this is how things progress from here.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Sean P. Keenan" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Did you see this month's issue of Sunset magazine? There is a lengthy article about Ojai's locally grown food (interesting given Subway-gate), celebrating local growers, chefs and restaurants. One of my favorite spots, Feast Bistro, gets a mention, along with Boccali's, Auberge, Suzanne's, Bodee's (who gets dinged for slow service, which IMHO hits the nail on the head) and The Ranch House. They also pay a visit to our local wineries, Friend's Ranch and the Farmers' Market. It's a great on-line read, but do pick-up a copy because the photos are gorgeous.

Click here for other Dishing Ojai columns.

In other news...

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Sunset Mag Dishes Ojai!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Subway Native Diet: The Natural Ideal style of eating vegetable.

Subway the dominant sandwich shop in the US is now available in over 74 countries. Here in Japan, we serve Subway sandwiches as a new style of Native Diet. This simply means that Subway sandwiches are the Natural Ideal style of eating Vegetables. We hope to spread this form of Native Diet to create a healthy living for both humans and the environment.

...from a local Subway in Japan, courtesy mediatinker.com. I had no idea that shredded iceberg lettuce and pesticide infused tomatoes and onions are the Natural Ideal. I've learned something from all of this!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Subway image courtesy of Omar Phillips

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

Arising from the ground where O-Hi Frostie stood will be a new development on Ojai Ave. between Blanche and Canada from Ron Polito. Lease agreements are being generated for an opening in September. According to Mr. Polito, three lease agreements have been signed with local businesses looking to move to a more visible location. Some may be happy to hear that one of the new leases is for Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill, currently located at 535 E Ojai Ave. One of the reasons Jim & Rob's is moving is because Sea Fresh Seafood , owner of the 535 E. Ojai Ave., is looking to expand their business.

At the new location, Jim & Rob's are planning to add a soft serve machine, have mostly indoor seating, and expand seating to about a dozen more then their current location. Many of you know that I am a strong advocate against chain store businesses coming into Ojai and that we need to support our local businesses. In my opinion, if we look to the future rather than dwelling in the past, this is a positive move for Jim & Rob's and indicates a positive aspect to the new development project. I have encouraged Mr. Polito to participate in this forum and perhaps share with us who some of the other tenants might be for the entrance to downtown Ojai. Consider the words of Tyler.

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Steve and Olivia of Farmer and the Cook had an early Equinox party tonight to celebrate sunlight, good friends, vegetables, and the successful launch of their CSA program. You can now have a box of the most beautiful fresh picked organic produce pulled from the ground just for you to pick up once a week. To get on the program, call Steve at 805.640.9608 or email him at: farmerandcook@gmail.com. Thank you for the great time tonight and always. xo k

Posted by Kira Ryder at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

If you had the choice to buy local non-organic produce or oragnic non-local produce which would you buy? This and other questions were addressed in Berkeley last Tuesday, Feb. 27 by Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivor's Dilemma and John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market.

Here's is an excerpt from a this dialogue called "The Past, Present and Future of Food" sent to me by local Ojai John Roulac, Nutiva Hemp Foods.

Michael Pollan, Whole Foods' John Mackey usher Berkeley foodies into 'ecological era'

By Bonnie Azab Powell, NewsCenter | 28 February 2007
topkey Webcast: "The Past, Present and Future of Food" | 2 hours 4 minutes

BERKELEY – Why on earth would 2,000 people turn out on a rainy, blustery evening to hear a conversation between a reporter and a grocer? asked the former of the latter at a sold-out Zellerbach Hall Tuesday night (Feb. 27).

Continue reading "Mickael Pollan, Whole Food's Owner Dialogue" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:06 AM | Permalink | author bio

I'm always advocating a vegetarian diet and lots of raw food. Here's a novel approach to convincing people - and preliminary data that shows that this diet can decrease cholesterol as much as statin drugs.

From Claire Heald of the BBC, via the Organic Consumers Association:

What if humans cast aside processed foods and saturated fats in favour of the sort of diet our ape-like ancestors once ate? Nine volunteers gave it a go... and were glad they did so.

Being locked in the zoo and offered bananas to eat is the kind of extreme diet scenario to wake some of us screaming in the night. But that was how a group of volunteers opted to try to cut their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Continue reading "Human Guinea Pigs Eat "Ape Diet" for 12 Days, Experience Remarkable Health Improvements" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Seeing as how there are frequent discussions here about organic and locally-grown food, I thought this would be of interest...

