Ojai Monthly - December 2021

OJAI 12 21 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

FEATURED PRO: VICTORIA’S STATION WHERE TO HIKE & EAT IN OJAI TOP TIPS FOR THE OJAI LIFE Cover: Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company • 805-890-9340 • See Page 15 For More Information Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

UPPER OJAI 22 ACRE LOT This 22 acre lot on Koenigstein Road presents a rare opportunity to build a fabulous estate or a private mountain getaway. With multiple buildings sites and ample usable land, the lot has unsurpassed, panoramic views of the Topa Topa Bluffs, the Santa Ynez mountains, and the entire Upper Ojai Valley. Graced with three seasonal streams, moss-covered, sculptural native boulders and a variety of majestic oaks, the land has a wild, magical quality that is immediately palpable. There is an existing private well and an additional one-third interest in a shared well. It has a paved driveway, easily accessed from highway 150 halfway bet ween Ojai and Santa Paula, and lies within the Ojai Valley Unified School district.

UpperOjai22AcreLot.com

Offered at $1,250,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

25 years matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

CASA DE LOS ENCINOS

This grand, spa-like 5,931sqft 7br/5½ba Hacienda style estate on 2.35 acres in Rancho Matilija is walled and gated for maximum privacy. The main house has beamed ceilings, a grand foyer, a formal dining room, a spacious great room and multiple fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen has Wolf appliances, an indoor barbeque, and a walk-in pantry. The primary bedroom suite has a covered patio, an adjoining office and spectacular views of the Topa Topas. The 400 sqft primary bath includes a sauna, steam shower, a jetted tub, 2 walk-in closets and a patio with an outdoor shower. A 4-car garage has a bedroom, a bathroom and a private theater with luxurious seating. There is a 2br/2ba guest house with full kitchen. The pool/jacuzzi area has a fire pit, a covered patio with a cabana and BBQ. The beautifully landscaped grounds include an orchard and a private well for irrigation.

12147LindaFloraAveOjai.com $4,500,000

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

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OM — December 2021

Lynn Goodman 805.573.5927

Ojai

Heather Erickson

805.798.3358

CA

Riley Becker

805.646.6768

est. 1914 reopening 2022

ojaiplayhouse.com

@ojaiplayhouse OM — December 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2021

7

Editor’s Note

11

Calendar of Events

12

Featured Pros: Victoria Bortolussi

18

Fixer Uppers v. Dream Homes

20 How To ‘Halloween’ Your House 21

Ojai Founding Fathers & Mothers

22

Who’s Who in Real Estate

24

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

25

Chef Randy: Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls

27

Sold In Ojai

29

Self-Propelled Into Ojai’s Backcountry

Editor & Publisher / Bret Bradigan Uta Ritke / Creative Director David Taylor / Sales Manager Liz Spiller / Social Media Manager Ross Falvo / Distribution Manager Cover: Ojai Valley Trail Riding Co. Contact Us: 805.798.0177 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.

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OJAI 12 21 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

FEATURED PRO: VICTORIA’S STATION WHERE TO HIKE & EAT IN OJAI TOP TIPS FOR THE OJAI LIFE Cover: Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company • 805-890-9340 • See Page 15 For More Information Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — December 2021

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21

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY GREAT GENDER BENDERS "The search for truth is more precious than its possession.” — Gotthold Lessing

Bret Bradigan

A few of my friends are dealing with their children questioning and exploring gender identities and while they are being supportive, this fluidity is a new thing for them to absorb. It wasn’t like this when we were growing up, even when my kids were growing up. It’s a Generation Z innovation for it to be so open and accepted. It’s taking me some time to understand it, and yet I am getting there.

Living in Ojai will do that for you. You question your assumptions and are the better for it.

It’s taken me decades to realize that there’s great power in gender fluidity. Growing up on a farm with Great Depression-era parents and a World War II hero dad, there was a bright clear line between men and women. It had served us well with a clear division of labor and the partnerships it takes to thrive in the harsh farming life.

But I’m coming to understand that if you want to be a whole, fully realized human being you must seek that balance of masculine and feminine energies in yourself. Carl Jung called those forces ‘‘anima’’ and ‘‘animus.’’

