Ojai Monthly - October issue

OJAI 10 20 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

JOAN KEMPER’S BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE TOP FIVE PANDEMIC PATIO PROJECTS

Cover Photo: PATTY WALTCHER LIV Sotheby’s Realty • 805-340-3774 See Listing at 2661LaderaRoad.com

BEST HIKES IN OJAI Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

DOWNTOWN MIXED USE HOME/STUDIO This beautiful downtown building is Contempo Hair Salon, an Ojai business for over 40 years. The property is zoned mixed use, so it can ser ve as a business/retail location as well as a residence. With large windows, high ceilings and an open oor plan, the interior feels light, spacious and elegant.

The ex terior has beautiful landscaping with mature trees, a patio with a pergola, a covered porch and ample parking. It could be used as a turnkey salon with eight spacious stations or re-imagined as something entirely new. It could easily convert to many types of uses: a family residence, a mixed living/office space, an art studio or gallery, a retail space, a restaurant or a day spa.

205SouthSignalStOjai.com

$1,295,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

25 years matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

TURN-KEY DOWNTOWN REFUGE Recently renovated, this lovely, modernized downtown home is move-in-ready. On a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of downtown, it’s a short stroll to the Arcade and Downtown shopping.

The kitchen and baths have been updated in a timeless style, yet are fresh and modern. Bamboo floors and large windows create a warm, light-filled environment throughout. A private back y ard oasis, with outdoor shower and t wo decks, is accessed via the master bedroom and also from the kitchen. The front garden has a tranquil, private seating area surrounded by evergreen hedging. Includes a legal ADU with separate entrance. This is a rare, turn-key downtown gem.

403FranklinDrOjai.com

PAT T Y WALTCHER

(805) 340-3774

pattywaltcher.com

$925,000

DRE#01768956

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT YOUR HOME SELLING PLANS ON HOLD unless you want to. People are actively buying homes from a distance.

We are open for business and here to help you!

LET’S TALK.

805.646.6768

NextHome 307 A East Matilija Street

Jeri Becker 805.340.2846

4

OM — October 2020

Lynn Goodman 805.573.5927

Ojai

Heather Erickson

805.798.3358

CA

Riley Becker

805.646.6768

570 Burnham Road - Offered at $849,000

Warm and inviting 5 bed/2.75 bath, 2,305 sq. ft. home with updated kitchen, baths, wood flooring, and tile. Master bedroom suite located on the first floor. A real gem!

Sale pending

110 Canada Street - Offered at $689,000

Enjoy downtown Ojai living with this 2 bedroom/1 bathroom, 792 sq. ft. property with finished studio or garage space. Zoned VMU (commercial/residential).

Sale pending

1008 Creekside Way, #D $539,000

3 bed/2 bath, 1,583 sq. ft. condo, gorgeous wood floors & two patios

12251 Linda Flora Drive $525,000

2.03 acre land parcel with gorgeous mountain views

75 E. Short Street - $699,000

4 bed/1.75 bath, 1,390 sf on .92 acres Sale pending

P: 805.272.5218 E: ContactUs@TeamDeckert.com BestBuysInOjai.com VenturaAndSantaBarbaraHomes.com

DRE# 01761150, 01859199

OM — October 2020

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10

OCTOBER 2020

7

Editor’s Note

10

Calendar of Events

12

Featured Pro: Joan Kemper’s Bridge

16

Debt: The Good & The Bad

18

5 Pandemic-Patio Projects

20 Who’s Who in Real Estate 22

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

23

Chef Randy — Harissa-Spiced Potatoes

29

Top 10 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry

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

12

OJAI 09 20 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

CROWNER’S ACHIEVEMENTS TOP OJAI HIKES

Cover: Patty Waltcher/LIV Sotheby’s Realty 6

Cover Photo: NORA DAVIS LIV Sotheby’s Realty • 805-340-3774 See Pages 30-31

EIGHT WAYS TO STAY GREEN IN A PANDEMIC Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — September 2020

1

OM — October 2020

29

23

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY TYRANNY OF THE MASSES

Bret Bradigan

The French diplomat and political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville was sent to America in 1831 by the reformist monarch Louis Phillipe I to study our penal system. He traveled around the burgeoning nation for half a year with his friend Gustave de Beaumont. Sharp and thoughtful, though not always complimentary, he is remembered for such insightful aphorisms as “I do not know if the people of the United States would vote for superior men if they ran for office, but there can be no doubt that such men do not run.” By and large though, he regarded America as the world’s best hope for a truly democratic, representative society.

