Ojai Monthly - April 2023

PERSIMMON HILL LUXURY

This 5br/4.5ba home is s i t u ated on 3 1/2 acres and surrounded by spectacul ar m ountain views. An ove r 4,000 square foot main ho me boasts sprawlin g great ro oms, soaring ceilings, a formal dining room, a wine closet and a massive stone fireplace. The ground s include a spacious guest house and a gorgeous rock p ool/spa. This very pri vate property affords the p erfect mix of country l iving while also bein g mere minutes from all the amenities of downtown Ojai.

420SaddleLaneOjai.com

Offered at $3,750,000

Over 25 years of experience matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

This adorable, 3br/2ba downtown, mid-century modern has been recently updated. It has beautiful tile floors, wood beam/plank ceilings, large windows, and a unique fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and open to the living/dining area; the bathrooms are fresh and clean. The grounds include a fenced front yard, a spacious back patio, raised beds, citrus trees, roses and a mature oak. A separate, enclosed carport has hookups for washer/dryer. Offered at $1,285,000

home that brings peace to your mind

heart

Hike a lot? Give a little!

OVLC has permanently protected 2,400 acres of open space and maintains 27 miles of trail for all to enjoy. This is all done with donations from you—our community.

El OVLC ha protegido permanentemente 2.400 acres de áreas naturales y mantiene 27 millas de senderos para el disfrute de todos. Todo esto se hace con sus donaciones—nuestra comunidad.

¡Camina lo que quieras, dona lo que puedas!

Photo by Nathan Wickstrum

VIGNETTE® MODERN ROMAN SHADES WITH DUOLITE® DUETTE® HONEYCOMB SHADES WITH DUOLITE®

SILHOUETTE® WINDOW SHADINGS WITH DUOLITE®

THE MERRYMOUNT OPTION

"Autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful. A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying."

— George Orwell

American history turns up a lot of oddballs. Thomas Morton is one of them, and you can't help but wonder how America might have turned had his way of doing things prevailed. The stark contrast between his settlement and nearby Plymouth Colony is instructive.

He was the founder of the Merrymount Settlement in 1624, which flourished to such an extent that it was an existential threat to the nearby pilgrims settled at Plymouth since 1620. In stark contrast to the austere Pilgrims, Morton's settlers were a bawdy bunch, quick to revelry, all equals in comradeship and custom, and quick to befriend the local Native Americans and even intermarry with them. Morton even regarded it as foolishness to sign treaties with the natives because why would you even need to spell it out between equals? Live and let live.

Plymouth's governor William Bradford described what he witnessed at Merrymount: "They set up a Maypole, drinking and dancing about it for several days at a time, inviting the Indian women for their consorts, dancing and frisking together like so many fairies — or furies, rather — to say nothing of worse practices." Sounds fun doesn't it? Especially if the alternative was the stark, spartan life of the Pilgrims and the hours and hours they spent in window-less rooms on hard benches listening to droning sermons, in perpetual fear of God's wrath.

The problem Morton presented was that the waves of settlers leaving England much preferred the more liberal, fun-loving spirit of the aptly named Merrymount. It was a trading center and, because of its liberal treatment of the native Wampanoags, buying their furs and selling them firearms, was becoming quite prosperous. Given a choice, (though most, as indentured servants, had none) many of the new arrivals much preferred Merrymount. Small wonder that the Plymouth settlers determined to have Morton arrested. By 1630 they forced him into exile. The remnants of his social experiment either moved down to Virginia or remote farmsteads in Maine. He barely is remembered, a modest plaque on the original settlement site in Quincy, Mass all that remains.

