We are again overjoyed to be named among the “Best of Ojai” 2024 in ten categories, including Gold for Best Hotel. We wouldn’t be here without our wonderful associates, neighbors, guests and readers like you. All who have helped make our serene mountain valley inn the Ojai icon it is today. We welcome you to share magical moments with loved ones, and discover new culinary adventures at our beloved 220-acre retreat. Make a reservation today to escape in a moment with Ojai’s rare spirit, as we share this incredible honor with you.
“There’s no job too big to benefit from a small-town person’s perspective, I discovered, just as there’s no town too small for thinking big.” — Unita Blackwell
Ojai has never shied away from its distinction as big-thinking small town. This is a land of innovative businesses: functional art, from clay to stone; expansive pet care; new traditional eats and health-conscious treats; horticultural wizards; endless options to caffeinate during a workday; forward-thinking farms and markets; a profusion of prolific creators in every sense of the word; mentoring relationships between the old and the young, and the young and the old; and the blending of Eastern and Western healing modalities.
Even in times of immense hardship and life transitions throughout the years — particularly this decade — the ingenuity of this town’s populace remains a wellspring of wonder. Although the Ojai Valley has faced, and continues to face, much change at this time, this place maintains its unbreakable core through the passion of its denizens to keep small-town businesses and entrepreneurial mindsets at the forefront.
To all corners of the valley, from the body shops to the botanists, from the doctors to the docents, and each and every profession that keeps the rose-gold glow of this town more outstanding than any passing aurora, the Ojai Valley News thanks you all.
COMMUNITY BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST NONPROFIT/CITIZENS
ORGANIZATION
HELP of Ojai
Humane Society of Ventura County
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy BEST SERVICE ORGANIZATION
Ojai Valley Woman's Club
Rotary Club of Ojai
Ojai Women's Fund
Ojai Valley Lions Club BEST VOLUNTEER
Mills
Hooper
Martha Ditchfield
Bagley BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP
SUMMER CAMP
City of Ojai Parks & Recreation
Ojai Valley School summer programs/ camps
Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES)
Piedra Blanca Trailhead in Rose Valley
Ojai Presbyterian Church
Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
PRIVATE SCHOOL
School
Valley School
Montessori School of Ojai
Libbey Park
Park
Sarzotti Park
CAMPGROUND
Casitas
Gorge
KARA HOOPER
O-Higher Ed was founded in 2019. Its mission is to help students of the Ojai Valley access higher education, with a focus on those who are first in their family to go to college. Students may join the program as early as seventh grade and continue through twelfth grade. Please visit us at ohighered.org
On behalf of the students of O-Higher Ed, we congratulate Ms. Hooper for this well-deserved honor. ohighered.org
SHOPPING BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST VINTAGE OR RESALE STORE
GOLD
2nd HELPings Thrift Store
SILVER
Treasures of Ojai BRONZE
The Lennon Closet
BEST ARTS & CRAFTS STORE GOLD
Ben Franklin Ojai SILVER
Ojai Creates!
Poppies Art and Gifts
BEST BICYCLE SHOP GOLD
Bicycles of Ojai
The Mob Shop
Oak View Cyclery
BEST BOOKSTORE
Bart’s Books
Twice-Sold Tales Used Bookstore (Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation)
Krotona Quest Bookshop BEST CAMPING SUPPLIES
Meiners Oaks ACE Hardware
Ojai True Value Hardware
Lake Casitas Park Store BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY
Sespe Creek Collective
Ojai Greens
Ojai Cannabis (formerly Shangri-La Care Centers)
CBD RETAILER
Sespe Creek Collective
Ojai Cannabis (formerly Shangri-La Care Center)
+ Fox
CLOTHING STORE
Rains Department Store
Rose & Co.
CONVENIENCE STORE
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe
Joe's Quick Stop Mini Mart
Ojai Valley Ranch Market
FLORIST
Down Home Furnishings
Treasures of Ojai
FiG Curated Living
BEST GIFT SHOP
Serendipity Toys
Rains Department Store BEST HARDWARE STORE
Meiners Oaks ACE Hardware
Ojai True Value Hardware
Ojai Lumber Co.
