Ojai Monthly - May 2024

This pristine 5br/4ba mid-century modern masterpiece is artfully positioned on its nearly one acre lot to command uninterrupted views of the Topa Topas and the northern ridge. It offers 3,673 sqft of refined living space and lush, private grounds with stately oaks, drought-resistant landscaping, and fruit trees. Floor to ceiling windows create an ambiance of airy openness, while the pool, spa and lounging areas invite one to enjoy the outdoors. A Tesla Powerwall and 28 solar panels are among the many upgrades. It is a slice of architectural heritage infused with the magical experience of Ojai. Offered at $4,350,000

Shanae Kahler Owner

living & learning the art of

At Oak Grove we approach teaching, learning, and living as an art form – The Art of Living and Learning. Our students are given tools to build life-long practices of intellectual discipline, strong communication skills, self-reflection, empathy, and clear thinking. Our high school’s challenging college-preparatory curriculum is designed to exceed admissions requirements for the most selective universities across the country. The Outdoor Education and Travel Program is an essential component of Oak Grove’s approach to education. Whether walking through our 150-acre oak-studded campus in Ojai or traveling to India as a senior, students are provided with many opportunities to learn from nature, build lasting friendships, develop cross-cultural understanding, and become active stewards of the environment.

Bret Bradigan

BROTHERS IN HARMS

"All

wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers." — Fr. Francois Fénelon

One of Ojai's Friday afternoon traditions are the peaceful protests in front of Libbey Park's pergola. Some weeks it's just a couple of sign-wavers, lately it's been dozens. With escalating tragedies in Gaza, the demonstrators have required new passion and purpose, reminding us that no village is an island, that suffering anywhere is suffering everywhere. We don't have to agree with every detail of every protest, but we should admire their convictions and intent.

I was into my teens as the Vietnam War was winding down. Not a moment too soon as far as I was concerned. I was constantly gnawed by anxiety that I'd have to join my two older brothers and go fight for something I didn't understand, let alone support. It should have been clear it was unwinnable war. In 1995, former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara asked his counter-part General Vo Nyugen Giap, "You lost 3.2 million of your countrymen, how many would we have had to kill before you surrendered?" Giap, a much-underrated military genius who defeated armies of the Japanese, French, Americans and Chinese, said, "Every one."

I was convinced that as soon as the first bullets whizzed overhead, I'd duck and cover, prove myself a coward and besmirch generations of valiant Bradigans who served their country through every war since the Civil War. (Speaking of which, is there any oxymoron more tragic than a war being civil?) That was the price of growing up in a family of war veterans.

It wasn't until I had my brothers on the Ojai Podcast that I finally laid that fear to rest. Brother Bruce, a decorated veteran and Special Forces officer, who took a Vietcong bullet to his elbow during a surprise engagement, said, "Everyone thinks that." Everyone? I thought it was just me. I wish I had known that earlier. It was an amazing relief to let go of that fear I'd prove a coward. I just wish it hadn't taken 50 years.

During my own service from 1979 to 1985 I was never in direct danger on a battlefield, but I endured a few stressful situations and realized moments of rare mental clarity. It was powerful. As Robert E. Lee said, "It is good that war is so terrible, otherwise we would grow too fond of it."

This wasn't meant to be a plug for the podcast, but when I posted up that episode in June of 2020, someone questioned me why I would have on an Ojai podcast my non-Ojai-living brothers. Because why not?, was the first thought. But on reflection, I should have said, "Because the more specific an experience is to anyone, the more it connects with everyone." And by showing up and bringing attention during those Friday rituals, the Libbey Park protesters are connecting us to our humanity.

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.”

Jeff Belzer

805.312.0713 jeff.belzer@sothebysrealty.com DRE 01895639

12617 KOENIGSTEIN ROAD, SANTA PAULA

Oasis in the Ojai Valley

Discover a hidden gem in the prestigious Upper Ojai Valley at 12617 Koenigstein Road. This property sits in the heart of Bear Canyon, along Bear Creek, beneath the foothills of the Topa Topas. This enchanting Craftsmanstyle, historical farmhouse is beautifully situated on roughly 6 acres of verdant land, bordered by a tranquil creek. The property has been meticulously restored, merging its historical charm with contemporary upgrades for today’s lifestyle.

