ojai news at The Ojai Post :: blog, newspaper, events in Ojai, California

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 (6) | 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 (36) | 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 (36) | 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 | Comments (0) | 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 (10) | 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 (4) | 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 | Comments (0) | 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 (10) | 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 (33) | 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