The Ojai Post

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

Yuki, whose folks Robert and Fumie own Giorgio's Pizza, defeated the #1, #2 and #3 seeds to win the Junior Orange Bowl girls 14s tennis championship. See the results of her run to the title after the jump. Congrats! (photo credit zootennis.com)

Continue reading "Yuki Chiang Is Junior Orange Bowl Champ" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | author bio

Living, working and training in Ojai reminds me how fortunate I am.

Just this morning, three of us triathletes rode along Highway 33 from the "valley floor" up to the sign at Rose Valley. If you haven't been up there recently, I highly recommend it. Along the way, I mentioned at least three times how fortunate I felt. The hills, the sky, the canyons, the air...oh m'gosh!

So, up to the title of this post...Yes, there are a few triathletes here in Ojai. You'll see us around town, during the week, weekends, early mornings and even into the evenings. We train throughout the year, some of us up to hundreds of hours!, for races that last 50 minutes to 18 hours plus. Now, a bit of explanation about what the sport is.

The events we race in consist of three main events:
We swim...
We bike...
We run...

Now, some things to know that make this a much bigger deal than "just" swimming, biking and running.

1. Nutrition: For most races, we start watching our nutrition up to two days in advance. It's more than just "carb-loading" (you've probably heard about this...). We look at our water/electrolyte intake, we look at the combos of sugars and proteins, we even look at the energy drinks/bars we might consume in the hours before we start.

Continue reading ""What is that thing you do, try - a - thalon?"" »

Posted by Jason Womack at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | 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

I was watching the US Open yesterday and heard that Ojai won second place and $50,000 for the best tennis town in the USA. Way to go Ojai!

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

from reader Diane...

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

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

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

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

Reader Celeste pointed me to good, but unofficial, news that Ojai has made the Top 3 Best Tennis Towns, guaranteeing a prize to "enhance tennis programs" of between $25,000 and $100,000.

In the 10-day Best Tennis Contest online voting contest that ended on Sunday, the other two cities that finished in the top three were Ojai, Calif., and Independence, Kansas. Ten cities were selected for the contest.

UPDATE 9:35AM: It's official!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

The following is a message from Skate Ojai

Your patience and support for the new Ojai permanent skate park have been tremendous. Hopefully, you are as tired of all the emails, city council & school board meetings, and talk, talk, talk, as we are.

The saga goes on and the School District is truly now trying to stop this project.

Please read the recent article in the View entitled, Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave, When at First We Practice to Deceive. It spells out what the scenario might really be as we go into Year Two of this effort.

During the last year the School Board has written several times in the paper that they do not want the new skate park located there due to excessive drug use and vandalism. Recently we acquired the crime statistics from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Continue reading "Skate Ojai Saga Continues: Year Two" »

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 07:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | author bio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

OK, folks, everyone is talking about this, postcards are mysteriously showing up in PO Boxes, digital immigrants are tweeting it, and the tenniserati are besides themselves with the thought that we could win this thing. One vote per email address - it takes about 20 seconds:

http://www.besttennistown.com/voting/vote.php

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | 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

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

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

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

This is a message from Dale Sumersille:

What is Best Tennis Town? Does your town or city have what it takes to be the Nation's Best Tennis Town? Tennis is played from coast to coast in small, rural towns, large, urban metro areas, and everywhere in-between. The United States Tennis Association wants to know if your community has what it takes to be named Best Tennis Town! The grand prize for the 2009 Best Tennis Town will receive the following:

* 2009 Best Tennis Town title and trophy
* First Place receives $100,000 to be used for community wide programming or facility enhancements that the winning entrant endorses, as approved by the USTA.; second place receives $50,000 and third place received $25,000. Places four through ten receive $2,000.
* The community will receive the 2009 Best Tennis Town award during the 2009 US Open, at a date to be determined.
* Second place receives $50,000 and third place received $25,000. Places four through ten receive $2,000.

The USTA's Best Tennis Town contest is looking for the community that best exemplifies the passion, excitement, community spirit and impact tennis brings to members of the community.

