The Ojai Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow the Season at ojaipeace.org!

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I think its great that the Ojai Valley News is accepting advertising for medical marijuana. (disclosure: the advertiser approached The Ojai Post, but we've maintained a non-commercial position) It's a viable alternative healing medicine that otherwise would direct people into the clutches of Big Pharma for painkillers, muscle relaxants, anti-nausea medication, etc.

When did the public perception shift enough that a rather conservative publication such as the OVN would accept a medical marijuana advertisement? Was there a tipping point, such as Attorney General Eric Holder’s statement in February that the DEA would end its raids on state-approved marijuana dispensaries? Did El Marijuanero join the OVN board?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Reposted from ojaipeace.org, from OPC member Kris Young:

Dear Friends in the Ojai Valley, and others,

MoveOn.org has invited us to join hands across our Nation on Tuesday, December 8 at 5:30 to vigil for healthcare reform now, entitled “Cost of Delay”. We need to convey the unbearable costs of delaying healthcare reform.

I would be hosting a vigil in Ojai, but I will be in Ventura that evening for an executive board meeting for Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, so I will join the vigil in Ventura.

Please consider standing up for yourself and for us for healthcare reform now by hosting a vigil in Ojai. It is so simple to host one of these events; simple online directions from MoveOn.

Create the vigil for any locality by going HERE!

In health and peace and citizen involvement,
Kris

Posted by evan austin at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

A press release from County Health:

The Ventura County Public Health Department will be holding an H1N1 vaccine clinic, open to the public, at Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Those who will be eligible to receive the vaccine, which is given at no charge, are the following groups: children from the ages of six months to 24-years of age; healthy household of infants under 6 months of age; pregnant women, and adults between the ages of 24 and 64-years of age who have high risk medical conditions, such as lung disease, diabetes and asthma. Also included are medical and health care personnel with direct patient contact.

People not included in these groups have been shown to be at low risk for serious illness from the H1N1 virus.

The novel H1N1 (swine) vaccine, is available for Ventura county residents only. Additional sites where the vaccine will be available can be found on the Health Care Agency website: www.vchca.org/H1N1.

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:50 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE PROMISE OF OUR DARK AGE:
The Wisdom, Strength and Beauty We are Discovering -
A public talk by Joanna Macy
Thursday, October 29, 7pm, The Ojai Foundation
click flyer on left to pop-up full version

Continue reading "Joanny Macy at The Ojai Foundation" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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 (9) | author bio

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

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

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

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

More details about this Restorative Yoga Class:

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

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

It's no use trying to save the world
When I myself am drowning

I sit now under the Great Oak
A tree so strong, so majestic
So silent, so serene

Continue reading "Morning Meditation Under the Great Oak" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

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

Will he be FDR

or will he be Grover Cleveland

It's all up to him.

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

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

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

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

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 | Comments (5) | author bio

Imagine a World Drunk On Love. That's the title of a book recently published by local author Tyson Chul Heinrich. I met Tyson at one of the Ojai Integrity Now! meetings. I was touched by his passion, gentleness, and sincerity. At the time, I had no idea that he was also an author. In his words:

“… through the practice of unconditional love, we can end all pain and suffering. By releasing all negative emotions within our hearts, we can help bring world peace. Only when we choose to share our goods and resources with others, are we able to rid the world of starvation and poverty. We must keep in mind that love has the power to heal. Love will bring balance and harmony to the body, the mind, and the soul, bringing about a feeling of peace, joy, and happiness. Our life purpose, then, would be to walk through this world and to be able to be intoxicate anyone around us with our love."

Continue reading "Thought for the Day: Imagine a World Drunk on Love" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

From the Ventura County Star article by Tom Kishen:

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

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

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

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | 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

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

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 (37) | 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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Teaching Yoga in the Ojai Valley " »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Headlines.

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

Yoga in the Ojai Valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walter Cronkite and Otto Heino pass away, while Mandela, "struggling against aging," celebrates 91.

Even with his spirit 'fading', Mandela's moral authority remains intact which is why Mandela Day aims to promote the values [of] Nelson Mandela long after he is gone.

The global initiative aims to ensure his legacy is maintained and nurtured for the next generation.

Mandela and his charities are using his birthday, July 18, to call on others to do good for others.

Zelda la Grange, Mandela's personal assistant and one of the organizers of the first annual Mandela Day, said: "Mandela gave up 67 years of his life for the anti-apartheid struggle, so we are asking people to give up 67 minutes of their day on July 18."

If you choose to participate, feel free to share a comment.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

"Life is so hard, how can we be anything but kind?" -- Thich Nhat Hanh

Yoga is fundamentally an act of kindness to yourself. All ages and levels are welcome in this new Sunday morning Iyengar yoga class. Please arrive early to discuss any health concerns, injuries, etc.

Sunday 8--9:20 AM (starts July 12, 2009)
Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai

Instructor: Suza Francina, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher

Class Description:

Continue reading "New Sunday Morning Iyengar Yoga Class in Ojai" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

By Ojai author Stephen Mitchell

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

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

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

(The Psalms, translated by Stephen Mitchell)

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

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

Some of you may remember when Deepak Chopra came to Ojai a few years ago. First he spoke to a SRO crowd at the Krotona Institute where he eloquently reminded us of the perennial wisdom, the oneness of all life, and not to identify too much with the various roles we play in this world. For one fleeting moment I almost felt enlightened. I "got it" when he said, "Life is not only stranger than you think, it is stranger than you CAN think."

I'm sure Deepak has his flaws like all human beings, but I am impressed by his astute observations on the human condition. I just finished reading his compassionate tribute to Michael Jackson on the Huffington Post, and felt moved to post it here.

A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

"Michael Jackson will be remembered, most likely, as a shattered icon, a pop genius who wound up a mutant of fame. That's not who I will remember, however. His mixture of mystery, isolation, indulgence, overwhelming global fame, and personal loneliness was intimately known to me. For twenty years I observed every aspect, and as easy as it was to love Michael -- and to want to protect him -- his sudden death yesterday seemed almost fated.

Continue reading "Deepak Chopra: A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Death cuts you off with a very, very, very sharp razor from your attachments, from your gods, from your superstitions, from your desire for comfort . . . So how can I find out, actually, not theoretically, what it means to die? It means to be totally free, to be totally unattached to everything that man has put together, or what you have put together . . . totally free. . . While you are living, every moment you are dying, so that throughout life you are not attached to anything. That is what death means.
-- J. Krishnamurti, public talk, January 1, 1986, six weeks before his death

The Ojai Valley News web site has a spot that lists "RECENT DEATHS." There I read the names of my teachers and classmates from Matilija and Nordhoff... childhood dentists and doctors from long ago...my yoga students.... former mayors and city council members....Ojai activists....old friends and acquaintances... I am aware that someday my parent's name and then my own name....will appear under "RECENT DEATHS..."

Yesterday I got a shock when I suddenly saw the name of Ted Cartee, a man with deep roots in Ojai, a man only a few years older than me. I got on the phone and called one of his longtime friends. Today I read his obituary in the Ventura County Star. I am posting it here. I don't know what else to do. Life goes by in the twinkling of an eye. One brief moment in eternity he and I were carpooling to a meeting at the Government Center. We were laughing, speaking out, celebrating some small victory for Life On Planet Earth. Next moment we drop the body and fly free of this Earthly realm, with all it's joys and sorrows.

Yoga classes end with Savasana, Corpse Pose. Why do we do yoga? We do yoga to fully incarnate and consciously inhabit our bodies. And to prepare for death.

Continue reading "In Memory of Theodore "Ted" L. Cartee, Ojai Activist, Spiritual Seeker, Kindred Spirit" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single Payer – The Way Forward

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

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

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

Refreshments will be available. Small donations always welcome

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

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

Routine enough. Visit the dentist for my semi-annual teeth scraping. Piece of cake. Sure.

