OJAI
04 20
D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide
SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES, YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE SHOPPING LIST FOR PANDEMIC PANTRIES PATRICK MCENROE ON ‘THE OJAI’ AND ITS FUTURE STREAM TEAM: THE SHOWS THAT ARE GOING ON
Visitor Information
Events
Activities
Cover Photo: CHAR & JERRY MICHAELS Keller Williams Realty • 805-620-2438 See Page 17 OM — April 2020
Lifestyle
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Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM
Pr ic e ffe ri n g O Ne w
EAST END CONTEMPORARY This newly remodeled and completely renovated contemporar y masterpiece on the bucolic East End exemplifies good taste and quality construc tion. Clerestor y windows, French doors and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams create a light and spacious environment. The floors are beautiful white oak and the k itchen counters are Statuarietto marble. I t has been built with the finest quality doors, appliances and fix tures. The bathrooms have mosaic traver tine floors and Cararra marble -tiled bath and shower. The master bedroom balcony has mountain views in two direc tions with decorative Granada wall tiles, Porcelanosa floor tiles and an outdoor shower. 1701McNellRdOjai.com Offered at $2,885,000
PAT T Y WALTCHER
25 years matching people and property in the Ojai Valley
SIGNAL STREET SPLENDOR Peace and serenity welcome you to this incredible compound on almost 8 acres in one of the most desirable areas of Ojai, Nor th Signal Street. The main house is perched on a hill, with expansive views of the valley, from sensational sunrises to pink moment sunsets. The proper ty has multiple struc tures, including two finished guest houses and a third waiting for your magic touch. Two other buildings could ser ve as a yoga or recording studio, R V storage, a workshop or a secluded writing cabin. The grounds include pepper, bottle brush and fruit trees. I t is walk ing distance from town and only moments away from some of the most spec tacular hik ing in Ojai: Pratt Trail, Shelf Road and the Ojai Preser ve. Don’t miss this amazing proper ty in a secluded countr y setting that has not been on the market for over 40 years. $3,100,000 1203NorthSignalStOjai.com
PAT T Y WALTCHER
(805) 340-3774
pattywaltcher.com
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*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/11/20–4/6/20 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Bonus PowerView® rebate is only available when making a qualifying purchase. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2020 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 20Q1MAGSOC3
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OM — April 2020
SALE PENDING 180 N. Poli Street - $663,000
SALE PENDING 1054/1056 Bath Ln., Ventura - $1,749,000
Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1,530 sq. ft. home with bonus room. Newer wood floors, lighting, updated kitchen and bathrooms, plus plenty of room for RV or overflow parking. Must see!
Located just 550 feet from the beach at Pierpont Bay, this modern 2,690 s.f., 5 bed/5 bath property (built in 2002) features ocean and mountain views. Two units, plus parking for 7 vehicles.
Deckert/DePaola Team - 2020 Sales to date Thank you for letting us serve you! 1674 Ladera Road, Ojai - $1,750,000 Represented seller & buyer
1442 S. Rice Road, Ojai - $1,217,000 Represented seller
1133 El Centro Street, Ojai - $1,081,080 Represented buyer
507 Park Road, Ojai - $776,000 Represented seller
11385 Puesta Del Sol, Ojai - $756,000 Represented buyer
501 Vallerio Avenue, Ojai - $745,000 Represented seller
210 S. Padre Juan, Ojai - $650,000 Represented buyer
1204 Manzanita, Santa Paula - $610,000 Represented buyer
1243 Cruzero Street, Ojai - $535,000 Represented buyer 1846 Topaz Avenue, Ventura - $499,000 Represented buyer 59 W. Calle El Prado, Oak View - $530,000 Represented seller & buyer 11100 Telegraph Rd. #95, Ventura - $275,000 Represented buyer 1885 Maricopa Hwy. #10, Ojai - $228,500 Represented buyer We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down. DRE# 01761150, 00780642, 01877842
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Phone: 805.272.5221 ~ Email: Team@DeckertDePaola.com ~ Web: www.BestBuysInOjai.com OM — April 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 2020
7
Editor’s Note
9
Food Bank’s Covid-19 Shopping List
14
The Shows Must Go On
16
Tennis Champ’s Sick Ojai Win
16 20
20 Featured Professional:
ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe
22
Hartmann’s Rx for the Loan Markets
24
My Garden: Digression, My Old Friend
26
Your How-To Guide to Saving Local
Businesses
27
Sold in Ojai
28
Who’s Who In Ojai
30 Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide 31
Chef Randy — Lentil Stew
34
Ideal Ojai Day — Eleanor Kas
35
Top 7 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry
36
Ojai Facts & Founders
Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo Contact Us: Ross Falvo, 805.207.5094 editor@ojaiquarterly.com The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. Cover: Property by Char & Jerry Michaels, Keller Williams Realty
OJAI
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04 20
D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide
SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES, YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE SHOPPING LIST FOR PANDEMIC PANTRIES
32
PATRICK MCENROE ON ‘THE OJAI’ AND ITS FUTURE THE SHOWS THAT MUST GOING ON Cover Photo: CHAR & JERRY MICHAELS Keller Williams Realty • 805-620-2438 See Page 17
Visitor Information
6
Events
Activities
OM — April 2020
Lifestyle
1
Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM
OM — April 2020
36
DISCOVER
OJAI MONTHLY ALL ALONE, TOGETHER
Bret Bradigan
What we are living in now, with Ojai businesses shuttered, some indefinitely, is the real “cancel culture.” Not the ginned-up outrage de jour. It seems we’re nostalgic already for the days when we could muster up the energy for so many divisive debates about who was or was not “woke” enough. Now our entire economy is going through a hard reboot. Maybe something better will come of it, but the pain in the interim is going to hurt every single one of us. The most frustrating part of this current crisis is the isolated impotence it makes us feel. Ojai is used to rallying around each other when we’re threatened, and now, in our dark hour, we are told to stay apart. As Bill McKibben put it in his thoughtful essay in a recent New Yorker, “Hell is the absence of other people.” There’s a few things we can do. As Winston Churchill wrote, “America always does the right thing, once all other options have been exhausted.” The compliance with self-isolation, our local phone trees to check on friends, families and neighbors are all positive actions that will help us get through this, together. In the meantime, here’s a few resources already in place: • Ojai Shopping Cart. The inimitable Nigel Chisholm and crew are offering to pick up and deliver groceries and pharmacy prescriptions for no service fee. It is limited to high-risk residents with compromised immune systems or extenuating circumstances. You can send them a message through their Facebook page. • The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund can use whatever you can spare for its food banks, YMCA efforts and outreach to undocumented workers to make sure that they know they are safe to report any Covid19-like symptoms to help slow the spread. Check them out at vccf.org. • Ojai Community Business Network is posting updates on restaurants which are doing delivery and curbside pickup. Check them out on their Facebook page. Again, do what you can to support local restaurants, because we need them to be there for us when we get out the other side of this misery. A big part of the enjoyment of Ojai life is the range of eating options well beyond what a typical town of 8,000 residents could support. If you enjoy a superb meal in Ojai, you can thank tourists. Until the tourists come back — and they will eventually — let’s support these important community resources. • Ojai Valley Family Shelter is a front-line resource for our most vulnerable people. They need donations, which you can make through their website, ovfs.org or through their Facebook page. The Ojai Chamber of Commerce is also connecting local businesses so that they’re ready for whatever aid comes down the pike. Despite the drip-drip of dread, people are hustling together in mutual aid. We are even seeing local performing artists streaming their performances into our self-isolated warrens, connecting us to the greater human stories and emotions out there that are sustenance for our spirit. That’s why this one hurts. We are used to getting together, especially when we need each other.
OM — April 2020
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SHOPPING LIST: Courtesy of Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Meeting your nutrition needs in self-isolation to the top of meals or salads for a boost in much-needed sulphurophane boost, flavor and freshness.
