Ojai Monthly - November 2018

DISCOVER 18

No

OJAI ve

m ber 20

PEEK SEASON

Holiday Home Look-In Showcases Art of Ojai Living

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitor Information

Windows of Opportunity

Gustafson’s Success All in the Family

805*374•

Loan Secrets Insider Tips on World of Financing

Nine Top Tips For Maintaining Your Home & Hearth

Cover Photo, A Jes MaHarry Creation Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More AtOM OjaiHub.com — November 2018

1

PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

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

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

1563Gr id leyR d O jai. com

2

OM — November 2018

LUXURIOUS DOWNTOWN TOWN HOME This sophisticated Mediterranean style town home has been upgraded with an eye for detail. The open interior flows through archways, pillars and gorgeous faux paint, illuminated by clerestory windows. Includes a stunning library with glass doors and built-in shelving, a landscaped patio with outdoor fireplace, and a balcony with lovely views.

2 3 6 SM ontgomer yStO ja i. com

PATTY WALTCHER

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

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

3

4

OM — November 2018

Cheryl & Ray Deckert Broker Associates

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

5 Valley Road, Oak View - $599,000 This 1,737 sq. ft., 3 bed/2.5 bath home will WOW the most discriminating buyers with its charm and fine detail! Upon entering you’ll notice high beamed ceilings, a warm, inviting fireplace and rich, tasteful flooring. Entertainment or family time is easy with the open floor plan design throughout the first floor, which continues to flow into the kitchen, featuring gleaming updated counter tops. The downstairs is rounded out with a full laundry room and half bath.

Upstairs you’ll find two large bedrooms with a shared, remodeled bathroom and an oversized master bedroom with an en-suite remodeled bathroom and mountain views. Room for RV parking, too!

402 N. Arnaz Street, Ojai - $550,000 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!

115 Valley View Drive, Oak View - $599,000 - SOLD Perched on a hillside in order to capture the sweeping views and colorful sunsets, this two bedroom/1 bathroom home with an open floor plan and light and bright interior will certainly capture your fancy. While you’ll likely wish to spend most of your time on the back patio, the inside of home has its own charms, including wood and tile flooring, raised and beamed ceilings, and views from most windows on the back side of the home. There is a detached garage on the property as well, in addition to room for RV parking. The back patio is a perfect place for sunset dinners, and even features a newer outdoor fireplace. There’s additional terraced space in the back yard as well, with plenty of room for a garden. If you enjoy style, comfort and views…look no further, you have found home.

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

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

OM — November 2018

5

TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2018

7

Editor’s Note

14

Featured Event: Holiday Home Look-In

16

Calendar of Events

18

“Do You Hear” Looks at Origin of

Holiday Favorite Songs

24

Lending Options: Get that Loan!

25

Downsizing For a Larger Life

16

30 Featured Professional: Terry

14

Gufstafson of Majestic Oak Vineyard

30 Top Nine Tips for Home Maintenance 32

Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide

34

Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide

36

My Ideal Ojai Day: Richard Camp of

Ojai Art Center Theater

37

Sold in Ojai

30

40 Who’s Who In Ojai Top Hikes In Ojai’s Backcountry DISCOVER

OJAI No

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

Cover: Stephen Adams Photography

ve

18

42

m ber 20

PEEK SEASON

Holiday Home Look-In Showcases Art of Ojai Living

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitor Information

Windows of Opportunity

Gufstafson’s Success All in the Family

Loan Secrets Insider Tips on World of Financing

Nine Top Tips

For Maintaining Your Home & Hearth

42 805*374•

Cover Photo, A Jes MaHarry Creation Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More AtOM OjaiHub.com — November 2018

6

1

OM — November 2018

36

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY

THE CULT OF CANINES What our pets tell us about Ojai, ourselves Bret Bradigan

Ojai has been going to the dogs for a long time. Every public space is filled with dogs and their proud owners, promenading along the Arcade like a furry fashion show. Watering bowls abound, even during busy events like Ojai Day. Every day seems to be “bring your dog to work day” as well.

I’m a dog person myself, but not a fanatic by any means. During my long stint as editor of the Kern Valley Sun, a terrible murder happened, in which one man shot and killed another man during a poker game. But what got people outraged about the crime was that the perpetrator also shot his victim’s dog. The entire community was up in arms. Innocently enough, I made a brief mention in my column that it was shame there was so much outrage about the dog, and so little about the man.

You could hear the howls of outrage across breakfast tables all around the Kernville area like a jet engine winding up. “That poor dog was probably killed trying to rescue his owner,” or “For all we know, there was some rough justice meted out, one ex-con to another (both victim and perpetrator were in fact ex-convicts). To miss out on the tragedy of an innocent animal killed means you either lack empathy or understanding or both.”

The most persuasive argument was made by a volunteer at the animal shelter who told me, “You can tell a lot about people by how they treat their pets. You should be encouraged by the fact that so many are angry about this. It means we care.”

The most persuasive argument ever made for a dog was the famous “A dog is a man’s best friend” speech in 1870, given during the summation for the jury in the case Burden v. Hornsby. George Graham Vest was trying to get damages for his client, George Drum, owner of Old Drum, who was shot by his neighbor, Leonidas Hornsby, suing for damages of $150. To a packed courthouse during a special night sesson in Sedalia, Missouri, Vest said: “Gentlemen of the jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness.

He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, If only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun In its journey through the heavens.”

“If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”

Keep that in mind next time you tell your canine companion, “Good dog!” Instead, try saying, “Great dog!”

OM — November 2018

7

Dennis Guernsey 805-798-1998

Broker/Owner, State Licensed Appraiser, General Contractor

Coldwell Banker ProPerty ShoPPe Ojai homes, Ojai ranches, Ojai commercial real estate.

Experienced and knowledgeable Realtors serving the Ojai Valley for over 30 years.

