Ojai Monthly - August

DISCOVER

OJAI ug

Strikes Up At Libbey Park Gazebo

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OJAI BAND CONCERTS

MONTHLY Lifestyle & Visitor Information

top seven tips for summer gardening

805*374•

ten paths to discover yourself in the

Cover photo from Oak Grove School, “Effortlessly Be You,” see ad on page 12 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More AtOM OjaiHub.com — August 2018

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PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

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

EAST END ENCHANTMENT This gated celebrity estate with panoramic views is comprised of a main house, two guest cottages and a writer’s studio for a total of four bedroom suites. The exquisite grounds include an 8-hole putting green, a pool, an outdoor entertainment area and a tennis court. This relaxing, inviting property will open your heart and ease your soul.

3860Grand AveO jai. com

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OM — August 2018

Minutes from Ojai, 233 acres with unbelievable panoramic views over 3 counties, including the PaciďŹ c, the Islands, and the Topa Topas. With ample buildable land, a private well and utilities in place, it is ready for the home of your dreams.

13500ES u lp h u rMt n R d O j a i. co m

Built in 1914, The Ojai Playhouse is one of the oldest movie theaters in California. Includes renovation with state-of-the-art seating/equipment as well as the adjacent restaurant space 145 E O j a iAveO j a i. co m

PATTY WALTCHER

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

(805) 340-3774 pattywaltcher.com OM — August 2018

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J. M. Johnston Construction Craftsman Designed Solutions General Contractor Lic. #849133

805 794-8222

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www.jmjohnston.com OM — August 2018

The Williamson-VanKeulen Group let us show you what living ojai is all about

Stunning Views and Gorgeous Home in Saddle Mountain

Charming home with beautiful gardens

anne williamson

204 El Conejo

2477 fordyce rd

Paradise in the East End realtor of the year 2014

10710 Encino Dr

805.320.3314•bre#01448441

cassandra vankeulen realtor, designer

lauren vankeulen realtor

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1.833.Buy.Ojai

COLDWELL BANKER PROPERTY SHOPPE • 727 WEST OJAI AVE, OJAI, CA. 93023 OM — August 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST 2018

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Editor’s Note

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Featured Event: Ojai Band Concerts Strike Up at Libbey Park Gazebo

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Calendar of Events

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Featured Professional: Randy Haney and the Art of Dreaming the Dream

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30 Seven Tips for Summer Gardening 34

Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide

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Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide

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My Ideal Ojai Day: Jody Glass, Oak Grove School

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Sold in Ojai

40 Who’s Who In Ojai 44 Top 10 Trails for Ojai Exploration

Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo Associate Editor, Sarah Howery Hart Contact Us: Laura Rearwin Ward, Sales Manager 805.479.5400 editor@ojaiquarterly.com The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Cover: Photo courtesy of Peter D’Aprix

DISCOVER

OJAI Ju

LAVENDER FESTIVAL Returns to Paint the Town Purple

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MONTHLY Lifestyle & Visitor Information

outdoor entertaining:

rising from the ashes

Four steps (plus bonus) for winning the wow factor

Architect aids people as they figure out what’s next

Cover property offered by 805*374•

WILDE & WILDE, COLDWELL BANKER

805-830-3774 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More AtOMTheOjai.net - June 2018

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DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY

FLOODING THE ZONE It’ll be years, if ever, before watershed restored

Bret Bradigan

Until recently, the Middle Fork of Matilija Creek was a vigorous year-round stream meandering through emerald pools with shady, fern-lined grottos, populated by native rainbows lazily feeding in the depths, and rare western pond turtles sliding and gliding into the water upon your approach. No more.

My girlfriend and I discovered for ourselves the devastation wrought by the Jan. 9th debris flow, a direct consequence of the Thomas Fire, this past weekend when we rode our bikes several miles into the aching heart of the Middle Fork.

It was my favorite place in Ojai’s backcountry for overnight camping and also for picnicking on a hot days because of its cool, deep swimming holes. Nearly every year I’d hike up the six or seven miles to the three falls just to be surrounded by nature’s protective beauty with its endless layers of shale and granite.

Plunging into that cool, sometimes cold, water after a long, hot hike was a transcendental experience.

It is an important stretch of the river because of Matilija Dam, now 70 years old and just about useless as a flood-control system, and which has ruined the-once productive steelhead runs into their prime spawning beds upstream from the dam. If the dam ever does come down, much-needed sands will come down to restore Ventura’s rocky beaches and the steelhead will go up to complete their life cycles.

But six years of drought and now the fire has left the Matilija drainage scoured out as though by a brillo pad made with house-sized boulders.

It looked much like the Montecito debris flow, except gratefully without tragic loss of lives. Thankfully, the flows dispersed before they reached the houses downstream. But it left little in its wake. The stream now runs warm and thin, devoid of life, let alone trout and turtles. The trees that once shaded the creek and formed the deep pools for which it was justly prized were swept away and jumbled up on the highwater mark 20 feet up the hillsides like so many pick-up sticks. You’d be hard pressed to get wet in the remaining trickle.

It will take years to recover, if it ever does. Maybe we are already well into the much-predicted “new normal” of low rainfall and catastrophic events from climate change. I hope not.

For example, we need to map out a plan for all the relatively inexpensive things we can do to make the most of the water that does fall. Berms, basins and cisterns should be our new mantra, as Conor Jones, the permaculture advocate puts it. We have to look at storage, not drainage.

A lot of these projects can be done at modest cost by landowners with bulldozers and cistern installations. Slow down the drainage, allow it to percolate back into the water table, and the water can have a chance to fill our wells and feed our orchards.