Sometimes I wonder if that Pilgrim spirit has infested Ojai to the exclusion of the once more prevalent merry attitudes. Certainly, the amount of vitriol spewing forth locally indicates that a joyless austerity has taken root. We see the best people leaving while the worst seem riled up and ascendant. I don't need to get into specifics at this time, but if you see me out and about, I'd be happy to list the bill of particulars. You can see it on display at every school board or city council meeting. It's a problem we seem to beat back every election cycle, but the forces of bullying and badgering are tireless. While we'd rather celebrate the goodness of our astonishing natural beauty and of the people who live surrounded by it, there are others determined to drag us down into the mire of their inadequacies. Maybe this time though, the Mortons can chase off the Bradfords.

Bret Bradigan

APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

annual events art exhibits

THROUGH APRIL

“Tomatomania!”

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Wachter’s Hay & Grain, 114 South Montgomery Street

Contact: tomatomania.com

Get expert advice, find rare heirlooms, classic hybrids and all you need for a successful season.

Ojai Pixie Month

Locations: Restaurants and shops around town.

Contact: Ojai Chamber of Commerce

805-646-8126

OjaiChamber.org

Looks for the pixie stickers on windows of restaurants and shops around town for a selection of Ojai’s very delicious and versatile tangerine. From food to beverages to products, the town celebrates its homegrown fruit.

APRIL 16

Rotary Club of Ojai’s “Taste of Ojai”

Times: 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Libbey Park

Contact: 805-620-7589

tasteofojai.com

Taste of Ojai, the region’s finest food-related event, is back with a different approach this year; a walking tour of Ojai’s amazing restaurants and art venues.

APRIL 2-30 (Reception April 16)

Ojai Art Center’s “Elemental”

Times: Tuesdays to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Contact: 805-646-0117, OjaiArtCenter.org

“Elemental” brings together six of Ojai’s very talented artists who will showcase their latest work: Tom Hardcastle, Ingrid Boulting, Carlos Grasso, Gretchen Greenberg, Susan Griffin, and Mariano Peirano – all seasoned professionals and each bringing their own character and flair to the show. Visitors can expect to see a variety of exceptional pieces exploring and interpreting 4 elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Reception Sunday, April 16, 3-5 p.m.

APRIL 26-30 2024

The 121st “The Ojai”

Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament

Times: Varies

Location: Libbey Park & Elsewhere

Contact: 805-646-7421

theojai.net

The country’s oldest amateur tournament, going back to 1896, returns with the PAC-12 championships and many other top matchups. Founded in 1977 to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day Weekend.

RECURRING EVENTS

Historical Walking Tours of Ojai

Date: Every Saturday

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue. Contact: 640-1390

Meet Becky, a middle-aged woman in a middle-aged marriage with a humdrum job and a humdrum adult son living at

home. She meets a mixed-up millionaire who makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Or can she? The audience becomes her new best friends on this quirky comic adventure. It’s definitely worth the ride.

APRIL 9

“Ojai Cars & Coffee”

Time: 8 to 10 a.m.

Location: Westridge Midtown Market

131 West Ojai Avenue

Ojai Cars & Coffee events take place in the parking lot of the Westridge Midtown Market. The public is welcome to enjoy the mix of vintage classics, old muscle cars and luxury vehicles, and to talk with the proud owners.

MAY 5-28

“Disappearing Act”

Location: 113 South Montgomery Street

Time: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Contact: 805-646-0117

OjaiArtCenter.org

Ojai based actor/writer Peter Fox stirs up a spellbinding brew of prestidigitation and discovery. A young magician, a beautiful woman, and a mysterious stranger materialize in this exciting new mixture of magic and theater.

THURSDAYS

“Ojai: Talk of the Town” Podcast New episodes come out Thursday evenings through OjaiHub.com newsletter. Sign up at OjaiHub.com

PEGGIE WILLIAMSON

BY ILONA SAARI

Williamson's Journey to oJ ai

'THE ART OF LIFE'

Peggy Williamson is a fabric artist who works in mixed media weaving, the perfect metaphor for her life. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the premier art colonies in the country, Peggy was raised in a small adobe house built by her father, Fred Gottlieb, on her Grandfather Lee Robinson’s ranch. Grandpa Lee was an artist who built and hand-painted southwest furniture. “I loved to play with the sawdust in his shop,” Peggy remembers. One of her fondest memories was being in the Pet Parade during Santa Fe Fiesta.

