the Best - Ojai Valley News

Transcription

Our Best of the Ojai Valley contest celebrates the Ojai Valley businesses, individuals, institutions and activities that
are important to you. Find out how your favorites fared in our exclusive online survey of more than 3,000
Ojai Valley residents. When you see our blue ribbon stickers in your favorite merchants’ windows you know
you have found “The Best.”
A
SUPPLEMENT
OF
THE
OJAI
VALLEY
NEWS
FALL
2013
BEST of the OJAI VALLEY 2013
2
Best Real Estate Company
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013
We thank all of our clients, and our wonderful salespeople who make this possible.
Larry, Dennis and Erik
805.646.7288
www.OjaiColdwell.com
Coldwell Banker
Property Shoppe
727 W. Ojai Ave, CA 93023
LEADING THE OJAI VALLEY IN LISTINGS & SALES
FOR OVER 25 CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
3
Tim Dewar, publisher
Some cranked, some tanked — how did yours do?
Yes, we know that defining
something as “the best” is, at best, a
difficult proposition. But, we will do
our best to present the results of what
you, our readers, think is the best of
what our community (the best place
in the state) has to offer.
In some cases, the distinction was
clear. In 31 of our 132 categories, the
winner received more than 50 percent
of the vote. Of those, seven received
between 60 and 69 percent and four
each earned in the 70- and 80-percent
ranges.
But that still leaves 101 categories
that were much closer, and that is
what makes this contest so interesting
— the close calls, the ties, the almostgot-it-this-times.
A total of 39 categor ies we re
decided by 10 or fewer votes. Of those,
19 were separated by five or less votes.
There were a total of 10 ties for
either first or second place. In fact, we
Best Actor
189 votes
chose to profile those who won in two comparison between three categories
of the categories in which there was a that would seem to go hand in hand,
first place tie — Best Artist and Best yet were miles apart in the number of
Musical Group.
votes they received.
We also decided to have a little fun
Another feature we did about one
this year and took a stab at guessing of our winners was a new category
what some of the vote totals might tell suggested by a reader this year. Given
us about those who voted.
the excitement that has been
For instance, on
occurring on friday
page 6 we made a The Best Day Spa category received 232 nights around here
comparison of the
lately, we can
number of votes more votes than Best Daycare, and Best understand why this
cast in the best bar Facial earned 181 more. Let’s face it, an
categor y’s voting
and best liquor aging population has to have its priorities. went the way it did.
store categor ies,
That’s waiting for
compared to those
you on page 20.
in the Best Place of Worship category.
In addition to the thoughtWho knows what it means, but you provoking insights and comparisons
can draw your own conclusions.
of some of this year’s categories and
Although two of our categories profiles of some of the more
shared the word “day” there was a interesting winners, we hope
night-and-day difference in the everyone will use this supplement to
number of votes that were cast.
lear n more about many of the
We
make
another
sweet businesses that serve our valley. Who
1st. Buddy Wilds
2nd. Reese Witherspoon
3rd. Bill Paxton
Best
Accounting
Services
310 votes
1st. Jacobs and Jacobs
2nd. Marie Estes-Pratt
3rd. David Junod
Tonya Peralta,
Call or Text
knows, maybe something will spark
your interest so you’ll have a new
favorite to vote for next year.
On almost every page, you can see
the top vote getters in three
categories. The results are listed in
alphabetical order according to the
title of the category.
As always, we appreciate those
readers who took the time to vote. We
work very hard to make this as fair and
infor mative as possible and it is
gratifying to see so many who are
eager to participate.
We know it’s not scientific. We know
there is no such thing as the absolute
best, but we also know it never hurts
to have a little fun, get a little
competitive and stand up for those
people and businesses that help make
our community the great place it is to
live.
To the best of our knowledge, it
doesn’t get any better.
1st. Laurie Edgcomb
Best
Acupuncturist 2nd. Ojai Herbs & Acupuncture
215 votes
3rd. Ojai Alternative Health Care
REALTOR
805.794.7458
Voted Ojai’s Best
Real Estate Agent
Thank You for your Vote...
...4 years in a row!
REALTY
Photo courtesy Amy Schneider, Ojai Digital, DRE#01862743
4
Thank
you for
voting us
Best Auto
Repair!
Putting the Art in the Fine Art
of Auto Repair
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC AUTO REPAIR
646-6106
996 EAST OJAI AVENUE
[email protected]
Best
Annual
Event
343 votes
1st. Ojai Day
2nd. 4th of July
3rd. Ojai Wine Festival
Best
Antique
Store
363 votes
1st. Treasures of Ojai
2nd. Hidden Treasures
3rd. V is for Vintage
Best
Architect
258 votes
1st. Whitman Design
2nd. Cornerstone Architects
3rd. Davis Brown
Best
1st. Ben Franklin
Arts & Crafts
2nd. Ojai Creates
Store
535 votes 3rd. Made in Ojai
Best
Art
Gallery
467 votes
1st. Made in Ojai
2nd. Primavera
3rd. Human Arts Gallery
5
Best
Artist
160 votes
1st. Carmen Abelleira
2nd. Guy Wan
3rd. Bert Collins
General Contractor
Construction Manager
Kerry Miller
Consultant
Work with Architects
Designer/Builder, Inc.
MISSION STATEMENT
My mission is to assist my clients in creating their dreams. I will guide you in creating a living space that is purely
you, as interpreted by myself, using all of my artistic, design, construction, and project management background
and abilities. When we’re finished, you will have a complete living environment that is truly an extension of yourself.
35 Years of Experience
Making Dreams
Come True
640-0262
646-0066 Fax
PO Box 984
Ojai, CA 93024
[email protected]
CA
kerrymillerdesigns.com
6
Best
Bar
616 votes
The Best Bar category received 467 more votes than did the Best Place of
Worship category and Best Liquor Store garnered 322 more. To
Best
Liquor
Store
471 votes
paraphrase the Grateful Dead “We may be going to Hell in a bucket babe,
but at least we’re enjoying the ride.”
Best
Place of
Worship
149 votes
Best
Asian
Food
604 votes
1st. Sakura Ojai
2nd. Exotic Thai Restaurant
3rd. Sea Fresh Seafood
Best
Attorney
363 votes
1st. Carolyn Vondriska
2nd. Paul Blatz
3rd. Ross Atkinson
Best
Auto
Repair
566 votes
1st. Ojai Valley Imports
2nd. Adamson’s Automotive & Towing
3rd. Rock Long’s Automotive
Best
Auto Body
Shop
183 votes
1st. Brue’s Auto Body Shop
2nd. Two Twelve Body and Restoration
Best
Bakery
540 votes
1st. Ojai Café Emporium
2nd. Knead Bakery
3rd. Diaz’s Bakery
7
Best
Bank
633 votes
1st. Ojai Community Bank
2nd. Wells Fargo Bank
3rd. Chase
Friendly
&
Knowledgeable
Service!
Open 7 Days a Week!
“A big thank you to all of
our wonderful customers
and friends. You make our
jobs a pleasure.”
— Carolina (owner), Stephanie & Kim
45 Old Baldwin Rd. - Ojai
(805) 640-0055 Web: floragardens.net
Nursery & Garden Products
8
Best Artist (tie)
Carmen Abelleira
Like Wann, Carmen Abelleira didn’t go to
school to become an artist. “It’s just who I
am,” she says simply. And, like Wann,
Abelleira has a day job — hand-painting tiles
for RTK Tile. But as soon as she gets home,
it’s off to her bright-orange workshop for
some delightful, artistic capriciousness.