1. WATER: One gallon per person, per day is recommended. Also, tap water is perfectly acceptable and safe. 2. FOOD ITEMS THAT WILL LAST: • Vegetables. Get a few pickled options, which provide flavor, fiber, phytonutrients and probiotic (onions, cucumbers, beets, asparagus, green beans, carrots, etc). Two jars should be enough for one person. • Yogurt. This protein and fat source will last for weeks. • Eggs. Boiled egg is a great addition to rice or noodle dishes, stews, salads and protein and essential micronutrients. • Fruits: Dried, without sugar added (e.g. raisins) is a good option. Dried apple rings, dried apricots, mango, etc. • Fresh Fruits: For this time-frame, you can get slow-ripening fruits like green bananas, green avocados, apples, citrus, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. • Nuts, peanut butter and other nut butters: Excellent sources of energy, fiber, fats and vitamins that will keep for weeks. Fill up a bag of trail mix, grab peanut butter to add to fruit or oatmel or mix with yogurt for a tasty dip or freeze as a healthy dessert. • Oats (oatmeal); Light weigh for having to move or carry, expands in size with fiber, whole grain, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates for energy. Option: store cans of coconut milk to enhance flavor of cooked or overnight oats. Add coconut flakes or frozen fruit or jam. • Chia seeds: 10 grams of fiber per two tablespoons, holds water to keep you hydrated and source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. • Honey: A plastic squeeze bottle is the lightest weight and cleanest. Honey is a prebiotic that supports very important gut microbes to boost immune system function. It contains vitamins and energy, and it will never spoil. • Canned goods: Works for this self-isolation scenario as we don’t anticipate needing to lug around heavy foods. No need for canned beans (except maybe
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IF YOU DO GET SICK: • Bone Broth: Buy a few of these (one large jar or freezer pack per day) in case of illness. This is highly recommended if someone falls ill. Sip throughout the day and you can add powerful antioxidants to support the immune system, like garlic, ginger, onioins, cayenne pepper, lemon, etc.
refried beans), which is added waste, salt and weight. Fill a large bag with dry beans, soak overnight and boil the next day. • Canned tomato or tomato sauces to add to soups, stews or sauces. Canned veggies are fine, too, but not ideal. • Canned fruit can be high in added sugar. We recommend keeping your intake low. • Canned meats. We recommend fish like tuna, salmon, anchovies and mackerel (one or two servings per week for an adult). • Whole grains: brown rice, bulgur wheat, farro, quinoa (half cup to one cup per person per meal) • Comfort items like teas and coffee. Lightweight, soothing and can go a long time on the shelves and keep their taste. • ADVENTURE EATERS: • Sprouting seeds. You can create a small microgreens garden and have fresh food in two days! For those who really need fresh greens, radish seeds sprout rapidly. You can look for “sprouting radish seed” which will germinate in two days. Add
OM — April 2020
THINGS NOT RECOMMENDED: • Frozen Ultra-Processed foods: These will be high in sugars, fats, sodium and low in fiber (pizza, breaded chicken nuggets or tenders, etc.) • Canned soups and ramen: High in sodium and, ramen particularly, low in nutrition. These are definitely not recommended for a disaster situation when drinking water is limited. • Soft skin or mushy fruits: Peaches, plums, apricots, grapes and pears have a very short shelf life. • Cheese? Maybe. Not too much, it can dry out once opened and doesn’t keep well. Hard cheeses like parmesan works for adding flavor (and a great source of protein). • Meats: Meats are not simple in terms of freshness and storage, but can be frozen to make them last. The issues are cooking and waste. Meat generally requires much, much caution in terms of food safety. It generates much more intense smells and fat particles that can linger in the air in your home, which would not be great when fighting off a novel respiratory illness. It also can produce liquid saturated fat that needs to be drained somewhere other than the drain and there can be excess pieces of fat that need to go in the trash, which can lead to rotting, odors, etc. • Chips, crackers and breads that will go stale once opened. • Candy and sweets are high in sugar and not great for stressful situations. These increase irritability and inflammaotion in the body.
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CATHY TITUS
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In the Real Estate Industry Since 1986 (805) 798-0960 • cathytitusojai@gmail.com
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Ojai Valley Real Estate (805)646-7229
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dale@ojaivalleyrealestate.com Call me for your real estate needs. Residential, commercial, or business opportunity.
Great location for commercial business or restaurant. Large parking in back. The building is updated and very clean. Forced air and heating, 3 private offices. A bath room and small wet kitchen. Separate attached unit with 3/4 bath and private entrance and address. $775,000
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OM — April 2020
OJAI’S ARCHITECTURAL GEM A MID - CENTURY CLASSIC BY CHALFANT HEAD ASSOCIATES
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SHARON MAHARRY
STACY CADENASSO
805.766.7889
805.217.2676
DRE # 01438966
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W W W. 8 0 5 P R O P E R T I E S . C O M OM — April 2020
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STAGE LEFT How does a community thrive, even survive, without the arts? According to lifelong musician and Underground Exchange founder Bernie Larsen, it won’t. For now, though, livestreaming is one answer. BY BRET BRADIGAN
OM: You’ve been live-streaming concerts since long before the current pandemic. How does that work? What’s it like for the performer to work without an audience?
Bernie Larsen
BL: We have done a few over the last year and a half, and a couple of performances from the past compilations for testing the waters, but have been refining it in high gear to get ready over the past few months to do live shows with an audience and broadcasting the same time. I had all the basic pieces in place, and with the cancelation of all of our live shows due to the current virus threat, the universe said “now.” As for artists who haven’t experienced broadcasting, I think it’s sort of different at first, and after they get used to the situation with cameras and lights, it’s just like sitting at home singing to yourself, which is what we do the most usually. OM: What’s the comparison on your end, as the producer/impresario? The setup, the ticket-taking, the lights, etc. BL: It is similar on a lot of fronts, and very different on others. The booking and promotion is almost the same. It’s donation based as it was, and we use the same service to confirm reservations.
The setup involves a bunch of different wires, as well as the cables etc used for our audio setup. The lighting is the fun part because you can create so many types of atmosphere by moving lights in a subtle way. I’m more the producer/director and Cassidy is a producer and the face/ impresario as she has been for shows for the past three-plus years. OM: What are you hearing from the performing arts community? Are people worried about how it’s all going to play out? All the events cancelled, the general climate? BL: All audience based shows for us in the immediate future have been canceled, and we are aiming at doing two broadcast shows a week on Fridays and Saturdays if we can, and it looks like we can. As far as artists experience with what’s going on now, I would describe it as crushing. Most of us are living month to month and with the fear it has instilled in many people, I would say many are basically paralyzed. I think there is a deep emotional upheaval for many, too because what we do with our lives is not valued as a gallant “Hero’s Journey” kind of thing which it actually is for most. Creatives just trying to honor themselves. It can feel like driving a car through life with bald tires, no money in the bank and
APRIL EVENTS
(Full Stream Ahead)
These April events are online, check out the respective websites for more information and stream accordingly. WEEKLY Monday, Wednesday & Friday “Somatic Stretch for Self Healing” Instructor: Meredith Sands Keator Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet connection. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230 Monday & Thursdays “Introduction to Somatic Stretch” Instructor: Sultana Parvanka Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230
$12 in your pocket and two tires blow. For me the internal dialogue is toggling between defending your right to express yourself, and feeling a little guilty about it at times. Add the highjacking of music by streaming companies and it’s like a tough situation in a downward spiral. We are warriors despite the odds. OM: Humans have a need to connect— loneliness is your brain’s warning that you need to get out and be together with other people. How is this pandemic going to affect that? What makes artistic expression so necessary now, and always? BL: I think one of the most amazing human attributes is the ability to adapt to damn near anything. We reinvent ourselves out of need, over and over. People who flow with things probably have an easier time rolling with it, but now is a wild one, like it’s snowing, raining, wind blowing and it’s a heat wave all at once. Loneliness is a really difficult blessing for me. It puts me in the position to reach inside of myself and almost all of the biggest crisis’ have led to some kind of rebirth. I believe if you get desperate for long enough you realize there’s no other option. Talk to your spirit! OM: I saw somewhere where the basic needs in any crisis are: food, health care, security, information and culture. Definitely culture. Why is that? What makes artistic expression so necessary now, and always? BL: Pain or joy makes me want to express. Culture I think is what’s born when there is no where else to turn and you have that in common with others. I believe when people don’t feel like they count, they do something beyond themselves and reach out into the great unknown of art to sort of say ‘I’m here, I’m here!”