“OJAI NEEDS YOUR VOTE! Ojai has been entered into a Best Tennis Town Contest put on by the USTA and has been selected as one of the top ten towns in America. With a grand prize of $100,000- to be used towards facilities and programs, we now we need your vote to become the number one tennis town. Please go to www.besttennistown.com to vote, every valid email address equals one vote. Voting begins July 16 and ends July 26th. Please spread the word! For questions, please email crazyjmom@mac.com or sumersille@ci.ojai.ca.us

Thank you for your support!

Posted by Demitri Corbin at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

Continue reading "Lakers Thread" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | author bio

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

Image via Wikipedia

CONCEPT REVIEW (CR 09-02) FOR THE REVAMPMENT OF A BOWLING CENTER THAT INCLUDES SITE IMPROVEMENTS, ADDITION OF APPROXIMATELY 475 SQUARE FEET TO THE EXISTING BUILDING, AND CONSTRUCTION OF THREE PATIO AREAS FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND A BATTING CAGE for property located at 1202 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, California, Assessor’s Parcel Number 028-0-073-010. The General Plan Land Use designation of the site is General Commercial (GC) and the Zoning classification of the site is General Commercial (C-1). Property Owner: Gail Bazzano. Applicant: Stacey Benotto.

Wouldn't it be great to have the bowling center back after all these years?

Posted by Kenley Neufeld at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (28) | author bio

From the comments...

Wow, what a week it has been. One who has 3 children in Ojai(20-10 years old), works or volunteers with children in Ojai knows how important some positive news is right now.

My youngest son and I went to the Fillmore skate park today with 25 other family and friends to watch the Ojai senior and junior high school skateboard teams (they represent Nordhoff, Chaparral and Ojai Valley School) compete in the National High School Skateboard Association contest today against 20 teams from all over California. The second of three contests and Ojai won: Ojai Senior Team first place, Ojai Junior team third place and Best Trick to J.T. Erickson.

These 11 boys represented Ojai so well, they skated with soul and skill like no others. Please give them your good wishes when you see them in town or drive by our really sad skatepark we currently have in town. They just skated so well! We are all so proud of them.

Thanks and please come watch your Ojai skate teams at Skate Lab in Simi Valley for the last contest!

GO OJAI!

check out www.ojaiskatepark.com for the latest updates.

Comment #2 Posted by: sunday | May 9, 2009 09:33 PM

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

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

Submitted by Fran Pavelko, vice chairman:

HospitaliTEA is our SpecialTEA - The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis

Tradition Remains at the HospitaliTEA Tent For the 109 th year.
The BeauTEA and PossibiliTEAs for another great year are endless.

TEA –Talk –Tradition and HospitaliTEA go hand in hand, under the
TEA Tent and on the courts. That is “LOVE” at “The Ojai.”
Over 130 gracious ladies volunteer to serve TEA and cookies, and
welcome players, parents, and the faithful locals to “The Ojai.” The
BeauTEA of “The Ojai” event is enjoying Tennis, TEA and Tradition.

The “TEA Tent” is the nicest tradition of “The Ojai,” comments Ruby Morrison, who has served as president, secretary and board member. Ruby now holds the prestigious title of “Director Emeritus” and adds with pride, “It’s so beautifully done and such a nice surprise to people. Some say – we’re the Wimbledon of the West.” During the course of the tournament, approximately 1,500 cups of TEA will be poured and over 10,000 cookies will be served.

Continue reading "The Place to Be for “TEA” & Tennis" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | 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

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

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

No, I'm not a "fan" in the traditional sense of the word (until Saturday I didn't know EXACTLY who was playing in the 43rd Super Bowl).

Yes, I am interested in the terms "winning" and "losing."

I remember in college I took a course on Social Psychology. There, I was introduced to (and steeped in) the study of MINDSET. I remember learning about how some people will self-identify with winners. For example, if one person's team/group wins, they'll say, "We won!" (Alternatively, some people will distance themselves of they don't win..."They lost.")

Now-a-days, I am studying my own next level of meaning to the word: Win. One of the ideas that is most present for me is that all of this is a "team effort." As I say on my Twitter.com bio: We're smarter together!

As an athlete, CEO, husband, community member, brother, son (etc...), I am reflecting on my own "win column." The question this is sparking is: "What do I strive for, and what do I do when I get there?"

Continue reading "Winning...What does the "mindset" mean?" »

Posted by Jason Womack at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

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

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

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

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

In a case titled "Elizabeth Ann Vergilio Vs. County of Ventura," the owners of the Ozena gravel mine challenged the County's right to impose hours of operation and transit through the Ojai Valley.