This November we have four open seats on the city council due to 2014’s ill-designed Measure A, by which voters directly elect the mayor every two years. Casitas also has open seats come this November.

While we may get used to hearing that every election is the most important of our lifetimes, that doesn’t mean it’s not true. It’s as true as we make it.

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Mid Century Estate | 11+ Acres | Two Legal Parcels | $3,795,000 | www.1071RanchoDr.com 727 W. Ojai Ave. - Ojai - CA 93023 - Larry - 805.640.5734 - Erik - 805.830.3254 www.wilde-wilde.cm - lwilde@west.net - erikw@west.net Larry Wilde DRE:#15216270 - Erik Wile DRT:#01461074

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Come Home To THE VERY BEST LOW/NO V.O.C. PAINT AT A GREAT PRICE

Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd, Ojai 646-0459 • Frontierpaintca.com Selling quality in Ojai for over 35 years

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OM — August 2018

Cheryl & Ray Deckert Broker Associates

Maria DePaola Sheryl Whipple Robert Perron Paul Johnsen Realtor Partner Realtor Associate Realtor Associate Realtor Associate

402 N. Arnaz Street, Ojai - $625,000

1217 Gregory Street, Ojai - $479,000 (Pending)

Tucked away just one-half mile from Meiners Oaks Village you’ll find this 3 bedroom/1.75 bathroom Americana home. Inside you’ll find a comfortable living area with an updated kitchen behind it. The kitchen boasts updated cabinets with wood and glass doors, tile flooring, and all the creature comfort appliances you would expect.

Don’t miss this one!

Crisp spring mornings and warm summer nights never felt nicer sitting under the covered back patio of this 2 bedroom/1.25 bathroom, 1,114 sq. ft. home, which includes a large additional flex space – great for an extra bedroom, den, office or whatever you desire.

Upgrades can be found in the kitchen, baths, and in the wood-look tile flooring. Don’t miss the mountain views!

Deckert/DePaola Team closed and pending sales in 2018

12284 Linda Flora Dr. Sold for $1,820,000

493 Montana Circle Sold for $1,090,000

54 W. Calle El Prado Sold for $571,400

66 W. Calle El Prado Sold for $574,000

11921 Silver Spur St. Sold for $550,000

460 El Conejo Dr. Sold for $650,000

11891 Silver Spur St. Sold for $580,000 Represented buyer

435 Walbridge Way Sold for $715,000

347 N. Poli St. Sold for $665,000

1104 Mariano Dr. Sold for $612,500

119 Los Cabos Ln. Sold for $549,000

1301 Sunset Place 1035 S. La Luna Ave. 541 Thomas St. Sale pending-$569,500 Sale pending-$929,000 Sale pending-$549,000 Representing buyer

Representing buyer

Representing buyer

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

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

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to be effortlessly you

Life is full of challenges. Being you should not be one of them. Oak Grove provides the essential environment to build the intellectual, psychological and physical flexibility necessary to grow resilience and compassion, while offering the space to explore what it means to be effortlessly you.

Through deep inquiry, academic rigor, and rugged outdoor exploration, we equip students to navigate life’s challenges and grow into thriving adults.

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OM — August 2018

Mention OjaiSpring for 10% off your first order MUST HAVE CURRENT DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATION AND VALID ID EXPIRES 04/30/2018 LICENSE NO: M10-18-0000153-TEMP

 SespeCreekCollective  _sespecreekcollective_ VENTURA COUNTY’S FIRST LICENSED MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY

Dale Hanson 805-646-7229

Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

Glenn Kuhr 805 760-0366

Carol Blanton 805-798-2246

This property is in the heart of Ojai, walking distance to downtown. It has a deep lot. It is a fixer, but worth the expense. $445,000 Dale Hanson: 805-646-7229

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS-Step in and finish this construction project for a two story view home. Owner has done most of the preliminary work for plans that will add an additional two bedrooms and bath over a two car garage. The second floor will offer spectacular views of the mountains surrounding Lake Casitas. Plans and soils report on file. $389,000 Carol Blanton: 805-798-2246

Light, bright and immaculate** This 1989 Manufactured home located in the tranquil Mira Valle 55+ Mobile Home Community. This home offers high ceilings, professionally painted interior walls, newly installed engineered wood floors, custom cordless blinds, newer kitchen and utility sinks, newer stove and water heater. High end guest bathroom remodel. $169,500 Heather Erickson: 805-798-3358

Three VMU units in the heart of Ojai. Great location, walking distance to town.

All units have a one car garage with small front yard. Two front room units need TLC. The back unit has been beautifully remodeled with extra room for office/den and screened-in porch. Floors are hard-wood and new tile. Has fenced in back yard. $1,325,000 Dale Hanson: 805-646-7229

Great location for commercial business or restaurant. Large parking lot in back. Building is updated and very clean. Forced air and heating, 3 private offices. A bathroom and small wet kitchen. Separate attached unit with 3/4 bath and private entrance and address. $815,000 Dale Hanson 805-646-7229

This quality Fleetwood Crown Point home has 1,434 sf of living space and features an open kitchen that adjoins a sunny dining area. Livng room is large enough for entertaining. Master bedroom suite is huge and walk-in closet is another room. $203,000 Carol Blanton: 805-798-2246

The Walbridge family name is well known and respected in Ventura County and is the namesake of the private lane leading to the 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home and 5 acre grove. A spacious 2nd floor potential 2nd master suite with loft is a unique feature of this lovely property. Mountain views in every direction add to the outdoor enjoyment of this rare property. $1,650,000. Glenn Kuhr: 805-760-0366

