Ojai Monthly - February 2024 by Ojai Quarterly

OJAI

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

02 24 Real estate / home / Visitors

See Cover Property on Pages 18 • Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty • 805-798-0516

FEATURED PRO: JOE BARTHELEMY, SERENDIPITY TOYS OJAI, MOMENT BY MOMENT SEVEN STEP-PREP FOR HOME SELLERS Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

MINIMALIST WILDLAND SANCTUARY

On 44 pristine acres in Upper Ojai, this modern compound includes a 2700sf main house, a 900sf guest house, a pool and terraces all enfolded in the crook of a dramatic eastern ridge with unparalleled privacy and magniﬁcent views of the Topa Topas, the Upper Valley and Sulphur Mountain. Designed by its architect owners to be a serene, airy, modernist experience completely in harmony with the landscape, this is a truly unique Ojai property that honors both the rawness of nature and the fearless possibilities of contemporary design and construction. 12179KoenigsteinRdOjai.com Offered at $5,250,000

DRE# 01176473

(805) 340-3774

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

© 2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. 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.

PINK MOMENT ESTATE

A luxury villa/vineyard estate providing the ultimate in architecture, design, craftmanship, and setting. Brand new construction of the 5100 sqft, 4br/5ba home is finished with the highest quality materials, appliances and fixtures. An H-shaped floorplan separates private sleeping areas from public social areas. The open living area includes a chef’s kitchen, a 2-sided fireplace, and a wine tasting room. The grounds feature a 100% organic vineyard, pool/spa with epic views, and multiple courtyards and verandas to take full advantage of the spectacular natural setting. 2259McNellRoadOjai.com Offered at $10,750,000

I will help you ﬁnd the home that brings peace to your mind and heart

www.pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher@mac.com (805) 340-3774 DRE# 01176473

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2024

Editor’s Note

Ojai Founding Fathers & Mothers

Calendar of Events

Featured Pro: Joe Barthelemy

Ojai’s Top Ten Hikes

Seven Prep Steps for Home Sellers

Who’s Who in Real Estate

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

Chef Randy: Slow Cooker Barley Risotto

Dos & Don’ts for Home Loans

Editor & Publisher / Bret Bradigan Uta Ritke / Creative Director AJ Davis / Home & Garden Design Cover: Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty Contact Us: 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.

OJAI 02 24 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY

Real estate / home / Visitors

See Cover Property on Pages 18 • Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty • 805-798-0516

FEATURED PRO: JOE BARTHELEMY, SERENDIPITY TOYS OJAI, MOMENT BY MOMENT SEVEN STEP-PREP FOR HOME SELLERS Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — February 2024

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY OJAI: MOMENT BY MOMENT "Art is how we decorate space. Music is how we decorate time."

Bret Bradigan

— Jean-Michel Basquiat

Have you had one of those quiet moments when you feel the essence of Ojai? Almost certainly you have. It could be a cool winter evening when the magenta glory of our Pink Moment drapes across the Topa Topa Bluffs, or a moment of people-watching at the Coffee Roasting Company or Rainbow Bridge, when you not just see, but feel the thrum of village life, the sense that each of us in our own way are part of something bigger than the sum of our parts. Or it could be a mundane joy like a sundappled hike along Shelf Road. For me it was in June 2003 in Libbey Bowl during the Saturday evening concert of the Ojai Music Festival. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra was playing Olivier Messiaen's "From the Canyon to the Stars" with about 90 musicians crowded on to the stage. Messiaen wrote this nearly two-hour, 12-movement piece in 1976 to celebrate America's Bicentennial. Messaien was inspired by a visit to Utah several years prior, when he immersed himself in the red-rock canyons of Bryce Canyon; he had synesthesia, a condition in which you hear colors and see sounds. You could hear it in this orchestra, the chatter of bird songs, the drift of the wind picking up as the sun went down. It took many odd instruments to bring his vision to life — some he invented himself, the geophone for instance, a large drum filled with pellets that sounded like earth shifting around. There were also rarely seen percussion instruments like the wind machine, thunder sheets and crotales. It was a stunning stage presentation. The Ojai Music Festival, for me, represents Ojai to the outside world in its best possible light; a charming village with world-class sophistication. Sometimes the music is a little hard to understand for an old hillbilly, and I remember drifting off into a reverie of boredom. Then I realized that I was seeing what I was hearing, that I felt inside Messiaen's mind. It was the bird song that did it for me. Knowing that the composer of "Quartet for the End of Time" was a German prisoner of war, it made his compositions a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit, turning hardship into a masterpiece, the alchemy of tragedy. That's one definition of the purpose of art. You can imagine after what he'd been through that the majesty of Utah's red rock canyons was expansive and healing. I sure felt it. It was a transcendent moment. I feel those Ojai moments every day, even now as my keyboard clatters. We're in a strange period of time with lots of social-media fueled rancor and ill will, neighbor set against neighbor and friendships dissolving, and that's just over pickleball. It's going to be a rough season going into this next election. I remember those floating notes from that concert and know that those echoes are still with us. So long as we recognize those moments, we'll be fine, maybe even finer than before.