Arrive at Dr. J’s on schedule with Sweetie in tow. Hygienist greets me. “Hi Fred, plunk yourself down. Comfy? How about a pillow for your head? You’ve got great teeth. What’s your secret?” OK, fun’s over.

We’re half-way through the scraping with that tool you think will slip and rip your gums to shreds. “Oops. Look at that. Your crown popped off. Good thing it didn’t happen while you were eating.” Ugly thoughts speed through my mind. “We’ll get Dr. J to glue it back in place. No big deal.” Sure.

Continue reading "Open wide..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 09:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Hi all - I asked Mark to write up a post regarding his experience with Parkinson's Disease, and a song he wrote which has been very well received. Give it a read, and check out the song, which is available for download at the bottom of Mark's site.

The PD Song

My name is Mark Solomon. I'm a TV writer/producer. I've lived here in Ojai for 20 years. Many of those years were spent commuting back and forth to the Valley since I was producing such shows as ALICE, GRACE UNDER FIRE and DIAGNOSIS:MURDER. I was also Executive Producer of NEWHART (By the by, I was nominated for an Emmy for writing the now famous LAST NEWHART episode! Unfortunately, I lost to an episode of THE WONDER YEARS about the death of a teacher! Funny stuff! Go figure!)

2 1/2 years ago, I found out I had Parkinson's Disease. I'm still at a very early stage, though I do have tremors in my right arm and leg. It's noticeable and like Michael J. Fox, I tried to hide it. I sucked at it! People could tell something was wrong with me.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Mark Solomon and The PD Song" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

It started innocently enough. Time for Sweetie’s annual mammogram. For the uninitiated, a mammogram involves having your breasts compressed by a mid-Victorian machine that, according to Sweetie, was designed by men who never had the pleasure of the experience.

For more years than I care to count Sweetie has been subjected to mammograms, some of which have been followed by needle biopsies, breast sampling and related invasive procedures. Luckily, none have discovered evidence of the big “C”. In fact, it’s been many years since a breast exploration required anything more than the squishing by the mammo machine, followed by Dr. Jim’s all-clear pronouncement.

Continue reading "Adventures in Health Care...Part 2" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

from Kristofer Young:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kristofer Young, DC

Continue reading "Health Care Reform NOW" »

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

Excerpted from pbs.org:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'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 (1) | author bio

Spent most of Wednesday in the hallway of Community Memorial Hospital. No, they didn’t forget me on a gurney. Sweetie was there for an angiogram.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure, an angiogram is an x-ray that uses a special dye and camera to take pictures of the blood flow in the arteries near and dear to your heart. A little puncture near your groin. A teensy tube inserted in a blood vessel. Noxious dye coursing through your body. Medical exploration of your most private parts. People who have really poopy x-rays sometimes have their chests split open for what is jocularly called triple or quadruple bypass.

Continue reading "Adventures in Healthcare" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Arrive early to register and bring a mat and blanket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by evan austin at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live the life of another species…a dolphin… a butterfly…a tree? Today, my imagination goes underground into the daily life of the gopher.

I am just amazed at the persistence of gophers. No matter how many times her tunnels are destroyed, the little gopher just keeps on digging. I imagine that she does so cheerfully. Well, maybe not cheerfully, but I’m pretty sure she doesn’t start digging a new tunnel full of resentment about the destruction of the former one. I’m fairly certain that when she sees a collapsed tunnel, she doesn’t become angry, frustrated and waste time complaining to herself and others. She’s simply present, digging, one claw-full at a time.

Continue reading "Today My Guru is a Gopher" »

Posted by Brook Montagna at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

The Closing of a Circle
By Francis X Cline

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

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

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

Beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Weekly drop-in support group for mothers and young babies (0-6 months) to receive and share support, practical information, and honoring in your new role as Mom. Topics include newborn traits and behaviors, feeding (breast or bottle), infant and parent sleep, the emotional life of a new mom, and whatever is on your mind and heart this week. A non-judgmental place to share laughter and tears as we Welcome Every Mother and Baby.

Where and when after the break....

Continue reading "Welcome EVERY Ojai Baby" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWO MORE (ONLINE) ACTIONS AFTER THE JUMP!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "What the Bible Teaches About Marriage" »

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

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

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

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

This is the season when we are reminded to give thanks. In the whirlwind of family events, how do we take time for mindful gratitude? One way is with a Gratitude Journal, a special book devoted to listing the things, large and small, that enrich our lives. If you have one that you’ve been neglecting, now is a great time to revisit it. If you don’t, consider finding a few quiet moments each day to list ten things you are grateful for. Choosing to focus on gratitude first thing in the morning creates a positive outlook for your whole day.

Continue reading "On Gratitude" »

Posted by Brook Montagna at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(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

Continue reading "New at Lulu B's..." »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

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

Ventura's Beyond War team, Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, the Peace Coalition of Greater Ventura, and Ventura County Veterans for Peace will dedicate Ventura's first public peace garden and peace pole at the site of the city's historic rallies and marches to end war, as well as hold a commemoration and vigil on the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

SATURDAY AUGUST 9 (NAGASAKI DAY), 1:00PM, PLAZA PARK - VENTURA

Continue reading "Peace Garden Dedication in Ventura" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Former Ojai resident Rob Buckley has been making good progress on his non-profit Himalayan Healers, which we've covered a number of times. The Nepalese spa boutiques are self-sustaining, with two more opening in the fall, and another one opening in Goa, India at the end of this year. The organization is in the process of purchasing land to build a healing arts school and eco-resort. And they have launched a new website, in part to support the first Spa Boutique in Colorado. Check it out, and donations are tax-deductible if you feel so inclined. Good to see Rob pursuing his dreams in the world. (logo by local artist Ali-Sun)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

This just in from Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy:

Saturday, July 19, 2008
9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Ancient Hebrew Chants & Meditation

All are welcomed to participate in this beautiful hour of raising the soul’s journey into love and oneness.

Temple K’Hilat Ha’Aloneem
530 W. El Roblar
Meiners Oaks

Donations to Temple appreciated

Please feel free to bring a prayer shawl.

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:54 PM | Permalink | 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

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

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

I have a friend and colleague who lives in Oak View. She is 33 years old and she is a Type I diabetic - a condition that has caused her to miss lots of work this year. She is scheduled to join Heaven Scent Paws, as an emergency addition to their July program, due to the severity of her condition. Heaven Scent Paws is a non-profit organization that provides "Pawtners" for people with Type I Diabetes, by training Diabetic Alert Service Dogs. They train Diabetic Alert Service Dogs that both detect & alert their partner and support team (parent, spouse, sibling, friend, etc.) to both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in Type I Diabetics. These dogs save lives! She is very excited and hopeful that having a service dog like this will significantly help her better control her diabetes, and be healthier. There will be a Doggie-Thon on June 29th in Ventura, CA. and her goal is to raise $7500 or more for Heaven Scent Paws. I am including a brief testimonial below from one of HSP's recent graduates, Barbara (and her dog, Kora):

Continue reading "Heaven Scent Paws" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | 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

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

Visit the nomination page!

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

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

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in Ojai!

A few weeks ago, I posted a story about the birth of my son, Forty Years Ago, in the Small Town of Ojai
In celebration of Mother's Day, I'd like to share with you the story of the birth of my daughter at the home of Beatrice Wood

Birth and death, the two great mysteries of life, are all but hidden from view in our modern culture. By the time I was pregnant with my second child, I was much better educated about childbirth and realized more fully what I had been up against fourteen years earlier, when I gave birth to my first child at age eighteen.

In the intervening years, while I was studying to be a yoga teacher in San Francisco, the publishers of Yoga Journal organized a conference of pioneers in the birth movement. The panel of speakers presented pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding from a natural and spiritual perspective, in line with yoga philosophy. One of the speakers was the French obstetrician, Frederick Leboyer, author of the revolutionary book, Birth Without Violence .