History is replete with examples: Alexander the Great’s feminine traits were part of his mastery over his men; he was clean shaven when other Macedonian men were bearded, his adoption of Persian clothes and customs gave him an epicene look that added to his air of mystery.

A more recent example is Frederick the Great of Prussia. Born far down the order of succession, his older brothers died in infancy. His militaristic father loathed Frederick for his effeminate mannerisms and for the time he spent dancing, at theater, writing books of philosophy and composing music, some of which is still performed. He was a virtuoso flute player. Born today, he’d probably become a rainbow flag warrior with a love of gender-bending costumes and dramas.

Tensions between father and son got so bad at one point, that Frederick, having formed a close attachment to another Prussian officer, tried to escape. His father threatened to have his son executed, then tried to have him removed from the succession in favor of a younger brother. The king had Frederick’s friend and likely lover, Hans Herman von Katte, publicly beheaded, and forced Frederick to watch.

It didn’t stop with the death of his tyrant father. His younger brothers, who rode at the head of the armies that Frederick controlled, also loathed him. One brother, Prince Heinrich, moaned, “If only it had pleased God to give our dead mother a miscarriage on January 24, 1712.”

And yet his subjects came to love him. Mostly for his astonishing military victories, but also because of his exuberance for the arts and architecture, building the Berlin State Opera and State Library, which still stand today.

He earned his title ‘‘The Great’’ honestly.

I’m not sure why Frederick the Great isn’t more remembered today. It could be that he’s been shadowbanned by history because Hitler, among others, extolled him for his military victories, or that he’s been simply been obscured by the mists of time. But I propose him as a role model for young people coming to grips with their gender dynamics, or those like myself who seek to understand.

OM — December 2021

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SEAVING SRNTR RA RRA & VENTURA COUNTIES

Joe Ramos | Graham Goodfield | Mary Mormann | Kerry Mormann | Brad Berch

LOCAL

LEGACY PROPERTY | 6,500 AC RANCHO CAÑADA LARGA | $27,650,000

SOLD | 40 AC AVOCADO RANCH CASITAS PASS | VENTURA | $2,750,000

Kerry Mormann & Associates is the Gold Standard for Ranch and Lifestyle properties along the Central Coast of California. With over 75 years of experience, our team holds the highest level of hospitality, community relations and expertise in Ranch, Land, Agriculture, Residential and Luxury Real Estate. We are steadfast in our commitment to our clients with decades of regional knowledge and care.

LISTINGS

LOTS 12 + 16 IN ESCROW | RANCHO MONTE ALEGRE

2,862± AC | CARPINTERIA | $35,000,000

IN ESCROW | RANCHO DEL CIELO AVOCADO RANCH | $1,150,000

121 AC | TORO CANYON PARK OFFERED AT $5,500,000

Buying or Selling? Contact us today: (805) 682-3242 | www.CoastalRanch.com DRE: 00598625

©2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

8 OM — December 2021

Now available at

frontier paint

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(805) 798-2158 | HEARTLOANS@SBCGLOBAL.NET | HEARTLOANS.COM 236 W. OJAI AVE., SUITE 105, OJAI CA 93023 This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. C2 Financial Corporation is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate, Broker # 01821025; NMLS # 135622. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender review of information. All loan approvals are conditional and all conditions must be met by borrower. Loan is only approved when lender has issued approval in writing and is subject to the Lender conditions. Specified rates may not be available for all borrowers.

Rate subject to change with market conditions. C2 Financial Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker/Lender. BRE #01048403 NMLS #298981

OM — December 2021

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F New Year!

g n i h s louri

WISHING OUR OJAI COMMUNITY A

@flo u r i s h oja i W W W. F LO U R I S H OJA I .CO M

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

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OM — December 2021

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS WEEKLY

galleries

Certified Farmers Market

(Image credit: Ivon Hitchens, Algerian Woman No. 1, 1948, oil on canvas © 2021 Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York / DACS, London)

TO DECEMBER 12 Ivon Hitchens: “Nudes” Times: Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Location: canvas and paper, 311 north montgomery street Contact: canvasandpaper.org Free admission — canvas and paper is a non-profit exhibition space showing paintings and drawings from the 20th century and earlier in thematic and single artist exhibits.

