Everything about this private estate has been refined and perfected to create one of the most magnificent properties in Ojai. On 9+ acres with truly exquisite gardens, the entire property has awesome views of the valley and mountains to the west. The compound includes a main house, a guest house, a studio, a pool, 2 greenhouses, an entertainment barn, a pool house, a brand new tennis court with pavillion, solar and a well. Every location takes full advantage of the natural beauty and each detail has been finished with the utmost care to make it breathtakingly beautiful, warm and luxuriously livable.
LuxuryEastEndEstateOjai.com
Price Upon Request
construction of the 5100 sqft, 4br/5ba home is finished with the highest quality materials, appliances and fixtures. An H-shaped floorplan separates private sleeping areas from public social areas. The open living area includes a chef’s kitchen, a 2-sided fireplace, and a wine tasting room. The grounds feature a 100% organic vineyard, pool/spa with epic views, and multiple courtyards and verandas to take full advantage of the spectacular natural setting.
Discover a hidden gem in the prestigious Upper Ojai Valley at 12617 Koenigstein Road. This property sits in the heart of Bear Canyon, along Bear Creek, beneath the foothills of the Topa Topas. This enchanting Craftsmanstyle, historical farmhouse is beautifully situated on roughly 6 acres of verdant land, bordered by a tranquil creek. The property has been meticulously restored, merging its historical charm with contemporary upgrades for today’s lifestyle. Oasis in the Ojai Valley
Bret Bradigan
THE ILLUSION OF AUTHORITY
"Those
In the early 20th century, during the tumultuous period of the Mexican Revolution, a peasant with little formal education rose to prominence as a fiery orator. His speeches, punctuated by dramatic flourishes and documents held aloft as though they were sacred texts, roused the masses to action. But one day, as he passionately waved his papers in front of a crowd, a criollo on horseback noticed something peculiar: the documents were upside down. Why does that seem familiar?
Realizing that the orator couldn’t actually read, the aristocrat shouted, “This man is a fraud! Those papers are upside down!” The orator, unfazed, retorted, “What difference does it make which side is up if you know how to read?” This audacious, nonsensical response was enough to urge the crowd to turn against the interloper, who was quickly chased away by the agitated campesinos.
This anecdote reminds me of today’s age of social media, where children and many adults are constantly performing on a digital stage, crafting identities and narratives that may not always reflect the truth. Just as the peasant's authority was based on perception rather than reality, social media has created an environment where the line between authenticity and artifice is increasingly blurred.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have turned everyday life into performance art. Users carefully select what to share, highlighting the best aspects of their lives while concealing the less glamorous details. In doing so, they create a digital persona that, much like the peasant’s oratory, is designed to captivate and influence an audience's baser instincts. The power of a well-curated image or a viral post can be immense, convincing others of a certain narrative, even if it’s not entirely true.
I see this today in the ill-informed rambles on NextDoor, the latest cesspool into which the body politic spews its grievances. That, and missing cats and dogs. I guess that's a balance of a sort.
For kids growing up in this environment, the pressure to maintain a polished and appealing online presence can be overwhelming. They learn to measure their worth in followers, likes, and comments, much like how the peasant gauged his success by the reactions of the crowd. The danger, however, lies in the potential for these children to become disconnected from their true selves. That's why I'm happy that Nordhoff has adopted a no-cell phone zone. There needs to be digital-free spaces for students to regain some sense of perspective, so they don't keep mistaking the map for the territory. Even just a few minutes away can be enough to break the spell.
Adults, too, are not immune to this phenomenon. We find ourselves caught in the cycle of curating an online persona that bears little resemblance to our offline lives. We may post about achievements and joyful moments, but rarely about struggles and failures. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disconnection, as we compare our own lives to the idealized versions presented by others. "Comparison is the thief of joy," supposedly said Teddy Roosevelt.
