Ojai Monthly — August 2020 by Ojai Quarterly

OJAI 08 20 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY

Cover Photo by Anshu A

Real Estate & Visitors Guide

CROWNER’S ACHIEVEMENTS TOP OJAI HIKES EIGHT WAYS TO STAY GREEN IN A PANDEMIC

Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Cover Photo: PATTY WALTCHER LIV Sotheby’s Realty • 805-340-3774 See Page 3

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — August 2020

SIGNAL STREET COMPOUND On nearly 8 acres at the top of North Signal Street, this compound has boundless potential for multiple uses. The main house is perched on a hill, with amazing views of the entire valley, from sensational sunrises to famous pink moment sunsets. The property has multiple structures, including two finished guest houses and a third waiting for your magic touch. With a little love, two of the other buildings could serve in a myriad of ways: a yoga or recording studio, RV storage, a workshop or a secret getaway for writing that masterpiece! It is filled with gorgeous pepper, bottle brush and fruit trees and it is a short walking distance from town, Shelf Road and Pratt Trail. 1203NorthSignalStOjai.com

$2,945,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

25 years matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

ed ur at Fe on r ve Co

AUSTEN PIERPONT ESTATE This historical 1933 Austen Pierpont Estate is incredibly private and has stunning views of the Ojai Valley Inn golf course and the Topa Topas. In the Monterey Style, it totals 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and living space of 6000 sq ft. The 2.15 acre gated compound includes a main house, 2 guesthouses, a pool, a spa, a tennis cour t, a bacci cour t and a tennis cabana. There are multiple locations for enter taining outside, under the ancient oaks or with views of the olive and fruit orchards. The proper ty is zoned for horses and is a stone's throw away from the five star Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Completely restored and modernized by award winning French designer Chantal Dussouchaud, this gorgeous estate ahas all of the modern luxuries while retaining it â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical charm. 52OakDriveOjai.com

Offered at $5,750,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

(805) 340-3774

pattywaltcher.com

DRE#01768956

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT YOUR HOME SELLING PLANS ON HOLD unless you want to. People are actively buying homes from a distance. We are open for business and here to help you!

LET’S TALK.

805.646.6768

NextHome 307 A East Matilija Street

Jeri Becker 805.340.2846

OM — August 2020

Lynn Goodman 805.573.5927

Ojai

Heather Erickson

805.798.3358

Riley Becker

805.646.6768

Downtown living at its best! 110 Canada Street - Offered at $689,000

2 bedroom/1 bathroom, 792 sq. ft. with finished studio/garage space

Casita Canada – a downtown VMU (Village Mixed Use) home – allows you to live and/or work in a location just steps from all that downtown Ojai has to offer. In addition to its location and ability to be used as commercial or residential space, Casita Canada’s features include vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, an upgraded kitchen with stone counters, and an upgraded bathroom with custom tile work and a newer vanity/counter. The large, open living space also features clerestory windows. This unique design element, which basically means “windows above eye-level,” is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. It allows the perfect amount of sunlight in while still maintaining privacy. The back yard features a detached and finished garage with newer concrete flooring, drywall, and lighting – perfect for a studio or meditation room. Additionally, there is a large carport that offers parking for two vehicles and an extra area adjacent, where additional storage space could potentially be built. This one speaks for itself!

Phone: 805.272.5221 Email: ContactUs@TeamDeckert.com Web: www.BestBuysInOjai.com

DRE# 01761150, 00780642, 01859199 OM — August 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUGUST 2020

Editor’s Note

Calendar of Events

Featured Pro: Stu Crowner

Down Payments By Loan Types

Staying Green in a Pandemic

20 Who’s Who in Real Estate 22

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

Chef Randy — Tomato Soup with Fennel

Ojai Facts & Founders

Top 10 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry

23 OJAI 08 20 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

Cover Photo by Anshu A

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.