OM — February 2024

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

Record Low 16°

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 Precip. 36 5.04 38 5.24 41 3.35 43 1.22 48 .47 51 .12 56 .04 55 .005 53 .2 47 .98 40 1.69 35 2.95

Average Annual Rainfall: 21.3 Record High 115°

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.

Year 2018

Population:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Year 1990

Households::

3,176

Elevation:

745

OM — February 2024

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.”

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OM — February 2024

FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS exhibits

podcast

MUSEUM’S ‘OJAI MYSTIQUE’ | TO MARCH 4 | OjaiValleyMuseum.com

CANVAS & PAPER EXHIBIT | TO FEBRUARY 25 | canvasandpaper.org

OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.com

FEBRUARY 17-23

TO FEBRUARY 25

from the area’s proudest collectors. Have a chance to learn from the owners about the history and importance of some of the world’s most incredible automobiles.

Somatic Stretch, Rewind & Reset, With Meredith Sands Keator FEBRUARY 23-24

Ecstatic Dance & Vocal Playshop With Cornflower MARCH 2-3

Sacred Geometry Weekend With George Leoniak Location: Sane Living Center, 316 East Matilija Street Times: Varies, check website Contact: SaneLivingCenter.com, 805646-6000 or geometryofhealing.com/ somatic-stretch-rewind-and-reset-event for more information on this powerful healing and spiritual lineup of events in downtown Ojai. TO MARCH 4

Ojai Mystique Location: Ojai Valley Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Times: Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: 805-640-1390 OjaiValleyMuseum.org This special exhibit features 21 nationally renowned artists with their interpretations of one place, Ojai.

Jan de Bisschop, Paul Cézanne, JMW Turner, John Constable, Eugene Delacroix & Camille Pissarro, Jean-Francois Millet, Theodore Rosseau Location: canvas and paper 311 North Montgomery Street Times: Thursday to Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Contact: canvasandpaper.org 805-798-9301 Free admission for this show of works by these nine prominent 17th to 19th century artists. — RECURRING EVENTS —

FEBRUARY Historical Walking Tours of Ojai Date: Every Saturday Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Location: Ojai Valley Museum 130 West Ojai Avenue. Contact: 640-1390 Come see why there’s so much historical hullabaloo about the “smiling vale.” DEC 10, JAN 14, FEB 11 Coffee & Cars Dates: Second Sundays of the month Times: 8 to 10 a.m. Location: Westridge Market parking lot Come check out classic and luxury cars OM — February 2024

MONDAYS

Shakespeare Reading Salon — every 1st and 3rd Monday Times: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Ojai Main Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: Laurie at 805-646-3733 ojaibard@gmail.com Join our 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 plays. For beginners as well as lifelong enthusiasts.

THURSDAYS Ojai: Talk of the Town Podcast New episodes come out Thursday evenings through the OjaiHub.com newsletter. Guests have included Malcolm McDowell on the 50th anniversary of “A Clockwork Orange,” and Sergio Aragonés on his 60 years as a cartoonist at Mad Magazine. With more than 180 episodes, the Ojai podcast has become an important part of the local conversation. Come join the fun.

