Art Center Stage Hosting Play on Evolution, Religion & Elvis
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‘Bless Your Heart’
MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide
Cover Photo Patty Waltcher, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty See Page 3
Chumash Stories Ojai Elder Keeping Her Culture Alive
My Garden
Making a Move Toward the Tea House
Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST 2019
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Editor’s Note
14
Calendar of Events
16
Featured Event: ‘“Bless Your Heart”
22
Featured Professional: Julie Tumamait-Stenslie
26
One-Time Tactic to Change Your Life
28
My Garden — Tea House Habitation
32
Four Water-Saving Tips
14 16
30 Ideal Ojai Day: Suzanne Feldman 34
Who’s Who In Ojai
36
Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide
37
Chef Randy — Fruit Punch
38
Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide
40 Top 7 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry 43
Sold in Ojai
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44 Ojai Facts & Founders
Art Center Stage Hosting Play on Evolution, Elvis & Politics
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Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo Contact Us: Ross Falvo, 805.207.5094 editor@ojaiquarterly.com The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. Cover: Property Listed by Nora Davis, LIV Sotheby’s Realty
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MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide
Cover Photo Patty Waltcher, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty See Page 3
Chumash Stories Ojai Elder Keeping Her Culture Alive
My Garden
Making a Move Toward the Tea House
Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM
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DISCOVER
OJAI MONTHLY
WHAT’S GOING ON?
Bret Bradigan
After watching Peter Strauss’ tour-de-force performance in the achingly poignant and funny “Outgoing Tide,” I can see why he felt that Ojai audiences needed to see this show. The play had such a consistently funny tone, the weighty subject — a man knows he’s developing dementia and has an urgent need to tie up loose ends — is borne lightly. It stays with you for days. The playwright Bruce Graham deserves a much wider audience for this work, but in the meantime, I’m glad we got to see it. Speaking of seeing, there’s still time to get down to the Ventura Museum to see the brilliantly weird and beautiful show “Actual Reality,” with Ojai artists Peter Fox and Carlos Grasso. Inventive, full of interesting choices of media and imagery, you will find yourself laughing out loud at the visual puns and the unsettling ideas on display. The show closes August 17th, but will continue to open the minds of everyone who saw it. In less proximate, but no less telling, news (so to speak) the major disrupters of Amazon, Google and Facebook continue to wreak havoc upon small towns and community life. A recent example (which I sketched out in more detail in last week’s Ojai Hub) is from the Napa Valley. The Sonoma West publishing chain is a small regional chain of five newspapers, serving the Napa Valley towns of Healdsburg, The Windsor Times, Cloverdale Reveille and the Healdsburg Tribune. They have a well-established reputation for excellence and community service. They caused a major ripple in the turbulent waters of community newspapers with their innovative offer last year of a $400,000 public offering. It was in response to declining advertising and circulation revenue. For a minimum $1,000 investment, people would get a 3 percent return and invitations to special events. That’s clever and innovative. It’s also sad. If a newspaper can’t thrive in one of the world’s most affluent markets, what’s the way forward for the less upscale communities? Imagine, having to rattle the tin cup in the heart of the Napa Valley? People get their information in different ways now, with an immediacy that only digital media can provide. Information might be free, but context and understanding have never been harder to find, or provide. During the past 15 years, 1,800 newspapers have closed, and circulation has declined by more than half since the peak back in the 1980s. As the financial pressures on community journalism mount, so does the leverage of money to shade, influence and even control coverage. All these are inimicable to the basic mission of providing accurate and useful information and to serve as a watchdog of the public interest. As the old quote goes, “What someone doesn’t want you to print is news. Everything else is advertising.” There’s another approach, one that allows newspapers to be free of influences and to become what they are intended to be — a free and impartial “honest broker.” That’s the question Don Day, a John S. Knight Fellow, posed in his study, “How to solve the local news crisis?” “What if an endowment were established to fund journalists across America? Thousands of them, placed in every market with a focus on issues that matter to local residents. The idea may seem crazy, but a similar idea has already been serving the information needs of communities for nearly a century.” Day illustrates the concept with the example of Andrew Carnegie, who took the (by some estimates) $393 billion (compared to Jeff Bezos’ modest $114 billion) that he earned through oil, railroads and steel to give back his fortune through many local investments, including funding 2,500 local libraries. Day estimates that a mere(?) $8 billion could spin off $440 million every year in perpetuity. With those earnings, he writes, “If each operation spent 10 percent on overhead for things like offices, computers, promotion and the like — and spent the rest on reporting resources, you could hire an astounding 4,950 journalists. “By building a digital- and mobile-focused news operation with low overhead, no ads and minimal production cost, you can maximize the dollars going directly toward reporting. Each local operation could have a charter tailored to the individual area, with support from a national organization. At the local level, a strong board of directors made up of non-political community leaders would be needed to help steer the operation,” Day writes in his study. It’s available through an online search and recommended. Given the drift of the future of information with our brains being hacked by Google and Facebook, it’s well worth considering. Of course, this is all moot if artificial intelligence comes along. In which case, let me state clearly and unequivocally, I welcome our new digital masters and pledge my fealty. Just kidding. Resistance may be futile, but that doesn’t make it any less necessary. OM — August 2019
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST “Michael McDonald at Libbey Bowl” Date: August 3 Time: 7 p.m. Location: 206 South Signal Street Contact: Tickets available at wmmts.com or call 888-645-5006 “Ojai Playwrights Annual Conference” Dates: August 4-11 Times: Varies Location: Besant Hill School’s Zalk Theater, 8585 North Ojai Road The premier new works development workshops for the theater with staged readings. Contact: ojaiplays.org