In a world where everyone is constantly on stage, the challenge is to encourage children and adults to recognize the difference between perception and reality. It’s crucial to foster environments where authenticity is valued over performance, where individuals feel free to express themselves without the pressure to conform to an idealized image. By doing so, we can help ensure that the next generation grows up with a true value of their true character and abilities. That's the key advantage of small towns like Ojai. We can be truly known to each other.
who bite the hand that feeds them are most likely to lick the boot that kicks them.” — Eric Hoffer
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.
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
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.
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:
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.”
Sydney Bowie Linden, 2019
Swimming Through, Samantha Sanders, 2022 Lily
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS podcast events
BOCCALI’S PUMPKIN PATCH | THROUGH OCT. 31 | 4thOfJulyInOjai.Com
SEPTEMBER 21
Mountain Film on Tour
Date: Saturday
Times: Gates open at 5 p.m. Films start at 7: 15 p.m.
Location: Ojai Valley School’s Lower Campus sports field, 723 El Paseo Road
Contact: Adam@OVLC.org
The 10th annual Mountain Film brings together the best outdoor films to benefit the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Advance tickets are $35, $25 for OVLC members.
OCTOBER 12-14
Ojai Studio Artists Tour
Dates: Saturday to Monday Times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Locations: More than 60 artist studios in the Ojai Valley. The event is headquartered at the Ojai Valley Museum, 130 West Ojai Avenue
Contact: OjaiStudioArtists.org 888-645-5006
Kickoff event Friday, Oct. 11 at the museum from 5 to 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 19
Ojai Day
Date: Saturday Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Libbey Park
Contact: OjaiDay.com 805-646-5581
OJAI DAY | OCTOBER 19 | OjaiDay.com
The community comes together to celebrate each other. Activities include bounce houses, face painting, cultural activities, animal education, live music, car and trailer shows, food trucks and more.
OCTOBER 24-27
Ojai Storytellers Festival
Dates: Thursday to Sunday Times: Multiple Events Locations: Ojai Art Center & Libbey Bowl
Contact: OjaiStoryFest.org
This decades-old Ojai tradition begins with a Meet the Tellers reception Thursday, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center.
THROUGH OCTOBER 31
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
Boccali’s Hayrides Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta
3277 East Ojai Avenue
Contact: 805-646-6616
Boccalis.com
School and other groups by appointment.
THROUGH OCTOBER 31
Boccali’s Pumpkin Patch Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta
3277 East Ojai Avenue
Contact: 805-646-6616
OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.Com
Boccalis.com. Seven days a week. An Ojai tradition since 1976.
OCTOBER 31 TO NOVEMBER 4
Ojai Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary
Dates: Wednesday to Sunday Times: Varied
Locations: Varied
Contact: Info@OjaiFilmFestival.com
805-640-1947
Since 2000, the Ojai Film Festival has celebrated cinema with dozens of screenings and special events. Where indie filmmakers feel seen.
NOVEMBER 11-12
Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace
Dates: Saturday & Sunday Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Locations: Varied
Contact: Info@OjaiFestival.org
805-640-2094
The Ojai Music Festival has hosted tours of Ojai’s most distinctive, and distinguished, homes for 26 years.
— RECURRING EVENTS
— THURSDAYS
Ojai: Talk of the Town Podcast
New episodes come out Thursday evenings through TheOjaiVortex.com newsletter. Sign up at OjaiHub.com for a free newsletter of Ojai events, news, arts, entertainment, history and culture. And podcasts.
Photo by Stephen Adams
SMITTY WEST & JULIJ A ZONIC
BY ILONA JOY SAARI
MADE IN OJAI & MAKING MUSIC
Smitty West & Julija Zonic Come From Different Hemispheres, But Find Themselves at Home in Ojai With Their Musical Duo
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
Hans Christian Anderson
Before there was ever a “Smitty & Julija” there was a Harry Scott Smith a/k/a Smitty West and a Julija Zonic, living in different worlds and hemispheres till music and Ojai brought them together.