Continue reading "A Birth Story for Mother's Day" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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

Two things every new mother and mother-to-be should know about:

Pre-Natal Breastfeeding Class
For expectant women and their families, to learn about getting breastfeeding off to a good start, and to introduce the benefits and beauty of the breastfeeding relationship.
Held at the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center in Oak View
Monday, May 12, 7 - 9 p.m.
$25 per person/$40 couple*(*sliding scale available to those who meet financial requirements)
Facilitated by Renee Mandala, MA CD(DONA) CLC
RSVP 646-5685

The Ojai Breastfeeding Helpline
Staffed by lactation professionals, telephone counseling, information and referral are available FREE to our community.
Ojai Breastfeeding Helpline 805.646.5685

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "Winter Soldier Audio Discs Available" »

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

Enriching The Human Spirit Through Film

Ojai Film Festival seeks volunteers for its' 9th annual edition with dates
November 6 through 9 (previously in October).

Host Sponsor for 2008 Festival is the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Volunteers are
sought in all areas. Please contact the film festival office and find out how
you can get involved as a volunteer NOW.

Call now (805)640-1947 or e-mail:
info@ojaifilmfestival.com

Volunteer applications are also available at the film festival office at
111 West Topa Topa by appointment only.
Please phone ahead (805)640-1947.

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Seeks Volunteers -- VIP Tickets Now On Sale" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:19 PM | Permalink | 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

Green Yoga by Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D. and Brenda Feuerstein
View image

It's a beautiful Earth Day here in the Ojai Valley. Yet we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that growing numbers of scientists and biologists are proclaiming that our planet is dying. We who are alive today are living in the midst of an unprecedented ecological crisis in which the fate of our entire planet hangs in the balance. Biologists have labeled this tragedy the Sixth Mass Extinction: Every day, an estimated 150 species are becoming extinct -- an entire species comprising tens of thousands and even millions of individual plants, insects and animals.

As others have pointed out, individual action is both a drop in the bucket --- and potentially, collectively, supremely important.

Green Yoga is a blueprint for how the philosophy of yoga, with its reverence for life and recognition of universal consciousness, provides the spiritual wisdom to enable us to respond intelligently in our daily life.

Continue reading "A Yoga In the Ojai Valley Earth Day Review: Green Yoga" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

Forty years ago, on April 8th, in the small town of Ojai, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy.

It was 1968 and there were no midwives in Ojai, at least none that I knew of. To educate myself I went to Bart’s Books, and found a copy of Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read, one of the fathers of natural childbirth. This book describes the mess obstetrics was making of pregnancy and birth and how fear plays a big part in the pain of labor.

I had never actually seen a baby born, not even on film. But in Holland, where I was born, natural childbirth is the accepted form of delivery. My father had delivered my youngest sister at home and it was natural for me to think I too would simply have my baby at home. I grew up hearing stories about women in Indonesia who gave birth in the rice fields when it was too far to walk home.

Continue reading "Forty Years Ago, in the Small Town of Ojai ..." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) | 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

Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8-9pm local time.

http://www9.earthhourus.org/

Posted by evan austin at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

Continue reading "BEDRIDDEN" »

Posted by Steve Sprinkel at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | 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

At my request, the National Priorities Project, which bills itself as "a 501(c)(3) research organization that analyzes and clarifies federal data so that people can understand and influence how their tax dollars are spent", has calculated war cost data specifically for the City of Ojai (previously the closest data available was for Ventura County).

By the numbers:
Taxpayers in Ojai, California will pay $12.6 million for the cost of the Iraq War through 2007. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:

5,170 People with Health Care OR
22,429 Homes with Renewable Electricity OR
234 Public Safety Officers OR
188 Music and Arts Teachers OR
1,933 Scholarships for University Students OR
1 New Elementary Schools OR
38 Affordable Housing Units OR
4,695 Children with Health Care OR
1,494 Head Start Places for Children OR
190 Elementary School Teachers OR
168 Port Container Inspectors

Posted by evan austin at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (33) | 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

On Thursday, February 28th, Reverend Michael Dowd will be sharing ideas from his recent book "Thank God for Evolution: How the Marriage of Science and Religion Will Transform Your Life and Our World", an epic on evolution written in a spiritual context. See for yourself why Nobel Prize winning scientists and religious leaders across the spectrum are praising his bold new book that builds bridges, provides guidance, and restores realistic hope for people of any religion or belief system.

7:00 PM Thursday, February 28th
Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road.
For more info, call 805-640-8815.

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin--Handstands for Healthy Bones

View image

Photo Credit: Ruth Miller

Today a young woman brought her mother to my Gentle Yoga class. She explained that her mom had never taken yoga before and, as I could see from the mom's rounded spine, that she had osteoporosis. The daughter placed her mom's mat by the wall, alongside the rest of the students, who ranged in age from 62 to 84. The young woman explained that she took yoga from various teachers, and that she was here to accompany and observe her mom. She placed her own mat into a far corner of the room where, I realized five minutes into the class, she thought she would be able to do her own practice.

While my experienced students were hanging in Downward Facing Dog Pose in the lower yoga wall ropes,
View image
I showed the new student (the mom) how to lie down on the floor to relax her back. I put two folded blankets under her head and a ten-pound yoga sandbag across her pelvis. After checking to be sure that her upper and lower body were in line, she rested her lower legs on a chair seat. This is an easy position that passively stretches the back muscles.

It soon became evident that this new older student (the mother of the younger, experienced student), was a quick learner and soon she was practicing Downward Facing Dog Pose with the rest of us. While teaching, I could see the daughter out of the corner of my eye practicing other poses. "You know," I finally said, "This is not going to work. Come over here and take the class with us."

Continue reading "Yoga In the Ojai Valley, Breathe New Life Into Your Bones!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin: Backbends for a Healthy Heart

Continue reading "Yoga in the Ojai Valley - Happy Valentine's Day!" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin: Supported Legs Up the Wall Pose

During the course of a typical day, most people spend 16 hours with the head above the heart and the legs and pelvic area below the heart. Because of this, one of the first poses I teach students of all ages, is "Legs Up the Wall Pose."

Supported Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani in Sanskrit), known as Yoga’s Great Rejuvenator, is a gentle, inverted pose that can be practiced by almost everyone. It is a safe position that most people can hold long enough so that gravity can return the blood from the extremities to the vital organs.

Inverted Poses:The Elixir of Life

Continue reading "Yoga in the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin -- Downward Facing Dog Pose

The Downward-Facing Dog Pose, known in Sanskrit as Adho Mukha Svanasana, is named for the way dogs and other animals naturally stretch their bodies several times a day. The shape of the pose resembles a dog stretching, with the arms and hands stretched out like a dog’s forepaws; the shoulders, spine and chest stretching; and the pelvis and tail bone high up in the air, stretching as far back away from the hands as possible.

When dogs stretch, they do so with great enjoyment--with all their heart and soul and a smile on their face!

Stretching daily in Downward-Facing Dog removes a lifetime of stiffness from the body and develops spinal strength and agility.

Continue reading "Yoga In the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

from reader Kim Sleder...

The Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center is an organization dedicated to the nurture of children pre-birth to three, through inspiring partnerships and community resources that address pre and post-natal wellbeing, infant/ toddler development, and parent education and support.

We are soliciting new program applications/ paid instructors in the fields of early years development, enrichment, play groups, health, prenatal/postnatal, etc. to be offered at the Center.

For more information, please look to our website at www.birthresource.org and contact us at 646-7559. Program application deadline for Spring/Summer is March 7th and classes will begin early May.

