Ojai Monthly - March issue

Farmhouse Opens

DISCOVER

New Venue Places Ojai Among Top Culinary Destinations

OJAI M

arch 2 019

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

Featured Event

top ten hikes

Author Paddy Hirsch Coming to Ojai

Getting Lost, Found in Ojai’s Backcountry Cover Photo Donna Sallen, ReMax See Pages 24-25

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics — March 2019 See More AtOMOjaiHub.com

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PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

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

DEL ORO LUXURY This recently remodeled and upgraded 3,000+ sq ft Spanish style home sits on one acre in the desirable Del Oro community close to downtown. It includes a chef’s kitchen, an impressive master suite, Brazilian hardwood floors, a large porch-style balcony with sweeping mountain views, a family orchard and drought tolerant landscaping.

520D el Oro D rO ja i .co m

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O ffered at $1, 895, 00 0

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REGINALD JOHNSON MASTERPIECE Designed in 1914 by Reginald Johnson, this impeccable historic home on a 25 acre ranch will take you back to a time and place of peace and serenity. It is fully upgraded while maintaining the integrity of a 1914 home. Includes a 2 bedroom gatehouse, a 2,500 square foot redwood barn, a separate studio, a pool, and a pickle ball court.

1 5 6 3 G r i d l e yR d O j ai . co m

O ffered at $6, 885, 00 0

PATTY WALTCHER

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

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

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Whitman Architectural Design

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

JOE DAVIS

PROPERTY SHOPPE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

805-574-9774

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

PROPERTY SHOPPE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

JOE DAVIS

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT "The Rental Guy" RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

805-646-8485 “We Shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

Winston Churchill

www.JoeTheRentalGuy.com JOE DAVIS "The Rental Guy" 727 W OJAI AVE, OJAI CA 93023 • BRE #01999568

OJAI STUDIO ARTISTS 2ND SATURDAYS Free & Self-Guided MAY 11

MEINERS OAKS

JULES WEISSMAN IG: WooltoWool

will be open 10a-3p along with Bert Collins • Jannene Behl Sooz Glazebrook • Andrea Haffner Vera Long • Martha Moran Mariana Peirano • Fanny Penny James Petrucci • Myra Toth

OSA-MEINERSOAKS.ORG

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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

1003 N. Drown Avenue - $849,000

4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, 1,392 total sq. ft. on .44 acres Located in downtown's highly sought-after Ojai Village, this 3 bedroom home boasts original, refinished hardwood floors, newer quartz counter tops and cabinets in the kitchen, spacious rooms, and partial mountain views. Behind the main home you will find a 1 bed/1 bath, 252 square foot legal second dwelling suitable for a studio, guest quarters or whatever your needs may be. Sitting on almost one-half acre of level land, this property has plenty of room to accommodate horses, a gentleman's farm, or a delightful vegetable or flower garden. This one has location, land and looks. Don't let it pass you by!

www.BestBuysInOjai.com ~ Phone: 805.272.5221 ~ Email: Team@DeckertDePaola.com

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

OM — March 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2019

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Editor’s Note

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Featured Event: Author Paddy Hirsch

at the Ojai Art Center

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Calendar of Events

26

My Garden — My Friend Nate

28

Irrigation Check or Bust

16

30 Featured Professional: Nora Davis 32

Who’s Who In Ojai

36

Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide

38

Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide

41

Sold in Ojai

43

Ojai Facts & Founders

44 Top 10 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry

22

Freeman Show Includes Nonprofit Support

DISCOVER

OJAI eb

ru a ry 2 01

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‘vie de art’ at art center

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Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo Associate Editor, Sarah Howery Hart 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 for sale by Patty Waltcher, Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

destiny rides again Writer takes long detour through acting world

top ten hikes

Getting lost, found in Ojai’s backcountry

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics — February 2019 See More AtOMOjaiHub.com

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Cover Photo, Patty Waltcher More Information on Page 3

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DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY

TRIBALISM & COMMUNITY Ojai Yankees on America’s Left Coast Sherman Day had one of young America’s most exemplary backgrounds, graduating from Yale University, where his father also went; his grandfather, Roger Sherman, was one of our founding fathers. Day was known for his assertive Yankee curiosity, always wanting to see what was the around the next bend. Among his key achievements was a survey of wagon roads across the Sierra Nevada.

His legacy lives on most vividly, however, when he joined a group of New England lawyers and Bret Bradigan clergymen to found the College of California, called “the Yale of the West,” in 1868. It is now known as California University at Berkeley.

His nephew, Sherman Day Thacher, also had his own distinguished career, attending Yale in his family tradition and founding, in 1889, when he realized how hard it would be to make a living on his 160 acres of orange groves, The Thacher School. As if founding one of the country’s leading preparatory academies wasn’t enough, he was also a trustee for San Antonio and Nordhoff schools, a key supporter of ‘The Ojai’ tennis tournament founded by his brother William and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also joined with Edward Drummond Libbey on the Ojai Civic Association to build the framework for Ojai as we know it — St. Thomas Aquinas Church, the Post Office Tower and Libbey Park.

It was that civic spirit of New England — communal, driven by the faith-based advocacy of good works, of education, of the pursuit of the “greater good,” that informed most deeply Ojai’s founding. Now many other cultural influences run through our local culture, but Ojai as it emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was an intentional community with Yankee ideals.

Colin Woodard’s 2010 book, “American Nations,” has been a widely influential and is a highly useful prism to view America’s current clashes and divisions. He says to forget about red states and blue states, about geographic regions, and instead look at the intrinsic cultures that came together during the past 300-plus years to found on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal, as Lincoln so memorably said.

Quickly, those 11 nations are Yankeedom, New Netherlands, Tidewater, Greater Appalachia, the Deep South, First Nation, the Midlands, New France, El Norte, the Left Coast and the Far West. There’s no space to go into all the distinctions here, so I encourage you to read the book. You won’t be disappointed. Besides being so insightful, it’s also a fun read.

