The Ojai Post

From the Ojai PD, 25 year old Brandon Hoffmeister was arrested on suspicion that, as the Janitor of Nordhoff High, he regularly sold weed to students, and smoked with them 20-30 times over a two month period. Unbelievable.

Deputy Valenzuela entered the classroom and saw a thick cloud of smoke and smelled the odor of burnt marijuana. She also saw Nordhoff High School Janitor, Brandon Hoffmeister, 25 years, with 3 male juvenile students. As Deputy Valenzuela directed Hoffmeister and the students out of the classroom, Hoffmeister ran from Deputy Valenzuela.

Continue reading "Ojai Janitor Allegedly Tokes Weed with Nordhoff Students" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Dear Congressman Gallegly,

I realize that you will probably vote against the Health Care Reform bill. However, I wanted you to know how much I think we need it…even if it is flawed.

As the only industrialized country in the world without a national health care program, as a nation whose health care costs are rising faster than those of other countries, as we are unable to demonstrate longer life or better health than they can, and as nearly 40 million of our citizens are without insurance protection, something is desperately needed. Now, not later.

You should also know that you and your colleagues have squandered an historic opportunity to have been part of a united coalition to solve this health care crisis. And, through placing political ambitions above the common good, have missed the chance to produce an even better solution than the one before us.

It is unfortunate that I, your other constituents and 40 million more Americans will be unable to point to you and say “He helped, he did his part. Thank you Elton.”

Nevetheless, this bill will pass and you will have missed your chance.

Thank you.

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

From the Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Substation Detectives:

Nature of Incident: Commercial Burglary, Vandalism and Petty Theft
Location: Nordhoff High School, Ojai
Dates: Between February 20, 2010 and February 21, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Substation Detectives

Continue reading "VCSD: Commercial Burglary, Vandalism and Petty Theft" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

Another deadline looms. Another opportunity to pass health care reform. Another chance to blow it. But after reading Saturday’s front page of the world’s greatest newspaper, the Ventura Star, maybe blowing it is in our best interests.

Dark Side of Health Reform the banner screamed out at me. Expecting to read something nefarious, like death panels, I plunged into the article by Tom Kisken. It was indeed dark. Dark and dastardly. A “Tan Tax” for those who, like Congressman Boehner, can’t get enough UV rays from the sun and who seek out their fair share of melanomas from the hundred thousand or so tanning booths hiding within the dark recesses of our mini-malls and the back alleys of America.

Continue reading "The Real Evil of Health Care Reform" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

from Sergeant Randy and CityWatch, passed on from the Santa Barbara PD:

THE SCAM

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

Continue reading "CityWatch: Credit Card Scam" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

My nephew, Das Williams, is running for California State Assembly. Das grew up in Ojai and attended local schools. Old-timers may recall that as a young lad Das played the lead role in Badger Claws, an Illusions Theatre production based on the book, Badger Claws of Ojai, a story about a Chumash Indian boy. His mother (my middle sister) and I are looking forward to attending the debate.

Ventura County Democratic Party: 35th Assembly District Debate
On Thursday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m. the Democratic Club of Ventura will host a debate between 35th Assembly District candidates Susan Jordan and Das Williams. The debate will be moderated by local business owner and political consultant David Maron. CAPS will film the debate for future broadcast.

The debate will be held in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library at 651 Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Ample parking is available in the public lot behind the library. Members and non-members are invited. The event is free of charge though a $5 donation is requested to help the club cover expenses. Doors will open at 6 pm and the meeting will start at 6:30 pm. Snacks will be served.

Continue reading "Susan Jordan-Das Williams Debate:Thurs.Feb. 25th, 6:30 pm." »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department - Ojai Detectives...

On the afternoon of February 11, 2010, a juvenile passenger was traveling on a Gold Coast Transit Bus when the bus stopped at the Santa Ana Boulevard bus stop on North Ventura Avenue. The listed suspect grabbed the victim’s iPod from his hand and fled the area on foot. The victim completed his bus ride home and reported the crime to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Continue reading "iPod Grand Theft and Arrest" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Enlightenment Begins With Empathy" »

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

Some touching photos of the service at Meditation Mount this last weekend, with 300 or so in attendance. Photos are courtesy Timothy Teague, with the blessing of Marty's husband, Chuck Cook. There's a short video I took at the end of the post, sharing the song sung at the end of the service featuring Jack Johnson and Perla Batalla. And a link to the Food For Thought memorial page.

Continue reading "Photos from the Marty Fujita Service" »

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

from Sergeant Randy:

Good Morning Watchers,

On behalf of Ojai Police Chief Chris Dunn, I am pleased to announce that we will be offering a Citizens Academy next month. The Academy starts Wednesday, March 24th, and will consist of 11 sessions held every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. If you ever wanted to learn more about law enforcement and how your local police station operates, this is the ticket!

Continue reading "Ojai Citizens Academy" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

FREEDOM:

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Photos from the Bear Art Dedication" »

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

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

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

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

Follow the Season at ojaipeace.org!

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

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

SUE BROIDY

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

When: Monday, Jan 25th at 7 pm

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

Potluck information and Details after the break.

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

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

from Randy, who I'll try to get to introduce himself beyond a first name...

Happy New Year Watchers! Our local crime activity was relatively slow during the holiday season, which is always a good thing. As we leave the holidays behind us, things are still slow. However, a developing trend might put some Ojai Valley ranchers and rural property owners at risk for theft of their high $$$ equipment.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley City Watch" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from the VCSD: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit...

On January 13, 2010, Sheriff’s narcotics investigators completed an investigation into methamphetamine sales with the arrest of Arcelia Gil (Age 36, Casitas Springs). Investigators had received information from several sources that Gil was selling methamphetamine. Detectives were surveilling Gil when they observed her meet with another subject near Rose Ave and Lockwood St in the city of Oxnard. Detectives saw what appeared to be a narcotics transaction and arrested Gil while seizing approximately one ounce of methamphetamine. Gil was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail for sales of a controlled substance.
Location: 8200 Block of North Ventura Ave, Casitas Springs

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Corporatist Rising

Not many people realize that we have a constitutionally limited, representative democracy in this country. It hasn't worked perfectly, but it did work better than no democracy at all. I say DID because it is now dead. This post isn't about the election Tuesday in Mass or the DLC infiltration of the of the Obama administration or any of those little problems. All of those little problems are swept away with today's Supreme Court decision.

Continue reading "Say Buy Buy to American Democracy" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (69) | author bio

No doubt you are well aware of the disaster, needs, and response in Haiti, and if you're like me it can seem overwhelming to know how to help. Specifically, there can be a general doubt about where your money (if that's how you choose to reach out) is best placed, given that many relief organizations - including the Red Cross - have high overhead costs that divert some of the funds away from direct relief. It is not my intention to judge or discourage past or future donations to great orgs like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and others...but i would like to make you aware - with a grateful hat-tip to Lisa Snider of Radio Ojai - of Direct Relief International, which "provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment."

Why is DRI so special? For one thing, spending less than one-half of one percent of their annual support on fundraising and less than one percent on administration means that 99% of funds go directly to relief. For those of us in Ventura County, there's another bonus: DRI is based in nearby Santa Barbara. Two great reasons to donate to Haiti relief today? i think so.

Cross-posted on the Ojai Peace Coalition Action Blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It should be an interesting meeting tonight! This evening our City Council members will be deliberating on applicants for the vacancy created by the resignation of Joe DeVito last month. While appointing a fifth member to the council is a serious matter, I anticipate some humorous small town drama.

For those new to city meetings, they are held at Ojai City Hall, 401 S. Ventura Street. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. This Item, "Appointment to City Council to Fill Unexpired Term," is number four on the agenda, so it might be after 8 p.m. before it comes up. I recommend arriving on time, if you can, so that you get your bearings, especially if you plan to speak at the podium for the candidate of your choice.

Delicious Pepperidge Farm cookies, coffee, assorted herbal teas and spring water are available in the city hall kitchen to add to the small-town friendliness of the meeting and to help keep you awake when things get bogged down. I have also been known to take home a handful of chocolate lady fingers to ease the pain of disappointment at the outcome -- or to celebrate small victories -- as the case may be.
WARNING: The coffee at city hall is real. This is not your low-caffeine-organic type brand. I drank it once and immediately felt a terrific jolt to my nervous system -- got the shakes and was up all night.

Back to the matter at hand:

As of this morning, five brave souls have applied for the position. In alphabetical order, the five candidates are:
Paul Blatz, Demitri Corbin, Leonard Klaif, Mike Lenehan and John Mirk.

Continue reading "Ojai City Council Appointment On Agenda Tonight, Tuesday, January 12, 2010" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 06:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Transition Ojai is now live!

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

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

How Do Transition Towns Begin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Mike Didj at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Release from the Ojai Detectives, Sheriff Gang Unit:

Detectives from the Ojai sub-station and the Sheriff’s Gang Unit concluded a two-month investigation into a vehicle burglary ring with the arrest of five suspects. Investigators believe the group is responsible for at least 30 vehicle burglaries stretching from West Ventura to the City of Ojai.

Continue reading "Arrest of Ojai burglary ring" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Despair and Disparity" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday I received a message from a longtime friend, someone I dearly love and respect. We had been e-mailing back and forth about global warming. Much to my surprise, he wrote:

"I'm no expert on global warming, but I do know that there are many seemingly qualified opinions that refute the so called "scientific consensus". Most new books coming out now - and there are dozens of them, seem to come down on the side of either yes, there may be global warming, but it is due primarily to natural causes - most likely solar cycles, or no, global warming is over and we have entered a period of global cooling, or the view that political, scientific and economic self interest have distorted the IPCC "consensus" and are an example therefore "bad science".