***************************************************************************

CONTACT:
Kim Sleder
c/o Ojai Valley Birth Resource and Family Support
at the Nan Tolbert Nuturing Center
555 Mahoney Avenue
Oak View, CA 93022
805-646-7559
www.birthresource.org

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Ventura County Reporter features news story on "Appeal denied in truck violation case."

Bill Lascher, Editor of the VC Reporter, published in this past week's edition a short article on the Gravel Truck battles, which Bill says is the prelude to a much longer story in the coming weeks.

Some excerpts and a link to the full article follow:

….The most recent development came with County planners’ refusal to hear an appeal by Ozena’s owners of a violation of existing conditional use permits…

“We’re opposed to having this town, which is dependent on a tourist economy, education, and the arts, inject industrialization. “It completely obscures and takes away from the heart and soul of what the town is about…”

Continue reading "Stop the Truck: Between a rock mine and a hard place" »

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

Thanks to Peggy LaCerra for sending me this!

"The Best Peace Sign!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85yrIgA4Nk

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

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

A writer friend and I have been gathering quotes about the Ojai Valley. Here's one for this beautiful Sunday morning, from a letter written in 1922 by Nitya (Nityananda), the brother of Jiddu Krishnamurti, to Dr. Annie Besant. Nitya's letter was composed a few weeks after the two brothers first came to Ojai, and began living in the east end, on McAndrew Road.

In a long and narrow valley of apricot orchards and orange groves is
our house, and the hot sun shines down day after day to remind us of
Adyar, but of an evening the cool air comes down from the range of
hills on either side. Far beyond the lower end of the valley runs the
long, perfect road from Seattle in Washington down to San Diego in
Southern California, some two thousand miles, with a ceaseless flow of
turbulent traffic, yet our valley lies happily, unknown and forgotten,
for a road wanders in but knows no way out. The American Indians
called our valley the Ojai or the nest, and for centuries they must
have sought it as a refuge.

Source:
Krishnamurti: The Years of Awakening, London: John Murray, 1975, Shambhala reprint edition 1997, by Mary Lutyens

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Following the trend of Radioheads's new CD, I'm excited to announce that my stress relief & relaxation program, Stillpoint, has been added to the website YogiChocolate. You can download it for the donation amount of your choice.

A little about YogiChocolate: Here you will find downloadable audio mp3s of recorded live yoga classes, meditations, and everything else yoga. All downloads are offered on a completely donation-basis, meaning you give what you can and whatever you think the classes are worth. Sixty percent of donations for these classes is given directly to the teacher.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 02:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

So this is Christmas, And what have you done
Another year over, And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, The old and the young

A very merry Christmas, And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one, Without any fear

And so this is Christmas, For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones, The road is so long
And so happy Christmas, For black and for white
For yellow and red ones, Let's stop all the fight

Posted by evan austin at 07:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Not a new one, but still a good one. Click to listen:

Brett Dennen - They Holidays Are Here (And We're Still At War)

(Lyrics after the jump)

Continue reading "The Holidays Are Here (And We're STILL At War)" »

Posted by evan austin at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

“In the end -- and it will end -- your life will seem to have sped by like a fleeting dream.”
--Doris "Granny D" Haddock

The Winter Solstice is almost upon us. It was this time of year, some years ago, that I rode my bicycle over to Eucalyptus Street to see my old friend Ruth. It was a crisp sunny day and I was not really in the mood to be stuck indoors but Ruth had called to say she had "something important” to tell me.

The moment I stepped inside, I sensed something was up. Shirley, the next-door neighbor who checks on Ruth twice a day, was in the kitchen dumping oatmeal down the sink. She didn’t waste any words telling me what was going on. “Ruth says she’s going to starve herself to death. But I’ll save these oranges, just in case she changes her mind.”

“What?” I asked, “What are you talking about?”

“She messed all over herself again this morning. It’s the third time this week. After I cleaned everything up, she got back into bed and now she says she’s not going to eat or drink another thing.”

Shirley continued, “She might have suffered a stroke. I’m not sure. She’s having memory lapses, but I know she’s serious about this. And she says if she waits much longer she might not have enough sense to make this decision.”

Continue reading "Winter Solstice Liberation" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (27) | 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

Dear family and friends,

As is the case in most presidential elections, our upcoming one is marked by serious and complex issues that We, The People are tasked with deciding the course of. More often than not, these issues are about our common humanity and morality and NOT as shallow as partisan politics, as the media and political machines would have us believe. The most urgent issues facing me this election cycle are
• Iraq – a strategy for ending the war and bringing every soldier home.
• Iran – preventing another unnecessary war by exercising creative and intelligent diplomacy
• Nuclear Weapons – halting the development of a new generation of U.S. nukes, and leading the international community in disarmament.

Some very brief facts about each of these topics:
• Iraq - as of NOW – Saturday December 8th at 9am – there have been 3,886 U.S. troop deaths in Iraq, coupled with tens of thousands of injuries and estimates of up to a MILLION killed Iraqis, and all at a cost to our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of more than $475 BILLION.
• Iran - a recent intelligence report reveals that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program as long as FOUR YEARS AGO, and yet the Bush Administration continues to try to scare us with the threat of a nuclear Iran. Reports are showing that President Bush knew about the cessation of nuclear activities, and yet his administration is currently spinning that data as reinforcement for their belief in imminent danger and fear.
• Nukes - this administration has been pursuing production of new nuclear weapons during its entire term, even though we already have a stockpile of nearly 10,000 Earth-destroying weapons (approx. 1/3 of the entire nuclear stock on this planet, and most of them are armed.) each ONE of them carries about 30 times the destructive power of the Hiroshima bomb, and it would take no more than a few hundred of them to destroy a major portion of the world.

Most of our choices for President have a position on these issues, which makes it fairly clear what kind of world we can expect with them in office. Here’s my simplified rundown:

Continue reading "This February and Next November, Vote for Peace!" »

Posted by evan austin at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

Long time Ojai resident Patricia Cardinali; also know as “Mrs. C.” is a well known, and well-loved music teacher, performer and co-owner of Cardinali Brothers Music with her husband Don Cardinali. Many local musicians, young and old have benefited from her teaching and her many other contributions to our community. For years she has produced -- and performed at -- numerous benefit events for local people in need. Now Patricia herself needs our help. She has been struggling with a health problem for several years. After much research and visits to countless doctors she has found a surgeon who can provide the procedure and the skill she has been seeking.

The cost of the surgery and her basic expenses during the 4-6 week recovery time will require $25,000. While this may be a tremendous amount of money for a self-employed small business owner without health insurance, the village of Ojai has proven that it can raise this amount when a genuine need arises. That need is here and now.

Attend the Patricia Cardinali Benefit Concert and Silent Auction on Sunday afternoon, December 2nd from 2-6pm at Ojai Valley Community Church, 907 El Centro, off Loma Dr. in Miramonte.

Download the PDF flyer
Visit the Cardinali Bros Music website to learn more

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

The Ojai Interfaith Alliance and Jewish Community of the Oaks present three women from Israel/Palestine sharing their stories, their fears and hopes for peace:

Wejdan Jaber: A Muslim Palestinian, Ms. Jaber was awarded a USAID “Clinton Scholarship,” in 2000 and a Master’s in Public Administration and International Management from the Monterey Institute for International Studies, Monterey, California, in 2002. Born in Gaza, she currently lives in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Abir Kopty: A Christian Palestinian citizen of Israel, Ms. Kopty was nominated as one of twelve “People of the Year” in Israel in 2005. She has served as Media Coordinator and Spokeswoman for Mossawa, the Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel, Haifa.

Hagit Ra’anan: A Jewish Israeli, Ms. Ra’anan is a member of the Bereaved Families Forum and founder of Bridges of Peace. During the first week of the war in Lebanon in 1982, Ms. Ra'anan's husband was killed in combat near Beirut, while serving in the Israeli Military.