From The Independent: "US farming watchdog accuses Wal-Mart of mis-selling":

Wal-Mart, the controversial retailing giant, is under investigation in the US over allegations it is trying to pass off non-organic foods as organic. It has been accused of using misleading labeling that is "tantamount to consumer fraud" by an organic farming watchdog, the Cornucopia Institute. The body has handed its complaints to the US Department of Agriculture.

Nice.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

See you down at the Farmer's Market. Some of my favorites this time of year: a quart of fresh blood orange juice, some vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh watercress and cilantro, butternut squash and Vicki's soap. What's on your shopping list?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

In our beautiful land od Avocado orchards this is quite the dichotomy.

Lawsuit stirs up guacamole labeling controversy

By Jerry Hirsch
Times Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2006

Peanut butter is made from peanuts, tomato paste is made from tomatoes, and guacamole is made from avocados, right?

Wrong. The guacamole sold by Kraft Foods Inc., one of the bestselling avocado dips in the nation, includes modified food starch, hefty amounts of coconut and soybean oils, and a dose of food coloring. The dip contains precious little avocado, but many customers mistake it for wholly guacamole.

On Wednesday, a Los Angeles woman sued the Northfield, Ill.-based food company, alleging that it committed fraud by calling its dip "guacamole." Her lawyer says suits against other purveyors of "fake guacamole" could be filed soon.

Continue reading "Lawsuit stirs up guacamole labeling controversy" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

For those who want to share Ojai’s bounty with friends and relatives who can’t be here for the holidays, why not create the perfect Ojai foodie gift basket and ship it on to them? Here are a few ideas:

Rains has shelves of private label sauces, salsas and mixes, and many local products including:
Ojai Cook’s Lemonaise, $4.
Lavender Scone Mix from local Susan McRae of California Lavender, $6.25.

Rainbow Bridge has lots of goodies, including Ojai’s own Zhena’s Gypsy Teas package in colorful tin canisters for around $6.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Foodie Gifts" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Wired News has an article on Locavores - culinarilly adventurous souls who might host a potluck where every ingredient of every dish must have been grown and processed within a 100-mile radius of their house.

The 100-mile diet is perhaps the quickest and cleverest way to build awareness of food miles, and the pleasures and challenges of local "foodsheds." In just one traditional Thanksgiving dessert, easily assembled at any supermarket, pecans from Georgia fill a pie shell made with Oregon wheat and Wisconsin butter, with corn syrup from Iowa, sugar from Florida, bourbon from Kentucky. If you're eating it in New York, that adds up to some 6,000 miles for one pie -- 14,000 if you splash in some Madagascar vanilla.

Has anyone given this a try in Ojai?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I have so much to be thankful for - my loved ones, my health, my career and living in the best darn town anywhere.

Hope you and yours are enjoying a tofurkey or a deep-fried bird or at least an extra helping of stuffing and cranberries. Happy Thanksgiving, Ojai!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Hey all - come on down to Stir Crazy on Saturday from 3pm til about 4:15 for Cuppa Joe, a casual community get together.

We were mentioned in the VC Reporter this week, but let me add that Cuppa Joe was first proposed by Todd Miller and championed by evan austin and a number of our readers. It's a great idea. See you there, hope you can make it.

[UPDATE: 6:47pm] Thanks to all fifteen individuals for coming on down to Stir Crazy and participating in the very first, but not last, Cuppa Joe. It was great to see a bunch of familiar faces, meet a few new people and exchange some dialogue. Consider this an open thread on the event and how you'd like to see it evolve.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

As you prepare for the winter holidays, I encourage you to consider spreading the love, warmth and compassion of the season to all living beings. Consider that the turkey dinner you are planning for Thanksgiving causes a life of misery and terror. Consider that the turkeys suffer, the people who raise these animals suffer and then you and your loved ones ingest that suffering in the form of white or dark meat.

Continue reading "Compassionate holidays" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

Mario poured a red wine flight for my husband, Bill, and I at Movino on Friday night while he told us he will be cooking at the new Iron Pan on Thursday and Saturday nights. We know Mario’s cooking well, having sampled his culinary gems when he was at Pangea and later at Tutti’s on Main in Ventura, so no arm-twisting was required.

