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.
Nestled in Ojai’s serene hills, 2238 Los Encinos Road offers a blend of modern updates and timeless design on a spacious 0.52-acre lot. This two-story home spans 1,845 sq. ft. and includes 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams create an open, airy feel, while the stone fireplace anchors the light-filled living room. The chef’s kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, abundant counter space, and a smart layout.
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,845 SQFT | $1,675,000
site
2092 los encinos road True Ojai Gem
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 Craftsman-style 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.
4 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,995 SQFT | $2,250,000
9782 Big horn Ventura East End Gem
on
2,658 sq. ft. of refined living space, complete with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. You are greeted by a spacious and inviting living area, where exposed beam ceilings and skylights flood the room with natural light. One of the many highlights of this property is the music recording room. 2092 Los Encinos Road is more than a home — it's a lifestyle opportunity in the enchanting Ojai Valley.
3 BR | 3 BA | 2,658 SQFT | $1,510,000
This well-maintained single-family home boasts strong structural integrity and exceptional entry-level pricing. This coveted lot features a spacious backyard with plenty of privacy.
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
150 West Barnett West End Bungalow
Jack La Plante
Realtor® | DRE 02134607
805.640.5571
jack.laplante@sothebysrealty.com
jacklaplante.sothebysrealty.com
The perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this delightful West End bungalow! Ideally situated close to everything you need, this property features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in the main house, along with an attached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom studio.
Unlike traditional facial treatments that focus solely on surface-level improvements, skin revision targets the deeper layers of the skin, addressing the root causes of various skin issues to not only improve the skin’s appearance, but to enhance its biological function, bringing it closer to its youthful, optimal state.
"There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.” — Beverly Sills
In Ojai, we are blessed with stunning landscapes, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy works hard to keep it that way for future generations. The 27 miles of trails maintained by the OVLC allow us to experience these natural wonders while protecting delicate ecosystems. Yet, despite all efforts, one problem continues to plague the organization: the rise of "social trails."
These unofficial shortcuts, created by people looking for a quicker or more scenic route to their destination, may seem harmless. But they contribute to erosion, disrupt wildlife habitats, and ultimately make more work for the professionals tasked with protecting our open spaces.
In many ways, these social trails are a perfect metaphor for our current state of public discourse. Just as some people blaze their own paths through nature without regard for the broader consequences, others create social and political "trails" that lead us away from meaningful dialogue. These rhetorical shortcuts — hot takes, divisive language, and knee-jerk reactions — erode the foundations of productive conversation. Next Door and Facebook, for all their considerable virtues as common wells of information, are often the worst offenders. Rather than engaging deeply with the issues at hand, people latch onto soundbites or inflammatory points. Like the wellintentioned hiker who unknowingly destroys a fragile ecosystem, those who partake in unproductive discourse leave damage in their wake — and a mess for others to clean up.
The OVLC describes social trails as "unofficial, user-created paths" that not only disrupt the landscape but also pose long-term challenges to land management. Once one person uses a social trail, others are more likely to follow. Similarly, in public discourse, it only takes one person to begin spreading misinformation, making misleading arguments, or demonizing their opposition. Others, seeing these rhetorical shortcuts as easier or more engaging, pile on. Social media algorithms are designed to promote engagement, and nothing does a better job of that than rage and resentment.
Just as the OVLC invests time, money, and labor into repairing the damage caused by social trails, there are those who work to mend the damage done in our public discussions. Fact-checkers, educators, and thoughtful leaders must now spend hours addressing the fallout from baseless claims or inflammatory rhetoric. This is energy that could have been better spent tackling the real issues we face. Whether it's climate change, homelessness, or rising rents and falling school enrollments, these big-picture problems get sidelined when we’re too busy repairing the damage done by thoughtless shortcuts.