CROWNER’S ACHIEVEMENTS TOP OJAI HIKES EIGHT WAYS TO STAY GREEN IN A PANDEMIC

Cover: Patty Waltcher/LIV Sotheby’s Realty 6

Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Cover Photo: PATTY WALTCHER LIV Sotheby’s Realty • 805-340-3774 See Page 3

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — August 2020

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY

A FEW WORDS FOR OJAI’S RECENT ARRIVALS Bret Bradigan

Six months into the Covid-19 pandemic, Ojai is still in a state of shock. We’ve not cleared the first wave; this current recurrence is still phase one. So we may well be quarantined once again come the winter months, especially since we’ve done such a poor job of containing the original outbreak. That’s going to hurt a shaky, tourist-based economy and the thousands of people whose jobs rely on it. Still, there’s interesting and uneven effects. Talk to anyone in the real estate game. Houses barely make it to the market before they get snapped up. People from the cities are moving to the country to escape their claustrophobic quarantine routines. It’s a reverse migration. We welcome these new arrivals, and hope they immerse themselves in our local culture and get involved in the community. Since many have come to raise their children, they can put their time, talent and treasure to work on school committees, volunteering in the classroom (if we’re fortunate enough to have a handle the pandemic so that we can safely reopen our schools), and many other school-related endeavors. Many of our local organizations could use an infusion of fresh energy and ideas; the Ojai Valley Museum, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, both Rotary Clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, Ojai Studio Artists, Ojai Film Festival, any of a half-dozen city commissions, all of which depend on energy and enthusiasm. Maybe you’ve thought about doing community theater. Guess what? You can find satisfying use of your talents at the Ojai Art Center — bring your sheet music or your toolbelt, once they resume productions. Then there’s animal welfare organizations, such as the Ventura County Humane Society, National Search Dog Foundation or the Ojai Turtle Conservancy. Volunteer-driven, every one. The only limits are your time and attention. Volunteering is where you’ll make friends and acquaintances, discover the common chords of humanity and learn that whatever divides us is nothing compared to what can bring us together. It’s where you make a life. The beauty of small-town is simple. The lack of scale means we can see the results of our efforts. We are known to each other. Our efforts can make a measurable difference in the world. There’s so much to do. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, a lot of the pursuits are curtailed or postponed. However, we will get back to some kind of new normal and it will be “all hands on deck” for knitting back together our tattered social fabric. We need you.

OM — August 2020

Bordered by a long row of holm oaks & rose hedges, Villa Serena is a modern design residence located in the beau�ful hillside of historic Assisi, Umbria, Italy. For more details go toOjaiRe.com

Rosario Falvo 805-207-5094 ROSARIOFALVO@KW.COM

OjaiRe.com DRE # 01504988 8

OM — August 2020

THERESE HARTMANN PROVIDING HOME LOANS FOR OVER 25 YEARS!

C2 FINANCIAL CORPORATION IS THE # 1 BROKER IN THE NATION! MORTGAGE EXECUTIVE April 2019

MAGAZINE

“Therese handled our loan in an exemplary manner. Her responsiveness to our communication requests was always timely and efficient. Therese added a nice personal touch to this process.” — Michael and Ruthie Cosmo

(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

Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”

805.640.5563 | www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com | DRE# 01786486

OM — August 2020

AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VIRTUAL PUBLIC ART TOUR UP AND RUNNING By Sami Zahringer Ojai art-lovers! The City of Ojai Arts Commission website has now published its virtual tour of the town’s collection of public art. This is your art and now there is a comprehensive guide to take you through it. Conceived as four separate walking tours, members of the public may stroll at their leisure around town following the guide, or peruse it all from home. At present we cannot offer docent-led tours but they will be available by appointment for groups and individuals in due course. Myriad surprises await you on these tours; little facts, fancies, curiosities, and tidbits that enrich our Ojai life and community. Did you know, for instance, the story behind that the cast-bronze sculpture near the rear entrance to the plaza behind the arcade, made by iconic Ojai artist, Sylvia Raz? “Early-Bird

Shopper” is the playful interpretation of an eagle that honors the bird-life in the valley. The eagle’s traditionally styled clothes reﬂect the Chumash Native Americans. A chocolate kiss serves as a hat, representing the sweet richness of Ojai. The artist tells us that, if you rub the little gold button on her purse, it will bring you good shopping luck! “Early-Bird Shopper” disappeared from her plaza position early in 2008 only to be discovered, months later, glued to a lonesome, high rock on Shelf Road, overlooking the valley. To the relief of all, she was rescued and bolted (now thief-proof !) back on her proper perch. Take the tour via the following link. Ojai is a magical town for artists and our city is extraordinary in its support of public art. We have a public art collection we can be proud of and now it is conﬁgured in such a way as to make it accessible to all. Have fun! http://www.artsojai.org/self-guided-tour/

