July 2019 Ojai Monthly

DISCOVER

OJAI

‘Outgoing Tide’

Peter Strauss Returns to Ojai Stage July 20th Benefit

JU

LY 2 0 1 9

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

Cover Photo Nora Davis, LIV Sotheby’s See Pages 46-47

Necessity, the Inventor Lark Ellen Farm’s Kelley D’Angelo

Ideal Ojai Day

Linda Ekman’s Latté of Art, Gratitude

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM

PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MATCHING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY IN THE OJAI VALLEY

BREATHTAKING VALLEY VISTAS

At the top of the exclusive Foothill Road lies this architectural aerie, with vaulted ceilings, an open floor plan, cork floors and interesting angles. Multiple large glass doors open onto the pool deck, which is surrounded by drought tolerent landscaping and offers one of the most fabulous views in Ojai.

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O ffered at $1, 760, 000

EAST END ECO HIDEAWAY Perched on 5.75 acres with spectacular views of the Ojai Valley, this private, Spanish-style home on the East End features an open concept design, a spa, a remodeled kitchen, drought tolerant landscaping, a 10,000 gallon water capture and purification system and solar panels. Enjoy eco-conscious California indoor-outdoor living at its finest.

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O ffered at $1, 890 , 0 0 0

PATTY WALTCHER

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

(805) 340-3774 pattywaltcher.com OM — July 2019

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PERALTA

R E A L E S TAT E TEAM

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TOP PRODUCING TEAM WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Spanish Hacienda $759,000

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Spectacular East End | 19 Acres| Privacy $7m

Close to town | Views | $3.575m

Tonya Peralta, Serena Handley & Rachelle Giuliani Tonya BRE#01862743 • Serena BRE#01994892 • Rachelle BRE#02047608

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TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY 2019

7

Editor’s Note

12

Porch Gallery Pairs Architects, Artists

14

Calendar of Events

18

Featured Event: Peter Strauss onstage

22

Featured Professional: Kelley D’Angelo

26

Why Rentals are Gold

28

My Garden — Taking a Billie Holiday

32

Four Water-Saving Tips

12

18

6/18/2019

Attach2849_20190519_224810.jpg

30 Ideal Ojai Day: Linda Ekman 34

Who’s Who In Ojai

36

Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide

37

Chef Randy — Armenian Cucumbers

38

Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide

40 Top 7 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry 43

Sold in Ojai

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44 Ojai Facts & Founders https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwChJhgXzBvkTjLCdlMtWFGJgzh?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo Contact Us: Ross Falvo, 805.207.5094 editor@ojaiquarterly.com The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Cover: Property Listed by Nora Davis, LIV Sotheby’s Realty

DISCOVER

OJAI

‘Outgoing Tide’

Peter Strauss Returns to Ojai Stage July 20th Benefit

JU

LY 2 0 1 9

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

Cover Photo Nora Davis, LIV Sotheby’s See Pages 46-47

Necessity, the Inventor Lark Ellen Farms’ Kelley D’Angelo

Ideal Ojai Day

Linda Ekman’s Latté of Art, Gratitude

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM

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DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY

THE GHOST OF U.S. GRANT There’s so much to be grateful for in the “Little Orange,” our incredible weather, our stunning natural beauty and our tight-knit community. Each voting day, I swell with civic pride because of our best-inVentura County turnout for even the most obscure special election. We take our franchise seriously. We are also in danger of taking it for granted.

In 2011 alone, there were more than 180 bills introduced in 41 states that increased barriers to exercising the right to vote. Most of these laws restricted the forms of identification needed to cast a ballot, as well Bret Bradigan as limits on absentees and early voting. In total, more than 5 million people have been affected by these changes. These restrictions disproportionately make it harder for students, active duty military and elderly to exercise their most basic franchise.

And it will get worse — the Supreme Court has allowed states to roll back protections of the epic 1965 Voting Rights Bill, which gives free rein to all those trying to depress turnout with fewer open precincts in targeted neighborhoods and populations, to gerrymandering efforts to “pack and crack” electoral districts. And not only is nothing is being done to curb foreign meddling, it is, in fact, being encouraged.

It’s reminiscent of another time in our history, the early days after the Civil War left 750,000 Americans dead, the scars of which remain to this day. We could use another Ulysses S. Grant, someone with a grand strategy of compassion and kindness to knit this tattered country back together, a Mender-in-Chief.

Grant (please read Ron Chernow’s magisterial biography, you’ll thank me) was perhaps the most unlikely of leaders to emerge from the chaos of that tragic war. A failed soldier, he was drummed out of the Army because of his alcoholism. He then went on to another string of failures, in farming and in business, before resigning himself to a job as a leather goods store clerk in Galena, Ill., working for his (younger) brother.

When Fort Sumter was fired upon in 1861, Grant traded on his family’s relationship with their congressional representative Elihu Washburne to get himself re-instated into the Army. Since most of the military’s leadership (and arsenal) defected to the Confederate cause, the Union could hardly afford to be picky; given the many politically connected generals that bedeviled Lincoln, with their Machiavellian machinations, this former West Point graduate, even with a drinking problem, who was strategic, aggressive and inspiring, was a godsend. Plus, he had something to prove.

Comes the hour, comes the man. Grant’s steady ascent from drill instructor to grand strategist and the nation’s second Lieutenant General (George Washington was the first) gave hope to battle the nation’s existential threat.

But what most made true Lincoln’s plea to the “better angels of our nature,” was Grant’s magnificently generous terms of surrender for the rebels at Appomattox Courthouse, letting the defeated Confederates keep their honor and sending them home to sow their gardens, which paved the way for their return to the Union. Despite Andrew Johnson’s attempts to prosecute top southern generals like General Lee and Longstreet, Grant’s huge popularity and moral sway prevented the reprisals that Lincoln feared.

But where Grant really shone was during his presidency, with his fierce attempts to integrate former slaves into our democracy, squashing the Ku Klux Klan and more proximate attempts to intimidate black voters. Had we lived up to the promise of Grant’s Civil Rights Act of 1875, this country may have not had decades of racial turmoil.

Slavery is this country’s original sin, a sin that haunts us to this day. It wasn’t until 90 years later, in 1965, in fact, that we reached again the same levels of protection for voting rights.

My fear is that we are gradually sliding down the same slippery slope toward restrictive voting that Grant fought against so vigorously. We could use a man like him again, someone whose impeccable moral credentials can lead the fight back toward the American (and Ojaian) ideal.

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Cheryl & Ray Deckert Broker Associates

Maria DePaola Sheryl Whipple Robert Perron Paul Johnsen Realtor Partner Realtor Associate Realtor Associate Realtor Associate

1442 S. Rice Road, Ojai - $1,389,000 This unique property can be whatever you wish: a stately compound; a spa retreat; or a mix of business and living pleasure. At your disposal is a 6,484 sq. ft. residence (exterior remodel courtesy of renowned architect, Marc Whitman), 7 beds/5 baths, and a large garage with room for 4 cars - all situated on a stunningly-landscaped 1.17 acres. The 1st level boasts an office, large living room, 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, and a separate “mother-in-law” apartment with its own kitchen/bath, parking and patio. The upper level has a beautifully remodeled kitchen with Jenn-Air appliances, huge family/living room with wood flooring, 3 beds/1 bath, and a spacious private balcony.

There are additional rooms to shape as you wish, and plentiful attic space. Potential conditional-use permitting could allow for other options; a yoga studio, professional office, etc. Located less than 10 minutes from charming downtown Ojai, this is a property deserving of a name and destined to become part of Ojai lore.