Her grandmother, Elizabeth Robinson, made mother and daughter matching fiesta dresses for Peggy and her mom,

Margaret. Grandpa Lee made a carreta — a two-wheeled cart pulled by the ranch’s burro, Jacko, in which Peggy proudly rode while her mom walked alongside. “We were quite the picture,” she says. The adults in Peggy’s life created, built, painted, and sewed, infusing in her an appreciation of arts and crafts.

Sadly, at the young age of four, Peggy’s life changed drastically when her mom was killed in an auto accident. Within a year her father remarried Bea Roach, the Secretary of State of New Mexico whom Peggy describes as “a better politician than a mother.” However, “other than all the rattlesnakes, it was a good life.”

After high school, Peggy enrolled in Colorado State University, majoring in social work and minoring in journalism. In her junior year she married Peter Schultz, an art student at CSU. Like for most students, money was scarce, so both worked fulltime while remaining full-time students. Peter worked in a local bijou as a motion picture operator, while Peggy worked at Giuseppe’s Italian restaurant, keeping their bellies full with pizza ... breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vermont was their next stop, where Peggy attended Smith College, earned her Master’s and took a job teaching at Vermont College. During this period, Peter was an artist/painter and received his MFA from Boston Museum.

Leaving cold weather behind, Peggy and Peter moved to Hawaii, where job hunting was frustrating for Peggy. There wasn’t even a help-wanted ad for a waitress job. Eventually, she was hired as a cashier for a new drug store chain. The store manager loved to bring “dignitaries to my register and say, ‘This woman has a Master’s degree from Smith College, and she works for me.’” Hired to be a pharma rep for Johnson & Johnson in Hawaii, “I had to go to New Jersey for two weeks of training. At that time, suits were the required dress. Where was I going to find suits in Hawaii? No one wore suits, not even the Governor. No Amazon then. Finding a suit proved to be a bigger challenge than the training.” But Peggy persevered.

After the move to Hawaii, Peter turned to Scientology and the marriage ended. Now single, Peggy met and married Oscar Fennell who, for most of his life at that time, had played football

in college and professionally in Canada. While married, Oscar earned his MBA, became a successful businessman and fathered a son with Peggy, named Kahil. When they divorced 10 years later, Peggy moved to California with Kahil.

Before that move, Peggy met Duane Williamson who worked for the same pharmaceutical company and, though he lived in San Jose, they became good friends. Both single, they were at a district meeting (Duane was the District Manager) and “I looked at him and had a flash, ‘You’re going to marry him.’” Then she thought, “No, no, he is definitely not my type.” That was thirtyfour years ago. Peggy was now a mother of four boys when Duane’s three sons, Kevin, Andrew and Jim, joined her son, Kahil, in a new blended family.

A year after they married, Duane was promoted and they moved to Flemington, New Jersey. “Duane worked at the home office of the pharmaceutical company and I was Director of Training for a Medical Instrument Co. When the company for which she worked moved its home office to Boston, she formed her own business, Solution Center. “We trained sales reps how to form win-win partnerships with their customers.” It was during this period in Peggy’s life that she also earned her Post Master’s degree from Temple University in Cross Cultural Studies. Six years later, when Duane got another promotion to Regional Sales Director, they moved back to California (Thousand Oaks) where Peggy continued Solution Center for a total of 13 years.

When asked who her life influences were, her response was empathic: “My stepmother, how not to be a mother. Peter’s

Peggie Williamson's nonprofit group, WishWorks, supplies classroom materials for eight underfunded elementary schools (left) in Musoma, Kenya. The group is partially funded by the sales of baskets from local weavers at her store in Ojai, Poppies Art & Gifts.

mother Elsie, how to be a good mother. My grandmother, how to be a good person, reader and Scrabble player.”

