Ojai Monthly — December 2019

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MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

LIFE IN SHORTS

Second Ojai Short Film Festival Acts Local, Screens Global SAVING SPACE FOR PATIO PRIDE PEGGIE WILLIAMSON & THE ARTS OF OJAI

Cover Photo Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company, See page 12

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM OM — December 2019

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An Artist’s Eye On nearly an acre of land, this proper ty was designed with an ar tist ’s eye, where ever y detail inside and out fits into a unified vision. From the tiles of the outdoor shower to the color ful drought tolerant landscaping, the play of light and color inspire joy and a sense of integration. The 1200 ft2 finished studio with bath can ser ve as a grand creative workshop or an expansive gym. Even the 34-foot Excella Airstream, a per fec t room for guests, reflec ts a stylish and whimsical attitude. The spacious back yard provides a restorative and luxurious outdoor environment.

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EAST END CONTEMPORARY This newly remodeled and completely renovated contemporar y masterpiece on the bucolic East End exemplifies good taste and quality construc tion. Clerestor y windows, French doors and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams create a light and spacious environment. The floors are beautiful white oak and the k itchen counters are Statuarietto marble. I t has been built with the finest quality doors, appliances and fix tures. The bathrooms have mosaic traver tine floors and Carerra marble -tiled bath and shower. The master bedroom balcony has mountain views in two direc tions with decorative Granada wall tiles, Porcelanosa floor tiles and an outdoor shower.

1701McNellRdOjai.com Offered at $3,250,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

Presented by

(805) 340-3774

pattywaltcher.com OM — December 2019

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PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

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

UPPER OJAI MAGIC Ultra-private estate on 26 acres in upper Ojai with incredible views, an exquisitely designed ranch-style home, a gorgeous split level barn/guest house and a pool. Built with the finest materials, it features a great room with exposed beams, stone fireplace, immaculate wood floors, state-of-art chef’s kitchen, custom french doors and an outdoor entertainment area.

10580O j a i S a nta Pa u l a R dO ja i . com

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O ffered at 4, 250, 000

THE EL TORO ESTATE: AN HISTORICAL WORK OF ART This Spanish Colonial Estate was built in 1926 by architect Arthur E. Harvey, creator of the Château Élysée in Los Angeles; on 8 lush acres, it has incredible views. The main house was authentically and beautifully restored with an architectural historian from the original blueprints. Allen Construction from Montecito used the finest materials and and paid exquisite attention to detail.

The property is truly a work of art, from the historical tiles to the arched entryways. It feels like a modernized California Mission. The main house has 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms; the property includes a well, a tennis court, a pool, and a 2br/2ba guest house. Ecological landscape design facilitates water retention that feeds a huge variety of fruit trees.

11 90 E l To ro R dO j ai. co m

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PATTY WALTCHER

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

(805) 340-3774 pattywaltcher.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019

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Editor’s Note

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Calendar of Events

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Featured Event: Ojai Short Film Fest

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Featured Professional:

Peggy Williamson

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The Mysteries of Loans & Location

33

Sold in Ojai

34

Who’s Who In Ojai

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Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide

37

Chef Randy — Chana Masala

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Eat in Ojai — Restaurant Guide

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40 Top 7 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry 42

Ideal Ojai Day — Celeste Matesevac

& Marcia Doty, BookEnds Bookstore

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44 Ojai Facts & Founders

DISCOVER CE

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

Cover: Sue Gruber and Crew at the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company.

M BE R 20

MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide

LIFE IN SHORTS

Second Ojai Short Film Festival Acts Local, Screens Global DO YOU HEAR? The Story Behind the Songs

PEGGIE WILLIAMSON & THE ARTS OF OJAI

40 Cover Photo Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company, See page XX

Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics See More At OJAIHUB.COM OM — December 2019

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DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY THE PRICE OF KNOWING Juvenal wrote, “Everyone wants to know, but no one wants to pay the price.” My grandfather said much the same, “If you twist a mule’s tail, you won’t be as pretty as you once were, but you will know something.”

That seems to be the state of things today. It’s so much easier to regurgitate talking points from our preferred sources than to stretch against the constraints of our comfort zone and learn something new.

New is scary. It kicks like a mule.

Bret Bradigan Social media has fully weaponized these tendencies to retreat into the false comforts of our confirmation biases. Because of a particular characteristic of the human condition — that we are more engaged by outrage than thoughtfulness and fair-mindedness — forces inimical to our country have, with very low cost and incredible success, been able to pit us one against the other. As Churchill said, “A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can get on its pants.” The algorithms that determine much, if not most, of the information we consume reward distrust and division, stewing up resentments and hostility. Of course, we do most of the hating to each other, Putin’s KGB-training merely gave him the wherewithal to amplify and direct the discord.

The Pew Research Center dived deep into the fractures in a recent survey that asked people about several current topics — raising the minimum wage, banning assault weapons and expanding the border wall. Also surveyed was Trump’s job performance. The context for the survey “we asked them to imagine being at a small dinner with people who took the opposite view from their own on all these topics,” according to the Pew researchers. “This approach proved revealing: People said they would be more comfortable talking about the three other topics than about Trump … Those who disapproved of the way he is handling his job were far less likely than Trump approvers to say they would be willing to share their opinions about him in a social gathering with those who had the opposite view (43 percent of those who disapproved vs. 57 percent of those who approved).”

It’s also illuminating to see how people’s views about political behavior vary “for those on ‘your team’ vs. ‘other team.’” We apparently are very comfortable holding other people to standards we don’t require for our own side. “For example,” according to the Pew study, “nearly eight-in-ten Republicans said it was very important for Democratic officials to treat their opponents with respect and be willing to compromise — and about the same share of Democrats said this about Republican officials — but only about half said it was very important for their own party’s officials to act this way.”