He will best be known for the book “Democracy in America,” where he recognized that America was a nation of joiners. That’s a fact that remains true to this day — in Ojai our vibrant social infrastructure and nearly mythic quality of life are all the evidence you need.

His traveling companion Beaumont also wrote a book, “Marie, or Slavery in the United States.” The novel was called “a searing indictment of racism in America,” and was a best-seller in France, though it never caught on in this country. You can understand why. Americans would rather distract themselves then look squarely in the eye at our complicity in a system of injustice that persists, and pervades, to this day. Just ask the many marchers for Breonna Taylor or George Floyd.

“Marie” wasn’t even translated into English until 1958. The story of an idealistic young Frenchmen and an apparently white American woman with African ancestry, it described the kind of doomed romance that appealed to the Romantic Era’s sense of melancholy and world-weariness. The couple’s idealism fades as they repeatedly face racial prejudice and violence, and are eventually forced to seek shelter among exiled Cherokee people. “Notable as the first abolitionist novel to focus on racial prejudice rather than bondage as a social evil, Beaumont’s work was also the first to link prejudice against Native Americans to prejudice against blacks,” according to social scientist Gerard Fergerson.

Given Ojai’s challenges — we are facing an election with momentous consequences, not just at the top of the ticket, but right here in our backyard — this book and the issues it describes deserves another look. Even here, where we often feel the oblivious bliss of living behind the Orange Curtain, we have exactly zero people of color in our elected offices and unless Chiany Dri is elected to the OUSD board, it isn’t necessarily going to change Nov. 3rd either. This is despite the U.S. Census-backed fact that people of color compose 20 percent of our population and even more of our younger population.

Ojai is an even-handed, open-hearted community, but even here we fall short. We live in a turbulent time, and it’s a tonic to realize that however divided we may feel now, it’s been worse before as de Tocqueville and de Beaumont witnessed.

That is cold comfort, but if the alternative is despair, we’ll take it.

OM — October 2020

7

THERESE HARTMANN PROVIDING HOME LOANS FOR OVER 25 YEARS!

C2 FINANCIAL CORPORATION IS THE # 1 BROKER IN THE NATION! MORTGAGE EXECUTIVE April 2019

MAGAZINE

“We want to thank you for a perfect mortgage refinance experience! You made it so easy for us every step of the way. You are a true professional who puts her heart and soul in making sure that each client achieves a great result.”

— Judy & Bill Norris

(805) 798-2158 | HEARTLOANS@SBCGLOBAL.NET | HEARTLOANS.COM 236 W. OJAI AVE., SUITE 105, OJAI CA 93023 This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. C2 Financial Corporation is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate, Broker # 01821025; NMLS # 135622. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender review of information. All loan approvals are conditional and all conditions must be met by borrower. Loan is only approved when lender has issued approval in writing and is subject to the Lender conditions. Specified rates may not be available for all borrowers.

Rate subject to change with market conditions. C2 Financial Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker/Lender. BRE #01048403 NMLS #298981

Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”

805.640.5563 | www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com | DRE# 01786486

8

OM — October 2020

Bordered by a long row of holm oaks & rose hedges, Villa Serena is a modern design residence located in the beau�ful hillside of historic Assisi, Umbria, Italy.