Smitty began his life’s journey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as Harry Scott Smith, the son of Harry George Smith, a civil engineer, and Mom, Gerry Kassab Smith, a journalist and music lover who sang and played piano. He grew up in Pittsburgh with his siblings, older sister Pam, who lives in Ojai, and younger sister, Amy, now living in Atlanta. Following his Mom’s footsteps, Smitty studied piano, sang in the school choir and performed in Hampton High musicals. He played on the football team and was a teenage lifeguard. After high school, he left for Duke University to study geology, where he was a decathlete, and earned a Bachelors in Science in Marine Geology, after which he excelled in graduate geology studies at the University of North Carolina and University of South Florida, Tampa.
Born across the pond in what was then known as Yugoslavia, Julija was raised in Zagreb, now the capital of Croatia, with her three siblings, “my younger sister Zdenka, who is truly my best friend, and my two younger brothers, Rudolf and Jure, who are also dream brothers.” Zdenka now lives in Ohio, one brother is in Zagreb and the other in Rotterdam.
LEFT ABOVE, PERFORMING AT IL GIARDINO IN 2010; BELOW LEFT: JULIJA AND SMITTY AT THEIR EUTERPE FARM HOME WITH THEIR LABRADOR, NORMAN (PHOTO: ERIC HARRINGTON). ABOVE: FILMING A MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR 2012 DEBUT ALBUM, “TO LEONARD, WITH LOVE.”
“Not sure who found me first, me, music or music me,” Julija says. “Preschool teacher, Marijana (today a friend of mine) claims that I said to her at age 3, standing next to her playing piano, that I will one day do ‘that’.” For two years, Julija begged her parents to enroll her in music school. Eventually they did and 40 years ago, as a little girl, Julija was one of the founding members of Zvjezdice, Zagreb’s girls’ choir. Zvjezdice stands today as a “beacon of quality in the world of choral music.”
While Julija enjoyed an international music career beginning in childhood, Smitty worked as a petroleum geologist for a small, family-owned oil company in New Orleans for 15 years, but remained active in the city’s music world as a board member and “occasional supernumerary role.”During those tech-boom years in New Orleans,
Smitty also owned and operated computer training schools, married Betsy Watson and had three sons: Richard, who has a Ph.D. in physics and plays in bands in Santa Cruz; Ernie, who’s a private eye in San Diego; and Harry, who tragically died at age 23 from pneumonia. In 1996 after Smitty sold his business, he and his young family headed west. After taking a wrong turn in search of Santa Barbara, he found himself in Ojai, where he “fell in love with the smell, beauty and friendliness of Ojai.”
In 2003, while attending the canonization by Pope John Paul II in Lebanon of a great-, great-, maybe another great-uncle of Smitty’s mother, and doing his “roots” thing, Smitty inadvertently walked into a mine field. The newly “minted” St. Hardini must have been watching from above, as Smitty walked out unscathed ... but it was
definitely a life-changing moment.
After following a traditional educational elementary, high school, music academy route, Julija, now 20, auditioned for and was cast in the rock opera, “Circle” and toured Europe and America for more than three years.
Though classically trained, Julija sings a variety of styles as a solo artist and was a back-up singer to prominent Croatian performers. But, at age 24, Julija’s career came to an abrupt halt in the early ‘90s when war broke out in the region and she moved to America with her then-composer husband and two-month-old daughter, Pia, via a refugee resettlement program. They settled in Dayton, Ohio, where Julija worked at the magnet school, Stivers School for the Arts, “a growing place of many currently very successful musicians.” After seven years in Ohio the family moved to Ojai. (Daughter Pia, now 25, is also a musician who chose a career behind the scenes and currently
works for concert agencies, Live Nation and Another Planet on concerts for artists such as Beyoncé, Grateful Dead & Co., and Paul McCartney).
In 2007, Julija’s first Ojai friends, Khaled and Cheryl Al-Awar, asked her to sing at Cheryl’s father’s funeral. The accompanist they found for her was Smitty. They became friends and soon formed the duo, Smitty & Julija.