Ojai Country Estate. Gated Spanish compound on 5-acres in Ojai. Surrounded by magnificent Oaks and includes detached guest house with garage, pool and spa, pool house, cabana with bar and BBQ, tennis court and huge barn or work shop. Main house is approx. 4,400 Sq.Ft. 2 master bedrooms, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, raised beam ceilings, 4-fireplaces, living and family rooms, loft, 5-bedrooms, 7-baths, 3-car garage and centrally located to Ojai, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Great views, private location and room for horses -- Solar owned by seller and included in sale $2,349,000

Charming 2-bedroom, 2.75bath 2 story contemporary view home on 1/2-acre in prime Ojai location. Step down living room with stone fireplace, den or office, formal dining area and breakfast area. Master bedroom with step up tub huge walk in closet with skylights. Incredible views, extensive decking overlooking pool/spa and pool house with 3/4 bath and shade area. Lush landscaping, 2-car garage, RV parking, completely fenced and much more $1,395,000 Rare find in East side of Ojai -- Flat 1-acre lot just minutes from town. Utilities at street -- buyer to verify. Buyer advised to check with City or County about possible development.

Perfect for mini estate, horses, planting etc. Great mountain views $399,500

8 Coldwell Banker

Almost one-and-a-half acres in Rancho Matilija. Completely flat, interior location, mountain views, adjacent to walking and riding trails and includes 1 Casitas water and sewer hook up. $699,500

Don’t Miss This By far the best land buy in Ojai.

Incredible flat 20-acre parcel in heart of Upper Ojai. Located in rear of 11999 Ojai-Santa Paula Road and part of the renowned Hall Ranch.

Water available. Great mountain views -- all usable -- Perfect for planting, horses or private estate.

Buyer to verify utilities. $849,500

Dennis Guernsey, Cell: 805-798-1998 • Office: 805 646-7288

OMOjai — November Property Shoppe Ojai 727 W Ave, 2018 Ojai, CA 93023 • dennisguernsey.com • www.ojaicoldwell.com

OM — November 2018

9

10

OM — November 2018

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)

Great investment opportunity to own an active, fully occupied property on main street in Oak View. Two buildings including one with two suites and a ‘50s vintage service station.. $575,000 Glenn Kuhr: 805-760-0366

Two bedroom mobile home located in the Ojai Villa 55+ gated community.

New high-end carpet, updated electric, skylights in kitchen and master bath, updated energy-efficient windows, air conditioning and appliances.

Home also features earthquake -esistant bracing and copper plumbing throughout. Large covered porch with new carpet, rear yard with fruit trees, roses and drip system. $141,900 Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

Rarely does Ojai’s top business location, in the heart of the downtown shopping district come available. The historic Arcade building located at 260 E. Ojai Avenue has approximately 1,380 sq ft, including front and back entrances. It includes bathroom and kitchen area and has the original vault from when the Bank of Italy and Bank of America were there. This is a rare and excellent business opportunity. $950,000

This Skyline Manufactured home with over 1,350 sq. ft. of living space is perfectly situated along the upper perimeter of the park with private yard and adjacent to the open preserve. The spacious kitchen with center island and laminate flooring offers ample cabinetry and dining area. Master suite presents wall-to-wall closet and an ensuite bath with a relaxing soaking tub and separate shower. $219,000 Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

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 Dale Hanson 805-646-7229

Located in the Mira Valle 55+ Community. Never lived in, recently manufactured and installed home with low space rent and 7-year warranty on home.

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, light and bright with open concept. Wraparound porch to enjoy the beautiful Ojai sunsets and views. Kitchen offers upgraded cabinetry and full-height stone backsplash. This home is priced well and will not last long. $229,000 Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

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. $229,000 Heather Erickson: 805-798-3358

Possibilities galore. This home, located on wrap around corner lot offers three bedrooms two bathrooms, living room with Oak flooring and fireplace, central air/heat, family room with vaulted ceiling, detached two car garage and RV parking. Double gated driveway allows you to safely park the toys. Short commute to coastal cities. $495,000 Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

Dale Hanson 805-646-7229

Heather Erickson 805-798-3358

OM — November 2018

Glenn Kuhr 805 760-0366

11

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.

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. $1,200,000

buena

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

12

OM — November 2018

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

Festival Ev

HOLIDAY HOMES

November 10-11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OjaiFestival.org

Love Nest photo by Fred Rothenberg

One of the highlights of Ojai’s busy calender, the Holiday Home Look-In features four of Ojai’s finest homes, dressed up in holiday finery from the finest florists and designers, curated by knowledgable volunteers, all to raise money for the Ojai Music Festival’s many outreach programs, including the Bravo! program, which provides much-needed funding for local youth.

Here are the four homes: LOVE NEST: Stepping into the lofty foyer of this Rancho Matilija home transports you from the delightful neighborhood in front to a haven of nature in the back.

Lush trees and majestic mountains views beckon you to another world. The rustic Early California design, created by architect/artist Bruce Abbott, reflect an inviting and warm atmosphere accented with a collection of art work, sculptures, photography and personal treasures.

Hollywood memorabilia owned by the couple who have deep roots in the film industry, can be discovered in various areas of the home, including a real Oscar 14

Patina Farms photo by Andrew Ingalls

and the original Stratocaster guitar from Wayne’s World!

PATINA FARM: Five acres of natural beauty, enhanced by masterful design, create a Persimmon Hill paradise that welcomes home family and friends. Indoor rooms flow seamlessly to the lush outside to provide a luxuriously spacious and relaxed ambiance in this gorgeous hideaway.

No detail was left to chance in this owner-designed and meticulously crafted architecture, furnishings, and landscape.

A neutral color palette highlighted by peaceful pastels extends throughout the house and lovely gardens.

Thoughtfully chosen antiques complement the natural textures of the structure, reflecting family history as well as travels. The artful blending of classical and modern influence exudes a feeling of simple elegance — even the donkeys and goats have luxurious quarters befitting the cozy charm of the home.

SADDLE MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY: The beautiful majestic oaks OM — November 2018

surrounding this Spanish-style home welcome you to this secret sanctuary that features an appreciatioin for all genres of music and a passion for exceptional art.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to experience this amazing private “gallery” — Calder, Picasso, Zuñiga — and a host of other exquisite pieces adorn the walls.

Lovely sculptures beautify other areas of the home. Gorgeous hand-crafted mosaic tile tables were custom designed to brighten and complement indoor themes and outdoor settings. Imported rugs add warmth to the terra cotta and wooden floors.

Then there’s the incredible personal library for fireside reading, a spacious central courtyard surrounded by giant agave plants, a Zen patio with a custom fountain created by Ojai artist Martha Moran, and a strobe-lighted mirrored disco ball ready for the upcoming holiday parties!