Ojai is a meeting ground for many of these nations, especially the Left Coast (itself founded in large part by Yankeedom) Far West and El Norte. You can see this clearly when it comes to election time. Typically, the Democratic presidential candidate gets 70 to 75 percent of Ojai’s vote — and the Democratic coalition is now a blend of Yankeedom, New Netherlands, Left Coast and El Norte. The Republican candidates usually get 25 percent from their coalition of Greater Appalachia, Far West and Deep South. Democratic party analysts should be aware, though, that President Trump got 28.5 percent of Ojai’s vote, a significantly larger share than was received either by Mitt Romney or either of the presidents named Bush.

If you move further down the valley, those cultural characteristics also become evident, as Oak View gave Donald Trump 44.5 percent of its vote, and Casitas Springs’ 43.6 percent. Those percentages more closely align with Ventura County as a whole. Interestingly, though with a statistically insignificant numbers, the Green Party’s Jill Stein and Libertarian Gary Johnson basically canceled out each other with their few dozens of local votes.

Who we in Ojai favor at the ballot box does not define us, however. There is much common ground among America as a whole, as we learn during every natural disaster like the Thomas Fire, every terrorist attack, every tragedy, through every outpouring of goodwill that makes us stronger. But it’s helpful to realize that Ojai was essentially organized around education and an associated Utopian ideal, and that our incredible schools — both public and private — are central to our identity. We can celebrate that, while still loathing the New England Patriots and the Red Sox (and let’s throw in the New York Yankees for good measure). Go Dodgers!

The Rainmaker Shower Custom Design & Installation

Mind Your Manors

Second Home & Vacation Home Management Services

Second Home Management Services • Local point of contact for house checks, deliveries & emergencies • Scheduling & management of housekeepers & landscapers • Bid acquisition & scheduling of contractors • Customized plans to fit your property, schedule & lifestyle • Short-term services available for temporary relocations

www.MindYourManors.info 805.258.3051 AJ@MindYourManors.info

Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”

Spanish Style Home Downtown Ojai

• 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 realestateojai@gmail.com www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com

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OM — March 2019

OjaiRockstacker.com 805 279-7605

ADDITIONAL

20% OFF COUPON

108 SOUTH MONTGOMERY STREET $2,200,000

Tom Weber Broker

805-320-2004 CalDRE# 00805061 TomWeber@ojaitom.com

Ojai Cafè 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. Ojai Cafè Emporium has for over 34 years 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 up and running business.

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

www.ojaidoorandwindow.com 10

OM — March 2019

DO YOU HAVE A BOOK IN YOU?

108 SOUTH MONTGOMERY STREET $2,200,000

Tom Weber

Let us heLp you get it out!

• FuLL service pubLishing house • AwArd-winning writers & editors • we cAn heLp you with everything From

Broker

805-320-2004 CalDRE# 00805061 TomWeber@ojaitom.com

Ojai Cafè 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. Ojai Cafè Emporium has for over 34 years 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 up and running business.

First drAFt to First sALe

(writing coAches • editors • designers • pubLishing editor@ojaiquarterly.com • 805-798-0177 • ojaihub.com

OM — March 2019

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MARCH 25

FEATURED EVENT MEET JOURNALIST & AUTHOR PADDY HIRSCH

By Ilona Saari

Paddy Hirsch, an author, journalist, broadcaster and former British Royal Marines officer, will be the featured speaker at next Ojai Art Center Literary Branch salon. He currently works for NPR, where he edits and appears on The Indicator from “Planet Money,” a daily business and economics podcast.

His first novel, “The Devil’s Half Mile” (Tor/Forge) a historical thriller, was originally set out to be a non-fiction project as a result of his work as a financial journalist. The book is set on Wall Street in 1799 as the American economy was recovering from a financial panic triggered by an orgy of stock speculation seven years earlier.

Sound familiar?

Non-fiction soon turned into fiction, allowing Paddy to draw parallels between Wall Street then and Wall Street today, and the

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religious and racial tensions that resulted as New York City rapidly grew. For fans of “The Alienist” and “Gangs of New York” and those who were repulsed and fascinated by Gordon Gekko’s creed, “greed is good,” this is a must -ead book.

Paddy is also the author of “Man vs Markets, Economics Explained, Plain and Simple,” a non-fiction book that uses analogy and humor to explain how Wall Street works. And, his sequel to “The Devil’s Half Mile,” “Hudson’s Kill,” comes out in September, 2019.

Please join Paddy on Monday, March 25th, at 7 p.m. in the gallery at the Ojai Art Center for his talk on how he used his journalist background and applied it to his approach to writing fiction. His talk will be followed by a question-and-answer, a reception and book signing. Suggested donation, $5

Left: Author and commentator Paddy Hirsch; Above, “The Devil’s Half Mile” will be released this year.

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Down Home Furnishings ONE OF A KIND

furniture & art • custom upholstery • rugs window coverings • interior design

250 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 805.640.7225 DownHomeFurnishings.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH “Night Must Fall” Dates: To March 10 Location: Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street Times: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

Contact: 805-640-8797 ojaiact.org “David Rosales” Date: March 8 Time: 9 to 11 p.m.

Location: Deer Lodge, 2261 Maricopa

Highway Contact: 805-646-4256 “Climate Resilient Landscape Design” Date: March 9 Location: City of Ojai Demonstration Garden Date: February 9 Times: 10 to 3 p.m..

Contact: 805-669-8445 ojaivalleygreencoalition.com “Chrysta Bell & Mikael Jorgensen with Sonic Butterfly”

REOCCURING EVENTS

Location: Ojai Cocoon, 206 North Centura Street Date: March 9 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Contact: andrea@sonicbutterfly.com “Fusion — Dyan Berk and Mike Stiler” Location: Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street Dates: To April 3 Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: 805-640-8797 ojaiartcenter.org

Contact: 646-5508 ext.103 Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue meditationmount.org Contact: 640-1390 Certified Farmer’s Market Note: Meditation Mount has been on hiojaivalleymuseum.org Date: Every Sunday atus since the Thomas Fire. Check their Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. website at meditationmount.org.