Over the years, Smitty, (whose nickname had always been “Smitty,” changed his last name to “West” when his first album came out. Why? He’d happily moved west and thought “West” sounded pretty good with “Smitty”). He started songwriting in his 40s, has released five albums, won a few awards for several songs, and became involved in fundraising with the Marshall Legacy Institute promoting land mine action in Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina.He wrote a song about the Institute’s work and performed it live in Washington D.C. at an
Institute benefit.
In Ojai, he worked at The Thacher School in the development department as a major gifts officer where he “learned a lot about fundraising, education, community. We raised almost $100 million and built a performance center there.” He was a member of the Rotary Club of Ojai for 25 years and served as its president in 2009, raising funds for scholarships for Ojai youth, and the Libbey Bowl renovation, and served as a vice president of the Ojai Music Festival.
He is a piano tech and studio live sound engineer. Twenty-five years ago, Smitty started Ojai Songwriters Anonymous which still meets monthly. It supports the art of songwriting and those who write songs and he is currently the Chair of the Ojai Arts Commission. Not to be idle, while isolating during the pandemic and unable to perform live, he learned to play bass and, along with performing with Julija, he is a member of the Ojai rock band, “Damaged Goods” as a bassist. He also became a more proficient woodworker.
“By creating music with someone who makes me happy, I can say with certainty that I live my dream,” Julija says, realizing she had a gift of teaching that dream. As a child, she found a safe home in music and singing in choirs and wanted to provide
LEFT: PERFORMING IN THEIR ABBA TRIBUTE BAND, ABBA DABBA DO! AT SOHO IN SANTA BARBARA (PHOTO DEAN ZATKOWSKY).
that safe music home to other children. She formed a select student choir, The Ojai Pixies, a “dedicated group of girls who grew quickly in their skill and, as a result, have been participating in Opera Santa Barbara productions. After ‘Tosca’ and ‘Carmen,’ ‘I Pagliacci’ will be their third production,” and will be performed November 8-10 at the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara.
Not stopping with her successful Pixies, Julija formed The Blossoms, a younger version of the Pixies, and a boys’ choir, The Suns, who would be thrilled to sing the National Anthem at sporting events, she feels.
Continuing to work with local theater, both Smitty and Julija direct the music and vocal elements of live theater productions at the Ojai Art Center and Ojai’s youth theater, OYES. Since 2007, Julija has been teaching
voice at Thacher, and since 2019-2010 has been the vocal director for the Oak Grove School’s annual musical. She also taught music/theater at “my favorite little school, Monica Ros” and has taught music at SAGE in Ventura and at the Boys and Girls Club in Oxnard.
Cutting down on drive-time, Smitty and Julija now only provide vocal coaching for Thacher and Oak Grove schools in Ojai and for private students, but have recently formed their own non-profit music school, The Ojai Music Academy “to expand and share music/performance education for children and adults within our community,” she explains. Smitty continues, “The school is our shared dream. We want to leave behind
a performing and visual arts academy for posterity, “which they hope will grow and support the performing arts “forever.”
Forever thankful for taking that wrong turn years ago, Smitty found his home and a growing passion for music.
As a refugee, Julija feels that Ojai “is where I healed my heart and soul. Ojai embraced me and gave me a home for the first time in my life. From the moment I landed here in this enchanting valley, there was a series of unbelievably amazing friendships, and each one lifted me up, piece by piece. So now pieced back and duct-taped together by love, I live my best life! Thank you, Ojai, and Ojai people.”
BELOW LEFT: THE DUO PRODUCED MORE THAN 50 VIDEOS DURING COVID, HERE THEY ARE AS MA & PA. BELOW: SMITTY WITH LEBANON PRESIDENT MICHEL SULEIMAN RECEIVING AN AWARD IN 2009 FOR HIS LAND MINE ACTION.
JULIJA PERFORMING AT THE VINE IN 2022; RIGHT: WITH THEIR INSPIRATION, LEONARD COHEN.