The Cuban-born Abelleira moved to Ojai
about 25 years ago, and is drawn to materials
that can be up-cycled into quirky, colorful,
lighthear ted pieces. “I find it more
interesting to pick up an old, weathered
piece of wood than go buy a big scary new
white canvas!” she says. She works with
metal, cardboard, dolls, even skateboard
decks. “And I seem to get fascinated by
by Misty Volaski
certain things,” she says, like bandages,
antlers, crickets, or banana peels. She also
loves adding seemingly random text to her
work. “It’s sort of the characters saying these
words to me,” Abelleira says.
Abelleira’s pieces can be found at Human
Arts, the Ojai Art Center, at Ojai Coffee
Roasting Co. through October, and,
sometimes, hidden in around town for
passers-by to find and “adopt.”
On winning the Best Artist category,
Abelleira says, “There are obviously so many
highly-trained and super skilled artists here
... and the fact that however many people
thought to put my name down, that means a
lot to me.”
Two longtime Ojai residents — with two very different styles, techniques and
backgrounds — share the title of Best Artist this year: Guy Wann and Carmen Abelleira
Photo submitted
Guy Wann
Best
Bar
616 votes
1st. Ojai Beverage Company
2nd. The Village Jester
3rd. Deer Lodge
Best
Barber
70 votes
Ojai native Guy Wann comes from a long
line of artists, but it wasn’t until five years
ago that he decided to join their rank.
Owner of Guy Wann Plumbing by day, he
first turned to art as a way to relieve stress. A
visit to his mother’s home in Puerto Vallarta
— where she was exhibiting some of her
artwork — ignited Wann’s passion to create.
Within six months, he was exhibiting his
own works, featuring the some of the things
that have made his hometown famous:
sunsets, citr us fr uits and Spanish
architecture.
“As a plumber, I drive around this valley
all day,” he says, “and these are the things I
see. So I decided just to paint Ojai stuff.”
1st. Duane Montgomery
2nd. Buddy Wilds
3rd. Mike Pulido
Wann developed his trademark technique,
acrylic paints with sand, by accident. He was
using acrylics one day when he spilled a bit of
sand on his canvas. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s
kinda cool!’ ... Sand makes the perfect texture
for an orange.”
Although he’s not a formally trained
painter, Wann’s work has been exhibited
across the country, from the walls of Made in
Ojai and the Ojai Valley Inn to New York City’s
Times Square. He’s also written several books
for artists.
Wann says he loves exhibiting in Ojai,
especially at Ojai Day and Art in the Park. “It’s
really thrilling that people like my work!” he
says.
1st. Contempo
Best
Beauty Salon 2nd. A Secret Beauty
487 votes
3rd. Hair-Em Salon
9
Best Actor — Buddy Wilds
“
by Tiobe Barron
In the words of
Photo by Dean Zatkowsky
one of my favorite
characters, ‘Thanks
for noticing me.’
”
Photo by Dean Zatkowsky
Buddy Wilds acted and sang in “A Funny
Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
motion picture
Wilds plays Greg in “Sylvia” opposite Kimberly Demmary (right) and Deborah Bertling (left).
Best
Beer
selection
191 votes
2nd. Jimmy’s Pub
3rd. The Village Jester
Best
Bicycle
Shop
469 votes
1st. MOB Shop
2nd. Bicycles of Ojai
The reigning, multi-time champion of the
“Best Actor” category, Buddy Wilds, knew he
wanted to act since he was 15 years old.
“In freshmen year of high school, we studied
‘Death of a Salesman.’ I attended high school
in the New Jersey area, and our teacher took us
on a field trip to New York City,” says Wilds. “I
saw George C. Scott as Willy Lomax, and I was
mesmerized. I said, ‘I want to do that!’”
Wilds immediately returned to his school
and auditioned for the school production of
“Hello, Dolly!”
Wilds most recently starred as Mitch in “A
Streetcar Named Desire” at the Ojai Art Center
Theater. Prior to that, Wilds was in the Art
Center’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” In
fact, Wilds has a long-running relationship
with the Ojai Art Center Theater.
“He’s been with us a long time, at least 10
years,” says Ojai Art Center executive Director
Teri Mettala. “The first thing I remember him
in is the lead in ‘South Pacific.’ I think that’s
how he first got involved, when he auditioned
here.”
“For the past eight years, I’ve only worked in
Ojai. There is plenty to do here, so I haven’t felt
the need to go elsewhere,” says Wilds. “We have
a marvelous group of artistic people here in
Ojai. People have some serious chops. It’s nice
to work with talented people, especially when
you’re working with people who are so good,
they make you raise your own bar.”
“He’s been in everything: drama, musicals,
he’s been on the play-reading committee,” says
Mettala. “I’ve known him forever, and think
he’s just a great guy.”
Even after two prior wins as “Best Actor” in
Ojai, Wilds is still moved by the community
following he’s garnered.
“I’m honored. I’m glad people notice,” says
Wilds. “In the words of one of my favorite
motion picture characters, ‘Thanks for noticing
me.’”
Best
Breakfast
683 votes
1st. Ojai Café Emporium
2nd. Bonnie Lu’s
3rd. Eggs & Potatoes
10
Best
Burger
589 votes
1st. Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill
2nd. Jolly Kone
Best
Camping
Supplies
427 votes
1st. Ojai Surplus
2nd. True Value
3rd. Corner Market
Best
Casual
Dining
254 votes
1st. Papa Lennon’s
2nd. Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill
all for voting me the
zez
ze
I’m so honored and look forward to helping you
look your best for years to come. ~ Jennifer Keeler
To book an appointment call or text 805-322-8277
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1st. Caitlin Matthews
Best
Chiropractor 2nd. Evergreen Wellness/ Russell Kuhn
341 votes
3rd. Mid-Valley Family Chiropractic
Best
Clothing
Store
501 votes
1st. Rains Department Store
2nd. Kindred Spirit
3rd. Camouflage
11
Best
Coffee
Shop
672 votes
1st. Coffee Connection
2nd. Ojai Coffee Roasting Co.
3rd. Full of Beans
12
Best
Computer
Repair
332 votes
1st. Ojai PC Pros
2nd. Right-Click Computer Services
3rd. Bit Vision
Ojai West’s
Continuing
Projects
Rotary’s Floating
Classroom, on Lake
Casitas offers classes
for students and
seniors.
Rotary’s
Dictionary Project
has distributed over
2,000 dictionaries to
Ojai’s public school
3rd graders
Rotary Park at the
gateway to Ojai
Best
Customer
Service
Best
1st. Joe’s Quick Stop
Convenience
2nd. Ojai Chevron
Store
3rd. Circle K
449 votes
170 votes
1st. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
2nd. Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy
3rd. Rains Department Store
THANK YOU for voting…
Rotary Ojai West
BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE
ORGANIZATION
In Ojai Valley!
21 years of Summer
Band Concerts in
Libbey Park
The 27th Annual Ojai
Wine Festival, a
fundraiser for further
community projects
VISIT US AT WWW.ROTARYOJAIWEST.ORG
Current President:
[email protected]
Best
Day Spa
324 votes
Best
Facial
273 votes
The Best Day Spa category
received 232 more votes than
Best Daycare, and Best Facial
Best
Daycare
92 votes
Best
Day Care
92 votes
1st. Wee Sprouts Day Care
2nd. Noah’s Ark
3rd. Montessori School of Ojai
13
Best
Day Spa
324 votes
earned 181 more. Let’s face it,
an aging population has to
have its priorities.