“Eating Ojai” Food Tour Contact: 698-5555 REOCCURING EVENTS Date: Call to schedule Location: Matilija Street city parking lot Certified Farmer’s Market Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. behind the Arcade.

“Third Fridays” Date: Every Sunday Location: Varies Open air market featuring locally Date: Third Friday of the month Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: 295-8687 grown produce, plants, musicians and Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Contact: 698-5555 venturafoodtours.com handmade items, including soaps, basLocation: Downtown Businesses Location: Matilija Street city parking lot behind the Arcade. kets, beeswax candles and olive oil.

Contact: 640-1390 Open air market featuring locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including soaps, baskets, beeswax Morning, Guided and Full Moon OjaiVillageExperience.com candles and olive oil.

Meditations Historical Walking Tours of Ojai Date: TBD Date: Saturdays, October through June “Ojai Fiction Writing Workshop” Historical Walking Tours of Ojai Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: Every Thursday Date: Every Tuesday through Sunday Reeves Road Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 16

OM — March 2019

OPPOSITE PAGE: “Night Must Fall” continues at the Ojai Art Center Theater through March 10. Chrysta Bell, David Lynch’s muse who played Special Agent Tammy Preston in “Twin Peaks,” joins Mikael Jorgensen

“The String Revolution and the Rose Valley Thorns” Date: March 22 Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Ojai Underground Exchange 1016 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 805-340-7893 undergroundartsexchange.com “Agora Foundation 20th Anniversary The Spirit of Russia” Date: March 23 Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Thomas Aquinas College, 10000 Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org

and Sonic Butterfly on March 9. THIS PAGE: Dyan Berk and Mike Siler’s “Fusion” show runs through April 3 at the Art Center; On March 23, the Underground Exchange hosts “Luz: An Evening of Flamenco.”

Ojai-Santa Paula Road Contact: 805-231-5974 greatbooksojai.com “Luz: An Evening of Flamenco” Date: March 23 Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Ojai Underground Exchange 1016 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 805-340-7893 undergroundartsexchange.com Ojai Chautauqua Panel — “Not If, But When: Preparing the City,

Valley, and Region for the Next Fire” Date: March 30 Location: Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road Contact: 805-231-5974 greatbooksojai.com “Parashkevov-Kislenko Duo” Date: March 31 Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

Location: Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street Contact: 805-640-8797 ojaiact.org

Date: By reservation 48 hrs in advance Time: varies Location: varies Contact: 272-8102 or email ride@ themobshop.com or online at porchgalleryojai.com Ojai bike tour features agricultural, Mount artistic, culinary,Meditation cultural and historical hosts Full Moon Medlandmarks in Ojai.

“Ojai Seeker’s Bike itations. Check their Tour” website at meditationmount.org or call 646Meditation Mount’s Full Moon 5508 for more updates.

Meditations have been on hiatus since the Thomas Fire. Check their website at meditationmount.org or call 646-5508 for updates.

“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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Taking Care Of Our Community

Friendly, smiling faces

Skilled and compassionate physicians

Dedicated to comfort and healing

Neighbors caring for neighbors

Care in the

Ojai Valley • Standby 24-hour Emergency Department • Outpatient laboratory services • Outpatient imaging & x-ray • Rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies • Family care and specialty health centers • Outpatient services

Now and in the future

• Skilled nursing facility

cmhshealth.org/ovch A not-for-profit organization.

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Dale Hanson

Ojai Valley Real Estate (805)646-7229

B.R.E. 01229522 Notary Public

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

Residential, commercial, or business opportunity.

buena

tile | stone | design 1717 Palma Drive Ventura 805.650.1252 518 E. Haley Street Santa Barbara 805.963.8638

Great location for commercial business or restaurant. Large parking in back. The building is updated and very clean. Forced air and heating, 3 private offices. A bath room and small wet kitchen. Separate attached unit with 3/4 bath and private entrance and address. $775,000

buenatile.com

ojaihub.com

Ojai’s community website OM — March 2019

Events • News • Explore 21

Ojai

For Beauty Home Nature •

•

Arts Investment Community Lifestyle Everyone •

•

•

•

Beautiful single level Ranch style home in historic Arbolada. Full of charm, quality with extensive remodel & upgrades. Private & gated matured .9 acres with salt water pool and separate 500 sq. ft. studio.

Come live the Ojai life today! 802ELTORO.COM

Well-maintained single-level original home on beautiful 1-acre VIEW lot. Great interior living space, 3-car garage with workshop, tons of potential!

74 Feliz Drive — $749,000

DON & CHEREE EDWARDS

Your own private oasis awaits in this newly finished 3+2 with high-end designer finishes throughout on .45 acre with sparkling pool, mountain views and horses OK! 25 La Cumbra Street — $839,000

CALL US TODAY!

Ojai’s Top Real Estate Team living and working in Ojai Valley for 30 years!

Platinum Club, Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS 21 W. Baldwin Rd. Ojai, CA 805.340.3192 www.LivinginOjai.com 805.340.7575 DRE # 01053877 DRE # 01823802 2001 & 2017 Ojai Valley Realtors of the Year!

RAIN, RAIN COME AND STAY! LOCAL WATER USAGE AND RIGHTS

By Therese A. Hartmann

N

ow in a fifth year of drought, California has lost over a million acres of farmland. As a shortterm emergency measure, the state has been pumping water from ancient underground aquifers with over half of our reserves coming from rain that fell more than 15,000 years ago.

We are lucky in Ojai to be living where the mountains continue streaming rainfall down into our valley and aquifers, but we are a long way from water security.