FAMILY HOME
Located on one of Ojai’s most desirable streets, Foothill Road, and sitting perfectly on over half an acre, this wonderful family home is just waiting for you. This home features a spacious open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, Travertine stone floors throughout and light-filled rooms. There are two large living areas, both with their own fireplace, so you can enjoy the warmth of a cozy fire. Top-of-the-line appliances in the large kitchen which looks out to the beautiful pool and backyard. The dining room opens to a large deck with lovely mountain views, a great place for entertaining. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with plenty of room for family and guests. The outdoor space is charming with meandering pebble pathways, lush landscape and mature trees. You will love splashing in the pool on warm summer days or soaking in the hot tub under the star-studded night’s sky. Includes an over-sized 3-ccar garage with plenty of parking. Private and gated. Don’t miss this one!
EAST END MASTERPIECE
Welcome to this nearly 35-acre income producing ranch located in the prestigious East End of Ojai. Truly iconic ranch nestled between McNell Creek and the Topa Topa Mountains offering you a perfect “Pink Moment” nearly every evening. This 1920’s farmhouse has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a massive original rock fireplace. The light-filled rooms with large windows showcase the panoramic mountain views. There is a separate office/ art stdio and a separate two bedroom, one bathroom guest house. Plenty of room to park all your farm equipment in the oversized three-car garage. This ranch produces Ojai Pixies, avocados, Cara Cara navel oranges, and a variety of other fruit trees. With a high-producing well along with Casitas ag water meter and solar ...living off the grid never looked so good. Rare opportunity to be part of the Williamson Act for tax savings benefits.
1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi
EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.
HORN CANYON 5.5mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft. Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.
ROSE VALLEY 1mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft
Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall.
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.
COZY DELL 2.2mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.
SISAR CANYON 22mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Only for experienced, fit hikers.
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi
MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft | Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. Views are unsurpassed.
This wonderful original Ranch Style home was built long before its time. You will enjoy the details this three-bedroom, twobath home has to offer. The spacious light-filled rooms and gorgeous gardens will draw you in and you won’t want to leave. This charmer is waiting for you to make it your own. One of Ojai’s hidden treasures you will not want to miss. Private and quiet, located on one Ojai’s most quaint roads.
Eight Backyard Uses for Baking Soda
By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela
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.
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. Can Your Patio Furniture: Some storebought 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 laun-
der 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 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.
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.
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.
Ross Falvo
Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177
Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
805-798-1998
Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
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
Team Deckert
Keller Williams Realty
Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com
805-272-5218
Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Clinton Haugan LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 727 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023
The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue
OJAI ROTIE
Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue
(805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com
OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA
Rustic menu of Northern Italian fare & seafood dishes.
242 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-6767 omgojai.com
PAPA LENNON’S
Family owned, original & traditional Italian cuisine
515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com
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
ZAIDEE’S BAR & GRILL
Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views
1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com
CHEF RANDY’S LIFE OF SPICE
TomaTo-Chevre TarT
This is a great way to use the last of the season’s tomatoes. The crust is unique because it includes chèvre (think goat cheese.) Is there a difference between chèvre and goat cheese? You bet! Chevre means both goat and goat cheese in French and is frequently used to refer to fresh goat cheeses in particular. Look for chevre if you can find it. It is bright, tart, and tangy.
Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 38 years. Chef Randy has written and published a series of seven cookbooks with original recipes developed over the period 1975 through 2020. He writes for the Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Monthly, and the California 101 Travelers Guide. His vegetarian recipes are published in newspapers throughout Central California under the header, Chef Randy. He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog Cooper. Robin and Cooper are not vegetarians.
INGREDIENTS :
Makes 6 individual appetizers
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for the work surface)
½ teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (divided)
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
¾ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
10 ounces chèvre (divided)
1 tablespoon cold apple cider vinegar
3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water (as needed)
2 large heirloom tomatoes (sliced about ¼-inch thin)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
3 ounces Fontina cheese (shredded)
½ teaspoon garlic (minced)
Purple Thai basil leaves and green Italian basil leaves (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees with racks in upper third and lower third positions — line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
While the oven is preheating, pulse flour, baking powder, two teaspoons of thyme, and one teaspoon of salt in a food processor until combined, about four pulses. Add butter and five ounces of the, and pulse until the mixture is crumbly, about 30 pulses. Add vinegar, pulsing until combined, about two pulses. With the food processor running, add ice water through the food chute, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball (you may not need all of the ice water), about ten pulses. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes or up to two hours.
