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© 2006-2009 The Ojai Post
all rights reserved
The views expressed herein are the personal views of each individual author or commenter and are not intended to reflect the views of The Ojai Post or its Authors, Tribal Core or Tyler Suchman as managing editor.
all rights reserved
The views expressed herein are the personal views of each individual author or commenter and are not intended to reflect the views of The Ojai Post or its Authors, Tribal Core or Tyler Suchman as managing editor.
Pets & Animals :: The Ojai Post
January 15, 2010
January 02, 2010
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH TILLMAN THE SKATEBOARDING BULL DOG & RODNEY MULLEN - PRO SKATER
Laura Stinchfield - Pet Psychic interviews Tillman "The Skateboarding Bulldog" with Rodney Mullen - Pro Skater and Ron Davis Tillman's human. Tillman and Rodney find that they have similar experiences in the skating world and we discover that both skaters are full of heart.
January 01, 2010
Early Morning in Ojai at the Dawn of the New Year
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 " »
December 08, 2009
Ojai Wildlife League Members Will Speak at Fish & Game Commission in LA, Dec 9-10, 2009
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.
December 06, 2009
Please Sign Letter to Pedro Nava from the Ojai Wildlife League
Dear OWL Member, Ojai Valley resident, or other member of the public,
Please read the letter below. If you approve, reply with your first and last name, to suewill@roadrunner.com as soon as possible and we will add your name to the signatures. Please respond even if you have already sent an individual letter.
Response to Pedro Nava Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident
To: Ben Turner, Legislative Aide, Assemblymember Nava’s Capitol Office, ben.turner@asm.ca.gov
From: the Ojai Wildlife League, (OWL) http://www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com/
Dear Assemblyman Pedro Nava and Mr. Ben Turner,
Thank you for investigating the protocol and policies that resulted in the killing of an Ojai black bear by the California Department of Fish and Game on October 10th, 2009.
Continue reading "Please Sign Letter to Pedro Nava from the Ojai Wildlife League" »
Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals
A deep bow and sun salute to Ojai Valley Green Coalition member Kayla Capper for calling my attention to this nicely put together article on why the roadmap to a sustainable Ojai Valley should include rethinking our habit of eating animals.
Source: Huffington Post , December 6, 2009
Top 10 (Recent) Developments On Factory Farming And Vegetarianism
By health and wellness expert Kathy Freston
On Thanksgiving, I spent some time taking stock of my life and the world around me and, as we're supposed to do over the holiday, giving thanks for all the joys -- little and big -- in my life. One of the larger joys for which I am giving thanks is all of the recent attention that has been lavished on a topic that is near and dear to my heart -- the cruelty and environmental harm involved in raising animals for food.
Continue reading "Roadmap to Sustainable Ojai: The Latest News On Eating Animals" »
December 03, 2009
Letter to Captain Roland Takayama, California Department of Fish and Game, re Ojai Bear Incident
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.
December 02, 2009
Letter to Assemblymember Nava from former Ojai Mayor, re Ojai Bear and Department of Fish & Game
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.
:
November 25, 2009
Pedro Nava Releases Memorandum on Ojai Bear Incident
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 " »
November 10, 2009
Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009
From Sue Williamson: Greetings all Bear Fans!
On Thursday, November 12, 7pm, we will be having our first organizational meeting to officially form the Ojai Wildlife League. The meeting will be held at Sacred Space Studio, 410 Bryant Circle, Suite A, in Ojai.
This meeting is for people who have the committment, interest, time and resources to do some level of work for this new organization.
This is your opportunity to have a say in how the wildlife of California are going to be treated!
Continue reading "Ojai Wildlife League Meeting, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009" »
November 01, 2009
Ojai Poetry: The Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear and Other Poems
It's a beautiful, sparkling, sunny autumn day here in the Ojai Valley. Three weeks have gone by since the death of the Aliso Street Bear. Some are saying, "Why all the fuss over one bear, when every day millions of other animals and people are suffering and dying?" That first Sunday morning, a few hours after I heard the bear crashing down from the tree, I knew at some level that my grief was not only for this individual bear, but for all the injustice and senseless death in the world.
The Ojai Bear Poems featured here are by local poets David Moody, Robert Peake, mt2 and Crow.
Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear
By David E. Moody, Ph.D.
I fear the two-legged creature
More than any other.
I know not why.
But my thirst
Drives me into his lair.
I wait until dark
When all his kind
Have gone into their caves
And my blackness
Blends into the night.
And there in the very heart of his land
I find where the two-legged creature
Keeps his supply of sacred water
A whole fountain of precious water
And I slake my aching thirst
To my heart's content.
Continue reading " Ojai Poetry: The Ballad of the Aliso Street Bear and Other Poems" »
October 31, 2009
PET PSYCHIC ON TIME WARNER CABLE
THIS IS FREE FOR ALL TIME WARNER SUBSCRIBERS!
Watch a segment on me and my work "Laura Stinchfield - Pet Psychic" on Video OnDemand. Here is how to find the "Pets-Pet Psychic" Segment :
Click on the ‘Local’ Folder in your OnDemand…
then select “SoCal’s Best”…
then select “SoCal Living,
then “Pets – Pet Psychic.
They’ve also have been running it a lot on the Channel 101 station!
Features Iris the goat, Zuma the black Lab and Ike the cat and their people
October 28, 2009
OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Today
Chapparal Auditorium
October 28, 2009 7:00pm-8:30pm
The Ojai Valley Green Coalition is now three years young, and the group would like you to help them celebrate on Wednesday, October 28, from 7 to 8:30 P.M. at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Flyer Here
In addition to toasting the start of their fourth year with sparkling cider, they’ll be enjoying delicious organic cupcakes.
Continue reading "OJAI: YOU’RE INVITED TO A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!" »
October 27, 2009
Not sure what to do if you see a bear? Check out the Ojai Wildlife League OWL website
Thanks to Cory Sipper and her husband Brad, the OWL website is up:
www.ojaiwildlifeleague.com
The following is a good example of what you will learn from the website.
Being Bugged by a Bothersome Bear? Get Educated
The Man Who Walks with Bears
A timely article.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8320414.stm
Black bears are often considered among the most dangerous animals in North America, depicted down the years as ferocious predators threatening to man.
But, says one man, that perception could not be further from the truth.
For 43 years, Professor Lynn Rogers has studied wild bears, walking and playing with them, gaining amazing insights into their behaviour. His studies reveal the bears as peaceful, playful creatures, which even hum when they are content.
The new understanding of wild black bear (Ursus americanus) behaviour unveiled by Prof Roger's research is depicted by the BBC natural history programme Natural World: "Bearwalker of the Northwoods".
October 22, 2009
Ojai Bear's Death Due to Department of Fish & Game Incompetence -- Guest Editorial by Ann Bryant
Note from Suza: Ann Bryant is executive director of the BEAR League of Lake Tahoe. Ojai resident Sue Williamson, one of the organizers of the Ojai Wildlife League, has discussed the Ojai incident extensively with Ann. To learn more, please join us at the Bear meeting tonight, 7:30 pm, Matilija Auditorium.
Bear's death due to Department of Fish & Game incompetence,
The beautiful but unfortunate bear who inadvertently ventured into Ojai recently should most certainly still be alive today and would be were it not for the inappropriate and woefully disturbing actions of a governmental agency --the Department of Fish and Game -- that answers to no one and blatantly disregards its own mission to protect California's wildlife.
October 21, 2009
Ojai Bear News: Pedro Nava Seeks Review of State Tranquilization and Euthanizing Policies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John D. Mann
Note from Suza: Pedro Nava is going to be running for the Attorney General of California--he was a prosecuting attorney and is an animal advocate.
Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) sent a letter today to the Director of the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) requesting a review of the Department’s policies in regards to tranquilizing and euthanizing wildlife that are deemed to be a public threat.
Earlier this week, DFG officials were contacted to respond to a large black bear that had climbed a tree in Ojai. The animal was ultimately tranquilized and euthanized.
October 19, 2009
Aliso Street Bear Incident Ojai Community Meeting - Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm
Please join Sue Williamson, Tom Farmer and Chris Nottoli, three of the people forming the Ojai Wildlife League in an effort to bring together the people and organizations willing to prevent the deaths of wild animals who come into Ojai. Information is being sought and will be shared about the resources we have as a community to form effective strategies and organizations that can ensure public safety, educate the public about wild animal encounters and carry out non-lethal wildlife removal.
When: Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Location: Matilija Jr. High School Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road.
Format: Sue, Tom and Chris will share all of the specific information about the incident and give reports on how other communities and organizations handle such incidents.
Continue reading "Aliso Street Bear Incident Ojai Community Meeting - Thursday Oct. 22nd, 7:30 pm" »
October 15, 2009
The Story of the Bear Sculpture
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
October 14, 2009
Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda
The Council Chambers were overflowing. Every seat was taken. People were sitting on the floor. People were floating out the door. There was not enough room to hold all the outrage!
I wondered what Jere Kersnar, our City manager was thinking. He often has a smirk on his face, like a father who tolerates the foibles of his children. Tonight it was his fate to listen to testimony from two officers from Fish & Game, the Chief of Police, an animal rescuer, a pet psychic, a Chumash Elder, an avocado Rancher who has co-existed with bears for twenty years, a young boy who asked why couldn't there be a bear bag (or a net) at the bottom of the tree, and all the residents of Aliso and Signal and rest of Ojai who witnessed the Bear saga from beginning to the sad, tragic end.
Continue reading "Bears To Be On Future Ojai City Council Agenda" »
October 13, 2009
Video filmed in Ojai: In Memory of the Bear on Aliso Street
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!