“Annie, Kids” Dates: August 8-11 Times: Thursday, Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Location: Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street Contact: 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org The Youth Branch has assembled a group of young actors to perform in this Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Gai Jones and produced by Lin Coleman. “Rescuing Ocean Animals” Date: August 10 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway Contact: 805-382-9759
REOCCURING EVENTS REOCCURING Certified Farmer’sEVENTS Market
Ron Barrett, wildlife rescuer with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, will give the presentation on “Rescuing Ocean Animals. “Looking at Architecture” Dates: To August 11 Times: varies Location: Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street Contact; 805-620-7589 info@porchgalleryojai.com “Don McLean in Concert” Date: August 16 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street
Contact: 295-8687 Historical Walking Tours of Ojai venturafoodtours.com Date: Saturdays, October through June Certified Time: 10:30 a.m. Date: EveryFarmer’s Sunday Market Date: Every Morning, Guided and Full Moon Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Time: 9 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meditations Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 698-5555 Contact: 698-5555 Date: TBD Contact: 640-1390 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot Location: Matilija the Arcade. Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 ojaivalleymuseum.org behind the Arcade.Street city parking lot behind Open air air market market featuring featuring locally locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including Reeves Road soaps, baskets, beeswax Open candles and olive oil. Contact: 646-5508 ext.103 “Eating Ojai” Food Tour grown produce, plants, musicians and meditationmount.org Date: Call to schedule handmade items, including soaps, basHistorical Walking of Ojai Note: Meditation Mount has been on hiTime: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. kets, beeswax candles Tours and olive oil. Date: Every Tuesday through Sunday atus since the Thomas Fire. Check their Location: Varies Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 14
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OPPOSITE PAGE: June 9 will be a busy day in Ojai, with the Ojai Music Festival concluding at Libbey Bowl and the Ojai Wine Festival raising spirits and funds for the Rotary of Ojai-West: Carlos Grasso and Peter
Contact: Contact: Tickets available at wmmts.com or call 888-645-5006 “Actual Reality” with Peter Fox & Carlos Grasso Dates: To August 17 Times: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street Contact: 805-653-0323 “Beginner’s Camping Workshop” Dates: August 17 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway Contact: 805-382-9759 In this hands-on first look at camping,
website at meditationmount.org. “Third Fridays” Date: Third Friday of the month Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Businesses Contact: 640-1390 OjaiVillageExperience.com “Ojai Fiction Writing Workshop” Date: Every Thursday Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Fox’s show “Actual Reality” will be on display at the Ventura Museum until Aug. 17. THIS PAGE: The Independence Day Parade and the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival are coming up quickly.
you’ll practice setting up tents and more to get practical experience to help you camp for the first time. “Air Supply in Concert” Date: August 17 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street Contact: Contact: Tickets available at wmmts.com or call 888-645-5006 “Storytelling of the Chumash” Date: August 24 Time: 11 a.m. Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway Contact: 805-382-9759
Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org “Shakespeare Salon” Date: First and third Mondays Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 646-1639
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Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie will share stories of death and resurrection. “Jon Anderson of Yes in Concert” Date: August 30 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street Contact: Contact: Tickets available at wmmts.com or call 888-645-5006 “Herman’s Hermits in Concert” Date: August 31 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street Contact: Contact: Tickets available at wmmts.com or call 888-645-5006
“Ojai Seeker’s Bike Tour” Date: By reservation 48 hrs in advance Time: varies Meditation Mount Location: varies hosts Full Moon MedContact: 272-8102 or email ride@ itations. Check their themobshop.com or onlineat atmeditationwebsite porchgalleryojai.com mount.org or call 646Ojai bike tour features 5508agricultural, for more updates. artistic, culinary, cultural and historical landmarks in Ojai.
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SEP 6
FEATURED EVENT: BLESS YOUR HEART By Kathleen Kaiser
O
ne of the great cruelties of these times are the many ideological divides that split neighborhoods, communities, and even families. Most are manufactured in the name of patriotism, race or religion. To control people’s minds, the pretenders of righteousness prey on the young, the weak, the elderly, and more often, those in need — people they can exploit and use to their devious ends, or so many believe. The other side, the believers, strive with all their hearts that they are on the true path and see the others often as heathens.
To help bring “Bless Your Heart” to life is the teaming of Camp and director Tom Eubanks whose personal views mirror some of the characters. They bring a special dynamic to the play; Camp comes from the side of science, and Eubanks, is a bornagain believer. It’s an intriguing combination of the two men, playwright, and director, coming together.
Into this climate comes the world premiere of “Bless Your Heart” at the Ojai Art Center Theater in September, showing how one family with members of diametrically opposite points of view, can learn to accept, to renew their love, and to view the world through others eyes. And along the way, they can laugh at themselves and life. The story is a raucous mixture filled with high spirits, lots of laughter, and poignant moments centered around evolution, religion, and Elvis Presley.
“As an Evangelical Christian myself,” said Eubanks, “I don’t think this play’s subject matter conflicts with religious beliefs. The comedic storyline illuminates the legalistic elements adopted by Christians, who have forgotten that we are saved by grace. Despite what non-Christians may think, Christians love to laugh at themselves. I’m the son and father of Evangelical pastors, I recognized these characters from my own life. Most of them are good people. And they are all funny as hell.”
Written by Ojaian Richard Camp, the Artistic Director of the Ojai Art Center Theater, the story is set in the South of the early ‘90s and takes a deeper look at familial relationships. Camp brings his quick wit and perspective eye to examining how religion, science, and family are the pronounced topics in America today. And of course, there’s Elvis!
The story is about a teacher of evolutionary biology (Thomas) who returns home to the Carolinas to try and stop his seventeen-year-old brother from marrying the eighteenyear-old preacher’s daughter. While there he clashes with his evangelical mother, his ex-preacher stepfather, and his nononsense, 11-times married aunt.