Jack La Plante

Realtor® | DRE 02134607

805.640.5571

jack.laplante@sothebysrealty.com jacklaplante.sothebysrealty.com

4 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,995 SQFT | $2,400,000

Kevin Givner

805.330.5896 kgivner@livsothebysrealty.com DRE 02227301

MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS podcast events

CELEBRATING GARDENS | MAY 4-5 | West Hills Gallery

MAY 4-5

“Celebrating Gardens,” Ventura County Creative Artists

Semi-Annual Art Exhibit

Dates: Saturday & Sunday Times: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: West Hills Gallery, 1545 Cuyama Road

The multi-media show ” Celebrating Gardens” will highlight florals, fruits and vegetables and gardenscapes of many kinds, among other subjects. The Ojai Garden Club will adorn our gallery with beautiful floral arrangements. This will be an art and fun-filled afternoon. Meet the artists in person, and watch demonstrations of some of the techniques and materials used. Pastels, oil, acrylic, encaustic and watercolor will be among the varied media exhibited at the show.  The work of 29 artists will be represented.

MAY 18-19

Ojai Community Chorus Spring Concert

Dates: May 18-19

Times: Saturday at 7 p.m. - Sunday at 3 p.m.

Location: Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road

Contact: Marilyn at (805) 640-0468

OJAI COMMUNITY CHORUS | MAY 18-19 | Ojai United Methodist Church

Ojai Community Chorus, directed by Connie Woodson, presents its spring concert with the program “Fun Under The Big Top!” featuring songs from musical theater and movies as well as pop that celebrate circus life, show business and make ‘em laugh entertainment.

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.

— 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.”

OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.com

MONDAYS

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

Location: Ojai Main Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue

Contact: Laurie at 805-646-3733

ojaibard@gmail.com

Join our lively reading and discussion. Whether you like to read aloud or just listen, everyone is welcome!

APRIL13

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.

RARE DOWNTOWN VIEW LOT

This gorgeous 5.25 acre property accessed by gated entry from Foothill Rd has meadows and ancient oaks decorating a unique expanse of usable land. Totally private and inviting, it is bordered by the undeveloped hillsides of Stewart Canyon and has easy access to the Pratt Trail and Shelf Road. Unobstructed views of the Topa Topas and surrounding mountains make this an ideal location for a fabulous home, a horse property, a large retreat compound or anything you can imagine. It is adjacent to two other available lots which could create a fabulous 22 acre lot. 1218FoothillRdOjai.com Offered at $2,750,000

A luxury villa/vineyard estate providing the ultimate in architecture, design, craftmanship, and setting. Brand new construction of the 5100 sqft, 4br/5ba home is finished with the highest quality materials, appliances and fixtures. An H-shaped floorplan separates private sleeping areas from public social areas. The open living area includes a chef’s kitchen, a 2-sided fireplace, and a wine tasting room. The grounds feature a 100% organic vineyard, pool/spa with epic views, and multiple courtyards and verandas to take full advantage of the spectacular natural setting. Offered at $9,750,000

SUE

GRUBER

BY SARAH HOWERY HART

OJAI ON HORSEBACK

The song, “Happy Trails to You,’ sung by the 1950s TV western stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, could easily be the theme song for Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company, owned by Susan Gruber and located on her Oso Ranch, just a few miles from downtown Ojai. Her rides include the River Valley Trail ride year round and The Forest Ride seasonally

Gruber first found herself on horseback at age 9, and by age 14 had earned both the Miss Missouri Pinto Queen and All-Around Missouri State Champion titles. After the family relocated to California’s Bay Area and her graduation from high school, Gruber earned an Agricultural Business Management degree at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, with a concentration in animal sciences. Gruber also met the man she would marry.