New Information on Ojai Bear Story Reported On Front Page of Santa Barbara News Press
Thanks to Ojai resident Cory Sipper for alerting me to the front page Ojai Bear story in today's Santa Barbara News-Press. Angel Pacheco, News-Press Staff Writer, reports new information that is critical in undertanding the full scope of what took place here in Ojai.
Here are some highlights:
" Fish and Game officials shot it with bean bags and tranquilizers, causing it to fall 40 feet to the ground, according to Julia Di Sieno, executive director of Animal Rescue Team Inc. Further shots were fired into the bear, which had been in the tree sleeping, she said.
"It's unbelievable what happened," said Ms. Di Sieno, who, as the incident was unfolding, offered her nonprofit group's trailer and cage to transport and hold the bear. She also reportedly offered to bring a veterinarian to the area. Ms. Di Sieno said while sheriff's officials were on board with her idea to hold the bear, Fish and Game personnel would not speak with her once they took over the scene...
More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear
Part One in a series on the Ojai Community's response to a killing of a black bear in Ojai.
One of the most misunderstood of all creatures is the bear. Like so many other Ojai residents I am filled with sorrow and anger over the killing of a black bear who climbed a tree on Aliso Street, a residential street in downtown Ojai, a few miles away from the mountains that surround the Ojai Valley.
This is not the first bear that has been killed in recent years in the neighborhoods of our valley, but we hope that it will be the last.
In our efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future, a group of concerned citizens is in the process of educating themselves about the habits of black bears, the statewide policies of the Department of Fish & Game's policy on bear encounters, and local law enforcement, as well as how other communities are handling the problems that arise when bears show up in residential neighborhoods.
The constructive idea of an "Ojai Bear Commission," has also been proposed, and will be included in this series.
Continue reading "More Ojai Residents Speak Out About the Killing of the Aliso Street Bear " »
October 11, 2009
Bear's Death Deserves a Constructive Community Response
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" »
The bear’s death warrant? Public liability.
"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." »
What I saw from the Aliso St. Bear Tragedy – A Timeline
Submitted by Chris Nottoli
(Please excuse the typos. It's late)
At about 10:30 pm on Oct. 9th, Deb called me at work to tell me there was a bear in our yard. It had come over the fence from Dennis and Janis’ place. Then Deb hears a large crash outside. I tell her I’m pedaling home, fast.
10:32 pm: Deb and I are standing on eucalyptus logs, headlamps and flashlights on, scanning the neighbors yard to the north of us. Deb claims to have seen two big eyes in the fading light of her flashlight. I tell her she’s nuts and that the bear is long gone by now.
Continue reading "What I saw from the Aliso St. Bear Tragedy – A Timeline" »
October 10, 2009
PET PSYCHIC BEAR COVERAGE
It is now 5:24 pm and the Ojai black bear has been up in a pine on Alisos Street. Thanx to Deb Norton and Chris Nottili I & Brent have had a place to watch and talk to him. The Ojai Police department took a bit of time this morning to close down the street. Now a few blocks are closed around the bear. The Ojai Police do not want to injure the bear. The problem with tranquilizing the bear is that the tranquilizer stays in the bear's system for a few days. It is bear hunting season so Fish and Game are worried about a hunter eating the tainted meat. So what to do: There has been many suggestions. But none that fish and game feel comfortable with.
[editor's note: multiple updates after the jump...TS]
September 12, 2009
Morning Meditation Under the Great Oak
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
September 02, 2009
Fair No Fun for 4-H Pet Market Animals, but Happy Ending For One Lucky Pig
Guest Editorial by Marty Fast, a former 4-H leader who lives in Ojai
The Ventura County Fair is over. What happened to the 4-H pet market animals? Most of them have been transported to the slaughterhouse. How many of the 4-H animal owners accompanied their pets to the slaughterhouse? How many of the 4-H pet owners have ever been to a slaughterhouse to witness the horrific process of slaughter?
Continue reading "Fair No Fun for 4-H Pet Market Animals, but Happy Ending For One Lucky Pig" »
August 29, 2009
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH ANIMAL ACTORS
JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY INTERVIEW WITH A MOUNTAIN LION AND SOME WOLVES.
you can also check out my new blog PET PSYCHIC GIRL
August 14, 2009
Call for Nominations
Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals.
Today is auction day for the 4-H market animals at the Ventura County Fair. Yesterday, I had another talk with a friend who has been involved with 4-H since childhood. He knows everything that happens to each kind of animal from beginning to end. I do my best to be respectful of his views. But at one point in our conversation, when he was questioning why I want to save the llife of the lamb he has raised, I heard myself say, "Just imagine if the lamb were a dog. Then you would undertand how I feel."
Continue reading "Today is Auction Day for the 4-H Animals." »
August 13, 2009
Overnight Thread: Bear Edition
1:15am: On our way home from seeing The Jane Doe's at Movino, we were driving up our street on the east end, and 50 feet in front of us a BEAR crossed the road. A big one. Holy crap! 'nite, Ojai.
August 11, 2009
4-H Kids and Their Animals: the Ultimate Betrayal at the Fair
Guest Editorial by Marty Fast, a former 4-H leader who lives in Ojai
Once again this year, the 4-H animals are on display at the Ventura County Fair. Many of these animals return home once the fair is over, but what happens to the pigs and other market animals? Market pigs begin their life with great pain and suffering. Procedures such as castration, tail docking and ear notching are all done with no painkillers or anesthesia.
Continue reading "4-H Kids and Their Animals: the Ultimate Betrayal at the Fair" »
Guest Editorial: Smitty West on Bees
observations from M.O. resident, native plant grower, exemplary musician and all-around good guy Smitty West...
Bees
Last week, I saw a contractor measuring and marking along the right-of-way in front of Euterpe Farms, and I stopped and chatted with the guy to see what was up.
He was working for the utility company (I assume Edison) and told me he was surveying for the replacement of a rotten utility pole. I saw it was an old wood one, and I asked him if they were going to put in those new fancy brown fiberglass ones that I have seen all over town.
August 09, 2009
Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse
Dear Suza,
I have been reading your articles about 4-H kids. I understand why they should not send their animals to the slaughterhouse.
What I am about to tell you here are events that actually transpired, as accurate as my memory can recall. I could never in my life think up anything like this.
Several years ago I was living on a five-hundred acre ranch right in the middle of the Wind River Indian Reservation, a hundred miles east of the Grand Teton Park in Western Wyoming. I was trading my husbandry talents and the feeding and care of fifty horses and mules, plus summer time irrigating of all the pastures, in exchange for a nice ranch house and the use of any of the stock I wanted to ride. For me and my many dogs and cats, it was ideal.
Continue reading "Why 4-H Kids Should Not Send Their Animals to the Slaughterhouse" »
August 05, 2009
A Houseguest
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:
July 27, 2009
Ojai's Lively Debate on Global Warming: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted In Next Five Years, Study Warns
Two more articles to add to the lively debate right here on the Ojai Post.
Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted
New estimate based on the forthcoming upturn in solar activity and El Niño southern oscillation cycles is expected to silence global warming sceptics
by Duncan Clark
The world faces a new period of record-breaking temperatures as the sun's activity increases, leading the planet to heat up significantly faster than scientists had predicted over the next five years, according to a new study.
July 07, 2009
Nominations Are Open Now!
The Ojai Peace Coalition is SO proud to have borne our 2008 Noble Peace Prize honorees, Tara Blasco and Lyn Hebenstreit, as dignitaries in last Saturday's Independence Day parade (along with former Marine Sergeant Lyn Weeks, representing Veterans for Peace)! In addition to working to increase public health and decrease poverty in Africa, Lyn and Tara engage in spiritual activism right here in our valley community by leading meditation groups, as well as providing support for mothers and infants. Learn about their work in Africa by visiting the Global Resource Alliance website.
Nominations for the 2009 Noble Peace Prize are open now!
CLICK HERE to nominate your most valued local s/hero of peace!
(Need suggestions to get started? How 'bout this thread on community organizers, from September '08?)
June 21, 2009
Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl
I love this book! Not only is it very engaging and touching, but it is also very educational. The book tells the story of a woman’s almost 19-year relationship with a barn owl. Wesley was unable to survive in the wild because of an injured wing. The author, Stacey O’Brien, adopted him when he was about four days old.
Continue reading "Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl" »
June 02, 2009
Don't turn your back on this dog
Please don't try this at home.
May 28, 2009
My 60th Birthday: Coincidence or Cosmic Plan?
Here I am the week of my 60th birth day dismantling my whole life and moving all my Earthly belongings (mostly books, manuscripts, journals, photographs, yoga props and daily-life essentials like kitchenware, towels and bedding), into an 8 x 8 x 12' PODS container. It feels like some kind of rite of passage or initiation. A 60th birthday cleanse!
View image
Continue reading "My 60th Birthday: Coincidence or Cosmic Plan? " »
May 26, 2009
Ojai Myths Series Installment No. 4
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.
The Last Lady of the Cats
This is a personal story, including some author speculation, based on encounters with one of Ojai’s not-so-atypical, possibly mystical beings…
Ojai has talking cats. English-speaking, talking cats.
But today, there’s only one Ojaian left who can hear them properly.
And she’s not talking.
May 08, 2009
Open Thread: Kind of hot for May Edition
May 04, 2009
Going Home
from reader Ali-Sun...