RARE DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL/RESTAURANT

These 2 adjoining legal lots in the heart of Ojai have amazing potential as an income property in their current state or as an ideal location for future development. One lot is the former location of the Love Café and the other is a vacant lot that currently serves as a parking lot. The existing buildings include a commercial kitchen, dining room, public restroom and ample porch space surrounded by mature trees and lush landscaping. Let this prime downtown opportunity just a block from the Ojai Arcade and the Ojai Playhouse be your canvas for a creative vision. 205-209NorthSignalStOjai.com Offered at $3,850,000

DRE# 01176473

(805) 340-3774

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

LUXURY DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING

This 3900sqft commercial building is in the heart of downtown Ojai. Fully remodeled in 2017, it includes 10 offices, lobby, conference room, kitchen, and 3 bathrooms. The light-ﬁlled interior has high ceilings and accents include tile, wood ﬂoors, glass walls, and exposed beams. Outside has ample onsite parking, a courtyard and a back yard. This unique building offers many possibilities: a large office, a business collective, a doctor’s office, a spa, a retail space, or a gallery. There is nothing else like this available anywhere in Ojai. 108EMatilijaStOjai.com Offered at $4,100,000

I will help you ﬁnd the home that brings peace to your mind and heart

www.pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher@mac.com (805) 340-3774 DRE# 01176473

JOE BARTHELEMY

BY SARAH HOWERY HART

Ojai’s Toy Stories Nestled within the Ojai Valley, where the air dances with the promise of magic, it’s not an exaggeration to claim that Santa and Mrs. Claus have chosen to make their year-round abode.

OM — February 2024

JOE BARTHELEMY SHOWS HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO SAVED HIS WHEELER GORGE HOME, AND OJAI, FROM THE THOMAS FIRE IN DECEMBER 2017

The testament to this claim echoes through the delighted voices of children who gather at the venerable Serendipity Toys, celebrating its 45th year of existence. Hailing from San Francisco, Joe Barthelemy was not quite a resident of the North Pole but close enough, traces his roots to the 1960s by Golden Gate Park. “I was born in San Francisco in the ‘60s,” he reminisces with a twinkle in his eye, even though he was close to his 20s at the time of this cultural revolution. “I attended UC Berkeley and earned a grad degree in engineering.” Post academia, Joe found himself drawn to Ventura, where he and his wife settled on bustling Ventura Avenue. Recalling those days, he said, “It was crowded and noisy.” Seeking solace, they embarked on a journey that led them to Ojai, a town where their son was already attending the Monica Ros school. As they learned about Ojai, Joe and Lilly Barthelemy sensed a void that needed filling. “In 1979, my wife had an epiphany, ‘Ojai needs a toy store,’” Joe recounts. With a two-year-old in tow, acquiring toys had proven challenging, so they took the initiative on behalf of themselves

and all parents, opening Serendipity Toys. The store, as their website proudly boasts, features “high-quality toys that engage children in constructive play.” Joe emphasizes their commitment to traditional yet safe toys, ranging from Rubik’s Cubes and brain teaser games to an array of puzzles, craft kits, books, and the timeless allure of “old-fashioned” toys that draw enthusiasts from distant corners, including Los Angeles. As retirement beckoned, Serendipity became Joe’s full-time pursuit alongside Lilly. Since its inception, the couple’s work extended beyond the store to a mission of community service. “It started at our store when there were struggling families at Foster Park,” Joe explains. Sheriff ’s deputies approached them, requesting discounts to assist these families, and the Barthelemys responded by offering shopping bags filled with essentials. This marked the beginning of a trend, culminating in more formal giving through gift and food baskets administered by Help of Ojai. One unforgettable chapter unfolded in 1991, as if straight out of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” A call, official and urgent, reached the OM — February 2024

JOE AND LILLY BARTHELEMY ON A VENETIAN GONDOLA

Barthelemys’ at 11 p.m. on December 24. A local family with seven children had been robbed, including the pilfering of Christmas gifts beneath the tree. Without hesitation, Serendipity Toys transformed into an afterhours haven, opening its doors at 11:30 p.m. The couple played festive music, aided parents in selecting replacement gifts, and even engaged in gift wrapping, a true Santa and Mrs. Claus rescue mission.

Barthelemys not only sought refuge but also extended their generosity to others. “We’re in Wheeler Canyon. We lost most of the buildings on the property, but not the house,” Joe recounts. The couple evacuated, navigating through relatives’ homes, hotels, and eventually finding a sheltered abode offered by a grateful customer. Undeterred, they promptly reopened Serendipity Toys as soon as conditions permitted, just in time for Christmas.