Continue reading "To my Ojai friends: Don't let the climate doubters fool you" »

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (38) | author bio

Indian Activist Vandana Shiva Speaks at Climate Summit Protest:
"The Earth Must Call The Shots. The Earth Will Make The Rules."

Protests rocked Copenhagen on Saturday as anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 people (depending on who you talk to) marched to the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen to demand a strong climate treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Indian physicist, author, and activist Vandana Shiva spoke to the crowd before the march: http://www.commondreams.org/video/2009/12/14-0

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

From the VCSD Gang Unit...

Sergio Ramos was sentenced this morning to 27 years in state prison for a shooting he committed in Oak View in 2008. Ramos, an Ojai gang member, has been in custody since his arrest in June of 2008.

Continue reading "Ojai gang member sentenced to 27 years" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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


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

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

In memory of those who served and those who were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack, December 7, 1941.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From an online article published today, entitled "Chalica, new weeklong UU holiday, slowly gains adherents - slowly":

Part of the reason that Chalica has the following that it does is that it has a song. Two songs actually. Evan Austin, a member of the UU Church of Ventura, Calif., wrote “The Chalica Song,” several years ago, using the same tune as the “Hanukkah Song” sung by comedian-actor Adam Sandler. Austin’s song, molded in part around names of famous UUs, found its way onto YouTube where it has been viewed more than 1,300 times. [Posted here is the updated, second version]

Austin said, “I just liked the idea of Chalica as a fresh new thing.” Could there be a copyright issue in emulating Sandler’s song? “It’s just four guitar chords repeated over and over,” he noted.

Continue reading "Happy, Merry, Joyous, Cheery Chalica!" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

Received two emails from "Randy", no last name or title yet, with the following news. Details after the jump.

A Special Thanks to Joe: called back to detectives to investigate major cases out of the Special Services Division.

Reverse 911: Register Your Cell Phone: The system automatically broadcasts emergency messages to home and business landlines. Residents who wish to be notified by cell phone, TTY, VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) or e-mail must register for this service – and it’s free.

Continue reading "CityWatch: Joe Evan leaves + Reverse 911" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

Dear Friends in the Ojai Valley, and others,

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

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

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

Create the vigil for any locality by going HERE!

In health and peace and citizen involvement,
Kris

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

From the VC Star...

Screenwriter, director and producer Roger Avary was removed from the Ventura County Probation Agency’s Work Furlough Program and is jail after allegedly Twittering about his experiences behind bars.

The 44-year-old Avary was sentenced in September to a year in jail and five years probation for drunken driving in 2008 and causing an Ojai accident that took the life of an Italian citizen who was visiting Avary and his wife.

Continue reading "Avary in Jail for Twittering" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from the VCSD and Ojai PD...

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Most of the crimes are occurring during nighttime hours. The suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles and locked vehicles in which property is in plain view. Access to locked vehicles is typically gained by breaking a window. [recommendations after the jump...TS]

Continue reading "Vehicle Burglaries in the Ojai Valley" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Cover. Label. Refrigerate.

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

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

More information and full event press release follows:

Continue reading "Save Thanksgiving!" »

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

From the Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit: Narcotics detectives recently concluded a 1-month investigation into methamphetamine sales occurring in the City of Ojai with the arrests of Larry Sledge (58) and Jodie Duran (53). Investigators received information that Sledge was selling methamphetamine from his residence in the 500 Block of East Oak St. Armed with a search warrant, detectives went to the Sledge residence and located approximately one-fourth ounce of methamphetamine, 2 ounces of marijuana, and 50 Valium pills. Sledge and Duran were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana for sale, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Both were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Continue reading "Narcotics Arrest, East Oak Street" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

From Lynn at the OVLC...

In an all out effort to help the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy make it's budget this year we've pulled together a pretty cool online holiday gift auction. I thought you might want to check it out as there are some fun gifts, most of which don't involve figuring out more "stuff" to buy for people that they don't need, and all of which are still going for way under value. There are lots of fun experiences, healthy persuits, dining adventures, and other unique things for you or someone on your list.

Continue reading "OVLC Online Holiday Gift Auction" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

From the VCSD and Ojai Substation:

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department’s Ojai Detectives have been investigating several residential burglaries and grand thefts during the months of October and November in the Ojai Valley. During the detectives’ investigation, they located / recovered two iPods that had been reported stolen from two different Ojai Valley residents. Detectives discovered the iPods had been pawned at two different pawnshops in Ventura County.

Continue reading "Residential Burglar Arrested" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit:

On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested Rutilio Huerta for a gang related Attempted Murder that occurred in the City of Ojai on New Years Eve. Huerta was arrested at his residence without incident.

Continue reading "Arrest of Attempt Murder Suspect" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

This note was sent via email by Clive and Marion Leeman of the Ojai Peace Vigil, 2007 recipients of the OPC’s Noble Peace Prize, and is originally posted at ojaipeace.org:

Dear Peace Friends,

Today, November 13, was the fifth anniversary of the Ojai Peace Vigil, which started one week after Bush won re-election in 2004.

By fortunate coincidence, we also received the first sign yesterday, Thursday, November 12, that a huge policy change in the Afghan War may be coming. News was leaked yesterday that U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, a retired general and former commander of U.S. and allied troops in Afghanistan, has been advising President Obama by email not to send any more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Apparently, the president has now scrapped the four military options he has been considering, all entailing an increase in troops.

Just as intriguing is the news presented on The Rachel Maddow Show last night that President Obama has been reading Lessons In Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam, by Gordon Goldstein, which demonstrates how JFK rejected the advice of his generals on Vietnam and took control of the decision-making process himself, and how LBJ acquiesced to the generals and ended up with a disaster.

Continue reading "Friday the 13th...A Day For Hope?" »

Posted by evan austin at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From the VCSD Major Crimes Unit - stabbing took place around 1:30pm yesterday:

Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Ojai Substation responded to a call of a female stabbing victim. Upon arrival, deputies located a female in her mid-twenties on the side of the roadway. The female victim appeared to have been stabbed multiple times. The victim was airlifted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit to the Ventura County Medical Center. At this time, the extent of the victim’s injuries are unknown.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Major Crimes Unit are on-scene looking for evidence and possible witnesses to the crime. Anyone having information regarding this crime is asked to call (805) 477-7000.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malalai Joya and the Tale of 2 CNNs
http://www.commondreams.org/video/2009/10/30-1

Published on Friday, October 30, 2009 by AntiWar.com
Malalai Joya and the Tale of 2 CNNs
by Eric Garris

"The Bravest Woman in Afghanistan," Malalai Joya did two CNN interviews on Thursday. Joya is an elected member of the Afghanistan parliament who has been suspended for "insulting fellow members of parliament" in a television interview. She is articulate and firm in her position that the Western occupation is feeding the violence.

The first interview was broadcast on CNN (US). In the middle of the interview, as Joya made clear she opposed US occupation, interviewer Heidi Collins said "occupation would certainly be your word, a lot of people would take great issue with you calling the US presence in your country an ‘occupation'." Joya went on to defend her position as Collins' interrupted snidely. As Joya tried to respond to Collins, she was cut off.

Posted by Suza Francina at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

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

The question has been raised as to whether or not Joe DeVito can vote to appoint his own successor. I was on the City Council the last time a council member was unable to complete her term. While this person was involved in the selection process, she did not actually vote, as the vote was taken after she left the council. A vacancy cannot be filled until there is actually a vacancy. If it turns ot that I am wrong about this, I will publish a correction here.

The time table on the City website http://www.ci.ojai.ca.us/ (Item 3 - Process to Fill Unexpired Council Term) states that the council plans to fill the vacancy December 8 or 15, while Devito is still in office. To learn more, come to the council meeting this Tuesday night.

Why I support Lenny Klaif
As a former mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like people to know why I support City Council candidate Leonard Klaif, either by appointment or special election.

Continue reading "Why I Support Ojai City Council Candidate Lenny Klaif " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 07:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (30) | author bio

Elton Gallegly makes the list...

...151 members of the House and Senate currently receive government-funded; government-administered single-payer health care - Medicare.

On the list of recipients are 55 Republicans who have steadfastly opposed other Americans getting the public option, like the one they have chosen.

Weiner said, “Even in a town known for hypocrisy, this list of 55 Members of Congress deserve some sort of prize. They apparently think the public option is ok for them, but not anyone else.”

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

from the Ojai PD...

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Most of the crimes are occurring during nighttime hours. The suspects are targeting unlocked vehicles and locked vehicles in which property is in plain view. Access to locked vehicles is typically gained by breaking a window.

Continue reading "Vehicle Burglaries and Thefts from Vehicles" »

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

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

"Climb the Pine" by Patrice Robbins

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

Olympia Snowe is my new hero. Even if she is a Republican. What a lady. Looks like a normal human being. Unpretentious, might even be a great Peace Corps candidate. Or run a coffee shop like Java and Joe. Bet she drives other Senate Finance Committee Republicans like Chuck Grassley and Jon Kyl up the wall.

You remember Senator Kyl, the second highest ranking Republican in the Senate. A paragon of equal rights, his Phoenix office was besieged on October 6 by hordes of women who highlighted his sexist attitudes. Like the comment he made about maternity coverage during a Finance Committee discussion. “I don’t need maternity care.” To which Senator Debbie Stabenow responded “Maybe not, but your mother probably did.”

And you know Chuck Grassley. He’s the guy who warned folks attending one of his August town hall meetings that the government would “pull the plug on grandma.”

Continue reading "Olympia, you're my hero..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

From the "Ojai Police Investigations" Unit:

Ojai Police detectives are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported phone scams. The suspect(s) in the phone scams have been targeting elderly residents or parents of young adults. They pose as either a family member requesting money to post bail or an official (court or law enforcement officer) requesting money to post bail on behalf of a family member.