“What inspired the play was my upbringing,” said Camp. “My stepfather became a Baptist preacher, with no training, no schooling. He didn’t get past the sixth grade. In the evangelical world, you get saved, and you get the call. Neither my mother nor my father had an educational path. I was not only the first person in my family to graduate from college, but I was also the first to graduate from high school. Education was an escape for me from this background.”
An outstanding cast of local favorites has been assembled for “Bless Your Heart.” Susan Kelejian portrays the mother, Martha, with David Nelson Taylor in the part of Thomas, the educated son returning home. The core of the play is based around their bond. Thomas, the professor, and his mother Martha are the dual protagonists. They serve as both sides of the core issue.
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“Tom surprised me by saying he wanted to direct,” said Camp, “since the play deals with evolution and religion.”
World Premiere of “Bless Your Heart,” written by Ojai’s Richard Camp, handles ideological questions with humor and heart
Michael Holden is the ex-preacher stepfather J.D., along with Julie Hamann as the eleven-time married tart-tongued, wickedly funny aunt who is a fanatic Elvis fan. The younger brother John David (portrayed by Chance Kelejian) is set to marry a preacher’s daughter Charlene, who turns out to be much more than she seems to be, (played by KiSea Katikka.) “The play is very personal in that way,” adds Camp, “about Thomas escaping from that strict religious world. Acknowledging that background of an evangelical home, living it, being taught that way of thinking. But then going away to college and being exposed to a variety of schools of thought, I saw there were other ideas in the world one could experience and believe and sense. There was a thing called science that you could educate yourself about, philosophy and how the world operates, not the little cocoon that many people are born into in evangelical families.” Don’t think you are walking into a storm of characters shouting past each other. The play is rich with humor but also touching and heart-wrenching. It’s a dramedy with humor throughout. “I didn’t want to be heavy-handed,” said Camp. “There’s a lot of things about family and religion that are funny, especially the aunt whose favorite phrase is ‘Butter my butt and call me a biscuit.’” Elvis became a part of the story because Camp likes Elvis and his music, and so did his mother. One of Elvis’ songs is an old spiritual he recorded called “Farther Along.” The song makes a comment that captures what the play is exactly about according to Camp. ‘Farther along, we’ll know all about it. Farther along, we’ll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all by and by.’ That is the theme of the play in an old gospel spiritual.
“I think there are a number of people in the Ojai audience who think about these issues, like what religion is doing to our country right now,” said Camp. “The difference in science and religion should be explored. I think the audiences will see that you can take a serious subject and deal with it humorously.” “I want the Christian community to see this play,” adds Eubanks. “Some Christian friends heard it ‘bashed Christians.’ I hope by openly revealing that I am an Evangelical Christian and a conservative, that the Christian community will feel welcome to come and see the play.” Characters Thomas and Martha are both redeemed by their love and compassion for each other. Their willingness to tolerate their differences through family challenges elevates their relationship with each other. They ultimately rise above their cesspool of opinions and dogma to find common ground. “The playwright and the director,” said Eubanks, “are at opposite ends of the spectrum in religion, philosophy, politically, but we have a passion for theater. Therefore, we have found common ground and bring the wealth of our joint experiences to Ojai in “Bless Your Heart.” “The entire play, from its theme to the delineation of characters is all about seeing,” says Camp. “The scientist says ’You have to see to believe.’ The Christian says ‘You have to believe to see.’ Who is right? As the great philosopher Ellen DeGeneres once said: “In the beginning there was nothing. And God said, let there be light. There was still nothing, but you could see it better.”
Runs September 6 – September 29 OjaiTheater.org.
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FEATURED PRO
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie Chumash Elder on Ojai’s Sacred Traditions Interview by Leslee Goodman Photo by Graham Dunn SPECIAL EVENT: “STORYTELLING OF THE CHUMASH” AUGUST 24, 11 A.M. WHEELER GORGE VISITOR CENTER
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie wears
her history well. The tribal leader of the Barbareño-Ventureño band of Chumash, a subset of people who numbered in the tens of thousands before the arrival of the Spanish, she is the spokesperson for Ojai’s original inhabitants and culture — a role she carries with seemingly endless patience, as she explains yet again that Ojai does not mean “nest” but “moon,” and advocates for her culture’s vanishing ways and sacred sites. Church baptism records show that her family is one of only two to have resided continuously in the Valley since the days of the early missions. OQ: How long have the Chumash people lived in the Ojai Valley? Tumamait: Anthropologists say that our ancestors have been here at least 12,000 years—longer than all recorded history. Mitochondrial DNA from the remains of a body found on Santa Rosa Island date back 13,500 years, making this the oldest recorded being on the North American continent. Artifacts from a village located in what is now Libbey Park date back 9,000-10,000 years. Although its age is not known, the village of “?Ahwa’y,” which was located in the upper valley and from which the name “Ojai” is derived, was still occupied at the arrival of the Spanish. Many people don’t realize that
Chumash territory extended 7,000 square miles—from Malibu in the south to Monterey County in the north, to the edge of the San Joaquin Valley in the east, and west to the Channel Islands of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel. Chumash people traveled and traded amongst the various bands, but our languages retained their distinctions. Most of us are scattered now and only the Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians is federally recognized. Nevertheless, remains of our culture have been found in all of these places. In 2002, I created the BarbareñoVentureño Band of Mission Indians as a nonprofit so that those of us with local Chumash ancestry could find and support each other in honoring and reviving our culture. OQ: What are the most important aspects of Chumash culture to honor and revive? Tumamait: Oh, there are so many. Bringing back the language is a major one. The realization that the culture is still alive is another. Our culture is not just a collection of artifacts; it’s a different approach to life, based on a realization that the Earth is sacred. This isn’t just a Chumash belief; it’s common to all indigenous peoples. I’d like to create a place in Ojai where people could come and experience that approach. Where kids and adults could get their hands in the dirt and
grow Native plants; where they could gather Native grasses and pine needles and weave baskets; where they could collect and pound acorns; where they could learn about eating seasonally; where they could commune with nature and appreciate the natural abundance we are so fortunate to have in this Valley. Human beings evolved on a seasonal diet, but now, all foods are available all the time, and it’s not healthy. I’d like a center in Ojai to be a place where people could perform ceremonies and honor and celebrate the seasons as we used to. It’s also important to recognize and preserve what’s left of our sacred and historic sites — especially because so many have already been lost, built upon, or destroyed. For example, the way our Valley is surrounded by mountains is what gave rise to the belief that “Ojai” meant “nest,’ yet it is these very mountains that are threatened by the installation of cell towers and weather stations. These mountains were not only sacred to our ancestors, they remain sacred. It’s up to all of us to protect them — not simply to honor history, nor to “stand in the way of progress,” but to recognize the value of something besides progress. It’s about realizing that sometimes what you’ve got is worth keeping the way it is. Portions of this story were reprinted from the Winter 2012 issue of Ojai Quarterly.