In Ojai, we have seen, at a lower volume but with the same disharmony, similar themes emerging. The campaign in 2017 to shut down the Visitors Bureau is one example. The back-and-forth on Facebook was depressing. There didn’t seem to be any incentive to find common ground. People would post hateful comments they’d never say to someone’s face.

I’ve never understood why tourism is considered such an intrusion. Whatever happened to the oldfashioned graciousness of playing host, of learning from each other and making the world smaller?

Plus, what’s a better base for an economy than tourism? They come, they spend money and enjoy our beautiful community and then they leave.

I’ve lived in small towns where the economy was built around copper mining, state prisons and as a supply depot for polygamist communities across the border in Mexico. I can assure you that being a beautifully designed community amid astonishing natural beauty isn’t something we should be selfish about. In this age of free-floating anxiety, the world needs serene places of healing and reflection more than ever. It’s never been more difficult to find common ground. It’s also never been more necessary.

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1129 Maricopa Highway, Ojai - at the "Y”

OM — December 2019

LIQUOR WINE BEER LOCAL MERCH PACKAGING & SUPPLIES SHIPPING MAILBOX RENTAL MONEY ORDERS COPIES FAX SERVICES OFFICE SUPPLIES DOCUMENT SHREDDING

180 N. Poli Street - $655,000

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Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom/2 bathroom, 1,530 sq. ft. home with bonus room. Newer wood floors, lighting, updated kitchen and baths, plus plenty of room for RV parking. Located just 2 blocks from local restaurants!

Refreshed 4 bed/2 bath, 1,311 sq. ft. home on a .24 acre lot. Newer wood-look flooring, interior paint, modernized kitchen and bathrooms with newer cabinets and granite and stone counters, great neighborhood!

Sale pending

501 Vallerio Avenue - $799,999

1442 S. Rice Road - $1,299,000

3 bedroom/2 bathroom, 1,893 sq. ft. home on .34 acres w/Venetian plaster walls, a huge family/entertainment room, “Pink Moment” sunsets, remodeled bathrooms, and room for a pool or large garden. Turn-key!

Spacious 7 bed/5 bath, 6,484 sq. ft. home on 1.17 acres.

Separate permitted 1 bed/1 bath guest suite allows for potential rental income. Gorgeously landscaped grounds. Horses allowed!

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59 W. Calle El Prado - $549,000 4 bedroom/2 bathroom, 1,584 sq. ft. home with bonus room, located in Oak View. Large master bedroom w/ en-suite bath, terraced back yard. Easy access to Ojai and Ventura!

DRE# 01761150, 00780642, 01877842

Phone: 805.272.5221 ~ Email: Team@DeckertDePaola.com ~ Web: www.BestBuysInOjai.com OM — December 2019

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1615 McNELL Casual Farm House in Ojai's East End. This open floor-plan includes a great room with vaulted and beamed ceilings and a massive rock fireplace, and an open kitchen with custom mahogany cabinets. $1,800,000.

4821 GRAND AVENUE Ojai East End. Highly desired area of Ojai Valley. The spacious living room offers a La Cantina folding door, floor to ceiling rock fireplace, wood-beamed ceiling and wood floors. $2,700,000

CATHY TITUS 10

CLDRE 01173283 In the Real Estate Industry Since 1986 (805) 798-0960 • cathytitusojai@gmail.com OM — December 2019

2144-2150 BALDWIN ROAD OJAI Private Estate 85 plus acres 6 legal parcels $5,000,000

12841 TREERANCH RD Moonview, a wonderful Upper Ojai home situated on 1.30 acres near the end of a private lane. Graced with inviting and comfortable living areas both inside and out. $1,295,000

OM — December 2019

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Stephen Adelman

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PA T T Y WA LT C H E R

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

UPPER OJAI MAGIC Ultra-private estate on 26 acres in upper Ojai with incredible views, an exquisitely designed ranch-style home, a gorgeous split level barn/guest house and a pool. Built with the finest materials, it features a great room with exposed beams, stone fireplace, immaculate wood floors, state-of-art chef’s kitchen, custom french doors and an outdoor entertainment area.

10580O j a i S a nta Pa u l a R dO ja i. com

O ffered at 4, 250, 000

OM — December 2019

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DEC. 5 & DEC. 19 FREE COMMUNITY SEMINAR SERIES - EASTERN CLASSICS Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Times: 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Contact: greatbooksojai.com or greatbooksojai@gmail.com.

Like the West, the East has its own tradition of influential texts that address the perennial questions of human kind, including the scheduled material, “The Tao Te Ching,” chapters 4 and 5 ​ DEC. 7-8 OJAI COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT Location: Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road Times: 7 p.m. on Dec. 7, 3 p.m. on Dec. 8

Contact: ojaichorus.wordpress.com 805-640-0468 The Chorus will present excerpts from a moving and beautiful oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard,” explaining the events leading up to the death of 21-year old Matthew Shepard, focusing on an ultimate message of love and hope. Also featured will be excerpts from “Messiah” plus traditional holiday music.

DEC. 7 AGORA FOUNDATION ONE-DAY SEMINAR - LYRIC POETRY OF EMILY DICKINSON AND SYLVIA PLATH Location: The Agora Foundation, 417 Bryant Circle Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact: greatbooksojai@gmail.com or great-

REOCCURING EVENTS REOCCURING Certified Farmer’sEVENTS Market

booksojai.com. With a tutor, Elizabeth Reyes of Thomas Aquinas College DEC. 9 & DEC. 23 FREE COMMUNITY SEMINAR SERIES THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR REPUBLIC Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue.