Continue reading "Ojai Police: Telephone Scams" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

from the VCSD - Ojai Detectives (who knew Ojai had detectives?):

In the early morning hours of October 4, 2009, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Dahl’s Market in Oak View and upon arrival, learned a store employee had interrupted a commercial burglary. The two suspects were still inside the store and were taken into custody.

Continue reading "Dahl's Market Buglary Interrupted" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

On this day in 1940, John Lennon was born. Today, 69 years later - and 29 years after his murder - many people around the world still consider him a cultural icon and hero, and his songs still find meaning, particularly within the struggle for peace.

In other recent news:
NASA bombed the moon last night, in search of water. The explosion was intended to send up a plume through which a special spacecraft would fly, hoping to detect water particles. The hope being that where there's water, there may be life...to which i respond, "So WHAT?" Here's my fear: finding any scrap of water/life on the Moon may allow us to more legitimately imagine moon colonies, which further separates us from the urgent need to manage the population and planet we ALREADY HAVE.

President Obama receives Nobel Peace Prize while waging two wars. It's a shocker to many...my early read of things is that most people of all stripes think it a little heavy and premature and cheapens the value of the award (though possibly improving the U.S.'s image), while smaller pockets of fanatics continue to hail Obama as either the messiah or satan. This NYTimes article seems to do a good job of describing the challenges and options on the President's table relative to Afghanistan. The Nobel Committee's own literature and a statement by Chairman Jagland remind us that the Prize has historically been given sometimes as an incentive to continue peace work that one has begun, not necessarily in recognition of goals accomplished.

Posted by evan austin at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

WHAT: 6th Annual Earth Charter Summit Celebration and Awards Presentations. FREE admission and refreshments.

WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ventura College Guthrie Hall. Event co-sponsor: Ventura College International Studies Program. Directions to Ventura College and campus map.

BACKGROUND: The CPR-endorsed Earth Charter is a UN-commissioned declaration of principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century.

CPR, in conjunction with VC's International Studies Program, coordinates Ventura County's annual Earth Charter Summit and presents Earth Charter Awards to those community activists who best embody the Earth Charter's core values. Please join us in celebrating the Earth Charter and honoring the 8 local heroes and sheroes selected as this year's Ventura County ambassadors of Earth Charter Principles:

Continue reading "Sixth Annual Earth Charter Awards Honor Local Activists" »

Posted by evan austin at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

big congrats to Kathy Hartley for a well-deserved honor... "Kathy Hartley of Ventura will be awarded Philanthropist of the Year." PR from the Red Cross:

Ventura County, Calif. – Three outstanding women will be honored by the American Red Cross of Ventura County for their contributions to the community during the 6th Annual Clara Barton Gala & Awards on Saturday, October 10 at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Continue reading "ARC: Philanthropist of the Year" »

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

Congrats to Dr. Betsy Patterson, Alan Rains, and everyone who worked on this project to build a more robust emergency department at Ojai Valley Community Hospital. Excerpt:

Rains said the hospital, which opened in 1959, once operated as a for-profit entity. “The bottom line was very important, so they weren’t interested in physical improvements,” Rains said. As care at the hospital suffered, the board decided it had three options: sell the hospital to another for-profit chain, sell it to a local organization, or close it.

Continue reading "Ojai gets state-of-art emergency room" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

via Facebook, Darakshan says: Check out this sweet two minute film about Ojai's Peace in Action 2009!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Sally Carless, founder and Executive Director of Global Village School, recently received the Ojai Peace Coalition’s Noble Peace Prize. Each year, the Coalition honors a local individual who works for and exhibits peace in their lives.

The nomination most specifically cited Carless’s attention to peace and justice issues through the establishment and continued operation of the Ojai-based Global Village School, an international K-12 homeschool diploma program with a creative, flexible approach and an emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability. Global Village offers a full diploma program and college preparatory classes that prepare students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other.

According to evan austin, founder of the Ojai Peace Coalition, “The purpose of the Noble Peace Prize is to recognize and honor local actions and lifestyles that positively affect our community in ways consistent with the Ojai Peace Coalition's aims and values, and to create S/Heroes of Peace with the idea that culture is defined in part by our traditions, rituals, and honored individuals.”

Continue reading "Global Village School Founder Honored on Int'l Day of Peace" »

Posted by evan austin at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Yesterday was Yom Kippur. The day of atonement. Most of it was spent in our local Ojai synagogue, listing my sins, asking forgiveness, fasting, and thinking about food. My pledge to be less critical, think before I speak, and to remember the guy without feet before I complain about my tight shoes lasted about twenty minutes following the close of services at sundown.

My resolutions were further tested this afternoon when I visited the Times website and saw this screaming banner…Senate Panel Rejects Pair of Public Options in Health Plan.

The article made a special note that the Finance Committee had just completed a three day weekend because of Yom Kippur. With the exception of Chuck Shumer and Ron Wyden, my presumption is that 21 of the 23 committee members were somewhere else on Monday, other than in synagogue.

Those 21 folks were spared nine hours of exposure to sin talk, making the world a better place and being my brother’s keeper. All without the benefit of food and water. Please, no offense to my Christian brethren is intended.

Continue reading "And the Advantage goes to..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from Carol Lynn (Enara)...

When I first spoke with Francis O’Neill last Friday morning after the fire, I was under the impression that the fire had burned the house behind his to the ground (not the one next door at 411 Grand) and that he had suffered “some” damages. Francis was apparently still in shock and didn’t correct me. When I actually saw him later that day at the house where he was renting, a much fuller picture came into view, one that completely shocked and horrified me.

If you would like to make a donation online, please click the donation link at oneillfamilyfund.com.

Continue reading "Latest News on The Fire and O'Neill Family Fund" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

from Dulanie Ellis, esteemed chair of the OVGC Food & Ag committee, among other community roles...

Okay, I admit it...you mention the word "economy" and I start to go to sleep. It just sounds so heavy and boring. So I wasn't planning on attending Ojai's New Economy Forum held at Meditation Mount over the weekend, even though I know the people putting it on. But then I was asked to be a panel speaker, as chairperson for the food & agriculture effort in the Valley. So I thought, okay, I'll go for Saturday, but probably won't attend Sunday. Boy, was I in for a surprise.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Dulanie Ellis on the Ojai Forum" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The Ojai Forum concluded this afternoon amidst an air of optimism and activism. We'll be following up with lots of video and notes from the groups and area of interest, which will be covered in broader fashion here on the Post, and in more detail as follows...

www.OjaiEconomy.com - bookmark the main site.
OEG on Facebook - become a Fan!
OEG on Twitter - follow us.
OEG on YouTube - Subscribe to the channel.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

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

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

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

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

This is written by poet, writer, and long-time Ojai resident, Fiona O'Connell:

One thing that we of the twenty-first century do not lack is words. In this up-to-the-nanosecond era we are deluged in them to the despairing point that we sometimes suspect we are drowning. Our main focus as we wade neck-deep through the rushing river of political locution and counter-locution is how best to get to the far shore (peace and quiet) in one healthy piece.

But in this same century there is another thing we have and there are no words for it. Ridiculous? No, not at all. Every once in a blessed while in the middle of the excess of verbosity a lifeline is tossed, whereupon we lunge for it, grab it, and find ourselves on the far shore (peace and quiet) where the sun of the good, the true and the beautiful is shining. A lifesaving book is securely tied to the lifeline; it is a copy of Three Cups of Tea. Hmmm we murmur inaudibly, “Two’s always been my limit. What might three be about?”

Continue reading "Three Cups of Tea" »

Posted by Sally Carless at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

letter to the community from friends of the family:

Dear friends,

Thank you for taking time to read this and help a neighbor and wonderful family.

Tom, Judith and JT (Erickson/Brosius family) along with Corie and Ben were all caught in a fire last night at 3 am in their home. Luckily everyone is safe and unharmed. They have lost one cat and one is still missing. Their puppy is black with soot, but ok. Most of the house and content was burnt, a car and a van too.

Your support can be offered in many ways. Please read below.

Continue reading "More Fire Fallout: Help Out The Family" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

from Carol Lynn Healy (who you may know as Enara):

Dear Ojai Friends and Family,

Last night a dear friend of mine and some of yours (Francis O'Neill) woke up to the sound of explosions as did others who live near Grand and Montgomery Street downtown. HIs neighbors house behind him was burning to the ground (paint cans in the garage were what was making the noise that sounded like gunshots). Good thing he heard them or he would not have woken up as the fire department was already on the scene so none of us heard sirens. Bad news is, the fence along the side of the property line where he was living as well as the carport along side the house (Katie's house for those of you who know them) was totaled. Katie was not there as she recently moved up to Santa Cruz for school and Francis's three children were with their Mom and not with Francis last night.

Continue reading "Fire Redux: Help a Neighbor" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

Friday, September 25th

5pm – Ojai Theater

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Schedule:

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

An opinion piece on the proposed expansion of the Scenic Resources Protection zone in the Ventura County Star... an excerpt:

We would be interested to know why this radical change affecting millions of dollars worth of properties is going forth with such speed when just getting a building permit for one lot can take years. In an economy that needs jobs and income incentives, this proposal will have a dampening effect on Ojai’s economy as far as building and farming are concerned. This proposal just plain goes too far, throwing out the baby of the scenic, economic and air quality resource of vibrant agriculture with the bathwater of scenic preservation.

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

Guest Editorial by John van Houten, M.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule:

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I was rowing this morning and watching CNN. No, not at Lake Casitas. On my Concept-2 machine while the sun was coming up. Been doing that for a couple of years and I can see definite improvement in the callus development on my palms.

There was Max Baucus walking down the aisle in the Senate office building being pursued by reporters looking for blood. CNN’s Briana Keilar, who looks much too young to be out alone, collared Max and asked “What do you think about the lack of Republican support?” Max smiled and while continuing his happy-go-lucky stroll down the corridor said “I’m sure by the time all is said and done, we’ll get some of them to come on board.”

