The Ojai Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from Camille Sears for the Green Coalition:

The film "Our Seeds: Seeds Blong Yumi" is being screened as a fundraiser ($10) for the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, on Saturday February 27th, 4:30 pm, at the Ojai Theater. I encourage everyone to come see how we can preserve one of our most important birthrights – growing our own gardens with seeds that we can freely share.

Continue reading "Our Seeds and the Seed Swap" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

California Fish and Game Commission,

Dear California Fish and Game Commission:

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

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

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

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

Today is Day 18 of the 64-Day Season for Nonviolence that spans the death dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. One source lists the following as today's Quotation, Affirmation, and Practice, and i thought the OP community might enjoy participating!:

FREEDOM:

Quotation: "Every human has four endowments - self awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change." -Stephen Covey

Affirmation: Freedom means that we have the independent will to act and respond creatively, that we have the self-awareness to self-reflect and to change as dictated by the compass of conscience. Moment by moment today, I become conscious of my freedom.

Practice: Claim your definition of freedom. Write a haiku poem about freedom.

Posted by evan austin at 07:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Bear Artist Mark Benkert above, and more photos after the jump, courtesy Randy Graham.

Continue reading "Photos from the Bear Art Dedication" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

An Invitation from Marcia Benkert

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

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

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

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

Ojai Creek Riparian Habitat Restoration Project Phase 2
Saturday, February 20 and 27 - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain or shine, Libbey Park Gazebo
Join the Watershed Committee in a native planting and non-native plant removal project, to reestablish a functioning wetland and riparian ecosystem that supports a diversity of fish and wildlife species and to improve the flow of water. How: wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, and bring gloves. Tools will be provided, but if you can bring your own shovel and/or trowel, that would help. Call 805-669-8445 for more info.

Our Seeds: come to the film, stay for the seed swap
Saturday, February 27, 4:30pm, Ojai Theatre
Join the Green Coalition at the theatre for a movie on Seeds, generously sponsored by Nutiva. All are welcome, $10 suggested donation. For more info call 805-669-8445.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Watershed U - Ventura River is a course for those who live, work, or spend time in the Ventura River Watershed. If you are interested in understanding how the river works for you, and how you can help improve the river, then come and learn from experts and colleagues, and meet others involved in the watershed. Sessions will take place every Thursday for six weeks, Apr. 22 - May 27, 2010 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Patagonia’s Grand Room in Ventura.

Download a PDF flyer, and get the agenda for tonight's Municipal Advisory Council meeting on our MAC page...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Sally Carless at 06:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Good morning, who's ready for a big storm today? Thunderstorms should start around 2pm, with some fairly heavy rain coming in this morning. CHP is reporting that Highway 33 is closed at La Luna, due to rock and mud slides at Wheeler Gorge and Rose Valley. Get your sandbags at the fire stations if you need 'em, and consider Wii Fit instead of a hike into the mountains today...stay dry and report in if you have news.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

quite a photo, courtesy RoscoeFoto, h/t HS

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

From the CHP:

A rockslide has been reported on Creek Road at Country Club Drive in the Ojai area.

A large boulder is creating a traffic hazard on CA-150, just east of the 101.

Traffic hazard on CA-33 at Camino Cielo, approx. 1 mile north of Bodee's Restaurant

UPDATE: 3:30pm - none of these incidents are appearing as active on the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I received this from an Emergency Management email list - it was written yesterday and distributed this morning...

A tornado touched down in Huntington Beach today (actually it was a water spout that came on land); for public safety purposes procedures are the same as land tornados. There continues to be lots of instability and moisture, so there is a chance of more tornado/funnel cloud activity for the rest of the week, so you may wish to educate your staff on basic tornado safety instruction (follows).

Continue reading "Weather Outlook" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

...from Gobbell Productions. great stuff...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

From the Ventura County Sheriff's Department / Aviation-SAR Unit...

On 1-16-10, Jonathan Fulthorpe and Dylan Beckett went hiking and camping on the Potrero John Trail. They had planned to camp until Tuesday, 1-19-10, at which time they would hike out and be picked up by Dylan’s grandfather, John Beckett.

Continue reading "Rescued Hikers on Potrero John" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

Wow, its coming down. Over 1/2 an inch in the last hour in some areas including Sulphur Mountain, Matilija Canyon and Sisar Peak. Any reports of flooding out there yet? Any photos or videos to share?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

The infamous El Niño, bringer of warm winters and rain to Southern California, is back, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration says, and thanks to a surprisingly wet November, we're still ahead of normal in our total rainfall for this water year.

Wouldn't you like to know what all that really means?

The truth is, no one knows for sure. But for the latest in knowledgeable speculation, please see this week's cover story in the Reporter. Here's a snippet:

El Niño, the best-known and most powerful of all ocean climate patterns, in its warm (positive) phase brings a flow of warm water from the tropics along the equator toward the west coast, in what’s called a Kelvin wave, about every five years, which feeds moisture to rain patterns in our area. But the last El Niño episode, in 2003, brought only slightly more rainfall than normal to our area, and has already been forgotten, while the huge storms of 2005, which devastated the state and killed 20 people, had little or no connection to El Niño.

UPDATE: I happened to talk to the semi-famous forecaster Patzert at a conference on water issues yesterday, and he agreed that a "Pineapple Express" pattern looks possible for next week, but cautioned that these storms are coming from the North Pacific, which makes predictions of rain all next week uncertain.

Still, the recent images are impressive...see the next page for an example.

[cross-posted on A Change in the Wind]

Continue reading "El Nino 2010: Small, medium, large...or wanna-be?" »

Posted by Kit Stolz at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From the USFS/Los Padres National Forest:

With Heavy Rain Forecasted, Public is Encouraged to Exercise Extreme Caution in Los Padres NF

With the National Weather Service forecasting significant snow and rain over the coming week, visitors to Los Padres National Forest are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when driving and recreating in the National Forest and surrounding areas. Ice, mud, rock slides, washouts, flash flooding, slippery road surfaces, deep snow and heavy rainfall will present substantial safety concerns to the public.

Continue reading "More on the Weather Forecast" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

From the US Geological Survey. This is SoCal wide, so not entirely applicable to our neck of the woods, but it looks like a BIG storm is moving in. I'd love to get Kit Stolz's thoughts on this.

Currently, the strong El Nino is reaching its peak in the Eastern Pacific, and now finally appears to be exerting an influence on our weather. The strong jet has been apparent for quite some time out over the open water, but the persistent block had prevented it from reaching the coast. Now that the block has dissolved completely, a 200+ kt jet is barreling towards us.

Continue reading "Storm Watch" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

From the fine folk at The Ojai Foundation...

In light of fund-raising challenges shared by other not-for-profit organizations throughout the Ojai Valley and across the country, The Ojai Foundation has laid off six staff members at the education/retreat center it has stewarded for 30 years. The temporary staff reduction coincides with the winter months, which are traditionally slow ones for programs at the 40-acre center in Upper Ojai.

Continue reading "Ojai Foundation Tucks In for Winter" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Posted by Sally Carless at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

I head out in the dark
to catch the magic moment --
the crack of dawn

My dog runs ahead
her exuberance, her ecstasy
is contagious

I look West
and the full moon
is hanging high in the sky
by an etheric thread

Continue reading "Early Morning in Ojai at the Dawn of the New Year " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

On a late fall hike this afternoon in Matilija Canyon, we came across a ladybug gathering place - hundreds and hundreds of ladybugs in tall grass, mating and gathering. It was just before the sun went below the western hills of the canyon. Following is a bit of video from the iPhone. Click over to Subscribe to the new Ojai Post YouTube channel.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few moments ago, in Meiners Oaks:

Continue reading "In With the New!" »

Posted by evan austin at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Turner and Assemblyman Pedro Nava,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ojai Creek Restoration Project is moving forward under the leadership of Brian Holly and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. Nice article in the VC Star. (nice new site for the VC Star too!)

“All there are here are old-growth trees. You notice there are no young trees growing, because the seeds can’t fall and make new plants. There’s no regeneration,” [Holly] said Saturday, adding that eventually the trees will die. Though the periwinkle and Himalayan blackberry vines that cover the ground will have a water source, they also will suffer then without the shade, leaving the area barren.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

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

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

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

4. Cover. Label. Refrigerate.

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

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

More information and full event press release follows:

Continue reading "Save Thanksgiving!" »

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

From Sue Williamson: Greetings all Bear Fans!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from the fine folk at the Ojai Valley Museum...