Engaging in meaningful public discourse demands restraint, patience, and a commitment to the truth. It’s easy to veer off into emotionally charged arguments or to share a meme without fully understanding the issue. But the true work — the slow, often frustrating work of understanding complex problems, listening to different perspectives, and seeking common ground — is what helps build a stronger community. Rather than demonizing those who stray into toxic discourse, we need to explain why it’s harmful — and why engaging more constructively benefits everyone. Let’s commit to staying on the path of productive, informed discourse — even when it’s hard. After all, the well-worn, carefully maintained path leads to a healthier social ecosystem. And a greater sense that we are all in it together.
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.
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.
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.”
by
NOV. 16 & 17, 2024 10am-4pm
CANVAS & PAPER EXHIBIT | THROUGH DECEMBER 1 | canvasandpaper.com
OCTOBER 31 TO NOVEMBER 4
Ojai Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary
Dates: Wednesday to Sunday Times: Varied
Locations: Varied
Contact: Info@OjaiFilmFestival.com
805-640-1947
Since 2000, the Ojai Film Festival has celebrated cinema with dozens of screenings and special events. Where indie filmmakers feel seen.
NOVEMBER 9
Ojai Art Center’s 85th Anniversary Gala
Date: Saturday Times: 7 p.m.
Location: 113 South Montgomery Street
Contact: OjaiArtCenter.org
805-646-0117
Come celebrate and support California’s longest continously operating community art center. Featuring Diane Miller band, dancing, drinks and Connie’s hot dogs.
NOVEMBER 11-12
Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace
Dates: Saturday & Sunday Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Locations: Varied
Contact: Info@OjaiFestival.org
805-640-2094
The Ojai Music Festival has hosted tours of Ojai’s most distinctive, and distinguished, homes for 26 years.
BALL & MCBROOM’S “LOVE LETTERS” | NOVEMBER 23 | OjaiArtCenter.org
NOVEMBER 17
Bill Burr in Ojai
Date: Sunday Time: 3 p.m., gates open at 1 p.m.
Location: Libbey Bowl
Contact: WhereMusicMeetsTheSoul.com 888-645-5006
An Emmy and Grammy Award nominee, Bill Burr is a singular voice of his generation, defining his own path as a world-renown comedian, director/ writer/producer/star of a #1 film on Netflix, critically-acclaimed dramatic and comedic actor, writer, producer, and a genre-defining podcaster for over 15 years. In 2025, Bill will make his Broadway debut alongside Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk in David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross” and he will release his eighth hour-long stand-up special on Hulu in the spring
NOVEMBER 23
Amanda McBroom & George Ball in “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney: Date: Saturday Times: 7 p.m.
Location: 113 South Montgomery Street
Contact: OjaiArtCenter.org
805-646-0117
This special 85th anniversary event brings together this extraordinarly talented reallife couple.
OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.Com
TO DECEMBER 1
Jacob Van Hulsdonck, George Braque & André Derain at canvas and paper
Dates: Thursday to Sunday Times: Noon to 5 p.m.
Location: 311 North Montgomery Street Contact: info@canvasandpaper.org
Canvas and paper is a small art museum presenting paintings and drawings in thematic and single artist exhibits with a focus on 20th century modernism.
Ojai: Talk of the Town Podcast
New episodes come out Thursday evenings through TheOjaiVortex.com newsletter. Sign up at OjaiHub.com for a free newsletter of Ojai events, news, arts, entertainment, history and culture. And podcasts. Check out our archive of 220+ episodes with community leaders, actors, writers, directors and assorted rogues and scoundrels.
NOVEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
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
TOM KRAUSE, PH.D. KRAUSE-BELL GROUP
BY BRET BRADIGAN
In a recent episode of the Ojai Talk of the Town podcast, Dr. Tom Krause delved into the complexities of organizational culture, drawing from his decades of experience and his newest and fifth book, “If Your Culture Could Talk: A Story of Culture Change.” With a career built on helping organizations understand and improve their internal dynamics, Krause has a distinct perspective on this often-elusive topic.
He first established his credibility with the founding of Behavioral Science Technology (BST) in 1979, a consulting firm that has worked with large corporations and organizations like NASA, and now seeks to distill lessons learned into actionable insights for leaders and organizations. After selling BST in 2012, he co-founded the Bell-Krause Group, which continues the work Krause, a clinical psychologist, began at BST on workplace safety.