208 S. Ventura Street #A, Ojai - $399,000 Located in the heart of Ojai’s Downtown Village and just a couple of blocks from The Arcade (considered the hub of downtown), this end-unit condominium holds two bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs – and a large living/dining area, upgraded kitchen, and half-bathroom on ground level. Beautiful bamboo wood and ceramic tile flooring can be found throughout most of the home. Stepping through the French doors off the living/dining area will lead you to your own private and fenced patio – perfect for that morning cup of coffee, evening glass of wine, or the peaceful enjoyment of basking in the sunlight. The complex is composed of only eight units (four on each side) with a lovely courtyard in between and a private pool for residents and their guests. There are also on-site laundry facilities, as well as covered parking and storage. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Libbey Park, tennis courts, the Ojai Art Center, fine restaurants, and the quaint city life that only a small town like Ojai can provide.

522 Pleasant Avenue, Ojai - $785,000 This modern-meets-classic 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has been customized and remodeled, sparing no expense to quality and detail. Stepping into this home you’ll instantly notice the light and airy feeling you get from the numerous dual-paned windows and open floor plan. With a slate fireplace, designer kitchen with quartz countertops and large center island which doubles as a breakfast bar, recessed lighting, quartz counters and glass subway tiles in the bathrooms, tankless water heater, coiffed grounds, fruit trees, and partial mountain views - you’ll know you found your dream come true with this spectacular home. It’s also located near the best Ojai hiking trails (Shelf Road, Pratt, & Fox Canyon), yet close enough to the center of downtown (1.1 miles) to walk, should your hiking routine include fine dining or shopping. www.BestBuysInOjai.com Phone: 805.272.5221 ~ Email: Team@DeckertDePaola.com

DRE #01761150, 00780642, 01877842, 01962884, 02019595, 02018091, 01859199

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B.R.E. 01229522 Notary Public

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

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This is a large coach, approximately 1,440 sq ft. It features ample dining area and living room. Laundry room with storage. Situated in a convenient park location, across from public parking. It has a large master bedroom and bath, plus an additional bedroom and 3/4 private bath. Covered porch and lemon and orange tree. $132,000

buenatile.com

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Porch Gallery pairs career artists with career architects Looking at Architecture: Works by Mona Kuhn, Jennifer Boysen, Scott Johnson, Ross Anderson, and Amy Shock

Porch Gallery Ojai presents Looking at Architecture: Works by Mona Kuhn, Jennifer Boysen, Scott Johnson, Ross Anderson, and Amy Shock. This exhibition pairs career artists with career architects. Through their respective mediums of photography, egg tempera on canvas, mixed media collage, sculpture and oil on canvas; the artists utilize lines, curves, space and light to guide the viewer through the landscape of their artwork.

Mona Kuhn was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1969, of German descent. In 1989, Kuhn moved to the United States and earned her Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University, before furthering her studies at the San Francisco Art Institute. She is currently and independent scholar at The Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles.

Mona Kuhn’s first monograph, Photographs, was debuted by Steidl in 2004; followed by Evidence (2007), Native (2010), Bordeaux Series (2011), Private (2014), and She Disappeared into Complete Silence (2018/19). In addition, Kuhn's latest monograph titled Bushes and Succulents has been published by Stanley Barker Editions, with a debut at Jeu de Paume in Paris, France. Occasionally, Mona teaches at UCLA and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

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Jennifer Boysen has had solo exhibitions at TORRI in Paris and Cherry and Martin in Los Angeles. Her work has been included in group exhibitions at Kate Werble Gallery in New York; Frank Elbaz Gallery in Paris, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, White Flag Projects in St. Louis, Michael Thibault Gallery in Los Angeles, Night Gallery in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Nomadic Division.

Boysen Lives and works in Ventura, California.

Scott Johnson is a Founder and the Design Partner of Johnson Fain, an international architectural practice based in Los Angeles. He was a past director of the Master of Architecture Programs at the University of Southern California School of Architecture, a recipient of the Gold Medal from the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the author on a number of books on architecture. His work includes the American Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Oklahoma and the redesign of the former Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. Johnson was a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome in 2018 and divides his time between Los Angeles, New York and his studio in Ojai, California.

Ross Anderson is the founder and PresOM — July 2019

ident of Anderson Architects, an award winning, multi-disciplinary firm. Prior to creating Anderson Architects, Anderson was a founding partner in the award-winning firm of Anderson/Schwartz Architects (ASA). Anderson has taught architectural design at Yale, Columbia, Carnegie-Mellon, and the Parsons School of Design.

Amy Shock is both a visual artist and an architect. Shock’s artwork has appeared in operas, films, and in a variety of commercials. Her stage design work includes the touring productions for James Taylor, Reba McEntire, Josh Groban, No Doubt, The Backstreet Boys, Michael Bolton, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez and Bruce Springsteen. In 2010 she was commissioned to produce the series of paintings “Dingbat Buildings in LA,” and in 2008-10 she produced two seasons worth of paintings for the television show “Dexter.” Amy Shock’s paintings are shown in Los Angeles and Ventura County.

“Looking at Architecture: Works by Mona Kuhn, Jennifer Boysen, Scott Johnson, Ross Anderson, and Amy Shock” will be at the Porch Gallery Ojai until August 11. Porch Gallery – Ojai is located at 310 East Matilija Avenue in Ojai. For more information please go to www.porchgalleryojai.com.

Above: Mona Kuhn, AD 6151, 2014, Chromogenic archival print, 45” x 60”; Below: Jennifer Boysen, Untitled, 2018, tempera on canvas, 30” x 35” x 3”

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY “Old Blind Dogs in Concert” Date: July 5 Time: 7 p.m.

Location: 441 E. Ojai Ave., July 5 at 7 p.m.

Contact: ojaiconcertseries.com.

“Volunteer Trail Day” Date: July 6 Time: 8:15 a.m.

Location: Mount Piños Ranger District, Deal Connector Trailhead, Highway 33.

Mount Los Padres Forest Association will host a volunteer trail maintenance project. LPFA will provide the tools. Bring food and water and wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt, boots, gloves and eye protection.

Contact: Volunteer@LPForest.org.

“Lizards and Snakes” Date: July 6 Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway Wheeler Gorge will host members of the Southwestern Herpetological Society.

They will present live and impressive lizards and snakes and give advice on which reptile to pick as a pet.

Contact: 805-382-9759 “Into the Wild” Date: July 6 Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center,

REOCCURING EVENTS REOCCURING Certified Farmer’sEVENTS Market

17017 Maricopa Highway. Wheeler Gorge is hosting a program required for naturalists. Gordie Hemphill, president of LPFA Ojai Chapter and scouter, will lead this program about wildlife in our local forest.

Contact: 805-382-9759 “Looking at Architecture” Dates: To August 11 Times: varies Location: Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street Contact; 805-620-7589 info@porchgalleryojai.com “Actual Reality” with Peter Fox & Carlos Grasso

Contact: 295-8687 Historical Walking Tours of Ojai venturafoodtours.com Date: Saturdays, October through June Certified Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: EveryFarmer’s Sunday Market Date: Every Morning, Guided and Full Moon Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Time: 9 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m.

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

Meditations Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 698-5555 Contact: 698-5555 Date: TBD Contact: 640-1390 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot Location: Matilija the Arcade.

Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 ojaivalleymuseum.org behind the Arcade.Street city parking lot behind Open air air market market featuring featuring locally locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including Reeves Road soaps, baskets, beeswax Open candles and olive oil.

Contact: 646-5508 ext.103 “Eating Ojai” Food Tour grown produce, plants, musicians and meditationmount.org Date: Call to schedule handmade items, including soaps, basHistorical Walking of Ojai Note: Meditation Mount has been on hiTime: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. kets, beeswax candles Tours and olive oil.

Date: Every Tuesday through Sunday atus since the Thomas Fire. Check their Location: Varies Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 14

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OPPOSITE PAGE: June 9 will be a busy day in Ojai, with the Ojai Music Festival concluding at Libbey Bowl and the Ojai Wine Festival raising spirits and funds for the Rotary of Ojai-West: Carlos Grasso and Peter

Dates: To August 17 Times: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street Contact: 805-653-0323 “Trees are Treemendous” Date; July 13 Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway Lloyd Simpson, botanist with Los Padres National Forest, will lead a short, educational walk around the campground showing you native and non-native trees.

Contact: 805-798-9079

website at meditationmount.org.

