Ojai Monthly - June 2024

Shanae Kahler Owner

-Louisa May Alcott

Bret Bradigan

REDNECKS V. HILLBILLIES

Remember this folks, I am a hillbilly. And I don't always bet the same way I talk. Good advice is one thing, but smart gambling is quite another. — Hunter S. Thompson

Along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River, which splits West Virginia from Kentucky, two families went down into lore for their protracted and bloody feud; the Hatfields and McCoys. It began in January 1865 when a Confederate-sympathizing Hatfield reputedly killed Asa Harmon McCoy, a Union veteran. It essentially ended in 1891, but not officially until 2003.

The Hatfields were local barons with their timber operation and other business ventures, while the McCoys lived off the land. The famous feud frames fairly accurately as Rednecks versus Hillbillies. Devil Anse Hatfield was known for his wealth and influence, for being aggressive and opportunistic, traits more aligned with the redneck stereotype, while Ole Ran'l McCoy was more insular and family-oriented, characteristics that define hillbillies.

For many people, these distinctions of Appalachian culture are so nuanced as to be barely perceptible. For me they are stark. My mother was from Kentucky, but her family was more aligned with the upper-middle class Hatfields, while my father's family of farmers from New York's westernmost Chautauqua region (the northernmost extent of Appalachia's Allegheny Mountains) were more McCoy-adjacent, with our lifestyle calendars revolving around three seasons: growing, fishing and hunting.

Rednecks originally referred to the sunburned necks of white field laborers, over time it has become an identifer of a performative ruggedness, of embracing a lifestyle of pickup trucks, ATVs, deer camps and duck hunts. We hillbillies see this as cosplay, outdoor pursuits for us are part and parcel of our deep connection to the rhythms of the land, to our minimalist approach to living. What they do for show, we do from necessity. It's actually flattering, if I stop to think about it.

There's a bit of overlap to be fair; hillbillies are often seen at NASCAR, country music shows, tailgate keggers and other redneck cultural events. Rednecks, though, are much more extroverted with a strong emphasis on celebrating their rugged image. We hillbillies are more likely to engage in family-oriented activities such as farming, foraging, fishing, hunting and homesteading. We prefer bluegrass and old-time Americana music: the Carter Family to Nashville's pop stars. We are less about public display (you will never see a hillbilly "rolling coal" with a souped-up pickup truck blowing billows of black exhaust) and more about maintaining traditions, practical living and self-reliance.

Ojai is an oasis of cultural sophistication, though I'd say there has been a merging and expansion over the past decade or so, which accelerated during the pandemic. Many people move here to get closer to the land; permaculturing, pickling, preserving, fermenting, sourdough starters and other popular pursuits of the back-to-the-earth movement. Those are hillbilly activities, through and through.

Our neighbor Ventura, aka "Ventucky," is redneck territory, while Ojai, nestled as we are in the protective folds of the Topa Topa Bluffs, is hillbilly country. So far, no Ventura Hatfields have harshed on our Ojai McCoy buzz. Yet. But if they do, I wouldn't bet against us. After all, we are the real McCoys.

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

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.

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:

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.”

JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS podcast events

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE | JULY 4 10 A.M. | 4thOfJulyInOjai.Com

JUNE

2

16th Annual Ojai Wild!

Date: Saturday, June 2 Times: 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Thacher School’s Pavilion Lawn 5025 Thacher Road

Contact: Camden@lpfw.org

805-770-8696

A Wild afternoon including welcome by Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, program by Paul Jenkin, live and silent auctions, handcrafted brews and wines, dinner and coffee.

JUNE 6-9

Ojai Music Festival with Mitsuko Uchida

Dates: Thursday through Sunday Times: All Day

Locations: Libbey Bowl and various local venues. Renowned pianist and composer Mitsuko Uchida returns to Ojai for a four-day program featured the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. An integral part of the immersive Ojai Festival experience is the free community activities that occur in the Libbey Park and throughout Ojai. This will include Morning Meditations, Music Pop-Ups, and a Family Concert.

JUNE

15

The 37th Annual Ojai Wine Festival

Time: 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Lake Casitas Recreational Area 11093 Santa Ana Road

OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL | JUNE 6-9 | OjaiFestival.Org

Contact: OjaiWineFestival.org

Overlooking scenic Lake Casitas, the Ojai Wine Festival is an idyllic venue to taste award-winning wines, amazing craft beers, ciders, seltzers and fine spirits. The Ojai Wine Festival is organized by Ojai Rotary-West and supports many charitable projects.