**2018’ Never before lived in** Champion manufactured home in the Mira Valle 55+ Community. This home offering nearly 1300 sq ft of living space is located on a corner lot with an open ,light and bright floor plan. The kitchen and baths offer quartz counter tops. The kitchen also features stainless steel appliances ,ample cabinetry, a large island with overhead lighting and wine shelf and all open to living room. $239,000 Heather Erickson: 805-798-3358

Elegant SKYLINE Anniversary edition manufactured home in one of Ojai’s finest parks.There are two bedrooms and an office that could be used as a third bedroom if desired. Master bedroom suite features double sinks in the bath and a walk in closet. $205,000 Carol Blanton: 805-798-2246

Ojai Valley Real estate Sales/Property Management/Notary

www.ojaivalleyrealestate.com 206 East Ojai Avenue (next to the Ojai Village Pharmacy)

646-4911 ovhl@west.net

221 East Matilija Street

(Across from the Sunday Farmers Market)

PLAYING IN THE PARK Striking Up The Ojai Band Concerts

Sara Beeby spearheaded the building of the Libbey Park Gazebo after visiting Chatham, Mass.

I

f you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy Ojai’s summer Concerts in the Park, you still can, as these Wednesday night concerts continue through August 18 in Libbey Park’s gazebo, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The concerts, a much-loved part of community life for 27 years, are sponsored by Ojai Rotary-West, are free, and as Rotary’s website states, “Come Early, Bring a Picnic, and Enjoy!”

The impetus behind this joyous endeavor came from one woman, Ojai’s Sara Beeby, who, 27 years ago discovered summer band concerts while traveling through New England. “My brother and mother had told me about a quaint town on Cape Cod in Chatham, and of a wonderful community band that plays in the summertime.”

Nearing the town, Beeby and her husband spotted the grandstand in a park, and she was captivated. “The thought occurred to me that Ojai would enjoy free concerts also.”

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Once back in Ojai, Beeby jumped into action, found that there was great support, and began auditions. “Ojai already had an unused gazebo in Libbey Park.

Bill Wagner, Nordhoff music teacher, assisted with the auditions and ultimately agreed to be the Ojai Band director.” He volunteered for seven summers, and according to Beeby, even gave up touring Europe to do so. That first concert was held June 21, 1991, with over 300 attendees.

By Sarah Howery Hart OM — August 2018

That number soon increased, and the event outgrew the gazebo. “After the first concert, word spread and audiences grew,” Beeby recalls. “In 1995 I organized construction of a new bandstand, with tremendous outpouring of financial support. Marc Whitman, a local architect, said, ‘I will donate all my time because I want to give back to Ojai.’” Others volunteering included Tim Reed, owner of Ventura Roofing. “His dad played flute in the band. To honor his dad Tim donated the entire roof.”

“It was a community effort,” Beeby recalls.

“They loved the band, had already heard it for four years, so people came forward and donated.” The new gazebo was completed in 1996, but Beeby didn’t stop there. “I continued to do everything but the music for 10 years.”

Many of the original musicians never stopped either, for 27 years, under the direction of Wagner, then restaurant owner/musician Joe Boccali, and for the past four years, under the baton of Laura Denne, former Ojai Unified School District music instructor. She is assisted by Gary Engels, director of frequent Ojai performers, Ventura’s British Brass Band. Denne was one of the originals. “There are five musicians in the band, including myself,

who have been here for the whole 27 years,” Denne says. She adds that all members are volunteers, coming from various County locations, and range in age from 14 to 92.

One aspect of Beeby’s job is selecting the music, including special programs she calls ‘The B List.’ “Everything we play will start with B, such as the Beach Boys,” she explains. She includes Leonard Bernstein and Benny Goodman. It’s eclectic. “We have show tunes, songs from musicals, big band selections, movie music. We try to run the gamut from ‘40s to contemporary.”

Children’s music is included, too, such as songs from “Frozen,” (“Let It Go,”) and there is a special children’s event. “The children’s

march was and is extremely popular,” Beebe says. “Children, the young at heart, and even dogs circle the park to three marching pieces, and everyone has a helium balloon, which costs 25 cents to carry.”

Regardless of the year or the program, there is one constant, Phil Harvey, 96 years old, who opens each concert with “The Ojai Song.”

“This is a throwback to the band concerts of the ‘40s and ‘50s,” Beeby says, “When towns had gazebos and people met in the park to hear music.”

For more information: facebook.com/pg/ OjaiBand)

Above: Phil Harvey, age 97, opens each band concert with a rousing rendition of the “Ojai Song,” with Laura Denne conducting.

The balloon parade has been a cherished community activity for decades.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST “StARCHITECTURE: Ojai By Design” Dates: Continuing to Oct. 28 Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Location: Ojai Valley Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-1390 ojaivalleymuseum.org “Gut Friends” Date: Continuing to Aug. 5 Time: Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment Location: The Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street Contact: 620-7589 porchgalleryojai.com Dining can be a performance, an impetus for gathering and a gesture of friendship.

Like the 1970s New York City restaurant FOOD that was designed to bring the artistic community together, Gut Friends is an art smorgasbord that invites artists to a shared table celebrating a dynamic and ever-expanding community.

“Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.” Date: Continuing Aug. 10, 11, , 12 Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location:: Ojai Art Center Theater 113 South Montgomery Street

Youth Branch presents a tuition free Summer program for kids aged 5-18.

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture. Directed by Gai Jones and produced by Lin Coleman.

Casitas Municipal Water District Date: Aug. 8 Time: 3 p.m.

1055 Ventura Avenue, Oak View Contact: 805-649-2251

REOCCURING EVENTS

“Jamaica Farewell” — Ojai Art Center Theatre Date: August 18 Time: 7:30 pm Performances To Grow On is proud to present “Jamaica Farewell,” the awardwinning play starring Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” fame.