Times: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Contact: greatbooksojai@gmail.com or greatbooksojai.com.​ What are the fundamental principles of our Republic? Are these principles based on objective reality, or simply the “consent of the governed”?

DECEMBER 12 – MARCH 1 WORKS ON PAPER GUSTAV KLIMT AND

Contact: 295-8687 Historical Walking Tours of Ojai venturafoodtours.com Date: Saturdays, October through June Certified Time: 10:30 a.m.

Date: EveryFarmer’s Sunday Market Date: Every Morning, Guided and Full Moon Location: Departs from the Ojai Valley Time: 9 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m.

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meditations Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 698-5555 Contact: 698-5555 Date: TBD Contact: 640-1390 Location: Matilija Street city parking lot Location: Matilija the Arcade.

Location: Meditation Mount, 10340 ojaivalleymuseum.org behind the Arcade.Street city parking lot behind Open air air market market featuring featuring locally locally grown produce, plants, musicians and handmade items, including Reeves Road soaps, baskets, beeswax Open candles and olive oil.

Contact: 646-5508 ext.103 “Eating Ojai” Food Tour grown produce, plants, musicians and meditationmount.org Date: Call to schedule handmade items, including soaps, basHistorical Walking of Ojai Note: Meditation Mount has been on hiTime: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. kets, beeswax candles Tours and olive oil.

Date: Every Tuesday through Sunday atus since the Thomas Fire. Check their Location: Varies Time: Please call the Museum office to schedule 14

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OPPOSITE PAGE: The Agora Foundation is hosting a one-day seminar on the poetry of Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath. The Ojai Community Chorus is performing a Dec. 7th oratorio about Matthew Shepard.

THIS PAGE: The Ojai Short Film Festival will bring in dozens of top works from all over the world, Dec. 13-15. The Rubicon Theatre’s is going all in for the holidays with “Plaid Tidings,” Dec. 11-29.

World,” and “The Dreidl Song.”

EGON SCHIELE Location: canvas and paper, 311 North Montgomery Street Times: Thursday – Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

Contact: canvasandpaper.org canvas and paper is a non-profit exhibition space showing paintings and drawings from the 20th century and earlier in thematic and single artist exhibits.

DECEMBER 13-15 OJAI SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Locations: Sane Living Center, 316 East Ojai Avenue, and Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road Times: Varies Contact: ojaishortfilmfest.com 818-220-3671 The first Short Film Festival in 2018 brought

website at meditationmount.org.

“Third Fridays” Date: Third Friday of the month Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Businesses Contact: 640-1390 OjaiVillageExperience.com “Ojai Fiction Writing Workshop” Date: Every Thursday Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

33 films into the competition, including the Oscar-winning documentary short, “Period.

End of Sentence.” This year promises even more superb films, including “Laboratory Conditions” starring Marisa Tomei and Minnie Driver, as well as “Boy Boy Girl Girl,” with Katie Holmes and Ajay Naidu.

DECEMBER 14 DECK THE HALLS HOLIDAY MARKET Location: Rancho Inn, 615 West Ojai Avenue Times: 10 a.m. to evening Contact: Shelter Social Club, 805-646-1434.

Along with dozens of vendors of premier curated products, there will be live music at Ojai’s premier holiday marketplace.

DEC. 11-29 “FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS” Location: Rubicon Theatre, 1006 East Main Street, Ventura Times: Varies, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees Contact: 805-667-2900, rubicontheatre.org.

Hilarious and heartwarming, this shows puts the “cool” in “Yule” and is perfect for the whole family with holiday hits like “Joy To The

DECEMBER 15 FIRESTICK POTTERY HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE Location: Firestick Pottery, 1804 East Ojai Avenue Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact: 805-272-8760 This annual event will feature classes, gift certificates, studio tours and lots of holiday cheer. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ojai nonprofit groups.

Location: Ojai Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-6865 vencolibrary.org “Shakespeare Salon” 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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“Ojai Seeker’s Bike Tour” Date: By reservation 48 hrs in advance Time: varies Meditation Mount Location: varies hosts Full Moon MedContact: 272-8102 or email ride@ itations. Check their themobshop.com or onlineat atmeditationwebsite porchgalleryojai.com mount.org or call 646Ojai bike tour features 5508agricultural, for more updates. artistic, culinary, cultural and historical landmarks in Ojai.

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FILM FEST SHORT

Acting Globally, Screening Locally Ojai Short Film Festival, December 13-15 The inaugural Ojai Short Film Festival proved a surprise success in 2018, earning praise for co-founders Sunil Sadarangani and Amat Segal. This year the festival, maturing quickly, has already taken leaps toward becoming one of Ojai’s key events. Sponsors include Zeiss Camera Lenses and Vuulr.

The Ojai Monthly interviewed the energetic co-founder Sunil Sadarangani, who was born in Mumbai, India and has a deep background in the film industry.

This year, the festival will honor Terry Rossio with the Awha’y Writer Icon Award to Terry Rossio, presented by Zeiss Camera Lenses . Rossio wrote “Laboratory Conditions,” one of films in competition at the festival. He was nominated for an Oscar for “Shrek.”

Where (and with whom) did this idea originate?

My co-founder Aman Segal — an Ojai resident and who works in film production — and I were brainstorming on what we could collaborate on, and he knew that I’ve been producing and writing short films for a long time. He identified a lot of film lovers in Ojai and shared that many venues (new and existing) were looking for film-related cultural events to fill their calendars and a weekend events. That’s how the Ojai Short Film Festival (OSFF) was born.

How did you and Aman connect?

Aman and I share a cultural connection. We were both from India and have a lot of common friends. He also works in film and digital production, as I do, so our paths crossed.

What’s your background?