Continue reading "Clever guy, that Baucus" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This just in from political activist John Marcotte "who felt strongly that Prop 8 did not go far enough in protecting traditional marriage."

With such pithy comments as "Hell is eternal — just like your marriage was supposed to be," Marcotte has thrown himself on the fire to protect ALL marriages in the state of California, and has introduced the "2010 California Protection of Marriage Act" designed to ban all divorces.

His point? If we're really serious about protecting the holy sacrament of marriage (whatever that is), then we don't get our nickers in a twist about other people (gasp, even gays and lesbians!) marrying, we end the end of all marriages.

Brilliant bit of satire, this...

http://rescuemarriage.org/about/

I think it's at least as logical as Prop 8...

Posted by Leigh Melander at 06:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

Presenters:

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

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

PROMISES explores the nature of boundaries and tells the story of a few children who dared to cross the lines to meet their neighbors. Rather than focusing on political events, the seven children featured in PROMISES offer a refreshing, human and sometimes humorous portrait of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Living Peace in Ojai's 2009 film series presents PROMISES at the Ojai Playhouse on Saturday September 12, 2009 at 4:30pm, by donation. Please join us.

Posted by evan austin at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

Will he be FDR

or will he be Grover Cleveland

It's all up to him.

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

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

from the VCSD: Lockwood Valley Patrol, Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit...

On September 4th, Senior Deputy Clark and Deputy Hollowell, resident Lockwood Valley patrol deputies, were patrolling Highway 33 between Lockwood Valley Road and Rose Valley, when they stopped a car for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, the deputies discovered that a passenger in the vehicle, Gabino Ambriz, was in possession of approximately one and one half pounds of freshly processed marijuana and a 9mm handgun.

Continue reading "Narcotics Arrest, Highway 33" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ojaiforum.com/

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Nobody likes me,
Everybody hates me!
I’m gonna eat some worms.

I listened to NPR this morning. Scott Simon and Juan Williams were schmoozing about the world’s problems. Particular emphasis was placed on Obama’s popularity numbers, his botched health care reform initiative, the continuing economic uncertainty, and the looming quagmire in Afghanistan. There was more.

Jabs at the rising unemployment rate, the falloff in car sales after the end of the cash for clunkers program, and the California fires rounded out the ten minute segment. The only thing missing was the cover-up of Obama’s involvement in the Octomom adventure and his apparent fathering of at least half of the eighteen, soon to be nineteen, Duggar children.

Seven months in the Oval Office and all the problems of the last decade are his. Nicely tied up with a red ribbon. George who?

Continue reading "Eat some worms..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

The Living Peace in Ojai Peace Film Series presents "War Child" at 4:30 pm on Saturday September 5th at the Ojai Playhouse/Theatre, admission is by donation.

"Left home at the age of seven/one year later I'm carryin' an Ak-47." For hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan's brutal civil war, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. They are the bitter reality of a young man who was "forced to sin" but determined to "never give up and never give in." Today, wounded but still hopeful, he fights a new battle: bringing peace to his beloved Sudan and building schools in Africa. This time, his weapon is a microphone. See why audiences from New York to Berlin to London rave about the award-winning film, War Child, and have embraced the hip-hop artist with a terrifying past and a gentle soul. Interspersing original interviews, live concerts, and rare footage of Jal as a seven year-old boy, War Child will make viewers cry, laugh, dance, and celebrate the power of hope.

Posted by evan austin at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

How the heck did I miss this yesterday?! from TPM: William J. Rice -- Who Threw Punch And Lost Finger At Health Rally -- May Not Be Charged With Crime

The aggressive punch-throwing man whose finger was bitten off at a health reform rally in California last night now has a name: William J. Rice. And chances are, he won't be charged with a crime.

Bonfiglio said that while specific charges will be up to the district attorney, he thinks the biter will face a felony mayhem charge, with Rice facing a misdemeanor assault charge at most, and perhaps nothing at all.

"He's more a victim at this point," the captain said, even though "he was admittedly the primary aggressor.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

from the American Red Cross - Ventura County...

With fire season underway and the challenges that everyday life can bring, it’s important to be prepared for potential disaster, large or small. September marks National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross of Ventura County joins a nationwide effort to help communities get prepared.

Continue reading "Are You Prepared?" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

From the Ventura County Star article by Tom Kishen:

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

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

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

Posted by evan austin at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

Ojai resident and Oxnard College instructor Joe Escobar, who was killed in an Oxnard car accident on August 6th, appears to have been forced into a quick maneuver which caused him to lose control of his car in a hit-and-run. His wife Deborah is pursuing the unsolved case, and has posted a $10,000 bounty leading to the prosecution of the person responsible for the fatal traffic incident. Flyer after the jump.

Continue reading "Joe Escobar: Back Story and Bounty" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION NOW!

Posted by evan austin at 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From neighbor Kris:

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

[You can also RSVP through Facebook]

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

At first I thought it was some clever ploy.

Orchestrated by those who understand the problem and the solution.

Here’s what we’ll do, they said. We’ll float the idea of “single-payer”. We’ll get the insurance companies, drug companies and other assorted political contributors to wail, moan and decry the takeover of health care by the inefficient socialists who run government.

We’ll repeat, over and over, that health care in the U.S. is half again as costly as any other civilized country, produces no better results, and fails to provide adequate care to one out of seven of its citizens.

Continue reading "What health care reform?" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 01:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I drove the Help of Ojai bus this morning. Pretty busy with regulars as well as a couple of new faces. Brought a book with me just in case there was a big chunk of downtime. There wasn’t.

First, I escorted two folks to Oak Tree House, the day care center for those who have dimmed a bit, and for others who just find the company at Oak Tree an improvement from the usual routine. The House also gives caregivers a much needed break.

After grabbing some coffee at Java and Joes, I drove to At Home in Ojai, one of the senior board and care facilities in our aging metropolis. At Home has gone through some changes. My impression is that the current managers are caring, efficient and pleasant.

I knew who I was picking up. But I was a little surprised to find her there. I’d lost track of her in the last year or two. Her house, the one that I used to find her at, was sold last year. I’d assumed she’d gone to live with family, maybe moved out of the area. Or worse.

Continue reading "I remember her when..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Dear Suza,

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

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

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) | author bio

Krugman on the disruptive teabaggin' mobs:

There was a telling incident at a town hall held by Representative Gene Green, D-Tex. An activist turned to his fellow attendees and asked if they “oppose any form of socialized or government-run health care.” Nearly all did. Then Representative Green asked how many of those present were on Medicare. Almost half raised their hands.

Now, people who don’t know that Medicare is a government program probably aren’t reacting to what President Obama is actually proposing. They may believe some of the disinformation opponents of health care reform are spreading, like the claim that the Obama plan will lead to euthanasia for the elderly. (That particular claim is coming straight from House Republican leaders.) But they’re probably reacting less to what Mr. Obama is doing, or even to what they’ve heard about what he’s doing, than to who he is.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (39) | author bio

I watered the olive trees yesterday. My ritual includes turning on the water, grabbing drip system replacement parts, and checking the 1/2 inch line and emitters for leaks. It’s been a really dry year. Even drier for the critters who amuse themselves by chewing into the lines looking for water. Can’t blame them, but that doesn’t stop me from screaming epithets as I struggle with the repairs. On the other hand, it’s a little cathartic standing alone in the middle of the trees and saying whatever I like.

Sort of like the opponents of health care reform. The only difference between them and me is that somebody can hear them.

Continue reading "Health Care Critters" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

I was rowing yesterday. Not on Lake Casitas. In the house on the rowing machine in front of the TV. It’s a chore that’s made bearable when there’s something good on the screen. Like news that’s actually news or a movie that I haven’t seen three or four hundred times.

I often wonder why people keep paying the cable companies outrageous fees for the privilege of seeing the same flick run over and over and over again. And then I remember that I’m one of those fools.

Luckily, I stumbled on The Girl in the Cafe. A 2005 made-for-TV movie starring one of my favorite actors, Bill Nighy. Not a household name, but an actor whose versatility is extraordinary. Whether as the vicious, overpowering chief vampire in Underworld or, as an introverted, somewhat pathetic bureaucrat in The Girl in the Cafe, Nighy tends to steal the screen whenever he appears.

In Cafe, Nighy is a third level bean-counter attending a G8 conference in Iceland. As a result of a chance encounter, he is accompanied by a young woman, played by Kelly Macdonald, whose background is a bit hazy. At the conference, the G8 wrestles with the tragedy that afflicts millions of African children who die needlessly from malnutrition. The conferees agree that something must be done. But they are reluctant to negatively impact their own economies by providing financial aid to the suffering masses.

Continue reading "Shame on us..." »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

Bonus: Tyler Suchman sighting!
[UPDATE] YouTube video more easily embedded!:

Posted by evan austin at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Study: World to Warm Faster Than Predicted

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

by Duncan Clark

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

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

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

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

Headlines.

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

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

Posted by Suza Francina at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (35) | author bio

http://www.ojaieconomy.com/2009-ojai-forum/

Continue reading "2009 Ojai Forum on the New Economy - Save The Date" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 12:08 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

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

Posted by Sally Carless at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Guest Editorial by Ojai Resident Thomas Sherk

I am writing to let people know what really happened on the 4th of July.

Some time in June I saw a Letter to the Editor in the Ojai Valley News by Earth Friend Gen for the July 4th Almost Naked Bike Ride. I decided to do the Ride because I was raised by a hippy mother who brought us to nudist beaches and camps throughout childhood. I recently talked with my mom who is gravely ill and not long for this world. Out of a tribute to her, I decided to participate. Prior to the 4th, I had never met Earth Friend Gen.