But a divorce years later motivated Gruber’s next move. “When I got divorced and was looking for a place to have a stable, “she explains, “I was driving around, and I saw a yellow post laying down in the weeds in an empty lot. Then, I saw it was a For Sale sign.” The owner assured her that the property was zoned for both horses and a house. “I just think I’m really lucky,” Gruber says.

Her luck continued when she was approached by someone giving away a barn and a lot of corrals. And, then, although the land on two sides of her property, which she named Oso Ranch, was designated for housing, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy purchased those parcels, which meant the preservation of the open land in perpetuity.

Gruber set to work implementing her business on her new ranch, (which coincidently was her senior thesis: A feasibility study of Running a Horse Boarding Facility) which now includes riding lessons, boarding, and her non-profit business, Horses Heart and Soul, through which she conducts a horse rescue and provides free or low cost riding lessons for at risk children. And, of course, there are her trail rides, which are generally one hour, for all levels of riders, the River Valley Trail ride meanders at a leisurely pace in the valley, with views upward at the Topa Topa mountains.

For children under age six, there are pony rides at the ranch, after which the young riders may design and create a “magic horseshoe” memento of their day, or visit all the other farm animals on the ranch.

Gruber and her instructors also offer riding lessons, English or Western, from beginner to advanced. Regarding horse boarding, she offers various options including box stalls with runs, corrals with roofs, and pasturettes.

Gruber has also competed in horseshows and is winner of many awards, including nearly 30 state championships. Now, in addition to running Oso Ranch and the Ojai Valley Riding Company, she is a horseshow judge. “I love judging horseshows,” she says. “It’s nice to give back the industry that has given so much to me.”

To accomplish all of this, and even more, including formerly raising her now-adult son by herself, Gruber starts early in the morning. “I get up at 5:15 a.m.,” she explains. “I have the whole place to myself for about two hours.” This is before her workday even starts. “My work takes about 12 hours a day.”

But Gruber does periodically take a day off. “And, what do I want to do on my day off?” she asks. “Go horseback riding! This is not work, it’s fun. Its my passion, its my joy! Portions of this feature were reprinted from the July 2017 OM.

ABOVE LEFT: SUE GRUBER IN HER HORSE SHOW JUDGE REGALIA

ABOVE RIGHT: GRUBER ATOP RUFUS

BELOW RIGHT: SUE GRUBER AND FAMILI AFTER ONE OF HER STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

EAST END MASTERPIECE

Welcome to this nearly 35-acre income producing ranch located in the prestigious East End of Ojai. Truly iconic ranch nestled between McNell Creek and the Topa Topa Mountains offering you a perfect “Pink Moment” nearly every evening. This 1920’s farmhouse has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a massive original rock fireplace. The light-filled rooms with large windows showcase the panoramic mountain views. There is a separate office/art stdio and a separate two bedroom, one bathroom guest house. Plenty of room to park all your farm equipment in the oversized three-car garage. This ranch produces Ojai Pixies, avocados, Cara Cara navel oranges, and a variety of other fruit trees. With a high-producing well along with Casitas ag water meter and solar ...living off the grid never looked so good. Rare opportunity to be part of the Williamson Act for tax savings benefits.

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 FOR SALE

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!

Seven Ways to Clear Weeds From Your Garden

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

With all the rain we have been receiving lately, my garden beds are rather abundant. Unfortunately, almost all the greenery is weeds. I have been quite busy so far this year and am only now getting around to trying to set aside some time to get a spring garden planted. Of course, now I must first contend with the weed situation before I can move on to the fun part.

Since all this much-needed rain has left me dealing with weeds in my garden beds right now, I thought some of you might be dealing with them as well and could maybe use some ideas about how to limit weed growth among our food plants. I know I have talked about natural weed prevention in past columns, but many of those methods are not suitable for use around food plants or other desirable plants. Options like salt, cornmeal, boiling water, and vinegar do not discriminate between weeds and wanted plants, so we need to move beyond these easy options when we are removing weeds from our vegetable gardens.