I was born and raised in Mumbai, India and I’ve worked as an independent film producer in the industry there on a plethora of international and domestic features, documentaries and new media projects. My passion for short films began there and I wrote and produced a number of shorts. I relocated to the United States 10 years ago, expanding my producing career. In the United States, I wrote and produced four more additional short films which screened in festivals around the world. As a

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freelance journalist, I have attended many film festivals including Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes, LA Film Festival etc., and I paid attention. The transition into programming content for OSFF was pretty smooth.

How did you come to Ojai?

First of all, let me say, I have fallen in love with Ojai. Every time I come here, I fall in love a little bit more. I was introduced to Ojai through my co-founder, Aman. Everything that I heard about Ojai, through many colleagues and friends, was true.

Can you describe how the first festival came together?

Who did you reach out to? Did you know a lot of the filmmakers and actors, the industry?

The OSFF came about from a lot of hard work. I am the sole curator on the festival, it being brand new. In the first year, 2018, I received more than a 100 short films. It warmed my heart how the film-making community embraced the festival. I knew there was a community of like-minded storytellers and the sheer number of submissions confirmed that. The inaugural kick-off for the festival was in May of 2018. I only chose six films because I made a decision of the quality that the festival will have and won’t compromise. One of the signature films was “The Black Ghiandola” and Oscar winner and Ojai resident, Peter Farrelly was a consulting producer. He attended the festival and has been very encouraging along the way. Five months later in October 2018 we had a full, two-day screening event and launched it as a bonafide film festival.

I programmed the films by reaching out to film festival programmers, filmmakers and industry colleagues I have known for many years. I also registered the Ojai Short Film Festival on Film Freeway, the premiere film festival submission portal and received an overwhelming number of submissions. This only being our second year, we had a record number of 208 submissions. So the programming was a mix of this curating process.

Any mentors or special gratitude to mention?

I’m grateful for the people of Ojai. They keep showing this festival

Co-founders Sunil Sadarangani, above, and Amat Segal, below.

An Ojai Short Film Festival event from last year.

so much love. This is really a warm community just like people told me. The Programmers of Color Collective have been supportive and encouraging, and I am very blessed to be a part of the collective. I have also received a lot of support and advice from Associate Programmer for 2019 Andrew Danner, AMPAS executive Bettina Fisher, Shorts International acquisitions director and film festival programmer, Linda Olszewski, and entertainment journalist Lapacazo Sandoval. Then there are the volunteers. The festival can’t run without the volunteers and I am most grateful and thankful to them.

You have spoken a bit about the changing media and film landscape.

Can you elaborate?

Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi, the shortform streaming platform is not a surprise for me at all. The industry will wait and watch. If he’s successful, they will replicate his model which is to create platforms for storytellers who want to create.

Short films and short television (now online streaming) series will become more than just calling cards for filmmakers. It will become a viable business model, sooner than later. It’s our goal for OSFF to be able to acquire financing and offer opportunities to filmmakers who are a part of the festival to produce original content but that’s in the future.

What are the special challenges of

writing, directing, acting and producing short films? Is it similar to short stories v. novels? Better analogies?

Story is still king. In my experience as a short filmmaker, the biggest challenge is how to write an effective, well-crafted and clever short script and tell a compelling story within the 5-15 minute duration, and at the same time keeping your budget in mind. Then it boils down to who will help you bring the story to life and on to the screen. You should ideally surround yourself with experienced professionals who will understand the vision of the story ... if one plans smartly, asking for help, or good deals, does work because people see your passion, drive and vision for the future.

You’ve got Ojai Retreat and the Sane Center as venues. Any plans (or need) to expand beyond that?

We do want to expand in the coming years which includes more programming and more financial bandwidth. So working with multiple venues is definitely on the cards. I must add that the Ojai business community and community in general is stepping up and asking us about 2020 and beyond and how they can help for the next festival.

What is your ultimate vision for the Ojai Short Film Festival?

The ultimate vision of the Ojai OM — December 2019

Short Film Fest is to have an extended life in the digital universe, possibly as a film festival app powered by short-form digital streaming platforms such as Quibi, Apple TV and new majors cropping up every day. We are still working on the algorithm, but this allows for creating new opportunities in original programming with our alumni and new creators. Four years ago, I was talking about the future of short content going beyond it being a short film and into short-form series/ mini-series/thematic shorts. I saw this as a thriving business opportunity. Now today here we are on that threshold.

That is why as director of programming, besides screening diverse content from all over the world, I have introduced pilot episodes from budding new series such as the Italian political thriller “L’umo Nuovo”, season 2/episode 2 of Sundance TV/AMC Networks distributed series “This Close”; as well as stand-alone short films such as “Laboratory Conditions,” starring Marisa Tomei and Minnie Driver that have major series/feature motion picture potential.

Have you thought of cross-pollinating with the Ojai Film Festival?

Yes, we have thought about cross-pollinating with the Ojai Film Festival. They have been very supportive and we are most grateful they are putting their arms around us!

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FIRESTICK POTTERY HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE Sunday, December 15th HAND-MADE CERAMIC ORNAMENTS ON SALE OR DECORATE YOUR OWN!

10am to 6pm

All proceeds will benefit OJAI VALLEY NONPROFITS

COME ONE AND ALL!

1804 E Ojai Avenue 805.272.8760

Holiday Cheer and Snacks Free Studio Tours Gift Certificates Available

firestickpottery.com

OM — December 2019

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THE ENDURING POWER OF DREAMS Ojai Valley Youth Foundation’s MLK Jr. Celebrating 20th Anniversary on Jan. 20th

By Ela Ruf and Karen Murillo For 20 years, a group of young leaders from the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation have been organizing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations in Ojai.