Better farming practices, drought tolerant landscaping and person water habits will help.

Classes in water management are being offered by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and folks like Dr. David White and Conner Jones are actively working toward educating people to know, and make, the right choices, locally.

Still, it’s not just conservation we need to

be concerned with as we are also facing some pretty scary water right challenges. Quoting Casitas Municipal Water Board of Directors official Angelo Spandrio, “An even bigger threat to our future is the Channelkeeper/City of Ventura lawsuit. The City of Ventura wants all of our water and they have some of the best attorneys in the country helping them to go after it.”

In fact, about 500 local residents who own wells are being sued. This is something we all need to be concerned about and, per Spandrio, we need to “rally the troops.” For more information, contact your local water board and representatives to find out what you can do.

One thing we can all count on for the future is the importance of water rights. They will impact our housing prices, local employment and so much more. Stay aware, stay involved.

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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Donna Sallen

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

located in downtown ojai, thiS impeccable home haS a SpaciouS, open floor plan with vaulted ceilingS, fireplace, lovely lightfilled gourmet kitchen and a Stunning maSter Suite.

located in the quaint oakS weSt neighborhood on a tree lined Street, you will enjoy thiS large family home.

wonderful horSe property located on the ojai valley horSe/bike trail.

805-798-0516

charming, charming, charming ...thiS 1923 craftSman Style home iS tucked away on a quiet cul-de-Sac in the heart of downtown ojai.

Sitting perfectly on nearly 1.5 acreS, thiS eaSt end ojai home offerS a SpaciouS, open floor plan with vaulted ceilingS, large rock fireplaceS, two maSter SuiteS and gueSt quarterS.

Sitting perfectly on over an acre, thiS home haS all the ruStic modern toucheS that you are looking for.

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

Sitting perfectly on over an acre, thiS home haS all the ruStic modern toucheS that you are looking for. thiS light filled home haS an open and SpaciouS floor plan with vaulted ceilingS, poliShed concrete floorS, french doorS leading out to a private, magical backyard.

Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 www.donnasallen.com

MY OJAI GARDEN

BY LESLIE LIPPINCOTT HIDLEY Nat

My Friend Nat

The Garden had a visitor for a month. My old friend Natalie Ednie. I have known Nat since I was 23 and thin and red-headed and stunning — and she was somewhat older, a mother of multiples — seven — with gray-striped hair down to her fanny and also stunning. A fifty-year friendship is something to take seriously and regard with respect, and we do.

Nat now lives in Northern Idaho and when I am lucky, comes to visit for a month at a time — to see me and visit in a leisurely way and escape from the intense cold and the driveway that is so much trouble in the ice and snow. She takes the train to get here.She avoids flying whenever possible. Takes the train all over, the Queen Mary to Europe, she’d take a dog-sled if she was going north of her, I swear … She is adventurous.

When her dear husband Tom died a few years ago, she moped for a while and then took herself to Venice for a month—– a city she’d never been to or even thought much about. She was in her 80s. I hardly drive to Ventura, but I promised Nat I’d take the train to Idaho and see her.

We did nothing but eat and sleep and talk. Mostly Nat talked.

She likes to tell stories and she’s a great storyteller.She’s probably really a writer who never learned to type. After a while, I stopped listening to the stories and would just watch her face as she talked.

That’s when I decided to paint her. So the easel is set up in the dining room with one of the two blank canvases that I had on hand and I guess I will start today. I will paint from the photograph accompanying this column. See what a wonderful face she has?

Wish me luck painting her.

Nat is now the matriarch of a large clan — it must number close to a hundred people if not more, when you count in-laws and grand children and great grandchildren and spouses. She talks on the phone several times a day to one child or another or one grandchild or another. She wields influence about what happens in her family as a whole in a way I once did. We talked about the differences in our families. Hers is close — both emotionally 26

OM — March 2019

and geographically. Mine more distant and my children live more independently from me ... too damn independently from me!

We are temperamentally opposites. Nat is slow and calm and deliberate and thoughtful in everything she does.Even when she was younger and before she was slowed down by age, she never rushed about like the mothers of large families often do, but took her time to accomplish whatever she was doing. Her household never had the rushed and frantic atmosphere that a large family can produce. Her children are unharried and calm and kind. Like she is.

It gives me great pleasure to fuss over her. Mothers of large families do not often get a chance to be spoiled a bit. So when she comes, I try to make sure that everything is perfect for her and if it isn’t, we figure out how to get it perfect. This time that involved finding the right reading lamp in her bedroom and the right lamp for doing pastel paintings on the leather table in the living room.

Her vision is failing in one eye and my house is too damn dark already so it was important to rectify those situations.

She loves Pendleton blankets, so I got her a turquoise wool one for her bed and a down blanket, too, not a quilt, but a blanket.

Yolanda, the Under-housekeeper, thought it looked better on top of the covers rather than underneath. I didn’t explain that that was not the right place for it because of not being able to trap the warm air, etc., but let her put it where she thought best. There is an art to delegation. And it looks lovely and Nat was warm and Yolanda was proud of how nice the bedroom looked for Natalie.

Yolanda had scrubbed and disinfected the room and bath within an inch of its life because the previous guest had been ill and Nat is 85 and who wants to catch something when you’re 85? So Nat stayed warm and healthy. And maybe we even fattened her up — we fed her ice cream and pasta and wonderful beef from Watkin’s Butcher Shop in Meiners Oaks and she drank endless cups of Red Rose tea with 2 percent milk, as if that would do her any good…..

I hope she comes back next year.

farmhouse opens The iconic luxury resort Ojai Valley Inn debuted Feb. 27 the show-stopping, $20 million, multi-use epicurean and event center The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn. Nationally acclaimed architect Howard Backen with Backen Gillam Kroeger in Napa Valley drew inspiration from the magical setting of Ojai to incorporate a natural aesthetic for the expansive 30,000 square foot culinary and event center, designed to connect world-class food culture with indoor/outdoor events.