Judge Reiser ruled against Virgilio and Ozena. Even though Stop the Trucks was not a direct participant in this case, it is a huge victory for the Coalition. Much of the County's brief was based on our research and complaints.

The "Stop the Trucks" Coalition has not only been supporting the County's contention that the rules must hold, we've also insisted that the County also actually enforce those rules.

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ozena Loses Court Case on Trucking Hours" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Danger Apparently Still Being Ignored by Planning Division

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

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

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

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

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

FILM FESTIVAL DATES
November 6-7-8-9, 2008
PRESS CONTACT: Maureen McFadden
(805)966-0190/momcfadden@aol.com

Ojai’s Ninth Annual Film Fest
2008 SLATE OF FILMS ANNOUNCED ALONG WITH CELEBRITIES

Ninth Annual Ojai Film Festival spools out its programs November 6 – 9 with 57 independent films, lifetime achievement honor ceremonies, and a seminar to fill in the four-day event. Hosting sponsor and headquarters for the festival is the premiere AAA five-diamond award-winning resort, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Ojai has become a viable path for filmmakers and their work to get noticed. Hollywood producer, Peter Guber said of the Ojai FF at the podium of the Toronto Film Festival last year, “Ojai is the next Telluride!” That festivalis like Ojai, a four-day event focused on films one would not otherwise see in the mainstream but of a very high caliber. Artistic Director, Steve Grumette, who was one of the founders of the festival in 2000 said, “There are so many more films being made since the advent of digital technology, and in the past eight years, the festival has sent over a dozen films on to win the highest honors in the industry, including Academy Award nominations and Oscars.”

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Announces Slate of Films" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:29 PM | Permalink | author bio

"Stop the Trucks" has turned its attention from Diamond Rock to the Ozena Valley Ranch and Gravel mine.

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting the council agreed to give financial support to the Stop the Trucks Coalition, after a victory for the citizens’ group in August...

“After this agreement has been worked out, keeping the Diamond Rock Mine’s trucks out of Ojai, it has been pretty clear to me that whatever this group did, they did it successfully,” said Mayor Sue Horgan.

For Nao Braverman's full story go to the Ojai Valley News Blog at:

http://ojaivalleynews.blogspot.com/2008/10/council-to-help-fund-stop-trucks-effort.html

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:59 PM | Permalink | author bio

This Tuesday, October 14th, at 7:30 pm the Ojai City Council will meet for its regular session. Part of the agenda will be devoted to discussions on how to co-ordinate efforts to deal with the Ozena Valley Ranch & Gravel Mine's proposed renewal and modification of their C.U.P. with the County of Ventura.

Given the well documented negative impact of these highly disruptive and polluting mining and trucking operations on agriculture, fishing, the economy, our water supply, our environment and the health of our children, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition urges everyone in the Ojai Valley to attend and share your opinions with the City Council.

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:52 AM | Permalink | author bio

(Trucks passes through town on Ojai Ave & Montgomery, photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

In documents recently obtained by the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" through a Ventura County Public Records Request, the Coalition has learned that Ozena wants to alter their existing permit so that trucking through the Ojai Valley will begin as early as 3:00 am and continue as late as 6:00 pm during the week with "No Route Restrictions" at all on Saturdays!

This proposal would more than double trucking from a total of seven hours a day during the week to a new and even more intrusive and disturbing 15 hours a day!

In a recent review of weigh tickets from 2007, the "Stop the Trucks" Coalition estimated that Ozena is likely now violating existing permit hours in trips through Ojai by as much as 55%. In a letter to "Stop the Trucks," County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, agreed with the Coalition that violations have been under reported by the Planning Division.

In a further review of emails obtained through that same Records Request, we found that the agent for Ozena, John Hecht of West Coast Environmental & Engineering, rejected the consultant the County originally selected, URS, because: "...the proposed costs did not appear in line to the anticipated scope of work. Ozena believes that a competitive process will provide a qualified CEQA contractor in a more cost effective manner."

