DISCOVER
Returns for 25th Time to Libbey Bowl
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OJAI pt
BOWLFUL OF BLUES
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MONTHLY Lifestyle & Visitor Information
Top ten paths to ojai’s backcounty beauty
805*374•
ojai hosting first herbal symposium
Cover Property by Wilde & Wilde, see ad on page 8 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OjaiHub.com
PA T T Y WA LT C H E R
20 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
Minutes from Ojai, 233 acres with unbelievable panoramic views over 3 counties, including the Pacific, 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. 13500E Sulp hur Mt nR d O jai. com
On over two tranquil acres in Rancho Matilija, this custom home has gorgeous views, high ceilings and impeccable Brazilian mahogany floors. Influenced by Greene and Greene design, it includes a 3 car garage, workshop , gym, and gated entry for complete privacy. w w w.660 OakGroveCour t O jai. com
PATTY WALTCHER
I will help you discover the home that brings peace to your mind and heart
(805) 340-3774 pattywaltcher.com
Dale Hanson
Ojai Valley Real Estate (805)646-7229
B.R.E. 01229522 Notary Public
Whitman Architectural Design
dale@ojaivalleyrealestate.com Call me for your real estate needs. Residential, commercial, or business opportunity.
www.whitman-architect.com
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
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OM — September 2018
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
The Williamson-VanKeulen Group let us show you what living ojai is all about
Outdoor Entertainer’s Dream in Rancho Matilija
413 Buena Vista Dr
Newly Updated Family Home with Pool
2477 fordyce rd
Paradise in the East End anne williamson
realtor of the year 2014
12490 MacDonald Dr
805.320.3314•bre#01448441
cassandra vankeulen realtor, designer
lauren vankeulen realtor
805.798.1272•bre#01929366
805.798.2397•bre#01973956
www.thewilliamsonkeulengroup.com
1.833.Buy.Ojai
COLDWELL BANKER PROPERTY SHOPPE • 727 WEST OJAI AVE, OJAI, CA. 93023 OM — September 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2018
14
7
Editor’s Note
14
Featured Event: Bowlful of Blues Marking 25th Anniversary
16
Calendar of Events
26
Planting Seeds: Ojai To Host First-Ever Herbal Symposium
30 Eight Outdoor Uses For Baking Soda 32
My Garden: The Uses of Suffering
34
Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide
36
Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide
16
38 My Ideal Ojai Day: Severo Lara, Lara Landscaping 39
Sold in Ojai
42
Who’s Who In Ojai
26
44 Top 10 Trails for Ojai Exploration
DISCOVER pt
BOWLFUL OF BLUES
Returns for 25th Time to Libbey Bowl
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OJAI Se
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
e m b er 20
MONTHLY Lifestyle & Visitor Information
Top ten paths to ojai’s backcounty beauty
805*374•
Catholicism and its gift for suffering
Cover Property by Wilde & Wilde, see ad on page 8 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More AtOM OjaiHub.com — September 2018
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38
DISCOVER
OJAI MONTHLY
OJAI’S GOLDEN AGE The fierce grip of pessimism flies in the face of the facts
Bret Bradigan
As of the year 2011, more than 95 percent of American households below the poverty line had electricity, running water, flush toilets, a refrigerator, a stove, and a color television. A mere century before, the Rothschilds and Rockefellers could only dream of such luxury. By nearly every regard — rates of violence and sickness are down, education and technology are up — humanity is an upward path. Such is the premise of Stephen Pinker’s latest work, “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.” It’s hard to square those facts against the modern infatuation with pessimism and the attack on enlightenment values from both left and right, but Pinker does muster a mighty argument. That values that have given us such incredible opportunity and prosperity need defending seems counter-intuitive, but such is the age in which we live. It does seem as the world is coming off its hinges especially recently, as if our western democracies are undergoing a massive stress test. You get the same sense of creeping dread even in Ojai, where it often feels as though our future is adrift and controlled by the “whatever you got, we’re agin it” crowd. There doesn’t seem to be a shared vision of how we should approach our considerable problems, water and fire chief among them. But clearly, even here, if you step back from the hurly burly, you see the quiet work going on behind the scenes — organizations like the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy preserve our open spaces, the Rotary Clubs (that we have two very active clubs is as sure a sign as any that the state of our social infrastructure is robust) leverage their resources to make the world a better place, and our playing fields were abuzz all summer with the sounds of children at play. Architectural Digest recently posted online an article, “Ojai, California Is the Perfect Destination for Design Lovers” which highlights an influx of creative people who have recently moved here, bringing fresh ideas and energies. It does seem as though many of these recent residents (not all) live in bubble of self regard, oblivious to the timeless rhythms of this place. But there’s hope. It is the values of a sturdy, tight-knit community which drew them here in the first place. That is the idea of Ojai, a place and a space where ideas can be nourished and flourish. In a caring community of creative people, big things can happen. The problems we face are an opportunity to use our creativity and compassion. Stephen Pinker observes in “Enlightenment Now,” that” facts and logic have a cumulative persuasive force.” We encourage you to share your insights. Information, it is said, is the only commodity whose value increases the most widely it is shared.