1st. The Day Spa of Ojai
2nd. Lavender Inn
3rd. Body Essentials/New Leaf Skin Care
Best
Deli
528 votes
1st. Rainbow Bridge Deli
2nd. Westridge Market Deli
3rd. Marche Gourmet Deli
Thank you for voting us Best Bar,
Best Liquor Store, Best Wine Selection
and Best Beer Selection!
• 750 beers - New beers arriving daily
• 1,000 wines — including local favorites
• 300 whiskies, 200 tequilas & many more spirits
• Knowledgeable staff & friendly service
• Ojai Valley's only fully-stocked walk-in humidor!
The Ojai Beverage Company
Join us at The Cafe O.B.C.:
655 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, Ca. 93023
Daily Wine tastings & Wine by the Glass
• 12 beers on tap & many more by the bottle
805-646-1700
• New menu! • Outdoor patio
www.ojaibevco.com
Check out our web site for an up-to-date events calendar!
We can ship your purchases to all approved states
14
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company
PREMIER HORSEBACK RIDING
RIVER VALLEY TRAIL RIDES
FOREST TRAIL RIDES
PONY RIDES
Explore California's Shangri-La on
horseback! Escape into nature and
experience a majestic tour of one of
the most beautiful places on Earth,
on horseback! We have trail rides
suited for the beginner to the
advanced rider all year round!
(805) 890-9340 ~ Call for reservations
3.5 Miles from Downtown Ojai - Open 7 days a week!
www.ojaivalleytrailrides.com ~ Ojai City License #14950
Best
Dentist
347 votes
1st. Thos. D. Buck
2nd. David L. Garber
3rd. David Watson
603 West Ojai Avenue, Suite C
P.O. Box 189
Ojai, Ca 93024
805.646.3729
[email protected]
Best
1st. Bliss Frozen Yogurt
Dessert/
2nd. Ojai Ice Cream
Sweet Shop
3rd. Kingston’s Candy Company
528 votes
Derby & Derby, Inc.
Our Team
Victoria Derby Breen
Owner/President
Thank you Ojai!
Investment, Insurance & Wealth Planning Since 1979
State of California Registered Investment Advisor
California Insurance licenses #0575624 and #0A38521
Donna Lloyd
Vice President
Best
1st. Pat Nolan Professional Drafting
Designer/
2nd. Kent Johnson Designs
Draftsman
108 votes 3rd. Stephen F. Bovee Drafting
Wealth Management
Retirement Planning
Estate Preservation
Legacy Planning
Life Insurance & Annuities
Long-Term Care
Cindy Rodarte
Administrative Executive
Best
Dog
Grooming
317 votes
1st. Yuppie Puppie Pet Spaw
2nd. Four Paws Pet Grooming
3rd. Ultimutt Pet Spa in Ojai
Best
Donuts
319 votes
1st. Donut Hole
2nd. Ojai Donut Shoppe
3rd. Diaz Bakery
15
Best
1st. Ojai Electric
Electrical
2nd. Max Reed Electrical
Contractor
257 votes 3rd. Patrick Electric
Thank you for voting us
Best Bakery & Best Breakfast 2013!
16
Best
Dessert/
Sweet Shop
528 votes
Best
Dentist
347 votes
Best
Exercise
Class
114 votes
Given the popularity of the first category, we figured the next two would
have gotten more votes than they did.
Best
Equipment 1st. Greg Rents
Rental
2nd. Moody’s Equipment Rentals
256 votes
Best
Esthetician
273 votes
1st. Mary Nelson Skin Care
2nd. Busy Babes
3rd. The Day Spa at Ojai
Best
1st. Dream Jeans/Ojai Valley Athletic Club
Exercise
2nd. Val Poulis’ Ball Class at Vitality Fitness
Class
114 votes 3rd. Lulu Bandhas Yoga
Thank you to the Ojai Valley for your
confidence and loyalty since 1987.
I share this honor with our wonderful,
caring office staff. Their hard work
and terrific attitude make it a joy
to come to "work" every day.
Our newly acquired state of the art technology
is used to detect, manage and treat glaucoma,
macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
We have one of the largest eyewear frame
selections in Ventura County, including Oakley,
Maui Jim, Gucci, Dior, Silhouette and ...more.
Visit our website to read our reviews and
get to know us better. You can even request
or schedule an appointment
through our website at topaeye.com.
Stay tuned for our exciting new office expansion!
Front row: Joann, Dr. Tsao, Carol Second row: Heidi, Vanessa, Pam, Terra
Third row: Dr. Brockman, Debbie
Topa Topa Optometry, Inc.
805.646.5109
115 Pirie Road, Suite E
17
power to be
the best
OVAC’s Dream Jeans
program is Ojai’s best
weight loss program. We
empower our members to
be their best by offering the
best: a variety of group ﬁtness
classes, top-notch instructors,
state-of-the-art equipment,
great trainers, and more.
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Best
Facial
332 votes
1st. (tie) Day Spa at Ojai
1st. (tie) Mary Nelson Skin Care
3rd. A Secret Beauty
Best
1st. James Halverson
Family
2nd. Helen Petroff
Practitioner
3rd. Mary Nelson
431 votes
Best
1st. BD Dautch – Earthtrine Farms
Farmers’
2nd. Farmer and the Cook
Market Vendor
143 votes 3rd. Friends Ranch
18
coffee connection Arbolada Medical Group
Thank you to all my friends and clients
for 25 years of confidence in me!
your community coffee & espresso bar
Thank you
for
voting us
Best
Coffee
Shop!
Jon Furness, co-owner
Best
Financial
Planner
194 votes
311 E. El Roblar Dr., Ojai
(805) 646-7821
1st. Victoria Breen/Derby and Derby
2nd. Olga Jones/Ameriprise Financial
3rd. Jeff McComas/Edward Jones
Best
Fine
Dining
592 votes
Mary Evans, R.N., F.N.P.
Family Nurse Practitioner
1320 Maricopa Hwy. Ste. E
1st. Suzanne’s Cuisine
2nd. The Ranch House
3rd. Osteria Monte Grappa
Best
Fitness
Gym
344 votes
(805) 646-0151
1st. Ojai Valley Athletic Club
2nd. Bryant Street Health & Fitness
3rd. Curves
ROTO-ROOTER
PLUMBING SERVICE
Fast 24/7
Sewer and Septic Service
We offer 24/7 complete drain cleaning and plumbing of residential, commercial and industrial properties.
(Trenchless pipe replacement, hydrojetting and video sewer line inspection.)
America’s Neighborhood Plumber
7 days a week
John Heard
Lic#630460
(805) 642-1980
Best
Florist
332 votes
1st. Angela’s Flowers
2nd. Curly Willow
3rd. Digs
Best
Furniture
Store
280 votes
1st. Kava Home
2nd. Down Home Furnishings
3rd. Wachter’s
19
Best
Garden
Center
376 votes
1st. Flora Gardens
2nd. Ortiz Nursery
3rd. Greens Nursery
20
Best Coach — Tony Henney
Photo by Holly Roberts
by Mike Miller
Photo by Dougal Brownlie
Ranger gridder-turned-coach Tony Henney bleeds gold and blue.