Thursdays “Awareness Through Movement” Instructor: Mary Jo Healy Time: 4 to 5 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230 APRIL 4 Bernie Larsen & Friends Time: 8 p.m.. Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet connection. Website: undergroundartsexchange.com Contact: 805-340-7893 Larsen, renowned guitarist and venue proprietor, will perform a special streaming show courtesy. Suggested donation is $5 to $15. You will receive a special link for the show 15 minutes prior to the event. APRIL 11 Alan Thornill & Friends Time: 8 p.m.. Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet connection. Website: undergroundartsexchange.com Contact: 805-340-7893 Ojai’s legendary singer-songwriter Alan Thornhill will perform a special streaming show courtesy of the Underground Exchange. Suggested donation is $5 to $15, which will be split with the artist.
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Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”
805.640.5563 | www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com | DRE# 01786486
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(805) 798-2158 | HEARTLOANS@SBCGLOBAL.NET | HEARTLOANS.COM 236 W. OJAI AVE., SUITE 105, OJAI CA 93023 This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. C2 Financial Corporation is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate, Broker # 01821025; NMLS # 135622. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender review of information. All loan approvals are conditional and all conditions must be met by borrower. Loan is only approved when lender has issued approval in writing and is subject to the Lender conditions. Specified rates may not be available for all borrowers. Rate subject to change with market conditions. C2 Financial Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker/Lender. BRE #01048403 NMLS #298981
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OM — April 2020
Come Home To
Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd, Ojai 805-646-0459 • Frontierpaint.biz Selling quality in Ojai for over 37 years
OM — April 2020
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THE SHOW THAT WENT ON With “The Ojai” cancelled for the first time since World War II, six-time champion and ITA Hall of Famer Stacy Margolin Potter reflects on the year sickness did not stop her BY STACY MARGOLIN POTTER
“
Stacy Margolin Potter with husband Ian at a previous Ojai Tennis Tournament match.
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The Ojai.” Mention that to a tennis player or spectator and visions of the tea tent and the clinking of fine china, fresh squeezed orange juice, the scent of orange blossoms in the valley and spectacular gritty tennis comes to mind. For me, “The Ojai” conjures up memories of watching the hunky collegiate guys six years my senior on the main court, staying with a wonderful family and winning the 14s, 16s singles and doubles and Women’s Open division by the time I was 18. At age 16, I vowed I would live there one day. Amazingly, 20 years later, that’s exactly what happened. Now, in the spring of 1979, I was playing in The Ojai in a slightly different way. Yes, I was playing in the individual Pac 10 Singles Division, but I was playing No. 1 for the University of Southern California, and the way this kind of event worked was that each match any of us Trojans won were added up to determine which team was the best at the end of the tournament. I felt proud and honored to be a part of this school, playing alongside my teammates. What added to my pride was that my brother (himself a varsity tennis player and competitor at The Ojai), mother and uncle had all attended USC. So there we were, the 1979 Trojans, staying in one room at one of the local hotels in town. As the tournament got under way, three of us had won our first-round matches. Nothing feels better than winning and going out together with your team for dinner. One of my teammates and I shared a roast beef salad. We all enjoyed the banter and camaraderie and soon enough we were back at our hotel, getting ready for bed. We all needed to be up early for the next day’s matches that began at 8 a.m. At approximately 2 a.m., I heard one of my teammates get up to go to the bathroom. Then another. Soon enough, I was the third in line, throwing up dinner. We took turns throughout the night. The next morning I felt weak as a kitten — achy, sweaty, as if a truck had just run over me. I didn’t know how I’d make it through breakfast and a warmup, let alone my quar-
OM — April 2020
terfinal match. I remember one of my teammates saying, “you’ve got to eat something Stace” and I managed to eat a quarter of a piece of toast with half a glass of orange juice. After all, there’s nothing better than Ojai orange juice. I won my quarterfinal match easily. But early that afternoon, I was due to play another match, this time against a very formidable opponent, Stanford’s No. 2. I remember feeling nothing in my legs; my arms felt like noodles, but my body, especially my legs, felt so relaxed. This relaxed feeling translated to a rather tranquil demeanor. This turned out to be beneficial. My body didn’t exert one ounce more energy than necessary, which led to precise hitting and laser-like focus. Up against an opponent I knew would usually challenge me in a major way, I won 6-0, 6-0. This was shocking. I was now in the finals, to be played the next day on Court No. 1 at Libbey Park. Those highstakes matches on historic courts like Libbey are what ambitious tennis players dream about. But I still wasn’t fully recovered. My opponent was Kathy Jordan, Stanford’s No. 1. At that point in time, she and I were going backand-forth to determine who was the No. 1 college player in the country. So there was a lot on the line. What I had going for me was that I was playing well, felt relaxed but still aggressive, and had the knowledge that for so long, this was my tournament. I felt good in Ojai. I knew my hard-striking, run-‘em-down style matched up nicely versus Kathy’s attacking serve-and-volley game. I had a plan and I was going to stick with it. We battled, often with exceptional tenacity, exciting the packed crowd with either a winning volley from Kathy or a running down-the-line winner from me. I wanted this match badly and the fire was in my belly. Before I knew it, the match was over, 6-3, 6-4 and I emerged victorious. It didn’t matter that I was sick as a dog with fever and chills and barely ate for three days. I wanted this collegiate title and that medal around my neck. I wanted it for me and my team. It was pure grit and determination that pulled me through. This was my Ojai and I told myself, before that final match, “The Show Must Go On!”
Ojai valley oasis Prepare to exhale when you arrive through private gates to this .76 acre, tree-studded, in-town sanctuary within walking distance of hiking trails & Farmers Market. Preserving the 1940's architectural character, the home's integral systems have been updated while the warm and super inviting remodeled interior boasts fireplace, rich wood flooring, exposed beam vaulted ceilings in kitchen & dining room, gorgeous spa-like bathrooms & oversized picture windows. Mature trees shade the expansive flagstone patios, curving rock walls create seating while pathways lead to sunny raised garden beds.Words fall short to describe this fully fenced sanctuary: this is truly a property you'll want to experience!
$1,489,000 michaels
+a s s o c i a t e s O JAI
R EAL
ESTATE
GR OUP
Char Michaels (805) 620-2438 www.ojaihomes4sale.com DRE#00878649
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Donna Sallen
Fabulous and charmingly inviting, this two-story Victorian estate is nestled in the magical East End of Ojai. Surrounded by organic orchards and meticulous landscaping, this home is filled with Southern Charm. The wraparound porch looks out to the gardens, as the country kitchen and breakfast nook looks out to the pool and tennis court. Perfectly situated nearby are the spacious guesthouse, separate cottages, and a writer’s studio creating plenty of living space for friends and family. This relaxing and inviting estate is truly elegant.
There’s no place like home ... Let me find yours. 18
OM — April 2020
El Viaje was inspired by architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern conveniences of every day life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private, secluded yard you will love the mix of mature trees, the rose gardens, and the cozy seating areas.
Donna Sallen
805-798-0516 w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l . c o m
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BY JESSE PHELPS
PAT R I C K MCENROE
PATRICK MCENROE TALKS THE OJAI Former Champion was to be Honored at 2020 Tournament
The 120th addition of The Ojai Tennis Tournament has been cancelled for the same reason that almost everything around the world is cancelled as 2020 continues its painful march. The venerable tournament, which hosts the PAC-12 men’s and women’s championships and a plethora of other events, had also planned something special this year. Organizers intended to bring back former winner Patrick McEnroe as its Ojai Tennis Tournament 2020 Honoree. McEnroe is tennis royalty. In Ojai, he won what was then the PAC-10 men’s singles title in 1987 in a memorable match against USC’s Luke Jensen before going on to become a decorated pro, including a singles title and one Grand Slam title as doubles champion at the 1989 French Open. That same year, he reached the semis at the Australian Open, where he lost to eventual champion Boris Becker. Since then, McEnroe has overseen the nationwide development of youth tennis, captained the U.S. Davis Cup team, and become one of the leading voices of his sport, calling high profile matches and providing analysis for ESPN, oftentime alongside his older brother, John.