For more details go toOjaiRe.com

Rosario Falvo 805-207-5094 ROSARIOFALVO@KW.COM

OjaiRe.com DRE # 01504988 OM — October 2020

9

OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VIRTUAL PUBLIC ART TOUR UP AND RUNNING

By Sami Zahringer Ojai art-lovers! The City of Ojai Arts Commission website has now published its virtual tour of the town’s collection of public art. This is your art and now there is a comprehensive guide to take you through it.

Conceived as four separate walking tours, members of the public may stroll at their leisure around town following the guide, or peruse it all from home.

At present we cannot offer docent-led tours but they will be available by appointment for groups and individuals in due course.

Myriad surprises await you on these tours; little facts, fancies, curiosities, and tidbits that enrich our Ojai life and community. Did you know, for instance, the story behind that the cast-bronze sculpture near the rear entrance to the plaza behind the arcade, made by iconic Ojai artist, Sylvia Raz? “Early-Bird

10

Shopper” is the playful interpretation of an eagle that honors the bird-life in the valley. The eagle’s traditionally styled clothes reflect the Chumash Native Americans. A chocolate kiss serves as a hat, representing the sweet richness of Ojai. The artist tells us that, if you rub the little gold button on her purse, it will bring you good shopping luck!

“Early-Bird Shopper” disappeared from her plaza position early in 2008 only to be discovered, months later, glued to a lonesome, high rock on Shelf Road, overlooking the valley.

To the relief of all, she was rescued and bolted (now thief-proof !) back on her proper perch.

Take the tour via the following link. Ojai is a magical town for artists and our city is extraordinary in its support of public art. We have a public art collection we can be proud of and now it is configured in such a way as to make it accessible to all.

Have fun! http://www.artsojai.org/self-guided-tour/

OM — October 2020

SEPTEMBER 3 TO OCTOBER 25 “Resurrection:” New Works by Dennis Mukai Times: Monday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Wednesday, Closed; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street Contact: porchgalleryojai.com 805-620-7589 Opening Reception on September 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. Dennis Mukai is an internationally renowned artist, known for his distinctive illustrations of beautiful women. This show, however, was created from the ashes of the Thomas Fire, as Mukai noticed the first shoots of green from the charred landscape.

OCTOBER 25 “Taste of Ojai” Ojai’s premier culinary event is adjusting with the times, organizing virtually with the participation of dozens of local restaurants and wineries to raise money for the Rotary Club of Ojai Education Foundation’s scholarships and community grants.

This fundraiser also supports local restaurants, many of which have supported this event for more than 20 years. The event will feature cooking demonstrations, auctions, music and

OPPOSITE PAGE: Virtual public art tours of Ojai are available at artsojai.org. Porch Gallery is exhibiting work by Dennis Mukai through Oct. 25th, including “Rejoice.” THIS PAGE: The Rotary Club of Ojai’s “Taste

of Ojai” fund-raising event will take place this year (virtually) on October 25th, tickets available at tasteofojai.com. The Agora Foundation’s weekly seminars offer lifelong learning about philosophy and critical thinking.

more. Tickets $80.

Contact: ojairotary.org or TasteofOjai.org

email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230

REOCCURING EVENTS WEEKLY Monday, Wednesday & Friday “Somatic Stretch for Self Healing”

THURSDAYS

Instructor: Meredith Sands Keator Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet connection.

Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230

MONDAY & THURSDAYS

“Introduction to Somatic Stretch” Instructor: Sultana Parvanka Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230

WEDNESDAYS “Offerings with Sarah Grace” — Somatic

Satsang, free community gathering and tools for resiliency Instructor: Sarah Grace Time: 7 p.m.

Contact: somaticsanctuary.com

“Ojai: Talk of the Town” Podcast New episodes come out Thursday evenings through OjaiHub.com newsletter. Sign up at OjaiHub.com “Awareness Through Movement” Instructor: Mary Jo Healy Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230

FRIDAYS Farmer & The Cook Location: 339 West El Roblar Avenue, Meiners Oaks Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This popular farm-to-kitchen destination has reopened, with usual precautions in place to reduce exposure to coronavirus.