Among the courses Peggy taught during her career as a teacher at Vermont College, and a stint at the University of Hawaii, were sociology, psychology and personal development. During her eclectic career, she has also been a Director of Big Sisters, a writer, corporate trainer, an adoption social worker, a business owner, and a pharmaceutical sales rep.

After she closed Solution Center, she waited two years for Duane to retire. “I made a vision Board of what I wanted my retirement to look like.” They came to Ojai for the Blues Festival and, while riding bikes on the bike trail, Peggy had another flash. This time, she thought, “Ojai would be the perfect place for us, golf and tennis for Duane, and art and a spiritual community for me. That was 15 years ago.”

After settling in the valley, Peggy volunteered for Help of Ojai. Now, she volunteers for the Ojai Music Festival and Ojai Tennis Tournament (Duane is President of the Board). She also had a non-profit organization, Wishworks, where under-funded teachers in gangriddled South Central and East L.A. would make a wish list for needed classroom supplies. Peggy would purchase the items and deliver them to the teachers. “After visiting Musoma, Tanzania, I switched the program to Africa. These teachers didn’t even have pencils or paper for their students, let alone books. So, I bought baskets there, sold them in Ojai and, with the money, supported teachers in eight African elementary schools. We also supported the basket makers. The baskets are in Poppies.”

Peggy was also one of the first artists at Made in Ojai, an art co-op in the space where Poppies Art & Gifts now sits, a store she opened four years ago. As one of the founding members of OVA Arts, her goal for Poppies was to create

a community for local artists to show and sell their work. When her eyesight started to deteriorate due to macular degeneration, Peggy decided to sell Poppies to one of her artists, Allie Hanson and her husband Daniel Garza.

“Now it’s time to really pursue my own art. I am a fiber artist and love mixed media weaving. I can still weave, but the yarn I use is thicker.” Her work is on display in Poppies and online at pegsplace.indiemade.com, Peggy’s online store.

Peggy’s life goals and dreams were as interlaced as one of her weavings. “I wanted to be a therapist. And I was. Soon I burned out. Then I wanted to be a business owner. Two businesses later, I burned out. Now I want to be a recognized artist. We’ll see how that goes!”

Ojai is lucky to be the place where she has woven together the diverse and abundant threads of her life.

HER FOUR SONS: Peggie with Kevin, Andrew, Kahil and Jim.

Photo by Stephe Johnsom

There's no place like home. Let me find yours.

$4,250,000 FOR SALE

Perfectly situated on just under four acres lies the historic and unique Casa de La Luna compound. Comprised of over 8,000 sq. ft, with 11 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, this magnificent estate is likely the best value estate compound available anywhere in California. The approximate 5,000 sq. ft. main house has 3 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, with limestone and hand-scraped wood floors, magnificent wrought iron doors, huge new gourmet kitchen, and numerous other upgrades. Guests and visitors can stay in the 2-bedroom, 2-bath guest house or any of the four other residences making this property perfect for a large family or an individual with an entourage. Massive outdoor patios and cooking areas, two large fountains, indoor pool with gym and recreation center make this property feel like a mini Hearst Castle. Private and gated.

$3,875,000

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. With a huge pool, a cook’s 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.

$2,795,000

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Located on one of the best streets in downtown Ojai, this charming home feels like Tuscany or Provence, only a few blocks from shops and restaurants and close to the Pratt and Shelf Road trail heads. Surrounded by majestic oaks and wonderful rock walls, this private, custom estate cottage was completely rebuilt with permits and includes the original rock fireplace and old wood ceiling beams, there is a spacious guest house with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and wonderful views.

805.798.0516

donna4remax@aol.com www.donnasallen.com

Advancing Care Enhancing Community

When a healthcare need arises, we rise to the occasion.