1. Hoe or pull existing weeds: Whether or not you have already planted your desirable plants, you need to remove the undesirable ones before we can do anything else about it. So, if your garden beds do not have food plants (or you can hoe around them) and are low enough and large enough to hoe,

use a hoe to re≠move weeds. If they are raised beds or it is difficult to get to the weeds around wanted food plants, pull them by hand. While hoeing and weeding can put stress on your body and are not the easiest way to kill weeds, they are the most effective way to make sure the entire weed plant and roots are removed. I use a Hori Hori garden knife for removing weeds – and lots of other tasks in the garden –which makes weed removal much easier.

2. Mind the weeds in surrounding areas: Most weeds did not start out in your garden beds. Those seeds blew over from some other part of your yard or were left by a bird or other critter visiting your garden. While you cannot stop weed seeds from migrating from your neighbors’ yards, you can keep the weeds down on your own property to help limit seeds finding their way into your garden.

3. Irrigate carefully: Water only the areas where there are wanted seeds or plants and avoid watering bare areas of your garden where weed seeds might be waiting for an opportunity to sprout. The easiest way to do this is to install a drip system or use soaker hoses.

4. Disturb the soil as little as possible: The less you disturb the soil, the lower the risk of weed seeds germinating in your garden. Mix

in compost and amendments to prepare your soil but avoid tilling the whole garden to remove weeds and prepare the ground.

5. Use non-living ground covers around food plants: Cover any bare earth in your garden with non-living ground covers, such as mulch, bark, wood chips, or straw. If you choose bark or wood chips, make sure to choose natural options that have not been dyed. Cover the ground around your plants with at least two inches of one of these natural materials to prevent weed growth. Make sure you to leave the base of your food plants clear by keeping the ground cover a few inches away from the base.

6. Try growing your food plants closer together:

Rather than thinning out your carrots, beets, and other food plants, allow them to grow closer together. They will not all perform equally, but you will end up with a larger harvest and less space for weeds to take hold.

7. Stay on top of weed removal: It is easiest to remove weeds when they are first emerging, so stay on top of pulling weeds while they are seedlings. If you do not have time to check for weeds every few days, at least make sure you pull them before they go to seed and exacerbate the problem.

605 County Club Drive 1458 N Foothill Road

This Bill Mahan-designed Spanish style home is a splitting image of his other architectural masterpiece, the neighboring Ojai Valley Inn. This home is an entertainer’s delight with the Ojai Valley Inn almost as your backyard; go to the Spa, play a round of golf, eat at the best restaurants Ojai has to offer or just walk the beautiful grounds. Surrounded by incredible views with multiple outdoor dining spaces and a beautiful pool and jacuzzi. The property is completely enclosed for those who seek privacy, yet conveniently close to downtown Ojai that is easily accessible by way of the bike path. This private home has 5 Fireplaces, 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths, a Media/Family Room, an eat-in Kitchen with Fireplace, a large Pantry, and a Laundry Room. The marvelous, private primary suite includes a wonderful Bathroom with a Fireplace and large amounts of closet space. Owner-owned solar panels. Offered at $4,250,000 this 3,624 Sq feet w 2 separate garages.

This 2022 build designed for indoor-outdoor living blends modern and contemporary architectural styles and is set among heritage oaks on a private, gated, approximately .79-acre lot. Just a short drive from downtown Ojai and steps from Pratt Trail, this three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 2,890-square-foot home features impeccable design and upscale finishes with incredible attention to detail. Features include an integrated-solar Tesla roof, limestone and sandstone countertops, rift-sawn cabinetry, 12- and 18-foot ceilings, Wolfe and Sub-Zero appliances, fire clay sink, Newport fixtures, wholehouse water filtration, Acu-Craft gas fireplace, glass garage door, and white oak, marble, and limestone floors. Each bedroom features an en suite bathroom, blackout shades, and a sliding door leading to outdoor living areas. This is one you really must see to appreciate the abundant features that make it an ideal primary or second home for entertaining guests and enjoying the coveted Ojai lifestyle.