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
DESIGNER SHOWROOM SALE
Select Furniture, Accessories, & Lamps Open most M-F 10am - 5pm 960 E. Ojai Ave Suite 106 Ojai, CA 93023 p805.646.6673
OM — September 2018
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GREEN BUILDING FEATURE
KEEPIN’ IT COOL
A
s we experience sweltering heat waves more frequently on the Central Coast, many of us are getting knocked out of our “no A/C needed” comfort zones. The downside is that air conditioning draws significant electrical power generated mostly from fossil fuels, thus exacerbating global warming. Even when powered by renewable energy, the production of any AC equipment can use a lot of resources. Since most of us have limited tolerance for hot weather, if you are a sustainably minded homeowner, it is important to consider natural cooling strategies along with air conditioning when seeking ways to cool your home. Many natural cooling techniques boil down to one basic principle: keep air moving. Funneling afternoon breezes through homes when you can is ideal. You can optimize the channeling of these breezes by carefully selecting the location and types of windows and doors. A combination of small low inlets and larger outlets achieves the best and fastest indoor air movement. A ratio of 1:3 is ideal. Another way to keep air moving is to install Casablanca ceiling fans in the main rooms of a house. If a room has a central ceiling light, a combined fan-light fixture can easily replace it. The effectiveness of ventilation can be further enhanced by pre-cooling the air before it enters the home. Trees can both shade windows and cool the afternoon air currents. Deciduous trees are best, because they shed their leaves in winter to allow the sun and its warmth in. Moisture evaporating from a pond, fountain or supplied by a mister also remove heat from air. Trellises, building overhangs and awnings are simple yet effective strategies for keeping a building cool by limiting solar gain. Exterior shade screens prevent direct sunlight from striking a window. Awnings block light and heat whereas shade screens allow some light through. Another consideration is your home’s color. Dark-colored exteriors absorb 70-90 percent of the sun’s radiant energy, some of which is transferred into the exterior walls resulting in heat gain. In contrast, light-colored exteriors reflect most of the heat away. You might also want to consider adding insulation to your existing walls and attic. In most cases, this is less expensive than installing air conditioning equipment and helps to keep the house not only cool but also quiet (or warm when desired). It is important to use a professional installer in order to achieve a complete, high-performance thermal barrier. For more information, call, click or visit Allen Construction. 805.884.8777 | buildallen.com
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
This home is truly elegant from the high ceilings and custom windows to the expansive kitchen oriented to take advantage of the mountain views. Originally designed as a 3 bedroom, the front bedroom is currently being used as an office but could be converted back. $259,000 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. $159,000 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. $1,200,000 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. $229,000 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)
STEPHEN ADELMAN “Your Family Man Realtor”
Your FriendlY neighborhood gYm
152 Baldwin Road
• Full Service Workout Facility • Large variety of free weights & machines • Cardio equipment • Fully equipped Pilate’s studio • Personal Training • Over 50 weekly fitness classes • Yoga & Qigong • Great club atmosphere • Helpful and friendly staff
Adorable Country Cottage Located just across from the Ventura River Preserve trails with breathtaking mountain views!
Call or Text to (805)-640-5563 www.ojailuxuryrealestate.com • Spa Services
CalBre : 01786486
• Massage • Microdermabrasion skin treatment • Watsu (water massage) • Steam room • One to three day health retreats
• Convenient Hours • Discount Rates Available
Call us for a tour 805 . 646 . 2233 406 Bryant Circle Ste. “Q” Ojai, CA 93023
buena
tile | stone | design 1717 Palma Drive Ventura 805.650.1252 518 E. Haley Street Santa Barbara 805.963.8638 buenatile.com
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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
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
1104 Mariano Dr. Sold for $612,500
119 Los Cabos Ln. Sold for $549,000
Blues In The Bowl Reaches Milestone By Sarah Howery Hart
T
he Bowlful of Blues’ 25th anniversary festival takes place in Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 22, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. One of the honorees will be the late co-founder Clarence “Cary” Sterling, then Ojai Art Center Director, who created the 1983 event to a benefit the Center. Cofounder Michael Kaufer, then Art Center Music Branch Chairperson, designed the event as a one-timeonly performance. However, it was so well-received, plans for Year Two were quickly set in motion, with a special second-day jazz performance organized by and featuring Ojai’s late Lynford Stewart. By Year Three, Bowlful of Blues became its own entity, now under Kaufer’s direction with support from Sterling and Kaufer’s brother Wheeler Hot Springs concert promoter Lanny Kaufer. With a hiatus after Sterling’s death, the Kaufers, known as “Ojai’s Blues Brothers,” brought the Bowlful of Blues back to life in 2016, and now it is a permanent fixture on Ojai music scene. After a Chumash invocation by local Chumash leader Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, Master of Ceremonies Gill Sotu — poet, musician, writer, DJ and teaching artist at The Old Globe Theatre — ushers in the program at 4:15 with the Kwan Telifaro Project. Telifaro guitarist and blues vocalist