Perfect timing! Just when we’re trying to use less water, the Ojai Valley Museum’s Native Plant Sale makes it easy to add drought tolerant, eye-catching plants to our gardens. From 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday, October 24, the back patio of the museum will become a nursery, supplied with all manner of easy-to-grow-and-maintain plants.

Continue reading "Native Plant Sale" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

Each morning this week, when I step outside my door to go to to work, I see the silhouette of a bear in the pine tree across the street. From this distance, it looks just like the several-hundred-pound black bear that I first discovered in the same position, on the same branch, last Saturday morning. But it is not him. It is a 70-pound metal sculpture created by my neighbor, Mark Benkert, honoring the memory of the bear. The following video tells the story of how it got there.

"Climb the Pine" by Patrice Robbins

Posted by Robert Peake at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Erin Ellwood, used with permission

Saturday morning, I awoke to discover several police vehicles parked on our street, and a crowd gathering on our front lawn. The previous night, a several-hundred-pound black bear had scaled our neighbor's back fence, bounded down the gravel footpath between our houses and, confused by the people and lights, followed his instincts up a large pine tree across the street. People came to take pictures. People brought their small children, and hoisted them up on their shoulders to get a better view. Eventually, the police cordoned off the street, and still people gathered along the line of yellow police tape to catch a glimpse of the bear.

Meanwhile, the authorities below patrolled the street. Their primary concern was public safety—and for this concern, I am grateful. They responded bravely in the middle of the night to an emergency call. And they stayed on, keeping watch over us, and him, all day. However, the thinking that unfolded over the next eighteen hours about how to handle the situation diverged between two extremes: an approach similar to the policy that Arizona Fish and Game follow with regard to wild animals posing a threat to public safety, which Suza Francina pointed out—known as "when in doubt, take it out"—and the hope-against-hope that the bear could return home with minimal intervention from the authorities.

Continue reading "Bear's Death Deserves a Constructive Community Response" »

Posted by Robert Peake at 08:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (73) | author bio

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

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

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

from reader Genneva...

I am sure you have heard that Mountain Meadows Nursery on Baldwin is closing. I was wondering if you would be willing to include something about showing support before they close their doors. All plants/trees are 30% off right now and Chris is planning on closing the end of the month. It is the best nursery I’ve been to by far and many probably feel the same. Thanks for your consideration.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Timescapes Timelapse: Mountain Light from Tom @ Timescapes on Vimeo.

Posted by Mike Didj at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

A photo of some trash I collected and hauled out of the creek that runs under the bridge just north of the Highway 33 ranger station at the north end of Wheeler Gorge Campground. The conundrum is that kids who are partying out in nature don't haul out their empties, because they'd be in far more trouble with it than not.

Anyway, open thread...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Continue reading "Living Peace in Ojai Photos - Set 2" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Continue reading "Living Peace in Ojai Photos - Set 1" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Guest Editorial by John van Houten, M.D.

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

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

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

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

Paul Jenkin has a Facebook article: "New Solution for Dam Removal," including a recap of Wednesday night's Matilija Dam Design Oversight Group (DOG) Meeting.

The primary topic of discussion was how to reduce the escalating costs of the project and re-energize the efforts to remove this obsolete dam. Project managers presented a new proposal that may provide a solution to the problem of managing the fine sediments trapped behind Matilija Dam.

Become a Fan of the Ojai Post while you're there... www.facebook.com/ojaipost

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:24 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

been awhile since we had one of these here Open Threads... what's up?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (29) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cool stuff from VC Star...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Big Chili Cookoff!" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from reader H....

The annual Perseid meteor showers, which seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus, have been viewable to some extent since around July 17. But tonight, they are expected to be at their peak, with as many as 80 meteors streaking the sky hourly.

You can look up for them throughout the night tonight, but especially promising times are between 9 and 11 p.m. PDT, and before dawn on Wednesday morning, according to a NASA blog (by the way, this NASA post provides a fun 101 on meteors).

Continue reading "Perseid meteor shower 2009" »

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

an announcement from the Ojai Demo Garden...

Garden Volunteer Meeting
Ojai Community Demonstration Garden
Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 9:30am

Come to a short meeting where you will learn what's going on and how you can become a volunteer in the beautiful City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden. Stay as long as you like to help volunteers with a project. All are welcome to participate. If you would like to be involved in any aspect of the garden, please come by or e-mail. There’s plenty to do, so come join us. Many hands make light work! The meeting will take place in the City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden, 401 South Ventura St,. behind City Hall.

Donna Dublin
Coordinator
City of Ojai Community Demonstration Garden
dublin@ci.ojai.ca.us

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Last night, like most nights, I came home from playing with my horses. It was a bit late (I'd been watching the moon rise) and it was quite dark....

Upon my arrival I am greeted at the door by my dog Orion, wildly wagging his tail as he usually does when I come home. My other dog, Willow, however, doesn’t come to greet me. “That’s odd,” I think, and so I look around for her.

She’s standing in our hallway, and her tail is wagging wildly, but she’s not facing me. She’s turning her head around to look at me and then back to stare at a a big black splotch on the floor, wiggling and waggling as she’s standing over it, but with a certain nervous, “uuuuuuhhhhh, mommmm?” tension. (Reminding me of the time that my tough cats were all lying on my crumpled harp cover on the floor in Kentucky — when I lifted it up, there were three baby chimney swifts underneath there. Apparently they were aggressive enough, even though they couldn’t fly and could barely see, that the cats felt it necessary to throw the harp cover over them and then sit on it until reinforcements arrived...)

I look to see what she’s responding to and see the big black splotch. From standing height, with no glasses, it looks like a pile of Willow fur, but I don’t think she’s likely to be focused on hair balls as she is such a conscientious, regular creator of such.

So I crouch down to peer at the big black splotch, which focuses in my eyeballs as this:

Continue reading "A Houseguest" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

reader Jack passed this on - the California Building Standards Commission passed a new graywater code, which is a good step in addressing unsustainable water resource consumption.

Half of all carbon emissions are from buildings. Buildings built to current codes are sucking the groundwater out from under California. Graywater permits are part of an outdated system that focuses on microscopic risk as our species is engulfed by huge, emerging risks.

"On August 4th, 2009, California can legally install simple laundry and single fixture systems without a permit. For the first time, licensed professionals can legally help with the 1.7 million existing graywater systems in the state. " - Art Ludwig, graywater researcher and educator

Continue reading "New Graywater Code" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

from reader Diane...

Thought people around town would love knowing about this -- Water Aerobics at Lake Casitas Water Park – and one of the best deals around town! Only $4 per class or $30 for a 10 class pass.

Recently, there was article about the Water Aerobics class in the July 8th Ojai Valley News and I’ve been going several times a week ever since. This is an absolute blast!

Continue reading "Water Aerobics at Lake Casitas Water Park" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted

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

by Duncan Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaibigchili.com/

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

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

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

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

A 30 acre fire is being reported down at Shell Road. Plenty of smoke up here in the Valley. Will keep an eye on the situation. Here's a link to the Twitter search.

Update from the VC Star:

Ventura County firefighters are battling a brush fire this afternoon near Highway 33 and Shell Road north of Ventura, authorities said.

The fire was reported about 4:12 p.m., authorities said. By 5:17 p.m., it had burned 30 acres, but no structures were threatened, the Ventura County Fire Department reported.

Ventura County fire, and units from the cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Paula responded to the call. A power line might have triggered the brush fire, but fire officials are waiting to confirm that information.

Winds in that area are blowing at about five to 10 mph, fire officials said.

UPDATE 8:33PM:

AP: Fire officials say two air tankers and two helicopters, along with ground crews, are battling the fire. There is no estimate on containment.

County: 50 units on scene

UPDATE 10:54PM (hat tip - Ginny):

VC Star: The fire, which was reported about 4:12 p.m., showed no signs of slowing down some three hours later. It had burned more than 30 acres as of 7 p.m. in hard-to-reach hilly terrain on the Taylor Ranch. The fire was 25 percent contained as of 9 p.m. Firefighters were expected to stay throughout the night. Oil fields owned by Aera Energy, an oil and gas producer, dot the area.

UPDATE 9:05AM:

VC Star: Firefighters working through the night to extinguish a brush fire northwest of Ventura had the blaze 75 percent contained by midnight, authorities said.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District tweets: Ventura and Ojai, California - Due to wildfire and smoke Air Quality will be Unhealthy for Sensitive people today and tonight. - Kent

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

The following open letter is from Skater Mom, whose real identity I know. Give it a read, and please contribute to the Skate Park discussion.