This year, the teens have been meeting weekly since the beginning of the school year to decide on a theme, choose a particularly appropriate quote from the Civil Rights leader, invite guests and speakers, along with music and visual arts.

This year’s quote from Dr. King is: “There is within nature an amazing potential for goodness,” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is right around the corner. Ojai has celebrated this event for the past two decades.

This year we hope to put an emphasis on the sense of community and passion with our theme, “Pay attention.

Inspire change together.”

We invite you to join in the celebration at Libbey Park on Monday, January 20, 2020.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. He spoke up for what he believed in, becoming a leader of change. His message continues to inspire many to become their best selves.

Every year, we celebrate this day to honor him and as a reminder to continue to stand up for what is right.

What he did is so important, but it is also important to be aware of what we are doing today.

ojaihub.com

Ojai’s community website 20

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Events • News • Explore

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

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Authorized Dealer

OM — December 2019

Donna Sallen

Nestled on over an acre of land, this Italian Villa inspired estate is just minutes from downtown Ojai. This impressive family home is perfect for entertaining with the formal dining opening to the light filled formal living room with an elegant marble fireplace. The kitchen is open to the den with a large fireplace and overlooks the huge covered deck for relaxing. A charm filled master suite is warmed with a corner fireplace and lots of windows. There are marble and hardwood floors throughout and nearly every room opens to the amazing backyard. With a huge pool, a cooks dream outdoor kitchen, nanny’s quarters, a treehouse, (not just for the kids), and a variety of fruit trees and Majestic oaks this home has something to offer all your friends and family. There is a three car garage and plenty of parking. This completely fenced, gated and secluded property is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and Libbey park.

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

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

OM — December 2019

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Donna Sallen

Fabulous and charmingly inviting, this two-story Victorian estate is nestled in the magical East End of Ojai. Surrounded by organic orchards and meticulous landscaping, this home is filled with Southern Charm. The wrap-around porch looks out to the gardens, as the country kitchen and breakfast nook looks out to the pool and tennis court. Perfectly situated nearby are the spacious guesthouse, separate cottages, and a writer’s studio creating plenty of living space for friends and family.

This relaxing and inviting estate is truly elegant.

On more than an acre of land, nestled among the majestic oak trees, you will find a lovely Craftsman style home. As you enter the home you will notice the large picture windows showcasing the great room with vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace.

Sitting on over three acres in the prestigious Persimmon Hill area of downtown Ojai. This five-bedroom, three-bathroom sprawling ranch style home showcases open-beamed vaulted ceilings, a stunning great room with a massive brick fireplace, formal dining room, hardwood floors and a large master suite.

There’s no place like home ...

Let me find yours.

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OM — December 2019

Sitting perfectly on over an acre of land with citrus fruits and a driveway of Cypress trees.

Located minutes away from trails, organic grocer, coffee shops and yoga studio. This home has the modern design that unites family spirit, cozy atmosphere and large open spaces. Recently renovated, this light filled house has a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors and custom doors leading out to a private backyard. The property’s meandering paths lead to an artist studio and a sleeping cottage. This home is made for a true Ojai lifestyle.

WOW, two houses - one lot...Located in the heart of downtown Ojai, there are two homes on one oversized lot to give you a flexible lifestyle. The main home has hardwood floors, nice open kitchen to the dining room and has been tastefully updated. There is a bonus room in the main home allowing for a third bedroom or recreation room, or an in-law suite.

Located on the edge of the Historic Arbolada of Ojai, this ranch style home and guest house is gated and private. You are welcomed into this light-filled home with vaulted ceilings, large windows and an open, spacious floor plan with gleaming hardwood floors throughout.

Donna Sallen

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

OM — December 2019

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FEATURED PRO

The Arts of Ojai Living

By Bret Bradigan

If you add up Peggie Williamson’s various careers and activities, you’d be surprised that she’s fit it all into one lifetime. “No, I’m not 100,” said the owner of Ojai Poppies Art & Gift. Williamson has been, either now or at one point in her life, “a psychiatric social worker, college instructor, business owner, mother, plus several others.”

There’s a few consistent themes. For one, she’s long loved the touch and smell of wood. “It reminds me of my Grandpa’s workshop, where he made hand-carved Southwest furniture and I would make roads in the sawdust and would get in his way,” she said. “This was in Sante Fe, New Mexico, where everyone’s an artist, sort of like Ojai.” She went to Colorado for her undergraduate degree, then to graduate school in Massachusetts, “and have lived in many places since then, mostly in Hawai’i and California.

After moving to Ojai in 2008, “it was time for me to do art!” she said. Williamson was one of the original artists at Made In Ojai, the cooperative venture of several dozens artists founded in 2008. She went on from there to become one of the original founders of Ojai Valley Artists, or OVA, formerly housed on Signal Street and now in the Arcade.

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OM — December 2019

Then came the fateful phone call this January from local landlord Ernest Solomon, “asking if I’d like to rent the space where Made in Ojai had been.” I said, “No!’” Yet here we are.”

Opening on March 1, Williamson’s goal “is to give local artists a place to show their work, and locals and visitors a place to enjoy events, take art classes and purchase art,” she said. “My vision is to build a community, not just open a store. And it’s happening!”

Recurring events include the 2nd Sunday Art Market as well as Poppies participation in the downtown merchants 3rd Friday, with local musicians, ice cream social, mermaid party and a fashion show.

Peggie Williamson also notes that artist Holly Woolson has started a book club, and Cindy Kalmenson hosts a fruit and vegetable exchange. Williamson is also contemplating opening a weaving group. The purpose “is to anchor Poppies deeper into the Ojai community,” she said. Much the same can be said on the personal side, as well. “We wanted to retire to a small community where we could ‘anchor in.’ My husband likes tennis and is on the board of ‘The Ojai.’ And I like art, so it’s the perfect place for us.”