Henney (fifth from left) and several members of his veteran coaching staff
pause during a practice last year — the year Nordhoff won its first-ever CIF
championship. Like Henney, most are former players.
Best
Gas
Station
488 votes
1st. Ojai Chevron
2nd. Valero
3rd. Oak View Shell
Best
General
Contractor
333 votes
When Tony Henney took over the
Nordhoff High School football
program from Hall of Fame coach Cliff
Farrar, many wondered if the program
would experience some down years.
Henney has quickly put those worries
to rest as he has amassed a 47-15
record over the last six seasons as
Nordhoff’s head coach.
For his efforts, the Ojai Valley voted
Henney the best coach in the “The
Best of the Ojai Valley” contest. Since
taking over for Farrar back in 2008,
Henney has never exper ienced a
losing season, and he has established
a reputation as one of Ventura
County’s top high school football
coaches.
“I was lucky enough to be around
two great high school programs and
coaches. I learned a lot from Cliff here
at Nordhoff and Vic Ecklund at (Cal
State University at) San Luis Obispo.
Both Cliff and Vic have been great
mentors,” said Henney.
This year was the first time the
“Best Coach” category was included in
the Best of Ojai contest, and Henney
won by landslide. That should not
come as a big surprise, given that his
varsity Rangers won their first-ever
CIF title last season; he’s gotten locals
accustomed to winning over the last
couple of seasons. In their last 16
games, the Rangers have posted an
impressive 15-1 record.
Wins and loses are not the only
thing Henney uses to measure his
success as the leader of the Nordhoff
football program; he also aims to be a
positive role model. “It is important to
me to help develop young people and
prepare them for life after football,” he
said.
One player Henney has had an
impact on is senior quarterback and
1st. Kerry Miller
2nd. Tenpenny Construction
3rd. Scott Loomis LLC
“
It is important
to me to help develop
young people and
prepare them for life
after football.
”
offensive captain Tanner Workman.
“He knows how to really coach
players individually. He knows and
understands that some players
respond to coaching in different
ways. What I like the most about
playing for him is that he treats me
like a man, he doesn’t treat us like
high school teenagers, and that is the
best way I think that anyone can
coach,” said Workman.
Defensive captain Kobe Welch
added, “I think his knowledge of the
game is his best attribute. There is
never a question about football (that)
he doesn’t know the answer to. The
best part about playing for him is
that he lets me be myself. A lot of
coaches only want the game played
one way, but he lets me br ing
character and emotion into it.”
Henney and the Rangers are
primed for another big season, and
they are a threat to repeat at CIF
champions again in 2013. Check
them out at their next home game
Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., against Carpinteria.
Best
Gift
Shop
440 votes
1st. Tavitt’s Ojai Valley Card & Gift
2nd. Serendipity Toys
3rd. Made in Ojai Merchantile
21
Best Pet/Feed Store - Wachter’s Hay & Grain
by Tiobe Barron
Photos by Tim Dewar
The Wachter family may have sold
Wachter’s Hay & Grain in 1988, but
there are some things current owner
Katie Brock likes to keep traditional.
“My personal goal is to always have
our store be a great shopping
experience,” says Brock, whose
parents, Marty and Patricia
Morehart, purchased the store from
the Wachter family. “We really try
hard to have what our customers
want, and if we don't, we order it.”
Far from offering mere hay and grain,
this “feed store” also sells a variety of
animals — from lizards to baby
chicks — pet supplies and organic
pet food, home décor, outdoor
furnishings, and, you guessed it, hay
and grain.
“I am surprised how many people in
Ojai don't know about what we do, or
have. We are always thrilled when
someone comes in and tells us they
had no idea we were here,” says
Brock.
The shop truly is a family affair;
Brock took over the business from
her parents, and now her own
children pitch in around the store,
even helping clientele and offering
sage advice on the products they
grew up around.
“My family has been in the pet/feed
business for over 48 years. I love our
store, and I have a wonderful team I
get to work with. My children are
starting to help out and that is so
great — the third generation,” Brock
says. “Our customers are what help
make our job so great. We love
helping people chose pets that fit
their family, helping them make
choices that help their pets.”
Perhaps it is this sense of pride and
involvement that places Wachter’s at
the forefront of residents’ minds
when they think of quality pet stores.
“We were all so excited to hear we
won best of Ojai,” says Brock of her
team’s response to the “Best of Ojai”
win.
A selection of fish are available in addition to furniture, decorations and more.
Best
Graphic
Artist
54 votes
1st. Evan Austin
2nd. (tie) Dustin Byerley
(tie) Marty Mellein
Best
Grocery
Store
628 votes
The Wachter’s crew includes (front to back) Lorrie Malloy, Tami Fancher, Sam
Gro, Katie Brock and Lavette Donoghue. (not pictured) Nick Burgee and Ruby
Doss.
1st. Westridge Market
2nd. Starr Market
3rd. Rainbow Bridge
1st. Jennifer Keeler
Hairstylist 2nd. Buddy Wilds
220 votes 3rd. (tie) Amber Home & Kim Armstrong
Best
22
Doug Crawford
Insurance Agency, LLC
Bryan & Charlene
“Best
Dog Groomer”
2013
Thank you,
Ojai!
Give us a call to review your homeowners coverage to make
sure you are adequately insured and let us combine your home
and auto policies for extra savings. We are a multi-line agency
that can meet all of your insurance needs, give us a call today!!
Doug Crawford
Insurance Agency, LLC
102 E. Aliso Street
CA license #0H23527
1st. Affordable Property Repairs
Best
Handyman 2nd. Arnolds Electric Service
128 votes 3rd. Gene’s Handyman Service
Best
1st. Sea Fresh Seafood
Happy Hour
2nd. Ojai Beverage Company
Drinks
3rd. Azu
136 votes
Thank you Ojai!
805- 646-0171
Best
Happy Hour
2nd. Ojai Beverage Company
Menu
121 votes 3rd. Barrel 33
The Ojai Valley Defense Fund congratulates our founding president
John Broesamle
on being named OJAI’S BEST VOLUNTEER
for the 2nd year in a row!
Thank you, Ojai community, for
recognizing the tireless
and important work that John
does on behalf of our valley!
Ojai Education Foundation:
Ojai Valley Unified School District:
Ojai Trees:
Ojai Valley Defense Fund:
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy:
Advisory Board (present)
Grandparent Volunteer (present)
Volunteer Planter (present)
Founding President (2009-2012) and Board of Directors (present)
President (1998-2000), Board of Directors, Land Committee (present)
23
Voted Best C hiropractor in Ojai
Voted Ojai’s Best In:

Thank
You!
Book Appointments Online
www.DrCaitlinMatthews.com
16LJQDO6W6XLWH$
Best
Hardware
Store
537 votes
1st. Meiners Oaks Ace Hardware
2nd. True Value
3rd. Ojai Lumber Company
Best
Best
1st. Rainbow Bridge
Health Food
2nd. Farmer and the Cook
Store
3rd. Westridge Market
605 votes
Heating,
Vent. & AC
189 votes
1st. Fairweather Heating & Air
2nd. Forced Air Heating & Cooling
3rd. Quick Plumbing
Thank you for voting!