Renowned chef, author and James Beard Foundation Award winner Nancy Silverton will serve as The Farmhouse’s premier Culinary Ambassador, curating a series of experiential, culinary driven events slated throughout 2019.

“With the opening of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, we’re thrilled to provide exceptional culinary experiences in a venue that is truly groundbreaking in the greater Southern California region” said Chris Kandziora, Vice President of Marketing at Ojai Valley Inn. “We’re confident that this endeavor, in partnership with Nancy Silverton and our team of extraordinary culinary talent, will bring Ojai Valley Inn to the national forefront as an esteemed West Coast culinary destination.”

In her role as debut Culinary Ambassador of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, Silverton will cultivate select bucket list-worthy epicurean events, bringing together the crème de la crème of the culinary world and giving guests the opportunity to experience master classes, book 28

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signings, talks and workshops.

“Being the newly appointed culinary ambassador at the Ojai Valley Inn is a thrill,” said Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton. “The Inn, less than 90 minutes from my home in L.A., has always been an oasis.

I'm excited about helping to bring the newly constructed Farmhouse into the elite league of American culinary destinations.”

Epicurean events designed by and featuring Nancy Silverton include: • Eat Like Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton’s Friends Behind The Flame (April 17-18, 2019) A unique opportunity to “Eat Like Phil” with television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal, host of Netflix’s popular “Somebody Feed Phil” series during a multi-course lunch of menu items that highlight his travels and finds. Later, a multi-course dinner with wine pairings will feature friends behind the flame and at the table, such as Suzanne Tracht, Mary Sue Milliken, Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone.

• Nancy Silverton and Evan Funke in a Celebration of Pasta (June 15-16, 2019) Includes a duo of epic pasta proportions. Nancy Silverton and acclaimed chef, pasta master and culinary storyteller Evan Funke with his team from Felix, for a pasta-focused multi-course dining and wine pairing experience; pasta making master class and more.

With Design by Acclaimed Architect Howard Backen and Events Curated by Legendary Chef Nancy Silverton, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn Ushers in a New Chapter in Southern California’s Epicurean Landscape

• Conversations, Books and Bites with the Legendary Ruth Reichl (September 21-22, 2019) A rare conversation with a legend — Ruth Reichl, former New York Times restaurant critic, final editor-in-chief of Gourmet, co-producer of PBS’s Gourmet Diary of a Foodie, and enduring leading voice in food. Includes a signed copy of her new book and a family-style lunch inspired by her recipes.

In addition to Silverton-authored signature events, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn will offer a robust calendar of exceptional culinary programs and events, beginning in March. Highlights from the standout lineup include: a day with wine icon Rajat Parr complete with tastings, book signing and a garden-party style dinner with library releases; an interactive five-course dinner prepared and served by winemakers Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra/Lillian and Brad Grimes of Abreu; and a special occasion dinner designed by and celebrating the cuisine oftwo-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, Chef Gavin Kaysen.

Set on 220 verdant acres against the stunning backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountain Range, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn takes form as a series of natural indoor-outdoor spaces, each with a unique personality that flows seamlessly into the next. Featuring a path of sun-splashed nooks dotted with ancient native olive trees, an organic

chef’s garden cultivated by beloved local landscape designer Scott Daigre, a spectacular two-story alfresco fireplace and a 100-year-old Oak tree, distinctive spaces that comprise The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn include: • The Kitchen, featuring a full, state-of-the-art Viking Kitchen and open demo format exhibition center with 14 chef counter seats, live fire capabilities, high-definition display monitors and stadium seating that allows up to 80 guests a front row seat to view chefs in action • The Library, adjacent to The Kitchen and garden courtyard, serving as a private dining and meeting area, seating up to 20 • The Lawn, home to the fully equipped luxury Lynx Outdoor Kitchen, which includes a freestanding Sonoma Smoker, Napoli Oven, a flat surfaced Asado Grill and All Trident Grill with next generation Flametrak technology. Further capitalizing on its idyllic surrounding and unending views, The Lawn offers expanded outdoor seating and wood-burning pizza oven.

• The Great Room, an expansive 8500-square-foot barn-inspired, ballroom space.

For more information or to register to attend any of the Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn events, please visitthefarmhouseojai.com and follow @ojaivalleyinn on social media.

(Photos by Gazston Gal) OM — March 2019

29

MY IDEAL OJAI DAY

BY NORA DAVIS Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe My ideal Ojai day would start as every morning starts on my little ranch — with my old, blind Australian shepherd, Pepper, waking me up and letting me know that it’s time to head down the hill to feed the chickens, miniature horses, and whatever other rescue animals I am fortunate enough to be sharing my barn with at the moment.

Pepper has always loved to chase the Gator while me or my husband, Randy, drives down to the barn or up through the avocado orchard, but now that she’s lost her sight, she begrudgingly rides shotgun while she enjoys the smells and sounds going on around her.

After heading back up the hill to the house and dropping Pepper off at her favorite spot on the porch, I would make a big breakfast for Randy, the kids and the grandkids with biscuits and gravy, fresh eggs gathered from the chickens, and fruit picked just outside my kitchen door.

After breakfast, Randy and my son, Cody, would probably take the grandkids fishing at Lake Casitas, which would give me time to run by the office — because you know I can’t help myself — before meeting a friend or my daughter and daughterin-law for our weekly lunch date, which is usually at Agave Maria, Home Kitchen or Café Emporium.

Lunch would be followed by my favorite way to spend an 30

OM — March 2019

afternoon in Ojai, which is introducing clients to our beautiful valley and helping them find their dream home. If time allowed, I would follow this with a manicure from Mike at Kristy’s Nails. Or, if I’m really feeling indulgent, I might splurge on the rare treat of a facial at Spa Ojai at the Ojai Valley Inn. I would definitely have to stop by Westridge Market to pick up my favorite hot chocolate and other essentials before heading home for dinner with my whole family. If I’m not cooking, this usually means ordering takeout from Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill, which has something every member of my family likes — from the vegan to the one who always wants a burger and fries no matter where we are eating.