A well-funded hospital is the heart of a healthy community. The Ojai Valley Hospital Foundation is here to anticipate your needs and ensure that Community Memorial Hospital – Ojai and its Continuing Care Center have the resources to meet them. We raise funds to make facility improvements, purchase advanced medical technologies, and launch new programs and services. And we make sure to keep you informed about the healthcare offerings and enhancements we help fund. Because when it comes to staying healthy, staying connected is key.

Learn more at mycmh.org/giving or call 805-948-2317.

Nine Ways to Protect Gardens From Slimy Pests

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

A couple of nights ago, I was letting my dog out and came face to face with a slug that was right about eye level on my sliding glass door. This reminded me just how much slugs like wet weather and got me thinking about how many times I have had to battle slugs in my garden in the past. Now that my drip system is finally up and running, I am looking forward to getting my spring garden going soon and, if you have similar plans, I think we all better be ready for more slugs than we are used to dealing with this year.

All of this rainy weather after years of drought is going to bring out the snails and slugs in force, particularly with a growing population being supported by all of the plant growth brought on by the rain. Since these tiny marauders generally work at night, it can be difficult to determine what is devastating your garden, but if you are finding large, irregular holes in your plants’ foliage, these nocturnal trespassers are likely the culprit.

It may be tempting to head to a local nursery for commercial pesticides or to concoct home remedies that will quickly decimate your slug population, but these are not always the best options. There are many natural alternatives that offer non-lethal, non-toxic ways to protect your food plants and ornamentals from slugs without harming other wildlife or introducing unnecessary compounds into your garden.

Before you resort to commercial pesticides, try these non-lethal measures to keep slugs from invading your yard.

1. Plant alliums and herbs: Onions, garlic and other members of the allium family are natural deterrents for slugs and snails, so planting them around the border of your garden will help protect other food plants. Keep in mind that alliums are toxic to dogs and cats, so if you have pets that get in your garden, this might not be the right option for you. Alternatively, you can plant herbs that ward off slugs, such as mint,

thyme, sage, lavender, and rosemary.

2. Spray your plants: If planting onions and garlic is not an option, you can spray a mixture of garlic and water directly on your plants and the surrounding area. You will need to repeat this home remedy regularly.

3. Remove manually: If you are okay with touching slugs, removing them manually is an effective method of management. Make sure to move them at least 20 feet away from your garden to keep them from coming back. I get grossed out pretty easily, so this method is difficult for me, but one way to make it easier is to place citrus peels upside down in your garden at night. Return in the morning to collect the peels and use them to scoop up the slugs that have taken shelter underneath.

4. Wrap your garden beds in copper: Purchase rolls of copper tape from a local garden center or online. Line the outer edge of your garden beds and flowerpots with the self-adhesive tape to create a barrier to block entry. The combination of copper and slug slime creates an electrical shock that will quickly deter slugs without killing them.

5. Remove habitat: Slugs like to spend their days protected from the sun and dry air under rocks, flowerpots, firewood, weeds, and even children’s toys left near the garden. To help reduce slugs in your garden, remove these options to encourage slugs to find shelter elsewhere.

6. Water in the morning: It is easier

for slugs to slither around when the soil is wet, so watering in the evening allows these nocturnal pests to more easily get to your plants. If you water your garden in the morning, the soil has time to dry out before nightfall, making it more difficult for slugs to infiltrate your garden.

7. Create a barrier: Slugs have soft bodies that make traversing sharp materials painful. This allows for easily keeping slugs out of the garden with barriers made from gravel, wood chips, broken eggshells, or other jagged ground covers.

8. Plant sacrificial plants: Like most animals, slugs and snails prefer to eat certain plants. For example, they would much rather dine on lettuce than ornamental plants, so if you have slugs eating your ornamentals, plant some lettuce in your beds and borders to distract the slugs and keep them away from your desired plants. If you are having issues with slugs eating your food plants, plant French marigolds a few feet away from your garden to attract slugs and distract them from ever getting to your food plants.