Contact: canvasandpaper.org TO JANUARY 3 “Before the Wilt:” Works by Renée A Fox & Mary Warner Location: Porch Gallery 310 East Matilija Street Times: Thursday to Monday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guest curated by China Adams Before The Wilt features the work of painters Renee´ Fox and Mary Warner. Both accentuate the flower through dramatic scale, rich color and Realism (in places verging on Hyper-Realism). Poised at either ends of the life-cycle spectrum, seen together, the work of Fox and Warner act symbolically to suggest a kind of bookending to the compressed floral life-cycle.

Contact: 805-620-7589 porchgalleryojai.com DECEMBER 23 – FEBRUARY 20 Barbara Hepworth Henry Moore Pablo Picasso Works on paper Times: Thursday – Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

Location: canvas and paper, 311 North Montgomery Street Contact: canvasandpaper.org

Free admission — canvas and paper is a non-profit exhibition space showing paintings and drawings from the 20th century and earlier in thematic and single artist exhibits.

TO JANUARY 3 Before the Wilt: Works by Renée A Fox & Mary Warner Location: Porch Gallery 310 East Matilija Street Times: Thursday to Monday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guest curated by China Adams “Before The Wilt” features the work of painters Renée Fox and Mary Warner. Both accentuate the flower through dramatic scale, rich color and Realism (in places verging on Hyper-Realism).

Contact: 805-620-7589 porchgalleryojai.com

Ojai Valley Improv’s Classes on Saturdays Times: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays and Mondays Location: The Raymund Room at The Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street Contact: 818-648-9540 Learn to own your power, embrace your feear, develop better listening skills, learn the value of collaboration, learn to adapt and be agile. Build a great ensemble troupe.

Beginner’s Improv Classes are also available Mondays at Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio.

Cost is $10 per session, first class is free.

Every Sunday Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: 805-698-5555 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot behind the Arcade.

Open air market featuring locally grown produce, as well as plants, musicians and handmade items.

EVERY DAY Avenue Farmer & The Cook Contact: Location: 339 West Laurie at El Roblar Avenue, Meiners Oaks 805-646Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3733 This popular farm-to-kitchen ojaibard@ destination has reopened, with gmail.com usual precautions in place to reduce Join our exposure to coronavirus. lively reading and discussion.

Whether you like to read aloud or just listen, everyone is welcome ! Drop in and join the fun. We read and discuss Shakespeare’s play.

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

Shakespeare Reading Salon — every 1st and 3rd Monday Times: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Ojai Main Library, 111 East Ojai OM — December 2021

11

VICTORIA BORTOLUSSI

BY ILONA SAARI

Some folks are born under a star, others under a cloud.

VICTORIA BORTOLUSSI

But, Victoria Bortolussi (nee Hyman) was born in Chicago, Illinois under a heart — the heart of St. Valentine’s Day. Although Chicago is famous for an earlier and more ignominious Valentine’s Day “celebration” (the 1929 massacre of seven gangsters), there was true joy years later when Victoria entered the world and embodied the real message of St. Valentine … one of love and an open heart.

VICTORIA BORTOLUSSI, TEACHING IN WATTS

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VICTORIA HYMAN BORTOLUSSI ON HER WEDDING DAY

OM — December 2021

‘VICTORIA’S STATION’

VICTORIA WITH PEERS FROM THE OJAI WOMEN’S FUND

Four years later, her father, Al Hyman, who had been a meteorologist in the Navy during World War II, was recalled to duty during the Korean War. Her parents moved her and younger sister, Selma, to Pensacola, Florida, where another sister, Donna, was born. A few years later, Mom, Dad and the three girls moved to Phoenix, Arizona. At age 17, Victoria was accepted to the University of Southern California. Years later, attending a conference in Chicago, she wondered why she felt so at home in that city. Then it dawned on her that “although we lived in Phoenix, I was raised by Chicagoans.”

Both parents were first generation. Al, from an orthodox Jewish family, had an education befitting a rabbi. Victoria’s mom, Gladys Jaffee, was a devoted housewife and volunteer extraordinaire. Gladys and Al fell in love while both were working in a Chicago department store. Al was determined to go to college and his only avenue was to enter the Navy Officers Training program at Michigan State University, where he studied meteorology. However, a glitch prevented Al and Gladys from marrying. The officer’s training program was for single men only. But, their love prevailed and they married five years later.