OM — August 2020

AUGUST 17, 18 & 19 Rubicon Goes Retro with “Jimmy Messina & Friends” Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds parking lot Time: 8 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.) Contact: Rubicontheatre.com (805) 667-2900 The Rubicon Theatre is hosting drive-in events at the Fairgrounds, tickets run $69.50 to $99 per car with a $250 patron ticket that includes a picnic for four in a premium location. Includes a $100 donation to the Rubicon. AUGUST 22 Agora Foundation’s Online Seminar – Shame – 1968 Film Directed by Ingmar Bergman Location: Online, register to receive the link. Time: 12 noon to 2 p.m. Shame is at once an examination of the violent legacy of World War II and a scathing response to the escalation of the conflict in Vietnam. Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann star as musicians living in quiet retreat on a remote island farm, until the civil war that drove them from the city catches up with them there. Seminar

OPPOSITE PAGE: Virtual public art tours of Ojai are available at artsojai.org. The Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. THIS PAGE: Jimmy Messina and friends will be playing Aug. 17-19 at

participants view the film prior to the seminar. Tutor: Peter Rainer REOCCURING EVENTS 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 WEDNESDAYS “Offerings with Sarah Grace” — Somatic Satsang, free community gathering and

the Ventura County Fairgrounds; Ingmar Bergman’s “Shame” will be the topic of an online seminar on Aug. 22; new episodes of the “Ojai: Talk of the Town” podcast will be released Thursday.

tools for resiliency Instructor: Sarah Grace Time: 7 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230 THURSDAYS “Ojai: Talk of the Town” Podcast New episodes come out Thursday evenings through OjaiHub.com newsletter. Sign up at OjaiHub.com “Awareness Through Movement” Instructor: Mary Jo Healy Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230 FRIDAYS Farmer & The Cook Location: 339 West El Roblar Avenue, Meiners Oaks Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This popular farm-to-kitchen destination has reopened, with usual precautions in place to reduce exposure to coronavirus.

OM — August 2020

SUNDAYS Certified Farmer’s Market Date: Every Sunday Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact: 698-5555 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot behind the Arcade. Open air market featuring locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including soaps, baskets, beeswax candles and olive oil. Again, with proper social distancing and vendor spacing, the Farmers Market will stay open through the duration of the stay-at-home order. MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS “Storytime Live” at the Ventura County Library Contact: vencolibrary.org (805) 677-7150 Visit the Library’s Facebook page for a schedule of live readings for stories, including bedtime and bilingual. Also check out the library’s Youtube channel for more readings.

BY ILONA SAARI

STUART

CROWNER

CROWNING A Stuart Crowner’s dreams of a television career began when, at thirteen, he saw a wooden doll on Kraft Mystery Theater. This was no ordinary wooden doll, but a rendering of a cameraman sitting behind a TV camera which rotated while opening credits rolled.

career in television was not an aspiration for most kids in Gouverneur, a small farming and mining town in way upstate New York, population 5,000. So far upstate, in fact, you could see the red coats of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ride by on the horizon. Well, almost. While many young boys feasting on mom’s Kraft dinners dreamed of being baseball players, cowboys or firemen, Stuart, a child of the first television generation, set his sights on being a cameraman. That dream led him on a very circuitous route to Ojai. His father, Nyles Crowner, was one of the town’s caring, country doctors, who was once paid a loaf of bread to deliver a baby. Mom, Helen, sang soprano in the church choir and appeared and starred in productions such as “Mame” and “The King & I” on the community theater stage, which introduced young Stuart to live theater. After high school, Stuart’s show business dream led him to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he worked at the university’s TV station promoting the school and covering local stories. This experience opened up a floodgate of different goals. He no longer set his sights on being a cameraman. No, he’d been bitten by the seductive bugs of writing, directing, and producing for television. At Chapel Hill he also met Mary Kyle Watson who became a good friend. To earn his MFA, Stuart went to UCLA graduate school where he became an intern on the variety shows starring Red Skelton and Andy Williams. But, on the day his degree arrived in the mail, he also received his draft notice. He soon found himself at Fort Dix in New Jersey, where he spent his two-year service producing training videos for recruits. While there, he 12