Dave Lynn | 805.207.8122

DRE #01962468

Kellye Lynn | 805.798.0322

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

macaroni salad

Are you looking for a scrumptious, easy-to-prepare lunch for your friends and family? Look no more. This mac salad recipe is colorful as well as delicious. It is also the perfect vegan dish for barbecues and potlucks this spring and summer!

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 cups small elbow macaroni (uncooked)

3/4 cup Vegenaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup celery (about 2 medium stalks chopped fine)

1/2 cup orange bell pepper (seeded and chopped fine)

1/2 cup red bell pepper (seeded and chopped fine)

1/2 cup carrot (grated fine)

1/2 cup red onion (chopped fine)

2-ounce can of sliced black olives

Italian parsley (optional garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

Boil macaroni and cook until al dente, about eight minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, stir together Vegenaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, celery, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and olives. Gently stir in cooked macaroni. Garnish with fresh parsley. Chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours before serving.

Buy? Or Wait?

There’s a lot to consider making big decisions

Housing prices are all over the place right now. I have one client looking at a multimillion-dollar home locally and another person who I’ve guided (not a client as she is paying cash) towards buying a home in Crescent City for $180k. For those needing a loan, homebuyers are facing a common conundrum. Should they wait until mortgage rates drop or take the plunge and buy now?

Growing up here in Ojai, my father personally invested in real estate. He also encouraged a lot of local folks to do the same. Mind you, this was despite the mortgage rates being over 13% at the time! It’s easy to guess that many families have benefited from his nudge all these years later. Even now, while it might seem prudent to hold off in the hopes of lower rates, there are some compelling reasons underlining why waiting might not be the best strategy.

Here are a few things to consider:

Uncertainty of Mortgage Rates: mortgage rates, as unpredictable as they are, are influenced by a wide array of economic factors including inflation, Fed policies and global economic trends to name just a few.

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.

Most experts agree that rates will drop later this year but none of us can say when or by how much. In this case, waiting for rates could result in missing out on a good purchase opportunity.

Increase in Competition: Buyer demand is also something to look at. Historically, when rates drop, there is a huge surge in buying activity. As we have seen in the past, increased competition leads to bidding wars and elevated house prices.

This alone might negate the savings from a lower rate.

Long-term Planning: Purchasing a home is a strategy for playing the long game. Buying when you are financially able allows you to start building equity immediately. That can be in the form of property appreciation and paying your loan down. Buying now and potentially refinancing as rates drop could enable you to accomplish your long-range financial plans.

Purchasing a home is a big decision: It is essential for you to make a decision based on your personal financial situation and readiness to own a home rather than trying to time the market. Given the complexities, it doesn’t hurt to consult with a mortgage professional to help guide you and present options.

Is it right for everyone to invest in housing right now? Definitely not but waiting might also mean losing out on the perfect home and the ideal pathway to a better financial future. Work closely with a real estate agent and a mortgage consultant to better understand if that time, for you, is now.

Golden Oaks Glen - 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Spacious Primary Suite with 2 Vanities, Media Room, Two Fireplaces, Walk-In Pantry, Two Laundry Rooms, Over-Sized 2-Car Garage, Swimming Pool & Spa, Patio Fireplace, Built-in Grill with Bar, Family Orchard, RV Hookup & Much More

$3,995,000

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

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

$1,785,000

Roca Vista Ranch - Seven-Bedroom Main House on Approximately 10 Acres with Pool House, Pool, Spa, Outdoor Kitchen, Three-Car Garage, Two-Car Garage, Artist’s Loft, Lighted Tennis Court, Family Orchard, and Horse Facilities RocaVistaRanchOjai.com

$5,550,000

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

$1,200,000

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

216 E MATILIJA STREET, OJAI

Turnkey Mid-Century-Modern Village Mixed-Use reimagined architectural masterpiece! Step into the heart of Ojai with this exceptional one-of-a-kind live & work property, ideally situated next to the vibrant Sunday Farmers Market, renowned restaurants, wineries, boutiques, galleries, and the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. This hip, alluring, and sophisticated oasis is the perfect live-work sanctuary. Fabulous investment opportunity in the historic, charming, and bustling Midtown Ojai! 2