plays blues and jazz nationwide. He was featured guitarist on the Emmy-winning HBO Sonny Liston documentary, “Life and Death of a Champion,” and studio guitarist for Fox Channel’s, “Cedric the Entertainer Show.” He has performed with jazz great Tony Bennett. At 5:15 harmonica master/blues vocalist Rod Piazza takes the stage with special guest Carl Sonny Leyland. Piazza’s sound is a combo including jump blues, West Coast blues and Chicago blues styles. He has been playing with his band The Mighty Flyers since 1980, formed with his pianist wife Honey Piazza. He’s bringing in guitarist Henry Carbohl. “We’re happy to have Rod,” Michael Kaufer says. “He’s really great.” As a child in England, guest star Leyland picked up on his father’s taste in music, Dixieland, 1950s rock-and-roll, and country’s Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. He soon discovered boogie-woogie and turned to playing piano blues. “He’s a phenomenal pianist,” Kaufer says, “We’re happy to have him be playing with Rod.” At 6:30 local Ventura group, Hot Roux, performs their eclectic offerings from straight blues to rockabilly to swampy Cajun rock and roll. Jerry McWorter, drummer/lead singer writes the group’s original tunes, along with Brent Harding vocalist and bass. Other members, on guitar, are Ed
Berghoff and Kyle Jester. The group’s first record, “Strangers Blues,” was released in 2015, followed in 2017 by “Hometown Blues.” At 7:30 p.m., Teresa James and her band, The Rhythm Tramps perform. James has eight CDs, including “Come on Home,” earning third on Roots Radio Charts. Her 2008 “The Bottom Line, “earned a nomination from Blues Foundation for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year. At 8:45 p.m., the final act begins — the Selwyn Birchwood Band led by Selwyn Birchwood, who was only 13 when he first grabbed a guitar. He is known for his fiery guitar and lap steel playing, and gritty vocals. Birchwood’s 2014 Alligator Records debut, “Don’t Call No Ambulance” sent his career soaring, from small clubs to, now, headlining festivals world-wide. For this album, he was bestowed with the Blues Music Award and Living Blues Critics’ Award for Best Debut Album Of 2014. More recently, he won the Blues Blast Rising Star Award. Blues music is incomplete without “blues food,” which in this case will be prepared on-site by Chef
Above vocalist
Teresa James
Right on guitar
Selwyn Birchwood
Far Right on drums, Jerry McWorter
Rondia Kaufer, including fried chicken, roasted chicken wings, barbecued baby-back ribs, and veggie burgers and sides. Vendors will a blues music booth with blues records and statues. Gates open at 3 p.m. and picnicking is welcome. Libbey Bowl is wheelchair accessible and handicapped parking and seating are available. Outside alcohol and pets other than documented service pets are not allowed. Bowlful of Blues proceeds benefit music education projects and instrument donations for Ventura County youth. Tickets range from General Admission to VIP and are available at BowlfulOfBlues. org and various Ojai Valley, Santa Barbara and Ventura. (For more information, BowlfulOfBlues.org or Bowlful Hotline 805-836-4665)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER “Queen Tribute by Queen Nation & Journey Tribute by DSB” Date: September 1 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl 210 South Signal Street Contact: libbeybowl.org 805-272-3881 “The Salty Suites + Rose Valley Thorns at Underground Exchange” Date: September 1 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Ojai Underground Exchange, 1016 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 805-340-7893 “Monday Night Improv Comedy Class at O.Y.E.S.” Date: September 3 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES), 907 El Centro Street Contact: 818-648-9540
Date: September 6 Time: 10 a.m. Location: The Center for The Work 309 East Aliso Street Contact: 805-444-5799
“Ojai Ecstatic Dance” Date: September 5 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Hamsa Studio, 109 East El Roblar Drive Contact: 805-212-9678
Free Seminar - “Foundations of Our Republic” Date: September 6 Time: 12 p.m. Location: Ojai Library. 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: theagorafoundation.org 805-231-5974
“Live at Home with Byron Katie”
“Learn English : Aprende Inglés”
REOCCURING EVENTS
Date: September 6 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Greater Goods, 145 West El Roblar Contact: Maegenmarie@gmail.com 805-856-8687, info@greatergoodsojai.org “Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra” Date: September 8 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl 210 South Signal Street Contact: libbeybowl.org 805-272-3881 manager@libbeybowl.org
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 — September 2018
OPPOSITE PAGE: The Tannahill Weavers are coming through Ojai on September 14th for their 50th anniversary tour at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club.
THIS PAGE: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will play Libbey Bowl on September 23.