“Third Fridays” Date: Third Friday of the month Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Businesses Contact: 640-1390 OjaiVillageExperience.com “Ojai Fiction Writing Workshop” Date: Every Thursday Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Fox’s show “Actual Reality” will be on display at the Ventura Museum until Aug. 17. THIS PAGE: The Independence Day Parade and the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival are coming up quickly.

“Kenny G in Concert” Date: July 13 Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street Contact: www.wmmts.com or call (888) 645-5006.

Ojai Chautauqua’s “Is Cannabis Good for Ojai?”

Date: July 28 Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Matilija Auditorium, 701 El Paseo Road This complicated issue with a panel of experts as they discuss these and other questions of legal cannabis.

Contact: 805-231-5974

Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org “Shakespeare Salon” Date: First and third Mondays Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 646-1639

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“The English Beat in Concert” Date: July 20 Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Libbey Bowl, 206 South Signal Street Contact: Tickets available at www. wmmts.com or ticketmaster or call 888645-5006.

“Ojai Playwrights Annual Conference” Dates: August 4-11 Times: Varies Location: Besant Hill School’s Zalk Theater, 8585 North Ojai Road The premier new works development workshops for the theater with staged readings. Contact: ojaiplays.org

“Ojai Seeker’s Bike Tour” Date: By reservation 48 hrs in advance Time: varies Meditation Mount Location: varies hosts Full Moon MedContact: 272-8102 or email ride@ itations. Check their themobshop.com or onlineat atmeditationwebsite porchgalleryojai.com mount.org or call 646Ojai bike tour features 5508agricultural, for more updates. artistic, culinary, cultural and historical landmarks in Ojai.

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OJAI DOOR & WINDOW 942 E. OJAI AVE OJAI, CA 93023 P (805) 646 5032 F (805) 646 1708

www.ojaidoorandwindow.com 108 SOUTH MONTGOMERY STREET Ojai Café Emporium is a turn key, well-established breakfast & lunch restaurant located in the heart of downtown Ojai! Prime location steps away from all of Ojai’s events and attractions. For over 34 years, Ojai Café Emporium has had a reputation as a warm and friendly dining destination for family, friends, and business. Included on the property is an adjoining bakery/coffeeshop producing fresh baked goods every morning. Take advantage of this prime piece of commercial real estate with a fully operational business that’s been established for many years. $2,200,000

TOM WEBER BROKER

805-320-2004 TomWeber@OjaiTom.com 433 SUNSET STREET Oak Ranch Estates, move in ready. Open 1800+ sqft floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Oversized two car garage. 20K sqft lot backs to natural wooded area, offering great privacy.

Common area horse facilities with riding arena, stalls and trails. $759,000

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CalDRE # 00805061

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128 APRICOT STREET Very nice 3 bed 2 bath home with Vaulted ceilings. Beautiful kitchen. Separate laundry room. 1 car attached garage plus an attached carport with deck on top. Nice storage shed as well.

Easy care front and rear fenced yard areas.

Easy commute to Ventura. $549,000

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JUL 20

FEATURED EVENT: FOR THE LOVE OF THEATER

By Kathleen Kaiser

T

he ancient power of storytelling transformed into theatrical performances 2,500 years ago in Greece and has never stopped. Live performances, with audiences transfixed by the actors, have drawn people back over and over to escape daily life and wander into a world inhabited by all manner of creatures and characters if only for a couple of hours. Today, community theater provides the smallest of villages, like Ojai, access to the greatest works and often new plays that excite, intrigue, and inspire.

This July Ojai theater lovers can attend a stellar one-night-only benefit reading of “The Outgoing Tide” by Bruce Graham starring Ojai’s own Peter Strauss along with Jean Smart, and Michael Nathanson, all Broadway professionals. This event benefits the Ojai Art Center Theater, supporting its effort to produce quality entertainment for the entire valley.

“I first stepped on a stage at age 12 and never looked back,” said Peter Strauss. “My hometown of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, supported a Shakespeare Festival every year for young people in the community. It was a joyous experience and paved the way for my future.

“Watching young performers at The Ojai Art Center Theater reminded me of that world, the discipline I learned, the sense of family theater fosters, the sheer opportunity and thrill of performing. I realized that I could help support that endeavor and also have the joy and privilege to perform for my community.”

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Actors Michael Nathanson and Jean Smart will perform the reading.

The staged reading will take place Saturday, July 20 at the Matilija Auditorium. The reading is produced by the Ojai Performing Arts Theater to benefit the Ojai Art Center Theater.

Peter Strauss is familiar to Ojaians as a farmer, environmentalist, and avid supporter of theater works. An Emmy winner for “The Jericho Mile,” he also won accolades for “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Masada.” Joining Strauss will be Jean Smart, a three-time Emmy winner (two for “Frasier,” one for “Samantha Who?”) and a Tony nominee for her performance in “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” with Nathan Lane. You may also remember her for her deliciously wicked performance in the hit TV series “Designing Women.”

One-Night-Only Reading of ‘The Outgoing Tide’ on July 20th with PETER STRAUSS

Michael Nathanson, noted actor seen in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Punisher,” and “The Knick,” will play their grown son. Ojai’s beloved Michael Addison, former head of the California Shakespeare Festival and director of numerous shows here in Ojai will be the narrator.

Peg’s plan to move him into an adult care facility. Strauss portrays Gunner as a man of intense pride and determination as he hatches a plan to override Peg.” The New York Post said, “Deeply moving and cathartically funny, “The Outgoing Tide” will lift your spirits even as it brings you to tears.”

“As Artistic Director of the Art Center Theater I am overjoyed that Peter Strauss, Jean Smart, and Michael Nathanson have agreed to donate their time and efforts to benefit the theater,” said Richard Camp. “The proceeds will go toward uplifting the productions throughout the season and help continue the theater’s efforts to bring the highest quality theater to the Ojai Valley.”

“This is an extraordinary play about the power of love, regrets, forgiveness and letting go,” said Strauss. “It’s profound in a manner that only theater can offer.

“The Outgoing Tide” story insists that we face an end-of-life decision, not by squirming or turning away, but by laughing and only occasionally coming close to tears. A thoughtprovoking play, it slowly reveals a man’s choice to end his own life instead of living out the consequences of encroaching dementia.

Peter Strauss has performed this play on stage before and received outstanding reviews like this one by Joyce Friedland, Internet Theater Magazine: “Peter Strauss plays the role of Gunner brilliantly. He dominates the stage with his multifaceted character. He changes his gait, his posture, and the tone of his voice to reflect moments of anger, frustration, and tenderness. A tragic hero, he cries out in anguish over his wife

“Our reading is intended to support the Ojai Art Center Theater and enable it to continue to offer amazing theater to our community. More than ever, we need to share the theater experience of drama and comedy illuminating the human condition and reminding us of our universality.

“A theater is a magical space,” Strauss concludes. “Watching young people invested in their roles and proudly strutting their stuff … as well as us more ‘mature’ actors … I am amazed still at how special that is. I am thrilled to help encourage it in Ojai.”

This one-night benefit performance will be July 20 at Matilija Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiTheater.org.

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Whitman Architectural Design

Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”

Spanish Style Home Downtown Ojai

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

• Completely rebuilt from the studs in 2011 • 2,700 sq ft 5 bedrooms and 3 baths including a large master suite • Gourmet kitchen-upgraded appliances-6 burner Viking range • Granite counters and Travertine tile • Easy access with 2 entrance points, each with iron gates • Roses and bougainvillea flowers • Full irrigation system to help nurture your green thumb creations • Captivating back yard with Outdoor BBQ • Warm sunset with views of the Topa Topas • This is the diamond on Shady Lane

CalBre : 01786486 Call or Text to (805)-640-5563

805-646-8485

realestateojai@gmail.com www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com

“We Shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

Winston Churchill

ojaihub.com

Ojai’s community website 20

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Events • News • Explore

October 31 - November 10

2019

20th Anniversary!