SERENITY IN THE CITY: Located conveniently close to town but feeling like it’s tucked far away, lies a very personal gem of a home, offering

vent Showcasing Four Superb Ojai Homes

Saddle Mountain Sanctuary by Fred Rothenberg

a comfortable private oasis for this civicminded couple. Nestled amid lush native gardens, which you might recognize from the 2017 Ojai Garden Tour, the home features dream chef’s kitchens inside and out, welcoming friends and family to share warm hospitality. The hostess has authored two cookbooks.

A homey atmosphere is created by works of many local artists, Edward Curtis photos, as well as Native American baskets and art collected during the owners’ extensive travels. A plunge pool and bocce ball court, as well as several relaxing garden niches, complete the ambiance of this lovely abode. You’ll want to stay and linger a while.

THE DESIGN TEAM: New this year will be design teams for two of the homes.

Returning designer Irma Murrillo of Angela’s Flowers, who recently was voted Best Florist by the Ojai Valley News, will be paired with architect/designer Bruce Abbott. Together they will decorate with the theme of Thanksgiving Bounty in “Love Nest,” the home located at Rancho

Serenity in the City photo by Fred Rothenberg

Matilija.

Another pairing of interior designer and florists will be at Saddle Mountain Sanctuary with interior designer Laurel Crary and Ojai Blooms — Adonda McGrath Brennan and Jennifer Wing. This powerhouse team will decorate the recently remodeled home with a festive Christmas holiday theme. Flora Gardens will also add their landscape creativity to the exterior areas of the large, open property.

For Serenity in the City located in downtown Ojai, Carolyn Bennett of cdb gardens, who will represent longtime favorite Ojai Valley Garden Club, will delight guests with an inspiring Fall theme.

For the fourth home, Patina Farm, homeowner, author and interior designer Brooke Giannetti will put her spin on the Fall season accentuating her home designed with her and husband’s signature style, Patina Style. The couple’s work has been seen in such publications as Sunset magazine, Veranda, and Good Housekeeping.

The Ojai Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace kicks off the holiday season OM — November 2018

on Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m . The tour benefits the Ojai Music Festival and its BRAVO education and community program, which offers free music workshops to the Ojai Valley public schools and the community.

Also taking place the same weekend is the Holiday Marketplace held at Thomas Aquinas Church Hall (185 Saint Thomas Drive). This companion event will feature a collection of curated lifestyle and fashion items from more than 40 vendors as well as a variety of food trucks. Admission to the Marketplace is free and open to the public. The Marketplace hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Advance tour price is $40 per person and $45 day of the event which can be purchased at the Holiday Marketplace. A group discount is available for 8 or more people. Tickets are available online at OjaiFestival.org or by calling 805-6462053. Participating ticket outlets in Ojai are Attitude Adjustment, Flora Gardens, and Rains, and Fox Fine Jewelers in Ventura.

15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER “Printmakers & Frank Massarella” Date: October 31 to November 29 Time: 12 to 4 p.m., Location: Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street Contact: 805 646-0117 ojaiartcenter@aol.com “19th Ojai Film Festival” Dates: November 1 – 11 Times: Varied Locations: Varied, headquarters at the Ojai Art Center, 145 East Ojai Avenue Contact: OjaiFilmFestival.com “The Analects of Confucius & The Great Learning” with Andy Gilman and Roxana Zirakzadeh Date: Saturday, November 3

Times: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Ojai Unified School District, 414 East Ojai Avenue “4th Ram Dass Legacy Immersion Retreat” Dates: November 1 to 4 Location: Hanuman Gardens, 1190 El Toro Road Contact: Send your inquiry to hello@headplusheart.com info@hanumangardens.com “Great Books Seminar — Confucius” Date: November 3 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 417 Bryant Circle Contact: greatbooksojai.org

REOCCURING EVENTS

“Yellow Flowers in Concert” Date: November 3 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Greater Goods, 145 West El Roblar Contact: 805-856-8687 “Sourdough Slim” Date: November 7 Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Ojai Woman’s Club, 441 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 805-665-8852 ojaiconcertseries.com “Holiday Home Look In” Dates: Nov. 10-11 Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, Location: Varied, see pages 16-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 16

OM — November 2018

OPPOSITE PAGE: Kacey Link, tango expert, will appear November 18 at the Ojai Art Center; A Ram Dass legacy retreat is set for November 1 to 4 at Hanuman Gardens; Sourdough Slim is set for a show at

Contact: 805-646-2053 OjaiFestival.org “Community Gathering With the C.R.E.W.” Date: November 15 Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Topa Mountain Winery, 821 West Ojai Avenue Contact: thecrew.org “Ojai Herbal Symposium” Dates: November 16 to 18 Times: Varied Location: Krotona Hall @ Krotona Institute of Theosophy, 2 Krotona Street Contact: 805-646-6281.

Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org

the Ojai Woman’s Club on November 7; the Agora Foundation is hosting a seminar on Confucius’ “Analects” on November 3; Kevin Spelman will headline the Ojai Herbal Symposium on November 16-18.

“Kacey Link - Tango in Concert” Date: Sunday, November 18 Time: 2: p.m.

Location: Ojai Center for the Arts 113 South Montgomery Street Phone: (805) 640-1158 website: ojaiartcenter.org Agora Foundation’s “The Lady with the Dog —

by Anton Chekhov” Date: November 18 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Thomas Aquinas College, 1000 Ojai-Santa Paula Road Contact: 805-231-5974 agorafoundation.org

“Great Books Seminar – The Book of Genesis” Date: December 1 Time: 9:30 to 3 p.m.

Location: Thomas Aquinas College, 1000 Ojai-Santa Paula Road Contact: 805-231-5974 agorafoundation.org “Do You Hear What I Hear” Date: November 24 and 25 Times: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

Location: Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street Contact: 805-646-0117 ojaiartcenter.org

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

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

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

“Shakespeare Salon” Date: First and third Mondays Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

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

OM — November 2018

17

Mind Your Manors

Second Home & Vacation Home Management Services

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

www.MindYourManors.info 805.258.3051 AJ@MindYourManors.info

18

OM — November 2018

‘Do You Hear’ the story behind the songs Benefit Show Set For Nov. 24-25 Sure to Get People Into the Holiday Spirit Ojai Performing Arts Theater proudly announces a concert of your favorite holiday music with the captivating backstories of how they were created.