JULY 3

Visions of America Concert Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Libbey Bowl Contact: OjaiTheater.org

This free multimedia show features musical performances by Sophie Holt, Jimmie Calire, and B. Valentine with a stirring rendition of “The Way We Were.” The program focuses on patriotic photographs by Joe Sohm, accompanied by renowned pianist Roger Kellaway, with lyrics by Oscar winners Marilyn and Alan Bergmann, and narration by Clint Eastwood.

JULY 4

Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Times: Parade at 10 a.m., Fireworks at dusk, gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Ojai Avenue for the Parade, Nordhoff High School for the Fireworks. Contact: 4thofJulyinOjai.com

Considered one of America’s finest small-town Independence Day celebrations. The Fireworks show

OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.Com

includes food trucks and live music.

— RECURRING EVENTS — SATURDAY

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.”

JUNE 9

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 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.

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. Come join the fun.

NIGEL CHISHOLM

BY ILONA SAARI

RENAISSANCE MAN

From saloonkeeper to winemaker to actor to singer to humanitarian, Nigel Chisholm has traveled the globe to feed, entertain, and help humankind

Growing up in England, Nigel was enamored of the hit TV series, “Cheers,” about the lives of patrons in a Boston “pub.” Unbeknownst to him, a seed was planted in his DNA.

At twenty-four, it was time to cross the pond to explore and wander the “new land.” He waited tables in Key West where he helped to renovate a motel, he cleaned condos in Colorado to pay for skiing and later traveled to Nicaragua during the Contra War to see what he could learn. He worked with a fellow Brit at a Santa Cruz brewery, then left the States for a stint in Japan where he coached soccer.

A few years later he returned to the U.S. and landed in the Ojai Valley, lovingly referred to by many of its residents as Shangri La, a land not of milk and honey, but of majestic oaks, orchards and vineyards. Along with the roots of the grape vines, oaks, citrus, and olive trees, Nigel planted his own roots. The “Cheers” seed blossomed, and in 2007, he bought a bar and built a stage. That bar became The Village Jester. Live music thrived and the “pub” was heralded near and far for having the best burgers in the valley.

After a burst street pipe in 2014 flooded The Jester, Nigel opened The Vine, a bar in downtown Ojai’s Arcade. Tapas, salads, and quesadillas graced the menu, along with cocktails, beer and wine.

Ojaians and tourists flocked to hear the music and enjoy a shot or a glass of his own wine, Feros Ferio, made from grapes grown in nearby vineyards. Barkeeper extraordinaire, Nigel created a young peoples’ night to showcase their music, displayed paintings by local artists, hosted poetry readings and a number of fundraising events for locals in need, or for non-profit entities. A strong believer in giving back, Nigel was awarded the Hope Frazier Award by the Ojai Arts Commission in

recognition of his contributions to the cultural life of Ojai.

On a Tuesday trivia night at The Vine, Nomi Prins (an economist, journalist, and author who writes about Wall Street and the U.S. economy) joined the fun and ended up on Nigel’s team. “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”

When trivia ended, he invited Nomi to join him and a few friends at The Hub, a bar just doors away, to shoot pool. She said yes.

After 12 years of running The Jester and The Vine 24/7, it was time to take a break. With an increasing workload, Nigel decided he couldn’t do it all after all. “The choice I made

was to stay true to a promise I had made years earlier, to give a young local family an opportunity to own a thriving downtown business.”

Sam Gay and his wife Amber Young-Gay are now the proud owners of Sam’s Place, f/k/a The Vine.

On New Year’s Eve, 2019, his last night as owner of The Vine, Nigel proposed to Nomi, surprising the packed bar with friends who were there to celebrate. “I got up and sang a prearranged song with Danny McGaw’s band where the lyrics begin with, ‘You’ll be the Queen, I’ll be the jester...’ and held up signs, ala that scene in ‘Love Actually.’” She said yes again, and everyone cheered. They married in December 2021.

ABOVE: NIGEL WITH HIS WIFE, NOMI PRINS, PH.D. LEFT: DAMAGED GOODS MEMBERS RUBEN DUARTE JR., JERRY BREINER, CHISHOLM, SMITTY WEST AND FRANK BARAJAS.

“Her story is that she was impressed with my knowledge of the Nixon Administration. My story is that her dogs liked me.”