• Features, Documentaries, Animation • Screenplay Competition and Live Table Read • Lifetime Achievement Awards • Women in Film Legacy Series • Industry Insiders, Rising Filmmakers, Professional and student workshops, parties, surprise guests and honorees

JULY 6 - 31 OJAI ART CENTER GALLERY

• Opening Night Carnivale!

Free Halloween Movie in Libbey Bowl, Children’s Faire, Live Music, Poetry, Prizes, Trick or Treating, Costume Contest – October 31

OjaiFilmFestival.com

In this new body of work, Eells searches for beauty and the sublime through representations of the human figure in dance.

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, July 6, 2019 • 5 - 7 pm Special Performance at 6 pm

805.640.1947

Ojai Art Center • 113 S. Montgomery St. Sneak peek at eells.com

ENRICHING THE HUMAN SPIRIT THROUGH FILM OM — July 2019

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FEATURED PRO

No Pain? No Grain What’s a girl to do when she becomes allergic to one of her favorite foods? For Kelley D’Angelo, you create a replacement.

By Ilona Saari

K

vanished. But Kelley missed elley, the daughter her morning bowl of cereal. of Ojaians Don Proving the adage that and Ann Scanlin, necessity is the mother of graduated from Nordhoff invention, she took to her High School in 1984 and kitchen, trying grainless started her journey out of recipes and learning the Ojai Valley by attending about nutrition, such as Cal Poly in San Luis the benefits of sprouting Obispo. She later moved (sprouting seeds, grains, to Orange County and etc. breaks down the antieventually became the Sales nutrients and makes food Manager for downtown easier to digest). Her mom L.A. Pacific Bell. As a young ordered the nuts and seeds, twenty-something female soaked them, dehydrated overseeing and managing and dried them, and helped many older (50s-60s) make the bags to hold the workers, she faced a lot of seeds and nuts to sell at the resentment. Her car was Ojai Farmer’s Market. Kelley keyed and she had to have a Kelley D’Angelo (bottom left) with her team. was soon known as the security guard walk her to Photo by Rachel Townley at Tika Town Photography.

Granola Girl. her car. It was a crazy time, Kelley a single mom. She moved back to but she persevered. She married and As her grainless granola popularity Ojai to help her dad with his real estate moved to Northern California where grew, she approached Rainbow Bridge investment business as he moved toward she rose to Director/VP of Marketing for about stocking her products. Ernest retirement. After his retirement, she was Pacific Bell, which had become SBC, then Niglio, the general manager, along with without a job and two kids to support.

AT&T. owner Mary Trudeau, encourages and She persevered. supports new local brands and soon After a short stint in Charlotte, N.C., Ernest became her mentor, teaching Kelley, who had been struggling with she and her husband moved again, this Kelley about margins and pricing for the inflammation of her joints for years, time to Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. He commuted grocery business. turned her body into an experiment. She to Manhattan while she stayed home discovered that grains and wheat could raising two children and freelancing as She now needed a name/trademark for cause inflammation, so she cut them a marketing consultant. In the midst of her products. “Granola Girl” was already out of her diet. Her digestive system building their family dream house, he taken, so she hit the “drawing board,” improved and her lifelong chronic pain jumped the Dobbs Ferry ship leaving

which remained a blank canvas until her dad suggested “Lark Ellen Farm,” the name of her modest half-acre garden on Lark Ellen Avenue in the East End of town, where chickens roam among fresh fruit and veggies.

She liked that name and channeled her inner Nancy Drew by investigating the origins of “Lark Ellen.” She discovered her street was named after Southern Californian, Ellen Beach Yaw, an opera singer in the late 1800s. She was nicknamed “Lark Ellen” because her singing voice sounded like a songbird.

She was also a philanthropist, starting a Lark Ellen School for Boys, and the Lark Ellen League for singers and musicians, who gave concerts in hospitals, homes and jails.

As Kelley’s business grew, she put her trust in a man to help navigate her new endeavor, who ended up conning her out of all her profits. She almost closed shop, but, she persevered. She dipped her toe into the match.com dating pool and met Mike Mendoza at Azu for a “getting to know you” drink. That drink turned into a long conversation that didn’t end until the restaurant locked its doors for the night. When Kelley’s business grew bigger than her kitchen could handle, she rented a 300 square foot space by the Medicine Shoppe where she and her

mom would work their magic. Mike was there with champagne to celebrate, and a full-blown courtship and business relationship took root. Lark Ellen Farm continued growing and needed a larger space, then an even larger space, eventually settling in at its present manufacturing “kitchen”/warehouse in Bryant Circle. Mike runs the warehouse as Director of Operations, leaving Kelley to concentrate on sales and marketing.

Kelley now has 12 employees, all of whom she considers part of her family.

To follow in the original Lark Ellen’s philanthropic footsteps, Kelley started the Grainless Goodness, “good for you” food project. If you click on the Lark Ellen website (www.larkellenfarm.com) you can nominate someone you feel deserves recognition for doing a good deed for you or someone else. It could be as simple as walking your dog, or cooking a meal for a sick friend. Lark Ellen Farm will then send that good person a free bag of grainless goodness, a note of thanks, coupons, and a shout out on social media.

done. Pure tenacity is my super power.”

She emphasizes that she couldn’t have done any of it without the amazing support of her family and the Ojai community. An Ojai girl throughand-through, she loves this valley and is grateful to be “home” to raise her children. When life gets too daunting, she walks outside her warehouse and looks up at the Chief (Chief Peak mountain) and knows that she has been guided to build Lark Ellen Farm here, and that is as it should be. She continues to persevere.

Kelley’s products are now in more than 1,000 retail grocery stores in the USA, including Sprouts stores nationwide. Online purchasing includes Amazon, Vitacost and the webstore on the Lark Ellen Farm website.

Locally, her grainless goodies can be found at Rainbow Bridge, Westridge and in Whole Foods and Gelson’s in neighboring towns.

When asked how she built her company from the ground up, how she learned about the science of food and the food business, she answers, “I’m not really great at any one thing, except I’m good at figuring things out and getting things OM — July 2019

23

Donna Sallen

Located on the prestigious East End of Ojai, down a private lane, sits an elegantly modern home.

Beautiful, flat useable lot, just under an acre, located in the heart of the City of Ojai. Great views from this lot. Zoned C1 − come build your dream!!

Desirable location, close to Soule Park Golf Course, so you have plenty of visibility for your business. Build Live/Work, or just Work...many possibilities.

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Sitting perfectly on over an acre of land with citrus fruits and a driveway of Cypress trees.

Located minutes away from trails, organic grocer, coffee shops and yoga studio. This home has the modern design that unites family spirit, cozy atmosphere and large open spaces. Recently renovated, this light filled house has a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors and custom doors leading out to a private backyard. The property’s meandering paths lead to an artist studio and a sleeping cottage.

This home is made for a true Ojai lifestyle.

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

WHY RENTAL PROPERTIES ARE GOLD The Benefits of Being a Landlord

By Therese A. Hartmann

Ask anyone in California and they will tell you that rents are going up, up, up. Along with food, clean air and water, having a shelter is a necessity and one of the primary reasons why buying an investment property is typically a sure thing. Buying right, making sure you have a good loan AND that you fully understand the nuances of being a landlord, are all important. If you are game to enter into the rental market, let me tell you about some additional incentives.

Qualifying: Did you know that you can use the rental income towards qualifying?

Yep, you can use 75 percent of whatever is showing on the lease agreement. So, if a lease is showing $2,000/month, I can give you credit of $1,500 on top of your normal income.

Tax Benefits: Not only do you get to deduct the mortgage interest, you’ll also have depreciation, travel, repairs, insurance and more you can deduct from your taxes.

Check with your tax preparer for more info.

Leveraging: With stocks, you pay 100 percent to control 100 percent of the 26

investment. In real estate, you might pay 20 percent to control that same amount.

With 20 percent down, if your property appreciates 5 percent, you’ll have earned a 25 percent return on initial investment.