The book follows the travails of a CEO named John after a major disaster causes multiple deaths and puts the company in
KRAUSE CONDUCTS A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION. HE RECEIVED HIS PH.D. IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FROM UCIRVINE, AND MASTERS FROM CAL-STATE LONG BEACH AND ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE IN SANTA FÉ.
peril. Disturbed and perplexed when told his compan’s culture is to blame, John dreams of this culture as it is personified in the “Culture Creature,” an amorphous, shifting intelligence that often appears hostile. The next day, he meets with his Chief Operating Officer, named Mary, and Marvin, the head of Human Resources, to being unpacking the insights from this creature. As the trio dive deeper into the consequences of culture, the creature begins to reveal its secrets, and an action plan forms.
The ‘Fuzzy Nature’ of Culture:
Culture is one of those concepts that is often discussed but rarely understood in concrete terms. Krause acknowledges this, stating that culture is “amorphous,” hard to define, but definitely present. “It’s something shared between people,” he explains, “so it’s not as simple as the psychology of an individual.” According to Krause, culture goes beyond the behaviors or attitudes of any single person within an organization. Instead, it’s a collective ethos that forms in the spaces between individuals and grows through their interactions.
The difficulty, Krause notes, is that while everyone seems to know culture when they
see it — whether a workplace is vibrant and motivating or oppressive and dull — putting a precise definition on what culture is remains elusive. “It’s actually kind of a weird thing,” Krause admits, “because it’s bigger than the sum of its parts.” For anyone who has ever worked in multiple organizations, the difference between cultures is palpable but explaining how these differences manifest can be much trickier. You know it when you see it, but what then?
A recurring theme in Krause’s work in safety and risk assessment, and one explored extensively in his book, is the critical role of leadership in shaping organizational culture. Leaders often think they understand the culture they create, but Krause has found that many struggle to connect the dots between their decisions and the culture that emerges. “They know leadership creates culture,” Krause says, “but if you drill down and ask them what decisions in the last few months influenced the culture, they struggle.”
This disconnect is where Krause sees an opportunity for leaders to be more deliberate. Organizations often think about culture retroactively, only noticing it when
it becomes a problem. However, Krause urges leaders to be proactive. “In doing all that work,” he says, “I have had occasion to think about, well, what is this thing? And why is it that even though they know what it is, in some way, they have a hard time figuring out how that translates into decisions.”
Case Study: NASA and the Columbia Disaster:
One of the most profound examples of cultural failure that Krause has encountered came from his work with NASA following the 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle disaster. The shuttle was destroyed during reentry after a piece of foam broke off during launch and punctured the shuttle’s structure, killing all seven astronauts on board. “When people hear about a catastrophe of that nature, their mind doesn’t go to culture,” Krause reflects. “But it is — it’s cultural.”
The aftermath of the Columbia disaster revealed that NASA’s culture had played a critical role in allowing this tragedy to happen. Krause explains how a piece of foam was classified as a “must-fix” issue before the flight, but the shuttle was launched anyway. “How was a decision made to fly, knowing that this problem had
been identified?” Krause asks, emphasizing how culture — particularly the reluctance to challenge decisions or communicate upwards — was at the heart of the issue. “It was a cultural cause.”
Krause’s work with NASA after the disaster involved a deep dive into the organization’s culture. “The investigation turned up culture,” he says. The report from Admiral Hal Gaiman, who led the investigation team of 60 people for three months, identified not only the technical failures but also the cultural ones. As a result, NASA was required by Congress to demonstrate improvements in six months — an ambitious goal that Krause and his team helped to meet.
One of the central ideas Krause explores in his book is the distinction between “climate” and “culture.” Climate refers to the day-to-day atmosphere within an organization, which can change relatively quickly in response to external pressures. Culture, on the other hand, is more like the
long-term weather patterns — it’s harder to change but far more enduring. “You can change the climate of an organization pretty rapidly,” Krause explains, “when people get the idea that senior leadership is going to do something about it.”