For example, did you know that Judy Garland made the composers change the lyrics from “have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last” to “have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light”? (What were the composers thinking?? Maybe imbibing in the wrong kind of holiday spirits?) And by doing that Garland helped make that song a permanent member of the holiday library. Thank you, Judy.

That’s just one of the delicious little tidbits featured in the upcoming holiday concert as Amanda McBroom and George Ball host “Do You Hear What I Hear?” a fascinating and entertaining “behind the scenes” look at the history of some of our favorite holiday songs. Peter Fox, local author and director, researched the songs

Judy Garland and wrote their backstories into a show.

Four local but professional singers and a 10-piece orchestra, plus a thrilling youth choir all join the hosts to sing such classic holiday songs as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Silent Night” “Sleigh Ride” and the show’s title song “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

The soloists are Betsy Randle from the

OM — November 2018

televison series “Boy Meets World”; Alexander Schottky, former German TV star now Ojai’s own; Anna Cho Wagner, the soaring superior soprano; and Nashville producer and local singing favorite JB White. The musical director and leader of the choir and orchestra is Nordhoff’s Bill Wagner, and all proceeds will benefit the Nordhoff High School Music Department.

Wagner says, “Everyday at Nordhoff and Matilija, I have the pleasure of working with young people to discover and grow their musical talents. As musical director of this show, I get to work with professional musicians who are at the pinnacle of their careers and not at the early years. It’s a kick for me!”

The concert runs for just two performances at Matilija Auditorium, Saturday, November 24th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 25th at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.ojaitheater.org or 805-649-1937.

19

SECRETS TO GETTING A HOME LOAN

By Therese A. Hartmann

First time home buyers and real estate veterans alike are often surprised at what they can (and cannot) qualify for. It is precisely why real estate agents send clients to get pre-approved by a qualified loan officer prior to starting the home search.

To demystify the process, here are 3 useful tips: Have your credit run by the loan officer. The tri-merge report is the report used by most lenders, not the one your bank or freecreditreport.com provides you.

A good loan officer can help you improve your credit, as needed and frankly, if there are errors, it’s good to know in advance in order to correct them.

Research loan options. If you have very little down and lack-luster credit, an FHA loan or co-signer might be right for you. If you have a clever tax preparer, and show little income, a bank statement program might be a good choice.

Ultimately there are many loan programs to fit most borrower needs. Talk to a good loan consultant first.

20

Never take it personally. A good credit score does not guarantee you’ll qualify for a loan.

Nor does a large down payment or substantial income. Like legs on a table, all elements must be in place. You’ll need assets, income, employment and a home that meet guidelines. This is where working with a knowledgeable loan officer will benefit you.

Navigating through sometimes difficult guidelines is what we do best!

Spending the time to find out IF you qualify, and what you qualify for, is time well spent. And if you come in and find you don’t quite have what it takes to move forward right away, don’t despair.

I’ve personally worked with folks who, following a two-year plan, were eventually able to get into position to buy something.

Personal finances can change, the economy and housing market can shift too, opening up opportunities that weren’t there previously.

Like most things that are worth having, a little hard work really does pay off.

OM — November 2018

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.

Experience. Integrity. Leadership.

JOHNSTON

— FOR MAYOR — VOTE NOV. 6th!

one of us. for all of us TOM WEBER

Broker

CA DRE#00805061

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

Valley Inn, Ojai trail and the Village. 3 bedrooms 1.75 bath. $625,900

OjaiTom.com 805-320-2004 info@OjaiTom.com

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

36 YEARS IN THE OJAI VALLEY

OM — November 2018

21

Donna Sallen

RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors

located in the heart of ojai.

805-798-0516

Surrounded by graceful, majeStic oakS and rock wallS, thiS gated and private home iS Sitting perfectly on more than an acre of land on the eaSt end.

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

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

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

charming, charming, charming. thiS 1923 craftSmanStyle home iS tucked away on a quiet cul-de-Sac in the heart of downtown ojai. aS you enter into the living room, you will immediately feel the charm thiS home offerS.

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

in the preStigiouS eaSt end of ojai, down a private lane, SitS an elegantly modern home recently remodeled by joSeph lam, owner of Zen weSt deSign.

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

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

24

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 — November 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.”

DO

WN

SIZI

NG

Living Larger By Going Smaller With Your Home

By Michael Longsdon

We’re not talking about your waist, but your home. According to recent data, the average home is 2,700 square feet, nearly twice that as homes built in 1970. And it’s not that families have gotten bigger, just our appetites for stuff. Evidence suggests, however, that living in a smaller home can make you happier. If you’re a senior, downsizing is a smart move for reasons that go beyond your happiness. For instance, less space means fewer hours spent cleaning.

You’ll also pay less in taxes and utilities.

Easing in to the process: Once you have made a decision to downsize your home, your first task is to determine where you want to live. If you’re staying in your hometown, you likely already know the ins and outs of every neighborhood and the best location to put you in proximity to your friends and family. But if you’re moving more than just a few miles away, make sure to research your preferred area online to determine the average price of real estate, crime rates and the types of activities you can expect to find in your new hometown.

For example, Ojai, which is a popular area for retirees, has an average selling priceof approximately $694,000. When you narrow your target location down, consider spending a long weekend in the area. Alex

Schechter of The Points Guy blog details how to do just that in Ojai.

Home type: Knowing which type of property you want is second only to location in importance and for quality of life. If you are on a budget or wish to live in close proximity to your neighbors, a condominium or townhouse is a wise choice. A single story, ranch-style home is a better option if you have mobility or visual impairments that pose a threat in stairways. Whichever type of home you choose, assess whether or not it has options and features that can help you age in place and enjoy your golden years safely.

Pack and prep: The packing, purging, and preparation portion of a move is perhaps the least pleasurable part of the process. If you start early, you’ll have more time to sort through the decades’ worth of belongings you no doubt have stored in every nook and cranny of your current home. Start with the areas that don’t typically see the light of day. This will likely be the garage, attic or basement, which often serve as the space things go to collect dust. After these areas have been sufficiently purged, you’ll need to consider getting rid of a few items that won’t fit into your smaller home.

MyMove.com recommends looking at therooms you won’t have and determining which items in those spaces can be sold, thrown out or donated.