Over the years, Nigel’s spirit, energy, and love for the theater often found a home on stage. He waited for Godot, ruined a banquet as “Banquo” in a production of “that Scottish play,” sang and frolicked as one of the fathers in the hit musical, “Mamma Mia,” and won a “5 Star Award” for Best Actor for his portrayal of “Lenny” in “Of Mice and Men.”

After The Vine was sold, Nigel continued to make wine but also turned to acting in L.A. and went to as many auditions as possible. He’d sell his wine online. Then “Covid arrived and so the acting part couldn’t happen and I soon discovered that I really disliked putting a bottle of wine in a box and mailing it to Florida ... or anywhere else.” Whether it was

his pubs/bars and now his winery, he believes that his goal is to provide a “safe, fabulous and unreplicable experience based NOT ONLY on the design of the space and the product(s) being presented but, and more importantly, upon the atmosphere created by the fabulous people who work in it.” Places that have “life and a wonderful soul where actual caring takes precedence over simply getting a paycheck.” Voila, the Feros Ferio Tasting Room (with live music attractions) was born.

As a supporter of the arts, Nigel had begun a five-year association as a member, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Ojai Arts Commission, having done a lot of informal volunteer work in Ojai. “I’m more of a doer than a joiner,” he believes and became increasingly involved in the Arts Commission by restructuring it, making it more professional, more relevant, and more responsive to the community.

Sadly for Ojai, he resigned in protest in February 2024 when the City Council changed the way grants were chosen and awarded. In 2021, Nigel also became an American citizen. “Becoming an American was the culmination of who at least half of me is. I was always an American, I just grew up in England. America truly is the land of opportunity and I’m living, breathing proof of it. America was the making of me. Without her, I dread to think what would have become of me. To me, America is open skies, open roads, and, not at all cynically, open hearts and open minds. Americans are, in my experience, the kindest, most generous, most hardworking, most supportive, most innovative people I’ve ever met.”

“Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Nigel remembers, “I was in a very swanky hotel in D.C. while Nomi was meet-

ABOVE: NIGEL CHISHOLM WITH DAUGHTER PAIGE, NIECE LEANNE, DAUGHTER ERIN AND WIFE NOMI PRINS.

ing with Senator Bernie Sanders,” to discuss various government issues and policies. As Nigel worked out in this opulent setting, then dined on room service, he watched wall-to-wall coverage of the human and infrastructure devastation in Ukraine. Surrounded by comfort, “I felt ashamed and my thoughts went to my father and uncles who fought in Europe in World War II.”

He knew then he had to do something, “short of killing people,” to help Ukrainians. After discussing it with Nomi, he bought a plane ticket to Chisnau in Moldova via Warsaw, a place that he believed would be the next site most in need of refugee help, closest to Odessa. When that need didn’t work out, Nigel went back to Warsaw, rented a car, and drove to Medyka on the Poland/Ukraine border “where I worked with Siobhan’s Trust helping refugees get safely across the border and feeding them at the border and in refugee centers for a couple of weeks.” Nigel also delivered food supplies to Ukraine with a different organization.

Back home, he felt the need to return to Ukraine, but opening his new tasting room and getting back there proved to be a challenge. “In February 2023, I saw a report on CNN about a tiny group of Ukrainians who retrieved and returned the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to

their families. That group was named Bulldozer.”

Devastating mental and physical work didn’t matter, because Nigel had found the work he needed to do. When he contacted Bulldozer, they refused his help, worried about a foreigner’s safety, comfort, and war tourism.

When he convinced them that he had no ulterior motive and that he would be responsible for his own safety and lack of comfort, they accepted his help. “At first, they were confused as to my presence, but they soon realized I was what I said I was, would do what they do, and go where they go. Now, not only am I referred to as Bulldozer’s own ‘Foreign Legion,’ I have my own code name. It is the honor of my life that I am permitted to do this work and to help bring a modicum of peace to broken families. I plan to return in September/October.”

Recently, Nigel and local music icons, Ruben Duarte, Jr., Frank Barajas, Jerry Breiner, and Smitty West formed a five-piece band, Damaged Goods, who rock the house at various Ojai venues “playing music you know and playing it right.” Music soothes the soul, but it also allows an avenue to express love, passion, and rage. And Nigel hit that trifecta. His band is a perfect antidote to the stresses of life and war.