At NASA, Krause worked directly with senior leadership, including the head of the organization, to implement changes. “That showed their seriousness,” he says, underscoring the importance of top-level commitment when trying to shift culture. Krause and his team developed a series of metrics to track changes in culture over time. They measured variables like “upward communication”—the degree to which employees felt free to voice concerns to their superiors—“leadership credibility,” and “perceived organizational support.” These metrics allowed them to establish a baseline and then measure progress over time. He credited the cooperation and access to the highest levels of leadership in NASA for paving the way for lasting change and improvement.
“Usually, I’m meeting with someone several levels down and hoping it filters
back upward. So that showed their seriousness,” he said.
While the NASA example is extreme, the lessons Krause draws from it are applicable to organizations of all types and sizes. At the heart of Krause’s message is the idea that culture is not static — it’s something that can be shaped and improved with deliberate effort. However, this requires leaders to be aware of the impact their decisions have on culture, even when those decisions seem unrelated to it.
In “If Your Culture Could Talk, “Krause encourages leaders to take a more conscious approach to culture change. Instead of waiting for crises to highlight cultural weaknesses, leaders should actively assess and cultivate the culture they want to see. Krause offers practical tools for measuring culture and diagnosing areas for improvement, making this abstract concept of culture more tangible and actionable.
In the book, the Culture Creature transforms as it becomes better understood,
changing from a scary adversary to a willing partner.
For individuals trying to navigate the cultures of organizations they belong to, Krause’s work offers valuable insights. Understanding the invisible forces at play within a workplace can empower employees to better advocate for themselves and contribute to a healthier, more effective environment.
As Krause puts it, “Culture is one of those things that the more you focus on it, the fuzzier it gets.” But with the right tools and a proactive mindset, it’s possible to bring it into sharper focus. And not wait for a catastrophe to try to understand it.
Conclusion: A Call for Deliberate Leadership:
Dr. Krause’s exploration of culture in his book “If Your Culture Could Talk” offers both business leaders and everyday people a framework for understanding and improving the organizations they inhabit. Whether it’s through case studies like NASA or the practical tools he provides, Krause’s message is clear: culture is not
something to be taken for granted. It’s shaped by leadership decisions, day-today interactions, and, ultimately, by the willingness of individuals at every level to engage with it deliberately.
For anyone in a leadership position, Krause’s insights serve as a call to action. Culture doesn’t change on its own, but with the right focus and effort, it can be transformed into something that fosters growth, innovation, and resilience.
“I’ve learned a lot with this project and in my career. I would hope that companies,
executives, and leaders would read it (“If Your Culture Could Talk”) and find it useful that they’d want other people in their organization to read it,” he said. The book is available on Amazon and through through the Krause-Bell Group website:
krausebellgroup.com/product/if-yourculture-could-talk/ or listen in to the Ojai Podcast wherever you find your podcasts.
Calling all Investors! You have plenty of space to create your own workspace with this 8-acre property and nearly 30,000 square ft of commercial space. Longtime tenants share the property and would love to stay. There are 3 APN numbers. that make up the 8 acre property. The property is located in a perfect industrial area of Santa Paula. Family owned property, offered for sale for the first time in years. Don’t miss this opportunity for development.
Located on one of Ojai’s most desirable streets, Foothill Road, 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 4 bedrooms, 3 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 night’s sky. Includes an over-sized 3-car garage with plenty of parking. Private and gated. Don’t miss this one!
1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft. Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.
EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft
Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall.
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Only for experienced, fit hikers.
MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.
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.
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Views are unsurpassed.
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.
I wrote about natural gopher control in a previous column (way back in 2018!), but I think the increase in activity that we are seeing this year warrants an update with even more ways to naturally control the gopher population on your property.
Since gophers spend most of their time underground and rarely stray far from their tunnels, most of us never see the gophers in our yards and just see the destruction they leave behind. This destruction can include decimating vegetable gardens and flowerbeds, leaving mounds around the yard that become tripping hazards, creating such extensive tunnel systems that walkways collapse, and destroying lawns and fruit trees.