“HAVEN Tour” Date: September 13 Time: 8 p.m. Location: Ojai Underground Exchange 1016 West. Ojai Avenue 805-340-7893 undergroundexchange@ojaiartsexchange. com
“Don Quixote and Man of La Mancha Seminar and Play Performance” Date: September 9 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Azu Restaurant, 457 Ojai Avenue and Ojai Art Center Contact: To register: greatbooksojai.org, 805-640-7987 elizabeth.h@azuojai.com “Can Science Capture Aliveness?” Date: September 10-14 Location: Krishnamurti Foundation of America 1098 McAndrew Road Contact: kfa.org/science-2018, 805-6462726 info@kfa.org
Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org “Shakespeare Salon”
“Tannahill Weavers 50th Anniversary Tour” Date: September 14 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Ojai Valley Women’s Club,441 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 805-646-8126
libbeybowl.org “Bowlful of Blues” Date: September 22 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 307 East Ojai Avenue 805-836-4665 Contact: info@bowlfulofblues.org “Great Books Seminar — On the Feminine” Date: September 22 Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Location: Thomas Aquinas, 10000 Ojai-Santa Paula Road Contact: greatbooksojai.org
“The Temptations” Date: September 14 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl, 210 South Signal Street Contact: 805-272-3881 manager@libbeybowl.org libbeybowl.org
“Ji, Pianist” Date: September 23 Time: 3 p.m. Location: Beatrice Wood Center, 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road Contact: 805-646-9951, chamberonthemountain@gmail.com
“Pink Floyd Tribute by Which One’s Pink” Date: September 15 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl 210 South Signal Street (805) 272-3881 manager@libbeybowl.org
“Dave Mason & Steve Cropper: Rock & Soul Revue” Date: September 23 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl 210 South Signal Street Contact: 805-272-3881 manager@libbeybowl.org
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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Saturday, October 20, 10 - 5 pm FREE
COMMUNITY
EVENT
2018
Selwyn Birchwood Band Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps James Harman with Carl Sonny Leyland
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN OJAI Live Music | Great Food | Beer & Wine Garden Arts & Crafts Vendors | Celebrate Ojai! 18
Sat, Sept 22 Libbey Bowl • Ojai
OM — September 2018
Hot Roux The Kwan Telifaro Project bowlfulofblues.org
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Ojai
For Beauty Home Nature •
•
Arts Investment Community Lifestyle Everyone •
•
•
•
Live the life in this lovingly restored and renovated 1930s 2 +1 bungalow, filled with vintage charm and modern upgrades. Outdoor space includes bocce court, raised garden beds and large outdoor veranda. Beautiful mountain views and just steps to Ojai Valley Land Conservancy trails. Best value in the Valley at $480,000
Lovely, bright and spacious this 3 +2 Meiners Oaks Cottage sits on .23 lot Majestic Oak studded lot, just waiting for new owners and priced to sell at $599,000
DON & CHEREE EDWARDS
Beautiful 3+2 on .45 acre, newly finished by Scott Loomis with quality custom hardwoods, designer kitchen, new en suite bath ~ all atop a hill with mountain views and sparkling pool. Price $839,000
CALL US TODAY!
Ojai’s Top Real Estate Team living and working in Ojai Valley for 30 years! Platinum Club, Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS 21 W. Baldwin Rd. Ojai, CA 805.340.3192 www.LivinginOjai.com 805.340.7575 DRE # 01053877 DRE # 01823803 2001 & 2017 Ojai Valley Realtor of the Year!
Where can you go to see world class theater, side-splitting comedy, hear award-winning blues and heartfelt poetry all in one place?...-The Ojai Storytelling Festival, it's not just a festival...it's an Experience!
October 25-28
at Libbey Bowl and the Ojai Art Center
Glenis Redmond and Scott Ainsley, Diane Ferlatte, Clare Murphy, The Chameleons, Kevin Kling, Willy Claflin
for ances mmunity Perform the Co s and School
Tickets are Now On Sale on our website:
www.ojaistoryfest.org
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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
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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 — September 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.”
Mind Your Manors
Second Home & Vacation Home Management Services
Always Connected
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
Water: Part III Sunday, September 30th 3:00-5:00PM • Matilija Auditorium a free event on the future of water in the Ojai Valley 703 El Paseo Road in Ojai • The panel will also be live streamed
Ojai
CHAUTAUQUA
On the go? We’re on it. With 24/7 mobile banking, the MobiMoney app to control your debit card, and Apple Pay ®, Android Pay™, and Samsung Pay, you always have us in the palm of your hand. Proudly serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, with additional locations throughout central California.
1.888.454.BANK | Tech.BankoftheSierra.com
reservations strongly recommended: www.ojaichat.org • ojaichat@gmail.com • (805) 231-5974
This free event is made possible with support from the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and The Ojai Valley Inn
© Bank of the Sierra. All rights reserved.
OM — September 2018
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Donna Sallen
RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors
805-798-0516
Located in the heart of Ojai.
Beautiful, downtown La Amistad townhome is just waiting for you.
Located in the quaint Oaks West neighborhood on a tree lined street, you will enjoy this large family home.
In the prestigious East End of Ojai, down a private lane,
Welcome to perfection. This lovely custom home located. in the heart of downtown Ojai glows with beauty.
​Beautifully remodeled home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Ojai.
sits an elegantly modern home recently remodeled by
Joseph Lam, owner of Zen West Design.
There’s no place like home ... Let me find yours.
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.
Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 www.donnasallen.com
Ojai hosting first-ever herbal event Nov. 16-18
Amanda McQuaid Crawford
The first ever Ojai Herbal Symposium will take place from Friday evening, November 16, through Sunday evening, November 18, on the theme of “Natural Resilience.” The Symposium will present respected experts, authors, and speakers from across the spectrum of modern herbalism, pharmacy, integrative medicine, Oriental medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Chumash healing. Classes will be accessible to the professional and non-professional alike. After an opening blessing by Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, internationally recognized phytochemical researcher Dr. Kevin Spelman will deliver the keynote address Friday evening at Krotona Hall. Dr. Spelman’s research includes brain and ovarian cancer and clinical investigations, immunological studies, and chemical analysis on numerous medicinal plants. He is known for his expertise on the molecular biology of medical Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD). The Symposium will continue all day Saturday in Krotona Hall with presentations by Dr. Spelman, pharmacologist Dr. James Adams of USC School of Pharmacy, herbalist Sandy Messori of Rivendell Aromatics, licensed acupuncturist and medicinal plant specialist Dr. Fred Siciliano, and integrative pharmacist Pam Tarlow, PharmD, of Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy. A Phytotherapeutic Phunk Dance and Elixir Bar for symposium attendees 21 years of age and older will be held Saturday night from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Greater Goods in Meiners Oaks. Sunday’s schedule will begin with early morning activities including yoga, a medicinal garden tour, and an herb walk with Lanny Kaufer. Sunday morning lectures will follow for the general assembly in Krotona Hall by internationally known herbalist
Dr. Kevin Spelman
and author Amanda McQuade Crawford, integrative oncologist Dr. Mary Hardy, and Mela Gaskins Butcher, founder and director of the Center for Ayurveda. At the lunch break on Sunday, starting at 12 noon, a public Herbal Marketplace will open at Chaparral Auditorium in downtown Ojai and remain open to the public until 6 p.m. Meanwhile the Symposium will continue in the afternoon with small breakout sessions at various downtown locations featuring the speakers mentioned above in addition to clinical herbalist and product developer Jess Starwood of SunRaven Apothecary, Chumash educator Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, Dr. Nathan Kaehler of Ojai Herbs and Acupuncture, herbalist Carol Wade of Ojai School of Herbal Studies, and Tonantzin Cihualcoutl Guerra, founder of the Native Women’s Herbal Medicine Festival. Registration is $255 in advance until November 9 and $285 beginning November 10. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Greater Goods Relief Fund for community support in the aftermath of the December 2017 fires. Student discounts and Continuing Education credits may be available upon request. Volunteers are needed to staff the event in exchange for admission. Vendor applications are being accepted for the Herbal Marketplace. Those interested in volunteering or vending can apply online at OjaiHerbalSymposium.org, by email at Info@ OjaiHerbalSymposium.org, or by phoning event organizer Lanny Kaufer at 805-646-6281. The Ojai Herbal Symposium is presented by the “Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer” series of educational events, an Ojai mainstay since 1976. For all information visit OjaiHerbalSymposium. org or call 805-646-6281.
Experience. Integrity. Leadership.
JOHNSTON
— FOR MAYOR — VOTE NOV. 6th!
one of us. for all of us
Paid for by Johnny Johnston for Mayor 2018. P.O. Box 1259, Ojai, CA 93023 • Campaign ID# 1409862
! ate 0 1 8 U S E D O the 8, 2 P E N H e Sav OBER R G / O T L .O OCN T H I L
BE
SA
BESANT HILL SCHOOL O F H A P P Y VA L L E Y
OPEN HOUSE
Founded in 1946, our unique boarding and day high school offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum including: Expansive Arts Program Global Community 4:1 Student Teacher Ratio Summer Program
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018 Meet students and faculty, share a delicious meal, and attend an all-school assembly.
NEW AQUATIC CENTER
Environmental Studies Program English as a Second Language (ESL) Discussion Based Classes Instructional Support Program
BE SANTHILL .ORG/DISCOVER
805-646-4343 OM — September 2018
SEE WHAT’S NEW AT BESANT HILL! Attend an Open House or arrange a private tour of our growing campus.
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14.5+ acres in Ojai’s East End | $1,295,000
Mid Century Estate | 11+ Acres | Two Legal Parcels $3,495,000 | 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 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.
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
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
EIGHT WAYS TO USE BAKING SODA TO CLEAN AND DEODORIZE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela
this occurs, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the sidewalk chalk, give it a gentle scrubbing with a soft scrub brush, and rinse it away with a hose.
Our grandmothers were well versed in the virtues of natural products like baking soda and vinegar for almost any cleaning or deodorizing task. While most of us keep a box of baking soda in our refrigerators and some of us use baking soda in our laundry, we have largely moved away from these natural options in favor of chemical-laden, store-bought cleaners.
6. Clean and Deodorize Recycling Bins and Trash Cans: If your recycling bins or trash cans have seen better days, you can remove grease, dirt and other icky substances with a mildly abrasive paste made from baking soda and water, a scrub brush and a garden hose. Once you have them relatively clean, you can deodorize them by sprinkling baking soda inside, closing the lid and leaving the baking soda to absorb the smells overnight.
This, of course, is a waste of money and exposes our families to unnecessary chemicals, particularly when there are so many inexpensive, safer, natural products that work just as well. Sometimes, natural options require a bit more elbow grease to get the job done, but this small amount of increased effort is well worth the benefits of forgoing commercial products and accomplishing our cleaning tasks without harsh chemicals. To help you channel your grandmother’s cleaning know-how, here are eight ways to use baking soda to clean and deodorize the items in your outdoor living areas. 1. Clean Your Patio Furniture: Some store-bought cleaners can damage the finish on your patio furniture. Save money and have your chairs, tables and other outdoor furnishings sparkling by simply sprinkling baking soda on a damp rag and wiping them down. 2. Deodorize Pet Beds, Patio Rugs and Cushions: Textiles that are difficult to launder can be deodorized by sprinkling baking soda on them and leaving it for a few hours (or overnight for more significant odors). Use your vacuum to remove the baking soda. 3. Soak up Grease and Spills on Porous
Surfaces: You should always have baking soda on hand for accidents that may happen in your patio kitchen or other outdoor living areas. Baking soda can soak up spilled soda on a patio rug, pull grease from stone counter tops, or absorb wine spilled on a paving stone walkway. 4. Shine Your Stainless Steel: Make the stainless steel appliances in your outdoor kitchen sparkle by mixing baking soda and water into a thin paste, applying it to your stainless steel with a damp rag, and then wiping down and buffing the surface with a clean, damp rag. 5. Remove Sidewalk Chalk: Sidewalk chalk encourages creative expression and can keep your kids busy for hours. While it is usually easy to remove with a garden hose and spray nozzle, there are occasions where it can be more stubborn and require a bit more elbow grease to remove. When
7. Scrub Your Grill Grates: Most commercial grill cleaners are loaded with harsh chemicals, so forget the store-bought stuff and make your own grill cleaner with baking soda and water. Mix a thick paste to create a mildly abrasive cleanser to remove grease and grime off your grill grates. If you are good about remembering to regularly clean your grill after use, you may only need to use a damp rag to get the grates clean. If it has been a while since your grill had a good cleaning, you may need to use a scrub brush. 8. Clean Toys: Toys belonging to kids or dogs can become quite dirty after outdoor use, particularly over an extended period of time. Mix about one cup of baking soda in a bucket of water, immerse the toys, and allow them to soak for at least a few hours (or overnight). Depending on how serious the grime is, you may be able to simply rinse the toys with a hose, or you may need to use a damp rag or scrub brush to finish removing any stubborn spots.