Joe said, “We haven’t done anything quite that dramatic since then, but we do help people who are short. We also donate to schools and events.” Their ethos of lending a helping hand became especially evident in 2017 during the Thomas Fire that threatened the Ojai Valley. Despite their own personal challenges, the

Their legacy of service transcends generations, with parents and even grandparents revisiting the store, once wide-eyed children who witnessed its early days. “Now parents, even grandparents come in who were kids when we first opened,” Joe said.

OM — February 2024

At his retirement party from his engineering career, Joe got advice he took to heart. “People told me, work as long as it’s still fun,” he said. And fun it remains, as the spirit of Serendipity Toys continues to thrive. The store’s website invites visitors to experience an “unexpected pleasant discovery.” In this quaint haven, that “unexpected pleasant discovery” might just be the embodiment of Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. Serendipity Toys, 221 E. Matilija Street, Ojai, beckons with its whimsical charm. Call 805-6462585 or via email at jbarthe@west.net. As the doors open, the enchantment of Serendipity Toys has unfolded for nearly a half centur, delivering delightful surprises and treasured memories. Portions of this story are reprinted from the January 2018 issue.

Buddhas to Birthday Cards

and a Huge Selection of Crystals

OJAI HOUSE a

est. 2000 ...

JOE AMID THE RUINS

Bumperstickers to Beeswax

ys tical empori

INTUITIVE READERS DAILY Tarot Readers Spiritual Counselors Astrologers Chair Massage & Energy Healing

OPEN DAILY 11-6

THE BARTHELEMYS FEEDING THEIR KOI

304 N. Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA

2 blocks north of Ojai Avenue & A World Apart! 805.640.1656 • NutmegsOjaiHouse.com •

nutmegs_ojai_

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? LET'S WORK TOGETHER Buying and selling your home should be an exceptional experience. With over 2 decades of design experience and a passion for Real Estate Michelle brings her attention to detail to every transaction. Michelle makes every client feel as if they are her only client. She will work relentlessly on your behalf. interested in learning more? @REALTOROJAI REALTOROJAI.COM

OM — February 2024

CHAPLINDESIGNS@GMAIL.COM (213)476-2646 DRE: 02164357

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

ELEGANCE IN DESIGN $4,300,000 ON THE COVER

Located within walking distance to downtown Ojai, this elegant family home has it all. Light and bright, you will love the open spacious floor plan. The beautifully detailed kitchen and den open to a sunroom, with a massive rock fireplace, which overlooks the private backyard and swimming pool. There are four fireplaces, a large office, downstairs primary bedroom with a ‘spa-like’ bath, formal living room and formal dining room — all with incredible details, balconies and patios to bring the outside in. This property, just over an acre, has an art studio, garden sheds, meandering pathways, a bridge leading to a five star chicken coop, orchards, vegetable and rose gardens, wonderful mature trees, views of the mountains and, yes, a Tree House. There is a one bedroom attached guest quarters. Private and quiet and yet so close to shops, restaurants, and the Ojai Arcade.

PROPERTY DETAIL

5 BEDROOMS

ARTIST STUDIO

5 BATHROOMS

OUTDOOR DINING

& TREE HOUSE!

www. donnasallen.c om

donna4remax@aol.com

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

OJAI COMPOUND $1,995,000 FOR SALE

El Viaje was inspired by the architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern conveniences of everyday life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private, secluded yard you will love the mix of mature trees, the flower-lined barranca, and the romantic dining area. Once inside, you will appreciate the elegant but simple lifestyle. With the polished concrete floors downstairs and Brazilian Cherrywood floors upstairs you will feel the warmth of this home. The cozy living room opens to the kitchen and dining room and is perfect for entertaining. There are Venetian plaster walls throughout, granite counter tops, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, and Smart Home technology. The brilliant finishing touches and attention to detail cannot be ignored so don’t miss seeing this lovely Villa. Located in the heart of downtown Ojai close to restaurants, shops and hiking trails.