As a group, we met at the Y and rolled on the bike path towards the parade. Turning left on Bristol, we approached the parade crowd from the rear. As we got closer, a middle aged white male approached me and pulled a knife out of his front pocket, opened it and stepped towards me, saying, “I will cut your f*****g nuts off.” He continued walking towards me. I had to back up when he was within a foot of me. He threatened two other people on bikes next to me in the same way.

Continue reading "My 4th of July Bike Ride " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) | author bio

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of US, a great calamity fell upon the land. A pestilence so mighty that all of the people in the kingdom were afflicted.

King Bama gathered his council, lords of the kingdom, wise men, and even those with whom the Black King did not always see eye to eye. They assembled in the Great Hall of the White Castle.

The King began. “Woe is US. This pestilence shall be our undoing unless some noble and worthy actions are taken to defeat it. It afflicts the best and worst of us. And, yea, we have spent most of the royal treasury battling it without respite.”

Continue reading "A Fairy Tale" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

from Calitics on Sunday:

And so the budget drama hurtles toward its inevitable conclusion, perhaps as soon as tomorrow. Democrats have caved and given Arnold Schwarzenegger what he wanted - a cuts-only budget that does massive and lasting damage to the state of California, to the people who live here, and to our collective future...

In the coming days we will hear Democratic legislators claiming this is some sort of victory - that Cal-WORKS wasn't eliminated, that California can again pay its bills. These are hollow, pyrrhic victories. The raid on local government funds will ensure dozens of cities go bankrupt and will lead to reckless public safety cuts, especially to firefighters. Schools are going to get another hit without any firm guarantee that they will be repaid - we haven't seen details of the "agreement" to repay the $9.5 billion schools are owed, but Arnold seems to have won the battle to prevent repayment from becoming a constitutional mandate, meaning that repayment shouldn't be counted on until the checks are actually cut.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

This is a very moving music video inspired by the demonstrators in Iran. Mams Taylor produced and wrote the "United For Neda" song after he saw video footage of the young demonstrator shot and killed by the Basji during the Iranian crackdown in June. From Link TV: "The majority of people living in that country are now below the age of 30-- Possibly the largest demographic on earth of educated young people to be held back by their own government. These days we all know we are watching history when we watch Iran."

Please be aware the video, filmed with a cell phone camera, has not been sanitized the way most of the U.S. news is. It shows what was actually happening.

Posted by Sally Carless at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Daughter Nancy and grandson Morey came to visit yesterday. It isn’t a long trip from Calabasas but it takes some effort to make the shlep. Good girl.

We met at Bonnie Lu’s, one of our favorite eateries. The waitresses are friendly. The cooks, though at times a bit grumpy looking, plate up some pretty good food. And, it doesn’t require dipping into your IRA to pay the bill. I had the Yippie Dippie Veggie sandwich on wheat toast. And balanced the healthy stuff with a big helping of fries.

Nancy is a bleeding heart liberal, a Democrat, and a champion of social causes. We taught her good. Our conversations generally include robbing the rich to give to the poor. And, of course, the Bushies. Like her mother, she finds it hard to get off that subject.

Continue reading "No News is Good News" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

I have banned Jock Doubleday. I have attempted to dialogue with him, asking him multiple times to have coffee. He ignored my invitations.

That's not to say he hasn't been in touch. On a near-daily basis, he posts directly to my Facebook profile and sends me emails with links to stories, along with cheerful comments about how to manage the Post, beware "they" who are coming to get me, be green, deny global warming, etc.

Maybe Jock's fundamental belief that he is right about everything and we all need to be "educated" is accurate. But without the ability to dialogue, to engage in two-way conversation, he is not welcome to use this platform to advance his agenda at the expense of this community. I asked him what his ideal outcome is in "educating" me and The Ojai Post readers - he ignored me.

Ultimately, I make decisions such as these in the interest of the Ojai Post community - what benefits you the reader, you the commenter, you the author. I try to be dispassionate about personal feelings or personal attacks, as it is not necessarily in alignment with what is of greater importance. My promise to you is that I will continue to make decisions that first and foremost are of benefit to this community to the best of my abilities.

Thanks for listening, and back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear School Board Members,

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

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

Continue reading "Ojai Skate Park: Guest Editorial" »

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

(Illumination News Service)

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

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

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

I was listening with one ear to the news this morning. NPR’s Steve Inski reported that Governor Terminator has offered some new, ground breaking proposals to balance the California budget.

Having already visited the LA Times website to find the latest on California’s trip to Armageddon and finding nothing but references to whether Michael Jackson was really alive and hiding in Venezuela, I carefully considered Ahnold’s latest outburst.

The Gov’s ideas centered on increasing the number of unpaid days off for government employees, further reductions to aid for poor folks and, I think, the abolition of both houses of the legislature. All of these solutions deserve careful consideration by Karen Bass, the Assemply leader, but she is chronically peeved and currently indisposed.

Continue reading "Feed Mayonnaise to the Tuna" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

From the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Major Crimes Bureau...

On Saturday July 4, 2009 at about 4:34 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s Department/Ojai Police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 200 block of North La Luna Avenue in Meiners Oaks. When deputies arrived at the scene they located 47-year-old resident Ruben Montelongo-Hernandez suffering from a stab wound to the upper chest. Witnesses indicated that Montelongo-Hernandez became involved in an argument with an acquaintance when the acquaintance stabbed Montelongo-Hernandez. Montelongo-Hernandez was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated and admitted for his injury. Montelongo-Hernandez condition is stable and he is expected to recover.

The suspect, who was known to the victim, fled the scene and detectives are presently working on confirming his identity and whereabouts. The instrument used during the crime is still outstanding.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

By Ojai author Stephen Mitchell

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

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

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

(The Psalms, translated by Stephen Mitchell)

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

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

The world’s greatest newspaper, the Ventura Star, in it’s quest to provide a balanced point of view, has outdone itself by publishing just about anything. Including letters from unhappy folks who seek a platform to misinform.

Carla Bonney claims to be part of a “diverse, nonpartisan group of people, who share a common commitment to work as hard as we can to stop our government from running wild over our rights and freedoms.”

Carla is the organizer of one of many Tea Party protests scheduled for the Fourth. She and others are opposed to the continuation of the tax and spend policies that have brought us to the brink of insolvency and moral ruination. Evidence of her glowing patriotism and her supporters can be found at her website Patriot Revival.

Included in Carla’s list of objections are socialized medicine, deficits, and the administration running roughshod over the Constitution. Good thing socialized medicine was in the list or I would have thought she was talking about her favorite past president. Ooops. Excuse me. She’s non-partisan.

Continue reading "Tea Parties on the Fourth" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

From the Ojai substation of the VCSD...

On July 3, 2009 the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai Substation will be hosting a Multi-Agency DUI Check Point called “Avoid the 14”. “Avoid the 14” represents the 14 law enforcement agencies involved in a grant that the Oxnard Police Department obtained through the Office of Traffic Safety. The grant calls for multi-agency cooperation on DUI Check Points with the intention of increasing DUI awareness during the holiday season as well as acting as a deterrent to driving while intoxicated.

This checkpoint will be on July 3, 2009 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and midnight at an undisclosed location in the Ojai Valley.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Cities across the Nation are reconsidering where to put their funding. The idea of fireworks is becoming a luxury when stacked up against citizens going hungry or people losing their jobs. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-fireworks29-2009jun29,0,2351470.story

"The last food bank line I saw had more than 1,000 people in it," said Mayor Rosemarie Vasquez of Montebello Ca. "We figured that, instead of burning the money in the air, why not give it to people who need it." ~~ on why she's spending the $39,000 budget on food rather than fireworks.

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

Posted by evan austin at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

No, the title of this article is correct.

We had our monthly Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation meeting last night. I’ve been the treasurer since the end of the ice age. Lots of good folks on the OVLFF board. We don’t always agree but we seem to get things done.

The Foundation has been blessed of late with more income than expense. Funds provided by the community let us support the three branches in the Ojai Valley by providing equipment, building improvements, and programs that augment what the County spends.

The Wright Library is located in Ventura and is not in our sphere of influence. Hard times have hit Wright as County tax revenues have fallen. Cuts have been made. Wright has been targeted for closure even though it is an active, busy place. As with any change, those most affected by it have risen to Wright’s defense. The Friends Foundation in Ventura that supports Wright has taken on a herculean task to keep the doors open. The community is up in arms, money raised, ballot propositions written, sales tax increases contemplated, and commitments extracted from elected representatives.

Continue reading "No representation without taxation" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

Single Payer – The Way Forward

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

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

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

Refreshments will be available. Small donations always welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carin sent me an e-mail this morning asking that I write my state legislators and tell them that we should keep the parks open. The Governator has proposed shutting most of them down to keep California finances from falling into the Pacific.

Now I like trees as much as the next guy. But I have so many requests to contact my legislators that I don’t know where to start. Food for the home-bound, health care for the indigent, school class sizes smaller than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, help for single mothers with a dozen or more kids housed at Motel Six, prison guards who won’t be able to spend their normal two weeks on the French Riviera, and my own local library that may have to burn its books. What’s a guy to do?

Continue reading "Brother, can you spare a dime?" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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? " »

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | author bio

The ill-conceived budget and constitutional amendments that went with it have been rejected...now what?

Fear not. All is not lost. Now the fun begins. The state budget, like most state budgets, is in a shambles. Unlike most states, however, here in California we have no good solutions because of the undemocratic 2/3 rules. In an act of deliberate irony I'll quote the godfather of casino capitalism and deregulation, Milton Friedman “Only a crisis produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around." Well, we do have some good ideas lying around right now and I will outline them below, but first we must give our Democratic Assembly members and Senators some much need courage.