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There’s no place like home ... Let me find yours.
Sitting perfectly on over an acre of land with citrus fruits and a driveway of Cypress trees. Located minutes away from trails, organic grocer, coffee shops and yoga studio. This home has the modern design that unites family spirit, cozy atmosphere and large open spaces. Recently renovated, this light filled house has a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors and custom doors leading out to a private backyard. The property’s meandering paths lead to an artist studio and a sleeping cottage. This home is made for a true Ojai lifestyle.
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READY TO DOWNSIZE? The one-time rule that might change your life!
By Therese A. Hartmann
Having bought my home many years ago, and thanks to Proposition 13, I have a property tax payment that reflects the lower purchase price of my home. The low property taxes is often the No. 1 reason why folks aren’t willing to considering a move. But what happens when all the kids have moved out or you can’t climb the stairs anymore and the home is really just not in keeping with a current lifestyle? If you scale down to a smaller home, does that mean you now have to pay property taxes of 1.25 percent of a new purchase price? If you, like so many, thought this was the case, I have very good news for you! Under Proposition 60/90, California homeowners who are 55 or older can take advantage of a one-time opportunity to sell 26
their primary residence and transfer the property tax assessment to a new primary residence. This must be done within 2 years of the sale of your old home and can even apply to new construction! The new home MUST be of equal or lesser value from the one being sold, perfect for those wishing to downsize. Now, not all counties in California participate in this program so you’ll need to check your county and the county you want to buy a home in. For example, you can transfer from Los Angeles County to Ventura County or from Ventura County to Ventura County. Easiest way to check and apply for this program is to go to the State Board of Equalization website at boe.ca.gov/ proptaxes/prop60-90_55over to find out more. You might be very glad you did! OM — August 2019
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.
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Down Home Furnishings ONE OF A KIND
furniture & art • custom upholstery • rugs window coverings • interior design
250 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 805.640.7225 DownHomeFurnishings.com 28
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MY OJAI GARDEN BY LESLIE LIPPINCOTT HIDLEY
T
The house won’t miss me at all and besides, it has the other ladies:both women of mystery, so you don’t even get their initials: One a best-selling author who is working on another book and the other, a retired ballerina who has claimed the title of Upper Gardener and is now supervising the vegetable beds and feeding us.
he apricots have come and gone; the plums just finished and we are now full-on nectarines and figs: the little garden earns her keep. August is not a typical month to refresh a garden, but ours is not a typical garden. The state of the trees and tree stumps was recently evaluated. (We had to cut down the mystery tree last month — it was dead and we are left with a monstrous tangle of trunks coming out of the ground.) We figured out where to put a new avocado tree, where to plant the starving lime trees that I’ve been keeping in the too-small pots, the good spots for two new blood oranges and yes, that tiny old apple tree has got to go. And also, that I could give rhododendrons a whirl in the shade of the south fence if I can get the soil decent. So the limes got planted, symmetrically— I can’t help myself — one next to the tea house and one opposite by the house. I will put plumbago in their old pots on either side of the steps to the patio by the boxwood hedge. The plumbago in honor of the new housemate, unnamed (as she is a woman of mystery) as it is native to South Africa, as she is. Ok— enough already…. You get the idea. Except I forgot to tell you about the raspberries, which will go over by the spot where the apple tree will have been. My grandmother grew raspberries. All grandmothers should grow raspberries. I am almost never inside the house. I spend all my time in the garden or on the back porch — which is adjacent to the patio — which is adjacent to the lawn — which is adjacent to the garden. I have always wanted a hut of my own. Maybe from reading German fairytales. Everybody lived in a hut in the forest. It occurred to me the other morning, I have a hut: the tea house! So when I figure out how to configure it, I will sort of move into the tea house and live in the garden.
It was never my intention to have housemates, other than temporarily here and there. But one day I was on Facebook — this was after the fire, and a woman who had been burned out of her place had a post that said she was desperate and needed housing of some kind. And I thought, what the heck. If she’s desperate, she can stay here till she finds something permanent and, by the time the story ended, she did, and permanent was here. And the ballerina came a similar way: a pal said to me after Mass one day, “I have a friend who’s about to be out of housing. Do you know anyone who has a place?” and I thought and I thought and I realized — heck! I have another bedroom. She could stay with me, too. So that worked out. I guess that’s a suggestion for you. If you want to enrich your life and you have an extra bedroom, share your home. Not primarily as a money-making venture — though you will probably charge rent. It needn’t be at the top of the market, why would it? But housing in Ojai is a serious problem. And housing at the bottom of the market — or out of the market — is beyond a problem, it’s the park. So if you feel called to do so, consider sharing your extra bedrooms. Modestly. My life is graced by the company of these two lovely mysterious women that I won’t tell you any more about.