Feedback has been consistently positive, with the shop functioning as a welcome center for first-time Ojai visitors.

“Visitors like our ‘friendliness,’ and that we carry all things local. We let them sample Ojai Olive Oil, tell them where to eat and give them an Ojai map,” she said. “Locals like that they know many of the artists in the store, but there’s new ones, too. And our prices are reasonable. Come on in, there’s lots to like!”

Work from 40 local artists are represented at Poppies. Poppies Art & Gift is open daily through the end of 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 323 East Matilija Avenue. Williamson is actively seeking new art and artists. “I would love another wood artist, sculptor and more fiber art,” she said.

Poppies Art Gallery hosts many events, including the Second Sundays art market and the downtown merchants Third Fridays.

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THE LIMITS OF LOANS The geographic differences between high-balance conforming loans

By Therese A. Hartmann

I just received a call from a borrower in Santa Barbara looking to refinance their loan, which is at $675,000.

Now, if they were here in Ventura County where the high-balance loan limit is $713k, I would be able to get him a great rate right now. But in Santa Barbara County, where the limit is $625k, it would mean getting him into a jumbo product with higher rates or have him pay down the loan amount to the limit.

But are there other options, and why is there a disparity between the two counties with regard to loan limits? And who sets those limits anyway?

Most mortgages in the U.S. are conforming loans. These loans are through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government sponsored entities who buy the loans and resell to investors on Wall Street.

These two companies — which are actually private — also set the limits on what they will buy. Now, a high-balance loan is basically a conforming loan that is higher than current conforming loan limits ($484,350 this year) and because of 28

the additional risk, comes with slightly higher rates than a conforming loan.

As home prices rise, so do the loan limits. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) typically will determine limits based on home prices in each area.

As an example, the homes in the Gold Coast area of California would typically be substantially more than a home in North Dakota and this would be taken into consideration as they calculate limits.

Once they come up with numbers, typically determined annually by the middle of December each year, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will adopt them and banks will implement them.

What advice did I give my Santa Barbara borrower?

I asked him to consider putting the refinance on pause and wait to see how high the loan limit comes up. Waiting, in this case, might just save him quite a bit of money.

And this is exactly what you want in a loan officer, someone who understands options and trends and puts them to work for you!

OM — December 2019

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.

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OM — December 2019

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Place Savers: Patio Solutions for Tight Spaces

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

If you have a small patio, it might feel like your options for entertaining or fully enjoying your outdoor living spaces are restricted. But, no matter how small your backyard is, you and your family can still cook, dine, entertain, play, and grow food.

You just have to get a little creative and maximize the space you have.

The first step is determining the musthave functions you plan to use often and other functions that would be nice to have occasionally. This will help inform your decisions as you choose space-saving, dual-purpose furnishings and determine which features should be permanent and which should be portable.

For example, if your must-haves include a play area for your dogs but you would also like to occasionally host dinner parties, choose a dog-friendly ground cover that is easy to keep clean and keep a folding table stored in the garage that only comes out when guests are coming over.

This way, you can create a dual-purpose space to meet your needs.

If you are still in the design phase, keep in mind that a small patio offers an opportunity to use higher-end materials. For

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example, while a large, paving stone patio or composite deck might be outside of many people’s budgets, the price for these materials for a smaller space is far more affordable. Therefore, you may be able to upgrade your hardscapes and stay within your design budget.

The same goes for seating. Since there will be just a few pieces of furniture to purchase, you may be able to splurge a bit and get that outdoor sofa you have had your eye on. To maximize seating, consider a built-in bench around the perimeter of your deck or a sitting wall that both defines your outdoor living area and provides extra seating. To save even more space, talk to your contractor about installing benches that fold down for entertaining or fold up and out of the way when not in use.

For a cozy spot to enjoy your morning coffee or al fresco dining with your partner, consider a bistro table, which will take up minimal space and can be tucked into a corner. You can always keep a folding table and chairs stored in a shed or garage for extra seating when you have guests over.

Another space-saving option is to install

OM — December 2019

a murphy table that folds down for use as a dining table or bar, and then folds up and stores against the wall to be out of the way when not in use.

Speaking of bars, if you entertain often but do not have space for a patio bar, a murphy bar or a rolling bar cart is a great way to store glasses, mixers and liquor while taking up minimal space when you are not entertaining.

Keeping clutter to a minimum is essential when designing a small outdoor living space. One way to minimize clutter is to look for multi-functional pieces that can provide seating and storage. This allows you to store cushions, grilling tools or dog toys without adding a deck box or storage cabinet to your space.

Finally, take advantage of vertical space. If you would like a fire feature but do not have room for a fire pit, consider a wall-mounted, electric fireplace with a low profile. If you would like to grow some of your own food and do not have room for raised garden beds, consider a small container garden or a vertical garden, which offers lots of square footage with a small footprint.