Continue reading "Help Repeal 2/3 Rules in California" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Anti-War Vigil
Military Recruiting Center
4300 E. Main St., Ventura, CA
4:30pm - 5:30pm,
Friday May 22, 2009
(near the mall, south of where 101 freeway and Highway 126 intersect)

Stop Sending our Children to War! Bring a sign to hold!

We will be joined by the Santa Maria Catholic Worker which has led protests at Vandenberg Air Force Base for years. Sponsored by the Oak View Catholic Worker

Posted by evan austin at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

An update to the Faria Beach Homicides from KTLA...

They've been identified as Brock and Davina Husted, both 42-years-old.

I have been informed of the following from a local source: "Brock "Gus" Husted went to Villanova Prep in the early 80s as a boarder; not sure if he graduated but others in town might know."

Davina Husted [FB link] was involved in her community, serving as the President of the National Charity League Juniors of Ventura.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

An awful story from Faria Beach last night...

From KTLA: A man and woman were stabbed to death inside a multi-million dollar home in unincorporated Faria Beach, and their 9-year-old son witnessed the attack, a sheriff's official said. Police say the victims were found dead around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday at the home in the 4200 block of Faria Road in Ventura County. It's believed the woman may have been 4 to 5 months pregnant.

From the VC Star: [Capt. Ross] Bonfiglio said the suspect, described as wearing a black motorcycle helmet and a dark jumpsuit, entered the house through an unlocked sliding door at the rear of the beige house, which sits in a gated community and backs up to the beach. He confronted the woman in the kitchen. The husband was in the master bedroom at the time. Bonfiglio said both victims were stabbed multiple times and their bodies were found in the same part of the house.

View Larger Map

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

From the Ventura County Sheriff...

On 5-14-2009, The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed False Imprisonment With Force charges against Matthew Bruce for his part in a road rage incident that began on 4-11-2009. Bruce, who is a member of the Demons motorcycle group, is out on $20,000 bail awaiting trial.

Continue reading "Charges filed against Demons motorcycle group member" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

from Kristofer Young:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kristofer Young, DC

Continue reading "Health Care Reform NOW" »

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

Excerpted from pbs.org:

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

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

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

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

Happy Mothers for Peace Day! Julia Ward Howe wrote the original Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870 to call for women to rise up and end war. This year we made donations to CodePink and the Peace Corps in honor of the mothers in our lives. What are you doing to honor your mother(s)?

Posted by evan austin at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Sweetie and I were cruising down the Dennison Grade yesterday. Beautiful day, crystal clear even with that awful fire in Santa Barbara. About halfway down the grade we stopped at the temporary stoplight that heralds the road work on the cliff-side. Two guys with shovels were poking at the newly graded area. “At this rate they may finish before the next ice age ” I said to Sweetie.

The radio came to life with the 10 o’clock news. “State budget deficit to increase dramatically even if all six ballot propositions pass voter scrutiny on May 19. Bills won’t be paid. People in need will go without.”

“Those guys in Sacramento should be ashamed of themselves. What do we need them for?” my lovely wife said in her own unique style. “They should be doing their job. It’s their fault we’re in this mess. They shouldn’t get paid for doing nothing.”

Continue reading "Throw the bums out...whoever they are" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

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

Yesterday, May 3rd, was the undefinable Pete Seeger's 90th birth day. i recorded my favorite Seeger tune for him this morning, and there's also a movement/petition to give Pete a Nobel Peace Prize.

Posted by evan austin at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

From Joe Evans, today:

Good evening Watchers.

As many of you know our valley suffered a tragedy last weekend. A 16-year-old resident was murdered. A 14- year-old boy was arrested and is in jail for this horrible crime. Our community now deals with the aftermath of this event. Our sadness will be mixed with tears and anger. We will wonder why and never really get the answers we area hoping for. We may hear people who lash out with anger and feeling of revenge. We see people at their worst and at the same time we see heroes in our community speaking of peace.

As a community it is a time when we must talk of peace and not violence. When we hear people spouting words of violence we must change the conversation to that of peace. I know this is a difficult thing to do but it is the only way we can continue to heal without seeing more violence in our neighborhoods. We owe it to each other to stop the talk of violence and revenge. We know that talk sometimes leads to actions that would not normally happen.This will make the current situation worse and recovery from those action very difficult.

I am asking all members of this community to speak of peace and community harmony in the face of this tragedy. We must stay vigilant about allowing hate to take over our community and neighborhoods. There are many lessons to learn and we can not learn when we allow hate to dictate our actions.

You may have noticed a large police presence in our valley this last few days. Your Sheriff's Department has assigned many of it's specialized units to our valley this week. The purpose of this deployment is to discourage additional violence in our neighborhoods. At the same time the investigation into this crime continues and Detectives from your Major Crimes Unit are in town collecting evidence and following up on leads.

This is a trying time for many in our community. Please show patience with those who are directly dealing with this terrible crime. We must stand together and not accept hate or violence in our neighborhoods. We value our families, homes and neighbors. Let's make sure we do not allow hate and violence to separate us from the things and people we love.

As always, keep up the good work and please be safe.

Your friend and neighbor, Joe

I join Joe, and the other voices in our valley calling for peace, for support of our children, and for the energy to imagine a new way to engage with one another.

Posted by Leigh Melander at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

As Suza Francina discussed earlier this week, considerable evidence points to the possibility of a link between a factory pig farm in the Vera Cruz area and the outbreak of the swine flu in Mexico. Tom Philpott, who writes about agriculture issues for Grist, and Tom Laskawy, who writes about public health issues for the same publication, have posted daily updates on the possible link, which looks plausible to many experts but has not proven epidemiologically.

Now two British publications, New Scientist and The Ecologist, have weighed in. Based on a close examination of the structure of the virus, which has been endemic in American factory farms since l998, New Scientist calls "the swine flu a disaster waiting to happen," while The Ecologist criticizes the media for failing to explain how this "new" flu could appear:

It is disappointing that, so far, very little of the press coverage has focused on the role of factory farming in the genesis of this virus. Animals kept in industrial conditions, crowded into small pens next to each other, fed unnatural diets, and kept ‘healthy’ with a regime of veterinary drugs, will have greatly weakened immune systems and will effectively act as living Petri dishes in which this virus and others may combine and recombine to become unique strains that, in theory, can also be uniquely virulent.

The irony is that in our local media, there has been some good coverage of the possible cause of this flu outbreak....on the editorial page.

Continue reading "Swine Flu Outbreak Exposes Media Weakness" »

Posted by Kit Stolz at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

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

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

Continue reading "Water, water, everywhere" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Sheriff:

While there are currently no identified cases of swine flu in Ventura County, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department would like to inform the public that we are closely monitoring the situation locally and nationwide. The Ventura County Public Health Department (under the authority of the Ventura County Health Care Agency) has primary jurisdiction in this matter and we are committed to providing law enforcement assistance if needed, including the activation of the Emergency Operations Center through the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, we are in communication with our partners in county and city government to ensure an effective flow of information and assist with the implementation of the county's Pandemic Flu Plan in the event it becomes necessary.

Continue reading "VCSD: Swine Flu Info" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

from OVN. All this over colors? Disgusting on its face, but I'm sure its only part of the story...

Sheriff’s Capt. Chris Dunn, who serves as the Ojai police chief, said: “We believe it was gang related because the parties were gang associates, especially the suspect. I’m not sure the victim was associated with a gang.”

Youths who attended the party said Scarminach was wearing a red bandanna, which the Latino suspect apparently took as a white power symbol.

“Seth was a good guy: he never got mixed up with gangs,” said a friend who was at the party. “He did have a red bandanna on and the (Latino gang members) think that means white power in Meiners Oaks. The night before, they hit me up for wearing red.”

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

If and when the Swine Flu makes its way into Ventura County, The Ojai Post is ready to give you the most up-to-date information on the pandemic.

In the upper-right corner of the site is now a link to the Swine Flu Pandemic Resource Page. We'll keep that updated with the latest information, news and action items.

I just talked to the Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and the Public Health Department has ordered all of the hospitals in Ventura County to report any patients with flu-like symptoms, who may then be further tested for the swine flu virus. There are currently no reported cases in Ventura County.

Let me know if there are additional resources, or information you'd like to see on the Resource Page.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

Two news items from the OVYF...

1) Pronto, featuring Wilco keyboardist and Ojai resident Mikael Jorgensen, will be performing at a benefit concert for the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, Friday May 15, 7pm, Women's Center. Opening the show will be Scarnella, featuring Nels Cline, lead guitarist of Wilco and Carla Bozulich, who you may know from Geraldine Fibbers. Nels is a friend of mine and puts on an amazing show.
On the web: Pronto | Scarnella | Wilco | Nels Cline | Carla Bozulich

2) The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is one of 16 California agencies selected to promote Flex Your Power campaign messages

Generation Communications (Gen Com), a program of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, has been selected to participate in a statewide outreach campaign to educate the public about ways to conserve energy, reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The Flex Your Power campaign includes print advertising and community outreach.

Continue reading "Ojai Valley Youth Foundation News" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

UPDATE: 4/27 - 12:35 PM

UPDATE: 4/26 - 9:04 PM - More Info After The Jump, including OVN, KVTA, VCS, MySpace

from the VC Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau:

Location: 2400 block of Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA
Date & Time: April 26, 2009 at approximately 1:58 AM
Victim: Juvenile Male
Suspect: Hispanic male(s), approximately 16-20 years old

On the above date and time, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a subject down. Upon arrival, they saw numerous people leaving a party. Fire and ambulance personnel also responded and attempted to treat the victim, a juvenile male. They were unable to revive the victim and pronounced him dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation indicated the victim was possibly involved in an altercation with another partygoer and was stabbed. An autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon. Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau.

View Larger Map

Continue reading "Homicide/Stabbing: Maricopa Highway. Meiners Oaks" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (69) | author bio

from local parent Christine Brondyke:

It’s come to my attention that Ojai Public Schools has a significant problem with bullying…by teachers.