Contact: 805-640-8797, ojaiact.org “Ojai Summer Band Concerts” Date: Aug. 8 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Join Ojai Rotary-West on Wednesday night at the bandstand in Libbey Park for

Reeves Road Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 646-5508 ext.103 Contact: 640-1390 Certified Farmer’s Market meditationmount.org ojaivalleymuseum.org Date: Every Sunday Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Date: Every Sunday Location: Varies Open air market featuring locally Location: Downtown Businesses Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact: 295-8687 grown produce, plants, musicians and Contact: 640-1390 Contact: 698-5555 venturafoodtours.com handmade items, including soaps, basOjaiVillageExperience.com Location: Matilija Street city parking lot behind the Arcade. kets, beeswax candles and olive oil.

Open air market featuring locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including soaps, baskets, beeswax Morning, Guided and Full Moon “Ojai Fiction Writing Workshop” candles and olive oil.

Meditations Historical Walking Tours of Ojai Date: Every Thursday Date: Aug. 25 Date: Saturdays, October through June Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Historical Walking Tours of Ojai Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Date: Every Tuesday through Sunday Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Avenue Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 16

OM — August 2018

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Ojai Valley Museum is hosting “StARCHITECTURE’ through Oct. 28; THIS PAGE: Debra Ehrhardt stars in “Jamaica Farewell,” on Aug. 18 at the Art Center; Pascal Baudar will be in Ojai on Aug. 11

a memorable concert of your favorite band music; marches, show tunes, oldies, pop tunes, movie music! Every week there is a balloon parade for all ages and a raffle for a chance to conduct the band in the “Stars and Stripes.”

“Trouble in the Wind” Date: Aug. 10 Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Ojai Deer Lodge, 2261 Maricopa Hwy. Contact: deerlodgeojai.com Trouble in the Wind has been labeled as folk, Americana, alternative, country, and surf rock … but the Southern California quartet likes to call themselves “rock and roll.”

Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org “Shakespeare Salon”

for “Brewing Wild Beers with Local Plants.” San Diego-based Trouble in the Wind will make their sophomore show at the Deer Lodge on Aug. 10.

“Brewing Wild Beers with Local Plants” Date: Saturday, August 11 Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Downtown Parking Lot 180 North Blanche Street Pascal Baudar, author and renowned professional forager for L.A.’s top chefs, will return to Ojai as our special guest for a workshop on brewing wild beers with local plants. He will demonstrate techniques described in his latest book, “The Wildcrafting Brewer,” the follow-up to his best-selling 2016 book, “The New Wildcrafted Cuisine.”

Ojai Band Concerts” Date: Aug. 15 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Location: Libbey Park Ojai City Council Meeting Date: Aug. 28 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall, 401 South Ventura Street Contact: 805-646-5581 The City of Ojai has a five-member City Council that serves as the legislative body for the City of Ojai.

Location: varies Contact: 272-8102 or email ride@ themobshop.com or online at porchgalleryojai.com Ojai bike tour features agricultural, artistic, culinary, cultural and historical “Ojai Seeker’s Bike landmarks in Ojai.

Tour” Meditation Mount Date: By reservation 48 hosts Full Moon Medhrs in advance itations. Check their Time: varies website at meditationmount.org or call 646Meditation Mount’s Full Moon 5508 for more updates.

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

Date: First and third Mondays Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Ojai Library,111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 646-1639

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ojaihub.com

Ojai’s community website

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events• news •explore Created by the Ojai Quarterly; supported by the Ojai Valley Business Community.

OM — August 2018

Directed by Marty Babayco

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Weekends

Sept. 7 Oct. 7

A Production of OACT & OPAT

Ojai Art Center Theater• OjaiACT.org or 805-640-8797

“Mark”

•

Finalist - 2017 American Portrait Society Member Competition

DUANE EELLS PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS

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Visit Duane’s open studio, Oct. 13-15

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805/633-0055

Ojai Studio Artists Tour

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Experience. Integrity. Leadership.

JOHNSTON — FOR MAYOR —

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one of us, for all of us OM — August 2018

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AROUND OJAI

Randy Haney Dreaming the Dream

By Sarah Howery Hart 26

OM — August 2018

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jai resident Randy Haney wears many hats, including owning Haney Landscaping, serving as a City of Ojai council member, and serving as the past Chairman of the Ojai Parks and Recreation Committee. And two other significant hats: father and grandfather.

For all of this and more, he applies an underling philosophy stated on his website: “Dream the Dream.” There, he advises potential clients to explore their immediate needs, short-term goals, and long-term visions for their property, and to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns related to their outdoor spaces.

Although these may seem solely like business-related questions, to Haney, they’re so much more.

Along with dreaming the dream, Haney’s life has included a bit of serendipity as well, including his relocation from the San Fernando Valley to Ojai 25 years ago.

“I had come up to Lake Casitas. I grew up camping and fishing here,” he explains.

Ironically, he never ventured into Ojai, until one day when he and wife Dara Marks were heading back from Santa Barbara. “On the way home, my wife said ‘Why don’t we drive though Ojai?’

We did and had sherbet ice cream, and we fell in love with the area. Our life changed from that moment on.”

Part of the impetus to move was that his young son from an earlier marriage had come to live with them, and Ojai seemed like a good place to bring up a family, which now includes not only his wife and son Justin Haney, a Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officer, but also daughter-in-law, Liz, a registered nurse, and their children, Piper and Page.

It was from his own upbringing that Haney learned the landscaping business.

“My father worked for Green Thumb. I’m the only son out of three that followed in dad’s footsteps.” Haney says he has spent his entire life in the landscape field, did attend junior college, but is essentially self-taught. “You learn the hard way,” he adds.