OM — August 2020

received an invitation to a UNC Chapel Hill reunion from his old friend, Kyle, who was living and working in Washington D.C. When he saw Kyle again, it was love at second sight. He can still describe the beautiful, colorful, African-inspired print jumpsuit she was wearing that night. They married in 1969 and have been together ever since. After the Army, Stuart got a job with the local CBS station in Philadelphia as a stage manager for “Tell It Like It Was,” a Black History show for kids. While in Philadelphia their daughter, Sarah (now a celebrated artist with exhibits all over the world) was born, and Stuart was promoted to executive producer of the station’s local programming. His dream was on its way to becoming a reality. In 1975, Stuart’s big break came when he was hired to write and associate produce “The Mike Douglas Show” in Philadelphia, a daytime talk show syndicated across the country. Three years later the show moved to Los Angeles, bringing Stuart and his family along for the journey. In 1981, he became the Executive Producer for the nightly “Mike Douglas Show,” a one-on-one interview program for CNN. He also created and produced Larry King’s first television series. Kyle worked in advertising and soon the family grew to four when son Peter was born (he grew up to be a musician and a restaurateur at The Slice & Pint, located in El Segundo, California). After leaving “The Mike Douglas Show,” Stuart went on to produce the Emmy-nominated “People’s Choice Awards” for four years, and the acclaimed Emmywinning PBS series “Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn,” which one critic called “The most beautiful series ever to appear on television.” He spent three

G ACHIEVEMENTS years as a coordinating producer of “Entertainment Tonight,” and did a stint in Chicago co-executive producing the “Jenny Jones Show.” For the Scripps Network, he produced shows for HGTV and DIY, and even found himself in Ukraine where he launched a new television talk show for Ukrainian and Russian audiences… in Russian. Stuart and Kyle had fallen in love with Ojai when Stuart’s parents had moved there years earlier. So, when they decided to retire, Ojai was their only choice.

Once there, they jumped into the town’s activities. Stuart served on the City of Ojai Arts Commission which awards grants to deserving members of the artistic community, and was on the Board of the Ojai Film Festival. There, he met Joan Kemper, who became his community theater mentor and close friend when Stuart joined Joan at OPAT (Ojai Performing Arts Theater), a non-profit organization she had started in 2004. “When we moved to Ojai,” Stuart said, “my mother told me ‘you must meet this Joan Kemper person. You’ll love her.’ Mom was right. Joan has taught me so much about theater and about supporting our community and about life. Thanks,

CAROL BURNETT CAST, MIKE DOUGLAS, CBS

Mom.” Stuart loved live theater, but other than watching his mother perform when he was growing up, he knew little about community theater. But, he was ready to learn, and Joan happily shared her vast knowledge of theater with him. OPAT’s goal combines Ojai professional actors with non-professionals in order to learn from each other and be able to put on truly expert productions that raise money for other Ojai non-profits. It’s a goal in which they have greatly

succeeded by producing or co-producing such productions as “Black Comedy,” Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night,” and the musicals, “I Do, I Do,” “She Loves Me,” “Grand Hotel” and “Man of La Mancha.” Next on OPAT’s agenda is the poignant comedy, “Harvey,” co-directed by Richard Camp and Broadway producer/director, Craig Anderson. From a small town in New York to the small town of Ojai – a long and winding road trip triggered by a simple wooden doll – “wooden” you know it! OM — August 2020

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. 14

OM — August 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

OM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 2020

Down Payments?

Minimums by Loan Type in a Low Interest World

By Therese A. Hartmann

With rates lower than I’ve seen them in over 20 years, it’s no surprise that firsttime home buyers are coming out of the woodwork. Many are gathering a down payment of 20 percent, not realizing there are many options for them to jump into the real estate game with far less. This is especially true with a primary residence which is what I’ve listed below. This is a quick and dirty guide for down payments using the most popular loan types. Keep in mind that this is a general guide and your specific situation, including credit score, employment, reserves (for taxes, insurance, principal and interest) etc., might change the dynamics. Conventional Loan – Some lenders ask for 3 percent and some for a minimum of 5 percent of borrower’s own funds on a primary residence. Must have reserves and mortgage insurance is required if there is less than 20 percent down. Same rates are available on second homes. Conventional loans work for investment properties as well and, depending on credit score, might require as little as 15-25 percent down. 16

FHA Loan – You’ll need a minimum of 3.5 percent down and while rates are competitive, there is an up-front mortgage insurance premium as well as a .85 percent monthly premium that stays for the life of the loan. FHA loans are not eligible to be used for second homes but you can purchase up to four units if you owner-occupy one of the units. VA Loan – You won’t need a down payment but will require a Certificate of Eligibility and will pay a hefty funding fee. VA loans aren’t available for second homes or investment properties. You’ll also need to plan for closing costs on top of your down payment. These fees, which can run 3-4 percent of the purchase price of the home are sometimes considered “hidden” fees. This is where a real estate agent can help. They typically can get you a cost sheet of expected fees associated with buying a home. Likewise, a loan consultant can provide an estimate for loan-related fees. So, why wait? Go ahead and get in the game!