SATURDAYS Agora Foundation’s Saturday Seminars Time: 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Location: agorafoundation.org Learn, discuss and challenge the wisdom of OM — October 2020

Beckett, Aristophanes, Montaigne, Proust or Seneca with experienced tutors. Cost of a subscription is $25 per month, with scholarships available.

Contact: agorafoundation.org Phone: 805-231-5974

SUNDAYS

Certified Farmer’s Market Date: Every Sunday Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: 698-5555 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot behind the Arcade.

Open air market featuring locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including soaps, baskets, beeswax candles and olive oil.

Again, with proper social distancing and vendor spacing, the Farmers Market will stay open through the duration of the stay-athome order.

MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS

“Storytime Live” at the Ventura County Library Contact: vencolibrary.org (805) 677-7150 Visit the Library’s Facebook page for a schedule of live readings for stories, including bedtime and bilingual.

11

BY RICHARD CAMP

JOAN

KEMPER

12

OM — October 2020

JOAN KEMPER ONE YEAR OLD

JOAN KEMPER WITH HER DAD

HER WAY Joan Kemper has always done it her way. It is without exaggeration to suggest that there is most likely not a single person in Ojai who has not been touched by her spirit, dedication, perseverance, passion, and untethered energy.

Or, if they haven’t, they will.

Joan arrived in Ojai in 1986 and immediately began to make her mark on various non-profits and community projects that have helped make Ojai the flourishing artistic and philanthropic community that it is. Her strong-willed determination keeps her focused on the goal at hand, and she keeps that hand steady, ready to slap away any adversity. But, with kindness.

If you ask her, though, she will invariably attribute her successes to others. With an infectious passion for those community projects, no matter how difficult they may be, she has inspired volunteers who happily contribute to her artistic and pragmatic vision. She is blessed with the prime attribute enjoyed by any good producer … she is a problem solver … a quality that could very well be traced back to the day she met Frank Sinatra.

When she was sixteen, she was invited by a friend (George) to a cotillion at VPI, the Virginia Polytech Institute, where the entertainment was provided by the Tommy Dorsey Band, with Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers. This was before World War II, so Sinatra was not yet the bobby sox OM — October 2020

13

sex symbol sensation that he would soon become. After the dance, Joan and George went to a diner for a burger and a Coke, and found themselves sitting at a table next to “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” When Sinatra heard that George was a licensed pilot, he was thrilled and asked if he could “go for a flight.”

George said to meet them the next morning (Sunday) at the local air strip.

The plane was a small two-seater, so someone would have to sit in someone else’s lap while George piloted.

The men naturally thought that Joan would sit in Sinatra’s lap, but Joan, being rather tall, looked at Sinatra, who was 5’7”, and suggested that he sit in her lap.

After the men stopped laughing, they realized, problem solved! And that’s how Joan had one of the soon-to-be biggest stars in the history of show business sitting on her lap as they flew through the air. She and Sinatra became lifelong friends after that.

George was later killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and when Sinatra invited Joan to the recording session for “Come Fly With Me,” he told her he was dedicating it to George.

Joan Kemper was born in Chicago. Her mother was a classically trained soprano and her father a railroad executive who often let his young daughter sit in on business meetings and take notes. His reliance on her built a sense of order in Joan, because her father would often ask her to summarize the points of the meeting.

Joan’s love of theater started at an early age, as well. In Chicago she studied theater at Northwestern, and worked at the Goodman Theater. She also starred in the radio soap CEREMONY DESCRIPTION

14

opera “A Guiding Light,” and taught dance at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

She’s lived in many places throughout her life, including Beverly Hills and Pasadena, California, and she’s owned an 1,800-acre horse ranch in Colorado, all while raising four children. While living in Pasadena she accompanied her son, Bob, to The Ojai, the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Later, Joan chaperoned her daughter, Judith, to a dance at the Thacher School. During those trips she fell in love with “Shangri-La” and in 1986, picked up stakes and moved here, although rather circuitously because of one pesky problem: she had sold her ranch in Colorado before she had secured a place in Ojai. Undaunted, she packed her quarter horses and family, then headed south, stopping only once at the Las Vegas fairgrounds. Through a friend she found a stable for the horses in Santa Paula and a place to live in the Ventura Keys, before finding her beautiful home in Oak View. “I don’t know what I’d do without friends,” she says.