“My father was a Renaissance man or a jack-of-all trades,”

VICTORIA ENJOYING A NIGHT OUT WITH HUSBAND JOHN

Victoria recalls. When the family lived in Phoenix, Al attended Arizona State University while working various jobs. After graduation, he was hired by General Electric in an early computer division. (Years later when all Victoria’s sisters were living in Ventura, California, their parents joined them. Long before big box stores, Al saw a need and opened up a tool business, Al’s Tool Mart.)

Gladys, a loving full-time mom, became a powerhouse in the Phoenix community and was instrumental in getting a park and library built. She worked on behalf of disabled children and was active in the synagogue where Al was a volunteer rabbi. “One of her greatest loves was assisting the director/producer of plays done for charity,” Victoria proudly says.

By the 5th grade, Victoria knew she was destined to write, and began turning out serial mysteries for friends, who often did her homework so she could work on the next chapter. In high school, she was editor of the school paper and started a literary magazine. Still in high school, she attended Phoenix Community College, which laid the groundwork to establish a High School at Moorpark College where students earned high school and college credits and degrees. After community college, Victoria transferred OM — December 2021

13

to the USC School of Journalism on scholarship, where she earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees. As the USC Daily Trojan society editor, she changed that section to “features” stories and was awarded the first teaching credential in journalism in California. “During the late ‘60s, when everyone was joining the Peace Corps. I saw the need around me in Los Angeles,” she says, “so I taught middle schools and high schools in the Teachers Corp and fell in love with teaching.”

While at USC, Victoria met John Bortolussi, a dental student. “Meet cute?” Well, she was dating John’s roommate and, coincidentally, he was dating hers. “Eventually, we found each other,” she tells it. Their friendship grew into romance and then marriage, after Victoria earned her Master’s Degree.

John was born and raised in Crockett, California, a small town east of Berkeley where his parents, Italian immigrants, had met and married. After John graduated from the University of San Francisco, he pursued his dentistry education at USC. When John took a break from dental school, he and Victoria briefly moved to Northern California, but soon he returned to dental school and Victoria returned to teaching, first as a substitute teacher in the L.A. District.

Soon, however, she was hired full-time as a journalism and English teacher at Agoura High School, where she also became the teacher advisor to the student newspaper. In that position, Victoria strongly supported her students’ First Amendment rights to be free from censorship. “Because of my unwillingness to sign a paper which would say I would let the high school principal see everything before it was printed, I was reassigned to teach English only,” she said. However, the students and parents rallied around her and after a meeting of more than 300 people, Victoria was reinstated as the paper’s advisor. “I am proud to have supported and fought for my students and they and their parents stepped up for me.”

John and Victoria had fallen in love with the beaches in Ventura, so after John graduated, they made their beach-living dream come true. John began his practice and, though Victoria was pregnant with their first child, she continued teaching, but took a leave of absence after their son, John Abraham (Jabe) was born. One of John’s patients told him about a part-time journalism position at Ventura College that Victoria might be interested in. Though it turned out to actually be a full-time teaching and administration position, she accepted. She was then offered the position as assistant to the Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District. This was followed by a job as Dean at Moorpark College, where she led educational innovation and earned state and federal grants, among other 14

OM — December 2021

achievements. With Diane Volz, former editor/publisher of the Ojai Valley News, she published a national newspaper called “Women in Education.”

While living in Ventura, Victoria and John would find themselves coming to Ojai often, for festivals, plays, shopping and restaurants. With Jabe and daughter, Mia, they became involved with “Illusions Theater for Children.” “Ojai was this magical place we were drawn to,” she explains. So, after living on the oceanfront for many years, they decided to move to their magical Valley nine years ago. Mia was now a teacher at Oak Grove School where her 6-year-old son, Johnny, is enrolled. Jabe, a recording artist with the Glass Elevator band, is also thinking of moving to Ojai.

Victoria was now a permanent resident. Long-time friend and education colleague Ruth Hemming invited her to join the Ojai Art Center Board, sparking the volunteer gene Victoria inherited from her mother. While there, she attended a meeting of the newly formed Ojai Women’s Fund. She really liked the forward thinking of the OWF, so she jumped in and served on the board and on the grants committee.