OM — August 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

Sitting on nearly half an acre surrounded by mature trees, this charming home has a lot to offer. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a nice, bright living room with a fireplace. The dining room opens out to a covered porch when you can sit and just relax. This home is very private and quiet. So come and see this cozy little gem.

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

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no place like home ... Let me find yours. OM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 2020

Eight Ways to Stay Green During a Pandemic

Photo by Adi Goldstein

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

The global pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, including revising our priorities as we balance personal and public health with meeting our basic needs, figuring out new ways to work, and determining the best ways to be both social and safe. In times such as this when our focus is on the short-term goals of staying healthy, keeping businesses afloat, and finding a way to the other side of the pandemic, it can be difficult to also keep an eye towards long-term goals, such as keeping the planet healthy for future generations. This is exacerbated by some of the necessary changes put in place to reduce transmission and protect both consumers and workers. For example, we can no longer grab a cup of coffee in our reusable mugs, and many grocery stores are no longer allowing the use of reusable shopping bags. While many of us are not driving as much, we are increasing the environmental effects of transportation by ordering everything online and having it delivered to our doorstep. Those who have replaced dining out with regularly ordering takeout and

delivery now have stacks of single-use food containers going into the recycling bin or to the landfill every week. The focus needs to be on keeping ourselves and each other healthy and working together to get through this. This requires using more disposable products than most of us would like, but there are still steps we can take to maintain a greener lifestyle while focusing on these immediate priorities. We can start with these: 1. Resist the urge to stock up on bottled water. The water supply is not currently under threat. Continue using your filter pitchers, fill your own jugs at Rainbow Bridge, or establish delivery service for three- or five-gallon, reusable jugs that you return to the provider. 2. Start a compost pile. If you are cooking more than you used to, you have more kitchen scraps to discard. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already have a compost bin or

OM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 2020

pile, start one to put those scraps to good use in your garden. 3. Invest in a sparkling water maker. Products like SodaStream let you make your own sparkling water and flavored sodas, which means fewer cans and bottles to recycle. 4. Green your takeout and delivery routine. We cannot use our own containers when we order food to go right now, but we can still limit the waste that comes with these orders. If you are picking up food to eat at home, refuse the utensils, napkins, and straws that usually come with takeout. If you are having food delivered, specify that you do not want utensils and napkins delivered with your order. When picking up food on your lunchbreak or on your way to a socially distanced picnic, bring your own cloth napkins, reusable straws, and utensils. There are lots of travel sets available with carrying cases that you can keep in your car or bag to make sure you always have reusable options with you.

6. Make the best bag choices you can. If you cannot use reusable shopping bags at your favorite places to shop, ask for paper bags. If only plastic bags are available, sanitize them and stash them away for later use as trash bags or poop bags.

make a list and consolidate your shopping trips. Instead of jumping online to order nail polish today, a case of canned tomatoes tomorrow, and then yarn for a new craft project the next day, make a shopping list and place your orders at the same time. You can even place things in your cart so you won’t forget about them – just resist the urge to hit “Buy Now” every time you want something. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can reduce packaging waste and transportation even more by forgoing the much-loved, two-day shipping and choosing Amazon Day instead. With this program, orders are consolidated into as few boxes as possible and all delivered on the same day each week.

7. Consolidate your online orders. When we are spending more time at home and ordering most of what we need online, it is easy to fall into the habit of placing orders whenever you think of something you need. This is particularly true if you are one of the many who do most of our buying through Amazon Prime with free shipping on however many orders we place in a day. Reduce packaging waste and transportation by treating your online shopping as you would in-person shopping:

8. Support local crafters by purchasing reusable masks. Reusable masks are better for the environment than single-use options, and there are lots of local folks who have taken up mask making to supplement incomes reduced by the pandemic. Keep in mind that reusable masks need to be washed after each use and that some materials provide better protection than others. Before buying masks, do a quick online search to educate yourself about the best options.

5. Change your buying habits. Look for simple ways to purchase fewer single-use products. For example, buy yogurt that comes in reusable glass jars instead of plastic containers that need to be recycled. Or, better yet, if you are spending more time at home, you might think about learning how to make your own yogurt.