Jerusalem Women Speak is a program of Partners for Peace.

Posted by evan austin at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The following comes from Kristofer Young:
Hello Ojai Valley Friends!

Dennis Kucinich needs a good massage. And he’s willing to let you help.

This short story started on Sunday, September 30th, 2007 when Dennis and Elizabeth Kucinich came to the Ojai Retreat Center to speak about Dennis’ vision for our country and for his presidency.

During a tiny break in the intense action of the Kucinich’s day, I offered that if they needed or wanted some chiropractic care that day, that I would make myself available. Elizabeth said, “that’s very kind”, and Dennis said, “WHAT!?”. I repeated the offer. Dennis said, “Oh my gosh, my neck has been killing me for 2 weeks!” That evening I treated Dennis and Elizabeth.

As part of my treatment of the Kucinichs, I ran a relaxing massager on them. They loved it; the sound of purring filled the room. I suggested that they purchase one and take it with them as they traveled the country.

Minutes later I had an even better idea. I told the Kucinich’s that I would ask people of the Ojai Valley if they would contribute a very small amount of money so that we could express our gratitude by gifting the Kucinichs with a massager to relax their bodies as they work for us all. They were touched.

Would you contribute $1 to $5 to bring comfort to the Kucinichs? The massager will cost approximately $200. Extra monies will be given to the Ojai Peace Coalition. Mail your cash or check to Kris Young at 407 Del Norte Road , Ojai , CA 93023 . $65 has already been donated. And, yes, people outside our Valley can contribute to this simple gift.

In peace and friendship,

Kristofer Young , DC

Posted by evan austin at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | author bio

Two Calls, Two Points

We have two Senators, and they each need to hear two things from you TODAY:
• ban cluster bombs (98% of victims are civilians, and most of those are children)
• filibuster Mukasey (nominee for Attorney General, refuses to say that waterboarding is torture)

Senator Dianne Feinstein: 1.202.224.3841
Senator Barbara Boxer: 1.202.224.3553

need more? read on... (+ bonus action!)

Continue reading "No Bombs, No Torture: Call the Senate" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | 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

...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

President Bush just vetoed health care for children. In only his fourth veto ever, he blocked health care coverage for millions of uninsured—and mostly poor—kids. The Washington Post is calling this "the biggest domestic policy clash of his presidency."

Bush is totally out of step with public opinion—even 61% of Republicans support the children's health care bill. We need just 15 more Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto. CONTACT ELTON GALLEGLY.

Protest the SCHIP Veto
Vons at the Y
Corner of 33 and 150
Ojai, CA 93023
04 Oct, 6:00 PM

Public gathering with signs to protest Bush's veto of funding for Children's Health Care, related to his request for more funds for the War in Iraq. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO ATTEND (helpful for organizers)

Posted by evan austin at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

A client called me a few weeks ago looking for advice about what I call a Cleanse-In-
A-Box. These “Intestinal Cleanse” formulas are found all over the internet, on late night TV, at “health food stores” and increasingly at the local drug store. They promise great rewards through little effort. I have huge concerns about the efficacy and safety of these products.

Continue reading "Don't believe the Hype" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Check out OjaiHealers.com for a short article about Cynthia Waring and Ojai's new Raw Retreat.

Check out www.OjaiHealing.comif you have experience with food allergies, especially wheat. I'd love your comments on my newest article!

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Our own Suza Francina gets a really nice profile in the September issue of LA Yoga, which is a print and online publication. Check it out, and maybe Suza can let us know who's presence she is gracing in the photo below. An excerpt...

In the first moments Suza arrived in the valley, known as Southern California’s Shangri-La, she met influential artist Beatrice Wood. Suza attended the Happy Valley School, where classes were cancelled when J. Krishnamurti was speaking, to allow students to participate in another type of education. Suza credits her time listening to the great teacher with giving her courage to always question and never follow an idea or person blindly.

A sense of questioning and curiosity led her to yoga; she watched women traipse with their mats and blankets into her neighbor Sarah Kirton’s living room. Suza joined the class. Inspired, she made a pilgrimage to the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute in San Francisco, where, in 1974, she began the teacher training program with Mary Dunn and Judith Lasater, earning her certification from the institute.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Promising story from Canada's globeandmail.com... (so radiation causes rampant tumor growth?)

A unique gene that can stop cancerous cells from multiplying into tumours has been discovered by a team of scientists at the B.C. Cancer Agency in Vancouver.

The team, led by Dr. Poul Sorensen, says the gene has the power to suppress the growth of human tumours in multiple cancers, including breast, lung and liver.

The gene, HACE 1, helps cells fight off stress that, left unchecked, opens the door to formation of multiple tumours. Dr. Sorensen's team found cancerous cells form tumours when HACE 1 is inactive, but when additional stress such as radiation is added, tumour growth is rampant.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Culture is defined by the images and symbols we use, our rituals and ceremonies, our histories and legends, and our heroes. The weekend of September 21-23 is a major opportunity to celebrate Peace in a public and audio/visual way that directly builds a culture of peace...it is a time to be the change we wish to see. Please consider how you can help locally.

We have some major opportunities for building a local culture of Peace coming up, and the main purpose of this post is to solicit volunteers for a variety of roles within that effort. September 21st is International Peace Day, and the Peace Alliance – the folks behind the campaign for a federal Department of Peace – will be coming to Ojai on that weekend to perform their play “The Gift of Peace” at our own Libbey Bowl. There will also be an Interfaith peace-focused schedule of ceremony, prayer, and music on Sunday the 23rd. The collective Retreats of Ojai are on board with this in a big way and are organizing events during the entire Peace Weekend, and the Ojai Peace Coalition is going to be a part of it!

Continue reading "A Weekend for Peace" »

Posted by evan austin at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

John Edwards interview in Business Week magazine. Food for thought...

With 48 million Americans uninsured, how are you planning to fix the health care system in this country?

I've proposed a very specific universal health care plan that requires coverage for every man, woman, and child. It gives Americans choices in health markets between either a private plan or a government plan. The government plan is essentially Medicare Plus. Subsidize health insurance premiums up to about $100,000 of income for a family. And we'd fill in all the cracks in the health care system, which means that [denying coverage for] preexisting conditions is outlawed; preventative care, chronic care, long-term care are all covered; mental health is treated the same as physical health; and it's mobile. If you move, if you change jobs, your health care can go with you. And there are a whole group of things we would do to bring down health care costs—roughly $130 billion of cost savings a year. They include mandated use of electronic record-keeping. And my plan costs—you didn't ask me this, but I think people deserve to know—my plan costs $90 billion to $120 billion a year. It's paid for by rolling back President Bush's tax cuts for those who earn more than $200,000 a year, back to the tax rates that existed under President Clinton.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Live from Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital in smoke-filled Goleta, California:
Team Austin is proud to announce the arrival of Noa Mae Austin, born Thursday August 2, 2007 at 9:44pm. Noa weighed 3,700 grams at birth, and was 57 centimeters long. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, grandparents, doula, three aunts, best friends, nurses, and doctors.

Continue reading "Welcome to the World, Baby Noa!" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | 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

Glenn Emmanuel - who, like each of us, is many wonderful things to so many people - left this life this past Monday July 23rd. There will be a remembrance ceremony for him this coming Sunday July 29th at 4pm at the Gazebo in Libbey Park.