SOLD IN OJAI Homes Sold Last Month

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES 445 Mahoney Avenue, Oak View, 2 bed, 1 bath, 949 Sq. Ft. Listed $425,000. Sold $315,000 410 Church Road #57 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,283 Sq. Ft. Listed $429,000. Sold $399,000 11835 Mirror Lake Ave, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,284 Sq. Ft. Listed $599,500. Sold $550,000 110 East Summer Street, 2 bed, 1.75 bath, 935 Sq. Ft. Listed $579,000. Sold $550,000 310 Fulton Street, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,100 Sq. Ft. Listed $$624,000. Sold $617,000 863 Jose Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,545 Sq. Ft. Listed $625,000. Sold $630.000 108 East Summer Street, 2 bed, 1.75 bath, 850 Sq. Ft. Listed $649,000. Sold $639,000 208 Carrizo Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,209 Sq. Ft. Listed $599,000. Sold $641,000 1872 Country Place, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,044 Sq. Ft. Listed $699,900. Sold $675,000 175 Alto Drive, Oak View, 3 bed, 2.50 bath, 1764 Sq. Ft. Listed $769,000 Sold $692,000

$747,000 Sold $715,00 1254 Cruzero Street, 3 bed, 2.50 bath, 2030 Sq. Ft.Listed $830,000 Sold $742,500

Ojai Valley Real estate Sales/Property Management/Notary (across from Ojai Farmers Market)

FOR RENT OR LEASE DOWNTOWN OJAI

20 Valley View Drive, Oak View, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2368 Sq. Ft. Listed 759,000 Sold $745,000 1106 Ayers Avenue, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1593 Sq. Ft. Listed $775,000 Sold $770,675

x

1109 Golden West Avenue, 2 bed, 2 bath, 1531 Sq. Ft. Listed $800,000 Sold $773,000 1003 Drown Avenue, 4 bed, 2 bath, 1392 Sq. Ft. Listed $799,999 Sold $785,000 98 Kunkle Drive, Oak View, 6 bed, 4.50 bath, 3445 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,150,000 Sold $1,040,000 920 Loma Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, 2030 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,250,000 Sold $1,100,000 804 Daly Road, 5 bed, 3 bath, 2321 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,300,000 Sold $1,240,000

Office space from $250 to $3,000 per month Furnished/Unfurnished 200 square feet to 2,500 square feet First floor or second floor Month-to-month or long leases available CALL RON AT 646-4911

267 Fairview Road, 3 bed, 4 bath, 4001 Sq. Ft. Listed $1,980,000 Sold $1,700,000 603 Palomar Road, 4 bed, 4 bath, 5399 Sq. ft. Listed $2,390,000 Sold $2,375,000

221East Matilija Street, Ojai 805-646-4911 ojaivalleyrealestate.com

1110 Sunset Place, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1753 Sq. Ft. Listed OM — December 2019

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WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com

805-207-5094

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

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

805-798-1998

Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net

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

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

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

805-340-3774

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

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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

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

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Clinton Haugan LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 727 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023 C: (805) 760-2092 O: (805) 646-7288 chaugan@livsothebysrealtyca.com DRE# 02019604

Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734

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

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

Traditions,

cookies and friends Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 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 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup. com

Teresa Rooney LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 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

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

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Dawn E. Shook - Executive Officer, Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS It is holiday time, with wreaths, outdoor decorations, Christmas tree lots opening, and lots of twinkling lights to add to the festivities…

And cookies!

My group of girls is planning on our 30th anniversary of our Cookie Exchange ... hard to believe, but true. Many years ago, my neighbor Alice invited 12 of her friends to each bake 12 dozen cookies.

We all arrived at her home, with each of us bringing a different type of cookie for the exchange. That is a lot of cookies to bake! We each went around the table, choosing one package from each pile of cookies, leaving with the same amount of cookies, but 12 different types of cookies to take home.

That was the fun part! After about 10 years, Alice bowed out, and I took over the holiday tradition for us.

As years went by I began working full time and baking 144 cookies was overwhelming for me.

We almost stopped having the Cookie Exchange, however, Jodie brought up the idea of baking six dozen, and putting six instead of 12 in each bag for the Exchange. Saved by that idea, we forwarded on, and it has worked well for us.

We get together, catch up on each other’s lives, enjoy a holiday beverage, and we each take home our six dozen cookies. I am looking forward to that in early December, now a 30-year tradition for all of us. Happy Holidays to you and your Family! Dawn

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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 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 — December 2019

CHEF RANDY

Chana Masala This vegan and gluten-free dish is a favorite of my friend Brandy. It is a savory dish of cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas), onion, garlic, bay leaves and various Indian spices. It gets its heat from small red chiles and although I only use one chile in this recipe, you can add more if you like it hotter.

INGREDIENTS: CHANA MASALA 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 medium yellow onion (chopped fine) 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 bay leaves 1 dried red chile (break in half) 1 cinnamon stick (break in half) 1 clove garlic (minced) 2 plum tomatoes (chopped) 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) 1 cup vegetable broth Salt to taste 1 teaspoon garam masala Half cup cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Randy Graham is a writer, author, and private chef. He enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens. His food is often called “vegetarian comfort food.” He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog, Willow. Robin and Willow are not vegetarians.

Healthy

Winter

Quick + Easy

Vegan

DIRECTIONS: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook, stirring until soft, about five minutes. Stir in the coriander, cumin, turmeric, bay leaves, chile, cinnamon and garlic.

Cook until fragrant, about one minute more.

Add the tomatoes and cook until almost dry, about two minutes.

Add the chickpeas, ginger, broth and a pinch of salt.

Reduce heat to medium low, cover and stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and a thick sauce forms, about 15 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaves, chile and cinnamon stick.

Stir in the garam masala.

Garnish with cilantro and serve with a side of rice. * I don’t care for dry chana masala. If you like it on the dry side, reduce the broth to half a cup.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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traditional

SAGE MINDFUL MEALS The full farm-to-table experience 217 East Matilija Street, Ojai Phone: (805) 646-9204 sagemindfulmeals.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 Ask us about our Honey Club! www.heavenlyhoneycompany.com | 805-633-9103

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OJAI HIKES

7 WAYS TO GET LOST

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. 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 or 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 a trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead just north of the intersection with Lomita Road.

Also from South 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 many miles of trails to choose from.

6. COZY DELL TRAIL Directions: Head east on the 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 well-forested and wild-flowered canyon to a ridgeline knoll with spectacular views of the Ojai Valley.