Let go of heirlooms: It’s often hard to get rid of personal possessions. It’s even more difficult when these belongings have been passed down through your family. But now is the perfect time to bequeath family valuables to your loved ones. Your grandfather’s fiddle, for example, may be a great gift for musically inclined grandchild. The most sentimentalfamily heirlooms, photographs, recipe boxes, handmade quilts, etc., are the hardest part with. It’s these sentimental assets that also tend to cause the most friction.

You can do yourself and your family a favor by personally giving these items now instead of trusting that your estate will be settled according to your wishes when you pass on.

Whether you’re moving out of necessity or for a fun change of scenery, it takes planning, especially when you’re purging a place you’ve called home for decades.

Begin the process by researching online so you can make informed decisions regarding your living arrangements.

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

Mid Century Estate | 11+ Acres | Two Legal Parcels $3,495,000 | 1071RanchoDr.com

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

East End Ojai Craftsman $1,925,000

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

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

41 Acres | Rancho Matilija ranchomatilija41acres.com

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.

26

OM — November 2018

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

3.3 Acres - 4 bed/3 bath in downtown Ojai $1,325,000 www.1368Farnham.com

Downtown contemporary w/mid-century flare | $1,095,000 | www.507Aliso.com

Immaculate Remodeled Mid-Century Gem in Downtown Ojai | $ 899,000

Downtown 2.5 Acre - Persimmon Hills | Great Views - $579,500

Charming Meiners Oaks home 135lomita.com | $455,000

Ojai Creekside Condo 1,900+ Sq Ft 4 Bed | 2 Bath | $595,000

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

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

OM — November 2018

27

TERRY GUSTAFSON

All In The Family Where Terry Gustafson Finds Success

By Ilona Saari

I

N 2008, as Terry Gustafson looked over the land on his ranch that had been a horse pasture for 50 years, he shared his thoughts on how the valley was changing with his son, Micah. The world had discovered Ojai.

Vineyards and winemakers had moved south from Napa and Sonoma to Paso Robles, Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara. Even Malibu.

Terry knew a few Ojai locals who were growing grapes and asked Micah if he’d be interested in helping plant some grapes on the pasture and starting a vineyard. Not knowing a thing about grape growing, Terry assured his son that they could do it. Micah agreed. But Terry’s story started long before he became a grape grower and vintner.

Raised in Ojai, Terry met his wife, Leslee Gentry, in 1971, their senior year at Nordhoff High School. Leslee’s father, Lester, also was educated in Ojai and went to the school house at the bottom of Lake Casitas before the lake was a drop in anyone’s imagination. Not long after graduation, Terry and Leslee married and soon began to raise their family.

As a young man, Terry worked for the forest service and for the Ojai Hospital. He was also a freelance sign maker, making some of the iconic wooden signs in town, including those for the Jolly Kone and ACE Hardware.

When Bob Rhodes opened the doors to ACE Hardware in Meiners Oaks, Terry was its first employee. He had managed its door and window department for nearly two decades when Bob rewarded him with that part of the business. After touring with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Micah (who had earned a BA in music/recording engineering) returned home in 2004 and, together with Terry, opened up Meiners Oaks Sash & Door. When they moved the business in 2012, they renamed it 28

OM — November 2018

Ojai Door & Window and still service a longstanding clientele of contractors, architects and homeowners in Ojai, Montecito, Santa Barbara, and as far south as Westlake.

With dreams of having their own vineyard and winery, Terry and Micah began reading every book they could find on cultivating a vineyard and producing wine. They sought the advice of Boyd Ford and other local grape farmers and winemakers. They plotted out the vineyard with the help of Leslee and the rest of the family, and by the following spring planted their first vines: Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Majestic Oak Vineyard, named for the two-hundred-yearold oak tree in the middle of their vineyard, was born. By 2010 they had educated themselves enough to start making wine and from 2012 to 2014 they won five blue ribbons in the Ventura County Fair for wine in the amateur categories.

Feeling encouraged and with the support of Leslee and the family, Terry and Micah decided to move forward in a professional capacity.

Terry and Leslee’s daughter, Tara Coble, who worked for Wine Edventures conducting “Sideways” wine tours in Santa Ynez and educating patrons about wine and wine making, left that company to work for Majestic Oak Vineyard. Her husband, Andrew Coble, a former baseball coach at the University of Rochester and, in Ojai, a one-on-one specialed teacher who also coached basketball for Villanova and baseball for Nordhoff, studied extensively on his own to immerse himself in winemaking and viticulture. He became the vineyard’s head winemaker.

On Memorial weekend in 2016, the Majestic Oak Vineyard tasting room opened with Tara as its manager. Located on Ojai Avenue across the street from the arcade in the middle of

downtown Ojai, the vineyard’s graphic oak tree logo hangs atop a flight of stairs leading down to a shaded patio with comfortable wooden benches and tables that serve as the outdoor tasting area leading into the tasting room. The room’s underground vibe is reminiscent of the wine caves found in Napa and Sonoma. A raised window frames the outside patio like a rectangular porthole. Both are inviting spaces to sample a flight or sip a glass of the vineyard’s award winning wines.

Son Tyson, who is a heavy equipment operator and conducts guided angler (fishing) tours, also helps out in the tasting room as a barista and, when needed, operates the vineyard’s heavy equipment to transport the grapes and wine.

His son, Dylan, (Terry and Leslee’s grandson) represents the fourth generation to go to Nordhoff high school and the fifth generation Ojaian.

When asked how he continues to oversee and run two successful businesses, Terry’s first response was “hard work,” which includes working with their Ojai Door & Window patrons, or harvesting, cleaning, trimming, bottling, labeling, transporting cases, pouring and waiting on customers, hiring musical acts and sound mixing at the tasting room, marketing and keeping up with social media or, finally, enjoying a glass of wine. “There’s a lot that everyone does,” Terry offers. “Plus, we have some great employees who go out of their way to help because they love and believe in what we do.”

“In the end,” Terry continues, “success to us is having a close family who love and help each other, which allows us to live in the Ojai Valley, just like the generations (Gustafsons and Gentrys) before us.”

Terry and the family saw a window of opportunity, both literally and figuratively, and Ojai is all the better for it.

Terry and Leslee Gustafson, above, owners of Majestic Oak winery, pictured top left and bottom right.