She also was very impressed with the Ojai Educational Foundation and served on its board, eventually becoming co-president, then president, a position she holds today.

The OEF is a place where her life’s experience in education can be put to good use for the good of the community.

“Serving on each volunteer board, the friendships formed have been extraordinary. We met photographer David Baker, who took John under his wing and brought him to the Ojai Photographer Club. Retirement in Ojai is active and fulfilling without being too heavily demanding. I continue to work for opportunities to collaborate, to acquire grants as well as to award them… I love being part of the magic and hope to be a part of more…”

Victoria’s station in life and in Ojai is well-secured.

VICTORIA & JOHN BORTOLUSSI

OJAI VALLEY TRAIL RIDING COMPANY Guided Trail Rides on the Ventura River Preserve

For more information and pricing please call us at

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OM — December 2021

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Donna Sallen

Enter through the gates of Rancho Matilija and instantly feel the majestic beauty of the area. Surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest, Rancho Matilija is one of the best-hidden secrets in all of Ojai. This neighborhood features estate homes that appeal to those who appreciate the tranquility and privacy of a secluded, gated community, in a country setting. Sitting perfectly on over two acres with gardens, meandering walkways and mature trees. Once inside you will be delighted with the open, spacious floor plan, vaulted ceilings, three fireplaces, cooks dream kitchen all the while showcasing views from every room. This home features five bedrooms and a separate guest quarters. Cool off in the pool surrounded by nature. The gardens produce an abundance of fruits and vegetables; all watered with your own private well.

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

Welcome to this nearly 10-acre lovely property which is abuzz with bees making sweet honey, delicious duck eggs from nearly 40 beautiful ducks, and plenty of fruit trees and vegetables. Located on a seasonal creek, there are two houses, a hay barn with a loft, plenty of stalls, an arena and hiking trails. The main house which was built somewhere around 1936 but maybe earlier, has a massive stone fireplace in the living room which is a showstopper and used many many years ago as the ol’ dance hall for the oil workers in the fields. The main house is three bedrooms and two baths with a big dining room also with a fireplace. The second house has three bedrooms and one and three quarter baths and was originally built as the caretakers cottage; this square footage is approx. 1,800 per seller. The views from nearly every window showcase the mountains surrounding the property.

Donna Sallen

805-798-0516

w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l .c o m

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OM — December 2021

Donna Sallen

Perfectly situated on just under four acres lies the historic and unique Casa de La Luna compound. Comprised of over 8,000 sq. ft, with 11 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, this magnificent estate is likely the best value estate compound available anywhere in California.

The approximate 5,000 sq. ft. main house has three bedrooms and six bathrooms. Limestone and hand-scraped wood floors, magnificent wrought-iron doors, huge new gourmet kitchen, and numerous other upgrades make this residence the focal point of the estate.

Guests and visitors can stay in the two-bedroom, two-bath guest house or any of the four other residences making this property perfect for a large family or an individual with an entourage. Private and gated, this property must be seen to be appreciated.

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.

Eight Easy Upgrades for Your Outdoor Living Areas

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

Winter is a great time to update and upgrade outdoor living areas. With shorter days and colder weather, you likely are not entertaining on your patio quite as much right now, which gives you the opportunity to spruce it up a bit between gatherings.

If you have tried to have any type of home improvement completed over the last couple of years, you know how busy contractors are right now and how difficult it is to get on their schedules. If you have something that requires a contractor, call them now to get your job in their queue. Then, while you are waiting your turn, consider some of these upgrades that you can do yourself in the meantime.

that you can likely hang yourself.

you can also paint a rug design on your patio.

3. Add a fresh coat of paint to patio furniture: If your metal, wicker, synthetic wicker, plastic, or other painted patio furniture is looking a little worse for the wear, head to one of our local hardware stores to pick up some spray paint in fun colors. Watch a couple of videos online to make sure you know what you are doing, and then update the look of your furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

7. Add a shade sail: Shade sails provide protection from the sun and make your outdoor living areas more comfortable and more functional. As an added benefit, they also happen to be great for blocking the view of your patio if neighboring properties sit higher than yours or if second-story windows overlook your yard.