7. MIDDLE FORK OF MATILIJA CANYON

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 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 on the Gridley Road.

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Follow it to the gated end, about two miles. Length: 3 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, then follows an orchard road through avocado trees before making a northeastward turn along the rocky western flank of the mountainside. The trail winds along the steep flank of the mountain until it enters the cool, dense side canyon wherein lies Gridley Springs.

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Directions: Head east on Highway 33 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. 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. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads you to the fabled Three Falls of the Matilija.

OQ | HI K I NG M AP 1

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

2 VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 520 ft (Wills-Rice) 5 HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft | Goes to the Pines.

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

3

4

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

6

7

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.

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

9

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

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

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OUR IDEAL OJAI DAY

With Celeste Matesevac & Marcia Doty, Book Ends Bookstore

Celeste Matesevac with Willa and Read Those of us who live in the Ojai Valley are truly blessed. Inspired by fascinating people with incredible and varied talents, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and enriched by a city more like a village with a fabled artistic history, we find ourselves expanding our own boundaries, making new friends daily and living a life that sparkles with the intensity of Ojai’s own “Pink Moment.”

At BookEnds, the morning starts early.

Our two self-winding alarm clocks, Willa and Read (BookEnds’ canine component) welcome the sun by ensuring that their human companions are also awake and ready to explore the delights of the day.

Once the pooches are settled after some serious squirrel sniffing, Celeste Matesevac and I leave to pick up our friend from The Gables for “Breakfast at

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Bonnie Lu’s” where we are greeted with hugs by the staff, enjoy a delicious meal and catch up on the local news. From there, a stop to visit with Meg Goodwin at her “Ojai House” and see what’s new in her unique shop. (There is always something new and wonderful there!)

Then a quick stop at Stacey Jones’ Ojai Coffee Roasting Company just to check in on her. Well, to check in on her AND get a delicious coffee to help us start OUR workday!

Then it’s time to head back to Meiners Oaks and open BookEnds Bookstore & Curiosities! First though, Celeste performs the daily ceremonial “dusting of the books” while I make room for more books on the shelves.

Celeste begins to open the three book shop areas: the 125-year-old door to our beautiful bookstore reimagined within

OM — December 2019

a 1943 church, followed by the 1961 Airstream (The Addendum) and the Tiny House Out Post (DIY). Each filled with fun and interesting books.

As the morning gets underway, Celeste repairs and stacks books so yours truly, Marcia Doty, can distribute them in their appropriate places among the various genres for discovery by our customers.

Throughout the day, we have the opportunity to chat with local customers and visitors from all over the world as they explore Meiners Oaks on foot, by car and by trolley.

You can see BookEnds Bookstore is part of Ojai Museum’s newest exhibit: “Legacy: Krishnamurti & Ojai.” It runs until January and is a spectacular history of our valley in relation to Krishnamurti’s incredible influence which is a large part of how BookEnds came to be in Ojai.

Celeste Matesevac and Marcia Doty As our energy begins to wane, Marcia heads to Coffee Connection for a restorative cup of power booster and, walking back, says hello to myriad locals enjoying their day.

Celeste takes a short walk up El Roblar Drive to the Farmer and the Cook for her favorite chai drink. Then Marcia is off to ACE Hardware for supplies for our next project.

At mid-day, it’s time to walk the girls (Read and Willa) in for grooming by their favorite groomer, Jessica at Puff N Fluff Pet Grooming. The girls love their spa time! At least once during the day, Celeste hops up to peek over the fence and say hello to our neighbors at “Vintage” to view treasures outside and in.

Our day comes to an end — we close all the doors and head to Papa Lennon’s for a delightful dinner and an enjoyable evening with friends.

Meiners Oaks has its own unique “vibe” that has attracted a fascinating “tribe!” We invite you to visit … you might not want to leave!

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FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the buildbing of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade — others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few: Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement.

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

Weather in Ojai

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Ave. High (°F) 67 67 70 74 78 83 89 91 87 80 73 66

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:

Ave. Low 36 38 41 43 48 51 56 55 53 47 40 35

Precip.

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

Average Annual Rainfall:

21.3

Record High Year 115° 2018

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

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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.”

Located in the East End of Ojai, charming updated, mid-century home with a welcoming covered porch, located on a fully fenced, quarter acre with the view of the Topa Topa Mtns.

Refinished oak floors, updated kitchen with breakfast nook, formal dining room with picture window, spacious living room with fireplace, bay window and window seat, plus bonus room (can be den/office/3rd bedroom). Beautiful custom wrought iron fencing, rock wall, raised bed planters, fruit trees, grass areas and 2 car garage.

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

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We know Ojai.

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805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

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

Four Bedroom Arbolada Home with two fireplaces, Separate Office & Saltwater Pool 802ElToroRoad.com $1,749,000

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Ramiro Martinez

Jan Lewis

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805.630-2884

805.750.1279

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GAB R I E LA C E S E Ñ A

CAL BRE# 01983530 Realtor | Luxury Specialist Berkshire Hathaway

Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction.

Driven by passion for the work I do 805.236.3814 | gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com

COMING SOON

Coming Soon | Midtown Charmer with impressive views | Turnkey | Phenomenal neighborhood | Please call for details

Experience a life of ultimate luxury in this thoughtfully designed downtown Modern Hacienda infused with romance and beauty at every turn.

Ideally located moments from the renowned Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, bike

Cesena, Gabriela - Winter 2019.indd 1

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trails, Libbey Park & Bowl, ultra-hip coffee shops, restaurants, & wineries, this sophisticated home lives like a dream. This inspired residence offers the ultimate sense of relaxed country living in perfect harmony with nature!

11/18/19 3:37 PM

OM — December 2019