Glenn's final poem, with his spellings intact:

A single word
A simple line
full of life/death/space&time
All this
my dearest luves my wife, my suns, my friends
Swirling, dancing, the bright sun -
Mirculous & true

Glenn Emmanuel
July 19, 2007

Posted by evan austin at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | author bio

The Ojai Peace Coalition, acting on the advice and brilliance of a friend, has decided to begin awarding an annual Noble Peace Prize to local heroes of Peace, to recognize those in our community who are living and encouraging the kind of world and ways of being that we're working for. i have designed a custom medal that will constitute the award, and it requires an initial investment to have a quarter-century of them manufactured. You can help by contributing HERE.
(i will also accept checks if that's simpler or more comfortable for you. email me and we'll work it out)

We will award the NPP in a public ceremony each year on International Peace Day (September 21), and the awardee will be the Ojai Peace Coalition's dignitary in the next Independence Day parade! Can you help us create this legacy and honor our heroes?

Posted by evan austin at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | 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

Jessie and i walked down to the Ojai Playhouse last night (so grateful we live close enough to do that!), arriving a few minutes after 5:30 to deposit our $40 - two 20's marked with PEACE, LOVE, & HEALTH - into the full fishbowl of medical fund collections for Glenn Emmanuel. Music was already floating out of the propped-open auditorium doors, where The Household Gods had already begun their benefit set with a beautifully-lyric'd song that i missed the title of.

There were maybe 50 people in the theater - sitting in small groups or alone - of all ages, and all seemed to be enjoying the music by nodding, clapping, or singing along with the Gods' master-full set, punctuated by instrument-switching and playful banter between songs. If you've never heard the Gods (this was my second time), you're missing an exceptional piece of cultural Ojai and uniquely arranged covers of songs you know and love, as well as exposure to new favorites you didn't know you had.

Continue reading "The Household Gods Rock the Playhouse for Glenn" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

I think I'm going to head down to Ventura and see SiCKO, 4:40pm show at Century Downtown at 555 East Main Street. Anyone else seen it yet?

PS - its 71 degrees in Ventura.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Check out the big cover story on Kira Ryder and Lulu Bandha's in Ventana Monthly. A short excerpt:

"...beneath her relaxed, gregarious manner is a focused intensity, a commitment to engaging in her work to the fullest. When she squats before first-time visitors, grabs them by the wrist, looks into their eyes, and says, "This is your yoga practice," she means business. For Ryder, the goal of teaching yoga is to create an atmosphere where her students — "practitioners" as she calls them — can own their own practice, find their inner yoga teacher and learn to trust that guide."

See you all at Lulu's, 5:15pm today, for Yoga Basics?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

i'd venture to guess that not many people know the names or faces of any of the projectionists at any of the corporate movie theaters in this country, even the "local" (read: geographically close) ones like Century. but here in Ojai, our projectionist's name is Glenn Emanuel, and he's got the most gorgeous eyes and warm, ready smile. he's a tall lanky fellow with a curly mop of hair and broad, expressive hands. he's also got lung cancer.

he told me this himself, when i saw him recently at Rainbow Bridge. it was the first thing he said, and he did it with a slight smile on his face. not that it isnt serious, but i strongly suspect that Glenn's got a specific and philosophical constitution that isnt very friendly to depression or sympathy-gathering. i'm told by his partner Cheri Mason that Glen has chosen to forego the traditional toxic therapies for cancer, and is instead focusing on "nutrition, yoga, magnets, and herbs", and in honorable form is treating his cancer in the same way he treats others and the world: peacefullly, with life-affirming practices and natural cures.

come meet the man and enjoy some great music at a donation-driven benefit for him this Friday evening May 25th at the Ojai Playhouse at 10pm, featuring Jim Calire and friends, Brad Bueley, Julie Christensen, and more. interested musicians are encouraged to contact Cheri. there is also an account set up in Glenn's name at Ojai Community Bank.

Posted by evan austin at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

It has been one busy spring at my office. Seems like everyone in Ojai (and surrounding areas) is doing some kind of Spring Cleansing or Detox. So I took the liberty of writing up a few guidelines for healthy cleansing in case there is anyone out there who hasn't done it yet, and posting it at OjaiHealing. I'd love to see you all comment there about your experiences, thoughts, goals, etc!

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

I am delighted to share an update from Rob Buckley, former Ojai resident on his project and progress in Nepal, where he has developed a sustainable healing center called Himalayan Healers, that supports the "untouchable" caste via the instruction of touch therapies. I am always inspired by people willing to walk the walk. Read on the see what Rob is up to...

Continue reading "Update from Nepal" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Our View of the Full Moon Rising

Last night I was honored to attend a tradtional full moon ceremony with Chumash Elder, Julie Tummamait and Shinto Priest, Hiroji Sekiguchi. The ancient future was present as we listened prayerfully to the synergistic blend of East and West. A reminder that peace IS possible and the Earth IS the only home we have, so lets keep our house clean.

More photos on next page

Continue reading "Full Moon Rising" »

Posted by Raymond Powers at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

Happy Easter everyone! Another beautiful day in one of the most idyllic places on the planet. No wonder so many Ojaians, alas, as millions of others, are so keen on that book I keep hearing about all over town, The Secret. I read the previous posts from Free-Thinking Ojai Sceptics, but I kept quiet. I'm a bit late, so I'll take advantage of being a Post Author and reveal what I secretly think! It's been akward standing at the counter at Rainbow Bridge listening to people rambling about The Secret. Once it's your turn at the register it's hard to cut loose and shout that you think it's the slimiest form of snake oil you've ever avoided slipping in. Or if, for example, you are getting a haircut and the topic of The Secret comes up and you don't say anything because you don't want the beautician who is cutting your hair to unconsciously snip your bangs too short if you say you think that The Secret version of the Law of Attraction is much too simplistic. And that's putting it mildly! My father is a survivor of the Atomic Bomb. He survived unbelievable atrocities in a Japanese prison camp. He was transferred into the mountains to work in the coal mines a few days before the Atomic Bomb dropped on Nagasaki. If he had not been transfered, the "I" I am, would not be here. I ask myself, why did he live, why did others die? Was it The Law of Attraction? I don't have the answer, but I will share with you another view on The Secret from today's Washington Post.

Continue reading "Suza's Secret Thoughts On The Secret" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

To me this is brilliant and shows the saving grace of humanity. Our creativity and imagination, the source where possibility dwells and new worlds emerge.

Posted by Raymond Powers at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Both Ojai and Santa Barbara were awakened by gang violence in the last month. Ojai had the drive-by shooting in the late afternoon and Santa Barbara had a fatal stabbing mid-afternoon at the corner of State and Carillo (a 14-year old stabbed a 15-year old). Here in Ojai, thirty-five residents of lower Drown met as neighbors to discuss what happened and explore ideas of where we might go from here. It was a positive experience and the neighbors had a chance to get to know each other better and know there is support available. Later this month the Ojai Police Department is sponsoring a neighborhood meeting for Drown, Waite, and Oak residents where the Gang Unit will discuss local gang issues and ideas for improving neighborhood safety. Another lower Drown meeting is planned for April.

Continue reading "Are there solutions to gang violence?" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

It looks like we are wired to be loving caring nurturing beings, as long as it improves our chances of survival. In Tuesday's Science Section of the NYT, Nicholas Wade published and article titled, " Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior." The piece presents the work and theories of primatologist, Dr. Frans de Waal.

For over a decade, Dr. de Waal has argued that our basic codes of behavior -- "empathy, the ability to learn and follow social rules, reciprocity, and peacemaking" -- are the basis of "sociality" and can be understood by studying chimpanzees and apes. This idea does not fly among moral philosophers and theologists. But I think this is incredibly exciting, because it means that as a species we are designed to ultimately unite.

Continue reading "Wired to Unite" »

Posted by Kira Ryder at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

You've seen it. I've seen it. I've heard what Oprah's guests have to say about it. Now I want to know what Ojaians have to say....

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 07:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | author bio

Ventura County residents suffering from the severe form of headache known as migraine may not realize there is an amazing resource here in Ojai called The Keeler Center For The Study of Migraine. After just a few months of working with the center - which offers a wide range of treatment options including massage, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, stress management, naturopathic, homeopathic and conventional medicines - I have gone from having several of these debilitating headaches per week to last month only experiencing two.