Come relax with us
1434 E. Ojai Ave. • Ojai, CA 93023 • 805.640.1100
Radiant Facials l Therapeutic Massage
Healing Body & Foot Treatments
Pre-Wedding Day Escapes
Spa Day Packages
Private Garden Services
24
Best Band - (tie)
by Tiobe Barron
Beloved home of potters Beatrice
Wood, Otto and Vivika Heino, and
restful getaway for performance
artists ranging from Julie Christen to
the late Jackie Lomax, Ojai has built a
reputation as an artistic community.
Perhaps it comes as little surprise,
then, that we have not one, but two
best bands, according to you, our
readers: Cindy Kalmenson and the
Lucky Ducks, as well as The
Household Gods.
photo submitted
Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks
Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks include (from
left) Duane Livingston, Jim Landsman, Cindy
Kalmenson and Ray Magee.
Cindy Kalmenson and her Lucky Ducks
began in 2009 when she moved next door to
pedal steel guitar player Ray Magee.
Kalmenson had just returned to Ojai from
Nashville, where she received numerous
accolades for her songwriting, including
nominations for the best CD of the year by the
Los Angeles Music Awards. After seeing
Kalmenson perform at Ojai Day, Magee invited
her to jam with him. Shortly thereafter, the pair
began recruiting a bass guitar player, and after
finding Jim Landsman, they played regularly at
The Village Jester. Duane Livingston, a regular
at the Jester, insisted the trio needed a
drummer — and the four have been performing
together ever since.
According to Kalmenson’s website, “The
Lucky Ducks play a mixture of jazz, folk, blues,
and country originals with familiar favorites
woven throughout: Roy Orbison, Neil Young,
Bonnie Raitt, Patsy Cline, John Prine and Linda
Rondstadt, to name a few.”
Check them out at the Deer Lodge the first
and third Wednesday of each month, and at The
Village Jester every second and fourth
Wednesday.
“Libbey Bowl last year at Ojai Day was
probably the highlight, but we love our regular
gigs at the Jester and the Deer Lodge,” says
Kalmenson.
“This win for us is a nice boost of
confidence for us, which means that we have to
continue to rehearse and be the best we can
be,” she adds.
The Household Gods — who are no
strangers to the “Best Band” title, having
won several times in the past — are
founding member bass guitar player J.B.
White, lead guitarist Charlie Bosson, Jim
Lashly on rhythm guitar, and Peter Bellwood
on ukulele and percussion. The play both
originals and cover tunes, and pepper their
performances with their trademark humor.
True renaissance men, each member is
also an artist in another craft; White is a
writer, Bellwood is a collage artist and writer,
Lashly is an actor and Bosson is a computer
whiz.
“We don’t make a fortune doing this, but
Best
Hiking
Trail
141 votes
1st. Shelf Road
2nd. Pratt Trail
3rd. Horn Canyon Trail
we do love it,” explains Bellwood.
The band had already been together for
some years when they asked Bellwood to
join. “They asked me to join, and I said,
‘Well, I don’t want to come in as a demi-god,
I only want to do it if I’m a full-fledged
God,’” jokes Bellwood.
The Gods rehearse every Tuesday, and if
you visit www.last.fm, you can sample their
tunes. They’ve played at private parties, the
Ojai Retreat, Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio,
and several community events.
“We usually have a pretty good time
wherever we play,” says Bellwood, “and we’re
honored to be voted ‘Best Band.’”
Best
1st. Healing in America
Holistic
2nd. Soul Centered
Practitioner
3rd. Laurie Edgcomb
292 votes
photo submitted
The Household Gods
The Household Gods include (from left) Jim Lashly,
J.B. White, Charlie Bosson and and Peter Bellwood.
Best
1st. Kava Home
Home Decor
2nd. Down Home Furnishings
Store
3rd. Human Arts
62 votes
25
Best Gas
Station
Winner since 2001
Ojai Chevron
360 E. Ojai Ave.
Paul Robie,
646-2286
Owner since 1988
Best
1st. Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company
Horseback
2nd. Ojai on Horseback
Riding
203 votes 3rd. Bodee’s Rancho Grande
Best
Hotel
336 votes
1st. The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
2nd. The Oaks at Ojai
3rd. The Capri
Paul Robie
Best
Insurance
Agency
337 votes
1st. Doug Crawford Insurance
2nd. Bob Daddi/State Farm
3rd. Tami Bright / Farmer’s Insurance
Best Non-Profit Organization 2013
Thank You, Ojai Valley!
Your support is the key that enables us to serve the Ojai Valley.
Whether we are providing lunches, rides and activities for seniors, or
food and housing support for vulnerable families,
we couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you for having confidence in us.
Neighbors
HELPing
Neighbors
HELPof Ojai, Inc.
HELPof Ojai, Inc.
111 W. Santa Ana
www.helpofojai.org
26
Best
Hiking
Trail
141 votes
2nd. Boccali’s
3rd. Osteria Monte Grappa
Best
1st. David Whipple Goldsmith
Jewelry
2nd. Human Arts Gallery
Store/Maker
3rd. Love Heals Jewelry
334 votes
Best
Kid friendly
2nd. (tie) Carrows
Restuarant
(tie) Ojai Pizza
158 votes
Proud to be nominated #1 Assisted Living Community in the Best of Ojai 2013.
Independent Living, Assisted Living
and Memory Care
701 N. Montgomery • Ojai, Ca 93023 • 805.646.1446 • www.GablesofOjai.com • Lic.# 565800551
27
Voted Best Seafood Restaurant, Best
Happy Hour Menu & Happy Hours Drinks
Thank you Ojai for voting us the best!
805-646-7747
Best
1st. Daley Landscaping Inc.
Landscape
Architect 2nd. Green Goddess Gardens
244 votes 3rd. Lisa Phelps Irrigation & Landscaping
533 E. Ojai Ave.
Best
1st. Coin House laundry
Laundromat
2nd. Mira Monte Quick Clean Laundromat
131 votes
Happy Hour M-F • 2-6 pm
Restaurant & Bar
Fresh Fish Market
Sushi & Oyster Bar
100% Certified Angus Beef
...NOW Serving Breakfast
Best
Liquor
Store
471 votes
2nd. Attitude Adjustment Shoppe
3rd. Pat’s Liquor
Bryant Circle
M
INI STORAGE
ai
j
O
u
o
y
k
n
a
h
s
T
u
g
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i
t
for vo est”
“the B
Best Storage
Facility
Call Us Today for our Blue Door Special - 646-2354
5'x5' (25 Square Feet)
Regular Closet - Personal
items, clothes, boxes, skis,
children's toys, small
furniture items, business
records and sales rep
materials.
Walk-in Closet - Personal
items, clothes, boxes, skis,
children's toys, small
furniture items, business
records and sales rep
materials.
Half of a one-car garage
One-bedroom apartment
with major appliances, other
furniture and
supplies.
Two-thirds of a one-car
garage - A two-bedroom
apartment or house,
including appliances, boxes
and miscellaneous items
and commercial storage
inventory.
Standard one-car garage A three-bedroom house with
major appliances, plus lots
of boxes. Business storage
files and inventory ideal for
storage racks.
Standard two-car garage A four-to five-bedroom
house with major appliances
and room for boxes.
Excellent for business
storage of files, equipment
and permanent records.
Bryant Circle Mini Storage - 412 Bryant Circle - Ojai - California - (805) 646-2354
28
Best Teacher — Jim Bailey Oak Grove School
Two-time Best Teacher award
winner Jim Bailey teaches his sixthgraders all the usual stuff: math,
science, English, history. But this
ukulele-playing, sur fing, selfprofessed science nerd does it with a
twist all his own.