OM — November 2018

29

Nine Home Maintenance Tasks for the Fall Season

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela It’s finally fall, which means colder weather, rain, fire pits, and heaters might be in our future. As you unpack your sweaters and search for your fireplace key, here are nine fall home maintenance tasks you should add to your to-do list.

1. Clean Your Gutters: Fall has arrived, which means we might actually see some rain in the coming months. One way you need to prepare for that potential precipitation is to clean your gutters. Remove leaves and debris, make sure your downspouts are not clogged, and use the water in your rain barrel so it is ready to collect more. Remember that cleaning your gutters is not just about proper function in a rainstorm; it is also about reducing the risk of your home catching fire. Wind-blown embers can ignite dry leaves and other debris in your gutters, so remove that potential fuel regularly to help protect your home.

2. Inspect Your Roof: If it is in your budget, contact a local roofing company to schedule an inspection or a tune-up. Enlisting the help of a professional helps to ensure that your roof is in good repair and will not start leaking once it starts raining. At the very least, look for damage, missing shingles, nails that have popped up above the surface, and tree limbs that could become hazards in heavy rain or wind. If you find any of these issues and you are not particularly handy, call in the pros, since they can safely and properly make rooftop repairs.

3. Mulch Around Plants: Most areas in Ojai get cold enough in late fall and winter to make it worth your while to provide your plants with a little extra insulation. Mulching around your plants limits weed growth, assists in soil temperature moderation and increases soil moisture retention.

4. Check Outdoor Lighting: The days are noticeably shorter now, so any coming soirees you have on your calendar will likely take place after dark. Therefore, you and your guests will be relying on those pathway lights to guide you between outdoor living areas. Check your path lights and other outdoor lighting for bulbs that need to be replaced or fixtures that need to be cleaned or repaired. This is also a good time to install some string lights if your patio could use a little more illumination.

30

OM — November 2018

5. Install a Rain Sensor: Adding a rain sensor to your irrigation system is an easy way to conserve water during the rainy season. Now more than ever, Ojaians know that every drop counts. Rain sensors automatically shut off your irrigation system when it is raining, so everyone in Ojai who has an automatic irrigation system should really have one of these as well.

6. Check Your Irrigation System: During the hot months of summer, it is quite common for critters to chew through irrigation lines to reach the water inside. Therefore, now is a good time to check your irrigation system for this type of damage, as well as wayward sprinkler heads or clogged drip systems. Keeping your irrigation system in good repair is essential to conserving water.

7. Prepare Your Fire Features for Fall: It is finally cooling off enough to start thinking about using our fire pits and patio fireplaces. Stock up on fuel, store fuel a safe distance from your fire feature, clean your fire pit or fireplace, make sure your fire screen is in good shape, and make sure you have a way to quickly extinguish your fire on hand. (Check the October issue of Ojai Monthly for more tips on how to safely use your fire feature.)

8. Service Your HVAC System: HVAC professionals recommend changing your air filters in the fall before you start using your heater and in the spring before air conditioning season arrives. Changing air filters is a simple task that most homeowners can do on their own; however, if you have not had your furnace serviced or your ducts cleaned and checked for leaks in the last couple of years, you might want to call a local HVAC professional to service your system.

9. Check Your Chimney: If you have an indoor fireplace, you should add an annual chimney inspection to your calendar. Your inspection should include checking the firebox, exterior of the chimney, walls around the chimney inside and outside of your house, flashing, crown, and chimney cap for damage and wear. You will also need to check for creosote buildup, which is a fire hazard, and check the flue for obstructions, which could cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home.

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 — November 2018

31

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

32

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 — November 2018

Whitman Architectural Design

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.”

Winston Churchill

OM — November 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

34

OM — November 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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

JOE DAVIS

PROPERTY SHOPPE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

805-574-9774 PROPERTY SHOPPE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

JOE DAVIS

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

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

Visit our

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

heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103 OM — November 2018

35

AN IDEAL OJAI DAY

BY RICHARD CAMP Artistic Director of the Ojai Arts Center Theater

My Ideal Ojai Day begins at the crack of dawn, when I’m often treated to a vision of the glorious pink-patterned clouds of a sunrise, or wrapped in the fog and mist that shrouds the Valley like an old comforter, before playing tennis at 7 a.m. at the Ojai Valley Athletic Club with a group called the Cronies. Our level of play clearly demonstrates that we are aptly named. Then, a soak in the jacuzzi to soothe the tennis elbow, tennis knee and tennis back before heading out for the day.

As Artistic Director of the Ojai Art Center Theater and the Ojai Performing Arts Theater, I love to take meetings with directors, designers, actors, producers, and discuss the exciting things going on at the theater. Sean at NoSo Vita, Stacey at Ojai Coffee Roasting or Joe and Lorraine at Java & Joe always provide a welcome “office away from home.”

I’m also partial to the Home Kitchen’s breakfast special or the Café Emporium, where Trisha and Kristen offer up a boysenberry scone and a smile.

If it’s a lunch meeting I like to go to Jim & Rob’s where I can chat with Michael the bartender who also performs and designs for the theater. Or drop in at Bonnie Lu’s where Jenny and Lori can dish out some juicy gossip to go with the juicy burger or the tarragon chicken sandwich. If the weather is cool enough I’ll dine al fresco 36

at Monte Grappa. After lunch I love checking out the latest art installation in the Art Center gallery or drop in at the Porch Gallery where Heather and Lisa always have something “off the wall” on their walls.

An ideal day would definitely include a trip up to Meditation Mount for a welcome dose of peace and tranquility.

Plus, the Instagram-ready views of the Valley.

Sometime in the afternoon it’s nap time, because, well, tennis at 7 a.m.

Wine tasting! Love to drop in at Majestic Oak to sip in the cozy comfort of the intimate space right off Ojai Avenue.

Or head over to Larry Guerra’s Topa Mountain Winery where you can play bocce or roam around the expansive back yard as you taste. Usually some great music in the bandshell, too.

Dinner is a great part of an ideal day. On Thursdays I love the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa for Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

Everything on the menu at the Wallace Neff bar is half priced. A great place to meet friends over a glass of wine or two, while enjoying the chicken tacos or tuna tartare without having to mortgage anything to do it.