They accept most major health insurance plans and provide some of the most comprehensive and cutting-edge research and treatment I have experienced in my own short lifetime of looking for help since I first started having migraines at the age of five. The science has come a long way, into a kind of results-based open-mindedness that embraces a wide range of so-called alternative therapies and backs them up with the rigors of Western science. In the end, it's about doing whatever works to help patients manage their condition and win back greater well-being. If you have migraines or know someone who does, The Keeler Center can probably help.

Posted by Robert Peake at 04:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

I made the mistake of visiting an LA animal shelter unattended recently, and surprised my wife when I returned with three beat up old dogs. My original mission was to rescue a Pomeranian, “Daisy,” scheduled for execution after outliving her welcome at the shelter. Daisy is a 12-year old who was dumped off at the shelter to die after becoming inconvenient to her human. Anyone with a heart who has visited one of these urban kill shelters knows well that this is an unconscionably cruel end to the life of a dog who has given unconditional devotion to its human companion. The shelters are physically barren, scarce on medical attention and comfort, pervaded by the smell of urine and an atmosphere of fear and terrible sadness. The animals have been abandoned. They don’t know why. They just know they miss their humans terribly, even monsters like the one that gave up Miss Daisy.

Continue reading "Errand of Mercy" »

Posted by Todd Miller at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | author bio

Jasmine is looking for a new home. She is a four year old female cat. Here is what she has to say:

I never knew how much I loved the inside until I was here at this house. I wish that I could have a home that smells like freshly cut flowers. And a home that when ever my person is alone they sing inside their heart and sometimes they sing to me too. I use to be scared of people when they look at me. Now I realize that when people look at me they are just wondering why I am so scared.

I like people who read and sing. I like soft music and the sound of newspaper pages. I like fresh air. My person now can make her voice sound like many different people. I find that interesting and scary. I don’t need a lot of room. I like warm bedding. I love to sleep and I like the sound of plants moving in the breeze. I like to chase crickets at night. My people now don’t like me out at night because that’s when dangerous monsters hunt.

Continue reading "THE PET PSYCHIC TALKS WITH JASMINE" »

Posted by Laura Stinchfield at 07:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

I spent last weekend attending a course in LA, and visiting my parents in Long Beach. We woke up Sunday morning with just a couple of agenda items...including attending James Ross' memorial service at the Ojai Art Center.

Driving north on 101, at 10:15am, I remarked how blue the sky was, without being fully aware of the low air temperature. I said to Jodi, "I'm going for a ride when I get to Ojai."

Continue reading ""Go outside," a little voice said" »

Posted by Jason Womack at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I am pleased to announce the launch of OjaiHealers.com, the one-stop resource for alternative and traditional healing in Ojai and Ventura County. Find a healing destination or healer to provide you with the knowledge, treatment and healing you need.

All Ojai healers are eligible to receive a free listing, including business name and phone number. Profile pages and marketing packages start at only $15 a month. We also offer conscious businesses the opportunity to reach a highly targeted and motivated audience with advertising spaces.

Spread the word!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Jock Doubleday was suspended as an author in October 2008. Despite his claims of censorship, none of his posts have been removed.

Greetings!

As Shakespeare never said:

Now is the summer of our discontent made glorious autumn . . .

And a glorious autumn it is.

I've lived in Ojai for several years, sometimes making sojourns to distant lands like Poland (to teach English), Panama (to take photos), and Gettysburg -- where I recently wrote a play called "Christmas on the Mason-Dixon Line."

I'm hoping to produce the play at one of the theaters in Ojai.

Continue reading "Introduction / greetings" »

Posted by Jock Doubleday at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

I am very pleased to let you know of a really fantastic event on Sunday September 17 that is well worth our community support.  Former Ojai residents Rob Buckley and Sharmila Mali founded Himalayan Healers in Nepal, which trains members of the untouchable caste in the healing arts, and then helps provide them placement opportunities around the world.  Their deferred tuition then goes to help train additional healers, which provides sustainability for operations and growth.

Continue reading "Direct from Nepal: save Sunday afternoon (9/17)" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:13 PM | Permalink | author bio

It is sad but true that most of you will have no understanding of what Israeli Prime Mininster Olmert is saying in his speech to the Israeli Parliment at the start of hostilities with Hezbollah. It is for you that I have included a full copy of his speech below. Perhaps if you grew up being able to recite the names of mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, brothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, friends and co-workers who were brutally murdered, gassed, incinerated or had their skin pealed from thier bodies and turned into lampshades, you might then understand.

To aspire and work for a world of peace and good will is a goal we should all hold dear, but when terrorists and enemies sworn to your total destruction come at you with weaposn of death, there are few choices...

How many of you are familiar with the full text of PM Olmert's speech to the Knesset on 7/31/2006, which follows below. What's played worldwide were a few sound bites essentially showing Olmert's defiance but not one word of his reasoning. This is a further example of the asymmetrical reporting to which we are being subjected, daily. Read this and weep for the demise of balanced reporting and if you can try to ensure that your efforts make up for the ways in which the media representatives fail all of us day in and day out:

Continue reading "Israel's Resolve in the Face of Unending Hatred" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

It's been awhile since I've felt moved to comment on the current state of affairs. I frankly have been disheartened with the way things are and not much interested in putting my two cents in. But I must confess my glee at the recent fall from grace of one of Hollywood's most illuminous stars. The first report of Mel Gibson's drunk driving arrest made me titter.

Continue reading "Sister Roses Revenge" »

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I received the following email from once-and-future(?) Ojai resident Robert Buckley, whose Nepalese healing organization I've written about here, here and here.

Rob and Sharmila are coming back to the States, Ojai included, doing teaching and fundraising, and need some help. Please keep reading, and see if you can provide some assistance or put them in touch with people that can. Contact info at the bottom of the page.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Namaste everyone!

Hope/trust that all is going well for you and yours. All is well here, and the project continues to bloom. What is amazing is finally having our "Sanctuary" open for our students to work at, and for our next student’s trainings. We are also expanding in to a complete Spa facility at our partner location in Nagarkot, the Club Himalaya (one of the best resorts in all of Nepal, and our old friend’s Yogi and Bindu’s place – they have always supported us so much!).

Sharmila and I would like to ask you for some personal help:

Continue reading "The Ojai-Nepal Connection" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:38 PM | Permalink | author bio

Below is a letter sent to Californian Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding the LA Sanitation District's response to a Board's staff report.

It is clear that the LA Sanitation District is pulling out all the stops to get a favorable ruling on their current practice of polluting the Santa Clara River with salts which are destroying crops and negatively impacting the Venture County Ag Industry.

This letter rebuts their claims, which if upheld, will allow them to continue to assault Ventura County's water supply.

There is going to be a hearing on August 3rd at the Santa Clarita City Hall. The hearing was initially going to be in Simi Valley, but was abruptly change to the friendly confines of Santa Clarita. (It is the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley who are the major source of salt discharge, coming from their water softeners). This location will allow for hordes of Santa Claritans to show up and complain about how much this will cost them if the Sanitation District has to build a plant to clean up the water before it is dumped into the Santa Clara River (read Ventura County).

VCEDA, as a member of the coalition, will be at the hearing to show support for the Ventura County position.

If you agree that the Sanitation District should abide by the original, acceptable quantities of salt discharge and not the higher levels/standards they are currently using, COPY THE E-MAIL ADDRESSES BELOW ONTO THE ADDRESS LINE OF A NEW E-MAIL AND SAY, "I SUPPORT OPTION 4."

jbishop@waterboards.ca.gov ; linda.parks@ventura.org ; lweste@santa-clarita.com ; csmyth@santa-clarita.com ; jstahl@lacsd.org ; vconway@lacsd.org ; sunger@waterboards.ca.gov

Thank you,

Howard Smith, Chairman of the Board
VCEDA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Continue reading "LA Sanitation District Continues Assault on Ventura County's Water" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

DNC Voting Rights Institute on CA-50 Special Election

For several weeks since the June 6th Special Election in California’s 50th Congressional District there have been reports of election irregularities. The DNC Voting Rights Institute (“VRI”) has been monitoring the developments since Election Day and has raised a number of concerns regarding new and disturbing information.