1. Spread no-water ground covers: You can quickly increase the visual appeal of your outdoor living areas by covering bare earth with a no-water ground cover like bark, wood chips, or gravel.

Spread it around plants, in walkways, and in any spot that needs a little sprucing up. This option is easy to do and easy to maintain, since all you really need to do moving forward is refresh it whenever it starts to look a little sparse.

4. Add a fire pit: Fire pits are not necessarily easy to install or inexpensive, but there are certainly options that fit both of these categories. You can pick up a portable fire pit for less than $100, bring it home, and have it set up and ready to go all within a couple of hours.

8. Hang a hammock: Hammocks provide the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or take an afternoon nap. They are easy to hang between two strong trees or sturdy posts, or you can purchase a hammock stand that allows you to place your hammock anywhere you’d like.

5. Put together a bar cart: Look around the house for a two-tier table or rolling cart that could be transformed into a portable bar. Stock it with your favorite beverages, outdoor drinkware, and some bar snacks to have a handy bar cart ready to go for impromptu social gatherings.

2. Hang string lights: String lights are inexpensive, easy to hang, and a great way to add soft lighting to outdoor living areas. Add a festive flair to your patio or yard with a few strands of string lights

6. Add a rug: Adding an outdoor rug to your patio décor is a quick and easy way to instantly add color and texture to your outdoor living area. If you are not sure you want to deal with caring for textiles,

Things to remember this month: • If you haven’t already, clean your gutters to prepare for any rain we might receive and to reduce fire risk.

• If you haven’t changed your furnace filters since heater season began, change them now to keep your system functioning as efficiently as possible and to keep your home – and the air in your home – cleaner.

•If you need to call in a professional to help with a home improvement project, choose local contractors and keep your money in the local economy.

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OM — December 2021

FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the building of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade — others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few: Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement.

Jiddhu Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical Society, though he later broke with that group (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.

Weather in Ojai

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:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Record Low Year 16° 1990

Households::

3,176

Elevation:

Beatrice Wood. The famed ceramicist’s (“The Mama of Dada”) greatest work of art may well have been her life. The irreverent, avant-garde Wood lived and worked in Ojai for decades until her death in 1998 at age 105. She inspired two classic movies, Francois Truffaut’s “Jules et Jim,” and James Cameron’s “Titanic.” She attributed her longevity to “chocolate and young men.” Her autobiography was appropriately titled, “I Shock Myself.” Many of her distinctive, whimsical, luminous luster-glazed pieces are on display at her former home, now the Beatrice Wood Center, in upper Ojai.

745

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 — December 2021

21

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL BRET @ 805-798-0177

22

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

Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403.

NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net

Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734

Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com

Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors Donna4Remax@aol.com DonnaSallen. com 805-798-0516

Amanda Stanworth LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Phone: 805-2188117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web: Rooney-Stanworth.com

Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Call me for your Real Estate needs.

805-340-3774

Team Deckert Keller Williams Realty Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com 805-272-5218

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

Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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

805-798-1998

OM — December 2021

Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254

Don & Cheree Edwards RE/MAX Gold Coast Ojai’s Top Selling Team LivinginOjai.com 805.340.3192 805.350.7575

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

ojai’s season of giving & living Kirk Ellison LIV Sotheby’s International Realty KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905

Ahhh, the season of giving ... I wish my shopping was easier this year, as it seems to be flying by!

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

However, on another note, each year our service club, The Optimist Club of Ojai, adopts families for the Christmas holidays via a wonderful program with Help of Ojai. Once we received our list of five families, my girlfriend and I shopped online, and after a couple of hours, we had most of our shopping completed.

Help of Ojai is fantastic, as they give us some information about our families, such as age and gender, as well as gift suggestions for the children.

We had fun choosing the gifts, knowing they would be used and appreciated by the children.

We also help with gift cards for family meals, as well as a few extra things we include, just because we care, and are happy to help.