Having an extensive background in public relations, working for airlines, hotels and the Cunard Shipping Line (for which she still lends her considerable expertise at her splendid age) gave her a solid background for making her mark in Ojai. “I didn’t know a single soul before I moved here,” she says.

That changed by leaps and bounds, and she has since served on the boards of the Ojai Film Society, the Ojai Playwrights Conference, Help of Ojai, the Ojai Museum, the Thacher School, the Ojai Valley Community Hospital, (where she helped form its nonprofit status and developed its annual gala fundraiser) and for the Ojai Land Conservancy, which she also helped create in the mid ‘90s.

CEREMONY DESCRIPTION

OM — October 2020

Joan “recognized the need to protect what we now all know is special about Ojai, the beautiful lands that surround us” explains OVLC Deputy Director, Tania Parker.

non-profits in town, including the Ojai Unified School District (approximately $85,000). Donations to charities have totaled more than $175,000 over the years.

“Her indomitable spirit makes her an unstoppable, never-ending force for good, and a steward of the Ojai Valley.”

OPAT believes in taking full advantage of the pool of award-winning performing arts professionals from the theater, television and film worlds who live in the Ojai Valley. OPAT also prides itself in mentoring young people in the creative and technical aspects of theater, including acting, singing, dancing, directing, choreography, sound and light design, set design and construction, prop mastering, costuming, music and stage management.

As Artistic Director of OPAT, I’m happy to say that we plan to continue bringing high quality entertainment to Ojai, and currently have put our production of “Harvey” on pandemic hold. “As soon as the Governor gives us the go-ahead to gather again, we’ll put it up,” Joan ruefully but optimistically offers.

Joan’s efforts have also helped rebuild the Pergola in Libbey Park, and she was the driving force, along with designer Tom Bostrom, for the installation of the park’s bridge and pathway to Montgomery Street, all of which have greatly facilitated and enriched that tranquil haven in the middle of town.

When the Ojai Music Festival was nearly cancelled for a year back in 1989, Joan became a board member and Executive Director. She cut costs, convinced the bank to extend a line of credit and found an “angel” who needed a tax write-off by donating land to the festival, which the festival sold to keep it solvent. Joan simply says that she was “on the right corner at the right time.”

If that weren’t enough, Joan also was instrumental in creating the “Bravo” program, which brings music to schoolchildren in the Ojai Valley.

“Her infectious enthusiasm, coupled with her business brilliance and love for Ojai, has benefitted the community in so many ways,” offers Jamie Bennett, former President of the Ojai Music Festival. “And we are the lucky ones, because she invited us all to join her on her very creative musical and theatre journey.”

Her ultimate dream is the creation of a space to house a performing arts theater. “We’re still a few million short,” she says.

For their efforts through the years, Joan and Tom were recently honored in a ceremony with a plaque installed at what is now called “Bostrom’s Bridge,” and with a street sign that designates the walkway as “Joan Kemper Way.”

Until that comes to fruition, she has created the next best thing, the Ojai Performing Arts Theater (OPAT), a company that works without a brick-and-mortar space, primarily at Matilija Auditorium.

In existence since 2004, OPAT has produced plays, musicals, holiday shows and more, with the profits benefitting various

A small, socially-distanced champagne reception on the Music Festival patio followed, where civic leaders toasted Joan’s numerous contributions, and a zoom session allowed her many fans to offer their tributes.

“Joan Kemper’s unparalleled devotion to the arts, youth, environment, our hospital, as well as other community projects is truly remarkable,” says former Mayor Paul Blatz.