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.
This property has it All! Gated Spanish compound on 5-acres in Ojai. Surrounded by magnificent Oaks and includes Det. guest house with garage, pool and spa, pool house, cabana with bar and BBQ, tennis ct. and huge barn or work shop. Main house is approx. 4400 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 Hard to find 1-story 2-bedroom, 2-bath Taormina home in great location. One of Ojai’s first historic districts. Gas lantern street lights, rural mailboxes and cypress trees give the ambience of French Norman Village. Direct access to Ojai Preserve featuring gorgeous trails and protected wetlands. Adjacent to Krotona Institute which offers lectures, workshops, library, native gardens, valley views and more. Lots of upgrades including limestone counters, expanded master bedroom and bath and single car garage. $599,000
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 $449,500
Ready to build One of the last buildable lots in Rancho Matilija---Buyer to verify. 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
Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe Ojai 727 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 • dennisguernsey.com • www.ojaicoldwell.com
my ojai garden By Leslie Lippincott Hidley
The sixties ended for me in 1983 when I met Norman DeSilva’s two young sons. They were six and four. John and Andrew. DeSilva was my lab tutor at college. He was younger than I and I was 34. The sixties ended for me in 1983 when I met Norman DeSilva’s two young sons. They were six and four. John and Andrew. DeSilva was my Lab tutor at college. He was younger than I and I was 34. He had asked me to give him a ride home one day. I did and when we pulled up to the front of his house, there were two little boys waiting there. He said, “Come meet my children.” So I got out of the car and walked around to the lawn where the boys were standing. He said, “Boys, this is Mrs. Hidley. Mrs. Hidley, this is John and this is his brother Andrew.” Each of them looked up at me, straight in the eye, held out a little hand and said, “How do you do, Mrs. Hidley.” And they actually looked at me. And in a moment of grace, I realized that DeSilva had taught them something that made it possible for them to perceive someone else not in their immediate sphere of interest. This was not just their good manners. Something had given them the ability to see another human being. I had children of my own, the poor things, four of them, who I was raising with a combination of the tyranny of their own self-will and mine. I was raising “organic” children. Unfettered by restraint or consideration for others — much like me. I have thought about meeting the DeSilva children for the past 30 years. I hadn’t realized that to raise children without formation of any kind was like
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leaving them “free” to play on the train tracks. There’s no problem unless there’s a train. And on tracks, there is almost always, eventually, a train. Norman DeSilva contracted a brain tumor some time after this event. By then he had four young children. When he was a student at college, he fell in love with a young woman whom he would later marry. Although he was her only serious suitor, she had another admirer — an older student named Jim Finley who had been a nurse medic in Vietnam. He had an unvoiced affection for her. I was anxious for DeSilva’s wife. I didn’t think he’d live and this was tragedy enough, but what was she going to do with these little children all by herself? And no one I knew at the college could quite get hysterical about this. I thought, “What’s wrong with these people? There are several tragedies in the making, here.” One day I got a call from DeSilva. He needed a ride to his oncologist in a nearby town and could I take him. Of course I would. As we were driving along to the appointment, slowly and quietly, he began to “give me his testimony” as we say in Texas. I had heard testimonies. Lots of them. In the south, from the Pentecostals and Southern Baptists, in Ojai from the Krishnamurti people, from Marxists, Libertarians, everybody has a theory. Everybody has a testimony of some kind.
OM — September 2018
I didn’t listen to him. I had heard it before. Lots of people talk about Jesus. But what struck me was his immense kindness in taking the time away from his regular life while he was so gravely ill to give me, someone he was not close to, something he loved. DeSilva didn’t make the case that he knew what he was talking about, he simply was what he was talking about. He died during the time of the big Ojai fire — the one that burned for more than two weeks and consumed 120,000 acres. The flames and the roar were endless. I went to the Rosary that was said for him. It was a hot night and the air conditioner was on in the church. I kept hearing the sound of the fire and seeing flames in the glint of the gold on the altar. DeSilva had taken to wearing a beret before he died, to hide the wound in his skull where they had seeded irradiated particles in an attempt to quell the growth of the tumor. He went to Lourdes. He talked to the Pope. He wanted to live and he didn’t live. Finley, the wife’s other suitor from college days, came and nursed DeSilva during his illness until his death. Finley and the widow are now married and have had six children. John and Andrew say, “We have three fathers. Our father, Norman DeSilva, Jim Finley and our Father in Heaven.” Catholics may have a gift for suffering, but not for tragedy.