In a separate email Mr. Hecht then went on to propose the names of three other firms:

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Ozena Wants to Expand Hours of Trucking Thru Ojai and Hand Pick the Consultant who will Review their new Proposal!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 09:22 AM | Permalink | author bio

In a letter to the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" Coalition, Ventura County CEO, Ms. Marty Robinson, wrote: "After the CEO's office reviewed the July and August 2007 weigh tickets tickets communicated by the RMA" (Resource Management Agency) "a statistically significant sampling of the 649 original tickets was conducted by our office and it was determined that potential northbound violations were omitted from consideration by the Planning Division. If these potential northbound violations had been included , the number of violations would have been materially higher..."

"Stop the Trucks" had previously reported that upwards of 55% of all Ozena related trips through the Ojai Valley were likely in violation of these rules.

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: County CEO Finds Ozena Violations Greater Than Reported" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:18 AM | Permalink | author bio

OVN covers the latest on the Ojai Skate Park...

If the Ojai’s skate park is being built for local skateboarders, then the skaters themselves should be involved in critiquing the park’s design, planning commissioners agreed at Wednesday night’s planning meeting.

“It’s been a really long time since I’ve been on a skateboard,” said Commissioner Troy Becker. “I would look to working with the kids in the community and whatever elements that they think are necessary.”

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Continue reading "OJAI FILM FESTIVAL ARRIVES SOON!" »

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

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

(Caltrans photo of the collapse of Maricopa Highway in Cuyama Valley)

Last week in a Ventura County Star article by Tony Biasotti, Ventura County officials conceded that there are significant problems in the Planning Division but the real questions is this: Are they Willing To Change?

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/sep/04/officials-concede-land-use-problems/

According to Biasotti Ventura County officials hosted an unusual meeting in a conference room just off of the courthouse cafeteria.

"Everyone on our team has affirmed we have a problem here," Matt Carroll, the top deputy to County Executive Officer Marty Robinson, said at the opening of the meeting. "The facts speak for themselves."

"Complaints about the system from developers and property owners are nothing new..." " But this time, the county is listening and often agreeing..."

"Last year, the county commissioned a report on its land-use procedures by Tom Berg, a consultant who once held (Chris) Stephens' current position as Resource Management Agency director. Based on interviews with 75 people in and out of county government, Berg's report concluded that the land-use process was in need of "systemic changes."

"The county put together a committee of high-level managers, including Carroll and Stephens, to analyze Berg's recommendations and start putting them into action."

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Ventura County Officials Finally Admit there are Problems and MAC Candidate Jerry Kaplan Responds to our Election Year Questions" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

Tonight Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will accept the Republican nomination for Vice President, a position that would put her second in line to be President of the United States. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is asking for help letting people know where she stands on the brutal and needless aerial hunting of wolves and bears. So I am posting the video below in response to this request:
http://actionfund.defenders.org/palinvideo

Warning: This video is extremely disturbing. It contains graphic images of aerial hunting of wolves -- a brutal and needless practice that Governor Palin has fought hard to promote and expand. Despite strong scientific, ethical and public opposition to aerial hunting, Governor Palin has:Proposed paying a $150 bounty for the left foreleg of each dead wolf; Approved a $400,000 state-funded propaganda campaign to promote aerial hunting; Introduced legislation to make it even easier to use aircraft to hunt wolves and bears.

Posted by Suza Francina at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | author bio

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

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

Or This Vision?

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

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

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

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

Ray Smith of Daly Road Graphics sent us these notes and photographs about Gravel Trucks in which it appears that trucks coming and going from Santa Paula are driving on residential streets. If true this would a clear violation of local road and traffic regulations. While we await further confirmation, here is Ray's first person report:

" I spotted another truck near my home. Apparently, they are coming from Santa Paula, but instead of going through downtown via Ojai Avenue, they cut north to Grand Avenue. They head east, turn onto West Summer St.,
then south on Canada to pick up Ojai Avenue again. This is the third time I've seen one do this. "

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Sneaking Through Town on Grand Avenue???" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

Do You Support this Vision of Ojai?

Or This Vision?

(A double hopper stuck in traffic at the "Y" heads into the heart of Ojai on Route 150/Ojai Avenue.. Photo credit to Daly road Graphics, Ray Smith Monday, May 6, 2008)

With five candidates competing for two City Council vacancies and several of the MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) seats also facing competitive races, the Ojai "Stop the Trucks!" Coalition is asking everyone running for office to take a few moments to answer a few questions online. We would like each candidate to share their thoughts with the public on the how they intend to deal with the long term threat posed by gravel trucking through Ojai and the blind eye that the Ventura County Planning Division is seemingly paying to regular daily violations of the existing Conditional Use Permits (C.U.P.'s).