He says there are many rewards inherent in the work. “It’s exciting to be able to create things and to see them through, then to be rewarded from the

accomplishment of seeing it through from start finish. I saw my dad work hard, so working hard came naturally to me.”

Today, that work, throughout his company’s Central Coast territory, is especially sensitive to the use of water.

From his landscaping business to his participation in local government, his top priority is water efficiency and conservation. When he first moved to Ojai 25 years ago he had been trained in area irritation, but he quickly saw that this community benefited far more by the use of drip irrigation. “We are always aimed at growing and learning the newest technologies for lowering our water usage.”

He adds, “We have to look at our plant palette and think about making choices

Randy Haney in his element

that utilize water-wise plant materials and concepts. This doesn’t limit us to xeriscaping and rock gardens, it can also include South African, Mediterranean, Australian and California native varieties that will add color and vibrancy, while still maintaining lowwater use.”

Another influence in his life is his father-in-law. “He was a visionary man, OM — August 2018

he was a Flying Tiger, a World War II ace, an aeronautical engineer, and he built his own custom homes. He instilled in me about ‘dreaming the dream,’ that there are so many times we run into obstacles in life and we allow them to be obstacles.”

Haney uses his philosophy under all of his hats, including how he has won over 30 awards for landscaping excellence. “It all comes back to dreaming the dream, that concept has allowed us to create some incredible landscaping and to work with some incredible people. I used the same concept when I was with Parks and Recreation. When my son was in sports, I dreamed that one day we’d have a rec center that would be for all the community. That’s community

center has always been a dream of mine.

“I apply this to everything I do. My work on the City Council is dedicated to a vision of Ojai as a community that fits everybody, where every citizen has the opportunity to live their best life — where we can all dream the dream and help each other make our dreams come true.”

But he almost missed Ojai entirely. “If my wife had not said, ‘Let’s go into Ojai,” I would never have come here. It’s an enchanted village.”

27

10-1/4 Acre Padaro Beach | Ocean Vistas | Summerland Beachfront | $49,000,000 | www.Padaro-Lane.com

Classic 1925 Downtown Spanish | Pool Guest House $1,995,000 | 608ElPaseo.com

2065 Los Encinos | Ojai Mid-Century Home with Pool 2065LosEncinos.com

Downtown Ojai | Private | 1.5 Acres $1,349,500 | 811canada.com

Ojai Creekside Condo 1,900+ Sq Ft 4 Bed | 2 Bath | $599,000

Immaculate Remodeled Mid-Century Gem in Downtown Ojai | $ 999,000

Bryant Circle Industrial 2490+ SF includes solar! | $995,000

Larry Wilde began his real estate career in Ojai in 1975, and by 1978, together with his partner Dennis Guernsey, formed the local Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe. Today it is the premier brokerage in the Ojai Valley.

20 Acres | House and Guest House | Unrivaled Vistas | $3,850,000 | 1510Farnham.com

Mid Century Estate | 11+ Acres | Two Legal Parcels $3,795,000 | 1071RanchoDr.com

First Time To Market! Several Parcels Nine Homes | 31 Acres

6300 SF | Water Well | Guest House Artist/Yoga Studio | Impeccable

Spectacular 6300 SF | Guest House Workshop/Hobby Bldg | 100% Well Water

Downtown Ojai | 3 Unit Commercial Property | 411WOjai.com

41 Acres | Rancho Matilija $1,500,000 ranchomatilija41acres.com

727 W. Ojai Ave. - Ojai - CA 93023 - Larry - 805.640.5734 - Erik - 805.830.3254 wilde-wilde.com - lwilde@west.net - erikw@west.net Larry Wilde DRE:#15216270 - Erik Wile DRT:#01461074

SEVEN SUN PROTECTION TIPS FOR SUMMER GARDENING

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

G

ardening is good for the soul — as well as the body and the mind — but, while there is nothing quite like spending a Zen-like afternoon tending to your garden beds, spending too much time outdoors without the proper protection is not good for your skin.

Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer, so, before you head outside to pull weeds, prune shrubs or tend to your herb garden, be sure to follow these seven tips to protect your skin from the sun.

1. Always wear sunscreen: This one should go without saying, since you should be wearing sunscreen every time you step outside, but no list of skin protection tips would be complete without at least mentioning the importance of applying sunblock. This one task reduces your risk for sun damage, sunburns and skin cancer, so don’t forget the sunscreen before heading out to work in your garden.

2. Schedule your gardening tasks: It is difficult to avoid the sun when living in Ojai, since there are few options for scheduling gardening tasks on cloudy or overcast days. However, you can limit your sun exposure at least a bit by completing outdoor chores in the morning or evening to avoid spending too much time outside in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead.

30

OM — August 2018

3. Wear lip balm with sunblock: Apply lip balm with sunblock repeatedly while working outside to protect the thinner, more delicate skin on your lips from chapping, burning and sun damage.

4. Set up a shaded work area: Set up your potting bench under a shade tree, inside a garden shed or beneath an umbrella to minimize sun exposure while tending to your container garden.

5. Wear sunglasses: Grab your sunglasses as you head out the door to shield your eyes from UV rays and protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

6. Cover your hands and arms: I know you don’t want to wear long sleeves or gloves when it is this darn hot outside, but wearing the appropriate clothing now can save you from sunburns, sun damage, wrinkles, or even skin cancer later. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that are designed to offer sun protection during outdoor activities. For gloves, choose a flexible but durable option to also provide protection against scrapes, cuts, blisters, and calluses.

7. Show off your garden fashion with a wide-brimmed hat: Showing off your style with a wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face, ears, scalp, neck, upper arms, and chest from the sun, so don’t forget yours when you head outside to tend to your garden.