LEFT: NIGEL CHISHOLM RECEIVES HIS AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP IN 2021. ABOVE: POSTER FOR THE BAND CHISHOLM FRONT, DAMAGED GOODS.

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.

This wonderful original Ranch Style home was built long before its time. You will enjoy the details this three-bedroom, twobath home has to offer. The spacious light-filled rooms and gorgeous gardens will draw you in and you won’t want to leave. This charmer is waiting for you to make it your own. One of Ojai’s hidden treasures you will not want to miss. Private and quiet, located on one Ojai’s most quaint roads.

1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi

EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.

VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi

EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.

HORN CANYON 5.5mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft. Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.

ROSE VALLEY 1mi

EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft

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

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.

COZY DELL 2.2mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.

SISAR CANYON 22mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Only for experienced, fit hikers.

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi

MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.

MATILIJA CANYON 12mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft | Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.

SULPHUR MTN. 22mi

MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Views are unsurpassed.

FAMILY HOME

Located on one of Ojai’s most desirable streets and sitting perfectly on over half-an-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!

Six Ways to Attract Hummingbirds

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

Watching vibrantly plumed hummingbirds flit between flowers is one of life’s little pleasures. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy this throughout the year here, but you may see fewer as spring blossoms subside and food sources become scarcer in the summer heat.

If you would like to attract hummingbirds to your yard for the colorful and entertaining show, their assistance in naturally controlling the insect population, their prowess as pollinators, or just to help them out as they adjust to warming temperatures causing flowers to bloom earlier, you can take several simple steps to provide a welcoming habitat.

1. Add a hummingbird-friendly water source: Other birds may love bird baths, but hummingbirds are quite particular about many things, and stagnant water is one of them. An inexpensive, solar-powered fountain pump can turn your bird bath into a hummingbird oasis.

2. Create rest areas for travel-weary hummingbirds: Even traveling from one yard to the next could be exhausting if you flap your wings somewhere between 75 and 200 times per second. If your yard has trees and shrubs with lots of branches, a clothesline, or a trellis, you may already have enough perching opportunities available for visiting hummingbirds. If not,

consider adding perches to provide resting spots in your yard.

3. Make sure there are nesting spots vailable: Remember how we said that hummingbirds are particular and don’t like stagnant water? Well, they also don’t really like birdhouses. So, no matter how many birdhouses you hang around your yard, it will probably not increase your chances of hummingbirds choosing to nest there. The best way to provide nesting options for hummingbirds is to plant native trees and shrubs that provide sheltered, safe spots for nest building.

4. Do not clear spider webs off your fascia and eaves: Spider webs provide access to protein and nest-building materials, so leaving them intact allows hummingbirds to use them for these purposes.

5. Let native flora and fauna reign: According to Audubon, hummingbirds “consume half their body weight in bugs and nectar, feeding every 10-15 minutes and visiting 1,000-2,000 flowers per day.” (Audubon.org) Leaving spider webs intact is a start, but you can help hummingbirds even more by creating a habitat where beneficial insects, such as smaller pollinators, are also attracted to your yard. One way to do this is to stop using pesticides to kill off bug populations. Another

way is to plant native plants that attract beneficial insects to your yard. When selecting native plants, include options with bright, tubular flowers that produce a lot of nectar. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to bright red, orange, and yellow blooms, so choosing plants that fit this description will attract both hummingbirds and the insects that hummingbirds like to eat.

6. Add a brightly colored hummingbird feeder to your yard: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors and are most likely to use feeders that are easy to see when they are flying by, easy to access, and safely out of reach of cats, dogs, and other predators. Skip store-bought nectars and make your own sugar water by mixing one part sugar to four parts boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, allow the mixture to cool, and then fill your feeder. Avoid adding red coloring, which might be harmful for the birds, and make sure you change out the sugar water at least twice per week and more often when it is especially hot out. You will also want to make sure that your feeder always has sugar water, since they will remember and will look elsewhere if this food source is regularly unavailable. You might consider hanging more than one feeder in your yard, since one more thing hummingbirds are not fond of is sharing.

Ross Falvo

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

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

Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

805-798-1998

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.