“Examples of how Joan has made Ojai a better place are all around us.”

How appropriate that it’s named “Joan Kemper Way,” for the woman whose favorite song of all time is her friend Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” a paean to strength and fortitude, to standing up for what you believe in … “I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it my way.” Joan Kemper has certainly stood tall in the civic lore of Ojai and continues to harbor plans for a better future. “Ojai is the place where I’ve lived longer than any other place in the world,” she says. “And I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I’ve met so many wonderful people here who have helped me turn my fledgling dreams into fully-developed realities. That’s what I am most proud of … other than still being alive, of course!” she says, with a wink and a twinkle in her eye.

OM — October 2020

15

Donna Sallen

WOW, Sitting on over three acres in the prestigious Persimmon Hill area of downtown Ojai. This five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom sprawling ranch style home showcases open beamed vaulted ceilings, a stunning great room with a massive brick fireplace, formal dining room, hardwood floors and a large master suite. The magical meandering pathways will lead you to an Artist’s studio where you can once again find your creative soul. Living off the grid is easy with your own private well and solar panels. This slice of Country living offers a prime location all within walking distance to Libbey Park, shops, restaurants, and the Ojai Bike/Hike Trail. Horses welcome.

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

If you are looking for a quintessential downtown cottage with a guest house ... then look no more. Located in the heart of downtown Ojai, this 1928 home has original hardwood floors, light filled and bright. The living room has a large picture window and a fireplace. There is a one-bedroom guest house that is equally as charming as the main house.

Beautiful, flat useable lot, just under an acre located in the City of Ojai. great views from this lot. Zoned commercial — come build your dream! Desirable location, close to Soule Park Golf Course, so you have plenty of visibility for your business.

Located in the Golden West neighborhood of Ojai downtown, this income-generating home is very warm and welcoming. You will come into the home through the entry which leads you into the living room, showcasing Saltillo tile floors, a wood-burning stove, great light, large windows, and french doors leading out to the back yard. You will enjoy the cozy den with a large rock fireplace.

There is also a separate apartment upstairs, which can be accessed either through the main house or separately outside, with lovely wood floors, a sweet kitchen and nice mountain views. The backyard is a gardener’s delight.

Donna Sallen

805-798-0516

w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l .c o m

Weighing In Think About Leveraging While Interest Rates Are Low

By Therese A. Hartmann

If you’re like 73 percent of Americans, you might be experiencing some sleepless nights worrying about your financial future. It’s caused many of us to modify our spending habits and that, in my opinion, isn’t a bad thing.

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.

18

OM — October 2020

Donna Sallen

Sitting on nearly half an acre surrounded by mature trees, this charming home has a lot to offer. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a nice, bright living room with a fireplace. The dining room opens out to a covered porch when you can sit and just relax. This home is very private and quiet. So come and see this cozy little gem.

Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 w w w. D o n n a S a l l e n . c o m D o n n a 4 re m a x @ a o l . c o m

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

Five Projects For Pandemic Patio Life

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

ders you are doing these days, and enjoy an afternoon painting planters to add cheery pops of color to your patio.

You have been spending more time at home for months now, which probably means you have already replaced your patio rug, updated your cushions, and hung some festive string lights to enhance your outdoor living areas. You may have even painted your patio furniture or installed shade sails to make all the time you are spending in your backyard even more enjoyable.

If you are starting to run out of project ideas and plan on spending the fall months dining, working, and playing outdoors as much as possible, here are five more projects you might want to consider. Plus, if you plan on entertaining folks you are not isolating with, it is safer to do it outdoors, so let’s get those patios ready to go.

1. Declutter: This is probably the first thing you did when you started upgrading your outdoor spaces earlier this year, but it’s probably time to do it again. If there are a few too many pool toys, art supplies, or yard tools cluttering your patio, now is a good time to find them a home. Since you might be doing more activities outdoor these days, consider purchasing or building a storage cabinet where you can stash boardgames, craft projects, or homeschooling supplies when not in use.