Dear School Board Members,

It is hard to express my disappointment and dismay at the group of adults that are supposed to be leading and protecting our children’s education. What kind of example are you setting for these future adults?

I don’t know if the community realizes the political garbage that is going on behind the scenes at the expense of our children. I repeatedly find my jaw dropping aghast at the actions and statements by our (former) Superintendent Tim Baird and various School Board Members. (Minus Paulene Mercado, who is the only School Board Member at the public meeting last month who stated that they had an obligation to the children and the community to fulfill their obligation on the lease.)

Continue reading "Ojai Skate Park: Guest Editorial" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

The Sheriff wants the public to be aware of marijuana cultivation. No confirmed sightings of El Marijuanero...

Marijuana Cultivation / Public Awareness
Location: Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County
Unit Responsible: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit

Spring and summer in the Los Padres National Forest is marijuana cultivation season. From April to October, members of large drug trafficking organizations occupy remote canyons throughout the Ventura County backcountry, planting and tending illegal marijuana gardens. On July 8, law enforcement personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, California Department of Fish and Game, United States Forest Service, and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency eradicated three large gardens in the Los Padres National Forest above Ojai. In all, over 17,800 marijuana plants were seized, bringing this year’s current total to more than 35,000 plants.

Continue reading "Sheriff: Be Aware of Marijuana Cultivation" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

(Illumination News Service)

The Coalition recently followed up with Kim Rodriguez, Director, Planning Division of the Ventura County Resource Management Agency in order to highlight our ongoing concerns about what we believe are possible continual violations of the Ozena mining permit:

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Follow Up to the Scoping Meeting" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 10:28 AM | Permalink | 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

And this round from Tegan Hope - thanks Tegan!

Continue reading "4th of July Parade Photos - Round 3" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The following photos are from Kari Hunt - thanks Kari!

Continue reading "4th of July Parade Photos - Round 2" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Fireworks Display" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Continue reading "4th of July Parade Photos - Round 1" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | 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

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

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

Food For Thought | Event Tickets

(what is a haiku?)

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

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

some PR from the OV Museum...

LIBBEY BOWL: PRESERVING THE LEGACY

On Sunday, June 14th the Ojai Valley Museum will offer the first public presentation of final design drawings for the Libbey Bowl reconstruction by Ojai architect David Bury. The event, organized in collaboration with the 63rd Ojai Music Festival, takes place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum. Reservations are suggested, as space is limited. Please call (805) 640-1390. The cost for this event is $6 for museum members or $8 for non-members.

Continue reading "Public Presentation for Libbey Bowl" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

Submitted by an anonymous reader. As with all legends, take with your own preferred level of grains of salt. And of course, if you have anything to add, or can share local legends and stories you have heard, please do.

Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

You’ve heard the song. You’ve been over the bridge. You’ve eaten the tangerines off the trees under marmalade skies. Here’s one story of how it came about.

Continue reading "Ojai Myths Series Installment No. 3: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

from reader Ali-Sun...

GOING HOME

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

featuring Ojaian Bernadette DiPietro...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

I didn’t get a chance to watch all of Obama’s press conference on Wednesday. Too busy wrestling with our well booster pump, visiting Dr. Thacher for our annual inspection, and soaking up the beautiful Ojai spring wonderland.

Our booster pump went south about ten days ago. For the uninformed, a booster pump forces water up the hill to storage tanks where it is eventually gravity fed back down to our house. Since water has yet to learn how to run uphill, once your storage tanks empty you’re done, fini, over, dry.

When I tell people that we get our water from a well, their first reaction is “Wow, lucky for you that you don’t have to pay those rates charged by Casitas Water.” Then, I recite the litany of costs associated with owning a well and they quickly move to a new subject. Booster pumps are the least of it.

Continue reading "Water, water, everywhere" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

The Ventura County Planning Agency has issued a Notice of an Environmental Impact Scoping Meeting for the Ozena Valley Ranch Mine to be held in the Chaparral High School Auditorium at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6th.

Scoping Meetings are an important forum to establish the breadth of a EIR. This one time meeting provides Ojai an opportunity to comment on issues that must be addressed in the EIR, and to the extent that the County has not adequately identified those issues, to give the reasons why the issue must be addressed, and how it should be addressed.

If a "fair argument" is made that a significant impact may occur as a result of the Project, legally the County must analyze the issue regardless of what Ozena wants or the cost of such reports. Establishing a record on such matters is vitally important.

Issues to be discussed include but are not limited to the following impacts upon the totality of the haul route from Lockwood Valley to the 101: Air Quality; Toxic Wastes; Road Safety; Road Damage; Hours of Operation; Hours of Allowable Trucking through the Ojai Valley; Establishing a Restricted Zone that actually protects critical parts of the Ojai Valley, such as our schools, hospital, medical clinic, senior mobile home parks and condo complexes, the "Y" Shopping Center; and provide for Reasonable and Feasible Monitoring and Compliance, etc.

We need to have every single person who opposes gravel trucking through the Ojai Valley to attend and pack the room. This is one of our very few opportunities left to make our feelings about this project known directly to the Planning Agency. If we fail to act now as a community, it may be too late to act later! Please be there and bring all of your friends and family!

The current proposal for a modification of the existing permit would DOUBLE the amount of trucking through the Ojai Valley from Cuyama that we experienced in 2007 - 2008 and strip away almost every single protection we have fought for over the past two and a half years!

The Stop the Trucks! Coalition will also be sending around "Individual Petitions" for concerned Ojai residents to forward to the Planning Division. These petitions will list many of the specific issues that must be examined in the EIR and/or reviewed by the Planning Division in their consideration of these permit applications.

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: CRITICAL MEETING TO BLOCK OZENA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH AT 6:00 PM AT CHAPARRAL" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:42 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

REMEMBERING ROUTE 33 THE WAY IT WAS WAY BACK IN 2001 BEFORE THE OZENA MINE BEGAN OPERATING

As we approach the May 6th EIR Scoping meeting at 6:00 pm at Chaparral, we thought it useful to reprint this article purchased some time ago from the LA Times that describes Route 33, Maricopa Highway, way back in 2001 before the gravel trucks came to town. Life was very different then, wasn't it...

Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery

Highways: California 33 is a lure to those seeking solitude--and others wanting to dump bodies.
By MATT SURMAN, Times Staff Writer

Sunday, February 4, 2001

Up in the back country of Ventura County, beyond the mountains on curving California 33, legend had it 100 years ago that this was Satan's stagecoach route to hell.

Only evil people could see Satan on his infernal rides. But good people could sense him in the ghostly whoosh of wind and the goose bumps left behind.

In many ways, the sense of mystery and danger and a touch of evil have only grown with the passing of a century.

This road--scratched from the coast across the mountains above Ojai to the Santa Barbara County line--can get downright spooky.

Step right off the highway and into the woods, and it's not unusual to find folks blasting away at trees, road signs or an abandoned trailer.

Go a little farther and you could stumble across an illegal field of marijuana--thousands of plants have been seized in the past year alone--and find yourself worrying whether the growers might be lurking nearby.

Even worse, it could be a body. This road over what was once the path to hell has become the favorite dumping ground for some of the county's most notorious modern-day killers.

Nichole Hendrix, a 17-year-old allegedly killed by skinhead associates, was one of the victims. Her remains were found in October 1999--nearly six months after her killing--far below a hill offering a pristine view of impenetrable pines.

The body of Kali Manley, an Oak View teenager killed when she took a ride with the wrong man, lay in a culvert beneath the highway for days as cars drove overhead, until her killer, David Alvarez, led authorities to the remains the day after Christmas 1998.

In a campground "back there" in 1994, Andy Lee Anderson and his Australian shepherd lost their lives because a teenager with a shotgun wanted Anderson's shiny blue pickup truck.

And they were only a few of the victims.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Maricopa Highway: Road Low on Traffic but High on Tales of Death, Mystery" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

April 22, 2009

Dear UCSB Students:

I have been Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UCSB for almost twenty years, and during that time I have found countless reasons to be proud of UCSB students. I have watched as students championed issues of social justice—militating for the rights of gays/lesbians/bi-sexual/transgender citizens, fighting for equal pay and equal rights for women, working to ensure that the full range of opportunities are available to all Americans. I have watched as you organized to protect academic preparation programs for underserved communities, and as you provided such programs yourselves. Time and again, you have backed up your protests and your talk with hard work and resources. You entered the political arena registering more students to vote than any other university in the nation. You have spoken out against sexual violence against women, and you have protested manifestations of hate in our community. You, as UCSB students, have routinely stood at the forefront of the hard issues, showing yourselves to be true scholars, leaders and citizens of the 21st Century.