I realize that teaching is one of the hardest professions out there. I’ve done it…and every day that I did, I went home exhausted. It is HARD work! I also know that OPS has many amazing and talented teachers who wouldn’t dream of mentally, emotionally, or physically hurting a child. But for a moment, I want to talk about those who do.

This week, my nine year old son came home from school and asked me to write a note so that he would never have to participate in P.E. again. (That’s physical education) When I asked him “Why?” he said that day his P.E. teacher was yelling at his class to line up and he was slow in doing so… the teacher came over to my son as he was pushing himself off of the ground to get up. The teacher kicked my son’s ankle in anger and my son went back down to the ground. My son says he then attempted to get up quicker and the teacher grabbed him by his ear and pulled him the rest of the way up while yelling “What is this?” My son answered “My ear!” And his teacher responded “Then start using it!”

Continue reading "When The Bully In The Classroom Isn't A Student" »

Posted by evan austin at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | author bio

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

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

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

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

Sunday, February 4, 2001

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And they were only a few of the victims.

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

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

There's a statewide special election coming up on May 19, covering Proposition 1A through 1F.

What's important, how are you voting?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

April 22, 2009

Dear UCSB Students:

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

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

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

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

From the Ventura County Sheriff...

Location: Ojai
Date: April 17, 2009
Suspect: Jerry Montanez, Ojai, 56

Sheriff’s narcotics investigators received information that Jerry Montanez, a 56-year-old resident of the Ojai area, was possibly involved in cocaine sales. On April 17, detectives contacted Montanez and found him to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Further investigation revealed Montanez to be in possession of approximately 4 grams of cocaine packaged for sale. Montanez was arrested and booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

(from the OVGC) April the 22nd—which happens, appropriately enough, to be Earth Day—will be the date of this month’s gathering for the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s Ecology and Community series. The presentation will again be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chaparral High School Auditorium at 414 E. Ojai Avenue, with a discretionary donation jar at the door.

The focus of the evening will be citizen advocacy, or how to work within an established system to create change. “Advocacy 101,” as the presentation is being called, will provide know-how for the active support of an idea or cause or the promotion of a change in governmental policy.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

from the comments...

does anyone have a pair of crutches they can lend me.
I have severely sprained my left knee and can't put any weight on my leg.
Please give me a call at 649-2086

Comment #2 Posted by: mk | April 20, 2009 10:49 AM

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE JESTER!

This month's film is Running Dry

Continue reading "Movie Night at the Jester Tonight" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

From the VC Star...

At a meeting Wednesday night, the [OUSD] board agreed to send notices to instructional assistants, librarians, technology specialists and others. About 70 pink slips were handed out to teachers and other employees last month.

Also on the agenda, the Ojai Skatepark [full coverage here]...

[City Recreation Director Dale] Sumersille hopes to go out to bid on the project this summer, with the Ojai Unified board taking action on the plan in May. On Wednesday, however, trustees said the plans were being presented to them for the first time and they voiced several concerns. While [Trustee Pauline] Mercado said she supported the skate park and thought the district should sign off on it being built, other board members said they had reservations. Among other things, they want the park to be supervised and a restroom built. Neither of those items are part of the plans, Sumersille said.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

There's a lot of noise coming from the right-wing echo chamber about the "Tea Parties" taking place in a lot of places throughout the country today. FOX News is reporting that the illustrious House Minority Leader, John Boehner (R-Ohio) had this to say: "Across our nation, thousands of Americans are participating in taxpayer tea parties today for one simple reason: overtaxed families and small businesses have had enough,"

Continue reading "Who are the real Teabaggers?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | author bio

Image via Wikipedia

The following guest editorial is from Ojai Valley resident Sunday Rylander.

Sometimes I can't believe how long of a journey this has been, but it looks like we are finally reaching the end of the process to get the skate park built in Ojai.

For those of you who skateboard or read the local newspapers you can't miss the fact that during this past year of fundraising for the Ojai Skate Park, and attending what feels like a thousand meetings, a 22, 000 sq. foot Fillmore skate park opened, Piru is starting the process and Moorpark was just approved to start building a 1.7 million skate park that will be finished by the end of summer! Oh... and I can't forget the amazing 40,000 sq. foot Santa Clarita skate park that opened two weeks ago.

We would greatly appreciate it if you and your children, grandchildren, neighbors and community members that support the Ojai Skate Park could join us Tuesday at the OUSD School Board meeting. It's really important that we go to this meeting and show how supported and important the Ojai skate park is to our community and see the latest plans of the Ojai skate park that our community donated $261,000 in 6 months time (totaling $361,00 with the City of Ojai's donation of $100,000) for the children to have a concrete skate park.

Continue reading "Guest Editorial: Skate Park Update and Action" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

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

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

(photo credit: University of Wisconsin Urban Horticulture website

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

If you are a homeowner in the flood plain, this meeting could potentially save you thousands of dollars, as FEMA works with the community to explore the remapping process, flood hazards and flood insurance.

Tonight - April 7th, 6:30pm
Matilija Jr High Auditorium

Original announcement and more info here.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Sweetie and I dragged our camera gear down to Meiners Oaks Elementary yesterday. Amy Hagen was teaching a violin class for the kids. Getting up earlier than usual is tough for Sweetie, but she finds that gazing at the kids faces is worth the loss of sleep. Well worth it.

The Bravo program is sponsored by the Ojai Music Festival. It’s designed to introduce school-age kids to the wonders of music. We’ve had the pleasure of photographing them and their mentors for several years.

Continue reading "Kids, Violins and Bravo!" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EARTH HOUR 2009 is tonight, 8:30pm local time. From EarthHour.org:

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Posted by evan austin at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | author bio

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

PR: Locally Grown Benefit Concert Returns to Libbey Bowl

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

Continue reading "Locally Grown Benefit Concert 2009" »

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

This is what was going on this morning. From the VCSD Gang Unit...

Nature of Incident: Hell’s Angels Investigation
Date & Time: 3-25-2009 / 7:00 a.m.
Case # 09-001516

The Ventura County Sheriff Gang Unit, assisted by several local and federal agencies, served 12 search warrants in two counties, as part of an ongoing investigation into the Hell’s Angels criminal street gang. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of 9 handguns, methamphetamine, stolen motorcycles, prescription pills, and dangerous weapons. Two members of the Hell’s Angels were arrested during the operation.

The investigation began on 1-17-2009 when the president of the Santa Barbara Hell’s Angels brandished a firearm at two recreational motorcycle riders in the Ojai valley. Santa Barbara Hell’s Angel president Archie Schaffer was traveling in a pickup truck behind a group of motorcycles, northbound on Highway 33 at Casitas Springs. Schaffer began tailgating the motorcycles at an extremely close range forcing them to move from one lane to another. During the incident, Schaffer forced one of the motorcycles into oncoming traffic and brandished a firearm at two other motorcyclists. A witness tailing the incident captured portions of the incident with a video recorder.

Continue reading "Oak View, Ojai: Hell's Angels Arrests" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I went to the Ojai Friends of the Library meeting last night. As usual, on the way I picked up Martha. “Hi Martha, waiting long for me?” She said “No, I was listening to the President’s talk and then answer the reporters’ questions.” Crap, I thought. I had forgotten all about the press conference. “How did he do” I said. “He’s pretty glib” she said.

Not a bad assessment coming from a 92 year-old woman who’s probably seen it all, even with severe eyesight problems. I made a mental note to click on CNN when I got home.

Continue reading "Mission accomplished...not yet" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from reader KLC...

At last night’s City Council meeting, the City Council was finally presented with a draft document resembling what they have been asking for the past two years. Unfortunately, a majority of the Council (with Horgan and Clapp voting no) chose to send it up to Sacramento without much additional review. Despite citizen comments on its lack of reliable water and traffic data, lack of analysis of its impact on the growth management ordinance and its proposals to split homes into duplexes without any design review, the Council seemed to be too tired and confused to give it the final review that it needed. Fortunately, but with total disregard by their peers, Council members Horgan and Clapp made it clear that it was close but needed a little more work to make it appropriate for Ojai.

Continue reading "Ojai Housing Element Update" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

There are a lot of things happening with the new Ojai Valley Democratic Club. There is a meeting tonight at 7 pm at the Ojai Art Center for anyone interested attending.

Continue reading "It's your Democracy..." »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 06:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

(elevated from the comments...)

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks! Dulanie

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

AIG…bet you can’t even tell me what it stands for. All you know is that it must be populated with hordes of money hungry capitalists. People who are out for the fast buck. Men (and women) who cut and run. The worst of America’s shining lights. In short, folks who reflect the values we all cherish. Or seem to.

As evidenced by the remorseless blood-lust displayed by the media, members of Congress and the President, the 416 people who salted away $165 million deserve to be drawn and quartered, at least. A public hanging might be better…with street vendors selling voodoo dolls and popcorn. Bring back the guillotine. Off with their heads. Even Sweetie is beside herself not knowing who to blame for this effrontery. So she, like you, blames everyone.

Continue reading "Madame DeFarge Would Be Pleased" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

• Living Peace in Ojai meeting tonight!
> You are invited to include your unique voice by participating in the planning of "Living Peace in Ojai." We are calling a general gathering to explore ideas for this year and start to look for help:
Monday, March 16th, 7:00-9:00 PM at Glen Muse
Already several very interesting suggestions have been floated, but you'll have to join us to hear them!
P.S. By the way, unlike many of last year's gatherings, this one isn't a potluck. Feel free to bring a little snack sweet or drink to share, but only if you are so moved :).