TOM WEBER

Broker

CA DRE#00805061

If you are thinking of buying or selling, give me a call.

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Good house in popular Skyline Estates. Great 3 bedroom 2.75 bath

36 YEARS IN THE OJAI VALLEY

OM — August 2018

31

my ojai garden

By Leslie Lippincott

The name “Ojai” has been variously translated as “nest” and as “moon.” It is obvious that it means neither – or rather, both. “Ojai” – I have decided (as they say at the Supreme Court) means “Nest of the Moon.” Where else would she nest but here?

In some religions, “paradise” means “the abode of the just.” We are going to have to clean up our act, if we hope to live up to that name.

It is obvious that it means neither – or rather, both. “Ojai” – I have decided (as they say at the Supreme Court) means “Nest of the Moon.”

Where else would she nest but here?

There is a Chumash legend that I have only heard once — I have to find out more about it — of the demons in Sulphur Mountain engaging in battle with the benevolent spirits from Topa Topa in the sky over the valley at the end of the world.

Some people think it always seems like the world is ending, and maybe it always is.

I have lived in this valley for over 35 years, but I am not yet a local. It’s like Swiss citizenship — it takes generations.

The locals say to each other — the real locals: “It’s a beautiful day.” And the response is always, “Yes, we live in

32

Paradise.” In some religions, “paradise” means “the abode of the just.” We are going to have to clean up our act, if we hope to live up to that name.

We share the valley with each other, several little towns and enclaves. We share it with various critters and trees – the One-Legged Nation – and all of us are running out of water.

And we have to share.

It isn’t raining water lately, but desiccated oak leaves. The lake is drying up. We are going to have to get water from

OM — August 2018

elsewhere or move to Bakersfield. I don’t know about you, but I prefer it here.

A relative of mine was probably the only crook stupid enough to make no money on the Owens Valley water theft.

This is my karma. Trying to figure out how to help here. My tribe (I’m Catholic) don’t do rain dances, though we do pray.

And it seems that other practical means need to come into play now. Heads up everybody! Shower with a friend! Give up bathing for a week and water your trees instead! Wear dirty clothes and more perfume!

Let Ojai be the Nest of the Moon and the Abode of the Just and let’s start with water, where it’s easy…..

OM — August 2018

33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO SO VITA Ojai’s social cafe 205 North Signal Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.com

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

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

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

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

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OM — August 2018

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

traditional

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

Visit our

Honey Tasting Room 206 East Ojai Avenue in the Arcade, downtown Ojai

heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103

1103 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai

(located in the Vons Shopping center)

Breakfast & Lunch 7:00am - 2:30pm Dinner Served Thurs-Sat (805) 646-5346 OM — August 2018

35

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

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

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

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

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

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

36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OM — August 2018

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OM — August 2018

37

AN IDEAL OJAI DAY What is my ideal day in Ojai? Well, I guess that would be today.

This morning I woke up in the predawn quiet to “sit and stare” out my living room window that directly faces a 200-year-old oak tree, and in the distance, the Topa Topa mountain range.

I watch the light turn from blackness to increasingly lighter shades of blue. The oak tree effortlessly shape-shifts from a silhouette to a vivid masterpiece of nature.

I can hear a distant coyote, and it is about now that I hear our rooster crackle and croak out his first morning call. This reminds me of our incredible neighbors who never complain about the noise from our rooster, the barking of our dogs, or the laughter and loud music that occasionally streams from our house sometimes late into the night.

Birds begin to appear out the window now, dunking in the bath we filled for them with our excess shower water, because even birds still want to bathe during a drought. The neighborhood is quiet as I jump on my bike and head to “work,” which is a short 0.8 miles from my doorstep if I take Tico Road. So close that our car insurance company once made a house visit to verify my annual mileage report because it was inconceivably low.

Ha! Oak Grove School is located on a 150acre oak woodland. My office windows

Jodi Glass, Oak Grove School ‘Every day has a bit of ideal in it’

are large and give a sense of the indoors not being separate from the outdoors.

Today is a Saturday and in the middle of summer, so there are no students, parents, or teachers on campus. The wildlife is more active than usual. I can see one of the resident egrets strutting along in the distance.

The truth is that every day in Ojai has a bit of ideal within it. Even on the hard days. Three days after we moved to Ojai in 1999, with an infant and a toddler, my husband, Kevin, lost his job. Not yet knowing anyone in town, mysterious packages of diapers and food appeared on our doorstep.

In 2010, an oak tree crushed a huge portion of our house. We were lucky that our children and animals were safe. The

next morning more than 80 people arrived to help move our belongings out of our house and into another house offered to us by a local family.

Unexpectedly, Coffee Connection appeared with pots of coffee and Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill with enough food for all the volunteers.

I can’t count the times friends and neighbors have brought us food after a death in the family, a surgery, or in celebration of a holiday. It’s common to arrive home to a basket of homegrown produce placed on our doorstep. This sense of connectedness was vividly experienced by all Ojaians during the recent fire.

Ojai is a short drive to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, which offer Broadway cast performances, sporting events, and worldrenowned museums. Yet Ojai feels as if it is far, far away, and perhaps even from a different time. Light pollution and massive huge chain stores are not a concern here.

Yet homemade bread, jam, and pickled veggies are abundantly available.

My ideal Ojai day is every day as these ideal moments are sprinkled throughout our daily lives here. Living in a place surrounded by trees, mountains, meadows, and wildlife, where people share a common sense of community, is ideal to me. I am filled with gratitude to have called Ojai my home for the past 20 years.

SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES 326 Larmier, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,042 Sq. Ft. Listed $499,000. Sold $475,000 603 Lion Street, 3 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,426 Sq. Ft. Listed $525,000. Sold $535,000 532 Vine Street, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,326 Sq. Ft. Listed $565,000. Sold $555,000 113 Vallerio Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,129 Sq. Ft. Listed $589,000. Sold $558,000 228 North Pueblo Avenue, 4 bed, 3 bath, 1,360 Sq. Ft. Listed $559,000. Sold $581,360 711 Tico Road, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,591 Sq. Ft. Listed $629,500. Sold $613,520 501 North Fulton Street, 1 bed, 1 bath, 864 Sq. Ft. Listed $619,500.

Sold $617,800 144 Valley Ridge, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,744 Sq. Ft. Listed 699,900. Sold $645,000 245 North Lomita Avenue, 4 bed, 4 bath, 1,663 Sq. Ft. Listed $635,000. Sold $645,000 78 West Catalina Drive, Oak View, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,584 Sq. Ft. Listed $669,000. Sold $665,000 314 West Santa Ana Street, 3 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,600 Sq. Ft. Listed $749,000. Sold $700,000 180 Ojai Drive, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,665 Sq. Ft. Listed $719,000.

Sold $713,000 763 Country Drive, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,928 Sq. Ft. Listed $715,000.

Sold $715,000 501 Park Road, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,325 Sq. Ft. Listed $745,000 Sold $720,000 11790 Silver Spur Street, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,354 Sq. Ft. Listed $775,000. Sold $725,000 1006 Mercer Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,596 Sq. Ft. Listed $759,000.

Sold $739,000 1406 Daly Road, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,481 Sq. Ft. Listed $789,000. Sold $750,000 403 Franklin Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,486 Sq. Ft. Listed $839,000. Sold $750,000 233 South Montgomery Street, 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,850 Sq. Ft. Listed $995,000. Sold $965,000 1216 North Drown Avenue, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,851 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,199,000. Sold 880,000 485 Del Norte Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 3,066 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,495,000. Sold $1,340,000 210 Bristol Road, 3 bed, 4 bath, 2,609 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,499,000.

Sold $1,440,000 904 Creek Road, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,500 Sq. Ft. Listed $4,995,000.

Sold $4,200,000 620 McNell Road, 5 bed, 4.5 bath, 5,246 Sq. Ft. Listed $7,750,000.

Sold $7,725,000 1420 Daly Road, 4 bed, 4 bath, 4240 Sq. Ft. Listed $3,895,000 Sold $2,850,000

Information provided by Ojai MLS OM — August 2018

39

WHO’S WHO

40

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

Patricia Ahrens Remax Gold Coast www.pattyahrens.Remax. net Yourbestrealtor 805@outlookcom 805-407-8585

Tyler Brousseau Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe 805-760-2213 ojaiforsale.com

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

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

805-207-5094

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

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

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

Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 805640-0654 Cell: 949-2339988 marsha.kaye@ prospectmtg. com

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

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

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

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

Kelly Wiggins Residential Real Estate Sales CalBRE#: 01990295 Joe Kapp Real Estate Mobile: 805-3405771, Fax: (805) 798-9051 Email: kelly@ ListingsByKelly. com Web: www.

AskKel.com

Erik Wilde Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Wilde-Wilde.com

805-830-3254

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

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

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

805-340-3774

OM — August 2018

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

ONE OF MOST WONDERFUL TIMES OF THE YEAR

Nora Davis Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177

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

Teresa Rooney Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe teresarooneyhomes@ sbcglobal.net 805-340-8928

Don & Cheree Edwards RE/MAX Gold Coast Ojai’s Top Selling Team LivinginOjai.com 805.340.3192 805.350.7575

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

805-574-9774

Dawn E. Shook - Executive Officer, Ojai

Kathy Hoff Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup. com

Peter D’Aprix Drone, Video & Still Real Estate Photos 805.798.5063 peterdaprix photography. com

Teryn Bonime REALTOR, CRS, CHMS, GRI, MCNE, RENE www.teryndowntheroad.com teryn@teryndowntheroad.com Keller Williams Realty CalBRE 01885242 (503) 572-4030 (805) 665-3474

Valley Board of REALTORS In August, it will be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”! No, not Christmas, however if you’re a parent of school-age children, it is the beginning of school!

Our Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS Marketing Committee created OOSS or Operation Ojai School Supplies, last year. We gathered school supplies, backpacks, paper, glue, tissues, pencils, pens, notebooks, and so much more, donated by the community and realtors.

We delivered six huge boxes of all kinds of school supplies to the Ojai Unified School District so they could distribute to our elementary and middle schools. What a happy day for teachers, and us.

Now we are at it again, getting ready to fill our boxes to the top with all kinds of needed school supplies.

Lucky for us these supplies are plentiful and at a great price right now. We have already received a large contribution from the Ojai Valley Lions Club, and with that will purchase many backpacks! We would like to challenge the Optimist Club of Ojai, both Rotary Clubs, and anyone else to donate what they can to help us, and help the Ojai Unified School District teachers and students.

The deadline to donate items or give money is August 10 at The Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS. School starts August 22, and we want the kids to have what they need for a great school year!

See you about town.

Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty 109 N. Blanche St. #100 Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com

OM — August 2018

41

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.

J Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical Society, though he later broke with that group (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.

Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West to farm and care for an ailing brother, the Yale-educated Thacher realized that he was going to need another source of income. So he founded The Thacher School in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher student.

OJAI QUICK FACTS

WEATHER IN OJAI

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

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

Precip.

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

Record High Year 112° 1955

Population:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Record Low Year 16° 1990

Households::

3,176

42

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.

Elevation:

745

OM — August 2018

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.”