Ruby's BEST FURNITURE STORE
BEST HOME DECOR STORE
BEST JEWELRY RETAILER GOLD
Jes MaHarry SILVER
Susan Cummings BRONZE
Poppies Art and Gifts
BEST PET FOOD/SUPPLY STORE
Wachter's Hay & Grain
Pets & More
Ojai Valley Feed
BEST CRYSTAL SHOP
The Crystal Corner
Nutmeg's Ojai House
Sorenity Rocks
FiG Curated Living
Rains Department Store
Cercana
With lots and lots of love, M i s t y , M i c h e l l e , F e r n a n d o , B e r e n i c e , J o , C a r r i e , P a s c a l e a n d S a r a
HEALTH&BODY BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST ACUPUNCTURIST GOLD
Laurie Edgcomb, L.Ac
Craig Rigsby, L.Ac
BRONZE
Dr. Nathan Kaehler, DACM, L.Ac (Ojai Herbs & Acupuncture)
BEST LOCAL SPORTS COACH
Trevor Weedon
Rick Goeden
Dillon Lowen
BEST YOUTH LOCAL SPORTS TEAM
Nordhoff Rangers Football
Ojai AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization)
Ojai Valley Baseball League
BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Francesca Michelle Gold
Ingrid Boulting
Susie Longwill
MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
Ojai Valley TaeKwonDo Academy
Ojai Valley Martial Arts
Victory Pacific Aikido BEST FITNESS FACILITY
Ojai Valley Athletic Club
Bryant Street Gym
Balance Health Center
MASSAGE
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Creek Spa
Relaxing Station
FACIAL
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
+ Fox
EarthTonics Botanical Skincare
HAIRSTYLIST
Heller
Keeler
Andrews
BARBER
Brenton Butler
Kyle Rocka, Rockafella Barber Shop &
Shave Parlor
Robertson
BEAUTY SALON
Proper Beauty Ojai BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE
Ojai
Kristy’s Nails
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Glo West
BEST ESTHETICIAN
Summer McComas
Daron Hope
Kelli Loughman
BEST DAY SPA
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
The Day Spa of Ojai
Ojai + Fox
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY
Swanner Physical Therapy
Kathy Doubleday — Balance Health Center
Community Memorial Hospital — Ojai
BEST OPTOMETRIST
Dr. Bruce Brockman
Dr. Robert J. Graham
Dr. Bridget Tsao
BEST PHYSICIAN
GOLD
Dr. Jim Halverson
SILVER
Dr. Maria Halvorson
BRONZE
Dr. Mary Dial
BRONZE
Dr. Natalie Horn
BEST HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER
GOLD
Kate Tenney
SILVER
Richard Hiltner
BRONZE
Eric Baumgartner
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
GOLD
Russell Kun, Evergreen Chiropractic & Wellness
SILVER
Boshoff Novak Chiropractic Center
BRONZE
Deborah Murphy, Ojai Chiropractor & Neurofeedback
BEST DENTIST
GOLD
Dr. Jan Komura
SILVER
Dr. Drew Eggebraten
BRONZE
Dr. Joseph Westbury
BRONZE
Dr. David L. Garber
BEST PHARMACY
GOLD
Medical Arts Pharmacy
SILVER
Ojai Medicine Shoppe
BRONZE
Ojai Village Pharmacy
Thanks to our clients, dear friends and community for your continued support! We appreciate and enjoy serving you now and in the future!
Again, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
-Mike, Cindy, Ken, Linh & GabyWinner for 12 consecutive years
TREE ISSUES?
G
your home insurance company bugging you about your
G Are you worried about the safety of your trees?
G Doing remodeling or new construction and need a tree permit?
G Need a permit to prune or remove a protected tree?
G In escrow and wondering about the trees on your new property?
G Just want to know if your trees are okay?
G Need recommendations about how to prune your tree?
issues in
HOME&GARDEN BEST OF OJAI 2024
Mark Crane's Tree Inc. Arborist
Doran — M. Doran Plumbing
Construction
Fence Co.
BEST HOTEL
SERVICES BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Ojai Valley Auto (Imports)
Tire Man
Tire & Service
Rock Long’s Automotive
OIL CHANGE
Fred's Tire Man
Ojai Valley Auto (Imports)
Adamson's Tire and Service BEST BUSINESS SERVICES
Ojai Business Center
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe
BEST INN/BED & BREAKFAST
Inn
Hummingbird Inn
Caravan Outpost
BEST INSURANCE PROVIDER
Doug Crawford Insurance Agency
State Farm Ojai Office
Farmers Insurance Ojai Office
LAW FIRM
Waite, Jacobs & Atkinson
James Casey Law
Ryan Blatz Law
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
SagePointe Wealth Management
Olga Jones — Ameriprise Financial Services LLC
Bryant J. Huber — Edward Jones
Financial Advisor
BEST BANK TELLER
Mooney
McDougal
Schneider
Valley Inn
Iguana Inn
Rhonda Doolittle — Chase Bank
Mary Floyd — Bank of the Sierra
Hilda Gonzalez— Wells Fargo Bank
BEST ACCOUNTING/ TAX SERVICE
Marie Estes-Pratt Bookkeeping
Ojai Tax Services (Jeetendra Jain)
Jacobs & Jacobs Accountancy
Corporation
Ojai Valley Financial Services
BEST ONE-OF-A-KIND BUSINESS
Pixie's General Store
Sunday Designs
Noted.