Stanford in 1987. What are your memories of that victory and of coming to the Ojai initially? And have you been back here since? PATRICK MCENROE: My memories are all extremely fond of Ojai and the event, whether I won the tournament or not. I went there a couple of years and it was always something that we at Stanford looked forward to a lot, because it was a trip to Southern Cal, and it was obviously intense competition, but it was always sort of a more relaxed environment. And we used to travel down to SC and UCLA to obviously play big duel matches, so that was always pretty intense. So coming to Ojai, where all the teams came together, even though it was tournament play, etcetera, it has a more relaxed environment and feel to it — and it was sort of the last event, as I remember, before we started really gearing up for the NCAA championship, so it was sort of a combination of like a really fun event and obviously a competitive event as well, with all the best teams from the PAC-12, although I guess we were the PAC-10 at that point. It was a great environment. I remember that orange juice every day which was put out there, which was amazing.
Lucky us, then, because before “The Ojai” was put on hold, McEnroe was kind enough to take a little time out to conference call with tourney PR pro Steve Pratt and the Ojai Monthly to talk about his memories of Ojai, working as a voice of the sport with his brother and the future of the game. Here are some outtakes from that conversation, which has been edited for length and space:
OM: It’s the best.
OJAI MONTHLY: You won here as a collegiate player at
PM: Wasn’t it a third set tiebreak? You have the score there?
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OM — April 2020
PM: I look forward to having that again. I believe the year I won it — you probably know this — I believe I played my buddy, Luke Jensen, in the final, from USC? OM: Right.
STEVE PRATT: It sure was. I have the score, and it was a third set tiebreak. PM: Yeah, so I have some memories of that because, first of all, Luke and I were great buddies and played doubles together as juniors (Ed: Like McEnroe, Jensen would take home one Grand Slam doubles title, also at the French Open, in 1993) and we had some bog titles we won, including Kalamazoo as a doubles team, and then obviously became rivals when he went to USC and I went to Stanford. And, um, normally I would beat Luke fairly comfortably, you know? I had a pretty good matchup head to head with him, and his game matched up well with mine. And I just remember that this particular match was a real dogfight, and Luke was, you know, incredibly fired up with mostly fans from USC there in attendance. So, I was a little bit lucky, actually, to win that particular match. As I said, I had a very good record against Luke … but he was fired up and I remember that it went to that third set tiebreak, and I was extremely lucky to pull it out in the end. But it was a great victory for me ... I never did that well in the NCAA Championships as an individual. So winning that event was definitely a highlight of my individual career as a college player. OM: Your brother, John, couldn’t play “The Ojai” because he had a pro tourney that week. It must be pretty cool to have a trophy he never won. PM: (Laughs) There’s not many, I’ll tell you. But it was pretty cool, and as I said, we looked forward to that event because it was a very well-run event. There were different levels, I remember, in addition to the collegiate, there were other tournaments that go on. Do they still have all the other types of events that go on there? SP: They still do, yes, 27 different divisions, junior college state championship, all the juniors, the men’s and women’s opens. It’s like the whole town turns into kind of like a festival. PM: It’s a smorgasbord of tennis. The whole valley supports it and I remember, you know the main site (Libbey Park), but there were other sites as well. It was a treat, a privilege, to be there. I haven’t been back in at least 20, 25 years, maybe more. But I have a lot of great memories, I’m sure I’ll see a lot of familiar faces, and people that I came across paths with in the world of tennis, so I’m really happy that they asked me to come back and honor me. OM: You really have a well-rounded tennis life, as does your brother. Not only were you and John both quality pro players, but you now often share a booth announcing the game. You also do in-studio analysis. You have become a prominent voice of tennis. Is it gratifying to get to play such a large role in transmitting your love of the game now that your playing days are over? Does it make it a little extra special to get to do that with your brother? PM: Yes, yes and yes. I mean, I’m incredibly lucky and incredibly privileged to still make a living out of the tennis world. Many buddies of mine that were great players and great people don’t have that luxury when they’re done with their playing career. So, I’ve been given some great opportunities when I got out of the pro game — and obviously my name helped — but I think that I
took advantage of those opportunities that were there. I always try to learn, try to expand my horizons, whether it came to being a play-by-play person, being in the studio, doing my own radio show, or being a color guy. But I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard to expand my skill set, that I could do different things. So that’s enabled me to really have the dream job at ESPN and to work with my brother, to do matches with him ... So, the answer is yes. I still really love the game and I’m still around it every day. I’ve transitioned from working at the USTA to working with kids in a private sector, at our McEnroe Academy in New York. So, the combination of that and continuing to work in broadcasting is really ideal, so, as I said, I’m extremely lucky to be able to keep involved in tennis and also make a living through tennis. OM: One of the things that makes “The Ojai” special is the opportunity to watch some of the best up-and-coming talent the U.S. has to offer. As we see not just here but in the pro ranks, Women’s tennis seems as strong or stronger than ever. For the men, it’s been quite a spell since Andy Roddick won the last major in 2003. That said, the men’s game is at a very high level overall. I’d love if you’d share with our readers your perspective on the state of the game, both domestically and internationally. Maybe give us a couple examples of who you think we should keep an eye on over the next few years. PM: I marvel at the athleticism of the game. It’s amazing to me how much variety these top players have now. They have it all. When you see someone like (Men’s No. 1 Novak) Djokovic, with this amazing two-handed backhand and the ability to hit a onehanded slice anytime he wants. Same for Nadal. These guys have just taken the game to another level. And you see some of the young guys like (world no. 3 Dominic) Thiem … to me, the game to me is more exciting than ever. As far as the American angle, it’s sort of complicated and sort of simple at the same time, so I’ll put it to you this way. If you have a young child who’s five or six or seven years old and your child seems to be a good athlete or has an interest in sports or has good hand-eye coordination — you know, they’re running around the house and trying to hit things and run, etcetera — if they’re a boy, it’s unlikely that tennis is going to be the first thing that comes to the mind of the parent unless … they are somehow involved in tennis. Just in a normal situation, tennis would probably be the fifth or sixth or seventh thing that they would try. Now, take the same situation for a girl. OM: Right. PM: Which sport do you think the parent would pick if they want their girl to make a lot of money playing a sport? There’s really not that many options for women. The reason I’m telling it in this way is because we have amazing athletes that are female playing tennis, you know, from the time they started playing when they were kids. Obviously, Venus and Serena (Williams), even people like Madison Keys and Sloan Stevens and Coco Vandeweghe and Coco Gauff, and (World no. 4 and reigning Australian Open champ) Sonia Kenin. You know, if they were all boys, how many of them would be playing tennis? OM — April 2020
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Wait! WHAT Just Happened? Steps Are Being Taken to Create Market Resiliency
By Therese A. Hartmann
This is what we, in the lending industry, found ourselves asking. With the fallout of the coronavirus, last week alone we saw funds pretty much dry up for ALT-A loans, loans made to borrowers who don’t fit the government-backed lending models. People staying home and not collecting an income, when the income is what a loan is predicated on, turned qualifying for a loan on its head. And the reduction in the Fed Rate to zero had us anticipating lower rates but that, too, did not pan out. But that was last week. As a way to counter-act the challenges, the powers that be made some quick decisions that will, I believe, allow for a more optimistic outcome. Here are just some of the changes that are creating market resiliency: • Market Liquidity: The two TRILLION-dollar stimulus package, recently approved, has given rise to quantitative easing. This means that the Fed will be buying unlimited amounts of Treasuries and agency mortgages which will, in turn, grease the wheels of the credit market. Bottom line? If there is more money available, we could see interest rates stabilize. • Appraisals: Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans — read conventional loans
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— announced that they will be relaxing their standards for property appraisals. Drive-by and desktop appraisals as well as remote inspections will be allowed, in certain circumstances. This is a temporary measure but should greatly help • Verifying Income: If your work has been affected by the coronavirus, verifying employment might be near to impossible. Well, turns out the Federal Finance Housing Agency has already taken that into consideration. Their temporary solution is to accept instead a recent paystub, receive verification via email or bank statement showing a recent payroll deposit. Finally, let me just say this … things are not perfect. Far from it. But this is not 2008 either — I’ve been through that — and we are seeing quick actions forming to create resiliency in the real estate market. There is more to come but, in the meantime, stay healthy, keep a level head and pick at least one person you can reach out and help. Therese A. Hartmann has over 20 years’ lending experience. She is a Licensed Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
OM — April 2020
Therese A. Hartmann has 20 years’ lending experience. She is a Licensed Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
Donna Sallen
Nestled on over an acre of land, this Italian Villa inspired estate is just minutes from downtown Ojai. This impressive family home is perfect for entertaining with the formal dining opening to the light filled formal living room with an elegant marble fireplace. The kitchen is open to the den with a large fireplace and overlooks the huge covered deck for relaxing. A charm filled master suite is warmed with a corner fireplace and lots of windows. There are marble and hardwood floors throughout and nearly every room opens to the amazing backyard. With a huge pool, a cooks dream outdoor kitchen, nanny’s quarters, a treehouse, (not just for the kids), and a variety of fruit trees and Majestic oaks this home has something to offer all your friends and family. There is a three car garage and plenty of parking. This completely fenced, gated and secluded property is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and Libbey park.Â
Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l . c o m
There’s no place like home ... Let me find yours.