April 29, 2009
Do Your Own Research: Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms
This "swine flu" article by F. William Engdahl is one of the most interesting ones I've found so far and if I make a fool of myself posting this, so be it. I'm most curious to find out what Ojai Post readers think. The original source with photographs can be viewed here:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13408
Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms
If we are to believe what our trusted international media report, the world is on the brink of a global pandemic outbreak of a new deadly strain of flu, H1N1 as it has been labelled, or more popularly, Swine Flu. As the story goes, the outbreak of the deadly flu was first discovered in Mexico. According to press reports, after several days, headlines reported as many as perhaps 150 deaths in Mexico were believed caused by this virulent people-killing pig virus that has spread to humans and now is allegedly being further spread from human to human. Cases were being reported hourly from Canada to Spain and beyond. The only thing wrong with this story is that it is largely based on lies, hype and coverup of possible real causes of Mexican deaths.
Continue reading "Do Your Own Research: Flying Pigs, Tamiflu and Factory Farms" »
April 27, 2009
Swine Flu Outbreak -- Nature Biting Back at Industrial Animal Production?
Check out this article by Journalist David Kirby on the Huffington Post:
Swine Flu Outbreak -- Nature Biting Back at Industrial Animal Production?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/swine-flu-outbreak----nat_b_191408.html
Do Your Own Research: Do Not Take A Swine Flu Vaccine!
Note: After I posted the article below it was pointed out to me that the source was questionable (See Comments). Upon rereading it my guess is that there is an element of truth mixed with fiction. Below is an edited version of what originally appeared here. After I do some more research I may pull the whole thing...
"Remember 1976 and the so called Swine Flu outbreak that was purported to be a coming pandemic? It only infected recruits at Ft. Dix. Why? Because I believe that the so called Swine Flu virus infected the recruits due to the vaccines they were given. Whether the government developed the Swine Flu 1976 virus and infected the recruits as a means to test the public to see if people would comply with a call to take vaccination against Swine Flu, or the recruits became infected via contaminated vaccine they were given as part of the recruit regimen, that outbreak was as phony as they come. I was one of the people duped into taking a Swine Flu shot and it made me so sick. I was sick in bed for three months after taking the vaccine.
Continue reading "Do Your Own Research: Do Not Take A Swine Flu Vaccine!" »
April 23, 2009
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW: GEORGIA NEEDS A HOME
Georgia is a 2 yr. old spayed female blond Shepherd mix, 59 lbs. She is great with dogs and very shy with people. Her first owner was a dog hoarder. There were over a hundred dogs at her home. Georgia is now awaiting a person and home at DAWG in Santa Barbara. Their website is http://www.sbdawg.net. They are located at 5480 Overpass Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Please take a trip and go and meet her.
Here is an interview that I have done with Georgia. She is a very special dog. She is smart, attentive, and comes to people for safety. If you decide to give Georgia a try she comes with a free dog training/pet psychic session. She needs someone who is patient and is willing to give her time to settle in.
Laura, pet psychic: Can you tell me a little bit about where you came from?
Georgia:
Continue reading "PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW: GEORGIA NEEDS A HOME" »
April 17, 2009
Science Friday: Colony Collapse Disorder
Reader H. sends the following from Science Digest - "Cure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse?"...
For the first time, scientists have isolated the parasite Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) from professional apiaries suffering from honey bee colony depopulation syndrome. They then went on to treat the infection with complete success.
And more from Ars Technica...
A new study published in the journal Environmental Microbiology Reports may clarify things, as a team of Spanish researchers report the cause of the colony collapse disorder, and also suggest a cure. The researchers isolated the parasitic fungi Nosema ceranae from a pair of Spanish apiaries, while finding none of the other proposed causes—Varroa destructor, IAPV, or pesticides. With the identification of the invading pathogen, the team treated other diseased colonies with fumagillin—an antibiotic—and observed a complete recovery of the colony.
April 02, 2009
DO ANIMALS DREAM? A PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW
Recently, I have been asked if animals dream. Of course they do. Many people have witnessed their dogs moving their legs and woofing as they are sleeping. When my dogs awake from one of those running dreams I ask them what they were dreaming about.
Maia, my wolf-hybrid, is almost always
Continue reading "DO ANIMALS DREAM? A PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW" »
April 01, 2009
[UPDATED DAILY!] Reflections on Peace
The 2009 Season for Nonviolence began on January 30. This 65-day period between the memorial dates of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4th) and is used globally as a time for personal and community reflection on the healing and transforming power of nonviolence and the contributions towards Peace made by these two great leaders.
Apr 04: Peace Free-For-All! Know it, Love it, Live it!
March 13, 2009
Stop The Trucks: The First Casualty of War is the Truth
Michael Shapiro, Chair of Stop the Trucks, sent the following letter regarding Weigh Tickets as a response to an email (below) from Chris Stephens, Director of Resource Managment for the County of Ventura.
Hello Chris -
I've finally read your email regarding how the Coalition might obtain a full year's worth of weigh tickets from the Ozena Ranch Mine facility. Obviously - the "evidence" you've collected is entirely insufficient.
I've turned your email over to our attorney -- for I do not have the legal skills to know how to go from here. Naturally - I view your email not only with great disappointment - but I also see it as one more example of how the Planning Division does not wish to let genuine evidence come to light by conveniently hiding behind a rather poorly collected and insufficient randsom sample of Ozena weight tickets. I'm not that naieve, Chris, to believe that if you and your other colleagues really wished to collect a full year's data that you would certainly be able to do so. The fact that you aren't willing to do that speaks volumes: You fear the TRUTH and simply can't handle the TRUTH.
We'll have to seek another legal remedy to get to the bottom of this. How unfortunate.
Sincerely,
Michael Shapiro
Chair - Stop The Trucks! Coalition
Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: The First Casualty of War is the Truth" »
March 11, 2009
Total Leaf Blower Ban Proposed!
Tonight's City Council meeting was a great one...government in action, with a full room of energetic Citizens. We heard proclamations to the group behind our local Arbor Week activities and to the 2010 Census, some salient public comments dealing mostly with small business signage (specifically, being able to have a small display or sandwich board out to advertise specials or sales), and a quickly approved Consent Calendar totaling $429,714.62 and approving the minutes of six meetings. Discussion Items 2 and 3 dealt with the City's use of pesticides and the proposed purchase of a City-wide phone system, respectively. Public Works Director Mike Culver gave what i thought were brilliantly coherent and detailed reports on both these topics and the research and planning that he and his staff had put together at the Council's direction (short version: the City uses some pretty low-impact herbicides a few months a year and will be putting together a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management program with direction from a task group to include diverse Citizenry and mindful via public comment of instances in which killing "weeds" might be completely unnecessary. Councilwoman Betsy Clapp playfully urges the use of goats for weed control. The current phone system is physically broken and antiquated and splits the City into three departments...the new one funnels all calls through City Hall and connects the public with the department they're after with an extension after that, makes interdepartmental communication easier, and will pay for itself - $40,623 - after 14 months, saving us $5,000 per year after that on our phone bills.)
Then we got to the main reason i was there: the proposed repeal of the City's ordinance regarding leaf blowers.
March 06, 2009
Nonviolent Training & Organic Potluck
Sunday, March 8th
There will be a Non-Violent training for our protest rally this Sunday, March 8th, 3pm - 6pm at Golden Oaks Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 1273 S Rice Rd in Meiners Oaks. Please park on the street and walk in. There is no parking inside the Mobile Home Park. Please carpool, if possible.
Please bring an organic dish for a potluck following the training...
For more information, please call 805.794.1856 or e-mail pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com
Peaceful protest against the spraying, March 9th
The California Department of Food and Agriculture will begin the spraying of Dipel, a Btk formulation, March 9 in Meiners Oaks, in an attempt to eradicate the gypsy moths in the area. Many residents are very concerned about the possible negative environmental and health impacts. Pesticide Free Ojai Valley is planning a peaceful protest against the spraying on Monday March 9th.
Please meet at the intersection of El Roblar and Hwy 33 at 7:30 a.m.
People are encouraged to bring signs.
For more information please call 805.639.3764 or email pesticidefreeojaivalley@gmail.com
March 02, 2009
Ojai Peace Coalition's NEW Action Blog!
i'm very excited to announce the NEW Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog at
www.ojaipeace.org
We have a few Authors signed up to participate, with more coming! We took all of the input from our recent online poll and reorganized the information on the page to reflect your priorities and preferences, as well as switching blog hosts to give us greater flexibility. All of our past Action Blog entries have been imported, so there's still a complete archive of our actions! Please check it out and check it often!
February 27, 2009
Happy 3rd Birthday, Ojai Post!
The Ojai Post, February 27, 2006, entry #1:
The Ojai Post is a community blog, featuring Ojai residents from all walks of life writing about the unique Ojai experience. Ojai is a special place, not just for its geography, flora and fauna, small-town architecture and rich native American history - its also because of the people - talented, creative souls who tend to walk to the beat of their own drummer and carve their own path through life. Check in for daily musings, rants, Ojai news and greater goings-on from the place some call Shangri-La.
February 23, 2009
Labs need a home
Please contact Trish Penick if you would like to help these 2 beautiful labs whose owner is tearfully giving them up.
UPDATE: Home has been found
February 14, 2009
Lost Dog in Arbolada
LOST : TEACUP YORKIE 18 MONTHS OLD
ON FEBRUARY 14 IN THE ARBOLADA AREA OF OJAI
FULL NAME : JEFFREY 'MAD DOG' SAN MARCHI ELLIOT JONES ALPERN
Jeffrey is a therapeutic companion to our autistic son
we are frantic ! huge reward ! 805-207-5820
February 02, 2009
PET PSYCHIC STORY * STORMY & THE BEAR
I have two canines in my family. Maia, my stunningly beautiful wolf dog and Storm King my large black and white Aussie. Stormy is nine years old. He was born under the deck of my friend’s farm in New Paltz, NY. His canine dad was my old dog’s best friend. Storm’s dad was neutered at age twelve. The day after his surgery he was found on top of Stormy’s mom. I picked Stormy out of a litter of ten when he was only two days old so he could keep his tail. He fit in the palm of my hand and resembled a rodent with a white streak down his head, a marking he no longer has. He was the first to bark and the first to leave the litter.