2. Update your patio ceiling fan: The weather may be cooling off a bit, but if you are spending time outdoors during the day, I’m sure you are still using your ceiling fan. As fan styles change, an older fan can pretty quickly 20

4. Work on your vegetable garden: Lots of folks who are spending more time at home have either started a vegetable garden or expanded their existing garden. If you planted tomatoes, carrots, and other typical garden fare early on, you are probably harvesting your bounty right about now, and it is time for the next round of planting. For your fall planting, consider radishes, kale, spinach, celery, chard, asparagus, onions, beets, and, of course, another round of carrots.

make your patio look dated. This makes this small project an easy way to update your outdoor living area, particularly if you plan on entertaining this fall.

Handy homeowners will likely be able to replace an existing fan on their own by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wires or are installing a ceiling fan for the first time, call a local professional to complete this project for you.

3. Paint your patio planters: This easy project gets bonus points for being both a way to beautify your patio and a craft project you can do with your partner or kids. Grab some paint and paintbrushes, lay out some of the cardboard from all of those online orOM — October 2020

5. Make sure your fire features are ready for fall: You will likely start using your fire pit or outdoor fireplace more this month, so now is good time to clean it and make sure it is working properly.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel and that it is stored safely away from your fire feature. Check your fire screen, and replace it if necessary. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand on hand to quickly put out the fire if things go awry. You might also want to invest in some skewers or roasting sticks so that you will have them on hand for roasting hotdogs or making s’mores.

Side note: Don’t forget to clean your rain gutters, change your HVAC filters, and adjust your automatic irrigation system once the weather starts cooling off a bit more.

CAFE EMPORIUM Ojai’s Cafe Emporium is a turnkey, wellestablished breakfast and lunch restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Ojai. Prime location steps away from all of Ojai’s events and attractions. Ojai Cafe’ Emporium has for over 34 years addressed the need in the community for a warm and friendly dining experience for family, friends and business.

A family tradition for every generation serving high quality, fresh and healthy food. And if you crave something sweet, there is an adjoining bakery producing fresh baked goods every morning. Take advantage of this prime piece of commercial real estate with a fully operational up-and-running business. $2,099,000

TOM WEBER Broker CalDre # 00805061

805-320-2004 TomWeber@OjaiTom.com

LET US HELP YOU GET IT OUT. Full Service Publishing House

Photo by Andraz Lazic

DO YOU HAVE A BOOK IN YOU?

Award-winning writers & editors

We can help you with everything from first draft to first sale (writing coaches • editors • designers • publishing)

editor@ojaiquarterly.com

805-798-0177 OM — October 2020

ojaihub.com 21

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

22

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

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

805-574-9774

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

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

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

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

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

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

805-340-3774

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

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

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

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

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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

805-798-1998

OM — October 2020

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

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

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

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 Street Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com

Ojai’s locally owned and operated magazines.

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

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

OjaiHub.com 805.798.0177 OM — October 2020

23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24

OM — October 2020

traditional

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 Check websites for specific information, due to the pandemic, hours, offerings and on-site dining options may change frequently.

CHEF RANDY

Harissa-Spiced Potatoes With Lemon Harissa is North Africa’s favorite hot sauce. The word for this fiery Tunisian chile paste is derived from the Arabic verb harasa, "to pound" because it is traditionally made with mortar and pestle.

The main spices in harissa are hot red chili peppers, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, and cumin. I like to coat Yukon potatoes with some of the main spices in harissa, add paprika, garlic, lemon juice and red bell pepper and then roast the potatoes to perfection. Here’s my vegan recipe:

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 1/2 - 2 pounds medium Yukon gold potatoes (sliced in half lengthwise) 1 cup red bell pepper (1-inch dice) Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish) 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.

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying with cooking spray.

Put all ingredients except bell pepper and parsley in a large plastic bag. Holding the bag closed, shake all ingredients until well coated with oil and spices. Pour the potatoes and spice mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes.