PROPERTY DETAIL

MOUNTAIN 4 BEDROOMS

2,742 SF

4 BATHROOMS

w w w.donnasallen.c o m

VIEWS

donna4remax@aol.com

OM | HI K I NG M AP 1

SHELF ROAD 3.5mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.

VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain:

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

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

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

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

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

520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.

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

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.

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

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

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

Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall. 20

Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Only for experienced, f it hikers. Views are unsurpassed. OM — June 2023 OM — February 2024

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

FAMILY HOME $2,675,000 FOR SALE

Located on one of Ojai’s most desirable streets and sitting perfectly on over half-qn-acre, this wonderful family home is just waiting for you. This home features a spacious open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, Travertine stone floors throughout and light-filled rooms. There are two large living areas, both with their own fireplace, so you can enjoy the warmth of a cozy fire. Top of the line appliances in the large kitchen which looks out to the beautiful pool and backyard. The dining room opens to a large deck with lovely mountain views, a great place for entertaining. There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms with plenty of room for family and guests. The outdoor space is charming with meandering pebble pathways, lush landscape and mature trees. You will love splashing in the pool on warm summer days or soaking in the hot tub under the star-studded nights sky. With this ideal location you are close to hiking trails, shops, and restaurants. There is an oversized three-car garage with plenty of parking. Private and gated. Don’t miss this one!

PROPERTY DETAIL

4 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS

www.donnasallen. co m

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

3-CAR GARAGE

donna4remax@aol.com

Seven-Step Prep to Sell Your Home By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

Spring and summer are generally considered the best times to sell your home, which means the hottest home-selling season is almost here. The days will be longer, flowers will be in bloom, surrounding mountains will be greener, and — according to Realtor. com — you are more likely to get a higher price and more favorable appraisal during this time of year. There will also be more inventory, which means buyers will have more homes from which to choose. This means that you might need to do a bit extra to make sure your home stands out and makes a good first impression on potential buyers. What will work best for your home will depend on your home’s unique qualities and needs, but here are seven ideas to help you think about the best way to prepare your property to sell this spring.

1. Clear the clutter: This is always a good first step to prepare your home to sell. You can instantly improve your curb appeal by decluttering your front yard and will make the interior of your home feel larger, cleaner, and more comfortable by removing excess stuff. 2. De-personalize at least a little: You want potential buyers to see themselves living in your home, which is easier for them to do if every room is not filled with uniquely personal items. This does not mean that you need to take down all your family photos, but it does mean that you might at least want to consider reducing them and removing your personal collection of snow globes, religious relics, or souvenir spoons. When deciding which items to remove, keep in mind that you want potential buyers to remember your home, not your belongings. OM — February 2024

3. De-weaponize your house: This one might sound a bit odd, but I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into a home that is about to be put on the market and has guns, knives, swords, spears, or some other type of weaponry on display. This is not a great look for selling your home. If you have a valuable collection of antique weapons, you probably do not want to advertise this. If you have dangerous weapons in your home, you probably also do not want to advertise that. Plus, having weapons on display or laying around your house is going to turn off some buyers, and turning off potential buyers is not going to help you sell your home. 4. Take care of deferred maintenance: Make a list of all the maintenance tasks that would make your home safer, more visually appealing, or better functioning

but may have been put off due to a busy schedule or limited budget. Peeling paint, broken windowpanes, overgrown weeds, scuffed walls, broken sprinkler heads, and other deferred maintenance can make buyers wonder what other tasks you have been putting off. To avoid buyers questioning how well you have maintained your home, take care of those tasks that you have been putting off for too long. 5. Improve curb appeal: Buyers begin to form an opinion about your home the first time they drive by or pull into the driveway for a showing. This first impression is paramount and is heavily influenced by your home’s curb appeal. You may have become a bit desensitized to how your home looks from the street, since you probably pull into the driveway at least once a day, so you may need a new perspective to help you determine how best to enhance the curb appeal of your home. One way to do this is to walk across the street and look at your house. Could your exterior light fixtures use updating? Is your mailbox a bit crooked or faded? Does your trim need to be painted? Could your house use a good pressure washing? Anything you can do to make your home look cleaner and more welcoming will help attract buyers, so consider making repairs and