My Gard BY LESLIE HIDLEY
Digression, My Core Competency hallowater, Roundup, Anton, Bainer, Littlefield, Amherst, Sudan, Fairview, Muleshoe, Progress, Lariat, Farwell, and Texico. These are the towns on the way from Lubbock to Clovis. In 1954, the only place in a 500-mile radius of Amarillo where you could get cheesecake. My father was a New Yorker. He liked cheesecake. On Sunday afternoons we’d drive to Clovis to get some. When it was 110 degrees, in an unair-conditioned two-tone green Buick across the mesa into New Mexico. Dust devils would accompany us. My mother would try to find something on the radio that wasn’t country and western but she never had any luck, unless it was a Mexican station and that wasn’t to her taste, either. Our parents, unbeknownst to them, were raising Texans. The first live music I ever heard outside of church was a cowboy band with a pedal steel. I still love the sound. This was at a school performance designed to give us a taste of culture. In the same school system that taught eight years of Texas history and no foreign languages because, as the governor of the state said, “If English is good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.” I’m meandering. My mother preferred Handel. But he wasn’t on the radio. My sister and I used to listen to the western music stations after school, but especially to the what were called in those days “race stations.” This was the segregated south — separate water fountains, restaurants, hotels, waiting rooms, swimming pools, schools and radio stations. One for whites and if you’ll pardon the
expression, one for “coloreds.” Our school was smack in the middle of an immense cotton field. And in the fall, when the cotton was ready, the fields would fill up with colored people carrying 10-foot sacks and filling them with the cotton they picked for 50 cents a bag. They would sing gospel songs as they went up and down the rows. I would try to sit near the window so I could hear them. The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the Clara Ward Singers, the Louvin Brothers, all sounded like my childhood. Some Chinese sage, I can’t remember who, said that patriotism is nothing more then the love of the food of ones childhood. My mother was an execrable cook. The cooks at school — wonderful southern cooks — were the three maiden sisters of the principal. They wore their hair Marcelled, which if you don’t know, is how women wore their hair in the 1920s and ‘30s — flat against the head with waves going back and forth. They made blackeyed peas and rice, or Hoppin’ John, pinto beans with
den ham hocks, turnip greens, pecan pie, peach cobbler, corn bread, biscuits, chicken-fried steak. It makes me hungry to remember it. When I taught myself to cook, these were the first things I learned to make. I can’t recall a single dish of my mother’s. What can you say about a woman who actually served canned asparagus? It didn’t matter to my father. He didn’t marry her for her cooking but because she was beautiful. It was worth it to him to drive 200 miles for decent cheesecake, and finally, to learn to bake it himself. The only thing my mother cooked adequately was breakfast — and that was only because my father had a tendency to invite everyone back to the house after the Officers’ Club closed. They were the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald of Reese Air Force Base. I remember Mama — I remember her smell on those nights when she would come in to kiss us while she thought were sleeping: cigarettes, scotch and perfume.
But like I said, she mostly didn’t cook. Or clean. Or iron. Roberta, the colored woman, did the cleaning. Lupe, the Mexican girl, did the ironing. My mother played bridge, shopped and gave parties. My father was a pilot in those days. He said he was the best pilot in the Air Force. It must have been true because he never lied. He taught us about the weather. Texas has real weather, not like California where the weather is decoration or wall paper. Plotinus says that weather is the celestial form of music and in West Texas this is deeply true. We studied the weather — paid it constant attention — especially in the
spring when cold dry air from the north would crash into hot damp air from the Gulf of Mexico and make a swath of glorious thunderstorms in a line moving from southwest to northeast, traveling across the map, if you were looking at a radar scope, and the landscape, if you were outside. Heston Daniels, our across-the-street neighbor, ejected from his jet during one of these storms when he was caught in a tornado. He rode to the ground being pummeled by fist-sized hail stones. He was in the hospital for a month. He had been on the Bataan Death March and survived that, too. During the storms, Papa would take us in the car out to the countryside and we’d try to spot tornadoes forming over the desert. Then we’d go to Operations and spot them on radar. We were little girls — Cath was five and I was seven — when we began these jaunts. I have photographs of us in braids, and wearing smocked dresses and black patent Mary Janes. Little girls didn’t wear pants in those days — just skirts or dresses. Papa told us about evaporation and condensation, Coriolis force, the jet stream. I felt as if I was being let in on the secrets of the universe. Years later, I was walking down the street with my husband and I turned to him and said, “It is going to hail.” And ten seconds later, it did. He thought I was magic. But he was a Californian and had no experience with real weather. We used to have dust storms, too. You could see the brown cloud coming from miles away and miles up in the sky. My mother would hurry and put masking tape around the windows and doors, otherwise everything would be covered with a fine layer of silt, including your teeth. And snow, well, snow was just thrilling. Even later in Goose Bay, with feet of snow and the aurora borealis. Somehow snow made the world mysterious and enchanted — hushed everything, except for the sound of the wolves calling from across the river. I digress. It’s what I’m good at. My father was in pilot training at Reese — teaching both Arabs and Israelis to fly. He taught us to drive later, using the 26
OM — April 2020
same methods he used in flying I’m sure. I can remember him saying, “Make half the correction and hold it twice as long.” And, “See that fool up ahead? Let him go on up and have his accident all by himself.” My mother would greet him at the door after his day of flying. At 5:05 p.m. — with a glass of milk and a plate of fig newtons. Other fathers were greeted with bourbon, or a martini. But my Pop with milk and cookies. He was the favorite child in our family and low-blood sugar was my mother’s theory of the cause of any problem. I think she must have read an article in the Reader’s Digest that made a life-long impression on her. And it may have given her some explanation of his undiagnosed mood swings and occasional terrifying rages. I am supposed to write about ice cubes, so I will. For some reason, I am unable to bring myself to say “on the rocks” when ordering a martini. I always say “a martini on ice.” I never get a martini on ice but always up, in a martini glass, which is not what I ordered. So then I always say, “Would you mind having this put over ice, please?” And often, the waitress says, “But you didn’t order it on the rocks.” And I smile. You’d think I’d learn, wouldn’t you? But I haven’t. I was always told to speak precisely and to
listen carefully. It must have been my father’s Jesuit training. My uncle once asked me to go and see if there was any mail. I came back empty-handed and said, “Yes, there is mail.” It never occurred to me that he wanted me to bring the mail in. He would have said so if that’s what he wanted. My uncle — my mother’s brother — this was the Welsh side of the family — was incredulous. The two sides of my family could not have been more different. My mother was black Welsh and my father was English and Irish. Cath and I looked like my father - fair skin, blond hair, thin — those noses we call “the curse of the Lippincotts’.” My mother was short and bosomy and round with brown eyes and dark auburn hair and dark skin. We used to tell Mama that she was adopted. My parents adored each other, but they had some colossal arguments. My father told me that when Mama was really angry at him, he’d go down to the basement to lock up the guns. I can remember my mother looking across the room at my father and saying quietly, “John, you’ve got to sleep sometime.” There were two occasions that always caused a fight: hanging drapes and anything involving my mother’s having to read a map. This was when threats of divorce would fly. And since we traveled a lot by car — which involved lots of map reading — and moved a lot — which involved the hanging of drapes each time — we got to see them sputter and fume at each other a fair amount. I don’t think these fights ever ended, but happened periodically until my father’s death. Once, my father was so angry at my mother, he locked her out of their bedroom. My mother moved into the guest room for a few days, but must have gotten tired of it because my father told me that one afternoon he heard a strange sound going up the stairs: a pat, pat, thump — pat, pat, thump. So he went to the stairs to see what the noise was and found my 70 year old mother dragging a twenty-pound sledge hammer up the stairs, preparing to bash the bedroom door in. I asked him, “What did you do?” He answered, “I unlocked the door. Those doors are expensive to replace.” On the rare occasions when my mother would cry, he would say, “Oh, please don’t cry, Cathryn. You screw your face up so that you are ugly when you cry.” And that was reason enough for them both for her to stop. Years later I would read in the autobiography of a Quaker man that he had never heard a raised voice until he was in his twenties. I was so habituated to the expression of strong emotions — the equivalent of neurological weather — that I wondered what planet he was from. Such peace was