BEST UPHOLSTERER
Ojai Upholstery
Plush Surroundings
Topa’s Custom Upholstery
BEST PET GROOMER
Four Paws Pet Grooming
Ultimutt Pet Spa in Ojai
Suzanne’s Mobile Pet Grooming
BEST PET SITTER/BOARDING
The Peaceful Pup
Ojai Dog Friendly
Hanna Paulsen
BEST DRY CLEANERS OR LAUNDROMAT
Ojai Valley Cleaners
Royal Cleaners of Ojai
Route 33 Laundry
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
GOLD
Stephen Adams SILVER
Brandi Crockett BRONZE
Whitney Hartmann
BEST DAY CARE PROVIDER GOLD
Noah’s Ark Preschool
SILVER
Montessori School of Ojai
BRONZE A Place To Grow Preschool
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
GOLD
Heather Erickson
SILVER
Tonya Peralta BRONZE
Rosalie Zabilla
BEST REAL ESTATE OFFICE GOLD
LIV Sotheby's International Realty Ojai
Ojai Property Group BRONZE
Keller Williams West Ventura County — Ojai
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Ojai Property Group
Joe Kapp Real Estate
Holly Humphrey Property Management
BEST MORTGAGE PROVIDER
Heritage Financial
Emily Wilson, Heritage Financial
Therese Hartmann , C2 Financial Corporation
BEST RETIREMENT LIVING
GOLD
Gables of Ojai
The Artesian of Ojai
Mountain Vista of Ojai
BEST STORAGE FACILITY
Bryant Circle Mini Storage
Condor Self Storage of Ojai
Oak View Self Storage
BEST TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Ojai Trolley
Dutch’s Downtown Shuttle: Kool Buzz BRONZE HELP of Ojai
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
Matilija Veterinary Hospital
Topa Mountain Animal Hospital
Ojai Village Veterinary Hospital
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe
Bryant Circle Mini Storage
Meiners Oaks ACE Hardware
Gold Winner for 2024 Best Real Estate Office in Ojai
Thank You for Trusting Us as Your Gold Standard in Real Estate
We are incredibly honored to have been named the Gold winner for Best Real Estate Office in the Ojai Valley News Readers’ Poll. This recognition is a testament to the trust and support we’ve received from our cherished community. As proud Ojai Valley residents, we are committed to giving back, supporting local initiatives, and helping our neighbors find the homes of their dreams. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this vibrant and beautiful place we call home. Here’s to continuing to grow and serve the Ojai Valley together!
With gratitude, The Team at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, Ventura County
Best Realtor
To the incredible Ojai Valley community and my valued clients: I’m beyond grateful for your continued support over the last two decades. Your trust has shaped my journey, and I’m honored to serve this remarkable place I call home.
I’ve
Thank you Ojai!
for voting
Matilija Veterinary Hospital
“Best Veterinary Clinic”
ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST LOCAL COMMUNITY
THEATER ACTOR
GOLD
Denise Heller
SILVER
Anna Kotula SILVER
Shayne Bourbon BRONZE
Jim Halverson
BEST VISUAL ARTIST
Jeff Sojka
Amy Lynn Stevenson SILVER
Carlos Grasso
Mary Neville BRONZE
Gayel Childress
BEST ART GALLERY GOLD
Ojai Art Center
Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts BRONZE
OVA Arts
BEST ANNUAL EVENT
GOLD
4th of July Parade
SILVER
Ojai Day BRONZE
Ojai Music Festival
BEST HORSEBACK RIDING
GOLD
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company (Oso Ranch) SILVER
Western Trail Rides
BRONZE Rancho Royale
BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE GOLD
Libbey Bowl SILVER
Ojai Deer Lodge BRONZE
Sam's Place
BEST LOCAL MUSICAL GROUP GOLD Radio Skies
GOLD
TD Lind and The Aviators
SILVER
The Rose Valley Thorns
BRONZE
Smitty and Julija
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN
GOLD
Alan Thornhill
SILVER
TD Lind
BRONZE
Jimmy Calire
FOOD&DRINK BEST OF OJAI 2024
BEST BAKERY
The Dutchess
Ojai Rôtie
and the Cook
BEST MARKET/GROCERY STORE
Westridge Midtown Market
Westridge Market
Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods
Farmer and the Cook
Westridge Midtown Market
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Ojai Beverage Company
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe
Pat’s Liquor
Q-Time BBQ at Ojai Valley Ranch
Ojai Deer Lodge
Ojai Beverage Company
BREAKFAST
Bonnie Lu’s Cafe