January 19, 2009
Elephant Seal Mothers and Pups at San Simeon
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.
January 09, 2009
Stop the Trucks: Naked & Topless No More?
Tired of having your windshield smashed by loose rock flying off a double hopper gravel truck?
So are we.
The Conditional Use Permit for the Ozena mine requires that all gravel trucks be covered but no one that we've spoken to in the Ojai Valley has ever remembered seeing a covered gravel truck... Ever!
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Naked & Topless No More?" »
December 30, 2008
Open Thread
Meishan piglets. The pig is a traditional German symbol for good luck at the start of a new year.
December 21, 2008
Synchronicity:The Friday Before Christmas
Last December, on the Friday before Christmas, my loyal dog Queenie died. I know the day for sure because there are comments about her passing on the Ojai Post.
Queenie was an Australian Shepherd, a Queensland Heeler, also known as an "Aussie" dog. She came to me through a friend who found her wandering the East End. No one came to claim her when my friend brought her to the Humane Society, so I adopted her. She was my loving companion for about ten years.
This week, with the Winter Solstice and Christmas coming around again, I was reminded that Queenie died a year ago.
Well, guess what? On Thursday, out of the blue, I got a call from an Ojai woman who rescues dogs on death row.
Continue reading "Synchronicity:The Friday Before Christmas " »
December 17, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ozena Loses Court Case on Trucking Hours
In a case titled "Elizabeth Ann Vergilio Vs. County of Ventura," the owners of the Ozena gravel mine challenged the County's right to impose hours of operation and transit through the Ojai Valley.
Judge Reiser ruled against Virgilio and Ozena. Even though Stop the Trucks was not a direct participant in this case, it is a huge victory for the Coalition. Much of the County's brief was based on our research and complaints.
The "Stop the Trucks" Coalition has not only been supporting the County's contention that the rules must hold, we've also insisted that the County also actually enforce those rules.
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ozena Loses Court Case on Trucking Hours" »
November 17, 2008
Help Out the Humane Society
(from reader alex...) Initially, after the neglected and starved horses were moved from Lockwood Valley to the Ojai Humane Society, there was an outpouring of donations and volunteers, but that has tapered off and interest seems to have waned. The problem is, the horses still need to eat and, since what goes in comes right back out, the volunteers need muck rakes to clean their areas. The Humane Society would appreciate either gifts of the hay bales themselves (Alfalfa) or the muck rakes, or gift certificates to the local feed stores, and they will get it themselves. Either way, help is still very much needed and would be greatly appreciated.
October 25, 2008
Stop the Trucks: City Council Candidate, Betsy Clapp, Answers Our Election Year Questions
(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
1) Do you now or have you in the past personally supported "Stop the Trucks!"
Yes, I have and I will continue to do so.
2) If so, please give examples of actions you have actually taken.
I have donated money. I am also actively speaking out about your organization "Stop the Trucks" and letting people know that I will do everything I can to support the cause when I am elected.
3) Do you believe the Ojai City Council should take a more active role in the truck campaign, such as providing funding and legal support?
The City Council has agreed to give financial support to the "Stop the Trucks" organization. There are some legal hurdles that need to be addressed, but I believe we need to find a way to make it happen.
October 23, 2008
Stop the Trucks: County Planning Officials Failed to Heed Warnings About Potential Road Collapse
Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division
![DSC00002[1].JPG](http://www.ojaipost.com/images/DSC00002%5B1%5D.JPG)
(All pictures are courtesy of Maureen and Dan Smith, Wheeler Hot Springs)
In a August 21, 2006 letter regarding the Ozena Valley Ranch Mining project, the Board of the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council warned Christopher Stephens, then the Director of Planning for the Ventura County Planning Division and now the head of the entire Resource Managment Agency for the County, that "SR-33 has suffered many landslides and slipped roadways in past years. The vibration created by the mine's trucks on SR-33 may be adding significantly to the problem of road slippage, slumps, and slides. No review of vibration as a potential impact on SR-33 has been included in the Draft MND and vibration from trucks may present a significant adverse impact on the environment."
In February of 2008 a portion of Route 33 collapsed into the river. Below are a dozen photographs of the damage done, indicating the collapse was far more significant than originally reported.
October 21, 2008
Does Ojai Care About Animals?
At last night's Ojai City Council forum/debate, someone in the audience asked the question, "Do you consider it appropriate for the city council to take a position on state issues, such as Proposition 2, or national issues, such as the war in Iraq, or international issues, such as global warming?"
In my one-minute response, I pointed out the fact that many California City Councils, individual City Council Members, Mayors and Former Mayors, Senators, Representatives, Assembly Members and other elected officials do in fact take a position on state and national issues.
For example, if you visit the YesOnProp 2 website you will see endorsements from over one hundred elected federal, state and local officials including US Senators Barbara
Boxer and Dianne Feinstein; State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and
October 20, 2008
Ojai Film Festival Announces Slate of Films
FILM FESTIVAL DATES
November 6-7-8-9, 2008
PRESS CONTACT: Maureen McFadden
(805)966-0190/momcfadden@aol.com
Ojai’s Ninth Annual Film Fest
2008 SLATE OF FILMS ANNOUNCED ALONG WITH CELEBRITIES
Ninth Annual Ojai Film Festival spools out its programs November 6 – 9 with 57 independent films, lifetime achievement honor ceremonies, and a seminar to fill in the four-day event. Hosting sponsor and headquarters for the festival is the premiere AAA five-diamond award-winning resort, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
Ojai has become a viable path for filmmakers and their work to get noticed. Hollywood producer, Peter Guber said of the Ojai FF at the podium of the Toronto Film Festival last year, “Ojai is the next Telluride!” That festivalis like Ojai, a four-day event focused on films one would not otherwise see in the mainstream but of a very high caliber. Artistic Director, Steve Grumette, who was one of the founders of the festival in 2000 said, “There are so many more films being made since the advent of digital technology, and in the past eight years, the festival has sent over a dozen films on to win the highest honors in the industry, including Academy Award nominations and Oscars.”
Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Announces Slate of Films" »
October 16, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ojai City Council To Help Fund "Stop The Trucks" Effort
"Stop the Trucks" has turned its attention from Diamond Rock to the Ozena Valley Ranch and Gravel mine.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting the council agreed to give financial support to the Stop the Trucks Coalition, after a victory for the citizens’ group in August...
“After this agreement has been worked out, keeping the Diamond Rock Mine’s trucks out of Ojai, it has been pretty clear to me that whatever this group did, they did it successfully,” said Mayor Sue Horgan.
For Nao Braverman's full story go to the Ojai Valley News Blog at:
http://ojaivalleynews.blogspot.com/2008/10/council-to-help-fund-stop-trucks-effort.html
October 12, 2008
STOP THE TRUCKS: Ojai City Council to Meet Tuesday on how to Deal with Ozena
This Tuesday, October 14th, at 7:30 pm the Ojai City Council will meet for its regular session. Part of the agenda will be devoted to discussions on how to co-ordinate efforts to deal with the Ozena Valley Ranch & Gravel Mine's proposed renewal and modification of their C.U.P. with the County of Ventura.
Given the well documented negative impact of these highly disruptive and polluting mining and trucking operations on agriculture, fishing, the economy, our water supply, our environment and the health of our children, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition urges everyone in the Ojai Valley to attend and share your opinions with the City Council.
STOP THE TRUCKS: Ozena Wants to Expand Hours of Trucking Thru Ojai and Hand Pick the Consultant who will Review their new Proposal!
(Trucks passes through town on Ojai Ave & Montgomery, photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
In documents recently obtained by the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" through a Ventura County Public Records Request, the Coalition has learned that Ozena wants to alter their existing permit so that trucking through the Ojai Valley will begin as early as 3:00 am and continue as late as 6:00 pm during the week with "No Route Restrictions" at all on Saturdays!
This proposal would more than double trucking from a total of seven hours a day during the week to a new and even more intrusive and disturbing 15 hours a day!
In a recent review of weigh tickets from 2007, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition estimated that Ozena is likely now violating existing permit hours in trips through Ojai by as much as 55%. In a letter to "Stop the Trucks," County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, agreed with the Coalition that violations have been under reported by the Planning Division.
In a further review of emails obtained through that same Records Request, we found that the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, rejected the consultant the County originally selected, URS, because: "...the proposed costs did not appear in line to the anticipated scope of work. Ozena believes that a competitive process will provide a qualified CEQA contractor in a more cost effective manner."
In a separate email Mr. Hecht then went on to propose the names of three other firms:
September 26, 2008
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!
September 25, 2008
Announcing the Official Suza Francina for Ojai City Council Web Site
More Info About Suza at SmartVoter.org
I am pleased to announce that I have been endorsed by the National Women's Political Caucus
Ventura County
Note: Endorsements are valley-wide and beyond. You do not need to live in the City of Ojai to endorse an Ojai City Council Candidate. If you would like to endorse me, please send your name, address and phone number to info@suzaforojai.com . (To learn more about all the candidates, visit the Ojai City Council link at the upper right corner of the Ojai Post page.)
I welcome your questions, suggestions and ideas for making Ojai a model green and sustainable community.