“Clearly (he) loves teaching and
relishes the processes of exploration
and discovery,” says Oak Grove School
parent
Ken
Leandro.
“He
communicates so naturally with the
students that it seems like they not
only respect him — they ‘get’ him.”
And he gets them, too.
“There’s a science to being a good
teacher ... Kids really do know a lot of
stuff,” said Bailey, a former adult
mentor at the Ojai Valley Youth
Foundation. “These kids are ready to
go. Our challenge as teachers is to
meet them there.”
Doing so often means trying new
things. So, instead of having kids
simply memorize facts about early
humans, Bailey turned Bob Dylan’s
“Blowing in the Wind” into a song
about human evolution. “I actually
learned how to play the ukulele just so
I could sing songs with the kids to
help them remember things,” Bailey
said. “They love it.”
One of Bailey’s favorite projects was
teaching kids about the life cycle.
Inspired by Bernd Heinrich’s “Life
Everlasting,” Bailey had his students
study roadkill left in an open field
every day for several days.
Sound a bit, well, gross? Maybe. But
consider the number of subjects
covered. Kids learned technology
skills by setting up and operating a
motion-activated camera at the site.
Photos from that camera allowed kids
to learn to identify local predators,
such as the red-tailed hawk. They also
utilized their burgeoning science and
math skills by taking temperatures
and measurements, counting insects,
and tracking rates of decay. Bailey
even turned it into an English lesson
by having students write a proper
letter to author Heinrich (who even
wrote back).
But there was also a more subtle,
See Teacher on next page
photo by Maxe Schimberg
by Misty Volaski
For the second consecutive year, Jim Bailey has been named Best Teacher.
Best Public School & Best Private School
by Misty Volaski
Two of Ojai's oldest schools,
Thacher School and Nordhoff High
School, share the title of best school for
2013 — Best Private School for
Thacher, and Best Public School for
Nordhoff.
The Thacher School
Since 1889, Thacher's Toads have
hailed from around the country and
around the world; today, their students
come from 30 states and 11 countries,
although many are from Ojai itself.
One of the cornerstones of a Thacher
education, said head of school Michael
Mulligan, is their outdoor program. All
students are required to learn to ride
and care for a horse. "Horses are some
of the best teachers," said Mulligan.
"Teens need to learn a whole new
language to survive with a horse."
Students are also involved with
backpacking trips, rock climbing and
kayaking. "The wilderness is a really
good instructor," Mulligan said.
Thacher students are also expected
to volunteer and get involved in the
community. They tutor at elementary
schools and lend a hand at the
Humane Society of Ventura County,
retirement homes and others. A group
Best
1st. The Village Jester
Live
2nd. The Deer Lodge
Entertainment
133 votes 3rd. (tie) Libbey Bowl & Ojai Art Center
of students even traveled all the way to
Haiti with Ojai's Changing Tides
organization,
to
help
with
improvements to the non-profit
group’s orphanage.
And, of course, when it comes to
academics, Thacher applies those
same philosophies as it does in other
areas: hard work, good attitude and
personal responsibility. "It is expected
that you can make announcements to
the whole school at morning
assemblies, attend all your classes, ride
your horse or play sports in the
afternoons and be cleaned up for a
formal dinner an hour later, then finish
Best
1st. Casa Barranca
Local Wine
2nd. The Ojai Vineyard
Tasting Room
3rd. Old Creek Ranch/Vino V
320 votes
Best
Local
Winery
350 votes
all your assignments in the evening,
and do it all again the next day," said
graduate Tania Parker, director of
advancement with the Ojai Valley Land
Conservancy. "I learned to care for
others and to give back to my
community; all these things that were
expected of me. This is how Thacher
impacted my life, but that doesn't
mean I didn't sneak out once in awhile
to ride my horse in the moonlight."
Nordhoff High School
Nordhoff, like Thacher, has existed
for more than a century. In recent
years, Ranger students have enjoyed
See School on next page
1st. The Ojai Vineyard
2nd. Old Creek Ranch Winery/Vino V
3rd. Casa Barranca Vineyard
Teacher
and possibly more profound, lesson
here: how to view death. After the
experiment, a student told Bailey how
comforted she was knowing her dog’s
death, while sad, was giving life to
new organisms.
School
new classes, programs and
technologies — and all this, despite
steep budget cuts from the state.
For Rangers who love art, computers
and design, there's the Media Arts
Academy (MAA). MAA students have
designed logos for the Ojai Tennis
Tournament's souvenirs and programs
and have produced short films, TV
clips, the NHS yearbook and The
Ranger Newspaper, among other
projects.
For those who like to move, the
Best
Locksmith
167 votes
29
And those are the types of lessons
Bailey’s students carry with them.
Whether they’re from Oak Grove or
Matilija Junior High — where Bailey
worked until four years ago — Bailey
says he hopes he’s cultivated two
things in his students: a love of
learning and a good attitude toward
failure.
On learning, Bailey said, “It feels
good to learn things, to be competent
... Learning is fun! It makes life more
interesting.” On failure, he said, “I
want kids to know it’s OK to fail,
because failure leads to success. Think
about video games — you fail and fail
until you get to the next level.”
Head of school, Meredy BensonRice, said she often hears about
Bailey’s “accessibility, his genuine care
of the students, his ability to relate
easily to young people ... he
consistently inspires kids to be the
best of themselves.”
Dance Program has exploded onto the
scene in the last few years , teaching
teens a variety of dance forms — from
jazz to ballet to interpretive — as well
as how to choreograph and develop
their work on new iPad minis
(provided by the Ojai Education
Foundation).
Students interested in the medical
field can join the Health Sciences
Academy (HSA). There, kids study firstaid, anatomy, biology, chemistry, and
more — all as they relate to various
medical careers. Graduate Elsa Fraki is
currently studying nursing at Cal State
Chico and has fond memories of HSA.
"It was a wonderful program," she said,
"and really proved that my classmates
and I were in the right field."
But perhaps Nordhoff is best known
for its Music and Football Programs.
Bill Wagner has revolutionized the
music program, bringing in new
funding and taking students to events
from Hawaii to New York and beyond.
The Ranger varsity football squad is
riding high, coming off its first-ever CIF
championship victory in 2012 and
boasting a stellar coaching staff —
most of whom are former Ranger
gridders themselves, including head
coach (and 2013 Best Sports Coach
awardee) Tony Henney.
And all NHS students are benefitting
from new technology. Thanks to OEF,
students have access to technology
oncluding digital "smart" whiteboards,
wifi, digital projectors, iPads, Google
Chromebooks (which have, among
other things, allowed the ninth-grade
English classes to go paperless) and
more.
"We expect students to leave
Nordhoff better than how they found
it," said principal Greg Bayless, "having
made contributions to this place and
leave a legacy for the next generation of
students to build on."
1st. Martin’s Ojai Locksmith
2nd. Norm’s Locksmith
Best
Lunch
Place
212 votes
1st. Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill
2nd. (tie) Ojai Café Emporium
2nd. (tie) Papa Lennon’s
Best
Manicure/
Pedicure
280 votes
1st. Kristy’s Nails
2nd. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
3rd. A Secret Beauty
Thanks, Ojai, for voting us
“Best Veterinarian”
108 Bryant St. • 646-5539
30
THANK YOU ALL
FOR VOTING FOR
THE OJAI RETREAT
& Cultural Center
AS THE BEST PLACE 2013
FOR SPECIALTY LODGING!