Remove potato mixture from the oven and stir in peppers.

Return baking sheet to oven and bake for another 10 – 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.

Healthy

Quick + Easy

To serve, transfer potatoes to a large bowl and sprinkle with parsley.

For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at valleyvegetarian.com.

Summer/Fall

Vegetarian

See Chef Randy’s website for more recipes at: valley-vegetarian.com

OM — October 2020

25

Design and Supply for Your Living Spaces

CREATIVE SPACE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

GALLERY

WORKSHOPS

POTTERY PARTIES

FREE TOURS

Owner / Potter : Robin Nahin 562 433 6600 www.firestickpottery.com Open Daily 10 - 6

Closed Tuesday

1804 East Ojai Avenue

26

OM — October 2020

Come Home To

Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd, Ojai 646-0459 • Frontierpaintca.com Selling quality in Ojai for over 37 years

Whitman Architectural Design

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.

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

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

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

Winston Churchill

OM — October 2020

27

Take 10% off your order when you mention this ad.

Use Code: OM10

Convenience. Comfort. Compassion.

Whether you're seeking relaxation or relief, shopping for cannabis should not be overwhelming! That's why we provide you a thoughtfully curated selection of California’s best products in a warm, inviting and highly spirited setting. Plus, with our extremely experienced and helpful staff to guide you, you'll confidently find the therapeutics that are best suited for you.

SESPE.ORG

855.722.9333

In-store | Delivery | Express Pick up Mon - Sat. 10am - 7pm | Sun. 10 am - 5 pm 28

OM — October 2020

OQ | HI K I NG MAP 1

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

2 VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain:

520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.

5 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.

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

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

3

4

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs

6

7

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft |

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

ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.

(Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.

Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway.

Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.

Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.

9

10

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

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

Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road.

Only for experienced, f it hikers.

Views are unsurpassed.

OM — October 2020

29

We know Ojai.

Lucky Q Ranch is a 106+ acre, one-of-a-kind property with mountain and lake views perfect for a weekend escape or private retreat to live the simpler, country lifestyle you have always dreamed of. The custom, stone house features unique touches throughout, such as reclaimed doors made from 150-year-old oak, century-old tin tiles, circa 1900 light fixtures, and a Luke French-inspired fireplace. Also enjoy easy access to the shops, cafĂŠs, golf courses, and more in Ojai, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and beyond. www.LuckyQRanchOjai.com Price Upon Request

6-Acre Horse Property with 5-Bedroom Main House, 2-Bedroom Guest House, Pool, Horse Facilities, Solar and Views www.1577KenewaStreet.com $2,199,000

Three-bedroom, 2.5 Golden West home remodeled in 2020 with two fireplaces, swimming pool, fruit trees, flexible spaces for home office or hobbies. www.1116DelNidoCourt.com $1,250,000

Four-bedroom, three-bath home on 1+acre with dual-sink vanity, jetted soaking tub, large deck, several recent upgrades and mountain views. www.1744CountryDrive.com $1,275,000

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

277+ Acre ranch with five recently renovated houses, equestrian facilities, pastures, hay fields, stunning views and so much more. $6,250,000

Rancho Tranquilo is located on 5+ acres in Upper Ojai with five bedrooms, flex rooms, pool, tennis court, caretaker’s quarters, horse facilities, solar, RV garage, views and more. www.12605HighwindsRoad.com $3,375,000

Three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home on 1.27 acres with three-car garage, two fireplaces, horse facilities and beautiful outdoor living areas with patio fireplace. $1,399,000

Kellye Lynn

BRE License #01962469

805.798.0322

G a b r i e l a Ce s e ñ a T H E N E X T L E V E L O F R E A L E S TAT E S E R V I C E S Re a l t o r ® | L u x u r y S p e c i a l i s t Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction.

D R I V E N B Y PA S S I O N F O R T H E W O R K I D O !

805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com LIC# 01983530

Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com © 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. 32

OM — October 2020