It is from this perspective that I find the general student reaction around Floatopia to be so stunningly perplexing.

Continue reading "UCSB'S "Floatopia" Bad For Community And Planet" »

Posted by evan austin at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Touch the soil today.

(photo: HoNbLeSs)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Hey, head down and check out the Native Plant Sale at Ojai Museum... it's on until 2pm. (mediocre images are from the iPhone, but you get the, ahem, picture.)

Continue reading "Native Plant Sale on Now" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

My husband and I have lived in Oak View for closing in on eleven years now. One of the things we've loved about this little town-that-could is how strong the sense of community is here, in spite of having no real downtown, being unincorporated and to many people, what you drive through on your way to Ojai.

This weekend, with the Hidden Gardens of Oak View Tour, a new generation of community members have stepped up to again support community -- organizing this tour as a fundraiser for the landscaping at the Oak View Park and Resource Center.

Continue reading "Growing Community in Oak View" »

Posted by Leigh Melander at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

And more from Ars Technica...

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

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

It was the perfect night to have the ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers within the City on the agenda. The winds were howling and the leaves were blowing wild and free. Surely the whole Ojai City Council would see that leaf blowers are among the least justifiable and most obnoxious technological inventions dreamed up by modern man.

Six weeks ago, at the March 4 City Council meeting, a recommendation was made by City staff to repeal the ordinance dealing with gas-powered leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. At that meeting (as well as other meetings in recent years) numerous members of the public spoke up in favor of a city-wide ban on all leaf blowers, gas and electric.

At last night's meeting this was item #9 on the agenda and the hour was late. This time only Marleen Luckman and I spoke up in support of Option A: "No person shall operate a leaf blower, whether fuel or electrically powered, within the City."

Marleen Luckman, an environmental health expert and member of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, reiterated the many health issues that she and other speakers had addressed in past meetings.

When it was my turn to speak at the podium I expressed that there should be no question that at the very least a City as classy as Ojai should adopt Option B: "No person shall operate a gas or fuel powered leaf blower within the City." This would strengthen the current ordinance, described above.

Continue reading "Update on the Ordinance Banning All Leaf Blowers in Ojai" »

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

OK, new Gypsy Moth Spraying Resource Page has been started to track the conversation around the issue. It's chronological, so if you're new to this issue, start from the bottom up.

It's also listed in the upper-right under Resource Pages.

(photo credit: University of Wisconsin Urban Horticulture website

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I'm looking forward to this - its on my calendar. Be sure to pick up a couple Hummingbird Sage plants. It is incredibly aromatic and beautiful - just an amazing native plant. I've seen it in the pastures east of Thacher School, on the trails above Foster Park and a ton of it on the Rice Canyon loop this year.

NATIVE PLANT AND TREASURE SALE AT THE OJAI MUSEUM

As we are getting ready to celebrate Earth Day in April, the Ojai Valley Museum is organizing its third Native Plant Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the grounds of the museum.

Continue reading "Native Plant Sale at the Ojai Museum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

from the Ojai PD - what a great story... Scot Olson is a bonafide hero.

Landscaper Scot Olson was working in a yard in the 800 Block of Thomas Street in Oak View. A family reunion was in progress next door with several children playing outside. Olson noticed two toddlers near the swimming pool and called to them to stay away from the pool. Believing adults were monitoring the children he returned to his work. A few moments later he looked over at the pool again and saw one of the toddlers floating on the surface of the water.

Olson broke through a picket fence that surrounded the yards, pulled the floating child from the pool and began rescue breathing. Seeing the other child was at the bottom of the pool he yelled for help and continued rescue breathing on the first. A woman came running to the pool and dove in to retrieve the child from the bottom.

Olson was able to revive the first toddler, then helped pull the second child from the pool. He immediately began rescue breathing on her too and was able to revive her. Both girls had regained consciousness prior to the arrival of emergency medical services. The children were transported to local area hospitals where they were treated and later released to their parents.

Mr. Olson’s decision to take action, quick intervention and knowledge in resuscitation techniques clearly saved the lives of these two girls!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Jeff Kuyper, Executive Director of Los Padres ForestWatch, joined me on Radio Ojai recently to talk about the Ojai Wild! Annual Benefit on Saturday, April 4. He also talked about his organization and how it keeps our wild lands wild.

Tickets for Ojai Wild! are $75 for adults, $20 for children under 14 years of age, and a table for 8-10 people may be reserved for $600. Tickets are available by calling the Los Padres ForestWatch office at 805-617-4610.

Listen to the interview here.

Learn more about the event after the jump.

Continue reading "Ojai Wild!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

(elevated from the comments...)

We desperately need about 6 more gardeners to help mentor teams of teens and their family members next Saturday, 3/28, to dig in gardens for low-income families. (See the article in Friday's Ojai Valley News for all the info.)

Asking for a 4 hour commitment in the morning 9:00-1:00 or the afternoon 1:00-5:00. The project entails overseeing 3-6 focused teens and 3-6 adults in installing a 4x8 garden bed. This would entail digging the earth, adding compost and laying in a soaker hose for watering.

You don't have to do the work, just keep the team moving.

Please call the Youth Foundation directly: 805-640-9555.

If not you - do you have a friend who might help out?

Thanks! Dulanie

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

PR from the OVA... (disclaimer: I'm involved in a voluntary marketing subcommittee)

The Ojai Village Association (OVA), a collection of volunteers comprised of business owners, residents, Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce members, Ojai City Council members and staff, have embarked on their next project. This is occurring after a having had a successful “Clean Up Ojai Day”.

Continue reading "notes from the Ojai Village" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

Tonight's City Council meeting was a great one...government in action, with a full room of energetic Citizens. We heard proclamations to the group behind our local Arbor Week activities and to the 2010 Census, some salient public comments dealing mostly with small business signage (specifically, being able to have a small display or sandwich board out to advertise specials or sales), and a quickly approved Consent Calendar totaling $429,714.62 and approving the minutes of six meetings. Discussion Items 2 and 3 dealt with the City's use of pesticides and the proposed purchase of a City-wide phone system, respectively. Public Works Director Mike Culver gave what i thought were brilliantly coherent and detailed reports on both these topics and the research and planning that he and his staff had put together at the Council's direction (short version: the City uses some pretty low-impact herbicides a few months a year and will be putting together a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management program with direction from a task group to include diverse Citizenry and mindful via public comment of instances in which killing "weeds" might be completely unnecessary. Councilwoman Betsy Clapp playfully urges the use of goats for weed control. The current phone system is physically broken and antiquated and splits the City into three departments...the new one funnels all calls through City Hall and connects the public with the department they're after with an extension after that, makes interdepartmental communication easier, and will pay for itself - $40,623 - after 14 months, saving us $5,000 per year after that on our phone bills.)

Then we got to the main reason i was there: the proposed repeal of the City's ordinance regarding leaf blowers.

Continue reading "Total Leaf Blower Ban Proposed!" »

Posted by evan austin at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (38) | author bio

For the life of me, I don't see how our city manager's recommendation to direct staff to prepare an ordinance repealing Section 5-11.05(e) of the Municipal Code, dealing with leaf blowers, fits in with the Roadmap to a Sustainable Ojai (posted on the City's web site) and our stated goal of making Ojai a model green community.

If you Google questions like "what Cities ban leaf blowers?" or "do leaf blowers make workers hard of hearing?" etc., hundreds of web sites pop up. This morning I e-mailed a copy of the most comprehensive document I've found so far, copied below, to our city manager, council members and interested members of the public.

FACTS

Click on Links Below for Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Leaf Blowers:

Leaf Blower Noise and Its Consequences
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#conseq

Air Pollution From Leaf Blowers
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#air

Leaf Blowers and Health: Letter to California Air Resources Board
http://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm#carblett

Continue reading "Are Leaf Blowers On the Roadmap to a Sustainable Ojai?" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Sunday, March 8th

There will be a Non-Violent training for our protest rally this Sunday, March 8th, 3pm - 6pm at Golden Oaks Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 1273 S Rice Rd in Meiners Oaks. Please park on the street and walk in. There is no parking inside the Mobile Home Park. Please carpool, if possible.