September 22, 2008
RAY BRADBURY at the Ojai Film Festival, Saturday, November 8th
September 06, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ventura County Officials Finally Admit there are Problems and MAC Candidate Jerry Kaplan Responds to our Election Year Questions
(Caltrans photo of the collapse of Maricopa Highway in Cuyama Valley)
Last week in a Ventura County Star article by Tony Biasotti, Ventura County officials conceded that there are significant problems in the Planning Division but the real questions is this: Are they Willing To Change?
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/sep/04/officials-concede-land-use-problems/
According to Biasotti Ventura County officials hosted an unusual meeting in a conference room just off of the courthouse cafeteria.
"Everyone on our team has affirmed we have a problem here," Matt Carroll, the top deputy to County Executive Officer Marty Robinson, said at the opening of the meeting. "The facts speak for themselves."
"Complaints about the system from developers and property owners are nothing new..." " But this time, the county is listening and often agreeing..."
"Last year, the county commissioned a report on its land-use procedures by Tom Berg, a consultant who once held (Chris) Stephens' current position as Resource Management Agency director. Based on interviews with 75 people in and out of county government, Berg's report concluded that the land-use process was in need of "systemic changes."
"The county put together a committee of high-level managers, including Carroll and Stephens, to analyze Berg's recommendations and start putting them into action."
September 04, 2008
Palin's Appalling Record on Wolves, Bears and Other Wildlife
Tonight Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will accept the Republican nomination for Vice President, a position that would put her second in line to be President of the United States. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is asking for help letting people know where she stands on the brutal and needless aerial hunting of wolves and bears. So I am posting the video below in response to this request:
http://actionfund.defenders.org/palinvideo
Warning: This video is extremely disturbing. It contains graphic images of aerial hunting of wolves -- a brutal and needless practice that Governor Palin has fought hard to promote and expand. Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has:Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf; Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting; Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.
September 01, 2008
Stop The Trucks - Second Election Edition
Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?
(Downtown Ojai in Winter, photo credit to Lauren Simone)
Or This Vision?
(A traffic at the "Y." Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith)
Suza Francina was the first of the five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies to respond to our questions for candidates. (see below) "Stop the Trucks" hopes the other City Council candidates and those running for the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) will take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).
Continue reading "Stop The Trucks - Second Election Edition" »
August 29, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???
Ray Smith of Daly Road Graphics sent us these notes and photographs about Gravel Trucks in which it appears that trucks coming and going from Santa Paula are driving on residential streets. If true this would a clear violation of local road and traffic regulations. While we await further confirmation, here is Ray's first person report:
" I spotted another truck near my home. Apparently, they are coming from Santa Paula, but instead of going through downtown via Ojai Avenue, they cut north to Grand Avenue. They head east, turn onto West Summer St.,
then south on Canada to pick up Ojai Avenue again. This is the third time I've seen one do this. "
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???" »
August 23, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Election Year Edition
Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?
Or This Vision?
(A double hopper stuck in traffic at the "Y" heads into the heart of Ojai on Route 150/Ojai Avenue.. Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith Monday, May 6, 2008)
With five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies and several of the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) seats also facing competitive races, the Ojai "Stop the Trucks!" Coalition is asking everyone running for office to take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).
August 05, 2008
World Affairs Council Presentation
World Affairs Council CA Central Coast
When China Ruled the Seas, the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty 1405-1433.
Speaker: Howard Smith
September 11, 2008
Location: Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
Time: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers
and no-host bar 5:30-6:30,
presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members
By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.
Ojai Film Festival Party In Paradise
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL
PARTY IN PARADISE
FEATURING Music by: Julie Christensen & the Household Gods
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008 6 – 9 P.M.
GLEN MUSE, 815 Libbey Ave., Ojai, CA 93024
July 18, 2008
From Rosie and Tillie: Ojai SpokesPigs Alert
This morning we learned of a news report that the United States Army is planning on using our own brothers and sisters -- live pigs -- in a new training exercise.
What kind of training exercise could that be? we wondered. At first we worried it might be something like chasing live pigs, or wrestling them, or capturing them and tying them up or or some other cruel and insensitive practice.
But then we learned the real reason.
Continue reading "From Rosie and Tillie: Ojai SpokesPigs Alert" »
July 10, 2008
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW & LESSON PLAN: SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS!
HERE ARE WHAT 6 OF MY STUDENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT LEARNING TO SWIM:
CISCO: "At first I thought you were mean to put me in the water. Once I learned how to move correctly I enjoyed it. The most fun was learning how to fetch my ball in the water. Now I am a good swimmer."
Continue reading "PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW & LESSON PLAN: SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS! " »
July 09, 2008
HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
Send your donations to the Stop The Trucks! Coalition – c/o The Ojai Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1134, Ojai, CA, 93024, or you may also walk your contribution into the Chamber’s offices anytime during the business week, at 201 S. Signal Street -- in the Ojai Festivals building -- in downtown Ojai.
HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
By Michael Shapiro, Chairman / Stop The Trucks! Coalition
Repeating what I wrote last week in my Ojai Valley News Guest Editorial -- various news reports about the recent Santa Barbara-based Diamond Rock Mine didn’t tell the full story. It is simply not true that the Stop the Trucks! Coalition prevailed during the recent hearings before the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, and that’s why we’re appealing the decision of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission to approve the Diamond Rock Mine’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). If we don’t, it paves the way for the granting of their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and simultaneously strips-away any of Ojai’s legal rights to challenge them in the event that they “change their minds” and hundreds of rock and gravel mine-transport trucks end-up careening through Ojai after all.
July 08, 2008
Texas Roadrunner
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.
July 02, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Ojai Complains of Gravel Trucks on Highway 33
(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)
Below are some of the highlights from Ventura County Star reporter Tony Biasotti's article last week.
"Until last year, it was common for Bob Walker to wake up before dawn to the sound of grinding engine brakes, as a caravan of gravel trucks passed his house. 'When they're coming through at 2:30 or 3 a.m., and you're sleeping, it gets pretty loud,' Walker said during a recent interview at his home, just north of Ojai on Highway 33. 'At one point, it was an everyday thing.'"
…But many Ojai residents still chafe at what they see as enough truck traffic to turn their bucolic city into a loud, smoggy, congested mess. Ventura County (Planning Division), they say, has ignored their concerns. Walker filed three complaints against one mining company, starting in 2005, and said the county never acknowledged any of them until a few months ago.
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ojai Complains of Gravel Trucks on Highway 33" »
July 01, 2008
Open Thread
June 28, 2008
STOP THE TRUCKS: Mine Opponents Suspect Official Bias
(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)
In Thursday’s Ventura County Reporter, Editor Bill Lascher wrote:
“A broad coalition of Ojai residents, environmentalists, business owners, public officials and educators launched a blistering attack June 17 on county planners overseeing permits for mining operations.
Ventura County Chief Executive Officer Marty Robinson confirmed county officials plan to discuss allegations in a letter sent by Stop the Trucks Coalition Vice-Chair Howard Smith about oversight of the controversial Ozena Valley Ranch mine.”
For the full story go to:
http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/mine_opponents_suspect_official_bias/6073/
Some further highlights:
“Frustrated by what they perceive to be lax enforcement of planning regulations, Smith and his allies called for the ouster of a key Ventura County planning official for decisions related to the mine, which is located several miles north of Ojai, east of State Route 33.
Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Mine Opponents Suspect Official Bias" »
June 21, 2008
Keeping Cool in Hot Ojai with Rosie, Tillie and Artoo-Detoo
I hear it's supposed to soar to 113 degrees today. My house does not have air conditioning so I've discovered all sorts of tricks for staying cool. I wash my clothes in cold water and wear them wet. I put ice cubes down my underwear. Last night I took a walk in wet clothes and came home dry. Of course cold showers or a tub of cold water helps. Or I go outside near some thirsty trees and make rain by pointing the hose towards the sky and get nice and soaked.
A bigger challenge is keeping Rosie and Tillie ("Ojai's SpokesPigs") from having a heat stroke. Tillie broke her kiddie pool, so yesterday, in the boiling hot mid afternoon, I stepped out into the 107 degrees inferno and headed for the Y in search of a new pool. I went into True Value Hardware. Their pools were too big but while I was there I decided I could use another fan. Like a child in a toy store, I spent 15 minutes examining the display models and studying the inviting pictures on the box.
Continue reading "Keeping Cool in Hot Ojai with Rosie, Tillie and Artoo-Detoo" »
June 17, 2008
Jen To Strike Again!
This is just in from the NY Times website:
June 17, 2008
Oregon woman plans to parade topless on July 4
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 6:51 p.m. ET
ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A woman seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string. The Chamber of Commerce says that's contrary to the rules for the family celebration. She says she'll sue if she can't parade as she wishes.
Jen Moss has been known as ''The Naked Lady'' since she moved to Ashland in May from Ojai, Calif., drawn by the town's nudity laws. They specify only that people must cover their genitalia in a city park or the downtown commercial district, which means Moss need not cover her breasts.
The police in California, she says, harassed her when she rode her bicycle wearing a G-string and pasties.
Moss applied for an entry for the parade, which draws thousands each year.
The Ashland Chamber of Commerce learned of her coverage plans from an online posting. She promised to lead in-line skaters ''wearing only a hemp G-string and blowing a conch shell.''
''We don't feel that someone in the parade who is topless or nearly naked is appropriate for a family audience,'' said parade chairman James Kidd.
June 06, 2008
Snakes In Houses
I came home this afternoon, went into the bedroom to change out of some business clothes, and stepped about six inches from this four foot king snake. I got it into a big plastic bin and snapped the lid. Ali-Sun (who painted a vibrant, swirling snake painting last night) and myself drove the snake a few minutes away over to Horn Canyon.