9. Introduce predators: This is a lethal method, so you need to be okay with killing slugs. If you are, bringing in chickens or making your garden appealing to birds and other predators is a natural, effective way to reduce the slug population. The problem with bringing in predators is that you usually have to balance the pros and cons to determine if this is your best option. For example, bringing in chickens is going to remove slugs from your garden, but chickens also like to eat vegetables.

As with most natural pest control methods, you will likely experience the most success by employing a combination of these methods in your garden.

If you need help building garden beds or installing a drip system, be sure to support the local economy by hiring local contractors.

FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS

While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the building 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

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.

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:

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.”

Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty

“The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094

WHO’S WHO IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

805-798-1998

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

Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

OjaiValleyEstates. com

805-207-6177

Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

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

Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com

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

Team Deckert Keller Williams Realty

Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com

805-272-5218

Dale Hanson Ojai Valley Real Estate 211 E. Matilija Street, Ste. J, 206 E. Ojai Ave. 805-646-7229 dale@ovhl.com

Kirk Ellison LIV Sotheby’s International Realty KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905

Anne Williamson LIV Sotheby’s Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314

Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty, 109 N. Blanche Street Tel: 805-7981872 email: hildegard.tallent@ kw.com

Kathy Hoff LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup.com

Finding Solace in Sharing Aches & Pains

Dawn E. Shook - Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS

Ohhh, “Getting older is not for sissies”! I was told that Bette Davis quote years ago, and thought to myself: “Well, if one takes good care of themselves, what could possibly be the problem?”

Fast forward to now, and I am now experiencing some physical problems and not liking it! My column is usually upbeat and light, and I am going to keep it that way to encourage anyone going through some problems to know it will get better. Maybe not as soon as we would like, but keep pushing through, physically, mentally, and be proactive with your doctors to keep your progress moving along.

Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 805640-0654 Cell: 805-7469055 marsha.kaye@ homebridge. com

Joe Davis Full service property management, residential • Commercial • Industrial JoeTheRentalGuy.com. 805-574-9774

In the beginning, I was under the assumption the doctors would take care of all the details and appointments of when and where, but as I am finding out, one must take charge of their own situation to get the timeline moving. My own problems began in November, and here it is almost April, and they are still unresolved. I am now focusing on getting the situation under control, one small step at a time.

So live and learn ... to promote yourself to get a faster timeline happening for your problems. Having a close friend or relative to share your issues could really help you to get through the notso-easy times along the way! I do hope this helps at least one person reading this to know he or she is not alone. Keep the end result in focus!

I will be thinking good thoughts for anyone going through hard times.

AGAVE MARIA

Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink

106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com

AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS

Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go

11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com

BOCCALI’S

Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables 3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com

BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE

Traditional American breakfast & brunch

328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207

THE DEER LODGE

An Ojai legend since 1932

2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com

FARMER & THE COOK

The best of organic Ojai

339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com

YUME JAPANESE BURGER

254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 646-1700

JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL

Mexican-American & regional favorites

214 West Ojai Avenue #100 (805) 640-1301 jimandrobsojai.com

HIP VGN

Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls

201 North Montgomery Street

hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363

HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI

Breakfast and lunch in a warm space

1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346

HomeKitchenofOjai.com

MANDALA

Pan-Asian Cuisine

11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048

THE NEST

401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com

LO>E SOCIAL CAFE

205 North Signal Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.com

OAK GRILL @ THE INN

Al fresco dining under vine-covered pergola 905 Country Club Road (805) 646-1111 ojairesort.com

OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY

Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478

OJAI PIZZA COMPANY 331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878

TheOnlyGoodPizza.com

OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View)

The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue

OJAI ROTIE

Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox

469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227

ojairotie.com

OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA

Rustic menu of Northern Italian fare & seafood dishes. 242 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-6767

omgojai.com

PAPA LENNON’S

Family owned, original & traditional Italian cuisine

515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

RAINBOW BRIDGE

A community gathering place 211 East Matilija Street (805) 646-6623 rainbowbridgeojai.com