OM — September 2018
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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 — September 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
Thanks for your support during our expansion! Now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sea FreSh SeaFood
Restaurant, Sushi Bar and Fresh Fish Market 533 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023 • 805-646-7747 OM — September 2018
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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
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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 — September 2018
OJAI VALLEY
Trail Riding Company
Private Guided Trail Rides in the Ventura River Valley and the Los Padres Forest. 3 miles from downtown Ojai
Reservations: 805-890-9340
ojaivalleytrailridingcompany.com TOM WEBER
Broker
5
CA DRE#00805061
If you are thinking of buying or selling, give me a call.
Directed by Marty Babayco
Weekends
Sept. 7 Oct. 7
A Production of OACT & OPAT Valley Inn, Ojai trail and the Village. 3 bedrooms 1.75 bath. $625,900
OjaiTom.com 805-320-2004 info@OjaiTom.com
Ojai Art Center Theater• OjaiACT.org or 805-640-8797
Good house in popular Skyline Estates. Great 3 bedroom 2.75 bath
36 YEARS IN THE OJAI VALLEY
OM — September 2018
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AN IDEAL OJAI DAY My ideal Ojai Day begins with waking with my two beautiful daughters, Chloe and Elise. They jump on my bed thinking how funny it is to get me out of bed. After settling down, they lie next to me, books in hand until we fully wake up. After reading a local article in bed with them, we decide on what to have for breakfast — today french toast, scrambled eggs and hashbrowns. They ride scooters down to Westridge Midtown Market for ingredients. Each time they go down to our local store, it’s a race to see how long they take to go there and back. This time they broke their previous record and made it in seven minutes. After arriving with the ingredients, my girls like making sure that we all contribute to making breakfast. Chloe operates the stove while Elise prepares the table; I offer support to both of them on their duties and make sure all goes smoothly. Most days in Ojai are sunny, so we take advantage of enjoying the outdoors. There are many ideas that we bounce off each other such as going to Libbey Park or Cluff Vista Park, hiking up Pratt Trail or Signal Street, but ultimately walking
Severo Lara Severo Landscaping, Mayoral Candidate Severo Lara with daughters Chloe and Elise.
downtown to the Art Center Theater to watch a performance is top choice. Afterwards, they naturally run into other friends as we make our way to Ojai Ice Cream to have a little treat. It is great to see how this small town has maintain a sense of community. I remember how my parents would take us to local businesses such as Ojai Ice Cream and it would be an extra bonus to run into friends and neighbors, and today it is nice to see it happen again for the next generation. Part of the advantage of living in a small town is that everything is relatively close by, so it only takes a single
scoop to get us home while walking and talking. Back at home, I begin to connect with family and friends, and we decide that it would be great to have a little potluck tonight. Chloe and Elise get excited and help me prepare for guests. The best part is to observe was all the chaos. Kids are laughing, crying, running… they were being kids. Some adults are inside by the kitchen or living room or outside, and there is a constant flow going in and out of the living areas. Even on short notice, I’m impressed by all the yummy food I can smell that our friends, family and neighbors have prepared. As darkness falls, after feasting on the delicious offerings and enjoyed each other company, we all help gather up dishes, preparing for the next school and work day. That night as my daughters lie in bed; I kiss them on the cheek, telling them how good they were today and how much I love them. I peek about thirty minutes later and can hear their peaceful sleeping breath. Now, I’m ready to turn in too. Note: Severo Lara is running for City Council 2018, for more information go to: SeveroLaraForMayor.com
SOLD IN OJAI
Marsha Kaye
Homes Sold Last Month
Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 358407
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES 410 Church Road #26, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,329 Sq. Ft. Listed $489,000. Sold $474,000 406 Descanso Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,406 Sq. Ft. Listed $639,000. Sold $550,000 85 Apricot Street, Oak View, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,560 Sq. Ft. Listed $589,000. Sold $589,000 1006 Grandview Avenue 5 bed, 3 bath, 2,565 Sq. Ft. Listed $689,000. Sold $610,000 509 Vallerio Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,843 Sq. Ft. Listed $639,000. Sold $625,000 220 Mountain View Street, Oak View, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,527 Sq. Ft. Listed $665,000. Sold $632,000
Business/Cell: (805) 640-0654 Fax: (877) 295-8577 marsha.kaye@homebridge.com homebridge.com/marshakaye
$650,000. Sold $650,000 701 Grandview Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,296 Sq. Ft. Listed 679,000. Sold $675,000 2024 Woodland Avenue, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,953 Sq. Ft. Listed $750,000. Sold $712,000
Shop at Home – Ojai has it All!
902 Daly Road, 2 bed, 1.25 bath, 1,297 Sq. Ft. Listed $775,000. Sold $750,000 782 Quail Street, 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,500 Sq. Ft. Listed $995,000. Sold $900,000
Marsha proudly serves homebuyers in the Ojai Valley with the touch of a local lender who knows the neighborhood.
1035 La Luna Avenue, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,278 Sq. Ft. Listed $929,000. Sold $925,000 888 Baldwin Road, 5 bed, 4 bath, 3,703 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,990,000. Sold $1,830,000
10440 North Karen Avenue, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,183 Sq. Ft. Listed
Our knowledgeable and caring Mortgage Loan Originators are dedicated to providing our local clients with world-class service. HomeBridge offers a variety of home loan solutions including first-time homebuyer programs, FHA and VA, conventional, jumbo, super jumbo and more. Contact me today to get started. Go home shopping this weekend!
Marsha Kaye Your Ojai Home Loan Specialist. Home town solutions for your lending needs.