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MY IDEAL OJAI DAY
Suzanne Feldman, Director of Advancement Monica Ros School
Deep in the trenches of parenting small children, I must admit that my mind splits and one vision of my ideal Ojai day involves a quiet hike alone in the hills, a quiet coffee alone, a quiet swim alone. The key words here being quiet and alone. Yet it is the other vision of my ideal day that I choose; the day full of community and color, family and fun, Ojai experiences with my fellow residents of this Valley of the Moon. This deep little pocket of a valley isn’t a “practical” place to decide to live, you choose Ojai because you are willing to forgo many practical things to experience the magic of living in such a place. My ideal Ojai day begins early. Every day does. No matter how many glasses of wine mama had the night before, my boys are up by 7 a.m. and ready to wrestle. We throw open the doors and let the boys run outside to ride around on balance bikes, swing from various tree swings and hammocks, throw a Frisbee at each other’s heads. First, we are off to Monica Ros School, a truly magical place in the East End that has instilled a love of learning in generations of Ojai children for nearly 75 years. My husband attended Monica Ros, and prior to us even being married I knew that one day I wanted to live in Ojai with him and have children that attended the lovely little school. When we first moved to Ojai I served as the Director of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, where I still participate on the board, and I was able to involve myself in some heavier issues facing kids. OVYF runs amazing programs focused on empowerment, self-expression, and leadership for all teenagers in Ojai. Today my work resides at Monica Ros and I must admit being surrounded by so much happiness, so much glitter and google eyes and giggling, feels fantastic. After school it’s time to head to town. What a country mouse I’ve become, “heading to town.” The new Libbey Park playground is too fun, the giant merry-go-round piece is not to
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be missed. Afterwards cross the street to Ojai Ice Cream for a treat; we always debate over getting the mint with oreo or rainbow sherbet. I’ll lie and say Serendipity is already closed so we don’t have to get into why neither of the boys need any more Beanie Boos in their beds. On the way home I’ll wonder if sneaking out and riding bikes to Chief’s Peak is in the cards that evening … maybe tomorrow … I’ll text a babysitter. When dad’s home from work we get one last minute of Ojai loveliness with a walk around the neighborhood. There’s a small cul-de-sac off our street that opens up to fields with horses and views of the Topa Topas. Rabbits hop across the road. I think how right this place is. This deep little pocket of a valley we are lucky enough to call home. Here we are, barefooted and dusty, in a little town with two stop lights to navigate and a crew of crazy characters to call friends. Reprinted from the November 2016 issue.
• BOOKS
• LEGO
• SCIENCE TOYS
• PLAYMOBIL
• MUSICAL TOYS
• PUZZLES
• KITES
• ART TOYS
• PLANES FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1979 221 E. Matilija Street in Downtown Ojai (805) 646-2585 Open Monday - Saturday, 10 - 5:30 Sundays from 10 - 3
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Seven Ways to Cool Down Your Dog By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela
Summer has arrived and our furry friends are definitely feeling the heat. Dogs do not have as many options as humans when it comes to cooling off on a hot day, so it is up to us to make sure they are safe and comfortable when temperatures rise. Aside from obviously never leaving your dogs in the car on a hot day, here are seven ways you can help your pups beat the heat. 1. Make sure they have cool, clean, fresh water. Before you head out for the day, make sure your dogs have at least two large water bowls with cool, fresh water. If you have multiple dogs, you may need more bowls; just make sure you have more than one option in case they knock one over or empty it before you get home. Make sure the bowls are in the shade, and you can add ice cubes to help keep them cooler longer. 2. Bring water and a water bowl everywhere you go. If you are leaving home with your dogs, make sure to bring water and a water bowl with you. There are many portable options available, such as collapsible water bowls or water bottles with an attached receptacle for drinking. Offer your dogs water regularly while you are out. 3. Check the ground temperature
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before walking them. If the dirt, sand, concrete or asphalt is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is too hot for your dogs to walk on as well. Wait until the sun goes down and the ground cools off or purchase protective booties to help keep their paws safe. 4. Make sure they have plenty of shade. If your dogs need to be outside, make sure they have plenty of shaded options where they can lie down and cool off. If you do not have a covered patio or trees to do the trick, inexpensive shade sails are a great way to quickly add shade to your backyard or dog run. Also keep in mind that doghouses can get hot and stuffy on hot days, so while a doghouse is great for protecting your dogs from the rain and colder temperatures, they are not always the best shade options for your pups. 5. Keep them inside with fans or air conditioning. If at all possible, keep your dogs inside during the hottest parts of the day. They will appreciate cooler temperatures and better air flow from fans, swamp coolers or air conditioning units just as much as you do. If you do not have central air conditioning, you can purchase one or more inexpensive fans and place them in areas where your dogs like to hang out. If you are using fans to help keep your dogs (and
OM — August 2019
you) cool, make sure they have grates with small openings to protect your dogs or other pets from the fan blades. 6. Offer them cooler places to lie down. Save the fluffy dog beds for winter (or cooler summer nights) and opt for cots. Raised cots allow air to flow beneath the bed, which will help keep your dogs cooler in summer. Place the cot in the shade and, if possible, avoid placing it on concrete or asphalt. Some cots come with attached canopies to make sure your dogs can enjoy shade throughout the day. 7. Offer your dogs frozen treats. Frozen treats made just for dogs are widely available at pet stores and can help your dogs cool off on hot days. If you don’t happen to have any store-bought, frozen treats on hand, you can also try offering them plain ice cubes or you can make frozen treats with broth and water or blended berries and plain yogurt. Side note: Dogs primarily cool themselves off through their respiratory system. If you have snub-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs, Shih Tzus and pugs, their smaller nasal passages make it more difficult for them to release heat through panting. You will need to be even more diligent to make sure your snub-nosed dogs are safe and comfortable on hot days.