THE RANCH HOUSE

An Ojai culinary destination for more than 60 years 102 Besant Road (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com

SAKURA OJAI

A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777

sakuraojai.wix.com

SEA FRESH

Serving Ojai for 30 years 533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747

seafreshseafood.com

ZAIDEE’S BAR & GRILL

Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685

soulepark.com

LIFE OF SPICE

Broccoli Melt SandwicheS

Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lactoovo vegetarian for over 38 years. Chef Randy has written and published a series of seven cookbooks with original recipes developed over the period 1975 through 2020. He writes for the Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Monthly, and the California 101 Travelers Guide. His vegetarian recipes are published in newspapers throughout Central California under the header, Chef Randy. He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog Cooper. Robin and Cooper are not vegetarians.

Broccoli sandwiches? you ask. Grilled cheese I get. Grilled Portobello burgers I get. But broccoli? Come on man! I thought the same as I made this Bon Appetit recipe. Then I took a bite and the combination of crusty baguette, melty cheese, and a simple vinaigrette made me smile and take a second bite. Then a third bite. Before I knew it there was no more (but I wished there was). Here’s how to eat your veggies and smile at the same time.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons red onion (chopped fine)

5 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Pinch of sugar

Pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small head of broccoli (florets only - chopped)

1 clove garlic (minced)

4 tablespoons Vegenaise (or mayonnaise)

1.5 teaspoons Sriracha sauce

1 baguette

3 deli slices sharp cheddar cheese (cut in half for 6 slices)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine onion, vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Set onion mixture aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook until browned in spots (about three or four minutes). Reduce heat to medium, add ¼ cup water, and cover. Cook broccoli until tender (about two to three minutes). Reduce heat to low and uncover. Add garlic and the onion mixture. Cook, occasionally stirring, until liquid is mostly evaporated (less than one minute). Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Mix Vegenaise and Sriracha sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cut a 10-inch length off the baguette and then cut that into half (lengthwise) to make two sandwiches. Broil bread, cut side up, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute (watch carefully!). Remove from oven and spread each baguette half liberally with Vegenaise mixture. Spoon broccoli mixture on top of that, going all the way to the edges. Drape three slices of cheese over the broccoli on each baguette half and place the baguettes in the oven.

Broil, watching carefully, until cheese is bubbling and browned (about 60 seconds!). Remove from oven and serve while still hot. I like to serve this to friends at lunchtime with a pint of cold beer and crispy dill pickles.

Bank Busts & Your Money

Is Real Estate a Safe Harbor?

By Therese A. Hartmann

The recent banking debacle might have come as a surprise to some people in spite of the fact that some economists have been predicting this for months. And they foresee there is more to come. It’s made folks scratch their heads, worrying where they might park their hard-earned dollars. Not just for safety but also as a hedge against inflation.

Some will tell you to invest in gold but honestly, “they” have been saying that for decades and one only must look at the long-term performance to see that it doesn’t necessarily have the spectacular gains that it’s touted for. Having said that, I do have a small percentage of my portfolio invested in a gold mining stock. The bulk of investing I do personally however is all about real estate. And hey, you needn’t listen to me (I’m a bit jaded having a grandfather and a father who were real estate brokers/investors), you can listen to what Andrew Carnegie suggested. He was quoted as having said “90 percent of millionaires became so by owning real estate.” But, you might ask, is that still true during these inflationary times?

Inflation IS back and in a rather large way. The numbers, which many economists believe are underreported, are at their highest level in more than 40 years. It’s natural to wonder about purchasing power and how to take care of nest eggs, no matter the size.

For those lucky enough to currently own, or are buying real estate as an investment, they ARE likely to benefit.

Therese A. Hartmann has more than 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.