Information provided by Ojai MLS
HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc.; Corporate NMLS ID #6521 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess. org); 194 Wood Avenue South, 9th Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830; (866) 933-6342. Licensed by the Dept. of Business Oversight under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Branch address: 307 East Matilija Street, Suite G, Ojai, CA 93023. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. 06/2017 Rev 3.29.18 (1117-1295F); LR 2018-208
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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
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
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WHO’S WHO
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
Dennis Guernsey Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe OjaiColdwellBanker.com 805-798-1998
Nora Davis Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177
Amy Hall Ojai Valley Real Estate Keller Williams AmyHallSellsHomes @gmail.com AmyHallSellsHomes .kw.com Making Your Dream A Reality 805 444 7874
805-207-5094
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Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Marsha.Kaye@ HomeBridge. com
Kirk Ellison Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905
Korina 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
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
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805-830-3254
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 Creating Our Own WONDERFUL TIMES ‘Field of D reams’ OF THE YEAR
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
Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty 109 N. Blanche St. #100 Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com
Joe Davis Full service property management, residential • Commercial • Industrial JoeTheRentalGuy.com. 805-574-9774
Kathy Hoff Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup. com
Don & Cheree Edwards RE/MAX Gold Coast Ojai’s Top Selling Team LivinginOjai.com 805.340.3192 805.350.7575
Dawn E. Shook Executive Officer, Ojai Dawn E. Shook -- Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Board of Valley Board ofREALTORS REALTORS
MyAugust, favoriteitsport, which played in the empty In will be “The IMost Wonderful Time of the field near our Christmas, home in upstate NewifYork, all of Year”! No, not however you’rewith a parent the neighborhood kids: school-age children, it isBaseball! the beginning of school! Our Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS Marketing Committee created Operation Ojai School We could gather in OOSS a flash,orall ages, with balls Supplies, last year.kinds, We gathered supplies, backand bats of many to beginschool an afternoon packs, paper,were glue,whatever tissues, pencils, pens, notebooks, game. Bases we could gather and so much donated theneeded community and together, and more, we had all thatby was to enterrealtors. tain the group for hours. We deliveredmy sixMom hugecalling boxes of of school I remember usall to kinds come home for supplies to the District so Sumthey could supper, as itOjai wasUnified getting School a bit dark to play. distribute to our elementary and middle for schools. mertime was great in the neighborhood all of What aushappy teachers, — we day had for room to playand andus. we all were happy campers to be able to use the empty field as our “Fieldwe of are Dreams.” Now at it again, getting ready to fill our boxes to the top with all kinds of needed school supplies. Lucky forifussome theseofsupplies are plentiful and at a great I wonder the other kids remember it as price now. We have already received a large I do ...right probably! contribution from the Ojai Valley Lions Club, and with that will purchase backpacks! We would Pro baseball gamesmany are also fun to watch, better like to Optimist Club of bothtoo. Rotary in challenge person at the fields, however TVOjai, works, Clubs, and anyone else to donatefavorite, what they The Dodgers are my hometeam andcan myto help us, and help Ojai Unified School teachers husband andthe friends like to go to theDistrict home games and students. as much as we can. The deadline to donate itemsin orthe give money is August There is nothing like sitting arena in your 10 at The Ojaihotdogs Valley Board of REALTORS. School seats, eating and peanuts, just enjoying starts August and we want thewith kids all to have the game. It is22, truly a group sport the what they need for a and greattradition school year! music, chants, rolled into one event. Go Dodgers! See you about town. See you about town!
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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 left. The trailhead is a further half-mile. Length: 4.4 miles to
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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.
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We know Ojai.
4 BR + 2.5 BA fully remodeled farmhouse on approximately 3.24 acres with guest house, breezeway barn, orchard, solar panels, avocado trees, wrap-around porch and custom upgrades throughout. www.990LomaDrive.com $1,665,000
277+ Acre Ranch with 5 Houses, Horse Facilities, Stunning Views & More www.29443hwy33.com $6,250,000
Enjoy the charm of a 1941 farmhouse with versatile rooms, great views, and approximately 2.58 acres of flat, usable land. $1,250,000
This charming home minutes from downtown Ojai and Lake Casitas offers three bedrooms, office, formal and casual dining, family room, workshop with covered deck, owned solar panels, stone fireplace, drought-tolerant landscaping, two walk-in closets, and custom upgrades throughout. $789,000
The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com
Nora Davis
BRE License #01046067
805.207.6177
nora@ojaivalleyestates.com
We’re lifelong residents.
Don’t miss out on this beautifully remodeled 3BR, 2BA home with mountain views, three-car garage, outdoor living areas, gorgeous rock work, plantation shutters, laundry room, and so much more. $789,500
5 Bedroom Horse Property with Guest House, Pool, Horse Facilities and Views www.1577KenewaStreet.com
$2,895,000
Remodeled, three-bedroom Oaks West home with wood floors, gas fireplace, low-maintenance landscaping and RV parking. $649,000
Kellye Lynn
BRE License #01962469
805.798.0322
Rare opportunity to buy Gateway Plaza! Oak View shopping center with long-term occupants, large parking lot and great location. $1,795,000
JOIN OVER 60,000 CALIFORNIANS AS WE COME TOGETHER TO CLEAN UP OUR STATE’S BEACHES AND WATERWAYS
Let’s Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Bring your own bags, buckets, and a reusable water bottle. For more information & site locations visit:
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