First and foremost is the fact that any election where there are allegations of machine tampering, break downs in chain of custody, security breaches and other such irregularities must be taken seriously. There are several facts in this race that raise very deep concerns.

On the facts:

Continue reading "DNC's Voting Rights Institute Calls for "Manual Count" of all Ballots in Busby/Bilbray Election" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

As many of you know, last week I finished a 20-day cleanse. I felt great! The cleanse experience had its highs and lows but the end result was fabulous. Since then I find that I am mostly interested in the foods I ate on the cleanse, not the foods I was most worried I would want, crave, need. Last Wednesday night I found myself at Azu where I had eaten the night before I began my cleanse.

Because I know what I like and stick with it, I ate the same thing I ate the night before I began my cleanse: the artichoke stuffed with caprese salad (tomatoes, basil and soft mozzarella cheese), Italian bread and butter and a few of the thin French fries served in a paper cone. I even ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio! Not exactly the subtle re-entry I'd envisioned, with a little tempeh or a hard-boiled egg. But oh, how delicious the meal was. I savored every bite. The next morning I slept until my alarm went off. I'd been thrilled with my morning energy level during the cleanse, waking up between 7 and 8 (early for me) ready to start my day. My fingers were a little swollen from the salt in the food. Both unfortunate after-effects but manageable if I indulge on occassion.

The really great news is that I didn't want those foods later the day after. I wanted green salad, flax crackers, raw bread brought to me from a place in LA called Euphoria Loves Rawvolution, and even the green juice loaded with spirulina and chlorella I've been drinking because I know it is good for me. I've had a few other non-cleanse foods since then and had similar experiences: they taste good, I choose moderate portions where previously I might have eaten the whole thing, and I happily go back to the foods I am choosing to make my staples. It feels fabulous. I feel powerful, like I am eating from my body and my heart rather than from any addictions I picked up along the way through this heavily processed life.

And, I've made a commitment to do some form of cleansing at least two days a month. I intend to keep this level of energy and joie de vivre as long as I can!

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 08:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I am officially moving out of the cleanse and into "real life." I took in nothing but vegetable (celery, cuke, parsley, mint, chard and some apple or carrot) juice all day Satuday and part of Sunday. Had a colonic on Sunday morning, and then had a salad. What I found was that I had great energy and was incredibly cranky. And, I found that there were many things that I want to do this weekend and I didn't have quite enough stamina to do them.

So, here I am, on the upswing again. What is interesting is that I find that I don't really want to eat anything other than the cleansing diet I have been eating. Avocado has a whole new air of luxury about it! And almond and walnut pate spread on nori sounds positively decadent! I'm exactly where I wanted to be - energetic and feeling healthy, and really excited about making better food choices for myself.

I will probably make one more entry, when I eat something off the diet - maybe an egg or some raw cheese or something like that. I'd like to let you all know what that is like for me.

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 06:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Imagine if you will that a variant on SARS, the Avian Flu or some other highly contagious virus reaches the shores of America. The disease proves to be untreatable given existing medicines and spreads like wild fire. Reaching epidemic proportions, it not only kills but it kills quickly and painfully.

Fear turns to panic as citizens try to avoid contact with anyone infected, including co-workers, friends, family, or even their own children. Trade and travel cease. Food production collapses. Commerce grinds to a halt. In an incredibly short time society and civil order crack apart under the strain. The death toll rises until 95 percent of our population dies.

Sound like science fiction or an alien horror film? Guess again. According to the latest research by historians, archeologists, anthropologists and scientists, a massive epidemic driven holocaust such as the one just described did in fact occur on our continent. In the hundred years following the first contact between Europeans and Native Americans in 1492, successive disease borne plagues wiped out 95% of all people living in North and South America. One out of every five humans then alive on earth died from these epidemics.

Continue reading "Imagining the Unimaginable" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I've been feeling the cleanse working me hard since the last entry. Saturday and Sunday were tough - I dropped out a few more foods and the effects were intense and mostly emotional. I felt so irritable - I wasn't any fun to be around at all. I picked fights with loved ones (not necessarily baseless, but with more intensity than I might have if I weren't cleansing) and I cried. I spoke with Chakra (local nutritional consultant extraordinaire and my cleansing coach) and we ageed that I needed to add a small amount of fats back into my diet. I've reincorporated a tablespoon of flax oil, 10 pecans, a half an avocado and salad dressing made from olive oil, and you would't believe how much better I feel. Actually, I'm back to feeling better than usual. It has highlighted for me how much a very small dietary change can alter one's physiology.

Continue reading "Cleansing, Part IV" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Day 5 comes to an end.
To begin with, what is cleansing? Why am I doing this? Cleansing is a process of reducing the input into one's digestive (or other) system to allow it to rest and let go of accumulated waste (the popular word these days is toxins). The premise is that our bodies are not equipped to rid themselves of all of the waste products of modern life. As an evolutionary biologist, I believe that we are well-built to process and eliminate whole foods, like we ate a thousand years ago, but not to process and eliminate Twinkies or the chemicals we take in from our air and water. So, I simplify my food choices, receive colonics (a whole other topic I'm sure) and take additional fiber to clear out my digestive system. There are as many ways to cleanse as there are althernative health practitioners. I have not done this particular cleanse, designed by Chakra Earthsong, but I have cleansed in other ways. My goal is to feel great, to increase my energy, decrease mental fogging brought on by an overloaded digestive system and perhaps to eliminate some foods from my diet when I emerge from the cleansing process.

Continue reading "Cleansing, Part II" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I'm a little unsure about this post - it feels a little self-indulgent. However, so many people in Ojai cleanse as part of their wellness practices, I decided I would document the process. My intent is to shed light on the mystery of cleansing for those who don't know anything about it and to create an encouraging and honest touchstone for others during their cleanses. Your feedback is most welcome - I've heard lots of inspiring and entertaining cleansing stories through my work - I'd love to see them shared with the community at large.

Today is day two of the first part of my three-week cleanse.

Continue reading "Cleansing, Part I" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Once and future Ojai residents Rob & Sharmila are in Nepal building a sustainable healing center. I have been posting updates, and have the latest for you - perfect reading on an overcast Saturday. Enjoy the weekend.

Continue reading "Update from Nepal" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:28 AM | Permalink | author bio

You may have gotten to know a lovely couple, Rob and Sharmila, who were in Ojai for a spell. You perhaps would have recognized the beautiful handmade Nepalese rugs that were in Buelah's womens collective, which helped to fund their non-profit.

They are currently in Nepal, and Rob sent me an update which I wanted to share - its a fascinating read. He could use some help from the Ojai community. Take a read after the jump...

Continue reading "Update from Nepal" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

As a professional in the alternative health field, I can tell you the importance of communication with my clients. Perhaps nowhere is this more important than in the massage studio. If you have had massage, you know there is a difference between a massage and a sensational massage. If you haven’t had massage therapy, what are you waiting for?

One massage client told me she didn’t want to hurt my feelings by asking for something specific. I feel great when I give a fantastic massage. My work improves when you tell me what you are enjoying and, well, what you aren't. “I’m not wild about having my ears massaged,” gives me a few extra moments to rub your head or squeeze a little more tension out of your shoulders.

Continue reading "How to talk to your massage therapist" »

Posted by Heather McKenzie at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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 02:07 PM | Permalink | author bio