Zaidee's Bar & Grill
The Oak at Ojai Valley Inn
Zaidee's Bar & Grill BRONZE The Dutchess
BURGER
Ojai Beverage Company
Kone
Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill
BURRITO
The Dutchess BEST BRUNCH
Ojai Tortilla House
Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill
Casa de Lago (Oak View)
TACO
Ojai Tortilla House
Casa de Lago (Oak View)
BRONZE
Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina
Casa de Lago (Oak View) BRONZE
La Fuente Mexican Restaurant BEST CASUAL DINING
Papa Lennon's Pizzeria
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta
Ojai Rôtie
BEST ASIAN FOOD
Ojai Noodle House
Exotic Thai Restaurant
Izakaya Full Moon
SUSHI
Sakura Ojai
Hakane Sushi
BRONZE
Izakaya Full Moon
BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT
GOLD
Ojai Noodle House
SILVER
Exotic Thai Restaurant BRONZE
Izakaya Full Moon
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
GOLD
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta SILVER
Nocciola
Osteria Monte Grappa
BEST PIZZA
Ojai Pizza Company
Papa Lennon's Pizzeria
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta
AIR Pizza
BEST VEGETARIAN MENU
Hip
Farmer and the Cook
The
BEST FARM TO TABLE RESTAURANT
GOLD
Farmer and the Cook
SILVER
Ojai Rôtie
BRONZE
The Nest
BEST COFFEE SHOP
GOLD
Coffee Connection
SILVER
Ojai Coffee Roasters
BRONZE
Java & Joe
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
GOLD
The Ranch House
SILVER
Nocciola BRONZE
The Dutchess
BEST DELI
MJ's Deli
SILVER
Westridge Midtown Market
BRONZE
Westridge Market
BEST FROZEN DESSERT
Ojai Ice Cream
SILVER
Bliss Frozen Yogurt BRONZE
Sanders & Sons Gelato
BEST DONUTS
Donut Hole (Meiners Oaks)
SILVER
KJ Donuts (Oak View)
BRONZE
SunOven Gluten Free Vegan Baking Company (Mira Monte)
BEST FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
GOLD
Nocciola
SILVER
Olivella at Ojai Valley Inn
BRONZE
The Ranch House
BEST HAPPY HOUR
GOLD
Ojai Beverage Company
SILVER
Lisa's Cantina at Jim & Rob's
BRONZE
Zaidee's Bar & Grill
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
GOLD
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta
SILVER
Ojai Pizza Company
BRONZE
Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill
BRONZE
Papa Lennon's Pizzeria
BEST LUNCH PLACE
GOLD
Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill
SILVER
Zaidee's Bar & Grill
BRONZE
Papa Lennon's Pizzeria
BEST MARGARITA
GOLD
Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina
SILVER
Lisa's Cantina at Jim & Rob's
BRONZE Tres Hermanas
BEST COCKTAILS
GOLD
Jimmy’s Pub at Ojai Valley Inn
SILVER
Sam's Place
BRONZE
The Dutchess
BEST TAP ROOM
GOLD
Topa Topa Brewing Company
SILVER
Ojai Beverage Company
BRONZE
Ojai Valley Brewery
BEST PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK GOLD
Jimmy’s Pub at Ojai Valley Inn
Ojai Beverage Company
BRONZE
Sam's Place
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS)
GOLD
Ojai Noodle House
SILVER
Rory's Other Place
BRONZE
The Habit Burger Grill
BEST FARMERS' MARKET VENDOR
GOLD
Earthtrine Farm
SILVER
Friend's Ranches
BRONZE
Night Heron Farm
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
GOLD
Zaidee's Bar & Grill
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta BRONZE
Ojai Rotîe
BEST PRODUCE
Ojai Certified Farmers' Market (Sunday)
Ojai Community Farmers' Market (Thursday) BRONZE
Farmer and the Cook
BEST SANDWICH
GOLD
MJ's Deli
SILVER
Westridge Midtown Market
BRONZE
Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria
BEST SEAFOOD
GOLD
Sea Fresh Ojai
SILVER
Izakaya Full Moon
BRONZE
Sakura Ojai
BEST SPORTS BAR
GOLD
Lisa's Cantina at Jim & Rob's
SILVER
Jimmy’s Pub at Ojai Valley Inn
BRONZE
Ojai Pizza Company
BEST VINEYARD
GOLD
The Ojai Vineyard
SILVER
Old Creek Ranch Winery
BRONZE
Majestic Oak Vineyard
BEST WINE TASTING
GOLD
Majestic Oak Vineyard
SILVER
The Ojai Vineyard
BRONZE
Old Creek Ranch Winery
BEST TASTING ROOM (OTHER THAN WINE)
GOLD
Ojai Olive Oil
SILVER
Revel Kombucha Bar
BRONZE
Heavenly Honey Company
Best Burrito
Tuesday - Sunday 11-2 Closed Monday
Taco
Thank You, Ojai!
There are so many wonderful schools in Ojai. We are grateful to be one of them and to be acknowledged by the Ojai community we love so deeply.