Meanwhile, place tomato slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle three tablespoons of the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes; sprinkle evenly with the other teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Roast tomatoes in a preheated oven until tomatoes shrink a bit and are dry to the touch, 25 minutes, rotating baking sheets between the top and bottom racks halfway through the roasting time. Remove from oven.
Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees. Remove dough from refrigerator; roll dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 12-inch round, about ¼-inch thick (or less). Transfer to an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing dough into the bottom and sides of the tart pan. Freeze the dough for 20 minutes.
Remove the tart pan from the refrigerator and using a fork, prick the sides and bottoms of the dough. Bake at 450 degrees until just set and starting to get golden around the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for about ten minutes. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees.
Mix ricotta, garlic, the remaining two teaspoons of thyme, and the other five ounces of chèvre until combined. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the crust. Arrange tomato slices evenly on top, slightly overlapping when necessary. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon olive oil over tomato slices; sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon pepper.
Bake tart at 425 degrees until tomatoes and crust are browned, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool until just warm, about 15 minutes. To serve, carefully remove the tart from the pan. Garnish with basil leaves.
understanding inflation
The Economy, Housing & Ojai, Oh My!
By Therese A. Hartmann
I just returned from the Ojai Farmer’s Market where I ran into several friends — it’s Ojai, after all — and had conversations with a few of them. Politics and the state of the economy came up more than once, which is understandable during this time.
It’s fair to say that regardless of which side of the political fence you’re on, inflation is something that is real and impacts us all. While it’s relatively easy to understand the in-your-face expenses like food costs, gas, insurance and the like, there is another layer of complexity when it comes to housing and inflation.
Reports differ on the current rate of inflation, some saying it is at 2.9 percent depending on the method of calculation. In livable terms, the cost of gas in just the last five years in California has risen around 25 percent and some food costs have doubled and tripled.
Looking at one of the costliest expenses for most, housing, it’s important to note that interest rates went from a low of around 2.5 percent in 2022 for a 30-year fixed to the mid-7’s now. That’s a 300 percent increase! Renters are affected, too, due to a landlord’s inability to keep rents low, considering the sky-high insurance, property taxes and higher mortgage payments they must pay.
Still, housing is often seen as a hedge against inflation, especially if you retain your property for the long run. As inflation rises, the cost of everything goes up,
Therese A. Hartmann has more than 25 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.
including real estate.
However, if you can lock in a lowinterest, fixed-rate mortgage, then the cost of your home — an appreciating asset — will stay the same as the value of your property rises. While current rates and monthly payments might feel unsustainable (you’re beginning to think you’ll be working until you’re 90 to pay the house off), rates are starting to come down. They are predicted to come down more over the next two years. While nothing is for sure, having a strategy could help you win the war against inflation. Here are some quick notes:
Stay Informed: The economic landscape changes quickly, affecting not only our
personal finances but the housing market as well. Follow real estate pundits and stay in touch with your agent and loan consultant.
Be Ready: If you’re looking to buy, get pre-approved. If you own a home already and have a newer mortgage, be ready to pounce if rates come down.
The rule of thumb for when to refinance is that rates must drop enough that the payment difference would cover any closing costs in 24 months or less. If not, wait.
Assess Options: Buying a duplex or triplex, as an example, might be the way to go. Finding a home with a garage that could be built into an ADU, might also offer a path to financial freedom.
Act Quickly: If you find something that ticks all your boxes, don’t hesitate. I can’t tell you how many folks kicked themselves for not buying a home 10 years ago, even when interest rates were higher. Rates do tend to drop, so buying something now with the idea of refinancing when they do can be a winning plan.
Bottom line, by acting quickly and considering your options, you can secure a better deal that could save you money in the long run. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, being prepared to make your move could put you into a better position to tackle the negative impacts of inflation.
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