Donna Sallen
Nestled on over an acre of land, this Italian Villa inspired estate is just minutes from downtown Ojai. This impressive family home is perfect for entertaining with the formal dining opening to the light filled formal living room with an elegant marble fireplace. The kitchen is open to the den with a large fireplace and overlooks the huge covered deck for relaxing. A charm filled master suite is warmed with a corner fireplace and lots of windows. There are marble and hardwood floors throughout and nearly every room opens to the amazing backyard. With a huge pool, a cooks dream outdoor kitchen, nanny’s quarters, a treehouse, (not just for the kids), and a variety of fruit trees and Majestic oaks this home has something to offer all your friends and family. There is a three car garage and plenty of parking. This completely fenced, gated and secluded property is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and Libbey park.Â
Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l . c o m
There’s no place like home ... Let me find yours.
WHO’S WHO
IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?
TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL ROSS @ 805-207-5094
Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 805640-0654 Cell: 805-7469055 marsha.kaye@ homebridge. com
Anne Williamson Keller Williams Realty Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314
805-798-1998
Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net
Kirk Ellison LIV Sotheby’s International Realty KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905
Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors Donna4Remax@aol.com DonnaSallen. com 805-798-0516
Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Call me for your Real Estate needs. 805-340-3774
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Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Amanda Stanworth LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Phone: 805-2188117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web: Rooney-Stanworth.com
Stephen Adelman Broker Associate “Your Family Man Realtor” LIV Sotheby’s realestateojai@ gmail.com ojailuxuryrealestate.com 805-640-5563
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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
Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734
Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254
Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com
THIRD FRIDAYS IN OJAI
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
Teresa Rooney LIV Sotheby’s International Realty teresarooneyhomes@ sbcglobal.net 805-340-8928
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 St. #100 Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com
Dawn E. Shook - Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS Have you attended the Ojai Third Friday Experience? You must! Our Third Friday in downtown Ojai is filled with music, art, shopping, dining, and much more! Many U.S. cities and towns have a special day each month in their downtown areas offering their wares to visitors and residents, as well. OVA (Ojai Valley Artists) began our Third Friday Experience in Ojai many years ago. We now find more and more local residents and visitors at this monthly event, enjoying what our downtown Ojai shops have to offer. Our second half of the year events will be held on: Aug 16, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, and Dec 20, 2019. “Shop Local, It Really Matters” is our Logo on OjaiVillageExperience.com. We hope to see more residents, visitors, and anyone who would like to enjoy an evening in downtown Ojai from 5:30-7:30pm, on the Third Friday of each month....Never know what you will see, find, and experience in Ojai. See you at the next Third Friday in town!
Deckert / DePaola Keller Williams Realty Cheryl Deckert, Broker Associate Ray Deckert, Broker Associate Maria DePaola, Realtor Associate Team@DeckertDePaola.com 805-272-5221
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BLUE IGUANA INN & SUITES Spanish-style inn offering rooms, suites & cottages with Southwest décor. Easy access to the Ojai Valley Trail. 11794 Ventura Ave | (805) 646-5277 blueiguanainn.com CAPRI MOTEL Hip, quirky option with retro rooms and cool pool scene. Free Wi-Fi 1180 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4305 hotelojai.com CARAVAN OUTPOST A beautifully curated garden of Airstreams, located in the heart of Ojai. Free wi-fi, nightly entertainment, dog friendly, complimentary bicycles, camp store. Instagram: @caravanoutpost Web: caravanoutpost.com 317 Bryant Street I (805) 836-4891. CHANTICO INN & SUITES Relaxed, cozy rooms in a Mission-style hotel offering free breakfast & WiFi, plus an outdoor pool. 406 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-8100 chanticoinnsuites.com
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EMERALD IGUANA INN Upscale inn with lush gardens, pool, hot tub, spa services, breakfast, & rooms with local artwork. 108 Pauline St | (805) 646-5277 emeraldiguana.com HUMMINGBIRD INN Lodge-like inn offering modern, casual rooms, plus free wi-fi breakfast, & an outdoor pool. Across the street from Soule Park Golf Course. 1208 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4365 hummingbirdinnojai.com LAVENDER INN Quaint bed-and-breakfast in an 1874 building featuring country-style rooms, plus a spa, yoga & cooking classes. In the heart of downtown Ojai. 210 East Matilja St | (805) 646-6635 lavenderinn.com
OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA Upscale Spanish-style hacienda with contemporary rooms & a spa, pool, golf & several restaurants. One of California’s premier destinations. 905 Country Club Road | (855) 6978780 ojairesort.com OAKRIDGE INN Functional budget hotel offering an outdoor pool, plus complimentary continental breakfast & WiFi. 780 North Ventura Ave | (805) 6494018 oakridgeinn.com OJAI RETREAT Serene, hilltop bed-and-breakfast offering traditional rooms, some with terraces, plus a buffet breakfast & yoga. 160 Besant Road | (805) 646-2536 ojairetreat.com
THE OAKS AT OJAI Serene weight-loss retreat offering 3 meals daily, plus a wellness spa & free fitness classes. 122 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-5573 oaksspa.com
PEPPER TREE RETREAT & EDUCATION CENTER An oasis for the mind in a peaceful setting where individuals, couples and small groups can relax and enjoy the beauty of the valley. 1130 McAndrew Road (877) 355-5986 peppertreeretreat.com
OJAI RANCHO INN Borders Ojai Valley Trail, easy stroll to downtown. Hip, rustic-style inn offering country-chic rooms, plus free Wi-fi, a pool & a sauna. 615 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-1434 ojairanchoinn.com
SU NIDO INN Artfully designed, Mission-style inn with traditional rooms, with stunning courtyard, an easy walk to downtown. Free Wi-Fi 301 North Montgomery Street (805) 646-7080 sunidoinn.com
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CHEF RANDY
Fruit Punch: The Cool Drink for Hot Days Here’s a nonalcoholic old-school summer cooler that is sure to wet your whistle on a hot summer day. I’ve been making it and serving it to kids of all ages for over 30 years. Good addition to your traditional beverages at your next barbecue. INGREDIENTS: FRUIT PUNCH 6 ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed) 6 ounce can frozen lemonade (thawed) 1 quart chilled apple juice (or cider) 2 quarts chilled ginger ale 1 pint orange sherbet (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Randy Graham is a writer, author, and private chef. He enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens. His food is often called “vegetarian comfort food.” He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog, Willow. Robin and Willow are not vegetarians.