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Election Year Edition" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Wow, did you see that amazing gymnastics performance?...

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | author bio

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

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

World Affairs Council CA Central Coast

September 11, 2008
Location: Ventura County Maritime Museum
2731 S. Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
Time: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
(Reception with appetizers
and no-host bar 5:30-6:30,
presentation 6:30-7:30)
Cost: $15 members, $20 non-members

By 1405 China had been a powerful empire for nearly two thousand years. The crown jewels of Emperor Zhu Di’s navy were his Treasure boats. These behemoths, nearly half the size of World War II aircraft carriers, were largest wooden sailing ships ever built. And although the wealth they carried back to China was staggering, it created conflict between the two factions that served the emperor; the Military and the Mandarin bureaucrats.

Continue reading "World Affairs Council Presentation" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:40 PM | Permalink | author bio

OJAI FILM FESTIVAL

GLEN MUSE, 815 Libbey Ave., Ojai, CA 93024

Continue reading "Ojai Film Festival Party In Paradise" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:17 PM | Permalink | author bio

Twenty five diverse oil paintings by local artist, Edie Simone, are being presented at
Ojai Community Bank, 402 W Ojai Avenue July 1 - August 30.

Continue reading "New Art Show At Ojai Community Bank" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 06:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Send your donations to the Stop The Trucks! Coalition – c/o The Ojai Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1134, Ojai, CA, 93024, or you may also walk your contribution into the Chamber’s offices anytime during the business week, at 201 S. Signal Street -- in the Ojai Festivals building -- in downtown Ojai.

HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!
By Michael Shapiro, Chairman / Stop The Trucks! Coalition

Repeating what I wrote last week in my Ojai Valley News Guest Editorial -- various news reports about the recent Santa Barbara-based Diamond Rock Mine didn’t tell the full story. It is simply not true that the Stop the Trucks! Coalition prevailed during the recent hearings before the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, and that’s why we’re appealing the decision of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission to approve the Diamond Rock Mine’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). If we don’t, it paves the way for the granting of their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and simultaneously strips-away any of Ojai’s legal rights to challenge them in the event that they “change their minds” and hundreds of rock and gravel mine-transport trucks end-up careening through Ojai after all.

Continue reading "HELP US STOP THE TRUCKS!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 05:04 PM | Permalink | author bio

(photo credit, Rob Varela, Ventura County Star)

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

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

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

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

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

(photo credit to Ray Smith, Daly Road Graphics)

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

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

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

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

Some further highlights:

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

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

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

So Tiger Woods, coming off an amazing 91 hole victory in the US Open this weekend, including a 19 hole playoff against Rocco Mediate, has announced he's out for the rest of the season.

Anyone who watched the US Open could see him grimacing with pain on dozens of strokes, often limping off the tee box. It turns out that in addition to the arthroscopic surgery he has been recovering from, the doctors found stress fractures around his knee two weeks ago, before the Memorial Tournament.

So with a bum anterior cruciate ligament and knowing he had multiple stress fractures, he kept that information to himself and still went out and proved yet again he's the best golfer in the world. I've never seen anything like it. There was a commercial that aired repeatedly with Tiger's now deceased father talking about Tiger's mental toughness. That wasn't half of it.

Do you have any "mental toughness" stories?

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

This is just in from the NY Times website:

June 17, 2008
Oregon woman plans to parade topless on July 4
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 6:51 p.m. ET

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A woman seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string. The Chamber of Commerce says that's contrary to the rules for the family celebration. She says she'll sue if she can't parade as she wishes.

Jen Moss has been known as ''The Naked Lady'' since she moved to Ashland in May from Ojai, Calif., drawn by the town's nudity laws. They specify only that people must cover their genitalia in a city park or the downtown commercial district, which means Moss need not cover her breasts.

The police in California, she says, harassed her when she rode her bicycle wearing a G-string and pasties.

Moss applied for an entry for the parade, which draws thousands each year.

The Ashland Chamber of Commerce learned of her coverage plans from an online posting. She promised to lead in-line skaters ''wearing only a hemp G-string and blowing a conch shell.''