But the plastic bin was a little warped, and while we were driving, the snake pushed its way out of a corner of the container into the back of the car. Yet another fun surprise as I opened the car up. So here are a few pictures of our snake friend heading off into an avocado orchard. Couple more photos after the jump.
Anyone else have any good Ojai snake stories?
June 02, 2008
Birdwatching: Altamira Oriole sighting?
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?
Sydney Remembered
January 13, 1994 to June 2, 2008
Good girl. Rest in peace.
Lisa & Bill Snider
May 22, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Santa Barbara Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai
Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith
Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent
Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai, Los Padres
Trucks Brake for Highway 33
"The main artery through Ojai, State Route 33 sits in western Ventura County, just a few miles from the Santa Barbara County border. Along Route 33 sit schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and Ojai’s busiest intersection. What it will not accommodate — to the relief of many Ojai residents — is the daily rumbling of hundreds of semi trucks carrying thousands of pounds of gravel to construction sites throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties..."
“The Highway 33 corridor is not suitable for these big trucks,” said 1st District Planning Commissioner Michael Cooney..." "...Michael Shapiro of the Stop the Trucks Coalition, citing the air quality impact on the health, safety, and welfare of those living or traveling near Route 33, said industrial traffic through Ojai would have had a palpable and “scary” impact on residents, creating an industrial feel that could potentially harm the valley’s income from its reputation for arts and tourism. “It [would have] totally, adversely affected the economy,” Shapiro said..."
Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Santa Barbara Gravel Haulers Prohibited Through Ojai" »
Heaven Scent Paws
I have a friend and colleague who lives in Oak View. She is 33 years old and she is a Type I diabetic - a condition that has caused her to miss lots of work this year. She is scheduled to join Heaven Scent Paws, as an emergency addition to their July program, due to the severity of her condition. Heaven Scent Paws is a non-profit organization that provides "Pawtners" for people with Type I Diabetes, by training Diabetic Alert Service Dogs. They train Diabetic Alert Service Dogs that both detect & alert their partner and support team (parent, spouse, sibling, friend, etc.) to both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in Type I Diabetics. These dogs save lives! She is very excited and hopeful that having a service dog like this will significantly help her better control her diabetes, and be healthier. There will be a Doggie-Thon on June 29th in Ventura, CA. and her goal is to raise $7500 or more for Heaven Scent Paws. I am including a brief testimonial below from one of HSP's recent graduates, Barbara (and her dog, Kora):
May 21, 2008
Stop The Trucks: Praise for Ojai in the Press
Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith
On involvement
If you're going to complain, get involved
From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:
"As has been groused about numerous times on these pages and society in general, too many people whine about the actions taken by government and other institutions without ever taking action to challenge those institutions.
Some lament in Ventura County that red tape and not-in-my-backyard-minded activists hinder progress. Yet, without a vigilant active community little would be done to help the vast majority of our citizens, many decisions would be taken with myopic profit motives and few socially minded initiatives would get off the ground...."
"...Now, the first signs are emerging of other successes by local activists, even as new fights take shape...."
"...Ojai residents concerned about mining truck traffic along Route 33 have scored something of a victory and will have a chance to ensure that victory holds May 14. That day, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission will consider final action on the proposed Diamond Rock mine. After criticism of the mine's plans to use Highway 33 to transport material and other environmental concerns that might impact Ventura County more than Santa Barbara County, the plan was altered to prevent trucks from traveling south on 33, to reduce its production rates and truck trips to avoid situations where those truck trips might be necessary, and to address other environmental concerns. It is a testament to the continued involvement and dedication of Ojai and Cuyama Valley residents - as well as the mine owner's willingness to discuss community concerns - that such progress was made..."
Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Praise for Ojai in the Press" »
May 06, 2008
Announcement from Rosie and Tillie: Anti-Cruelty Measure Certified for California’s November Ballot
Thanks to all the volunteers who gathered signatures in Ojai, Ventura and rest of California, our Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified an anti-cruelty ballot initiative for the statewide general election to be held November 4, 2008.
This statewide initiative was the effort of Californians for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal protection organizations, veterinarians, environmentalists, food safety organizations and concerned citizens. According to Californians for Humane Farms, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act will provide the most basic protection to nearly 20 million animals confined in industrial factory farms in California: that they be able to turn around and extend their limbs.
April 14, 2008
Open Thread: Lion Edition
April 10, 2008
"Stop the Trucks:" Expert cites problems in Ventura County's Resource Mangement Agency & Planning Division
(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."
March 30, 2008
STOP THE TRUCKS: Gravel Truck Owners Suing Ventura County
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" »
March 21, 2008
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL TO HONOR RAY BRADBURY AND RICHARD & LAUREN SHULER DONNER
OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Richard + Lauren Shuler Donner
and Ray Bradbury
Malcolm McDowell Signs On As Honorary Chair of First Ojai Film Festival Celebrity Golf Classic
VIP PASSES ON SALE NOW
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" »
March 09, 2008
EARTHLINGS
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.
March 07, 2008
Found Dog at F&C
A reader writes in. Let's find this dog his home. - tyler
A nice beagle was found at the Farmer and Cook on Friday night. He has a collar but it looks like the ID tag fell off (ring but no tags). He may have been recently neutered and seems well fed. We can't keep him, and if we can't find his owner soon, will have to take him to the shelter.
He wandered in to the Farmer while Fred Schmitt was playing on March 7, sometime between 7 and 9 pm. The owners could call Fred at 805-746-4566 to coordinate a return.
UPDATE: (from reader Lynn) Found the owners! Dog is named Duke and apparently he follows his nose, wherever it goes (maybe he should be called fruitloop?) Hound and owner happily reunited. Yay!
February 29, 2008
Meet Rosie and Tillie, Ojai's First Spokespigs
What a week it's been!
(For pigtures visit: http://www.ojaipost.com/2008/02/a_visit_to_an_ojai_pig_sanctua.shtml)
Early Monday morning I got a call that two pot-bellied pig sisters, Rosie and Tillie, needed a home. Their rescue-mom had two more homeless pigs coming and there was no more room at the Pig Inn. I agreed to take them on faith, sight unseen.
That afternoon the sisters arrived in style in two large dog crates. Each crate was hoisted from the back of a station wagon on top of a child's wagon, in order to pull them into the backyard. The first one out was Tillie, who is black and looks like my old pig Rosie. ("Old" Rosie left her body three years ago.) Then came "new" Rosie, who is white. "New" Rosie does not resemble old Rosie so naturally, for the first few hours, I got "new" white Rosie and Tillie, the black-Rosie-look-alike, mixed up.
Within minutes of being released, the two sisters began happily rototilling the back yard and eating the delicious young spring grass and other goodies. Pig Heaven! So much space, rich mulch and soft earth!
Normally pigs naturally retire at sunset but these girls were too excited to sleep! I tried turning off all the outside lights and hoped they would go to bed like good little piggies. Around 8 p.m. I tiptoed into the yard to check on them. I could see their lumbering figures in the moonlight, one dark, one white, still digging and rooting. I tried luring them into their igloos with pieces of carrot and apple. Finally, somewhat exasperated, I sprinkled cereal into the back of their huts. When they stepped inside, I quickly tiptoed back into the house, turned off all the lights and went to bed.
Continue reading " Meet Rosie and Tillie, Ojai's First Spokespigs" »
February 24, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Collapse of Route 33
(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.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/feb/24/portion-of-hwy-33-still-closed-to-traffic/
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.
February 23, 2008
Stop the Trucks: Highway 33 Bridge Collapses!
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!" »
February 14, 2008
Be Very Afraid
Stop the Trucks: Complaint Against Ozena
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" »
February 13, 2008
A Visit to an Ojai Pig Sanctuary
January 31, 2008
The Dog, the Cat and the Rat visit Santa Barbara
Thanks to Peggy LaCerra for sending me this!
"The Best Peace Sign!!"
January 30, 2008
A Season for Nonviolence, 2008
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.
January 18, 2008
Fox News Exposed
In case you had any doubts about Fox News and you have 10 minutes to spend watching a video exposing their successful effort to squelch their own story about the dangers of bovine growth hormone, here you go......
Thanks to Lanny Kaufer for sending this!
http://www.blinkx.com/burl?v=_PA6ybzbJ9HjYZ8K4bupObjZCCNPvBOm
(I watched the whole thing while I did my morning shoulder stretches...it will wake you up!)
"In essence, the news organization owned by media baron Rupert Murdoch, argued the First Amendment gives broadcasters the right to even lie or deliberately distort news reports on the public airwaves."
January 11, 2008
Champion Mine Detection Dog to Visit Ojai
Submitted by Scott Smith:
Champion Mine Detection Dog to Visit Ojai
Place: Meiners Oaks Elementary School, 400 South Lomita Ave., After-School Program (back of the school)
Date: Thursday, January 17
Time: 3-4pm
The public is invited to see a free landmine awareness demonstration featuring retired mine dog Utsi, and the President of the Marshall Legacy Institute, General Perry Baltimore.
This demonstration will highlight the upcoming Legacy Of Hope Golf Tournament to be held at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa on March 10th. The purpose of the tournament is to raise funds to train and deliver six mine detection dogs to the country of Lebanon, and to assist landmine victims. Professional golfers Jim Colbert, Jay Sigel and Dave Eichelberger will be featured in this event.
More about Utsi, the Marshall Legacy Institute, and a shocking YouTube video after the jump...
Continue reading "Champion Mine Detection Dog to Visit Ojai" »
January 07, 2008
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW - TALIA KLEIN'S ANIMALS REMEMBER HER:
Talia with her father Michael
On December 23rd, Talia's plane crashed on the southern slope of Panama's Baru Volcano. The crash killed Talia (age 13), her father Michael, and Edwin Lasso the pilot. Miraculously, Talia's best friend survived.