We arrived last night to find not much has changed about the restaurant behind the arcade we last knew as Shangri-La Gourmet, except that the deli cases are gone, leaving the kitchen more open. And if anyone has lost track, in the 7+ years I’ve been here, it was first Matilija Deli, then Sam’s Place, then the No Name Café, then Shangri-La and now it is Iron Pan, a name given by new chef/owner, Marty Nation, for his mother’s cast iron skillet.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Iron Pan" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Heather McKenzie, Colon Hydrotherapist in Ojai, presents Food Solutions, a four-session motivational workshop on creating healthier eating habits.

This course is a new offering, aimed at individuals who know they could be eating healthier but aren’t reaching their goals. McKenzie will provide information about specific choices (such as eliminating allergenic foods like wheat) and each participant will commit to making three changes over the four weeks. Results will be measured quantitatively through checklists of symptoms (such as headaches and irritability) that people may experience due to unhealthy eating.

Continue reading "Food Solutions Workshop" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I've been eating out too much. I think there is some subconscious thing going on with me now that we are settling into fall. You know how bears gorge themselves before they go into hibernation and eat the heads off of the salmon? This is sort of what's happening to me, except for the fish heads, but I haven't completely ruled that out.

It all started when my friend Chris and I started making plans for the traditional observance of our birthdays, which are just one week apart. She wanted her favorite dish from Ojai Cafe Emporium: the Topa Topa Salad.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Pre Hibernation Binge" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Just read a short piece that puts together many of the facts about genetic engineering. Anyone who believes that adults have the right to make conscious choices about the food they put into their bodies should take 5 minutes to read it.

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 04:06 PM | Permalink | author bio

Tune into KZSB AM 1290 (or catch live streaming here, top left corner) tomorrow (Thursday) at 11:00 a.m. to hear my musings with Gabe Saglie, host of the weekly Grapevine radio show. This is my second stab at jockeying on the air about food and wine with Gabe, and I’ll admit I probably sound only mildly better than the infamous Alex Schwetty of SNL fame (remember the Schwetty Balls?), but I must be doing something right because Gabe invited me back.

Here are some of the topics you will hear us talk about on tomorrow’s show:

Continue reading "Return to the Grapevine" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

“I hate August!” I yell this to my husband as soon as I see him cozy up to a pre-season football game. It’s just not fair. It’s summer, I don’t want to hear about football, it’s too early! He is unphased and just gives me a knowing wink as he gently caresses his remote with a tenderness that only a man could have with something that runs on batteries.

Football means chunky, itchy, cable-knit sweaters, mugs brimming with scalding beverages, wool socks and Monday morning water cooler conversations that I will never understand. It also means my significant other will now be spending a fair amount of time swearing at the box.

Continue reading "Summer Slowly Slides Away, as does O-Hi Frostie" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I’ve been talking with lots of clients lately about the importance of breakfast. Many of us don’t have time to sit down and eat or we don’t feel hungry in the morning. However, study after study shows that nourishing your body in the morning improves your metabolism for the whole day. That means better energy, fewer highs and lows, and an improved ability to lose weight if you are on a weight loss program.

Continue reading "Breakfast of Champions" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Starr Market has little itty bitty fresh Key Limes in their produce section, so I thought I would share that tidbit in addition to my husband's recipe for Key Lime Pie - it's super easy and perfect for summer.

Continue reading "Dishing Ojai: Key Limes" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

On Thursday, by a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board moved to accept a staff recommendation to shorten the length of time the Los Angeles Sanitation Districts have to design and build a processing facility to reduce the amount of chloride (salts) they are dumping into the Santa Clara River.

We want to thank Rob Roy and Rex Laird, co-chairs fo the Ventura Water Coalition, for their outstanding leadership and commitment to this issue. Thanks to Supervisors Long and Flynn as well as the many from the Ag industry who came to speak. We also want to thank each of you who sent emails to the Water Board. It was clear yesterday the Water Board was very tuned into the position of Ventura County, not just by the 40 or so people we had in the room and numerous speakers, but also by the response we generated via email and other communications.

The war is not over. We will need to be vigilant as the process moves forward. But it is now clear that the Water Board and LA Sanitation fully understand we are a force to be reckoned with.

My full testimony to the board follows:

Continue reading "Victory at the Regional Water Board!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From Finding Ojai, a new column that follows the food and beverage scene in Ojai, occuring on a semi-irregular basis (that is, whenever the author gets around to it).

All this recent talk about cleansing and fasting has got me famished, so I made my way over to Feast Bistro recently. Feast Bistro has appe