''We don't feel that someone in the parade who is topless or nearly naked is appropriate for a family audience,'' said parade chairman James Kidd.

Continue reading "Jen To Strike Again!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (49) | author bio

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

Story By Chris Meagher at The Santa Barbara Independent

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith

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

From Bill Lascher, Editor of the Ventura Reporter:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Friends, Family and the Ojai Community,

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "May is National Bike Month" »

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

The Ojai Tennis Tournament is one of Ojai's biggest traditions, one that I have covered extensively for these pages (I even interviewed a ball boy). It all begins this Thursday and runs through Sunday, April 24-27. A big part of the tradition is the Tea Tent. Sandy Herman is this year's Tea Tent Chair and has provided the following article for the good readers of the Ojai Post.

Continue reading "Pouring Tradition Continues at 108th Ojai" »

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

(photo courtesy of Daly Road Graphics & Ray Smith)

On Tuesday afternoon, April 8th, members of "Stop the Trucks" coalition successfully testified before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors at their regular weekly meeting after a presentation by consultant Tom Berg, who had been hired to assess issues and problems at the county's Resource Management Agency which includes the Planning Division.

The Coalition stressed the need for monitoring and enforcement of permit conditions, particularly of gravel mine operations, a fact that was reflected back by four of the Supervisors to County staff at the end of the meeting.
The Planning Division currently is responsible for oversight of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued to the Ozena Mine and Gravel operation.

According to an article in the Ventura County Star by Tony Biasotti on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, Berg's noted that there are there are many ways in which the county could be more "transparent, predictable and accountable."
And, " the system has some problems."

Continue reading ""Stop the Trucks:" Expert cites problems in Ventura County's Resource Mangement Agency & Planning Division " »

Posted by Howard Smith at 07:18 PM | Permalink | author bio

In a news story written by Nao Braverman in Friday's Ojai Valley News, "owners of the Ozena Valley Sand and Gravel Mine and the Virgilio Family Trust filed a lawsuit against Ventura County last week, for allegedly changing the scope of their permitted operations without prior notice, hearing or environmental review, according to the lawsuit. They are also filing charges against the county for restricting the use of State Highway 33, which is allegedly in excess of the authority granted to the county, according to the legal petition."

Continue reading "STOP THE TRUCKS: Gravel Truck Owners Suing Ventura County" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:47 AM | Permalink | author bio

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

Early Entry Deadline for Filmmakers April 15

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

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

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

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

A Yoga in the Ojai Valley DVD Review

EARTHLINGS
Nature Animals Humankind MAKE THE CONNECTION

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "EARTHLINGS" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

over-pass-work2.pdf

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

Bridge on Highway 33 Collapses: No One Hurt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin: Supported Legs Up the Wall Pose

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

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

Inverted Poses:The Elixir of Life

Continue reading "Yoga in the Ojai Valley" »

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

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin -- Downward Facing Dog Pose

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

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

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

Continue reading "Yoga In the Ojai Valley" »

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

Your Daily Yoga Vitamin -- the Yoga Splits

For a larger view of this inspiring pose: http://www.suzafrancina.com/media/JHJacobs_060609_055_suza.jpg

This joyous, exhilarating pose is known in yoga as Hanumanasana, the Monkey Pose. When you practice this fabulous stretching pose, it feels--and looks like-- you are taking a giant leap! This powerful stretch, with the arms reaching up toward the heavens represents a "leap in consciousness," a change from one stage of life to the next. The inspiring teacher demonstrating the pose is in her 70's. Hanumanasana is a fun pose to practice at the end of your yoga session, when your body is nice and warmed up from practicing Standing Poses, Downward Facing Dog Pose, Lunges and other Yoga Basics. In the beginning, the pose can be practiced by placing a bolster and folded blankets under the hips and pelvis.

Photo of Betty Eiler by Jim Jacobs.

Posted by Suza Francina at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Two recent articles in the Ojai Valley News and the Los Angeles Times highlight the ongoing problems created by massive numbers of gravel trucks coming through the Ojai Valley.

The first is from the November 21st edition of the OVN by Nao Braverman in which she reports:

"Traffic threat from Santa Barbara County mines remains..."