HERE TALIA'S ANIMALS REMEMBER HER:
Continue reading "PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW - TALIA KLEIN'S ANIMALS REMEMBER HER:" »
January 06, 2008
The Dog, the Cat and the Rat
May this inspire you to new levels of possibility!
(It's really cool. Turn up your sound)
December 23, 2007
The Holidays Are Here (And We're STILL At War)
Not a new one, but still a good one. Click to listen:
Brett Dennen - They Holidays Are Here (And We're Still At War)
(Lyrics after the jump)
Continue reading "The Holidays Are Here (And We're STILL At War)" »
December 07, 2007
The Call to Mercy
"If a path to the better there be, it begins with a full look at the worst."
--Thomas Hardy
It's a spectacularly beautiful day here in Ojai. Everything looks so fresh and clean after last night's rain. I just had to abandon my desk work to soak up the sight of golden raindrops sparkling on all the leaves. A friend and I took a good brisk walk up Foothill and let the dogs run free in a wide open field. All the while we enjoyed that invigorating feeling that comes after the rain, when the world feels infused with the force of life.
As a yoga teacher I know how good it feels to stretch my limbs. All human beings can understand the pain of being confined in a small space. We know that being out in nature, under the clear blue sky, lifts our spirit.
When I came home I opened my e-mail. The first message I read was from the director of Humane California. It contained an article published in The Reporter,
December 02, 2007
Say YES! for Humane Treatment of Animals
"The greatness of a nation...can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
-- Mahatma Gandhi
It's Sunday morning, time to run to Farmer's Market to collect signatures. For the past two months, a group of Ojai citizens (in the yoga world we call these citizen volunteers "karma yogis") has been working with people in Ventura County and throughout California to collect signatures to put a Humane Farming initiative on the ballot next November. The Petition for the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals could greatly improve the lives of millions of animals. If you see one of us at Farmer's Market, or if someone approaches you and asks you to sign the petition, here is what it is all about.
Continue reading "Say YES! for Humane Treatment of Animals" »
November 19, 2007
Open Thread: Monkey Helper Edition
From the Transportation Security Administration, next time you are traveling with your monkey helper (h/t Boing Boing):
# When a monkey is being transported in a carrier, the monkey must be removed from the carrier by the handler prior to screening,
# The monkey must be controlled by the handler throughout the screening process.
# The monkey handler should carry the monkey through the WTMD while the monkey remains on a leash.
# When the handler and monkey go through the WTMD and the WTMD alarms, both the handler and the monkey must undergo additional screening.
# Since monkeys may likely draw attention, the handler will be escorted to the physical inspection area where a table is available for the monkey to sit on. Only the handler will touch or interact with the monkey.
# TSOs have been trained to not touch the monkey during the screening process.
# TSOs will conduct a visual inspection on the monkey and will coach the handler on how to hold the monkey during the visual inspection.
# The inspection process may require that the handler take off the monkey’s diaper as part of the visual inspection.
October 28, 2007
Spiritual Lessons Learned From the Fire
It's a sparkling Sunday morning here in the Valley of the Moon!
These past nights of the Full Moon, looking down on the landscape from my favorite spot high in the hills, when all is quiet and buildings disappear in darkness, it is easy to imagine the diverse cultures that have lived in this valley over thousands of years. In my mind's eye I can see how the valley looked, even a hundred years ago, with trees, rivers and deer.
I wonder how the rabbits, quails, snakes, coyotes and the multitude of creatures of the night are adapting as they lose ground with each passing day. I see rabbits darting amidst cars in parking lots on Bryant Street, possums scurrying down Canada, looking for openings in fences, and families of raccoons sitting by mailboxes on Signal Street. As we clear more and more brush away from our homes to prevent fires, we must not forget this brush is part of their habitat. How I hope they can survive!
I've been sitting outside, drinking organic coffee and browsing through this week's articles about the fires. When I see the images of families looking at the ruins of their homes, I wonder, "What does it feel like to have all your earthly belongings suddenly disappear?"
Yesterday I received a letter from my friends Corinne McLaughlin and Gordon Davidson, about their experience of their house burning down. Some of you reading this probably know them. They visit Ojai regularly and have presented workshops at Meditation Mount for many years. Since disasters can happen to any one of us, I thought I'd pass this on, even though I might not be quite as forgiving and philosophical as they are! They wrote:
Dear Friends--here is an article we wrote over 10 years about about our experience of our house burning down. I'm sending it to you in case it might be helpful to someone you know who lost their home in the So. Calif. fires--or in any tragedy or crisis. Let us all continue to hold So. Calif. in our prayers and meditations.
SPIRITUAL LESSONS WE LEARNED FROM OUR FIRE
Some years ago, while we were away for an evening, an arsonist burned our house to the ground. We lost everything but the clothes on our backs and our cars. Everything was in ashes in less than 15 minutes--furniture, clothes, office equipment, books, and most difficult of all--all our work, our writing, our research.
Continue reading "Spiritual Lessons Learned From the Fire" »
October 22, 2007
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH BEAN THE BUNNY
THIS WEEKEND OCTOBER 28TH 12-4 PM BUNS (BUNNIES URGENTLY NEEDING SHELTER) IS HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL BUNNY FESTIVAL. AT THE SUNKEN GARDENS IN SANTA BARBARA. IT IS WORTH A VISIT!
This is Bean. I found her hopping down the sidewalk of a main road. I was unable to locate her owners so Bean traveled cross country on an airplane to live with my friend.
Laura: What was your life like before your present home?
Bean: I use to live in a cage. It was a hutch in the yard. Many days and nights would go by before I would see my people. When my people came to see me they were nice to me. They would hug me and kiss me. I loved them.
My hutch was always dirty. It was hard on my feet because I would have to walk on wire and pee and poop through the wire. The wire was always disgusting. Sometimes my people would forget to give me water, but other times they would bring me carrots and lettuce.
One day, I opened the latch to my hutch with my teeth...
Continue reading "PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH BEAN THE BUNNY" »
October 19, 2007
The greening of Ojai--a chicken coop in every backyard?
A few months ago I received a dinner invitation from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, an organization for which I have the highest regard. The meal preference card said, "Kindly indicate whether you would prefer a poultry or vegetarian main dish."
I thought to myself, "Poultry? At a dinner to save the environment?"
Unless the bird comes from a small family farm where chickens actually run around outdoors and their manure goes back to the garden, I'm afraid a chicken dinner at an environmental fund-raiser isn't quite putting your money where your mouth is!
As Kenley Neufeld's article on Vegetarianism and the Environment (posted below) reports, in November of 2006, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization issued a report stating that livestock agriculture generates more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined.
The report projects that unless more people commit to eating less meat, the number of farmed animals will double in the next 50 years.
Have you ever wondered why our beautiful valley has no chicken farms or slaughterhouses?
Continue reading "The greening of Ojai--a chicken coop in every backyard?" »
October 04, 2007
Jackson Browne in Ojai: For the Birds III
Jackson Browne, called the "poster boy of the Southern California confessional singer-songwriter movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s" by Wikipedia, will play a special benefit concert on Sunday October 7th at 1pm in Libbey Bowl, to benefit the Ojai Raptor Center.
The concert also features local acoustic pop sensations The Household Gods. Open lawn seating tickets are $40, and are available at Local Hero Books (formerly Table of Contents) in Ojai, and at Patagonia and Salzers in Ventura.
The Ojai Raptor Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured birds of prey and to providing educational programs to teach about raptors and our shared environment. They are a non profit organization licensed by The California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The center takes in approximately 1,000 birds a year. ~ Your ticket purchase is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. ~
Jackson has played locally many times, notably for the Ventura Hillsides benefits. Songs you may recognize include "Doctor My Eyes", "The Pretender", "Running On Empty", "Somebody's Baby", and "Lives In The Balance".
October 03, 2007
Ojai News Briefs
...are not a new kind of underwear.
• Tomorrow (Oct 4) could be a busy day for the new parent with a love for the environment, pets, and jewelry: Hit up the first of six weekly baby-nurturing gatherings at the newly-opened Nan Tolbert Nurture Center from 11am-12:30, then pop over to Gem Quest Jewelers for their liquidation sale until 4pm, followed by a Blessing of the Animals at St. Thomas Aquinas from 4-6pm. Cap the evening off with a Green Coalition Waste Management Committee Meeting at 7pm!
>>read on for more!
September 30, 2007
Congratulations, Tyler!!!
Tyler Suchman named by Pacific Coast Business Times as one of their 2007 selections for top "40 Under 40" Business Leaders.
(Tyler Suchman, left; with Jerry Kaplan, right, at "Stop the Trucks" rally)
Tyler Suchman founded The Ojai Post and runs The Ojai Network, a collective of Ojai sites focusing on community and culture. His consulting company, Tribal Core, provides internet strategy, online marketing and search engine optimization services.
September 25, 2007
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH PIT BULL DAISY MAE
What is it like being a Pit Bull?
"I truly like being a pit bull, but not always. When I was in the shelter, I heard someone saying that all dogs like me will bite. I would never bite. They also say that shelters put us to death more than any other breed. I don’t know if that is true but that scared me.
I like my body because I feel strong even when I am shy inside."
Do you think people treat you differently because you are a Pit Bull?
“Oh, yes. Most people have fearful eyes when they look at me. I use to get scared when
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September 13, 2007
Valley of Diversity
The heat is off, and the sixth anniversary of 9/11 has just passed. Today's common thread: Diversity.