Passive Income Stream: As rents go up, your mortgage will stay the same.

Eventually, as the property is paid off, you will retain a lifelong income stream as well as provide someone a place to live.

Diversification: Even if your “thing” is investing in the stock market, most financial advisers will suggest you diversify. Owning rental property, especially if it local to where you live, is a great way to go.

One of the best things I ever did was to move from a big home on two acres to a smaller duplex on two lots, in town. Not only do I get to enjoy the proximity to everything, it’s good to know that I’ll have a continuing income stream to carry me into my old age. And you too can do this whether adding to your portfolio or entering the real estate market for the first time. Call me and let’s dream!

OM — July 2019

Therese A. Hartmann has 20 years’ lending experience. She is a Licensed Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

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OM — July 2019

27

MY OJAI GARDEN

BY LESLIE LIPPINCOTT HIDLEY

I

am listening to Pandora on the web. Billie Holliday is singing “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love with Me.” Before that, it was the Flamingos “I Only Have Eyes for You.” I added Bessie Smith to my requests. I wanted a specific song, “Gimme a Pigfoot,” but they don’t have it.

Actually, the words are “gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer, gonna be ramblin’ till the wagon comes.”

I went to Kay Campbell’s funeral with my sister this morning. She was 92 and the Sacristan for the Church.

A sacristan is the person in charge of the sacristy and the ceremonial equipment — and she lights the candles and gets the prayer books ready before Mass. Something about her never looked like an old lady. She was always fashionably dressed, wearing earrings, and scooted around the church, always in a bit of a hurry. She would greet me like I was back from the dead when I came to Mass after missing some mornings. She took the trolley every morning. Didn’t get a ride.

She fell in her apartment. I don’t know if she broke anything, but she went to a nursing home and she died within the month.

My mother made me promise not to ever put her in a nursing home. Well, she didn’t make me, she just said, “Don’t ever put me in one of those places, OK?” So we never did. She had round the clock private care for seven years of her life before she died. She had become demented. I miss her. She was funny, even when her mind was gone, it wasn’t really gone. She was in there. Her words would scramble, but Cath and I knew what she meant.

Father Pat was having breakfast at the Coffee Emporium this morning when E and I went. He looked fine, so I guess there was no problem consequent to his fall last week.

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OM — July 2019

It is Sunday. V came by. Am going to see her new paintings tomorrow and go to dinner. She fell down her stairs. B broke her leg. Everybody’s falling down, falling down, falling down …

I will walk very very carefully.

V is helping at Catholic Charities in Ventura — cooking for the homeless. She said they average around 250 people. They made Indian food and the next day, chicken stew. I will donate the fruit from the trees when it comes ripe this year. Much of it just goes to waste. They could use it. They even make pies. They will be able to use the apples come June.

I dreamed I was psychotic and homeless the other night.

St. John of God just brought everybody home — he went searching for the sick and uncared for and took them home with him. He was said to be psychotic. But he put it to good use. And they are still at it, from Granada in the 1500s to Ojai now. St. Joseph’s Convalescent Hospital is from his order.

I like quiet and solitude, but not too much. But when I am with people, I have very little to contribute. This isn’t modesty, just observation. It’s embarrassing.

I think this is what is happening in the writing. I am becoming as silent as I often am in person.

Shhhhhhhh …

Went to see V’s new paintings. Bought one I almost like and took her to dinner. S is painting trees in the garage.

He’s on his fourth one. Chris started one of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I hope she finishes it. I haven’t painted anything in a year.

Maybe I am just fading into the distance.

Wrote to Father Pat this morning. I love getting letters from him, so I write to him. I have a dull life so not much to say.

Lifelong Catholics have no idea how “outside” outside the Church is. How peoples’ consciences can be formed by ideas like the right to infanticide, the right to kill the infirm, the aged. And as night follows day, these “rights” will in the end, make these crimes compulsory. Especially in combination with the coming universal healthcare.

A person’s value will be totally economic. People will live or die in accordance with how expensive it is to keep them alive.

There is another man who brings his brother. The brother is completely paralyzed and is brought in on some kind of gurney. The brother takes the paralyzed man up for Communion, which they share.

And then there are the young mothers with varying ages of children.

It is interesting that people rarely read Margaret Sanger.

She was the founder of Planned Parenthood. I’ve read her.

She was deep in the Eugenics movement which the Nazis used as justification for their murder and sterilization of the ill and insane. So the “inferior types” wouldn’t breed. I would have been one of the first to go.

I have many heroes. When I first started going to this church, I met a man and woman who were very charming. He had once been a monk, I think. And she was a stunningly beautiful woman in her fifties. Prematurely white hair — and she was an amateur rosarian. I saw her garden. She had a stroke at some point. And then she had more. And he brings her every day to Mass. You can tell that he takes care of her by the way her hair is combed.

No subtlety or finesse to it, just straight across. Like a man would do. He dresses her nicely and guides her around the church. Sometimes she gets confused about where to go.

One time she was passing Father Pat and she smiled and pointed to her head and shrugged. He smiled back.

And what does this have to do with a pleasant Tuesday evening in spring? What indeed....

Flannery O’Connor says, “In the absence of faith, tenderness is the road to the gas chamber.”

I’m trying to remember if I ever had a convenient pregnancy.

OM — July 2019

29

AN IDEAL OJAI DAY

BY LINDA EKMAN Artist

T

he Mountain Range runs East to West in our little valley. I ponder this as I sit under a scrub oak up at Krotona Institute of Theosophy. It’s early, 7 a.m., so the bookstore is closed, but I’m not here for the books today.

Paramahansa Yogananda and Krishnamurti will have to wait. I emerge from my meditative state as the sun peeks through the misty June gloom. I am as eager for the day as the bunnies that are scampering across the path. It’s my perfect Ojai day.

People and cars are out and about, a soon to be busy Saturday to be sure. The line at Coffee Connection in Meiner’s Oaks is small and pleasant as I await my blueberry scone and latté. I admire the art display, hung side-by-side and top-to-bottom on the walls. The pages are familiar, yet new. It’s Stephen Mitchell’s version of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. My heart smiles and my latté is perfect. “Mo Town’s” Coffee Connection does it again.

The rains that came this winter brought a sense of hopefulness for our scarred and parched hills. Lake Casitas water level looks better but still under par. It’s a huge concern for all of us and our town. Our City Council members are working together for alternative solutions for this sorry state. We all do our part. The signs are still posted as reminders to conserve and be mindful of our footprint.

The smell of campfire smoke and children’s voices greet me as I grab my pack and head up the west side of Lake Casitas. It’s a pleasant hike, only getting “hilly” at the bend before the trees.

By the time I reach the turn, I’m slowing and searching skyward anyway. I stop and marvel as Mama Eagle graces me with her presence with her rhythmic, majestic wings flying high above. I cannot see the baby chick in her nest but the Ranger at the gate tells me it’s ready to fly. He also tells me about the Facebook page Lake Casitas Eagles-Community to join and watch the maiden flight. It pleases me to see these creatures. I am reminded of our Chumash ancestors before us who lived and worked and prayed here as well. The eagle represents man’s

30

OM — July 2019

pride and strength with its great vision.

The Lake Casita.s Water Adventure opened late May and runs until September. Families and children come to enjoy the Lazy River and to obtain respite from the hot summer days looming ahead. Ojai reaches into the I OOs some days. Not me, however. I’m here for the 9 a.m. adult water aerobics class. It’s early and the fog still lingers. The water is chilly as a few brave souls follow the cute upbeat instructor against the current, upstream, around the turns, pushing and pulling, kicking and splashing. The latté from earlier kicks in and the whole class gets it’s free float lap as a reward for a workout well done.

A quick shower and change and I’m on my way to Flora Gardens. I need to stop for lavender but get lost wandering through the aisles and pottery pots and the sound of garden fountains makes me want to grab a book and stay. Lavendula Stoechas, Spanish lavender, is the most colorful of the lavender family. It’s woody and hardy and the bees like them too.