Please bring an organic dish for a potluck following the training...
For more information, please call 805.794.1856 or e-mail pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com

Peaceful protest against the spraying, March 9th

The California Department of Food and Agriculture will begin the spraying of Dipel, a Btk formulation, March 9 in Meiners Oaks, in an attempt to eradicate the gypsy moths in the area. Many residents are very concerned about the possible negative environmental and health impacts. Pesticide Free Ojai Valley is planning a peaceful protest against the spraying on Monday March 9th.
Please meet at the intersection of El Roblar and Hwy 33 at 7:30 a.m.
People are encouraged to bring signs.
For more information please call 805.639.3764 or email pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com

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

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy events upcoming...

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

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

Continue reading "Wild About Ojai 2009" »

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

from Judy K:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Eve of Justice: Lighting The Way For The Supreme Court

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

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

On Wednesday evening at 6 pm:

Bring candles and signs.

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

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

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

www.ojaipeace.org

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

from Supervisor Steve Bennett...

Wednesday, March 4th, 7:00 PM
Ojai Valley Woman’s Club
441 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai

In 2007, at the request of Ojai Valley citizens concerned about hillside development, I was able to secure scarce County funding for an expansion of protection of the important scenic resources of the Ojai Valley. The first phase of this program, an updating of the Countywide Zoning Ordinance has been completed. The second phase, mapping of additional areas of the Valley to protect, is now ready to commence.

The County Planning Division will present to the public an outline of the process that staff will follow in undertaking this significant expansion of protection for the Ojai Valley. The public, in turn, is invited to provide input on whether scenic resources of the Valley have been degraded over time, if so what those resources are, and whether areas of the Valley need more rigorous protection in order to maintain the Ojai Valley’s scenic features.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley Zoning Meeting" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "Snow Above Ojai: Rose Valley" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

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

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

more after the jump...

Continue reading "Learning by Living" »

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

Each year new pups are born in December and January. Adult females spend 10 months at sea and two on land. Most of the older males make the 5,000-mile trip to the Aleutian Islands twice a year. Females and juveniles also travel, but usually not as far. Here are some clips of the moms and babies taken just before New Year's at the viewing area near San Simeon. Seals are usually there from December through February.

Posted by Sally Carless at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from the Ojai Music Festival...

Libbey Bowl serves as a historic gathering place for events including the Ojai Music Festival. Over the last few years, the City of Ojai has conducted numerous structural studies only to find that the termite and wood rot damage is so severe that the Libbey Bowl is in critical condition and must undergo a major rebuild.

Please join the City of Ojai, Ojai Music Festival, and the Ojai community at the Commissions Special Joint Meeting to hear about plans for rebuilding the Bowl.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009
7:00 pm
Sarzotti Park (510 Park Road, Ojai)
open to the general public

Agenda items include:
* Overview of Assessment and Needs
* David Bury of Bury Architects unveiling of preliminary site plans

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Libbey Bowl project, please contact
(805) 646-3117 or email info@LibbeyBowl.org.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The 9th annual Ojai Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration is coming on Monday, January 19. Press release follows...

The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is pleased to announce that John R. Hatcher III, President of the Ventura County Chapter of N.A.A.C.P., will be the featured speaker at this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. The 9th annual event, free to the public, will be held in Ojai’s downtown Libbey Park on Monday, January 19, from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Special guest performers include San Diego hip hop musician/poet Gill S.O.T.U. and gospel choir Living Sacrifice from Santa Barbara. Top local youth musicians and singers will represent many of the schools in the area. They will be joined by Ojai-based, internationally known singers Perla Batalla and Julie Christensen. Local youth will provide food, booths, artwork and much more. Many Ojai students are participating in a writing contest based on this year’s theme.

Continue reading "2009 Ojai Martin Luther King Jr. Day" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We were treated to not one, but TWO gas-powered leaf blowers this morning! Not only did they wake up Noa, but the timestamp clearly indicates a violation of our City's Municipal Code, which states in part that

"Leaf blowers may be operated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday, except legal holidays. While electric leaf blowers are allowed in all zones, gas-powered blowers will only be allowed in non-residential zones after December 31, 1998. Other special provisions governing gas blowers include: (1) they may not be operated within 150 feet of residences, motels, schools, and hospitals; and (2) they must be operated with their factory mufflers in good working order."

While the grounds maintenance folks usually do come after 8 a.m., i count THREE violations this morning (not counting Planet-Killing and Baby-Waking). i live in apartments governed by the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura. What's my next move?

Posted by evan austin at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWO MORE (ONLINE) ACTIONS AFTER THE JUMP!

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

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

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | author bio

More from the OC Register...
what to do in the garden this month...

As soon as you shake the confetti out of your shirt, you might start thinking about bare-root season. January is the month to plant all things dormant such as roses, fruit trees, asparagus and berries.

These plants, which are "out like a light," haven’t a clue that they’ll be waking up in your landscape. Give them a good home by preparing the planting area before you shop.

January is also the month to prune just about anything that you can reach with your shears, but especially fruit trees and roses.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

January planting from the OC Register. Much more by following the link (annuals, perennials, natives, bulbs, herbs, shrubs, trees and more)...

EDIBLES
Plant cool season vegetables for an early spring harvest:
Artichokes
Arugula
Beet
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collards
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Rutabaga
Spinach
Strawberries
Turnips

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

from
Accuweather...

Low: 40°F
Mostly cloudy with a shower in places
Winds: NNW at 5mph
Wind Gusts: 8 mph
Thunderstorm Probability: 20%
Amount of Precipitation: 0.02in
Amount of Rain: 0.02in
Hours of Precipitation: 2 Hrs
Hours of Rain: 2 Hrs

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Beautiful day for a hike today... here are a few images in sequence, counterclockwise around the Rice Canyon-Wills Canyon loop.

Continue reading "Rice Canyon Loop Hike - New Year's Day 2009" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

From People Magazine...

Just after the holiday, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal were geared up and power walking the hills in Ojai, near Witherspoon's farm getaway.

The couple's surprise dates? Gyllenhaal's Zodiac costar Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

A few months back, the orchard at the northwest corner of Carne and Grand was uprooted, resulting in a number of giant piles of limbs and trunks across the approximately 10 acre property.

They were burning one of the piles today, with flames shooting 40-50 feet into the sky. White ashes were raining on my car and me as I grabbed a photo with my iPhone...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | 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

Isn't the rain great, and how about the snow-topped Topa Topas! From yesterday...

VENTURA COUNTY WESTERN VALLEYS
Station Canyon.................... 2.02
Matilija Dam...................... 2.05
Stewart Cyn....................... 1.70
Lake Casitas @ Dam................ 2.07
Ojai.............................. 1.64

VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS
White Ledge Peak.................. 1.97
Nordhoff Ridge.................... 1.30
Rose Valley....................... 1.33
Senior/Gridley Cyn................ 1.89
Old Man Mountain.................. 1.42

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Today is the last day of Chalica, a seven-day celebration of the principles that underlie the Unitarian Universalist movement, beginning on the first Monday in December. Like all holy-days, it was conceived by a person to meet a need; in this case is was a woman named Daylene Marshall from British Columbia, who a few years ago decided that a winter holiday to honor the UU principles would be a community-building and unifying thing. Chalica continues to grow grassroots-style, with people discovering and creating it every year. The general practice is to light a chalice (or candle) in one's home each day in honor of one principle, and to give gifts or take actions that further it. Part of its beauty for me is that, just as one needn't be a Christian to celebrate Christmas, you don't have to identify as a Unitarian Universalist to appreciate and celebrate these ideals! The seven principles are:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

**Read on for an exclusive Radio Ojai interview and hilarious video!**

Continue reading "Happy Chalica!" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supporters of marriage equality rallied tonight in Ojai's "Y" intersection in an enthusiastic show of opposition to Prop 8 and support for equal rights. By its end, the gathering numbered 120 to 150 people, including members of the Santa Paula and Ventura congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Church. There was an impressive and perhaps unexpected amount of honking, waving, and smiling from passing motorists. For balance, two large trucks attempted to squeal their tires and speed aggressively away, only to slam on their brakes and risk collision with people waiting to turn into the shopping center parking lot. One of these vehicles was pursued by the police.

More photos after the jump!
(thanks to Sally Carless for most of the photos!)