Healthy
Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large punch bowl with a capacity of approximately 128 ounces. Spoon orange sherbet on top of punch (if using) and serve immediately.
Quick + Easy
Summer OM — August 2019
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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
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traditional
SAGE MINDFUL MEALS The full farm-to-table experience 217 East Matilija Street, Ojai Phone: (805) 646-9204 sagemindfulmeals.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 SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE BAR & GRILL Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com
Visit our Honey Tasting Room 206 East Ojai Avenue, in the Arcade, downtown Ojai Ask us about our Honey Club! www.heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103
Celebrating 32 Years Breakfast
•
Lunch
•
Dinner
Open Daily 8 am to 10 pm (Call for summer hours) Home of the $2.50 Mimosas and $4 Bloody Marys and Margaritas. All Day, Everyday.
Sea FreSh SeaFood
Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Fresh Fish Market
805-646-7747
• 533 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
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OJAI HIKES
7 WAYS TO GET LOST By Bret Bradigan
1. SHELF ROAD Directions: From Ojai Avenue, head north on Signal Street until it ends. Length: 3.5 miles return trip. Difficulty: Easy. It takes about an hour at a brisk pace to walk the length of the trail and back between the trailheads at either North Signal Street or Gridley Road. This hike is perfect for visitors or residents to get “ the lay of the land” in Ojai. It is also one of the most “dog friendly” walks around.
2. VENTURA RIVER BOTTOM TRAILS Directions: From Highway 150, there’s a trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead just north of the intersection with Lomita Road. Also from South Rice, take a right on Meyer Road to the Oso Trailhead. Length: Varies. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Three trailheads lead you into the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s 1,600-acre Ventura River Preserve. This three-mile stretch of the Ventura River offers a spectacular glimpse into old-growth oak canopy, splendid vistas from rocky ridgelines, deep swimming holes, lush fern grottoes, rare wildflowers and many miles of trails to choose from.
3. PRATT TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north on Signal Street and drive about 1.2 miles until you see the Forest Service sign on the left. The trailhead is a further half-mile. Length: 4.4 miles to Nordhoff Ridge. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The Pratt Trail criss-crosses a seasonal stream through the backyards of private properties before opening onto a natural bowl formed by the slope of Nordhoff Ridge. Follow the signs through about two miles of dry and dusty switchbacks until you reach the ridgeline. From there, it’s another two steep, dusty miles to Nordhoff Peak, 4,426 feet above sea level.
4. GRIDLEY TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn on the Gridley Road.
Photo by Caitlin Petersen
Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. Length: 3 miles to the Gridley Springs, 6 miles to Nordhoff Peak. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Elevation gain: 1,200 feet to the springs. This trail, at the north end of Gridley Road just to the left before the gates to Hermitage Ranch, begins with a steep climb, then follows an orchard road through avocado trees before making a northeastward turn along the rocky western flank of the mountainside. The trail winds along the steep flank of the mountain until it enters the cool, dense side canyon wherein lies Gridley Springs.
6. COZY DELL TRAIL Directions: Head east on the Maricopa Highway (Highway 33) for 3.3 miles. The turnout is on the left, just before and across from Friend’s Ranch packing house.. Cross the street to the trailhead. Length: 1.9 miles to Cozy Dell Creek. Difficulty: Moderate. The trail begins along a seasonal creek and quickly climbs about 640 feet in elevation along a well-forested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular views of the Ojai Valley.
7. MIDDLE FORK OF MATILIJA CANYON Directions: Head east on Highway 33 for about 4.7 miles to Matilija Canyon Road. Follow the road to the end — about another two miles. Length: Up to 7 miles (14 miles return). Difficulty: Moderate. Follow the trailhead at the end of Matilija Canyon Road through the gated property to the west side of the creek. The trail, more of a one-track road at this point, heads towards the gates of Blue Heron Ranch, a historic farm with orange and lemon groves. The trail then clambers through thickening chaparral scrub for another 1.5 miles until you can see tilted slabs of weathered granite and a long, green pool to the right. The trail descends back into the creekside sycamore and willow forest through a series of campsites, swimming holes and geologic marvels. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads you to the fabled Three Falls of the Matilija.
OQ | HI K I NG 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) 5 HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft | Goes to the Pines. 8 ROSE VALLEY 1mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft Rose Valley Falls.
3
4
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.
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7
COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft | Middle Fork.
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SISAR CANYON 22mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft |Topa Topa Bluffs.
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Sulphur Mountain Road.