"...Two new gravel mine expansion applications have Ojai Valley advocates concerned about an increase in truck traffic. Those community members are fighting to protect the quality of local air, noise and safety, particularly because the valley’s tourist-based economy depends on it…"

Continue reading "Stop the Trucks: Gravel Mines Eye Expansion and a Clear Pattern of Risk Emerges from Smog" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:49 PM | Permalink | author bio

UCLA Football has been up and down this year, but turned in their best performance of the year this Saturday, beating the top 10 Cal Bears at the Rose Bowl, and lead the Pac-10 with a 4-0 conference record. Micah Reed, a star offensive lineman at Nordhoff High (Class of 2004) who was named All-State as a senior, started at left guard for the Bruins in place of Noah Sutherland.

"Micah played very well,'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. "As a matter of fact, our offensive line played very well. They protected the quarterback, and it was one of our best games this year. They played well as a unit, and I was pretty encouraged by what we did. Micah in there, in the starting lineup, was pretty noticeable. He's done a nice job."

Micah, 21 years old, is the son of Timothy and Nona Reed and has one sister, Jolene, and one brother, Kacy. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for Community Service in 2006, and made the Director's Honor Roll in Spring 2006 as a UCLA History major. (disclaimer: I graduated UCLA in 1994 with a degree in History. Go Bruins!)

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

This week, my social calendar is tapped out, thanks to an amazing number of opportunities to get out there offered by incredibly talented people right here in our own little town. From films to comedy to running for a worthy cause, the first weekend in October promises to get us moving, laughing and thinking.

Continue reading "It's All Happening: Film Festival, Comedy and Running" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 01:51 PM | Permalink | author bio

Tyler Suchman named by Pacific Coast Business Times as one of their 2007 selections for top "40 Under 40" Business Leaders.

(Tyler Suchman, left; with Jerry Kaplan, right, at "Stop the Trucks" rally)

Tyler Suchman founded The Ojai Post and runs The Ojai Network, a collective of Ojai sites focusing on community and culture. His consulting company, Tribal Core, provides internet strategy, online marketing and search engine optimization services.

Continue reading "Congratulations, Tyler!!!" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | author bio

I was delighted to start - and to finish! - the Ojai Valley Century bike ride today.

101.7 (yeah, I chose to ride to/from the start at Libby!) miles of sheer joy. You know, 6 hours on a bike gives me time to settle in to the thinking, development, and even experimentation process. In the past, I've written about such thought experiments as riding up Dennison Grade thinking about phone numbers only to realize that I'd ridden MINUTES slower than ever before...

Today, I found myself "mentally developing" answers to this question:

What gets in the way of people performing at their best?

Continue reading "A thought, to a feeling, to an action" »

Posted by Jason Womack at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | author bio

Today is the first day of The Ojai, so slather on some sunscreen and find a courtside seat because it all ends Sunday!

Some of you may recall I covered The Ojai extensively here on the Post last year, just click below for the rundown as well as the big get of the year - an interview with a ball boy!

Continue reading "The 107th Ojai Tennis Tournament" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:46 PM | Permalink | author bio

Posted by Mike Didj at 08:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

I arrive back in Ojai around 10 PM and am greeted silently by my new Dirtsurfer, just arrived via UPS and separated into two different boxes. My enthusiasm for the new toy overcomes my inclination to just fall in bed and go to sleep. Without the proper tools, I am unable to completely put it together and end up going to bed hungry – hungry for dirt that is.

Continue reading "Dirtsurfer Chronicles (prologue)" »

Posted by Mike Didj at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | author bio

The cycling tour winds it way through downtown Ojai on February 24, with dozens of cyclists competing. See the bicyclists whip throught downtown past hundreds of spectators, led by and followed by support vehicles, fire engines and police cars. Continue reading for some video of the Bike Tour...

Continue reading "Cycling Video from the Bike Tour" »

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | author bio

STOP THE TRUCKS!

COMMUNITY MEETING

Tuesday, January 30th - 7:00pm
Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E Ojai Ave.

You’re invited to come learn about plans to add hundreds more sand & gravel trucks on
Highway 33 through ours towns and the nearby national forest.

*A short photo presentation on Scenic Highway 33

*Speakers, including representatives from:

Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce
Los Padres ForestWatch
Highway 33 residents
Local Decision makers
School Representatives
Cuyama Valley Farmers
Forest users
…and more!