We thank all our
customers for over 43 years
of support and patronage.
www.ojairetreat.org
Best
Margarita
429 votes
1st. Agave Maria
2nd. Los Caporales
3rd. Casa De Lago
Best
1st. Ojai Valley Taekwondo Academy
Martial Arts
2nd. Living Aikido
Studio
3rd. (tie) Ojai Kenpo Karate/Mr. G’s
126 votes
Best
Martini
270 votes
1st. Azu
2nd. Jimmy’s Pub
Best Musical Group: (Tie) Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks and The Household Gods
Cindy Kalmenson and The Household Lucky Duck Gods
Thank Ojai for This Honor. We Love You Too!
31
11 11
12 12
13 13
Thank you to our loyal and
supportive clients for voting us:
• Best Home Decor Store
• Best Furniture Store
Architect Leather Chairs & Perry Sofa
Come see what’s new!
Beautiful items are arriving weekly.
WITH THANKS!
Hildegard, Terry, Philip & Cate
Custom Upholstery • Furniture • Rugs • Home Decor • Tabletop • Gifts • Design Consultation
238 East Ojai Avenue | Ojai, CA | 805-640-0491
Best
Massage
162 votes
1st. Summer’s Dawn
2nd. AA Relaxation Station
3rd. Spa Ojai at Ojai Valley Inn
Best
Mexican
Food
621 votes
1st. Agave Maria
2nd. Casa De Lago (Ojai)
3rd. Casa De Lago (Oak View)
Best
Mobile Home 1st. Ojai Awnings
Repair
2nd. Awning Pro
86 votes
32
Do you think the
disparity is because
men don’t care enough
Best
Beauty
Salon
487 votes
or woman care too
much about how they
look?
We’d like to think there
is a third reason, but
Best
Barber
70 votes
can’t figure out what it
might be.
Best
1st. Heritage Financial
Mortgage
2nd. Ojai Community Bank
Loan Officer
257 votes 3rd. Wells Fargo
Best
Motel/B&B
/Specialty
520 votes
1st. Ojai Retreat
2nd. Lavender Inn
3rd. Blue Iguana
Best
Musician
134 votes
1st. Jimmy Calire
2nd. Alan Thornhill
3rd. Kyle Hunt
Best
Musical
Group
92 votes
Best
1st. HELP of Ojai
Nonprofit/
2nd. Ojai Valley Defense Fund
Citizens Group
3rd. Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
170 votes
1st. (tie) Cindy Kalmenson & Lucky Ducks
1st. (tie) Household Gods
3rd. KHKG
33
Best
Nurse
60 votes
1st. Mary Evans
2nd. Mary Nelson
3rd. Karin Fraki
VENTURA ROOFING
“There is No Substitute for Experience”
Celebrating our
31st year in business!
“Thanks to all our
loyal friends and
customers in the
Ojai Valley!”
FREE
ESTIMATES
Hot Mop • Composition • Shingle • Rock Tile
• Shake • New Construction • Re-Roofing
• Repair • Bonded • Insured •
Financing Available
Kacy and Tim Reed
State License # 440157
805-646-7663
I n B u s i n e ss for 31 ye a rs a n d looking fo rw a rd t o 3 1 mo re ! !
34
Ojai Memories • Greeting Cards • T-shirts
and much more...
"Thanks to all the wonderful people
of the Ojai Valley for voting us the
Best Locksmith in the Valley!"
MOBILE
24 HOURS
805 646-OPEN (6736)
Tavitt’s
Ojai Valley Card & Gift
1109 Maricopa Hwy. (located at the “Y”)
646-8963
1st. Bruce Brockman
Best
Optometrist 2nd. Robert J. Graham
319 votes 3rd. Roger H. Phelps
Dan Martin
Owner
PO Box 1775
Ojai, CA 93024
Best
Outdoor
Dining
220 votes
1st. The Ranch House
2nd. (tie) Papa Lennon’s
2nd. (tie) Sea Fresh Seafood
State License 1421
Best
Park
164 votes
1st. Libbey Park
2nd. Soule Park
3rd. Sarzotti Park
Carolyn Vondriska, Esq.
“I am so grateful for the honor of being
named Best Attorney for 2013. Thank you for
trusting my colleagues and me with your
legal matters. I look forward to serving our
community now and into the future!”
Waite, Jacobs & Atkinson
Allan Jacobs, Esq.
Ross E. Atkinson, Esq.
Carolyn J. Vondriska, Esq.
Karla B. Tetreault, Legal Assistant
Megan Davis, Secretary
Trusted by the Ojai Valley for more than 35 years
Trusts • Wills • Estate Planning • Conservatorships
Probate • Elder Law • Business • Real Estate
(805) 646-7263
603 W. Ojai Ave. • Suite D • Ojai
35
Thank you Ojai for
voting Ojai Pizza
The #1 Pizza in Ojai again!
331 E. Ojai Avenue • Downtown Ojai
TheOnlyGoodPizza.com
Best
Painting
Company
207 votes
1st. Ojai Custom Paint (formerly ScottTitus)
2nd. McKay’s Painting
3rd. Rigg’s Custom Coating
Thank You for making us #1!
Proudly serving the Ojai Valley and its
surrounding areas for all their
RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL needs.
25 Years of installation and service
experience for high efficiency gas
furnaces, heat pumps, and air
conditioning systems.
Best
1st. Wachter’s
Pet
2nd. Ojai Valley Feed
Feed/Supply
3rd. American Hay & Merchantile
408 votes
Best
Pharmacy
471 votes
1st. The Medicine Shoppe
2nd. Ojai Rexall Drug
3rd. Medical Arts Pharmacy
FAIRWEATHER
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING INC.
(805) 658-8385 CL # 892661
• We stand behind all our installations with outstanding
warranty and service programs.
• Customer satisfaction, safety, and quality are our
#1 priority.
• We service all brands of HVAC RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL
equipment.
• We have a full line of Fujitsu Min-Split systems ready to be installed.
• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• HONESTY IS ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY.
Greg Rents
36
Equipment Rental, Sales & Repairs
What's New?
We now offer (and deliver) SOD - Please call ahead for
details and pricing (varies with location and delivery).
Half Day, Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rates Available
Party Rental Supplies
HOURS
Open 7 days a week!
Mon-Friday 7am - 5pm
Saturday 7am - 3pm
Sunday Noon - 3pm
Greg Rents is proud to be serving the Ojai Valley
and surrounding areas since 1992.
Family owned and operated and an active
member of the local community!
805-649-2590
Mention this ad
from Best of
Ojai 2012 and
receive a free
topping!
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Best
420 N. Ventura Ave. Oak View • gregrents.com
1st. Logan Hall Photography
Best
Photographer 2nd. Ruth Miller
277 votes 3rd. Whitney Hartmann
Best
Physical
Therapist
262 votes
1st. Swanner Physical Therapy
2nd. Pacific Therapy Services
3rd. Anna Kotula
Best
Pizza
635 votes
1st. Ojai Pizza
2nd. Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta
3rd. Papa Lennon’s
Get in, get help, get on with your life!