My go-to meal at Jim & Rob’s is the Alota Tostada, but you always have to remember to get a few orders of the corn burritos, since they are the perfect complement to anything on the menu.

Plus, you never know when you might have some extra folks stop by, so it’s always good to have a little extra food so you can set another place at the table.

After dinner, my Ideal Ojai Day would end sitting on the back porch, sipping hot chocolate and watching the Pink Moment settle over the Topa Topa Bluffs until Pepper nudges my leg to remind me it’s time to head back down the hill to feed and get everyone settled in for the night.

Debbie Kresge

Debbie and Tim Kresge

Chisum’s Floor Coverings

O

jai native Debbie Kresge technically began working for her parents, founders of Chisum’s Floor Coverings, in 1981 after beginning business classes at California Baptist College. However, her career in floor and window coverings in that now fifty year-old business actually began much earlier. “I came to the store after school and during the summers while growing up,” she explains.

BY SARAH HOWERY HART 32

OM — March 2019

FEATURED PRO

I

t was there that she met her future husband, Tim, a Chisum’s employee since 1978. The couple married in October of 1981, and eventually took over ownership. “It was natural for Tim and me to take over the business,” Debbie says, “and we are very grateful for the opportunity afforded us.”

Their “opportunity” has presented great opportunity for their customers too, as Debbie and Tim continuously delve enthusiastically into their work, including educating themselves in each advancement in their field. “We’ve gone to many classes in the flooring field as well as the window covering field,” Debbie explains. “Tim is a Certified Master Installer by Forbo Linoleum, and a Master Installer for Hunter Douglas window coverings. He has also been certified in hardwood, vinyl and laminate installations.” The couple even visits suppliers’ factories. “This gives us a better understanding of how those products will work in the home or business,” Debbie says.

Those new products include renewable resources. “We are definitely seeing more people interested in ‘green’ products,’ Debbie says. “Interest is especially high right now in linoleum, and with the huge color choices afforded in the Marmoleum line, it’s no wonder why!”

Chisum’s other ‘green’ products include cork and bambo, and wool and Sisal natural fiber rugs and carpets, but she adds that wood is a first choice for many people. “From the hand-scraped and the aged look to the smooth finish, prefinished wood offers a great selection.

Most people seem to like the idea of having a natural product and it’s nice to know it is affordable.”

For Debbie, who also took accounting at Ventura College, her many “hats” are as varied as Chisum products. “I do all sorts of things at work,” she says. “I enjoy helping customers find the right product for their homes. Whether that be basic flooring and window coverings for a rental property or custom work for a multi-million dollar home.” But her “jobs” also include the more physical aspect of the business. “I will find myself doing inventory, driving the forklift to unload a delivery, cutting cushion for a rug, binding carpets,” she says. She adds that the remainder of her typical day includes visiting clients’ homes for estimates, ordering materials, lining up jobs, and waiting on customers, which have included Ojai Valley Hospital, numerous doctor’s offices and retail businesses, and many private Ojai Valley homes. In summary, she says, “I stay busy!”

But Debbie and Tim are busy outside

OM — March 2019

of Chisum’s too. “We are very involved with our church, Ojai Valley Baptist,” she says. “Tim is a deacon and he and I work with the youth. I teach Sunday School and lead the Trek (junior high AWANA program).” They also work with Habitat for Humanity.

But there is another important segment to their business, and their lives. “I believe the most important thing we bring to the business is our integrity,” Debbie explains.

“We will do what is right even when it costs us.” Fittingly, the Rotary Business Ethics Award is among those bestowed upon Debbie and Tim and Chisum’s Floor Coverings.Ojai’s Education Foundation, Film Festival, and Youth Foundation, is an Ojai Valley Green Coalition member, and was on Ojai’s Planning commission for many years.

Marc adds that he has led what he calls “an enchanted life for the last 27 years,” with wife Julia, and two children Nathan and Jaide. “ He says he is grateful to Ojai, too, for all the City has provided.

“A place to work and express myself. A place to grow up and raise a family.” He adds that he loves the natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and the “colorful and rich eclectic collection” of the people who live here. “I love our simple values and lifestyles, I feel very fortunate just by living here.”

33

WHO’S WHO

34

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

Stephen Adelman Broker Associate “Your Family Man Realtor” Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe realestateojai@ gmail.com ojailuxuryrealestate.com 805-640-5563

TO BE LISTED HERE,

Ross Falvo Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com

805-207-5094

Dennis Guernsey Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe OjaiColdwellBanker.com 805-798-1998

Kristen Currier Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe 805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com

PLEASE CALL ROSS @ 805-207-5094

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

Amy Hall Ojai Valley Real Estate Keller Williams AmyHallSellsHomes @gmail.com AmyHallSellsHomes .kw.com Making Your Dream A Reality 805 444 7874

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

Kirk Ellison Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905

​ orina K Cardinali Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe KorinaCardinali805 @gmail.com 805-794-7963

Vivienne Moody Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net

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

Amanda Stanworth Coldwell Banker Prop. Shoppe Phone: 805-2188117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web Page: Rooney-Stanworth.com

Erik Wilde Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Wilde-Wilde.com

805-830-3254

Larry Wilde Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734

Anne Williamson Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314

Patty Waltcher Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Call me for your Real Estate needs.

805-340-3774

OM — March 2019

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

Nora Davis Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe 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 Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup. com

Ojai’s

Teresa Rooney Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe 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

Cassandra Vankeulen Realtor. Designer 01929366 805-798-1272 williamsonvankeulengroup@gmail.com

Lauren Vankeulen Realtor BRE# 01973956 805-798-2397

locally owned and operated magazines.