Take a look at the variety of things going on in our Valley lately!:
• Wilma Melville, founder of locally-headquartered National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, receives a $100,000 Purpose Prize for her efforts to help the two- and four-legged, which will be used to build a centralized local training center.
See and hear her story here.
• The Ojai Valley Green Coalition drew over 125 people to its most recent meeting, the purpose of which was to organize volunteers into action committees for food and agriculture; alternative energy; building and construction; environmental health; waste management; transportation; and water and land use. Per the OVN, the remaining committee meetings are as follows:
- Food and Agriculture Committee will meet Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the old Honor Farm, a.k.a. new Help of Ojai West Campus on Baldwin Road.
- Energy Conservation Committee will meet Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at a location to be announced.
LOTS more after the jump!
August 29, 2007
Chains, Drains, and Getting the Lead Out
A Report from Tonight's City Council Meeting
The Ojai City Council met tonight per their regular schedule (second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, at City Hall), and i arrived just a few minutes before the published start time of 7:30pm -- just enough time to fill out my speaker card and find my seat.
After most in the room pledged their allegiance under god, the first order of business was Public Communications. i rose to ask the Council to issue a proclamation for the City's recognition of and support for the International Peace Day on September 21 and the local efforts being made to celebrate it. Council agreed to add this as an agenda item to their September 11 meeting. Dennis Leary had submitted the only other card, and used his 3 minutes to submit a Formula Retail Ordinance of his own drafting, using what he considers to be the best of the original City draft, the Planning Commission's recommendations, and the 600+ signature Citizens' Initiative drafted by Kenley Neufeld.
The Consent Calendar (a-h of rather mundane items such as payment of warrants, approval of past meeting minutes, and authorization of projects) was approved in total in one motion, and we leapt right into the Public Hearing on the Ordinance for Formula Retail Businesses which had been held over from the Council's August 14 meeting. Since that time the Planning Commission, in a meeting still celebrated for its integrity and length (just over three hours), rejected the City staff's proposed ordinance, which prominently features the controversial Historical Commercial District.
(Get caught up on the whole issue - complete with maps - at the Ojai Post's Chain Stores Resource Page)
i'm certain that someone more well-versed on this issue and with more logged Council Chambers time than myself will flesh out the subtleties and projected outcomes of the hearing (i'd keep an eye on the OVN blog and the Ojai Post), but here are the main points as i saw and heard them (not necessarily in chronological order):
Continue reading "Chains, Drains, and Getting the Lead Out" »
August 11, 2007
Do 4-H kids really know where their animals are going?
Do 4-H kids really know where the animals are going after they are auctioned off?
“We have enslaved the rest of animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond a doubt, if they were to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.” --William Ralph Inge
Every year it's the same: Headlines that proclaim "Kids prepare to say goodbye during fair," " Lamb goes from parade star to auction," "Kids must sell their farm animals," and " Youth taking their livestock seriously." The same photographs of youngsters with their very own pigs, sheep, cows and other animals, competing at the Ventura County Fair. Year after year, the same story of how they got their animal when it was just a few weeks old, how much they love and care for the animal, and how hard they've worked feeding, cleaning, brushing, walking and training them.
These animals have certainly had a much better life than their cousins imprisoned on factory farms.
Alas, the ending of the story is also always the same: "part of the commitment of raising an animal is knowing that it's going to be butchered. The kids are a little sad, they know where the animals are going after they are auctioned off."
But, in reality, very few adults, let alone children, really "know where the animals are going after they are auctioned off ." In all the years that I’ve been to the Fair I’ve never seen a single display illustrating what actually happens.
Continue reading "Do 4-H kids really know where their animals are going?" »
May 19, 2007
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW: MIKE & MIKA SURVIVORS OF WAR
Mike and Mika were rescued from Beirut, Lebanon. http://animals.beirut.com They are survivors of war. Here are what they have to say:
Laura: Mike and Mika what was war like?
Mike: The hardest part of where I came from was loosing my family and smelling burning flesh. Everything I knew to be safe became dangerous. Peoples’ eyes turn cold and the birds go silent.
Mika: I miss my children and the smell of my Lebanese mom cooking. I miss the smell of the earth and the laughter of my family.
Laura: How did you survive?
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April 23, 2007
Slow Day in Paradise
Having lots of fun taking photos here on the land where I live. I've limited myself to the property boundaries and as a self imposed assignment to soak in all of the beauty that permeates a small field of reference. This little guy was wandering across my driveway yesterday. Looks like s/he's smiling in celebration of Slow Food. Turtle soup anyone?.... aah just kidding.
April 03, 2007
The Commander Chronicles
I am new to horses, having married into this particular passion. My first horse is a rescue, a former barrel racer named “Commander.” Lame and hurting from a degenerative hoof disease after being run into the ground by his former human, this beautiful paint horse was headed for slaughter when I bought him. With the skilled help of Doctor Carter Judy at the renowned Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, Commander has come back from the brink and can now run and play with his fellow horses.
March 26, 2007
Dolphins
At the very bottom of a recent thread, I found a video of dolphin slaughter in Japan. Like most Californians, I'm pretty fond of our oceanic neighbors. Unlike lots of people, I've had the opportunity to swim with dolphins in the wild - I was in a little boat and a pod of them showed up to play. These creatures are magical! I don't recommend watching the video - it is brutal. But, you can read a little more here
And if you'd like to do something about it that will take less than 2 minutes of your time, go here, click on "Help Save the Dolphins NOW" and then click on "Take Action Now" under Ted Danson's face. Fill in your name and email address and be on your way. That simple. This is the kind of action that has slowed whaling and killing baby seals for fur. You can make a difference.
March 18, 2007
Who can tell us more about the new fence along Pratt Trail?
Today a group of us humans and dogs hiked the Pratt Trail, one of the great joys of living in Ojai. It was foggy out, fabulous hiking weather, so green it felt like another country. Before we reached the point where the trail intersects with Foothill Road, we confronted a newly constructed wire mesh fence, hundreds of feet long, and a stone wall, close to the trail. The moment I saw these barriers, I asked myself, "How is this going to affect the movements of wildlife?"
Presumably, the fence and wall are part of a planned development, probably a private residence. (And maybe I have it all wrong, maybe I'm missing something). In any case, it was painful to see this new barrier in an area where I have hiked for decades.
When we choose to live high in the hills, we have a special responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of wildlife.
I ask the owner: If you must build a fence, please consider the impact it has on the original residents of this land. It's enough that we've taken over the floor of the valley, but building higher and higher into the natural habitat requires a different kind of thinking.
As I look at the land along the Pratt Trail, including this newly fenced area, flattened and cleared, with the most majestic views of our sacred valley, I can't help but think that the only construction that really belongs here is a tipi.
( I could not decide if tipi is spelled teepee or tepee. Turns out all three are legit.)
February 26, 2007
PET PSYCHIC INTERVIEW WITH TILLMAN THE SKATEBOARDING BULLDOG
TILLMAN IS A 1.5 YEAR-OLD BULLDOG. HERE IS WHAT HE HAS TO SAY,
I want to say that I love to skateboard. I dream of skateboarding all the time.
I am very smart. Way smarter than what anyone thinks. I like it when I eat hamburgers. It makes me skate better.
I like to go fast because it makes me feel like everyone stops and watches me. That is the best feeling and to feel the wind in my face. I want my kid to be able to teach me tricks. I want to be able to jump off the board and then back on really quickly, but I don’t know if I can run as fast as the board. I want a wider and longer ramp with obstacles I can weave through. Can they do that for me?
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February 11, 2007
OJAI MOUNTAIN BEARS
This picture is courtesy of MB. It was taken on 12/7/06.
"WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING AN OJAI MOUNTAIN BEAR?" asks the pet psychic.
One answers, "We dont know what it is like living anywhere else, but I can tell you there is plenty of food and safe places to sleep. Our mom is teaching us about dangerous humans but we think they smell sweet. There is a woman we watch often. She moves like a graceful bird. She also talks to the trees like we do."
They are talking about an older woman who lives in an oak forest.
ARE THERE BEARS WATCHING YOU?
February 08, 2007
Errand of Mercy
I made the mistake of visiting an LA animal shelter unattended recently, and surprised my wife when I returned with three beat up old dogs. My original mission was to rescue a Pomeranian, “Daisy,” scheduled for execution after outliving her welcome at the shelter. Daisy is a 12-year old who was dumped off at the shelter to die after becoming inconvenient to her human. Anyone with a heart who has visited one of these urban kill shelters knows well that this is an unconscionably cruel end to the life of a dog who has given unconditional devotion to its human companion. The shelters are physically barren, scarce on medical attention and comfort, pervaded by the smell of urine and an atmosphere of fear and terrible sadness. The animals have been abandoned. They don’t know why. They just know they miss their humans terribly, even monsters like the one that gave up Miss Daisy.
January 28, 2007
THE PET PSYCHIC TALKS WITH JASMINE
Jasmine is looking for a new home. She is a four year old female cat. Here is what she has to say:
I never knew how much I loved the inside until I was here at this house. I wish that I could have a home that smells like freshly cut flowers. And a home that when ever my person is alone they sing inside their heart and sometimes they sing to me too. I use to be scared of people when they look at me. Now I realize that when people look at me they are just wondering why I am so scared.
I like people who read and sing. I like soft music and the sound of newspaper pages. I like fresh air. My person now can make her voice sound like many different people. I find that interesting and scary. I don’t need a lot of room. I like warm bedding. I love to sleep and I like the sound of plants moving in the breeze. I like to chase crickets at night. My people now don’t like me out at night because that’s when dangerous monsters hunt.
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