Ross Falvo

The Ojai Real Estate Guy BRE 01504988

TIME TO ACT

With very few homes on the market, if you were to list today there would be less competition.

That means you will more than likely get the best price possible for your home.

Beautiful mountain views, highly sought after family neighborhood. Offered at $579,500.

805.207-5094 | OjaiRe.com OM — August 2018

43

OJAI HIKES

10 PATHS TO DISCOVERY

By Bret Bradigan

1. SHELF ROAD Directions: From Ojai Avenue, head north on Signal Street until it ends. Length: 3.5 miles return trip. Difficulty: Easy. An aptly named abandoned road that runs along a shelf above the north side of the Ojai Valley, Shelf Road winds through orange and avocado groves as well as wild chaparral. Every bend in the trail presents you with stunning views of the east end of the Ojai Valley. It takes about an hour at a brisk pace to walk the length of the trail and back between the trailheads at either North Signal Street and Gridley Road. This hike is perfect for visitors or residents to get “ the lay of the land” in Ojai. It is also one of the most “dog-friendly” walks around.

2. VENTURA RIVER BOTTOM TRAILS Directions: From Highway 150, there’s the Old Baldwin Road trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead north of the intersection with Lomita Road. Also from North Rice, take a right on Meyer Road to the Oso Trailhead. Length: Varies. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Three trailheads lead you into the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s 1,600-acre Ventura River Preserve. This three-mile stretch of the Ventura River offers a spectacular glimpse into old-growth oak canopy, splendid vistas from rocky ridgelines, deep swimming holes, lush fern grottoes, rare wildflowers and miles of trails to choose from. This trail system offers up its wonders especially when on horseback; several trail riding companies offer tours of the preserve property.

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

3. PRATT TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north on Signal Street and drive about 1.2 miles until you see the Forest Service sign on the left. The trailhead is a further half-mile. Length: 4.4 miles to

Photo by Caitlin Petersen

Nordhoff Ridge. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The Pratt Trail criss-crosses a seasonal stream through the backyards of private properties before opening onto a natural bowl formed by the slope of Nordhoff Ridge. Follow the signs through about two miles of dry and dusty switchbacks until you reach the ridgeline. From there, it’s another two steep, dusty miles to Nordhoff Peak, 4,426 feet above sea level.

4. GRIDLEY TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north onto Gridley Road.

Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. Length: Three miles to the Gridley Springs, 6 miles to Nordhoff Peak. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Elevation gain: 1,200 feet to the springs.

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

5. HORN CANYON Directions: Take McAndrew Road to Thacher School. Park in the gymkhana lot. Length: 2.2 miles to the Pines. Difficulty: Moderate. Elevation Gain: 600 feet. Legend has it that intrepid horseman Howard Bald lugged saddlebags full of water up this trail to nurture a grove of pine trees that he had planted after the big fire of 1948. The trailhead begins at a parking lot, just past a dip. The trail winds past the famous school’s observatory along the west side of a usually year-round stream. After four shady, rock-hopping crossings, the trail begins a sturdy and steep set

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

6. COZY DELL TRAIL Directions: From Ojai, head north on Maricopa Highway (Highway 33) for 3.3 miles. The turnout is on the left, just before and across from Friend’s Ranch packing house.. Cross the street to the trailhead. Length: 1.9 miles to Cozy Dell Creek.

Difficulty: Moderate. The trail begins along a seasonal creek and quickly climbs about 640 feet in elevation along a wellforested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular views of the Ojai Valley. On a clear day you can see both Anacapa and Santa Cruz in the Channel Islands. You can either return or continue to Cozy Dell Creek, another half-mile to a wooded picnic spot straight out of Central Casting. There the trail continues past the creek to link up to the Ojai’s system of trails and firebreak roads. It’s perfect for an early morning excursion to justify a hearty breakfast.

7. MIDDLE FORK OF MATILIJA CANYON Directions: Head north on Highway 33 from Ojai for about 4.7 miles to Matilija Canyon Road. Follow the road to the end — about another two miles. Length: Up to 7 miles (14 miles return).

Difficulty: Moderate. Follow the trailhead at the end of Matilija Canyon Road through the gated property to the west side of the creek. The trail, more of a one-track road at this point, heads towards the gates of Blue Heron Ranch, a historic farm with orange and lemon groves, along with an excellent sampling of Ojai’s iconic native rock walls. The trail then clambers through thickening chaparral scrub for another 1.5 miles until you can see tilted slabs of weathered granite and a long, green pool to the right. The trail descends back into the creekside sycamore and willow forest through a series of campsites, swimming holes and geologic marvels. Winding alongside and across Matilija Creek, careful observers can see foot-long native rainbow trout and rare western pond turtles. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads to the Three Falls of the Matilija, where the West Branch of the Matilija enters the canyon at the right through a two-cataract waterfall, and the main North Fork tumbles over a calcite ledge into a deep green pool. (There are four more falls beyond, including the fabled Lost Falls, but travel beyond the falls is recommended only for groups of experienced climbers.)

NOTE: Matilija Canyon was drastically altered by debris slides this past winter, and may take years to fully recover.

8. ROSE VALLEY FALLS Directions: Take Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnout on the right, about 12 miles from Ojai. Follow the road four miles to the turnout for the campground. Length: .5 miles. Difficulty: Easy. The trail begins at the head of the campground. It is an easy stroll along the beautiful shaded stream to reach the first 30-foot cataract. The trail is perfect for families with small children.

Rose Valley Road is also the entry place for several popular backcountry trails, including Sespe River Trail, noted for its trout fishing and swimming holes, and Piedra Blanca, with its striking gorges and beautifully weathered white-rock formations.

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

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

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

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