One solution is to kill the gophers in their tunnels using traps or poison. This is an effective way to eradicate your current population, but it is potentially hazardous to children and other animals, and it does not stop gophers coming in from neighboring properties and establishing new populations.
If you would rather not use lethal measures or lethal measures are not providing enough population control, it might be time to try a combination of humane, non-lethal approaches to reduce or eliminate your gopher problem.
One of the biggest issues with having gophers in your yard is that they destroy your landscaping. The first step in preventing this is to use gopher mesh and gopher baskets to protect your plants and trees. Gopher mesh can be installed under lawns and flowerbeds to provide a barrier to protect plant roots. Chicken wire is widely used for this but does not work as well as galvanized gopher mesh. Also, keep in mind that they can still eat any roots that grow down through the mesh, but this will help protect your plants and reduce gopher holes in your lawn and
By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela
garden beds. Gopher baskets, which can be purchased at nurseries or home improvement stores, protect individual plants and trees planted where you do not have gopher mesh.
While you are thinking about how to plant things, it might also be good to think about what to plant. While it might seem like gophers will eat anything, they typically do not like anything in the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and many beautiful, flowering plants. Keep in mind that plants in the allium family are toxic to dogs and cats, so do not plant them in your garden if you have pets that like to chew on plants. You might also consider some more common garden plants, such as marigolds, rosemary, and lavender, which can help ward off gophers.
You might also want to try other repellent products, such as ultrasonic repellers or odor-based repellents. I have tried ultrasonic repellers for both gophers and rats with mixed success. These repellers emit vibrations that are unpleasant to rodents and
encourage them to find somewhere else to tunnel. Some of my clients swear by these and others swear they made little difference, but they are inexpensive and likely at least worth a try. You can also try odor-based repellents, such as peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, scented fabric softener sheets, caster oil granules, or garlic oil stakes.
If these non-lethal options do not do enough to control the population, there is a lethal but natural option you might want to try: installing a barn owl box. You can purchase a barn owl box from the Ojai Raptor Center and have it installed in a tree on your property to encourage barn owls to take up residence. This supports the local barn owl population, the Ojai Raptor Center, and your efforts to reduce the number of gophers on your property. They also have a barn owl box guide available on the website (OjaiRaptorCenter.org), which includes plans to build your own barn owl box and information about installing and maintaining them. If you decide to go this route, it is very important that you do not use poison to control any rodent populations on your property, since the owls will eat as variety of rodents, not just gophers.
Cooler temperatures and rain are likely on the way, so it is time to prepare our homes for the changing weather. It is time to clean your gutters, change your HVAC filters, and adjust your irrigation system. Remember: Cleaning your gutters is not just about reducing the risk of water damage; it is also about reducing the risk of fire damage by avoiding an ember carried on the Santa Ana winds igniting debris in your gutters. If you need assistance with any of these tasks, support the local economy by using local contractors.
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
My meat-eating friends do not believe me when I say you can barbecue "tofu." The question always arises, "Doesn't it slip through the grill"? The answer is no. The secret is not to use hard or firm tofu from the produce department but to look in the natural foods section and buy "organic" tofu. The texture is very solid. Here’s a simple marinade for the tofu and ideas for adding fresh vegetables to the skewer.
Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lacto-ovo 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.
16 ounces organic extra-firm tofu (cut into 2-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup gluten-free Tamari (reduced sodium)
4 tablespoons agave
4 tablespoons gluten-free catsup
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 large red onion (cut in half and then into wedges)
1 large green bell pepper (cut into 2-inch pieces)
1 large yellow bell pepper (cut into 2-inch pieces)
12” bamboo skewers (soak in water for 2 hours or more)
DIRECTIONS:
Drain liquid from the tofu and rinse thoroughly under warm water. Pat tofu dry and cut into two-inch cubes.
Combine and mix the olive oil, Tamari, agave, catsup, lemon juice, and garlic. Add tofu cubes to this mixture. If there is not enough marinade to cover the tofu, add a little water until the tofu is substantially covered. Let marinate for at least one hour, if not overnight.