As I select a promising specimen., I’m thinking about the watercolors I’ll be making as I sit at the art booth at Ojai’s Lavender Festival this month. It’s my first group show here and my two wildflower submissions will contrast with the other’s lavender-theme pieces. Hopefully I can make amends for my faux pas with these smaller contributions.

I wander up to the neatly packed boxes at MR Produce’s fruit stand. A neighbor to Flora Gardens, Melisio Ramirez (MR are his initals, though he’s happy to be known as “Mr. Produce,” stands there eager and helpful with a bag as I select some Haas ripe avocados for tomorrow’s guacamole bowl. The sun shines on the freshly picked strawberries and cherries. Plump and ripe, I pop a sweet berry in my mouth and thank the hands that picked them. The Art for Agriculture show is coming soon and I ask to take photos for art ideas and references. I sneak in a few shots as a new customer eyes me inquisitively.

The strawberry reminds me that my scone was hours ago and tempting as it is to eat the whole basket., I restrain my impulse and head down the road.

actually spending it. A working girl’s dream.

As the door opens to Papa Lennon’s restaurant, I am drawn to My newest favorite place to visit is The Porch Gallery on East the painting on the wall. The Impressionistic style of the artist Attach2849_20190519_224810.jpg Matilija Street. Truly a work of art itself, the John Montgomery is lovely and6/18/2019 the smells of Italian food and pizza remind me 1874 house has been transformed into a welcoming., wonderful of how hungry I am. One local favorite pizza “Goat to Cheese” creative experience. In the tasting room gallery, a remake from catches my eye. Combinations of spinach, goat cheese, artichoke the Dada Artist Beatrice Wood’s ceramic molds makes and more. A vegetarian affair but I ask for sausage to be added. these original, gourmet chocolates a clever gift for those art My girlfriend meets me and the food arrives at our outside aficionados in your life. Smooth and rich and utterly delicious. table. We visit and marvel at this family owned business. The Find a seat in the newly remodeled viewing room and watch lavender theme continues and I settle for the Honey, Lavender the visual display of renowned Gelato and my friend the artists Charles Arnoldi and Carmello chocolate crunch. I Natalie Arnoldi. I could stay am not disappointed in the least here all day. and share that the gelato is the most authentic I’ve had since I swing by Ojai Creates to Venice years ago. see Jo and pick up a couple of watercolor pencils. I’m like a Back into town, Bart’s Books kid in a candy shop. It’s hard holds my fancy. This spacious to choose as her individual outdoor book market has selection tantalizes. I settle become quite famous and on blues and pinks and think written about profusely. It’s about my lavender pieces yet to nice to be here today. It smells be done. of dust and old books and long forgotten favorites jump out I meet up with my mom at wanting another go. I choose a the Ojai Center for the Arts.

Mary Oliver poetry book and The theater is welcoming “Gifts from the Sea’’ by Anne and cozy and we are looking Lindberg. forward to Sunday’s matinee for an afternoon of local talent I walk now, feeling this watching Mamma Mia unfold. morning’s workout on the The current Fiber Vision back of my legs. A quick stop show in the gallery showcases at the Ojai Museum, I pick contemporary quilts by a group up a map created by Brian of Santa Barbara artists.

Conant with the Los Padres Forest Association, showing It must be Italian day today as some of our great local hikes. mom and I share the Eggplant In the courtyard is a wonderful Linda Ekman in her studio. Photo by Lorem Ipsum.

Parmesan at Boccali’s at the limestone statue of a condor by east side of town. I taste a hint of Carlyle T. Montgomery. A must nutmeg and enjoy the seasonal fresh tomato salad and try to see. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwChJhgXzBvkTjLCdlMtWFGJgzh?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1 1/1 leave room for their incredible strawberry shortcake.

Frameworks of Ojai stands open on this Saturday. I am happy I look at the mountains. I’m on Dennison Grade at the valley that Joyce is in as her professional guidance is a real treasure. view vista point. There is a tree I marvel at here. It’s shaped Marty takes my latest artwork with a promise to have it like a heart now, after the Thomas Fire consumed half of it. framed before my next show. It’s always a proud moment to Charred and spindly, its right side is barren, but look, now, the relinquish a newly completed piece. left side has blossomed and it stands stately as if mocking the fires attempt at total destruction. Chief Peak lies on his back The day continues to unfold with a peek into the antique store looking up at the heavens with his bonnet lining the rim and Treasures of Ojai. Silver artisan jewelry is always fun and I peaks of Nordhoff Ridge. Hines Peak lingers in the distance. poke around the many trinkets and prizes.

— we Rise Together- —at the vista and at this junction in time.

I think about how this is a town of community and resilience.

Today is different, however, as I’m in want of a new blouse. A The sun rises and sets and the mountains show their flash of few steps away Trend awaits. A select consignment shop, I’ve glory as the fading sunlight paints them in their grand and found designer bags and St. John dresses. A one-of-a-kind, find, perfect Pink Moment. kind of place that makes you feel like a hundred bucks without OM — July 2019

31

SPICES FOR LIFE Salsa Gardens for Fun & Entertaining

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

It’s not a party without chips and salsa, so if you have summer entertaining plans, you need to have salsa on the menu. Of course, you can always run to Westridge or Vons and grab some pre-packaged salsa before your next barbecue. This is an option you should certainly keep in mind when you are running short on time, but salsa is so easy to make that there is really no excuse to not make a fresh batch as part of your party prep.

You can even grow your own salsa ingredients so that you will always have them on hand just steps away from your kitchen. Whether you have a large yard with an elaborate vegetable garden or a tiny patio with a free corner, you have enough space to grow at least some of the ingredients you will need to make your own fresh salsa all summer long.

For the most basic mild salsa, you will need tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The ubiquity of jalapeños in salsa recipes should not be overlooked, but 32

you can start with these other ingredients if you are looking for a mild flavor, and then play around with jalapeños or other peppers once you are confident in your basic salsa-making skills.

All these ingredients can be grown in the ground, in containers or in raised garden beds. For the lime juice, your lime tree will be happiest in the ground, but dwarf options can be grown on your patio in a container. Tomatoes and peppers thrive in the ground or containers, just be sure to use cages or stakes to support and manage the plants. This is particularly important with indeterminate tomato plants, which will happily take over your garden or patio. If you are growing multiple ingredients close together, this will also help keep your taller plants from blocking the sun your smaller plants need to thrive.

How many plants you should plant depends on how much space you have to dedicate to your salsa garden and how often you plan on making salsa, but you OM — July 2019

will need at least two tomato plants and two cilantro plants to get you through the summer entertaining season.

If you are working with limited space, keep in mind that you can plant a tomato or pepper plant in a cage in the middle of a large container, and then plant onion or cilantro around it. If you have more space, consider growing a row of onions, or up your salsa game by expanding your garden to include garlic, tomatillos, bell peppers, and habanero or serrano chilis.

Basic Salsa Recipe 4 large diced tomatoes 1 medium chopped onion 1 handful chopped cilantro Lime juice (to taste) Mix the ingredients in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. Serve fresh with tortilla chips.

You can store fresh salsa in the refrigerator for about five days, or you can store it for about a year by canning it.

Donna Sallen

A hidden little gem! Very private, quiet, respite right in town where you can walk or bike to restaurants, grocery, and farmer’s market within minutes. Bright, light-filled modern turn-key home that features ease of indoor-outdoor living with a flexible floor plan, modern kitchen with Viking stove and Subzero fridge, outdoor shower, bike and surf shed, and ample shade from a multitude of fruit trees including persimmon, fig, mulberry, apricot, plum and pineapple guava. Recent updates include new Bosch dishwasher, newly painted interior and exterior, and roofing updates to keep the house cooler in the warmer months. This home is zoned residential and commercial and features an easy, low maintenance, drought tolerant yard with automatic irrigation system providing flexibility and simplicity for a main residence, business, or a second home. Come experience this unique in-town Ojai oasis where views of the Los Padres and a sense of peace will surround you.