I do wish you all many happy moments this season with your family and friends! See you about town

OM — December 2021

23

AGAVE MARIA Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink 106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com BOCCALI’S Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables 3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com

hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363 HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346 HomeKitchenofOjai.com MANDALA Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048 THE NEST 401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com

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

L>OVE SOCIAL CAFE 205 North Signal Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.com

THE DEER LODGE An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com

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

FARMER & THE COOK The best of organic Ojai 339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com YUME JAPANESE BURGER 254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 646-1700 JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL Mexican-American & regional favorites 214 West Ojai Avenue #100 (805) 640-1301 jimandrobsojai.com

HIP VEGAN Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls 201 North Montgomery Street

24

OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478 OJAI PIZZA COMPANY 331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878 TheOnlyGoodPizza.com OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View) The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue OJAI ROTIE Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com

OM — December 2021

OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA Rustic menu of Northern Italian fare & seafood dishes.

242 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-6767 omgojai.com PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

traditional Italian

RAINBOW BRIDGE A community gathering place 211 East Matilija Street (805) 646-6623 rainbowbridgeojai.com THE RANCH HOUSE An Ojai culinary destination for more than 60 years 102 Besant Road (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com SAKURA OJAI A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.wix.com SEA FRESH Serving Ojai for 30 years 533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747 seafreshseafood.com SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE BAR & GRILL Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com

CHEF RANDY’S LIFE OF SPICE parmesan pull-apart bread

This is a recipe found on the back of an old Pillsbury flour sack. I modified it a little to meet my needs.

INGREDIENTS Ingredients: 3- 1/2 to 4-1/2 cups flour (divided) 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1-1/4 cups warm milk 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided) 1 egg 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated fine) 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon paprika 5 tablespoons butter (melted)

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a cookie sheet or a baguette pan with cooking spray.

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

Stir two cups of the flour and all of the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Mix until well blended. Add milk and oil. Beat with mixer on low speed until moistened. Blend in egg, mixing thoroughly.

Stir in an additional 1½ cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl. Knead the dough in the bowl until it is smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if necessary.

Add olive oil to a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it all over with the oil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in size — about 30 minutes.

Combine cheese, garlic salt, oregano, and paprika in small bowl. Set aside.

Healthy

Fall / Winter

Quick + Easy

Vegetarian

Punch the dough down and divide into 16 equal pieces. Roll pieces into balls. Dip each ball in butter to coat. Roll in cheese mixture to coat then arrange in prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place until doubled in size — about 30 to 40 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely before pulling the bread apart and bringing it to the table.

OM — December 2021

25

SOLD IN OJAI

Dale Hanson

Homes Sold Last Month

Ojai Valley Real Estate

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES

(805)646-7229

B.R.E. 01229522 Notary Public

dale@ojaivalleyrealestate.com Call me for your real estate needs.

Residential, commercial, or business opportunity.

380 Monte Via, Oak View, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,098 sf, $657,000 11763 Mirror Lake Avenue, 3 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,544 sf, $680,000 1099 Granito Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,544 sf, $770,000 300 Grande Vista Drive, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,516 sf, $782,000 82 Arnaz, Oak View, 3 bed, 1.75 bath, 2,637 sf, $830,000 501 Crestview Drive, Oak View, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, $895,000 554 South La Luna Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,584 sf, $965,000 501 North Fulton Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 864 sf, $965,000 928 Devereaux Drive, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,297 sf, $1,014,000 305 West Oak Street, 2 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,206 sf, $1,020,000 488 South Rice Road, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,350 sf, $1,105,000

View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,645 sf, $1,200,000 12437 Sisar Road, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,560 sf, $1,500,000 1600 Foothill Road, 3 bed, 3 bath, 1,956 sf, $1,730,000 465 Gridley Road, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,346 sf, $1,987,000

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

10580 Creek Road, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,808 sf, $1,990,000 13684 MacDonald Drive, 6 bed, 5 bath, 4,425 sf, $2,250,000 12386 Linda Flora Drive, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 4,351 sf, $2,450,000 1573 Happy Lane, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,500 sf, $2,800,000 704 Palomar Road, 3 bed, 4 bath, 3,746 sf, $2,900,000 4158 Grand Avenue, 5 bed, 6 bath, 5,009 sf, $3,010,000 9342 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,400 sf, $3,500,000

YOUR OJAI MAGAZINES

95 Pathelen Avenue, Oak View, 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,382 sf, $1,125,000

S U B S C RI B E F O R O N LY $24.95 P ER Y E A R

165 Canterbury Court, Oak

W W W. OJA I H U B. C OM

EM A I L: ED I TO R @ O JA I Q UA RT ERLY.CO M

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OM — December 2021

27

dream home v. fixer-uppers Thinking of Buying a Restoration Project?