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

OjaiHub.com 805.798.0177 OM — March 2019

35

BLUE IGUANA INN & SUITES Spanish-style inn offering rooms, suites & cottages with Southwest décor. Easy access to the Ojai Valley Trail.

11794 Ventura Ave | (805) 646-5277 blueiguanainn.com CAPRI MOTEL Hip, quirky option with retro rooms and cool pool scene.

Free Wi-Fi and breakfast 1180 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4305 hotelojai.com CARAVAN OUTPOST A beautifully curated garden of Airstreams, located in the heart of Ojai. Free wi-fi, nightly entertainment, dog friendly, complimentary bicycles, camp store.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OM — March 2019

Check Automatic Irrigation Systems

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

As the weather warms up and rain becomes less frequent, we rely more on supplemental irrigation to keep our gardens and landscaping healthy. If you are currently watering by hand, now is the time to consider installing an automatic or manual irrigation system, which is far more efficient and can help you conserve water while saving money and time. If you have an existing system with sprinklers or drip lines, spring is the perfect time to inspect the system and perform maintenance and repairs.

Irrigation systems require ongoing maintenance, particularly keeping an eye out for leaks and clogged emitters. This means you need to regularly inspect your lines throughout the year, but spring is a good time for an overall system check, since it is far easier to install or repair lines before you plant new plants or trees and before anything you cut back for winter has had a chance to fill your garden beds again.

Here is a five-point checklist to help you make sure your system is in good repair and

greener than other spots in your yard. This will help you find leaks in the lines. It is important that you do this before you run your irrigation system, since that will make the ground wet and, therefore, will take away this important clue.

3. Run each zone of your system manually and walk through the entire system looking for clogged emitters, broken sprinkler heads and leaks. Critters will chew through your lines to get to the water inside, so keep an eye out for the small leaks this may cause.

4. Adjust sprinkler heads for the most efficient spray pattern that covers your landscaping and avoids wasting water on hardscapes, fences and structures.

5. For automatic systems, adjust your irrigation frequency and duration to allow for the changing weather and to ensure efficiency.

functioning properly: 1. Look for and prune any bushes or other plants that may be blocking sprinkler heads or emitters.

2. Walk your entire system to look for standing water, soggy soil or areas that are

OM — March 2019

Bonus tip: If you have not already, consider adding a rain sensor to your automatic irrigation system. These simple sensors automatically shut off your system when it is raining and are an important part of our overall water conservation efforts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAFE EMPORIUM Locals’ favorite breakfast and lunch 108 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-2723 ojaicafeemporium.com

MARCHE GOURMET An European deli in Ojai 133 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-1133 marchegourmetojai.com

CASA DEL LAGO Ojai’s original Mexican restaurant 715 E Ojai Avenue (805) 640-1577

THE NEST 401 East Ojai Avenue Coming soon — follow Instagram @thenestojai for updates

THE DEER LODGE An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.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 — March 2019

OJAI HARVEST RESTAURANT & BAR Farm-to-table organic fare 307 East Ojai Avenue (805) 633,9232 OJAI PIZZA COMPANY 331 Ojai Ave. (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878 TheOnlyGoodPizza.com OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA Local fare, Northern Italian cuisine 242 East Ojai Avenue / (805) 640-6767 omgojai.com PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

traditional

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

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

ojaihub.com

Ojai’s community website OM — March 2019

Events • News • Explore 39

Always Connected

On the go? We’re on it. With 24/7 mobile banking, the MobiMoney app to control your debit card, and Apple Pay ®, Android Pay™, and Samsung Pay, you always have us in the palm of your hand.

Proudly serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with additional locations throughout central California.

1.888.454.BANK | Tech.BankoftheSierra.com

© Bank of the Sierra. All rights reserved.

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OM — March 2019

SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES

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

40 Ojai Drive, Oak View, 2 bed, 1,5 bath, 900 Sq. Ft. Listed $469,500. Sold $450,000

401 West Aliso Street, 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,058 Sq. Ft. Listed $849,000. Sold $850,000

457 Burnham Road, Oak View, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,132 Sq. ft. Listed $495,000.

Sold $495,000

181 North Encinal Avenue, 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 2,914 Sq. Ft. Listed $889,000. Sold $875,000

410 Church Road, #20, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,520 Sq. Ft. Listed $540,000. Sold $521,750

513 Oak Creek Lane, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,053 Sq. Ft. Listed $939,000. Sold $910,000

260 North Poli Street, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,441 Sq. Ft. Listed $639,000. Sold $540,000

102 West Matilija Street, 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,037 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,249,000.

Sold $1,249,000

112 South Fulton Street, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,260 Sq. Ft. Listed $539,000. Sold $550,000

505 Grand Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,047 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,349,000. Sold $1,275,000

5 Valley Road, Oak View 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,737 Sq. Ft. Listed $599,000. Sold $580,000

10790 Encino Drive, Oak View, 2 bed, 2.5 bath, 3,730 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,795,000. Sold $1,775,000

230 South Pueblo Avenue, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,191 Sq. Ft. Listed $625,000. Sold $580,000

12438 Linda Flora Drive, 5 bed, 8 bath, 4,969 Sq. Ft. Listed $2,595,000.

Sold $2,481,245

FOR RENT OR LEASE DOWNTOWN OJAI

x

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

221East Matilija Street, Ojai 805-646-4911 ojaivalleyrealestate.com OM — March 2019

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960 E Ojai Ave Suite 106/107, Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-6673 42

RESIDENTIAL- HOSPITALITY - CONTRACT

OM — March 2019

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.

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

WEATHER IN OJAI

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

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

Precip.