I’m specifically referring to buying rental units or a home with a rentable room or area like an ADU. You want to make your investment work for you. And here are just three considerations and benefits:

• Best Asset Class: Real estate has traditionally surpassed other asset classes. It is known as a stable asset that beats recessions. As my father was known to say, if the stock market goes down, you’re left holding a piece of paper. If real estate goes down, you have an asset that you can still rent out.

Increasing Rents: Inflation is exactly what pushes rents up. Yes, a real estate owner will have some costs that go up including materials, labor, utilities, but most will have a fixed rate loan which

provides a level payment. See the next entry. Rents in areas that are desirable, might and often do naturally go up more.

Devaluation of Debt: The decreasing value of the dollar is a naturally occurring phenomena when there is an increase in inflation. This makes your payment cheaper as compared to buying power of the dollar.

There are some things other things to consider including rent control. Don’t get me wrong, I’m personally for reasonable rents for working families and singles but would hope for a fair shake for landlords as well. Rather than limit an increase in rent each year, forcing a landlord to raise the rent to try and keep pace, it would seem more prudent to establish a reasonable rental value through a rent survey. Anything that is more than 10 percent above that, would have to have an exception.

Our family, as an example, has had tenants that were paying well below market value. We were able to do that for tenants who paid on time, kept their place clean and were quiet. In many cases, they became like family. But with current guidelines, everything changes, and the tenant loses out.

For me, it’s another one of those decisions made without fully understanding the consequences. But that’s a topic for another time! Bottom line, I agree with Andrew Carnegie and will continue believing real estate is the best hedge.

1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi

EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.

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.

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.

ROSE VALLEY 1mi

EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft

Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall.

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi

MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.

COZY DELL 2.2mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.

SISAR CANYON 22mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Only for experienced, fit hikers.

MATILIJA CANYON 12mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft | Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.

SULPHUR MTN. 22mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Views are unsurpassed.

Five Bedrooms, Media Room, Wine Cellar, Tasting Room, Gym/Massage Room, Pool & Spa, Indoor an Outdoor Putting Greens, Well, Six-Car Garages, Bocce Court, Views, and So Much More RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com

$1,395,000

This centrally located commercial property features main street frontage, a welcoming façade, and a private parking lot making it an ideal setting for a small business, wellness services, boutique, studio, or live-work space. Features include a large meeting or group office space, three separate offices, kitchen, two bathrooms, and large windows for natural light.

Seven-Bedroom Main House on Approximately 10 Acres with Pool House, Pool, Spa, Outdoor Kitchen, Three-Car Garage, Two-Car Garage, Artist’s Loft, Lighted Tennis Court, Family Orchard, and Horse Facilities RocaVistaRanchOjai.com

Its sunny, romantic wrap-around porch & large windows overlooking downtown Ojai is home to the famous Porch Gallery, unique as both a historic residence & eclectic gallery space! A classic Victorian, the third oldest building in town, was built in 1874 by Ojai Pioneer John Montgomery. A celebrated

Gallery & Beato Chocolates Store (named after famed artist Beatrice Wood), is an iconic communal gathering spot for celebrities, world-renowned artists, and locals alike. The high-profile community space & residence is zoned VMU & designed as a live/work space. SEE YOU ON THE PORCH!

1175 Cornwall Lane | $1,295,000 |

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The delightful Pierpont Beach Bungalow, located only 7 homes away from the beach, will capture your heart and imagination! The historic town of Ventura ranks nationally as one of the top cities to live in! Featuring an open floor plan, this just under 1,000 sqft, cozy two bedroom / one bath move-in ready bunga-

low with an inviting backyard is steps away from famous sand dunes and surfing. The Ventura Harbor and the oldest pier in California are a few minutes away. Explore and be inspired by the romantic midtown San Buenaventura Mission established in 1782! BLISSFUL BEACH LIVING AT ITS BEST!

E. Matilija Street | $3,800,000 | VMU | Classic Victorian

Open Floor Plan

Pierpont Beach