Continue reading "Marriage Equality Supporters Rally at the Y" »

Posted by evan austin at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

(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

Ojai Day was awesome today. Great turnout, a ton of booths, perfect weather - we had a great time. Hope you enjoy the photos. There's a secret toy surprise at the bottom of the box..

Continue reading "Ojai Day 2008 In Pictures" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | 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

The Sesnon Fire, which began in the Porter Ranch area of Los Angeles County has burned close to 14,000 acres has crossed the Ventura County line. Firefighters confirm the flames are burning in a rural area northeast of Simi Valley.

More:
VC OES
KEYT
VC Star
LA Times photos

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | 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

Hey, it's raining!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!" »

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

The Living Peace weekend included a gathering with music and chalk art at the fountain in Libbey Park. Some photos below (all photos by Gail Motyka)...

Continue reading "Living Peace - Chalk Art in Libbey Park" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | 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

OK, Ojai garden enthusiasts. What should we be planting in our fall gardens? What are some good container plants for those of us with an abundance of gophers? Where can we get free dirt for raised beds? Have at it...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | 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

OVN covered the Rainwater Harvesting presentation featuring author Brad Lancaster and Jim MacDonald, director of building and safety for Ventura County. The event was sponsored by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. Looks like attendance was great, as was the information. Yet another positive step towards making Ojai a model sustainable valley.

Lancaster, who has presented nationwide, impressed audience member, Ojai Planning Commissioner John Mirk. “It’s exciting to see things that are actually being done and we actually get twice as much rain here,” said Mirk after the presentation. “I loved the street treatments, the whole idea of a meandering street. I think there are definitely a lot of these things that we can do here.”

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Interesting OVN article on Street Sweepers... one particular quote caught my eye :)

“The streets are full of contaminants, insecticides, urine, rubber from cars,” said Ernie Salomon, owner of the Matilija Plaza Group. “Now all you have is a machine that sweeps that stuff up into the air.”

And here's an article largely on the "Tymco Model 600," the beast that roams our streets.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

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

Or This Vision?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

photo taken today, August 29, 2008 by evan austin

Posted by evan austin at 10:49 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

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, August 19th in a special joint meeting with the Commissions on Planning and Parks & Recreation at 7:30pm, where the main agenda item is discussion of the Skate Park project. Full agenda can be read HERE.

Posted by evan austin at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Pretty cool storm, eh? More from the VC Star...

An electrical storm thundered through the county early this morning, dampening some areas, causing power outages and downing power lines, authorities said... No lightning caused flare-ups were reported overnight.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

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

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

More photos and information after the break!

Continue reading "County Proclaims Breastfeeding Awareness Month!" »

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

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

The Ojai Skate Park is becoming an increasingly nuanced issue in the community, with debates centered around fundraising, land use, leases and official city support. I've created a resource page for it, and feel free to discuss it here...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (75) | author bio

If you're a motorist and are heading out this morning, here's what you have to look forward to:

Regular Unleaded (87 Octane):
Valero, Ojai - $4.39
Chevron, Ojai - $4.49
Union 76, Ojai - $4.49
Circle K, Mira Monte - $4.22
Shell, Oak View - $4.21
Thrifty, Oak View - $4.19
American Gas, Meiners Oaks - $4.29
updated July 25, 2008

as reported at ojainews.com

Posted by evan austin at 07:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

My longtime friend Anthony and I went up yesterday afternoon in his ultralight experimental Skyboy, out of Camarillo Airport. We were going to fly over Ojai, and got as far as the south foothills below Sulphur Mountain, but the fog and mist were rolling in from the ocean. The biggest concern was other planes seeing us.

We were up about 45 minutes, and despite me getting a little queasy, it was a blast. Back down on the ground, other pilots repeatedly walked by to get a look at the Czech Republic-made aircraft, of which there are less than a handful in California. Good times. Takeoff video and more photos after the jump.

Continue reading "Camarillo Airport: Skyboy Ultralight" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | 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

I just snapped these photos of a Texas Roadrunner (also called a Greater Roadrunner and a member of the cuckoo species) through our window five minutes ago. Way cool - he was big - about the size of a medium-sized crow. Description and another photo after the jump.

Continue reading "Texas Roadrunner" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Continue reading "Ojai Fireworks Thread" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (26) | author bio

(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)

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

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

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

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

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

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Some further highlights:

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

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

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

Join Ojai's legendary herbalist Lanny Kaufer for a hike to the shady oak forest of Wills Canyon.
Learn to identify native plants used for food, home remedies, survival, landscaping, ceremony and more. Lanny has been leading entertaining and informative nature walks for groups of all ages since 1976. I guarantee you will have a wonderful time and what you learn may someday save your life!

Saturday, June 28
8:30-11:30 AM
at the Ventura River Preserve in Meiners Oaks
(Trailhead by Rice and El Roblar)

For more details click here:
native-plant-flyer-6-28-08.pdf

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

The County of Ventura Fire Department's Public Information Office tells me that the BRUSH FIRE at Barnett and Cameron in the City of Ventura is receiving a full brushfire response including bulldozers and air support, and that units from the City and County of Ventura are responding. No units from Ojai have been called into service yet.

from the VCFD...
Units from the Ventura City and Ventura County Fire Departments are responding to an 8-10 acre BRUSH FIRE.

Update: 4:20pm - drove by an hour ago, looked like they were mopping things up. - Tyler

Posted by evan austin at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Why the Moon Looms Especially Large Tonight

As the full moon rises this Wednesday, many people (including myself) will be fooled into thinking it's unusually large.

The moon illusion, as it's known, is a trick in our minds that makes the moon seem bigger when it's near the horizon. The effect is most pronounced at full moon. Many people swear it's real, suggesting that perhaps Earth's atmosphere magnifies the moon.

The moon always looks biggest when it's closest to the horizon, but Wednesday's full moon may seem even bigger than usual. That's because it is just two days before the summer solstice, when the sun hits its highest point in the sky.

But it really is all in our minds. The moon is not bigger at the horizon than when overhead.

Continue reading "That Huge Moon? It's Just an Illusion" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 04:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | 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

from the US Forest Service... we'll keep an eye on this one, but its pretty far away at this point.

A fire located 21 miles west of King City, in the Ventana Wilderness of the Los Padres national Forest, was reported today at 12:36 p.m. The fire is now approximately 125 acres in size and continues to burn in oaks and brush and heavy grass. There is currently no containment of the fire which is burning on both sides of the Arroyo Seco-Indians road. No structures are immediately threatened, but 10 summer cabins located 3 miles south east of the fire were evacuated as a precautionary measure only. Temperature in the nineties and relative humidity as low as nine percent have been observed. Wind is predicted to remain out of the north and North West at between ten to fifteen miles per hour. 290 firefighters are currently assigned to the incident, inclusive of 6 hand crews, 2 helicopters, 13 engines, 1 dozer and 1 water tender. Crews will work throughout the evening to build a line around the fire.

9AM UPDATE after the jump...

The Los Padres National Forest Fire Information Call Center at 805-961-5770, will remain in operation this evening until 9:00 p.m. A recorded message will be available at that number throughout the evening. The Call Center will re-open tomorrow at 7:00 a.m., or if there is a significant change in the fire’s behavior.

Continue reading "Indians Fire Update" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:40 AM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

Full story (and video!) at ojainews.com

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

Looking out my office window, I saw a bright yellow bird with some black markings, about the size of Ojai's bluebirds. So I went to Teh Google, and found a few interesting results. It looked most like an Altamira Oriole (pictured left), which is widespread in the Mexican Gulf Coast, northern Central America, the Pacific Coast, and as far north as the extreme south of Texas. But if climate change is making the Southern California climate hotter, then it might be possible that this bird finds the climate here more hospitable than in the past.

Other possibilities are the Streak-backed Oriole and the Hooded Oriole. Any ornithographers out there who want to chime in?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

How great is this rain???