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One & Only
LA Times Says “RAINS Don't Miss It”
www.rainsofojai.com 42
218 E Ojai Avenue OM — August 2019
(805) 646-1441
SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES
1014 Creekside Way #G, 2 bed, 1.50 bath, 1,119 Sq. Ft. Listed $439,000. Sold $418,000 202 North Carrillo Road #D, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,583 Sq. Ft. Listed $515,000. Sold $485,000 902 Sunset Place, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,214 Sq. Ft. Listed $529,000. Sold $510,000 168 North La Luna Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,419 Sq. Ft. $515,000. Sold $515,000 347 Arnaz Street, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,093 Sq. Ft. Listed $499,000. Sold $521,000 1101 Mercer Avenue, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,448 Sq. Ft. Listed $659,000. Sold $635,000 407 El Paseo Road, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,356 Sq. Ft. Listed $659,000. Sold $659,000 922 Ayers Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,352 Sq. ft. Listed $680,000. Sold $676,500 153 Padre Juan Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,265 sq. Ft. Listed $825,000. Sold 775,000
Sq. Ft. Listed $820,000. Sold $800,000 1049 Loma Drive, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,424 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,049,000. Sold $1,100,000
Ojai Valley Real estate Sales/Property Management/Notary (across from Ojai Farmers Market)
FOR RENT OR LEASE DOWNTOWN OJAI
309 South Signal Street, 5 bed, 3.5 bath, 2,610 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,395,000. Sold $1,210,750
x
820 Foothill Lane, 5 bed, 4 bath, 4,244 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,398,000. Sold $1,300,000 3400 Thacher Road, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,581 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,569,000. Sold $1,350,000 504 Eucalyptus Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 3,803 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,780,000. Sold $1,825,000 621 Del Norte Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 3,803 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,780,000. Sold $1,825,000 4440 Grand Avenue, 6 bed, 4 bath, 4,000 Sq. Ft. Listed $2,195,000. Sold $2,050,000 4403 Thacher Road, 3 bed, 3 bath, n/a Sq. Ft. Listed $16,000,000. Sold $12,800,000
Office space from $250 to $3,000 per month Furnished/Unfurnished 200 square feet to 2,500 square feet First floor or second floor Month-to-month or long leases available CALL RON AT 646-4911
1017 Sunset Place, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,797 Sq. Ft. Listed $849,000. Sold $785,000
221East Matilija Street, Ojai 805-646-4911 ojaivalleyrealestate.com
209 South Montgomery Street, 2 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,060 OM — August 2019
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FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the buildbing of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade, others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few: Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement. J 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.
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
WEATHER IN OJAI Ave. High (°F) Ave. Low Jan 67 36 Feb 67 38 March 70 41 April 74 43 May 78 48 June 83 51 July 89 56 Aug. 91 55 Sept. 87 53 Oct. 80 47 Nov. 73 40 Dec. 66 35 Average Annual Rainfall:
Precip. 5.04 5.24 3.35 1.22 .47 .12 .04 .005 .2 .98 1.69 2.95 21.3
Record High Year 115° 2018
Population:
7,461
Valley: (est.)
21,300
Record Low Year 16° 1990
Households::
3,176
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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:
745
OM — August 2019
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.”
OM — August 2019
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We know Ojai. ESCROW
106+ Acre Country Retreat with Mountain and Lake Views, Horse Facilities & Exquisite, Custom, Stone House LuckyQRanchOjai.com Price Upon Request
ESCROW
Five-Bedroom, five-Bathroom English Tudor manor on 1.91 acres in Saddle Mountain with amazing views, well-manicured grounds, separate guest suite, room for horses. $1,325,000
36-acre Upper Ojai Ranch with Caretaker’s House, Guest Quarters, Saloon, Rec Building and Amazing Views. OjaiParadiseRanch.com $2,999,000
Three-Bedroom, two-Bathroom with covered porch, fireplace, breakfast bar, gated parking, barn, corral, and shared well. $899,000
ESCROW
One Bedroom, one Bath with separate office/studio, fireplace, well-designed gardens and outdoor living areas, fruit trees, and mountain views. $539,000
3 BR, 2.5 BA Rancho La Vista Estates home with recent upgrades, Fireplace, gated RV parking, views, and common area with Pool, Barbecue, Basketball court. $709,000
The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com
Nora Davis
BRE License #01046067
805.207.6177
nora@ojaivalleyestates.com
We’re lifelong residents.
Four Bedroom Arbolada Home with two fireplaces, Separate Office & Saltwater Pool 802ElToroRoad.com $1,749,000
Custom four-Bedroom Home on 5.43 acres near Downtown with Formal Living & Dining, Butler’s Pantry and Much More. 1436NorthMontgomeryStreet.com $1,799,000
5-Bedroom Horse Property with Guest House, Pool, Horse Facilities and Views 1577KenewaStreet.com $2,199,000
Remodeled 4BR + 2.5 BA Farmhouse on 3+ Acres with Guest House, Barn, Solar Panels and Orchard 990LomaDrive.com $1,497,500
Four-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom Daly Ranch Estates home with open floor plan, fireplaces, swimming pools and beautiful mountain views. $729,000
Rare opportunity to buy Gateway Plaza! Oak View shopping center with long-term occupants, large parking lot and great location. $1,679,000
Kellye Lynn
Ramiro Martinez
805.798.0322
805.620-2884
BRE License #01962469
BRE License #002075263
G A B R I E L A C E S E ÑA
CAL BRE# 01983530 Realtor | Luxury Specialist Berkshire Hathaway
Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction. Driven by passion for the work I do 805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com
As Cute & Charming as they come | Great Views – Ojai Pink Moment. Terrific neighourhood | 3 Bd | 2 Bt | 1,468 Sqf | 8,631 Sq.ft lot Asking $749,000
Exclusive Arbolada Neighborhood | Revitalized Modern Ranch House | Park-Like 1.23 acres | 5 Bd | 3 Bt | 3,803 Sq.ft | Pool Asking $1,780,000
Meticulous Mediterranean Townhome Villa | Pool & Spa Midtown | 3 Br | 3 Bt | 2,898 Sq.ft of Bliss Asking $1,495,000