I also like Ca Marco, the relaxing, Italian place on the east end of town across from Soule Park Golf Course for the shrimp risotto. Or maybe Sea Fresh OM — November 2018

for swordfish. Or, Agave Maria where I can grab a Modelo and a Mexican quinoa salad, allowing me to conveniently head across the street to the theater.

I also enjoy snooping around in my numerous cookbooks and whipping up something tasty. I’m a big fan of small plates so I’ll grab Robin Goldstein’s “Taste of Ojai.” And, Karen Evenden’s Mediterranean-inspired “Ojai’s Table” has some delicious ideas for the fresh veggies I’ve picked up at the Farmers Market or the fish I’ve picked up from Ideal Seafood.

Of course, an ideal day for any artistic director includes a visit to the theater to bask in the good feeling of an audience offering a cheering, standing ovation for the performance they’ve just experienced.

At the end of the day I’ll often step out onto my patio and look up at the stars.

Having lived a great deal of my life in New York and Los Angeles, where the city lights made it impossible to really see the stars, this is a luxury.

To be able to savor the mysterium tremendum of the ever-expanding universe right here in our little village is one of the joys of living here. Dylan Thomas’s “close and holy darkness” bookends the serenity of the bearable lightness of being at Meditation Mount before it’s off to bed, but not before rubbing the muscles with a dollop or two of Arnica gel. Because, tennis at 7 a.m.

SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES

Retired & Unstoppable

410 Church Road #53, 1 bed, 1 bath, 742 Sq. Ft. Listed $380,000. Sold $335,000

413 Stuart Court, 3 bed, 2.50 bath, 2,178 Sq. Ft. Listed $869,000. Sold $860,000

98 Calle Cinco de Mayo, Oak View, 3 bed, 1 bath, 989 Sq. Ft. Listed $449,500.

Sold $392,000

818 Oakwood Street, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,148 Sq. Ft. Listed $895,000. Sold $880,000

110 Larmier Avenue, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,250 Sq. Ft. Listed $499,900.

Sold $461,000 117 South Lomita, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,215 Sq. Ft. Listed $549,900. Sold $519,900

1169 Tico Road, 6 bed, 4 bath, 2,536 Sq. Ft. Listed $969,900. Sold $945,000 210 Ventura Avenue, Oak View, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,400 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,099,000.

Sold $1,025,000

41 Taormina Lane, 2 bed.

2 bath, 1,166 Sq. Ft. Listed $649,500. Sold $550,000

368 Lark Ellen Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,819 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,095,000. Sold $1,035,000

115 Valley View Drive, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 922 Sq. Ft. Listed $599,000. Sold $585,500

391 North Montgomery Street, 3 bed, 3.50 bath, 3,313 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,250,000. Sold $1,180,000

2225 Maricopa Highway, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,586 Sq. Ft. Listed $629,000. Sold $610,000

821 Gridley Road, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,000 Sq. Ft. Listed 1295,000. Sold $1,250,000

606 Pearl Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 832 Sq. Ft. Listed $659,000. Sold $617,188

716 El Toro Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 2,764 Sq. Ft. Listed $2,250,000. Sold $1,500,000

1102 Sunset Place, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,337 Sq. Ft. Listed $745,000. Sold $715,000

You’ve worked hard to get here. Keep your money working hard for you. From our 50+ Interest Checking account to convenient mobile banking, get the tools you need to do more in retirement.

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

1.888.454.BANK | BankoftheSierra.com

© Bank of the Sierra. All rights reserved.

Information provided by Ojai MLS OM — November 2018

37

my ojai garden

By Leslie Lippincott Hidley

And she was so tired of emptying ashtrays she had nearly started to let the cigarette butts spill over onto the various desks and tables as she put the cigarettes out in the middle of the pile.

She admired orderly people. Her sister was orderly. Her friend Michael was orderly. She herself was a slob. She loved order but not enough to create any. She didn’t care where anything was enough to put it in any particular place. She was always tired and sleepy and didn’t like to work. She liked to take naps. Sleeping was her hobby. She dreamed beautifully.

It was the one thing she did really well.

She never could think of the right categories to put things in, so she never ordered any of her things. All orders seemed arbitrary to her. Is there a rational way to organize your closet?

Won’t randomly do? Is it worth thinking about? What determines the quality of the answer? Now, how do you remember your answer?

She knew people who had a gift for ordering. Lady Eugenia, for instance. Order flowed from her hands. She had absolutely no resistance at all to thinking about where a thing should go.

And she could remember what her theory was.

Our friend had been trying to get organized since childhood. She had felt disorganized all of her life — and had been disorganized all of her life. She was perpetually a day late and a dollar short. She had had periods of time during which she had actually felt pleasure at organizing things, but these must have been times when her medication wasn’t working properly. They never lasted — though she enjoyed them very much.

The older she got, the worse she got. Nothing seemed to matter. She’d go to dinner and not say a word. What did it matter what she said? She couldn’t think of anything to say anyway.

She obeyed the rules. She didn’t know what rules, but she obeyed them all. Except for the ones that said to be organized.

She remembered laughing and talking, having something to contribute to the conversation, having an opinion, thinking there was meaning, feeling. She remembered not being tired.

She remembered not being bored. Having meaning for others.

Before she was invisible, before she’d turned into the Willendorf Venus.

And now she had a stack of dishes in the sink and more bills to pay and she was tired. She wanted a cigarette and she didn’t want one. She was tired of the repetition of smoking. Over and over and over, the same thing. Invariant. She thought of the millions of cigarettes she must have smoked. What a waste of time and energy, she thought. Pardon me while I sit here and inhale a little poison gas and absorb some poison chemicals to stimulate my brain to spin while I sit. Spin spin spin.

She had been taught that she was tough, which she was not, so she didn’t notice that she was scarred, her teeth were jagged, her nose was broken from various street fights she’d been in.

She went barefoot most of the time and used to wash her feet periodically by putting them one at a time in the kitchen sink.

She was thin and freckled and she smoked almost always.

Small things made her happy, the gift of a small appointment calendar, how well her summer squash plant was doing. She lived a simple life, not going out much or entertaining much. She went to bed at nine and woke at four. She watched the back garden get light every morning, the white roses and the white hydrangeas the first things to come into view. Friends visited occasionally. She rested and waited for a heart attack to kill her.