incomprehensible. Perhaps that’s why my first thought on hearing of my father’s death was, “Thank God.” I don’t think this was just a failing of filial piety. It was my first, but not my only thought. He had a heart attack while driving. He was in the middle of a busy intersection. He put the still-running car into park, and died. I can still hear him saying, “Always leave yourself a margin of safety.” My mother went mad and then shortly became demented. Long past the time when she recognized anyone, she said to my son, Theo, who resembled my father, “I used to love somebody who looked like you.” They were only so-so parents, but they were great material. Faulkner said he’d kill his grandmother for a good short story. All I can say is, he must not have had a very interesting grandmother. I have left a lot of things out: like about how my sister and I always went to the movies on Saturday afternoons and when we’d return home, we’d always find our parents sitting up in bed, smiling and chipper. I thought it must be awful to be grown up and not be able to think of anything better to do on a weekend afternoon than take a nap. I left out the part about my father bringing us flowers. Not just roses for my mother, but small bouquets or corsages for me and Cath. About how he used to read Churchill’s speeches to us at bedtime. bout the parties they gave. About my mother paying $200for a pair of shoes — this was in the early ‘50s when you could rent a large house for 50 dollars a month. But the shoes were dazzling. How my father always told me,” Write what you know.” And my mother said,” If you ever publish anything, promise you won’t use your real name.” And how when we misbehaved, my mother would say to my father, “John, say a word to your daughters.” And my father would turn to us, glower and say, “Girls, a word.” And we would be filled with fear and immediately silent. I was in my 30s before I realized that this was a private joke between them. And now they are at rest. My father, at Arlington. My mother, in a beautiful porcelain jar on my mantle. There, and in my memory. OM — April 2020
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8 Ways to Help Save Local Businesses By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela The spread of the novel coronavirus has brought with it a new reality of physical distancing and isolating at home. All of us are in a period of adjustment, and we cannot be sure what the future holds, but in these trying times, one thing we can do is band together to get through this. This means doing what we can to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and, for those who are able, it also means coming together to support the community so that we may come out stronger in the end. This may mean sewing masks, donating to food pantries, encouraging larger companies to take care of employees who cannot work, or bringing groceries to vulnerable neighbors. For those who have expendable incomes that will not be significantly impacted in the coming months, another way to help is to support small, local businesses that are being affected right now. Here are eight ways you can help: 1. Buy gift cards and gift certificates. Purchase gift cards or certificates from restaurants, hotels, salons, yoga studios, and shops that you love. While you might not be able to use them now, this will provide some much-needed revenue to local business owners, and you will be able to use them once our period of isolation is over. You can also purchase gift cards to give to others for birthdays, holidays or thank you gifts. 2. Shop local online. While you are stuck at home anyways, why not get some birthday and holiday gift shopping out of the way? Not all Ojai businesses have online shops, but some do and others are now considering it. Hop online to purchase gift certificates for wine tasting or local restaurants,
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clothing and jewelry from local boutiques, spa treatments for future visits, or maybe some special treats to make your isolation a bit more comfortable. 3. Order food for pickup or delivery. Several restaurants in Ojai are offering food delivery or curbside pickup for prepared meals. This means you can still enjoy some delicious takeout and support local restaurants while isolating. If possible, tip extra. If you are concerned about exposure from ordering pickup or delivery, do a quick Google search for best practices. There are several online posts about ordering and receiving prepared meals safely. 4. Maintain your current services. If it is possible to continue your current services while maintaining physical distance and obeying shelter-in-place orders, this is an easy way to support the local businesses providing these services. Landscape maintenance, pool care, and pest control are examples of essential services that are allowed to continue under the current shelter-in-place order. 5. Hire local contractors. Contractors and tradesmen also fall under essential services, so if there are home repair or improvement projects on your list, now might be a good time to hire out this work. Since you are isolating in your home, you probably do not want to do a major remodel on your primary residence, but if you have an unoccupied guest house, a second home you are not using, or exterior work that allows for safe distancing for both you and the contractor, this might be an opportunity to complete these repairs and give work to a local business. To limit exposure for all parties, do as much as you can via phone or email, and discuss how you will maintain distance and sanitize surfaces during the job.
OM — April 2020
6. Pay ahead for services you cannot use right now. If you are able, consider paying your regular service providers for future services. This might be your dog groomer, housekeeper, auto detailer, or dog walker. While you might not be able to use their services right now, paying for a few future services will help them make it through this tough time. 7. Support local farmers. The weekly farmers market behind the Arcade is still offering fresh, locally grown produce every weekend, so stop by Sundays between 9:00am and 1:00pm to restock your fridge and support local farmers. There are also several CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs where you can sign up for a weekly box of local produce. While their produce might not always be from local sources, you can support local grocery stores by stocking up at Westridge or Rainbow Bridge. Ojai Food Taxi also offers grocery delivery from these grocers if you would rather stay at home. 8. Look for creative opportunities to support local businesses and your well-being. While you have some extra time on your hands, look for ways to promote your family’s well-being while also supporting local businesses. For example, while Bart’s Books is technically closed, there are still books on the exterior bookshelves and a slot in the door where you can drop payment. So, you can find books to enjoy during isolation while contributing at least a few coins to the local economy. Or, another option, is to look for yoga studios and similar businesses offering classes online while the studios are closed.
SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES
203 North Alvarado Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 800 Sq. Ft. Listed $500,000. Sold $475,000
990-992 Loma Drive, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,850 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,497,500. Sold $1,450,000
25 Ojai Drive, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 936 Sq. Ft. Listed $499,000. Sold $507,000
1615 McNell Road, 2 bed, 1.75 bath, 2,515 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,800,000. Sold $1,690,000
1142 woodland Avenue, 4 bed, 3 bath, 1,350 Sq. Ft. Listed $775,000. Sold $525,000
10806 Encino Drive, Oak View, 4 bed, 4.5 bath, 4,149 Sq. Ft. Listed $2,100,000. Sold $1,836,473
Ojai Valley Real estate Sales/Property Management/Notary (across from Ojai Farmers Market)
FOR RENT OR LEASE DOWNTOWN OJAI
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202 North Fulton Street 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,196 Sq. Ft. Listed $665,000. Sold $678,000 204 Fox Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,000 Sq. Ft. Listed $669,000. Sold $700,000 2451 Bonmark Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,473 Sq. Ft. Listed $749,000 Sold $749,000 507 Park Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 1,977 Sq. Ft. Listed $799,000. Sold $776,000
Office space from $250 to $3,000 per month Furnished/Unfurnished 200 square feet to 2,500 square feet First floor or second floor Month-to-month or long leases available CALL RON AT 646-4911
510 Shady Lane, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,445 Sq. Ft. Listed $789,000. Sold $789,000
221East Matilija Street, Ojai 805-646-4911 ojaivalleyrealestate.com
1133 El Centro, 2 bed, 1.75 bath, 2,045 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,120,000. Sold $1,081,080 OM — April 2020
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WHO’S WHO
IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?
TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL ROSS @ 805-207-5094
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Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Clinton Haugan LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 727 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023 C: (805) 760-2092 O: (805) 646-7288 chaugan@livsothebysrealtyca.com DRE# 02019604
Sharon MaHarry Keller Williams Realty, 109 North Blanche Street, Ojai. 805) 766-7889
Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net
Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734
Anne Williamson Keller Williams Realty Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314
Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors Donna4Remax@aol.com DonnaSallen. com 805-798-0516
Amanda Stanworth LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Phone: 805-2188117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web: Rooney-Stanworth.com
Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254
Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Call me for your Real Estate needs. 805-340-3774
Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 805640-0654 Cell: 805-7469055 marsha.kaye@ homebridge. com
Stephen Adelman Broker Associate “Your Family Man Realtor” LIV Sotheby’s realestateojai@ gmail.com ojailuxuryrealestate.com 805-640-5563
Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com
Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Stacy Cadenasso Keller Williams Realty, 109 North Blanche Street, Ojai. 805-217-2676
805-798-1998
OM — April 2020
Dale Hanson Ojai Valley Real Estate 211 E. Matilija Street, Ste. J, 206 E. Ojai Ave. 805-646-7229 dale@ovhl.com
Kathy Hoff LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup. com
Kirk Ellison LIV Sotheby’s International Realty KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905
Don & Cheree Edwards RE/MAX Gold Coast Ojai’s Top Selling Team LivinginOjai.com 805.340.3192 805.350.7575
Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty, 109 N. Blanche Street Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com
Deckert / DePaola Keller Williams Realty Cheryl Deckert, Broker Associate Ray Deckert, Broker Associate Maria DePaola, Realtor Associate Team@DeckertDePaola.com 805-272-5221
Ojai’s locally owned and operated magazines.
By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.
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On the Firing Line with Travis Escalante
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Joe Davis Full service property management, residential • Commercial • Industrial JoeTheRentalGuy.com. 805-574-9774
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Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177
MONTHLY Lifestyle & Visitor Information
Ojai by Design:
book spotlights famous architects
Ojai’s toy story: The barthelemys have more in store
Cover Sponsored by Oak Grove School “Where the World is Our Classroom • See More On Page 19 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics - December 2017 See More AtOMTheOjai.net
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ojaiquarterly.com 805.798.0177 OM — April 2020
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BLUE IGUANA INN & SUITES Spanish-style inn offering rooms, suites & cottages with Southwest décor. Easy access to the Ojai Valley Trail. 11794 Ventura Ave | (805) 646-5277 blueiguanainn.com CAPRI MOTEL Hip, quirky option with retro rooms and cool pool scene. Free Wi-Fi 1180 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4305 hotelojai.com CARAVAN OUTPOST A beautifully curated garden of Airstreams, located in the heart of Ojai. Free wi-fi, nightly entertainment, dog friendly, complimentary bicycles, camp store. Instagram: @caravanoutpost Web: caravanoutpost.com 317 Bryant Street I (805) 836-4891. CHANTICO INN & SUITES Relaxed, cozy rooms in a Mission-style hotel offering free breakfast & WiFi, plus an outdoor pool. 406 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-8100 chanticoinnsuites.com
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EMERALD IGUANA INN Upscale inn with lush gardens, pool, hot tub, spa services, breakfast, & rooms with local artwork. 108 Pauline St | (805) 646-5277 emeraldiguana.com HUMMINGBIRD INN Lodge-like inn offering modern, casual rooms, plus free wi-fi breakfast, & an outdoor pool. Across the street from Soule Park Golf Course. 1208 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4365 hummingbirdinnojai.com LAVENDER INN Quaint bed-and-breakfast in an 1874 building featuring country-style rooms, plus a spa, yoga & cooking classes. In the heart of downtown Ojai. 210 East Matilja St | (805) 646-6635 lavenderinn.com
OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA Upscale Spanish-style hacienda with contemporary rooms & a spa, pool, golf & several restaurants. One of California’s premier destinations. 905 Country Club Road | (855) 6978780 ojairesort.com OAKRIDGE INN Functional budget hotel offering an outdoor pool, plus complimentary continental breakfast & WiFi. 780 North Ventura Ave | (805) 6494018 oakridgeinn.com OJAI RETREAT Serene, hilltop bed-and-breakfast offering traditional rooms, some with terraces, plus a buffet breakfast & yoga. 160 Besant Road | (805) 646-2536 ojairetreat.com
THE OAKS AT OJAI Serene weight-loss retreat offering 3 meals daily, plus a wellness spa & free fitness classes. 122 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-5573 oaksspa.com
PEPPER TREE RETREAT & EDUCATION CENTER An oasis for the mind in a peaceful setting where individuals, couples and small groups can relax and enjoy the beauty of the valley. 1130 McAndrew Road (877) 355-5986 peppertreeretreat.com
OJAI RANCHO INN Borders Ojai Valley Trail, easy stroll to downtown. Hip, rustic-style inn offering country-chic rooms, plus free Wi-fi, a pool & a sauna. 615 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-1434 ojairanchoinn.com
SU NIDO INN Artfully designed, Mission-style inn with traditional rooms, with stunning courtyard, an easy walk to downtown. Free Wi-Fi 301 North Montgomery Street (805) 646-7080 sunidoinn.com
OM — April 2020
CHEF RANDY
Lentil Stew with Sausage Lentils are low in calories, high in fiber, high in protein and have zero trans fats. This basic lentil recipe is simple and easy to prepare. Just put all the ingredients into a slow cooker and the chow down 4 hours later. The vegetarian sausage adds depth and texture for a hearty stew. It’s especially good on a cold winter night.
INGREDIENTS: LENTIL STEW WITH SAUSAGE 1½ cups lentils (black lentils are good but any lentils will do) 1 package Lightlife Smart Sausages Italian Style (cut into 1/2-inch pieces) 2 cups sweet corn kernels 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced) 3 carrots (cut into one-inch pieces) 1 medium onion (chopped) 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (including liquid) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon (vegetable base) 4 cups vegetable broth Photo courtesy of Eiliv Sonas Aceron/Unsplash
Randy Graham is a writer, author, and private chef. He enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens. His food is often called “vegetarian comfort food.” He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog, Willow. Robin and Willow are not vegetarians. D I R EC T I O N S : Instructions: Healthy
Quick + Easy
Plug in your slow cooker and set the heat to high. Rinse the lentils and cull out small stones and debris. Add the lentils and all other ingredients to the crock-pot. Cook for 4 hours.
Winter
Vegan
This makes a meal all by itself but is even better and more nutritious when accompanied by rice.
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Cozy 2 bed 2 bath Mobile Home with a den open to the living area that can have multiple purposes. A spacious layout and lots of natural light. Newer laminate floors in the living/dining area and bedrooms. Bright Master bedroom with corner window and nice large walk-in closet. Some features include a spacious kitchen with lots of storage, screen porch, large tuff shed with electricity, artificial turf, water softener, RO system. For more information go to OjaiRe.com
ROSARIO FALVO W W W. O J A I R E . C O M
805.207-5094 DRE # E 01504988
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I have a beautiful start to all of my mornings in Ojai because I head out with my dog to one of Ojai’s beautiful trails. I meet up with a few others with their dogs and we do a 3-mile hike. A couple of our older dogs will occasionally walk alongside off leash so we’ll get yelled at by some random, usually quite cranky, self-anointed sheriff-type person who can barely keep up with us. This is an Ojai thing. We say we’re very sorry; we’ll never do it again, and move on. That’s also an Ojai thing.