• Support repeal of the death penalty in New Mexico!
> The New Mexico legislature has voted 24-18 in favor of abolishing executions in their state, in favor of life without parole. Governor Bill Richardson, who has voiced support for the death penalty but has also said he could change his mind, has set up a special hotline to get public input on this proposed repeal.
IT'S SO SIMPLE! Just call 1-505-476-2225 - right NOW! - and a recorded voice asks you to voice your support or opposition to HB285. That's it!

cross-posted on ojaipeace.org

Posted by evan austin at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

my DailyGood email from CharityFocus.org shares with me the following:

Roman Catholic bishops to faithful: Give up cell phone and Internet during Lent
By Larry Greenemeier

Concerned that Christians are not entering the Lenten season (which began last week on Ash Wednesday) with the proper spirit, some clergy are calling on their flock to nix text messaging for the next six Fridays leading up to Easter on April 12. Christians are annually asked to refrain from eating meat on Fridays and to pray more regularly during Lent, but the church has apparently gotten hip to the hold that technology has on its brethren. The diocese of Modena-Nonantola in Italy in particular is calling for text-messaging-free Fridays as a way for the faithful to at least temporarily rid themselves of reminders of "material wealth," but the church is also calling for such digital abstinence in the name of human rights.

Continue reading "A Text-Free Lent?" »

Posted by evan austin at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

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

Hello Chris -

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Michael Shapiro
Chair - Stop The Trucks! Coalition

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

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

from the fine folks at ARC of VC...

March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross of Ventura County is celebrating with a series of special events taking place throughout the County.

Continue reading "March is Red Cross Month" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

My usual Monday bus driving ended on a high note. I heard that rich people were going to be as poor as the rest of us. Or nearly.

As I swung onto Sulphur Mountain Road I listened to an interview conducted by Warren Olney, host of NPR’s To The Point. I love Warren Olney. He gets the best from his guests without inserting his own opinions. Much different than David Gregory, Tim Russert’s replacement on Meet the Press. David doesn’t need guests. He knows the answers to the questions before he asks them. Oh how I miss Tim.

But I digress. Warren’s show focused on Obama’s proposed tax adjustments that would steal from the rich to give to the poor. Visions of Errol Flynn in tights danced through my head as he battled Basil Rathbone, while Olivia DeHaviland waited with breasts heaving.

Continue reading "Taking from the rich" »

Posted by Fred Rothenberg at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Total Leaf Blower Ban Proposed!" »

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

Today is International Women’s Day, which has been observed since 1911 (just 9 years later, women in the U.S. were given the right to vote). This year’s theme, as designated by the U.N. (individual countries also develop their own themes) is “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”

A great way to honor and recognize women locally is to attend the Ventura County Women’s EXPO, taking place this weekend, March 13-15, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Fifty dynamic guest speakers will present on various topics over the three-day event, including health, relationships, career, finances and motherhood. The topic I am presenting is much less weighty and ambitious – I will be talking about local wines!

Continue reading "Happy International Women's Day! Come to the VC Women's EXPO 3/13-15" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

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

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

FACTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, March 8th

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

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

Peaceful protest against the spraying, March 9th

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

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

The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments TODAY, March 5, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in three cases challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8, a statewide ballot initiative that was passed by a majority of California voters in November 2008.

Watch the proceedings live at eqca.org, on the California Channel online, or on local television channel 25.

cross-posted at ojaipeace.org

Posted by evan austin at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Funny you should ask.

On Monday Feb. 23rd at the Ojai Valley Democrats general meeting at the Ojai Art Center, we were treated to a very enlightening presentation about a poorly understood, often boring subject—the California State budget. Professor Scott Frisch of the Political Science Department at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) came and talked to us about our dysfunctional budget process. Prof. Frisch is incredibly knowledgeable about budget issues, in fact, it happens to be his specialty, and he really schooled us on the fact that the entire sordid mess is our own fault.

Join me after the flip to see what you can do.

Continue reading "Sooo... What the f*** happened with the California Budget?" »

Posted by Sean P. Keenan at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

From a reader, regarding a dedication and ceremony honoring Keith Stolz, whose death we covered here and here.

Please help to spread the word about the upcoming Victor Keith "Keiter" Stolz memorial honor library dedication ceremony, which is being held @ 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th at the Ojai Library ( 111 E. Ojai Avenue). This also happens to be daylight savings day- so folks might want to be aware of the time change.

Back when I met Keiter, Common Ground Worldwide and its "50,50,50 Project" (delivering 50-100 bookcases filled with inspirational books to 50-100 shelters for homeless families and abused women & children) was just a dream floating around in my head. At that time, I asked Keiter (who was a master carpenter) if he would design a folding bookcase for the project, which he generously did. Sadly, before my nonprofit and this project could come to fruition, Keiter died. The memorial bookcase in his honor is a collaboration between the Ojai Library and my 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Common Ground Worldwide. All of the bookcases which will eventually be donated to homeless shelters across the U. S. will be in memory of Keiter. Our "kick-off" bookcase donation will take place in Sacramento, hopefully within the next few months.

May Mystery, Magic, and Miracles grace your path,

Reverend Cynthia Rae Eastman
Founder/ Executive Director
Common Ground Worldwide
www.commongroundworldwide.org

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

from Judy K:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Eve of Justice: Lighting The Way For The Supreme Court

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

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

On Wednesday evening at 6 pm:

Bring candles and signs.

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

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

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

www.ojaipeace.org

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

   Earth Hour 2009 by WWF - Sign up for Earth Hour!

VOTE EARTH! YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE.

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Read more at earthhour.org.

Posted by evan austin at 02:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

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

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

Continue reading "Adventures in Healthcare" »

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

from Municipal Advisory Councilmember Jerry Kaplan:

I need your help in connecting me to COMMUNITY LEADERS in MEINERS OAKS and MIRA MONTE.

The Oak View Civic Council (Association) has agreed to help in forming a ‘MEINERS OAKS-MIRA MONTE CIVIC ASSOCIATION” so that those areas will also have a formal representation for their communities. Oak View has very successfully run such an association for at least 15 years.

Continue reading "Meiners Oaks-Mira Monte Civic Organization" »

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

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

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

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

This is part 5 of a 13 part series on you tube. This particular episodes covers the dangers and purposeful use of flouride and aspartine as well as the population control agenda. Does anyone know if flouride is part of our water districts treatment?

Posted by Raymond Powers at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Location: 11420 North Ventura Avenue, Ojai, CA
Date & Time: 02/22/2009 @ 10:35 am

Sheriff’s Deputies from the Ojai Police station were dispatched to investigate two suspicious subjects sitting in a car near the Subway Store in Mira Monte. Deputies contacted the two males and found them to both be on probation with search terms for stolen property, burglary, and assorted other criminal acts. During the investigation, deputies located stolen property from vehicle and residential burglaries in the Ojai Valley and the city of Ventura. Detectives are continuing with their efforts to locate and contact additional victims.

Continue reading "Two Arrests in Mira Monte" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

i put this video together to show the process (and difficulty!) of adding a simple Share button to new posts on a Wordpress.com-hosted blog. Wordpress.com does not support social networking bookmarklets such as AddThis, so this more complex process is required. Since it's so labor-intensive, i used Automator to program the task to complete itself, freeing me up to do other things while the button is placed and formatted.
(music by Rage Against The Machine)

Posted by evan austin at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Golda Meir, (1898-1978) will be portrayed by noted Ojai actor, Catherine Dain, in a 45 minute staged abridged reading of William Gibson's play:

GOLDA'S BALCONY

Directed by Gai Jones and produced by Edie Smith
7 PM Saturday Feb 28, 2009

Jewish Community of the Oaks
530 West El Roblar, Meiners Oaks
Suggested minimum Donation $10
Program will be followed by a Dessert Reception

"Golda’s Balcony" offers the compelling story of Golda Meir’s transformation from a young Russian immigrant in Milwaukee to an activist for a Jewish state in Palestine and then to its leader – Prime Minister of Israel.

Framing her tale with the decisions she was forced to make during the 1973 war, she attempts to answer the question “What is the price for survival?” There were no easy answers for Golda, who sacrificed her relationships with her husband and children for her obligations to her country. Her uneasy conclusion was,

“Peace, there will be peace when the Arabs learn to love their children more than they hate the Jews".

"Perfect!" New York Magazine "Enlightening!" New York Times

"Amazing Personal History!" Variety

"Laughter and Tears!" Akron Beacon Journal "Fascinating !" AP

"Momentous ! Riveting!" The Detroit News

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:13 PM | Permalink | author bio

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

Rep. Kaptur is advising people to seek legal help and stand up for their rights.

From Democracy Now!

“After an $850 billion bailout for Wall Street and another $25 billion for the auto industry, struggling homeowners still await large-scale government assistance. The Obama administration says it's working out the details of its plan to stem foreclosures. Well, in the absence of government action so far, some are taking action on the local level. In Michigan, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans announced Monday he won’t enforce sales of foreclosed homes.

… in Ohio, Democratic Congress member Marcy Kaptur is encouraging homeowners facing foreclosures to stay in their homes. Kaptur says residents should exercise squatters’ rights to refuse being forced out because of loans she says could well have been illegal.

Summarizing what she said on the floor of the house, Rep. Kaptur stated, “Well, the most important thing to do is to get legal help. And what we are finding is that if people receive a notice from a financial institution, their first reaction is fear, rather than getting proper legal representation. Here in our region, we recommend that people go to Legal Aid or the Advocates for Basic Legal Equality—or nationally, there’s a number people can call: (888) 995-HOME—and to get the proper legal representation, so they can actually have the scales of justice be balanced rather than, now, all the power to Wall Street and none of the justice to Main Street.”

Go to Democracy Now! to read the full article, watch the video, or listen to the audio.

Posted by Sally Carless at 08:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

From the VC Star: The CHP early this morning also responded to a report of a possible traffic collision involving two trucks on Highway 33 just south of Pine Mountain Inn near Lockwood Valley in the Los Padres National Forest