To cook, preheat the barbecue to medium heat. Skewer tofu, onion, and bell peppers and place on the grill. Cover and barbecue for approximately ten minutes. Turn skewers over and brush with marinade. Barbecue for another seven minutes or until onions and peppers are cooked through. Serve with my Fresh Garden Chop Salad recipe for a light summer meal.
By Therese A. Hartmann
I’ve been communicating with a client this morning who is from the East Coast. He is looking to buy something in the Ojai Valley and is the kind of chill guy that you know will fit right in and be a huge contributor to keeping Ojai, well, Ojai. But being completely new to the area, the main question is where to buy and is it the right price? While our family is working on our fifth Ojai generation, and we know neighborhoods, it’s not so easy for out-of-towners so I thought I’d give some basic pointers on what to look for when purchasing a home.
Location: There are no “bad” neighborhoods in Ojai, but some areas are more attractive than others. The neighborhood, proximity to good schools, shopping, parks, and other amenities can significantly boost a home’s value. Homes in desirable locations tend to go up in value faster as well. If you’re near downtown or looking for privacy in the East End, these can be considered. The walkability and access to transportation might also add to the appeal as are cul-del-sac neighborhoods, depending on your needs.
Supply & Demand: Okay, well who DOESN’T want to live here?!? We continue to see all-cash deals, multiple offers on well-priced homes and even family sized tract homes have appreciated beyond belief.
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.
Comps: Look at the value like an appraiser might by checking out what has sold recently in a neighborhood. You’ll want to look at size and usable space as well and break down on recently sold homes to price-per-square foot as a way to compare. Property profiles are good for this.
Age & Condition: The age and condition of a home can play a major role in its value and desirability. While older homes can have charm and character, it’s a good idea to be wary of potential maintenance issues. A crumbling foundation, failing HVAC, wood rot, poor layout can definitely be a mood killer when looking to buy.
Zoning: Is the property in a flood zone? Is it insurable? Is it next to something that is zoned commercial? Is it (too) near a school or noisy venue? These are important considerations. You can always drive by at night or on a weekend to test noise levels at different times of day/week.
Upgrades: After having spent the last year and a half renovating three very old homes, I can vouch for the fact that when you open up walls, there can be some “interesting” surprises. So, when someone has done the upgrades for you, it can be a large boon. Just be sure to hire a property inspector to make sure they were done to code.
Interest Rates: While we are starting to see rates come down a little, it’s not to the place where we are having too big a flood of buyers. Still, when something is below the high-balance conforming loan limit of $954,500, buyers will have access to lower payments, and this drives demand up.
While there are many other factors that will determine the value of a home, the best advice I can give is to hire a local real estate agent who knows areas. They should be the kind of agent who will ask questions, listen to your needs, show you neighborhoods and go from there. It’s not a bad idea to interview your agent first and then stick with them. This way, you’ll be at the top of their list if something that fits your buying criteria comes on the market.
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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
$3,795,000
5 gated, private acres close to downtown with wrap-around porch, 5 bedrooms, media room, wine cellar with tasting room, library, gym/massage room, 4 fireplaces, pool and spa, sauna, family orchard, olive tree orchard with approximately 30 trees, Bocce court, putting green, volleyball court, chessboard, gazebos, pasture, private well, 150-year copper roof, copper gutters, RV parking with hookups, six-car garage and workshop, and 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
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
Royale – Historic, 21-acre, remodeled and updated equestrian estate with four-bedroom main house plus eight rentals, 18-stall barn, 16-stall barn, 5 additional barns, 20 covered corrals, four arenas, two round pens, hay and equipment barns, three RV hookups, Preifert panel walker, entertainment barn, archery range, mountain views, and so much more RanchoRoyaleOjai.com $8,199,000
This captivating architectural masterpiece, completed in 2022, is a tribute to midcentury-modern design, honoring both craftsmanship and the enchanting land it inhabits. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of midcentury aesthetics, this gated, one-story, 3 & 3, just under 3000 sqft luxury home embodies grace, symmetry, and a seamless connection to nature.
Must experience! Co-listed with Kellye Lynn | DRE 01962469