By Therese A. Hartmann

We Hartmanns are born to work and love restoring old homes. This is precisely the reason my brother and sister-in-law recently bought the Acacia Mansion in Meiners Oaks. Its past charm had begun to wear thin as the decades passed and the amount of deferred maintenance was, to be frank, daunting. Even in a hot real estate market, the property sat just waiting for a buyer who had vision and the patience to bring it back to life.

To be fair, buying a fixer isn’t for everyone. It takes grit, determination, a specific skill set (especially if you’re making repairs yourself), and deep pockets. Sometimes VERY deep pockets and if you’ve ever seen the movie “The Money Pit” with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

But for those who do have the qualities it takes; you’ll often see some wonderful benefits including: • Getting to personalize the house to your own liking • Building sweat equity • Having a lower property tax basis • Having quality work done to elevate the property My nephew and his sweet wife also bought a fixer recently. The two of them have done most of the work themselves, taking a run-down property built in 1947 and have brought it 28

back to life. Because of a reasonable purchase price, they have been able to completely upgrade everything in the house. What was almost a teardown is now something that you might see in a magazine. And the landscaping is still to come!

But, is fixing and/or flipping a house as easy as what you see on shows like “The Property Brothers”? Oh, HECK no!

And this is why you will notice that homes that are manicured, kept up and staged well are always the first to sell.

Without vision and determination, you might be best off to buy something that has been completed and then just add charm by furnishing.

In some cases, and according to The National Association of Home Builders, it’s actually less expensive to buy a move-in ready home. However, if you’ve decided buying a fixer is for you, you should always pay for a complete home inspection. You’ll want to avoid homes that have structural issues like a faulty foundation. You might also order more specific inspections like an engineering report, soil report, electrical check, etc. At the very least, if you find more problems than what have been disclosed, you’ll have an opportunity to negotiate.

Whether buying a fixer or movein ready home, you’ll always want to save money by having a good loan. An extra $20k in repairs is small change OM — December 2021

compared to the savings you might enjoy when locking in a low rate.

So, be sure to wave when passing the Acacia Mansion and be certain to check with me if you want to get a solid plan of action in place. Talking it over helps!

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.

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). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.

5 HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft.

Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.

8 ROSE VALLEY 1mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft

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

3

4

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

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

6

7

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft |

MATILIJA CANYON 12mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft |

ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.

(Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.

Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway.

Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.

Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.

9

10

SISAR CANYON 22mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to

SULPHUR MTN. 22mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft |

Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road.

Only for experienced, f it hikers.

Views are unsurpassed.

We know Ojai.

2020 Remodel on 17 acres with gated entry, lighted tennis court, approximately 15 acres of avocado orchards, multiple outdoor living areas, outdoor kitchen, 3,000-square-foot shop, two fireplaces, multi-room master suite, amazing views, and much more. www.2871MaricopaHwy.com $4,999,000

Six-Bedroom, Six-Bathroom on 1.41 Acres with Three Fireplaces, Stocked Pond with Beach, Guest Houses, Gated Entry, and Mountain Views $2,285,000

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom in charming downtown Ojai on .43-acre lot with brick fireplace, covered front porch, several upgrades. $1,389,000

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

Marc Whitman design on approximately 7 acres with two master suites, five fireplaces, pool, outdoor kitchen, avocado orchard, RV parking, amazing views, and much more. www.1911MeinersRoad.com $2,997,000

33+ acre retreat in Wheeler Canyon with amazing views, private pond, fruit trees, chicken coop, multiple outdoor living areas, jetted soaking tub, stone fireplace, and vaulted, exposed-beam ceilings. $2,495,000

Alviria Oaks - Three-bedroom, two-bathroom Oak West Estates home with office, detached garage, workshop, great outdoor living, patio kitchen, and mountain views. $879,000

Kellye Lynn

BRE License #01962469

805.798.0322

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

Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com © 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. 32

OM — December 2021