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

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

From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join Ojai herbalist Lanny Kaufer for a hike in the oak forest of Wills Canyon. Learn to identify native plants used for food, medicine, survival, landscaping, aromatherapy and more. Lanny has been leading entertaining and informative nature walks for groups of all ages since 1976.
This is a membership event sponsored by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Members attend free. A donation of $10 is requested of the general public; however, new members who join OVLC on Saturday can exercise their member privilege immediately. Space is limited. Please call the OVLC at 649-6852 to register and for more information.
Saturday, May 24
8:30-11:30 AM
Ventura River Preserve
(Trailhead by Rice and El Roblar)

Posted by Chris Wilson at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

With the arrival of hot weather, Los Padres National Forest officials today issued a few safety tips for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Water Safety
• If you cannot swim, stay out of the water.
• Never swim alone. Always swim with a partner.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
• Do not swim after consuming alcohol or using drugs.
• Never slide, jump or dive from rocks into the water. Stay away from waterfalls.
• Be aware of hazards such as uneven bottom, deep pools, strong currents, submerged rocks and vegetation, and broken glass or other sharp objects.
• Do not use glass or other breakable containers in or near the water.
• Keep all litter, including diapers, out of the water. Dispose of litter properly.
• Always wear a life vest and helmet while rafting, tubing or engaging in other water craft activities.
• Remember: there are no designated swimming areas or lifeguards in Los Padres National Forest.

Fire Safety
• A California Campfire Permit is required in all areas except designated Campfire Use Sites. The permit and a list of Campfire Use Sites is available free of charge from any Forest Service office.
• If camping in an area other than a Campfire Use Site, build your campfire with at least five feet of clearance between the edge of the fire and the nearest vegetation. If camping at a Campfire Use Site, use only the fire ring and stove provided.
• Never leave a campfire unattended and always extinguish your campfire completely before leaving the area.
• Be very careful when using cigarettes and other smoking materials.
• Do not park vehicles on grass or other vegetation, as hot exhaust systems can easily ignite dry vegetation.
• Make sure that chainsaws, off-highway vehicles and other equipment with internal combustion engines have an approved and functional spark arrester.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The following announcement comes from Camille Carlson, who commutes by bicycle from Meiners Oaks to her job teaching Spanish at Monica Ros School in the east end. She is one of the new wave of activists leading the charge to make the Ojai Valley a world class Bicycle-Pedestrian Friendly Community.

Hello Friends, Family and the Ojai Community,

I'm writing to remind you that May is National Bike Month.

May 12-16 is Bike to Work Week.
May 16 is National Bike to Work Day.
May 11-17 is also National Transportation Week
May 21- Evening for the Ride of Silence (in Ojai and nationwide)
Flyer for Ojai Ride of Silence
Ride of Silence flyer (PDF)

Check out www.bikeleague.org (American League of Cyclists) if you get a chance.
Just wanted to see if anyone is interested in commuting by bike to work or 'wherever' together at any point during the month of May. It makes the ride all that more fun!!

I also discovered that May 21st is the evening for the Ride of Silence. Check out these videos or visit www.rideofsilence.org.

Continue reading "May is National Bike Month" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

From the Forest Service...

High Fire Season Will Begin May 12 in Los Padres National Forest

With the onset of warmer and drier conditions, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that they will declare the start of “high fire season” on May 12. Effective Monday, burn permits issued for private property within the national forest are suspended until further notice. Forest visitors must abide by the following fire safety measures:

Continue reading "High Fire Season Begins" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

Attention horticulturists and gardeners - these California golden poppies, usually seen bright orange throughout Southern California, appear to be picking up the yellow color of the daisies they are growing next to. What's the deal? Consider this an open thread.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | author bio

I returned recently from greater Seattle, where we drove around the Olympic Peninsula and stayed for a few days. Outside of the National Forests, the devastation of the forests is staggering due to clear cutting. Where the clearcut has been replanted are now tree farms, devoid of the diversity that one might find in the Hoh Rain Forest, for instance.

Despite "some" who argue that the Sierra Club is responsible for deforestation, the logging operations have destroyed a national resource, leaving little pockets of protected National Forest. I talked to a couple native Americans in a reservation art gallery, and they called it a "mistake", allowing the logging companies to do what they did, peaking in the 80's and 90's. We saw native Americans living in poverty near tribal centers, the surrounding lands devastated by clearcut just a few hundred yards from their commodity BIA houses.

We need greater awareness of sustainable and natural building, so that we can all live within a reasonable resource footprint that supports everyone on the planet.

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

There is life after taxes (even though said taxes are funding the estimated $3 trillion war bill and and annual $54 billion in nuclear weapons, which are all about Death), and in the Valley of Plenty, there's lots of living to be done:

Tomorrow (Friday April 18th, 2008) sees parents socializing about their joys and challenges and Besant Hill School students performing Broadway's 27th longest running musical. The long-fenced Wetlands Project between Nordhoff High and Meiners Oaks is newly restored and open once again to the public, and a rally and fundraising kickoff to Save Ojai Schools (from State budget cuts) will be held on Sunday April 20th at OUSD Headquarters. An ongoing art exhibit titled "A Sense of Place" will feature the paintings of local artist Tegan Hope at Busy Babes hair salon until May 31st, and the Ojai City Council will meet on Tuesday the 22nd at 7:30pm. That same evening, co-founder of afterdowningstreet.org, David Swanson, will be speaking at the Ojai Retreat on strategies for saving our Constitution, Economy and Environment.

Just around the corner, the Ojai Storytelling Festival will open May 1st in Libbey Bowl, and an organizational meeting for Ojai's new locavore group is slated for May 10th (sign up here).

Click on over to the Ojai Post for current discussions of global warming, downed power lines, ending the war, illegal immigration, 9/11, childbirth, and more!

cross-posted at OjaiNews.com

Posted by evan austin at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

Born and raised in the UK, Alasdair Coyne is an organic gardener by profession, living in Ojai, California. He was a co-founder of Keep Sespe Wild Committee, an organization dedicated to the watershed of Sespe Creek in Los Padres National Forest.

20 Incontrovertible Truths about Global Warming – A Comprehensive Look at a Global Challenge

The story of global warming is a complicated one. A proper understanding of it requires considering the long-term repercussions of how we are altering the life-sustaining ecological balance of the Earth. Scientists are saying that we must stop the current annual increase in global emissions of climate changing gases in as little as seven years from now. Meanwhile, life around us goes on as usual – people driving, flying and shopping, all of which contribute to climate change. There’s little indication that the necessary changes will happen in the next seven years.

In the following article, I’ve outlined twenty points which should be useful as you learn more about global warming. Future articles will focus on some of these points in detail.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Alasdair Coyne" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | 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

from the US Forest Service...

Forest Service Reopens Areas Burned in Zaca Fire;
Trail Damage Extensive; Public Urged to Use Extreme Caution

Los Padres National Forest officials announced that the area burned by the Zaca Fire, closed to public entry since the fire began in July 2007, will be reopened at noon, April 4. The trail system has sustained extensive damage and the public is urged to use extreme caution when traveling in the affected area, said Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez.

“A great deal of dry ravel (erosion) occurred immediately after the fire, and the winter rains and heavy snowfall caused additional damage,” explained Hernandez. “Particularly hard hit are vulnerable mid-slope trails like segments of the popular Santa Cruz trail, and the Grapevine and Potrero trails in the San Rafael Wilderness. Another key area that sustained significant damage is the Manzana Narrows. Many sections of the trail system have been completely obliterated.”

Continue reading "Zaca Fire Closure Lifted" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

from ForestWatch, check it out...

Los Padres ForestWatch, a local nonprofit organization working to protect the Los Padres National Forest, is excited to announce a creekside barbeque in Ojai on Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2008. The event will take place at Thacher School's picturesque Diamond Hitch Camp at the base of the Los Padres National Forest.

Continue reading "Los Padres ForestWatch Benefit: Creekside BBQ" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (29) | author bio

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

Early Entry Deadline for Filmmakers April 15

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

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

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

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

A Yoga in the Ojai Valley DVD Review

EARTHLINGS
Nature Animals Humankind MAKE THE CONNECTION

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "EARTHLINGS" »

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

reader submitted video of the Bike Tour... Heather Miller writes: "Hundreds of local riders and fans braved the chilly morning to watch the tour from the peak of Casitas Pass. I took a video I've uploaded to youtube in case you're interested in sharing it with your readers. It was a very exciting event, I'm sure the sprint thru downtown was equally as exhiliarating."

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

over-pass-work2.pdf

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

Bridge on Highway 33 Collapses: No One Hurt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from the Forest Service...

Steven Emory Butcher was found guilty yesterday of starting the Day Fire that burned more than 162,000 acres in the Los Padres and Angeles NF's in 2006, and the Ellis Fire in 2002. Congratulations to Special Agent Heather Campbell and the other LPF personnel who worked very hard to bring this case forward to its successful conclusion.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

from the US Forest Service...