My backyard butts up to the property line of Nordhoff High School. I enjoy listening to the high school band practice and I also get to watch the girls’ junior league softball team play.
I usually have my morning cup of coffee at home (because I have an amazing Nespresso machine) but recently I met with friends at Coffee Connection in Meiners Oaks and I have to say the Chai Latte there was the absolute best I’ve ever tasted. I mean, truly remarkable. Coffee Connection’s owners live on my block and I’ve watched their kids grow up. The youngest couldn’t have been more than one when I first moved here — just a baby. Now she’s a beautiful little girl and hangs out with my next-door neighbors’ youngest son, who was also just a baby not too long ago but now speaks in complete sentences. The two of them are always together; I like to think a lifelong relationship is blooming there.
Living adjacent to Nordhoff gives me a feeling of connectedness to the young people of our community so I will often wave to them when I see them on the street. It’s not clear if they share those feelings, but I wave anyway.
My dog and I have three favorite Ojai haunts where we go to say hello, spend money, and hang out: Wachter’s Hay and Grain, Ojai Pixie’s General Store, and Ace Hardware. Without fail, the folks in these stores are always happy to see us, which is such a joy. When we arrive at these favorite haunts, my dog immediately heads behind the counter — feigning to work, of course — and despite the fact that she has never actually done anything that even closely resembles work, she always gets paid. In treats. So Ojai.
Sure, lots of foul balls fly into my yard, but not a single one yet has broken my windows or cracked my head. At the end of the season, I toss the balls back, but carefully, never aiming at anyone.
My next-door neighbors recently assembled a trampoline in their backyard so when the kids jump on it they can see directly into my master bedroom. I don’t mind because there’s never anything happening in there that isn’t PG -13. I end the day in my backyard where I relax and gaze upon the lovely mural I had painted by the same muralist, Aaron Glasson, who painted the mural that resides behind Hamsa Studio. When I commissioned the work, I asked Aaron if he could try to include a coyote or an owl, and other natural things I see every day in Ojai. He did all of that and more. I love it. Speaking of owls, I hear there are babies again in the meadow! I’m so jazzed about this. I watch the owlets grow every year. That meadow is magic. Editor’s Note: This was written prior to the state’s “social distancing” order in response to the pandemic, but here’s hoping we can all get back to our “Ideal Ojai Days” soon. OM — April 2020
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FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the buildbing of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade — others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few: Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement. Jiddhu Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical Society, though he later broke with that group (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.
Weather in Ojai Jan Feb March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Ave. High (°F) 67 67 70 74 78 83 89 91 87 80 73 66
Precip. 5.04 5.24 3.35 1.22 .47 .12 .04 .005 .2 .98 1.69 2.95
Average Annual Rainfall:
21.3
Record High Year 115° 2018
Population:
7,461
Valley: (est.)
21,300
Record Low Year 16° 1990
Households::
3,176
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Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West to farm and care for an ailing brother, the Yale-educated Thacher realized that he was going to need another source of income. So he founded The Thacher School in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher student.
OJAI QUICK FACTS:
Ave. Low 36 38 41 43 48 51 56 55 53 47 40 35
Elevation:
Beatrice Wood. The famed ceramicist’s (“The Mama of Dada”) greatest work of art may well have been her life. The irreverent, avant-garde Wood lived and worked in Ojai for decades until her death in 1998 at age 105. She inspired two classic movies, Francois Truffaut’s “Jules et Jim,” and James Cameron’s “Titanic.” She attributed her longevity to “chocolate and young men.” Her autobiography was appropriately titled, “I Shock Myself.” Many of her distinctive, whimsical, luminous luster-glazed pieces are on display at her former home, now the Beatrice Wood Center, in upper Ojai.
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The name “Ojai” is believed to be derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ‘awhaý, meaning “moon.” In 1837, Fernando Tico received a land grant and established a cattle ranch. Thomas A. Scott, who had financial success with oil and railroads, bought the Ojai Valley in 1864 for oil exploration. By 1868, Scott, through his agent Thomas Bard, began selling properties to homesteaders. By 1874, R.G. Surdam plotted out the town he would call Nordhoff, renamed Ojai in 1917. Ojai is about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 30 miles east of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide, surrounded by hills and mountains; the rare east-west orientation with a slight southward tilt gives the valley an extraordinary sun exposure; Ojai’s citrus and avocado crops are highly prized. This orientation also gives rise to Ojai as a spiritual destination. It was due to the resources and organizing energy of Ohio glass manufacturer Edward Drummond Libbey that Nordhoff was rebuilt and renamed Ojai, inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. By 1917, with the construction of the Arcade and Post Office Tower, the town took its present shape. The city’s self-styled nickname is “Shangri-La,” based on the story that Ojai was the backdrop (later left on the editing room floor) from the 1937 movie as the mystical sanctuary of James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”
OQ | HI K I NG MAP 1
SHELF ROAD 3.5mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
2 VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain:
520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.
5 HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft.
Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.
8 ROSE VALLEY 1mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft
Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall.
3
4
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs
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COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft |
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft |
ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.
(Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.
Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.
Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.
9
10
SISAR CANYON 22mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft |
Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Only for experienced, f it hikers. Views are unsurpassed. OM — April 2020
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We know Ojai. IN ESCROW
Custom Spanish Revival Home in the East End on 7.5 Acres with Gated Entry, Courtyard, Multi-Room Master Suite 5180ReevesRoad.com $3,450,000
Hacienda-Style Upper Ojai Ranch on 5+ Acres. Caretaker’s Quarters, Horse Facilities, Pool, Tennis Court and Gorgeous Views. 12605HighwindsRoad.com $2,649,000
Turnkey country charmer with wood floors, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, separate office or studio, custom touches and upgrades throughout. $592,500
Custom Four-Bedroom Home on 5.43 acres near Downtown with Formal Living & Dining, Butler’s Pantry and Much More. 1436NorthMontgomeryStreet.com $1,595,000
The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com
Nora Davis
BRE License #01046067
805.207.6177
nora@ojaivalleyestates.com
We’re lifelong residents.
106+ Acre Country Retreat with Mountain and Lake Views and Custom, Stone House. LuckyQRanchOjai.com Price Upon Request
Four-Bedroom Arbolada Home with Guest House, Pool, Four Fireplaces & Mountain Views 407TicoRoad.com $2,199,000
Meticulously renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom oasis with pool, cabana and views on large lot one block from downtown and adjacent to Ojai Valley Trail. $1,879,000
Kellye Lynn
BRE License #01962469
805.798.0322
2 BR, 1 BA with detached garage, RV parking, recent upgrades within walking distance of shops and restaurants. $519,000
The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com
GAB R I E LA C E S E Ñ A THE NEXT LEVEL OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES Realtor | Luxury Specialist Berkshire Hathaway
Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction. Driven by passion for the work I do 805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com CAL BRE# 01983530 Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com
608 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE: Timeless, classic, sophisticated Ojai living at its best! This delightful property, only moments away from the famous Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, offers all the best Ojai has to offer. Set against a backdrop of majestic Topa Topa mountain views and surrounded by colorful, inspiring gardens, this exceptional property embodies the essence of Ojai with unrivaled tranquility and natural beauty. This turnkey, 4BD/3BA uplifting and blissful home is flooded with natural light designed to integrate interior and exterior living
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OM — April 2020
seamlessly. The home is centered around a sensational great-room featuring an epic stone fireplace, connecting living, dining, and kitchen into one flowing open living space. Outside, a poolside terrace invites outdoor dining and entertaining, with a built-in BBQ and numerous sun-drenched patios for quiet moments of reflection or occasions both large and intimate. The lap pool, luscious lawn & eclectic gardens are delightful. Welcome to your Ojai Oasis. Remarkable Value for the special property! Offered at $1,895,000