CAFE EMPORIUM Ojai’s Cafe Emporium is a turnkey, well-established breakfast and lunch restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Ojai. Prime location steps away from all of Ojai’s events and attractions. Ojai Cafe’ Emporium has for more than 34 years addressed the need in the community for a warm and friendly dining experience for family, friends and business. A family tradition for every generation serving high-quality, fresh and healthy food. And if you crave something sweet, there is an adjoining bakery producing fresh baked goods every morning. Take advantage of this prime piece of commercial real estate with a fully operational up-and-running business.

RARE PRIME LOCATION

CAFE EMPORIUM: $2,099,000

In Ojai’s downtown Arcade. Originally the Bank of Ojai. Bank vault still in place. 16’x 32’ front room16’x36’ rear room with access from Ojai Arcade plaza 1/2 bath and storage room. High ceilings. $799,000

OM — August 2020

TOM WEBER

805-320-2004

Broker | CalDre # DRE#00805061

TomWeber@OjaiTom.com

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL ROSS @ 805-207-5094

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 — August 2020

Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177

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

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

Ojai’s locally owned and operated magazines.

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

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#OJAI STRONG, OJAI STRONGER

On the Firing Line with Travis Escalante

u ary 2 01

Deckert / DePaola Keller Williams Realty Cheryl Deckert, Broker Associate Ray Deckert, Broker Associate Maria DePaola, Realtor Associate Team@DeckertDePaola.com 805-272-5221

OJAI an

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

ojaiquarterly.com 805.798.0177 OM — August 2020

AGAVE MARIA Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink 106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com

JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL Mexican-American & regional favorites 214 West Ojai Avenue #100 (805) 640-1301 jimandrobsojai.com

AJ EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com

JJ’S SPORTS ZONE The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue (805) 649-4655 jjssportszone.com

OJAI PIZZA COMPANY 331 Ojai Ave. (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878 TheOnlyGoodPizza.com OJAI ROTIE Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com

AZU Spanish & Mediterranean comfort food 457 East Ojai Avenue (805) 640-7987, azuojai.com

HIP VEGAN Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls 201 North Montgomery Street hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363

PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

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

HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346 HomeKitchenofOjai.com

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

BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE Traditional American breakfast & brunch 328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207

KNEAD BAKING COMPANY An artisanal family bakery 469 East Ojai Avenue (310) 770-3282 kneadbakingcompany.com

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

CAFE EMPORIUM Locals’ favorite breakfast and lunch 108 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-2723 ojaicafeemporium.com CASA DEL LAGO Ojai’s original Mexican restaurant 715 E Ojai Avenue (805) 640-1577 THE DEER LODGE An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com

MANDALA Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048 THE NEST 401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com NO SO VITA Ojai’s social cafe 205 North Signal Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.com

FARMER & THE COOK The best of organic Ojai 339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com

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

FOOD HARMONICS Nutritional Love 254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 798-9253

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

OM — August 2020

traditional

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 SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE BAR & GRILL Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com Check websites for specific information, due to the pandemic, hours, offerings and on-site dining options may change frequently.

CHEF RANDY tomato soup with fresh fennel This is a wonderfully hearty vegetarian soup for the remaining winter days of the year. Quick and easy to prepare, tomatoes and fennel pair nicely to make a tasty soup. Even better, this soup freezes well. Make a double batch and save some for a rainy day.

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large fennel bulb (diced) 3 Lightlife Italian Style sausage (sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds) 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 2 tablespoons dry white wine 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (chopped)

Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lacto-ovo 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 Discover 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.

Healthy

Summer/Fall

Quick + Easy

Vegan

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in soup pot over medium heat. Add fennel, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in sausage and fennel seeds, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until fennel seeds are slightly softened and bits of sausage are stuck to bottom of pan. Add wine and and cook 5 to10 seconds, scraping to deglaze pan. Add broth, tomatoes, vegetable base, and parsley. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and serve with a slice of fresh Ciabatta bread. Robin likes a grilled Havarti cheese sandwich with this soup. You might try that too! See Chef Randy’s website for more recipes at: http:// valley-vegetarian.com OM — August 2020

Taylor 20” x 16”

Design and Supply for Your Living Spaces

DUANE EELLS Mar. 12-July 5: BOUNDLESS • DUANE EELLS AND JAMES PETRUCCI Fox Fine Jewelry, Ventura • Receception: 3/14, 6-8 PM Gallery:

OVA Arts, 238 Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA

Collect Online at eells.com Studio visits by appointment. • duane@eells.com 24

OM — August 2020

Whitman Architectural Design

www.whitman-architect.com Providing the highest quality custom residential & commercial Architectural Design and Construction Services.