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

Team Deckert

Keller Williams Realty

Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com

805-272-5218

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

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

Amanda Stanworth LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Phone: 805-218-8117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web: Rooney-Stanworth.com

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

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

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

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

Bob Kemper Broker, MBA Kemper Realty of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Bob.Kemper@ sothebysrealty.com

DRE# 01356802 (805) 551-5121

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

AGAVE MARIA

Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink

106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com

AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS

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

BOCCALI’S

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

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

HIP VGN

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

HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI

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

MANDALA

Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048

THE NEST

401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com

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

(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 & traditional Italian cuisine

515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

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

grilled peach, avocado & jalapeno salsa

This is a fresh salsa with a taste of summer barbecue. What could be better? I think I’ll serve it once with roasted jalapenos and then again with the firm, fresh jalapenos sliced super thin. The smokiness of the grilling process plus the combination of the sweet peaches and the spicy jalapeños goes nicely with potato or honey-lime sweet potato tacos. I’ve also used it as a condiment with crispy beerbattered avocado tacos. Give it a try!

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 :

Makes 4 servings

2 ripe avocados

2 ripe peaches

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (divided)

1/4-cup shallots (chopped fine)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

2 jalapenos (seeds removed and sliced thin)

1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat grill on medium-high heat (400 to 450 degrees).

While the grill is heating, slice the avocados and peaches in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Brush a mixture of one tablespoon olive oil plus one tablespoon lime juice on the flat sides of each half. Make sure they’re coated generously to avoid sticking to the grill.

Once the grill is hot, add the avocado and peach halves, cut side down, and close the lid. Grill for four minutes. Use grill tongs to carefully remove the peach and avocado halves to a plate. While the peaches are still hot they can be easily peeled. Allow them to cool before dicing. Use a large spoon to scoop the avocado flesh away from the peel.

In a large bowl combine the remaining lime juice, shallots, garlic, jalapenos, and salt. Dice the avocados and peaches into small pieces and fold into the salsa. Cover and chill before serving.

understand the difference mortgage v. homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance, often referred to as hazard insurance, is compulsory. A lender might also require you to obtain flood or fire insurance and as most of us know here in California, it can be both daunting and expensive. Understanding the types of insurance often helps to stay on a good financial footing. Thankfully, the distinction between mortgage insurance and homeowner’s insurance is very easy to understand.

Mortgage insurance (also called private mortgage insurance) is designed to protect the lender, rather than the borrower. It comes into play when a borrower is putting less than 20 percent down on a property. Essentially, this kind of insurance mitigates the lender’s risk if the borrower fails to make their payment. The less down, the more the premium.

On conventional loans, mortgage insurance can be cancelled once a borrower builds enough equity through paying the loan down, building value through renovations or with general appreciation in the market. This isn’t so for FHA loans where the mortgage insurance continues until the loan is paid off or refinanced. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you, the homeowner. This type of insurance covers the structure of your home along with the belongings inside. Depending on the policy, it can also cover disasters such as fires, storms and other risks that are outlined in your policy. And here is where I’ll interject – READ YOUR POLICY- and also go over your policy with your insurance agent before a disaster.

By Therese A. Hartmann

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.

Lenders will always require this insurance to cover replacement value or often for the loan amount but primarily, it protects the homeowner’s financial interests.

As many of us locally have experienced, it’s become difficult to even get insurance these days. Major insurers have been cancelling policies left and right in California in spite of not making a claim and having a high credit score. And those who have not been cancelled often have premiums that have doubled or tripled!

So, what can you do?

Here are some tips towards lowering your rates and by how much:

• Automatic sprinklers: 5 percent

• Claim free on renewal: 11 percent to 30

percent

• Protective devices (burglar, fire alarms, etc.): 1 percent to 14.5 percent

• Auto + homeowner’s bundle: 5 percent to 17 percent

• Raise your deductible: 10 percent or more.

• Community-level wildfire mitigation: 1 percent to 2 percent

• Property-level wildfire mitigation: 3 percent to 5 percent

Even if your mortgage is fully paid off, homeowners insurance remains crucial. It protects against potentially devastating financial losses should your home or personal belongings be damaged. Most policies cover a range of perils and offer liability coverage, which can protect you if someone is injured on your property. Ask about umbrella policies.

Furthermore, homeowners’ insurance can cover additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable during repairs. Given the broad scope of protection it offers, homeowners insurance is highly recommended!

In summary, while both mortgage insurance and homeowners’ insurance are vital when purchasing a home, they serve different purposes. Mortgage insurance protects the lender’s investment, ensuring they can recoup losses if a borrower defaults. On the other hand, homeowners’ insurance protects the physical structure of your home, and your belongings and offers liability coverage, securing your financial wellbeing against unexpected disasters.