Conifers and Fire
Part One in a series on Fire Ecology in the Los Padres National Forest

February 20, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Botanic Garden Blaksley Library
1212 Mission Canyon Road
Santa Barbara

Los Padres ForestWatch and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are pleased to sponsor a three-part series: Fire Ecology in the Los Padres National Forest. The first presentation in this series, Conifers and Fire, will be held February 20, 2008, at 7:00 PM in the Botanic Garden’s Blaksley Library. The evening will include talks by Dr. Bob Haller, Botanic Garden Research Associate and expert on conifer forests in California, and Mark Borchert, Province Ecologist for the US Forest Service, who has conducted extensive research on conifers in the Los Padres. Los Padres ForestWatch is a local nonprofit, working to protect the Los Padres National Forest. Additional information on this event can be found on the ForestWatch website at www.LPFW.org or by calling ForestWatch at 805-617-4610. Future presentations include one on chaparral in March and one on rare plants in April.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Christmas in Ojai from Daly Road Graphics

On February 1, 2008 "Stop the Trucks," filed the following formal complaint against the Ozena Mine with the head of the Ventura County Planning Division, Kim Rodriguez:

Please consider this letter on behalf of Ojai residents, John Broesamle, Howard Smith and the “Stop the Trucks” coalition a formal request to re-open the investigation of possible C.U.P violations on August 14, 2007 in the operation of gravel trucks in conjunction with the Ozena Valley Sand and Gravel Mine.

The Ojai “Stop the Trucks Coalition is comprised of the City of Ojai; Forestwatch; the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce; the Ojai Valley School District; the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors; and many hundreds of private citizens.

In your September 27, 2007 letter to Howard Smith (prepared by Pat Richards) and your January 8, 2008 letter to John Broesamle, the department denies both complaints of early morning and late afternoon CUP truck violations by citing the weigh tickets provided to the Planning Department by Ozena.

After an extensive forensic study of the weigh tickets turned over to the Planning Division by the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, “Stop the Trucks,” now firmly believes that the use of self-prepared weigh tickets, which appear to be the sole tool used by the division to monitor truck traffic, is not valid. It is a method in which the results can seemingly be manipulated at will by the mine operator; and/or the weigh master; the trucking contractor; and/or their designated drivers; and may result in fraud or misrepresentation of the facts. Clearly they fail the test as the evidentiary basis for any claims, pro or con.

Details of our review are in the “Analysis” provided both below and attached separately.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Complaint Against Ozena" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

A new story by Nao Braverman of the Ojai Valley News along with last year's press release from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reveals the heightened threat to our community: "Mine Owners Seek Expanded Routes, Hours; Despite death, bid to expand mine continues."

Some of the highlights from the OVN: "In mid-January, owners of the Ozena Valley Mine applied for modifications to their Conditional Use Permit to mine sand and gravel in Ozena Valley. Included in the application is a request to increase the number of truck trips hauling sand and gravel to and from the plant and expand the hours that their gravel hauling trucks are permitted to travel on Highway 33."

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ozena Mine Seek Expanded Routes & Hours" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

My daughter Monica meets Wilbur...

For a larger view: View image

More images after the jump!

Continue reading "A Visit to an Ojai Pig Sanctuary" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

I thought this was an interesting Craigslist post that I saw on OjaiNews.com... invite me up when you get the farm going...

Approx. one acre field to lease/farm/garden/cultivate - $3500
Opportunity to develop an organic farm/garden operation in Upper Ojai. High demand for organic produce,fruit,berries and other agricultural items or nursery stock. Well water. Excellent location central for marketing as well as site market outlet. Free range chicken/egg facility. Farm building.shed.tool shop... dozens of mature fruiting trees... avocados... potential for caretakers quarters... this is a lifestyle, not a dream... thanks

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

From the Forest Service...

Cal Trans informed the Forest Service yesterday that Highway 33 will stay closed just past Wheeler Gorge and will probably not reopen until Monday, 2/4/08. They had other priorities and just received emergency funding to work on the road. They now have 2 bulldozers and 6 dump trucks available.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

A note of community interest from Scott Eicher, Ojai Chamber CEO...

As reported in the Ojai Valley News, Lake Casitas is threatened with Quagga Mussel infestation. If the Quagga enters the lake's ecosystem, it will be virtually impossible to remove. Closing the lake could keep it out, but at what cost? Ron Merckling, Water Conservation/Public Affairs Manager for Casitas Municipal Water District, will be our keynote speaker at the first Chamber Breakfast of 2008.

Come hear what Mr. Merckling has to say about the impacts the Quagga could bring: closing the lake; environmental effects to the lake; potential economic impacts of each case. Wednesday morning,
January 30 at Soule Park Golf Course from 7:30 to 8:45 Advance Chamber Member price is $25; non-Chamber members $30 before January 25th. After January 25th; tickets $30 for all. Buffet breakfast included. Contact the Chamber at 805-646-8126 or info@ojaichamber.org to reserve your spot. [ed. note - as this is the first public posting of this event here, perhaps you can still request an advance chamber member price today]

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

There's a bunch of info on the Ojai Storm Watch page. Feel free to post hazards, observations, links, etc. in the comments. It'd be good to get some neighborhood updates, and to hear from our friends in Upper Ojai and out in Matilija (I heard they got a little snow a few days ago?).

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:19 AM | Permalink | author bio

Photo by Daly Road Grapics, Ojai Ave at Montgomery, 7:00am on 1/22/08

Appeal by Ozena Mine to Expand Trucking Hours Rejected

Such changes would have expanded allowable and permitted trucking through our valley from the current seven hours a day on weekdays to more than double that.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Another Victory for Ojai!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from Heidi Anderson, Wilderness/Trails Manager, US Forest Service, Ojai Ranger District... Looks like we get a QUICK breather between storms. A couple of photo taken from my driveway on my way to work this morning.

And another great shot of Chief Peak after the jump... thanks, Heidi!

Continue reading "Snow Capped Mountains" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Any rain-related problems out there? Leave it in the comments and I'll compile it this evening. Stay warm and dry tonight.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (25) | author bio

From the Forest Service...

Hwy 33 is closed right now at Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center. The 1-800-gas-road phone number and the Cal Trans Website contradicts itself. Scott Morgan just came down from the Wheeler Fire Station and CHP is sitting in a car at the closure.

Info from the website:

SR 33 [IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA] IS CLOSED FROM 7.5 MI NORTH OF OJAI (VENTURA CO) TO 9 MI SOUTH OF THE VENTURA/SANTA BARBARA CO LINE - DUE TO SNOW - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM WHEELER CAMPGROUNDS TO THE LOCKWOOD / OZENA RANGER STATION (VENTURA CO)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

The rain continues steadily, with a forecast for continued sky-water through Saturday night (AccuWeather) or Monday (Weather Channel). Our local Police and Highway Patrol are reporting no road closures or major accidents, but there are many flooded areas which are mostly marked with cones and/or signs. As always in the rain, simply be cautious and aware, reduce your speed, and increase your stopping distance.

Continue reading "A Downpour of News" »

Posted by evan austin at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Heidi Anderson, the Wilderness/Trails Manager for the Ojai Ranger District of the US Forest Service, sent through a Trail Report, which I'll reprint after the jump, along with the following note:

Attached is a trail report from yesterday for the Sespe River Trail. Just the perfect temps for hiking and no bugs. The storms in early January did a number on the trail in the Day Fire burn area.

The left photo is the first crossing of Sespe below the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. The right photo is west Kerr Springs along the Sespe (pretty sweet spot, says Heidi!)

Continue reading "Forest Service Report: Sespe River Trail" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | 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

Esteemed reader Lanny Kaufer sent me a release for this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration with this note... "I have a special interest in this year's program. As a veteran of Dr. King's SCOPE project I registered "Negro" voters in rural Virginia in 1965-66. Through my association with King's organization, the SCLC, I met Deric Gilliard who lives in Atlanta and is a former Communications Director of the SCLC. By piecing together sponsors and speaking engagements at local schools, we (the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and I) managed to entice him to come out here for a few days to share his first-hand knowledge of the Movement and many of the activists who embodied it."

The eighth annual Ojai Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration is Monday, January 21, 2008 from 11am-4pm at Libbey Park (fountain plaza) in downtown Ojai. The rain location is the Chaparral Auditorium.

This year’s theme is “Where Do You Stand?” Nearly every school in the Ojai Valley will be participating in this free community-wide program. This youth-led event, presented by the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, will include art, music, and the spoken word in a festive setting with food and activities for every age.

Continue reading "2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Ojai" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:40 AM |