The Harpies would sometimes play pranks on the woman — creep out of the tree and leave the garden gate open, or rearrange the lawn furniture into the shape of the numeral “4_.. This increased the woman’s feelings of being demented and fear of being watched. She never got the humor in it. She had gotten more and more humorless as she got older and the closer she got to her heart attack.

All she could really see in front of her was years. She didn’t know about the Harpies. She rarely looked up. The days when she had called her children away from what they were doing and out of the house to come and see the beautiful moon were

She needed to empty the ashtrays. She needed to do the dishes. She needed to pay the bills. She didn’t want to do it. She didn’t like repetition. What was going to be new and different about scrubbing egg yolk from a plate?

Or writing out a check for the electric company?

long gone. She had even forgotten that she ever did this. So had the children.

Her children all lived in major cities in Europe and the U.S. and made their livings as cat burglars. Most were jewel thieves, but some specialized in stock certificates. hey were agile and wily and duplicitous and charming. They were all excellent drivers and poker players.

She decided to take a nap before she did the dishes and paid the bills and dreamed of her little airline to France.

Just a couple of commuter planes, black with white trim and brass fittings, that somehow could get you to France in just a couple of hours and for just a couple of hundred dollars. They were a standard feature in her dreamworld. Along with various restaurants, landscapes, lakes, houses. She didn’t know about other people, but she had a regular cast of settings for her dreams — places she was familiar with — all of which she’d imagined. Some based on fairy tales — she suspected that anything having to do with France had to do with love of some kind — even divine love.

For her, God was undoubtedly French.

She dreamed of houses of unending numbers of rooms. Of a certain beach and the road going down to it. She even had a special car for dreams alone and in her dreams she’d lost it — parked it someplace and walked from there and forgotten where she’d left it. Her favorite restaurant was in a dream, near St.

Helena.

She suspected that the real happenings of her dreams were the landscapes and places, not the events and people. They were the things in virtue of which the world was one — at least while she was asleep. When she awoke, it fell into its usual shards again.

While she was sleeping, the Harpies came down from the tree and got her car keys. She had a BMW convertible that they had often seen her driving and they had always wanted to go for a ride. And this was such a beautiful spring day that they couldn’t resist. They went to the garage and opened the door and got in the car and started it. It purred. They moved out onto the driveway and pushed the button that took the top down. And then they drove it a few miles to the East End to her sister’s house. They knew where it was because they had often flown along above her when she went there to visit.

At night, they arched their great wings over themselves and each other and the nest and fell fast asleep. None of them snored. And each loved to wake up and see the stars through the leaves and feel the breeze through the branches of the nest and hear the stillness of the night in the valley.

Night is when the trees are busy

talking to each other. It’s what gives that stillness that special quality of sounding full of something. It’s the trees. The big euc and all the orange trees in the orchards and oaks in the valley were setting things right for the next day. They whisper to each other in chemicals, - in esters and ethers, without sound, what insects were about, what temperatures were where, how the soil conditions were and many other things that trees know and we don’t. Trees have very ancient forms of communication. And they do their talking at night, when no one else is around. Sometimes if you are walking near trees at night, you can tell.

And it’s the reason that, until National Parks came along, forests were known to be scary places. They are full of unknown intelligence.

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

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

Erik Wilde Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Wilde-Wilde.com

805-830-3254

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

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

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

805-340-3774

OM — November 2018

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

Final, a chance to check out ojai day

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

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

805-574-9774

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

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

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

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

Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

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

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

Lauren Vankeulen Realtor BRE# 01973956 805-798-2397

OM — November 2018

Dawn E. Shook - Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS Well, Ojai Day was a fabulous day for the City of Ojai and everyone who attended.

The Mandala was the BEST EVER ... beautiful honeycomb of bits and pieces of the essence of Ojai.

The Storytelling Festival was the next event, with children from our local schools sharing an opportunity to have their own Storytelling morning to enjoy. They paraded past my office on Ojai Avenue this morning, and on their way back to school, they were very animated, with stories of their own. What a wonderful experience for young children in Ojai.

I am an Optimist Club of Ojai member (a service club) and we contribute funding to the Performances to Grow on Storytelling for Children program each year, as we believe this is a unique opportunity for children in our valley.

Then, next up was Halloween, which I spent trick-or-treating with my grandchildren in town.

Always a fun night watching them run from house to house for candy. Try to keep up, Grandma! I manage to snag a treat or two for myself, too.

Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holidays are approaching, but that may be another story later on for me to you. See you about town! Dawn

41

OJAI HIKES

10 PATHS TO DISCOVERY

By Bret Bradigan

Photo by Caitlin Petersen

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

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

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

3. PRATT TRAIL Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north on Signal Street and drive about 1.2 miles until you see the Forest Service sign on the

42

OM — November 2018

left. The trailhead is a further half-mile. Length: 4.4 miles to Nordhoff Ridge. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. The Pratt Trail criss-crosses a seasonal stream through the backyards of private properties before opening onto a natural bowl formed by the slope of Nordhoff Ridge. Follow the signs through about two miles of dry and dusty switchbacks until you reach the ridgeline. From there, it’s another two steep, dusty miles to Nordhoff Peak, 4,426 feet above sea level.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate. The trail begins along a seasonal creek and quickly climbs about 640 feet in elevation along a wellforested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular 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 main North Fork tumbles over a calcite ledge into a deep green pool. (There are four more falls beyond, including the fabled Lost Falls, but travel beyond the falls is recommended only for groups of experienced climbers.) NOTE: The post-fire debris flows from last January have devastated the creek channel; it will be years before it fully recovers its former grandeur.

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

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

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

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

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

OM — November 2018

43

THE WILLIAMSON-VANKEULEN GROUP

let us show you what living ojai is all about

outdoor entertainer’s dream in rancho matilija

2377 Fordyce Road

East End Craftsman

10710 Encino Drive

“whitman masterpiece”

anne williamson realtor of the year 2014

805.320.3314•bre#01448441

cassandra vankeulen realtor, designer

lauren vankeulen realtor

12490 MacDonald Drive

805.798.1272•bre#01929366

805.798.2397•bre#01973956

www.thewilliamsonkeulengroup.com

1.833.Buy.Ojai

COLDWELL BANKER PROPERTY SHOPPE • 727 WEST OJAI AVENUE, OJAI, CA 93023