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

Record High Year 112° 1955

Population:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Record Low Year 16° 1990

Households::

3,176

Elevation:

745

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

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

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

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

OM — March 2019

43

OJAI HIKES

10 PATHS TO DISCOVERY

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. An aptly named abandoned road that runs along a shelf above the north side of the Ojai Valley, Shelf Road winds through orange and avocado groves as well as wild chaparral. Every bend in the trail presents you with stunning views of the east end of the Ojai Valley. 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 and 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 the Old Baldwin Road trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead north of the intersection with Lomita Road. Also from North 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 miles of trails to choose from. This trail system offers up its wonders especially when on horseback; several trail riding companies offer tours of the preserve property.

Also recommended is the loop from the Rice Road trailhead, across the river, up Wills Creek, across the ridge and down Rice Canyon to end up at the Oso Trailhead. Or vice versa. There are only about 1.5 miles of paved road separating the two trailheads, so no complicated car jockeying is necessary.

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

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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 north onto Gridley Road.

Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. Length: Three 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 along a seasonal creek before opening on to a bench with spectacular views of the entire Ojai Valley. It follows an orchard road through avocado trees before making a northeastward turn along the rocky western flank of the mountainside. You can often hear the sounds of tumbling water far below in the yearround stream. The trail winds along the steep flank of the mountain until it enters the cool, dense side-canyon wherein lies Gridley Springs, with a watering trough for horses and plenty of inviting shade. You can return from here, or continue to the network of trails that reaches its zenith at Nordhoff Peak, 4,426 feet above sea level.

5. HORN CANYON Directions: Take McAndrew Road to Thacher School. Park in the gymkhana lot. Length: 2.2 miles to the Pines. Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation Gain: 600 feet. Legend has it that intrepid horseman Howard Bald lugged saddlebags full of water up this trail to nurture a grove of pine trees that he had planted after the big fire of 1948. The trailhead begins at a parking lot, just past a dip.

The trail winds past the famous school’s observatory along the west

side of a usually year-round stream. After four shady, rock-hopping crossings, the trail begins a sturdy and steep set of switchbacks, with increasing vistas expanding on every turn. The pine grove at the top, with 50-foot-tall trees, seems incongruous amid the sage scrub, yet its whispery needles offer a cool welcome. You can see the Channel Islands, as well as the broad, rolling Tuscany-like vistas of Upper Ojai set against the stunning Topa Topa bluffs. This trail continues to the network of trails and fuel breaks that run the ridgeline along the flank of the Ojai Valley.

6. COZY DELL TRAIL Directions: From Ojai, head north on 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 wellforested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular vinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnews of the Ojai Valley. On a clear day you can see both Anacapa and Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands. You can either return or continue to Cozy Dell Creek, another half-mile to a wooded picnic spot straight out of Central Casting. There the trail continues past the creek to link up to the Ojai’s system of trails and firebreak roads.

It’s perfect for an early morning excursion to justify a hearty breakfast.

7. MIDDLE FORK OF MATILIJA CANYON Directions: Head north on Highway 33 from Ojai 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, along with an excellent sampling of Ojai’s iconic native rock walls. 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. Winding alongside and across Matilija Creek, careful observers can see foot-long native rainbow trout and rare western pond turtles. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads to the Three Falls of the Matilija, where the main North Fork tumbles over a calcite ledge into a deep green pool. (There are four more falls beyond, including the fabled Lost Falls, but travel beyond the falls is recommended only for groups of experienced climbers.) NOTE: The post-fire debris flows from last January have devastated the creek channel; it will be years before it fully recovers its former grandeur.

8. ROSE VALLEY FALLS Directions: Take Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnout on the right, about 12 miles from Ojai. Follow the road four miles to the turnout for the campground. Length: .5 miles. Difficulty: Easy. The trail begins at the head of the campground. It is an easy stroll along the beautiful shaded stream to reach the first 30-foot cataract. The trail is perfect for families with small children. Rose Valley Road is also the entry place for several popular backcountry trails, including Sespe River Trail, noted for its trout fishing and swimming holes, and Piedra Blanca, with its striking gorges and beautifully weathered white-rock formations.

9. SISAR CANYON Directions: Take Highway 150 about nine miles from Ojai to upper Ojai. Sisar Canyon Road is just past Summit School, the trailhead at the end of the road, about a further mile. Length: 10.5 miles to the Topa Topa Bluffs. Difficulty: Strenuous.

Elevation gain: Nearly 4,000 feet to the top of the bluffs. Only recommended for experienced, well-trained hikers. The first two miles of Sisar Canyon follow the unusually beautiful stream through an enchanting forest of sycamores, bay laurel and enormous oak trees. Both trout and excellent opportunities to swim abound. After that, the trail begins its ascent of the eastern flank of the Topa Topa bluffs. You can also follow the signs to access White Ledge and Ladybug camps from the trail. For serious hikers only, the grueling climb to the top of the bluffs offers world-class views that stretch 360 degrees for hundreds of miles. On any reasonably clear day, you can see beyond Sulphur Mountain to Anacapa, Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands, even Catalina Island. The intrepid summiteer is also welcomed by a bench of native sandstone on which to perch far from the madding crowds. Plan on starting early in the morning. This hike can take a minimum of seven hours for even the best hikers.

10. SULPHUR MOUNTAIN ROAD Directions: Follow Highway 150 for 9 miles from downtown Ojai. Turnoff for Sulphur Mountain Road is on the right.

Follow the road until it ends, another five miles. Length: 10 miles from gated access to the Girl Scout Camp near Casitas Springs. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This trail starts at 2,600 feet high at the end of the Sulphur Mountain Road access and follows the winding ridgeline trail (actually, an old road) down to about 400 feet elevation, making this a very gentle, if long, hike of three to four hours. It’s perfect for a sunny spring day, with wide views on both sides of the ridge to Black Mountain’s oak-knolled ranchlands, and the rolling green old ranches that give way to Ventura and Oxnard and the ocean beyond. Look for wildflowers and browsing deer as well as bobcats and the occasional bear.

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