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.

OM — July 2019

33

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com

805-207-5094

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

Anne Williamson Keller Williams Realty Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314

805-798-1998

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

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

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

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

805-340-3774

34

Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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

Stephen Adelman Broker Associate “Your Family Man Realtor” LIV Sotheby’s realestateojai@ gmail.com ojailuxuryrealestate.com 805-640-5563

OM — July 2019

Clinton Haugan LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 727 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023 C: (805) 760-2092 O: (805) 646-7288 chaugan@livsothebysrealtyca.com DRE# 02019604

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

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

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

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

Joe Davis Full service property management, residential • Commercial • Industrial JoeTheRentalGuy.com.

805-574-9774

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

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

Teresa Rooney LIV Sotheby’s International Realty teresarooneyhomes@ sbcglobal.net 805-340-8928

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

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

Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty, 109 N. Blanche St. #100 Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com

Ojai’s locally owned and operated magazines.

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

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

OjaiHub.com 805.798.0177 OM — July 2019

35

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Instagram: @caravanoutpost Web: caravanoutpost.com 317 Bryant Street I (805) 836-4891.

CHANTICO INN & SUITES Relaxed, cozy rooms in a Mission-style hotel offering free breakfast & WiFi, plus an outdoor pool.

406 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-8100 chanticoinnsuites.com

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EMERALD IGUANA INN Upscale inn with lush gardens, pool, hot tub, spa services, breakfast, & rooms with local artwork.

108 Pauline St | (805) 646-5277 emeraldiguana.com HUMMINGBIRD INN Lodge-like inn offering modern, casual rooms, plus free wi-fi breakfast, & an outdoor pool. Across the street from Soule Park Golf Course.

1208 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4365 hummingbirdinnojai.com LAVENDER INN Quaint bed-and-breakfast in an 1874 building featuring country-style rooms, plus a spa, yoga & cooking classes. In the heart of downtown Ojai.

210 East Matilja St | (805) 646-6635 lavenderinn.com

OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA Upscale Spanish-style hacienda with contemporary rooms & a spa, pool, golf & several restaurants. One of California’s premier destinations.

905 Country Club Road | (855) 6978780 ojairesort.com OAKRIDGE INN Functional budget hotel offering an outdoor pool, plus complimentary continental breakfast & WiFi. 780 North Ventura Ave | (805) 6494018 oakridgeinn.com OJAI RETREAT Serene, hilltop bed-and-breakfast offering traditional rooms, some with terraces, plus a buffet breakfast & yoga.

160 Besant Road | (805) 646-2536 ojairetreat.com

THE OAKS AT OJAI Serene weight-loss retreat offering 3 meals daily, plus a wellness spa & free fitness classes.

122 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-5573 oaksspa.com

PEPPER TREE RETREAT & EDUCATION CENTER An oasis for the mind in a peaceful setting where individuals, couples and small groups can relax and enjoy the beauty of the valley.

1130 McAndrew Road (877) 355-5986 peppertreeretreat.com

OJAI RANCHO INN Borders Ojai Valley Trail, easy stroll to downtown. Hip, rustic-style inn offering country-chic rooms, plus free Wi-fi, a pool & a sauna.

615 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-1434 ojairanchoinn.com

SU NIDO INN Artfully designed, Mission-style inn with traditional rooms, with stunning courtyard, an easy walk to downtown. Free Wi-Fi 301 North Montgomery Street (805) 646-7080 sunidoinn.com

OM — July 2019

CHEF RANDY

Armenian Cucumber Salad with Feta What do you do when the garden gives you curly Armenian cucumbers? You make cucumber salad, of course. Elongated and shaped similar to the common cucumber but botanically a melon, the Armenian cucumber produces characteristic corduroylike ribs. It is an ideal fresh slicing cucumber. Thin-skinned, there’s no need to peel.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound Armenian cucumbers (thinly sliced) 1/4

red onion (thinly sliced)

10 mint leaves (chopped) 2 teaspoons white vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled) DIRECTIONS:

Randy Graham is a writer, author, and private chef. He enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens. His food is often called “vegetarian comfort food.” He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog, Willow. Robin and Willow are not vegetarians.

Healthy

Chill four salad plates in the refrigerator or freezer.

In a medium sized bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onion, mint leaves, white vinegar and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To serve, place salad on chilled plates. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve immediately.

Quick + Easy

Summer OM — July 2019

Vegetarian 37

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OM — July 2019

traditional

SAGE MINDFUL MEALS The full farm-to-table experience 217 East Matilija Street, Ojai Phone: (805) 646-9204 sagemindfulmeals.com SAKURA OJAI A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.wix.com SEA FRESH Serving Ojai for 30 years 533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747 seafreshseafood.com SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE BAR & GRILL Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com

Visit our Honey Tasting Room 206 East Ojai Avenue, in the Arcade, downtown Ojai Ask us about our Honey Club! www.heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103

Celebrating 32 Years Breakfast

•

Lunch

•

Dinner

Open Daily 8 am to 10 pm (Call for summer hours) Home of the $2.50 Mimosas and $4 Bloody Marys and Margaritas. All Day, Everyday.

Sea FreSh SeaFood

Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Fresh Fish Market

805-646-7747

• 533 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai

OM — July 2019

39

OJAI HIKES

7 WAYS TO GET LOST

By Bret Bradigan

Photo by Caitlin Petersen

1. SHELF ROAD Directions: From Ojai Avenue, head north on Signal Street until it ends. Length: 3.5 miles return trip. Difficulty: Easy. It takes about an hour at a brisk pace to walk the length of the trail and back between the trailheads at either North Signal Street or Gridley Road. This hike is perfect for visitors or residents to get “ the lay of the land” in Ojai. It is also one of the most “dog friendly” walks around.

2. VENTURA RIVER BOTTOM TRAILS Directions: From Highway 150, there’s a trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead just north of the intersection with Lomita Road.

Also from South Rice, take a right on Meyer Road to the Oso Trailhead. Length: Varies. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Three trailheads lead you into the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s 1,600-acre Ventura River Preserve. This three-mile stretch of the Ventura River offers a spectacular glimpse into old-growth oak canopy, splendid vistas from rocky ridgelines, deep swimming holes, lush fern grottoes, rare wildflowers and many miles of trails to choose from.

6. COZY DELL TRAIL Directions: Head east on the Maricopa Highway (Highway 33) for 3.3 miles. The turnout is on the left, just before and across from Friend’s Ranch packing house.. Cross the street to the trailhead. Length: 1.9 miles to Cozy Dell Creek. Difficulty: Moderate. The trail begins along a seasonal creek and quickly climbs about 640 feet in elevation along a well-forested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular views of the Ojai Valley.

7. MIDDLE FORK OF MATILIJA CANYON

3. PRATT TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north on Signal Street and drive about 1.2 miles until you see the Forest Service sign on the left. The trailhead is a further half-mile. Length: 4.4 miles to Nordhoff Ridge. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The Pratt Trail criss-crosses a seasonal stream through the backyards of private properties before opening onto a natural bowl formed by the slope of Nordhoff Ridge. Follow the signs through about two miles of dry and dusty switchbacks until you reach the ridgeline. From there, it’s another two steep, dusty miles to Nordhoff Peak, 4,426 feet above sea level.

4. GRIDLEY TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn on the Gridley Road.

40

Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. Length: 3 miles to the Gridley Springs, 6 miles to Nordhoff Peak. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Elevation gain: 1,200 feet to the springs.

This trail, at the north end of Gridley Road just to the left before the gates to Hermitage Ranch, begins with a steep climb, then follows an orchard road through avocado trees before making a northeastward turn along the rocky western flank of the mountainside. The trail winds along the steep flank of the mountain until it enters the cool, dense side canyon wherein lies Gridley Springs.

OM — July 2019

Directions: Head east on Highway 33 for about 4.7 miles to Matilija Canyon Road. Follow the road to the end — about another two miles. Length: Up to 7 miles (14 miles return).