updates, adding visual appeal with plants or flowers, cleaning up your landscaping, and decluttering your lawn and porch. 6. Refresh ground covers: One of the most affordable and easiest ways to improve the look of your yard is to refresh ground covers. If you have areas of bare dirt in your yard or spots where your gravel or bark is getting sparse, add gravel, mulch, wood chips, or bark for a quick makeover that will instantly increase visual appeal. 7. Do your spring cleaning early: Your home should be as close to spotless as possible before your agent starts showing it to potential buyers. To help prepare your home to sell, give your home a deep cleaning, or hire a local cleaning company to do it for you. If you are ready to sell your home, list with a local real estate agent who understands the Ojai Valley market and will know how best to market your home. Once you have found an agent that is a good fit, they will be able to help you determine how best to prepare your home before putting it on the market. This may include additional cosmetic repairs or upgrades, professional staging, or – if your budget allows – home improvement projects that can increase your home’s value. OM — February 2024

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

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

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

Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Call me for your Real Estate needs. 805-340-3774

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

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

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 — February 2024

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

Ojai’s

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

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

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

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

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

Rachelle Giuliani Realtor 805-746-5188 DRE:02047608 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices rachellegiuliani@ bhhscal.com

locally owned and operated magazines.

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

OjaiHub.com 805.798.0177 OM — February 2024

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

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

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

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

BOCCALI’S Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables 3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE Traditional American breakfast & brunch 328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207 THE DEER LODGE An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com THE DUTCHESS 457 East Matilija Street (805) 640-7987 thedutchessojai.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

MANDALA Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048 THE NEST 401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com LO>E SOCIAL CAFE 217 East Matilija Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.com OAK GRILL @ THE INN Al fresco dining under vine-covered pergola 905 Country Club Road (805) 646-1111 ojairesort.com OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478 OJAI PIZZA COMPANY 331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878 TheOnlyGoodPizza.com OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View) The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue OJAI ROTIE Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue

OM — February 2024

(805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA Rustic menu of Northern Italian fare & seafood dishes. 242 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-6767 omgojai.com PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & 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 ZAIDEE’S 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 slow cooker barley risotto Barley is a versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. It is the perfect substitute for Arborio rice in risotto. It is touted as one of the world’s healthiest foods having an abundance of manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, chromium, Vitamins B1 and B3, and fiber.*

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.

INGREDIENTS: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided) 1/2 cup shallots (chopped fine) 1 1/2 cups pearl barley 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/4 up dry white wine 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced thin) 4 cups vegetable broth 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped) 3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional, can swap for brewers yeast)

D I R EC T I O N S : Heat one tablespoon of the butter and one tablespoon of the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook, while stirring, until tender — about two minutes. Add the barley, salt, and pepper and cook for one minute more. Pour in the wine and cook, stirring, until the wine is mostly evaporated – about three minutes. Transfer this mixture to a slow cooker and cover. Using the same large pan on medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of butter and the remaining one tablespoon of oil. Add the mushrooms and cook until lightly browned and wilted – about five minutes. Add the mushrooms, broth, and bouillon to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Cook for three hours. If the barley is not tender after three hours, replace the cover, set the heat to high, and set the timer for another 30 minutes.

Healthy

Winter

Slow cooker, set & forget

Vegan or Vegetarian

Stir in the parsley, sage, 1/2 cup of cheese, and the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Transfer to a large serving bowl and garnish with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bring to the table while still hot.

* Barley has gluten proteins, so if you have celiac disease, it is not a safe grain for you. Try substituting sorghum grain instead. For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at valley-vegetarian.com. OM — February 2024

Loan Dos & Don’ts How to Not Get Yourself Disqualified

By Therese A. Hartmann

In the 25 years I’ve been working as a mortgage consultant, I’ve seen just about everything. I had someone apply and then go buy a car during the underwriting process thereby changing their qualification to a “no go”. I’ve had someone apply knowing full well they were getting fired from their job. And then there are first-time homebuyers who purchase furniture in anticipation of movein day. There is no quicker way to destroy your chance for an approved loan. Here’s a list of what I see as some of the more important areas to watch once your file goes into underwriting: • DO NOT make big purchases — resist the temptation! Your credit score can go down with new debt as well as throw your debt ratios off.

through the loan process. But, equally important, DO NOT pay off old debt. It will bring the credit history current and can drop your score by 30-50 points!

but lenders also prefer borrowers with a stable credit history. If you’re going Therese A. Hartmann has more than 25 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.