805-646-8485 “We Shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

Winston Churchill

Dale Hanson

Come Home To

Ojai Valley Real Estate (805)646-7229

B.R.E. 01229522 Notary Public

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

Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd, Ojai 646-0459 • Frontierpaintca.com Selling quality in Ojai for over 37 years

OM — August 2020

Eight Ways to Stay Green During a Pandemic

Photo by Adi Goldstein

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

stacks of single-use food containers going into the recycling bin or to the landfill every week. The focus needs to be on keeping ourselves and each other healthy and working together to get through this. This requires using more disposable products than most of us would like, but there are still steps we can take to maintain a greener lifestyle while focusing on these immediate priorities. We can start with these: 1. Resist the urge to stock up on bottled water. The water supply is not currently under threat. Continue using your filter pitchers, fill your own jugs at Rainbow Bridge, or establish delivery service for three- or five-gallon, reusable jugs that you return to the provider. 2. Start a compost pile. If you are cooking more than you used to, you have more kitchen scraps to discard. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already have a compost

OM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 2020

bin or pile, start one to put those scraps to good use in your garden. 3. Invest in a sparkling water maker. Products like SodaStream let you make your own sparkling water and flavored sodas, which means fewer cans and bottles to recycle. 4. Green your takeout and delivery routine. We cannot use our own containers when we order food to go right now, but we can still limit the waste that comes with these orders. If you are picking up food to eat at home, refuse the utensils, napkins, and straws that usually come with takeout. If you are having food delivered, specify that you do not want utensils and napkins delivered with your order. When picking up food on your lunchbreak or on your way to a socially distanced picnic, bring your own cloth napkins, reusable straws, and utensils. There are lots of travel sets available with carrying cases that you can keep in your car or bag to make sure you always have reusable options with you.

OM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 2020

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

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

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: Valley: (est.)

21,300

Record Low Year 16° 1990

Households::

3,176

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.

Elevation:

7,461

745

OM — August 2020

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 IN G M AP 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.

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs

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.

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 — August 2020

We know Ojai.

106+ Acre Country Retreat with Mountain and Lake Views, Horse Facilities & Exquisite, Custom, Stone House www.LuckyQRanchOjai.com Price Upon Request

Four-Bedroom Arbolada Home with Guest House, Pool, Four Fireplaces & Mountain Views. www.407TicoRoad.com $2,199,000

Three-bedroom, 2.5-bath Golden West home remodeled in 2020 with two fireplaces, swimming pool, fruit trees, flexible spaces for home office or hobbies. $1,250,000

Four-bedroom, three-bath home on 1+ acre with dual-sink vanity, jetted soaking tub, large deck, several recent upgrades and mountain views www.1744CountyDrive.com. $1,320,000

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lifelong residents.

277+Acre ranch with five recently renovated houses, equestrian facilities, pastures, hay fields, stunning views and so much more. www.29443hwy33.com $6,250,000

Unique Mid-Century home on 2.94 acres in East End Ojai with gorgeous stonework, fireplace, formal and casual dining, bar, low-maintenance landscaping, and views. $2,200,000

20+ acres in Upper Ojai with mountain views and several improvements, including driveway, certified house pad and ag building pad. $ 1,485,000

Kellye Lynn

BRE License #01962469

805.798.0322

6-Acre Horse Property with 5-Bedroom Main House, 2-Bedroom Guest House, Pool, Horse Facilities, Solar and Views www.1577KenewaStreet.com $2,199,000

G a b r i e l a Ce s e ñ a T H E N E X T L E V E L O F R E A L E S TAT E S E R V I C E S Re a l t o r ® | L u x u r y S p e c i a l i s t Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction. D R I V E N B Y PA S S I O N F O R T H E W O R K I D O !

805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com LIC# 01983530

OM — August 2020

Ojai Monthly — August 2020

Articles inside

Ojai Facts & Founders

Editor’s Note

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

Top 10 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry

Down Payments By Loan Types

Staying Green in a Pandemic

Calendar of Events

Featured Pro: Stu Crowner