Difficulty: Moderate. Follow the trailhead at the end of Matilija Canyon Road through the gated property to the west side of the creek. The trail, more of a one-track road at this point, heads towards the gates of Blue Heron Ranch, a historic farm with orange and lemon groves. The trail then clambers through thickening chaparral scrub for another 1.5 miles until you can see tilted slabs of weathered granite and a long, green pool to the right. The trail descends back into the creekside sycamore and willow forest through a series of campsites, swimming holes and geologic marvels. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads you to the fabled Three Falls of the Matilija.

OQ | HI K I NG M AP 1

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

2 VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 520 ft (Wills-Rice) 5 HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft | Goes to the Pines.

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

3

4

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

6

7

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.

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

9

10

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

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

OM — July 2019

41

ACTUAL REALITY JUNE 1 - AUGUST 17, 2019 at the Museum of Ventura County

CARLOs GRASSO

100 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001

PETER FOX

Carlos Grasso’s luminous shreddings and multi-colored assemblages along with Peter Fox’s often humorously concoc found objects concocted create a new experience of everyday reality.

Major funding for the Museum’s programs is made possible by the City of San Buenaventura, the County of Ventura and private and community donors.

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OM — July 2019

SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES

418 Descanso Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,201 Sq. Ft. Listed $55,000. Sold $550,000 70 Rockway Road, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 914 Sq. Ft. Listed $579,000. Sold $565,000 705 East Oak Street, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, 1,110 Sq. Ft. Listed $585,000. Sold $567,500 257 Bundren Street, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,710 Sq. Ft. Listed $599,000. Sold $575,000 108 Shady Lane, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,622 Sq. ft. Listed $595,000. Sold $590,000 11235 North Ventura Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,705 sq. Ft. Listed $600,000. Sold 600,000 330 South Padre Juan Avenue, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,483 Sq. Ft. Listed $649,000. Sold $615,000 617 West Heather Street, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,555 Sq. Ft. Listed $680,000. Sold $670,000

66 Chaparral Avenue, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,700 Sq. Ft. Listed $785,000. Sold $721,000

Ojai Valley Real estate Sales/Property Management/Notary (across from Ojai Farmers Market)

FOR RENT OR LEASE DOWNTOWN OJAI

618 West Villanova Road, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,081 Sq. Ft. Listed $769,000. Sold $757,000 11352 Puesta Del Sol, Oak View, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,744 Sq. Ft. Listed $770,000. Sold $775,000

x

25 La Cumbra Street, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,090 Sq. Ft. Listed $869,000. Sold $800,000 1109 Del Prado Court, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,667 Sq. Ft. Listed $912,500. Sold $860,000 10248 Ojai Santa Paula, 1 bed, 1 bath, 1,300 Sq. Ft. Listed $999,000. Sold $1,050,000 1563 Gridley Road, 5 bed, 4.5 bath, 4,340 Sq. Ft. Listed $6,885,000. Sold $5,725,000

Office space from $250 to $3,000 per month Furnished/Unfurnished 200 square feet to 2,500 square feet First floor or second floor Month-to-month or long leases available CALL RON AT 646-4911

318 North La Luna Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,665 Sq. Ft. Listed $649,000. Sold $673,000

221East Matilija Street, Ojai 805-646-4911 ojaivalleyrealestate.com

142 North Alvarado Street, 4 bed, 1.5 bath, 2,804 Sq. Ft. Listed $724,900. Sold $705,000 OM — July 2019

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

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

Ave. High (°F) Ave. Low Jan 67 36 Feb 67 38 March 70 41 April 74 43 May 78 48 June 83 51 July 89 56 Aug. 91 55 Sept.

87 53 Oct. 80 47 Nov. 73 40 Dec. 66 35 Average Annual Rainfall:

Precip.

5.04 5.24 3.35 1.22 .47 .12 .04 .005 .2 .98 1.69 2.95 21.3

Record High Year 115° 2018

Population:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Record Low Year 16° 1990

Households::

3,176

44

Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West to farm and care for an ailing brother, the Yale-educated Thacher realized that he was going to need another source of income. So he founded The Thacher School in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher student.

OJAI QUICK FACTS

WEATHER IN OJAI

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 OM — July 2019

The name “Ojai” is believed to be derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ‘awhaý, meaning “moon.” In 1837, Fernando Tico received a land grant and established a cattle ranch. Thomas A. Scott, who had financial success with oil and railroads, bought the Ojai Valley in 1864 for oil exploration. By 1868, Scott, through his agent Thomas Bard, began selling properties to homesteaders. By 1874, R.G. Surdam plotted out the town he would call Nordhoff, renamed Ojai in 1917.

Ojai is about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 30 miles east of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide, surrounded by hills and mountains; the rare east-west orientation with a slight southward tilt gives the valley an extraordinary sun exposure; Ojai’s citrus and avocado crops are highly prized. This orientation also gives rise to Ojai as a spiritual destination.

It was due to the resources and organizing energy of Ohio glass manufacturer Edward Drummond Libbey that Nordhoff was rebuilt and renamed Ojai, inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. By 1917, with the construction of the Arcade and Post Office Tower, the town took its present shape.

The city’s self-styled nickname is “Shangri-La,” based on the story that Ojai was the backdrop (later left on the editing room floor) from the 1937 movie as the mystical sanctuary of James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”

We know Ojai.

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

36-acre Upper Ojai Ranch with Caretaker’s House, Guest Quarters, Saloon, Rec Building and Amazing Views. www.OjaiParadiseRanch.com $2,999,000

ESCROW

Five-bedroom, five-bathroom English Tudor manor on 1.91 acres in Saddle Mountain with amazing views, well-manicured grounds, separate guest suite, room for horses. $1,325,000

4 BR, 2.5 BA on approximately .91 acre in Ojai’s historic Arbolada neighborhood close to downtown shops, restaurants and parks. $1,479,000

Three-bedroom, two-bathroom with covered porch, fireplace, breakfast bar, gated parking, barn, corral, and shared well. $899,000

3 BR, 2.5 BA Rancho La Vista Estates home with recent upgrades, fireplace, gated RV parking, views, and common area with pool, BBQ, basketball court. $734,000

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

Four Bedroom Arbolada Home with two fireplaces, Separate Office & Saltwater Pool www.802ElToroRoad.com $1,749,000

Four bedrooms, four bathrooms + 2 powder rooms on 5.43 acres with formal living and dining, butler’s pantry, two walk-in pantries, covered porch, and so much more. $1,983,000

5-Bedroom Horse Property with Guest House, Pool, Horse Facilities and Views www.1577KenewaStreet.com $2,399,000

Remodeled 4BR + 2.5 BA Farmhouse on 3+ Acres with Guest House, Barn, Solar Panels and Orchard www.990LomaDrive.com $1,595,000

3 BR, 3 BA home in Island View with fireplace, formal dining room, Italian tile floors, and double ovens within walking to shops, restaurants, salons. $779,900

Kellye Lynn

BRE License #01962469

805.798.0322

Rare opportunity to buy Gateway Plaza! Oak View shopping center with long-term occupants, large parking lot and great location. $1,679,000

G A B R I E L A C E S E ÑA

CAL BRE# 01983530 Realtor | Luxury Specialist Berkshire Hathaway

Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction.

Driven by passion for the work I do 805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com

As Cute & Charming as they come | Great Views – Ojai Pink Moment. Terrific neighourhood | 3 Bd | 2 Bt | 1,468 Sqf | 8,631 Sq.f t lot Asking $789,000

Extraordinary Downtown Living | Los Arboles Enclave | 2 Master En-Suites | 2,060 Sqf Asking $799,999

Exclusive Arbolada Neighborhood | Revitalized Modern Ranch House | Park-Like 1.23 acres | 5 Bd |3 Bt | 3,803 Sq.ft | Pool Asking $1,780,000

Meticulous Mediterranean Townhome Villa | Pool & Spa Midtown | 3 Br | 3 Bt | 2,898 Sq.ft of Bliss Asking $1,495,000