*Learn how you can help make a difference!

Letters needed by January 31 – how to make yours effective

Please RSVP to ensure that we print enough materials!
Call (805) 252-4277 and leave a message stating your first and last name and the number of people (if any) coming with you. This event is free and open to the public.

Continue reading "Stop The Trucks: Community Meeting Jan 30th" »

Posted by Howard Smith at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Just back from the Rose Bowl... GO BRUINS!

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

Alright STOP, collaborate and listen…

“What the hell,” you ask, “why is she quoting Vanilla Ice?” Fair enough, but what you should really be asking yourself is “What the hell, how did I know that was Vanilla Ice?”

My muse has been MIA, the film has been all-consuming and the Ojai Day Fire has extinguished all creativity. That is, until yesterday.

Dang, dang, dang, diggydangdang…

Continue reading "Nike LA and the Ojai Classic 10K" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | author bio

This is my buddy Brett Nichols. He's going to come up to Ojai and tear up the skateboard park in the near future. Rad video.

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 11:16 AM | Permalink | author bio

DNC Voting Rights Institute on CA-50 Special Election

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

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

On the facts:

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

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

The final day of The Ojai offered up sunshine and exciting competition. After 3 days of morning fog and afternoon clouds, Sunday warmed up to be a beautiful “Chamber of Commerce” day. The smell of sweat and sunscreen commingled with tri-tip, Harley exhaust and orange blossoms created an air of unmistakable Ojai.

There were other nuances worth mentioning, too. For example, I knew my readers would want to know about the head gear: hat or visor. It seems that while the visors were quite popular, baseball style caps were more prevalent. Like the one sported by top seed, 18-year-old Sam Querrey of Thousand Oaks (pictured). He played in the Men’s Open final against 29-year-old Zbynek Mlynarik of Chatsworth. Youth and a power serve, though, proved to be no match for the speed and savvy of the veteran.

Continue reading "The Ball Boy Diaries" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

This is when everything about The Ojai starts to get interesting. I think as far as collegiate sports go, The Ojai is to tennis what March Madness is to basketball.

The brackets are filling in nicely; well, for Sam Querrey they are anyway.
It takes some careful study to figure out what is really going on. My guy Brian Wilson came close in the Men's Open, but didn't quite make it to the final. Hope he still gets to stay in the free room. But Sam will be in it tomorrow and is sure to carry the trophy and the prize money home.

My first stop today, though, was to check the media board. And, as you can see, there was only one media outlet not of the traditional newsprint variety representing.

Continue reading "April Tennis Madness" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

I attended the Annual Ojai Tennis Barbecue last night at Lower Libbey Park. There were a lot of youngsters in visors brandishing racquets and feasting on tri-tip and chicken. George Conrad, Chair of the barbecue, told me that this annual tradition for “The Ojai” was catered by Ojai West Rotary.

The food was great, but the action on the courts was even better. When I arrived, Brian Wilson of the pro tour (left in photo)
and Hank Pfister, pro tour retiree (right in photo), were taking on top seed, Sam Querrey of Thousand Oaks and our own Bozhidar Katsarov of Ojai. There was a lot of cheering and banter from the crowd, not your usual somber spectator etiquette happening. Players acted as their own line judges and sometimes relied on the crowd to call the shots. It was all in good fun.

After the match, I sidled up to pro Brian Wilson for a quick interview. I asked him what brought him to The Ojai.

Continue reading "Interview with Tennis Pro Brian Wilson" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | author bio

The 106th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament is in its second day of play today. Yesterday I met Tea Tent Vice Chair Peggy Chase, who, in a lovely wide brimmed garden chapeau, shared the magic and mystique of the tea tent with me. Her account follows...

Continue reading "Tennis and Tea" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 07:24 AM | Permalink | author bio

The 106th Annual Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, or “The Ojai” to the more savvy, is less than a week away. It’s Ojai’s oldest event and one that carries with it an esteemed reputation rich in history and tradition. So naturally, being someone who knows nothing about tennis, I will be covering it for The Ojai Post. I hope they let me keep my press pass.

Continue reading "Tennis Anyone? The Ojai Tennis Tournament Returns!" »

Posted by Lisa Snider at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | author bio

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

Posted by Tyler Suchman at 02:07 PM | Permalink | author bio