• DO keep working. Don’t switch jobs, decrease hours or take unpaid leave. Try not to go on vacation and spend money.

toapply for a new Lowe’s card, as an example, wait until after your loan closes.

• DO NOT apply for new credit lines. Not only can this impact your credit score,

• DO pay bills on time. Your credit history is so important while going

OM — February 2024

• DO NOT co-sign for anyone! This is good advice in general but especially imperative while you’re in the middle of the loan process. Their debt becomes yours, as seen through the eyes of an underwriter. Once payment history has been established (proof with 12-24 months on-time payments), it is possible to have the debt excluded. DO NOT consolidate debt. It might seem like a good idea to transfer balances or consolidate debt but trust me, this can have a hugely negative impact on your credit score and debt ratios. Knowing what, and what not to do, is why a mortgage consultant is your best friend during a purchase or refinance. They will advise you of pitfalls and steer you in the right direction. And even if you’re not currently able to qualify for a loan, a good loan officer can help you formulate a plan for the future.

FIRESTICK POTTERY Creative Workspace Open to Public OPEN 10-6 DAILY 1804 E. OJAI AVE 805 - 272 - 8760

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LUNCH 11AM-3PM, DINNER 5PM-9PM camarcoojai.com

camarco_ojai

OM — February 2024

We know Ojai.

Little Orchard Farms – 33+ Acre Fenced, Private Retreat with 5 Wells, Orchard, Chicken Coop, Separate Studio, Stone Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, Reverse Osmosis, 2 Copper Outdoor Soaking Tubs, Expansive Outdoor Living Areas, Private Pond, Amazing Views, and Many Recent Upgrades

LittleOrchardFarms.com $3,200,000

Beautifully remodeled three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with family room fireplace, large laundry room, three-car garage, built-in BBQ grill and mountain views

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Commercial Property with Great Ojai Avenue Location, Private Parking Lot, Four Office Spaces, Kitchen, Two Bathrooms, Garage 405WestOjaiAvenue.com $1,345,000

Gated, Five-Acre Country Estate with Main House, Guest House, Workshop, Pool & Spa, Outdoor Kitchen, Sports Court, Two Fireplaces, Multiple Outdoor Living Areas, Orchard, Patio Fireplace, Solar Panels & Mountain Views 705RiceRoad.com $5,000,000

Ojai Commercial Property with Parking Lot, Showroom, Workshop, Office, Breakroom or Storage Room, Two Bathrooms, and Great Location in Industrial Area Evolving into Hip Entertainment District 907BryantPlace.com $1,785,000

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

Rancho Royale – Historic, 21-acre, remodeled and updated equestrian estate with four-bedroom main house plus eight rentals, 18-stall barn, 16-stall barn, 5 additional barns, 20 covered corrals, four arenas, two round pens, hay and equipment barns, three RV hookups, Preifert panel walker, entertainment barn, archery range, mountain views, and so much more

RanchoRoyaleOjai.com

$8,199,000

Royal Oaks Ranch - 5 Bedrooms, Upscale Finishes Throughout, Media Room, Wine Cellar, Tasting Room, Gym/Massage Room, Pool & Spa, Putting Green, Well, Six-Car Garage, Bocce Court, Views, and So Much More RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com

Fully Remodeled Five Bedroom, Five Bathroom Mid-Century Modern with Spanish Colonial Influence with Brazilian Wood Floors, Pool & Spa, Two Primary Suites, Guest Quarters, Media Room, Amazing Views

Upper Ojai Land - Build your dream home on 1.25 acres in Upper Ojai with 20-25gpm well, water meter, Edison drop, and beautiful mountain views minutes from downtown Ojai $697,500

Rose Valley Land - Create an off-grid, country retreat on 40 acres with mountain views, trails, and a natural spring in Rose Valley in the Los Padres National Forest $1,200,000

276RunningRidgeTrail.com

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

$3,685,000

GABRIELA CESEÑA Realtor | Luxury Specialist

805.236.3814

CAL DRE# 01983530 BHHS DRE# 01317331

Featured Property: 879 S. La Luna | $1,450,000

OM — February 2024