Meiner’s Oaks Ace Hardware
121 E. El Roblar, Meiners Oaks
805-646-7234
Stop in and meet our friendly employees
ACE HARDWARE RANKED HIGHEST
IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BY
J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES
FOR THE 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
37
SNACKS ★ LOTTERY ★ WINE ★ SODAS ★ BEER ★ GOURMET COFFEE & MORE!
Must
af
15 yr a
s.
Yous
uf
17 yr
s.
Saffa
na
19 yr
s.
e
e
Ram
201 N. Signal
at Matilija
Stop by anytime
We’re Here for you
Best
Place of
Worship
149 votes
1st. Church of the Living Christ
2nd. Ojai Presbyterian Church
3rd. Mediation Mount
Best
Plumbing/
Rooter Co.
357 votes
Maraam
13 yrs.
646-4247
1st. Frank’s Rooter & Plumbing Service
2nd. A&M Plumbing
3rd. Fred Oliver Plumbing
Best
1st. Ojai Pool Store
Pool
2nd. Clear Blue Pool & Spa
Maintenance
159 votes 3rd. Flying Carp Pool Service
Thank you for voting us Best Transportation Service
Please keep Ojai Safe
If you drink, let me drive!
(805) 340-6850
or
Ojai Taxi - 646-TAXI
Dutch
z
Personal
Services
38
Best
Private
School
438 votes
We aren’t sure why
Best
Public
School
358 votes
this worked out the
way it did, but it is
an interesting
reflection of our
voters when more
have a favorite
private school than
they do public
school.
Best
Private
School
438 votes
1st. The Thacher School
2nd. Oak Grove School
3rd. Villanova Preparatory School
Best
Produce
586 votes
1st. Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market
2nd. The Farmer and the Cook
Best
Public
School
358 votes
1st. Nordhoff High School
2nd. Topa Topa Elementary
3rd. Meiners Oaks Elementary School
Thank you, Ojai, for
voting us Best Art Gallery
3 years running!
It is an honor to provide you the
best selection of 100% local
fine art, crafts, jewelry, gifts
and products. Bring home a
piece of Ojai today.
Made In Ojai —
where every dollar you
spend stays in Ojai!.
323 E. Matilija St.
Just Behind the Arcade
39
Santa Barbara Travel Bureau is Proud to be Represented by
Three of the Best Travel Advisors in Ojai
Sheila Cohn
Travel Associate – Leisure Travel
[email protected]
For expert travel advice, contact
Santa Barbara Travel Bureau in Ventura
Made In Ojai – Artisans & Mercantile is a unique
combination of an artist-run collective and a local gift
shop, featuring the best of all things Ojai.
Best
Real Estate
Company
281 votes
Thank you, Ojai,
for voting
Contempo your
#1 salon again!
We're grateful for
your business and
your friendship.
Love & blessings,
The Contempo Family
Melinda Kornder
Manager - Leisure travel
[email protected]
More than 100 Years of Travel Consulting
Open Daily from 10-6
805-646-2400
Best
1st. Tonya Peralta
Real estate
2nd. Erik Wilde
Agent
214 votes 3rd. (tie) Joan Roberts & Robin Williams
Anna Kirkwood
Manager – Corporate Travel
[email protected]
1st. Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe
2nd. Keller Williams Realty
3rd. Troop Realty
205 S. Signal Street, Ojai
(805) 646-5591
805-650-6999
3140 Telegraph Road, Ventura
(across from St Bonaventure High School)
Available in Ojai By Appointment
CST#1009257
Best
Resort
Spa
398 votes
1st. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
2nd. The Oaks At Ojai Spa
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Thank you everyone for voting us
Best Painting Contractor again this year.
Best
Restaurant
Overall
704 votes
1st. Suzanne’s
2nd. Papa Lennon’s
Best
1st. The Gables of Ojai
Retirement
Community 2nd. St. Joseph’s
3rd. At Home in Ojai
296 votes
Best
Roofer
110 votes
1st. Ventura Roofing
2nd. The Manor of Ojai
3rd. Ojai Awnings
Thank you to all our volunteers...
Voted Best Thrift -Consignment
Store 2013
Front left: Patty Black, Frankie Marsh, Helen May Ortman, Peggy Russell, Joan Marble
Middle left: Katrina Butler, Shelley DuPratt, Sue Cowlishaw, Laurel Hayward, Nancy Voyer, Alexi Vincent, Rena
Randall , Shirley Delores, Yvonne Ellias
Back left: Sina Conley, Linda Burgess, Donna Long, Julie Mc Pherson, Shirley LaBarre, Leslie Jacobs, Trish
Culbertson, Patti Bagley, Charly Simmans, Dianne Steele, Patty Smith, Linda Gagnon .
Best
Italian
Food
646 votes
41
What are our favorite
types of food in the
Best
Mexican
Food
621 votes
Ojai Valley? Italian
Best
Asian
Food
604 votes
food (the Best Pizza
category received 635
votes) received the
most votes, with
Meixcan food and
Asian food following
closely.
Best
Sandwich
525 votes
2nd. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Best
Seafood
535 votes
2nd. Sakura Ojai
3rd. Ideal Seafood
Frank and his staff
would like to thank
Ojai for voting
Frank’s Rooter &
Pumping Service
THE BEST rooter and
plumbing service in the Ojai
Valley - 2011, 2012, 2013
Best
Septic
Pumping
73 votes
1st. Roto-Rooter
2nd. Frank’s Rooter
3rd. Advanced Sanitation
Proudly Serving the Ojai Valley since 1989
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www.angelasflowersojai.com
Thank you all for voting for us Best of Ojai for 2 years in a row, and for
giving us the opportunity to continue to meet all your floral needs.
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS • GIFTS • CANDLES • PLANTS • WEDDINGS
(805) 646-5404
226 W. Ojai Ave, Suite 102
(Enter from Matilija Street to parking lot, next to Ojai Business Center)
Best
1st. Rotary Club of Ojai West
Service
2nd. Ojai Lion’s Club
Organization
3rd. Rotary Club of Ojai
94 votes
Best
Sports
Bar
362 votes
Best
1st. Jimmy’s Pub
2nd. Giorgio’s Pizza & Subs
3rd. Ojai Pizza
Sports
Coach
83 votes
1st. Tony Henney
2nd. Lance Wiggins
3rd. Rick Goeden
Elizabeth
Maria
Amani
Melissa
Vac
Erica
Sandra
960 East Ojai Avenue
(in the Firebird Plaza)
www.medicineshoppe.com
Amani Hishmeh, R.Ph.
646-0106
Monica
Thank you, Ojai!
Stop by and say hello to
all of the friendly staff at
The Medicine Shoppe
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Wachter Hay & Grain
Your Holiday Gift Headquarters
(805) 646-4581
114 S Montgomery St.
Best Pet/Feed Supply
Best
Sushi
427 votes
1st. Sakura Ojai
2nd. Hakane Sushi
Eco-Logical Landscapes exceeding
expectations...Daley.
DALEYLANDSCAPEINC.COM
805-646-7756
Best
Teacher
142 votes
1st. Jim Bailey
2nd. (tie) Greg Lepine, Brian McColgan,
Tracy Oakland & Connie Ware
Best Thrift/ 1st. 2nd Helpings Thrift Store
Consignment
2nd. The Lennon Closet
Store
352 votes 3rd. New to you
44
The Top 10 most popular categories
Best
Restaurant
Overall
704 votes
Best
Breakfast
683 votes
Best
Coffee Shop
672 votes
Best
Italian Food
646 votes
Best
Best
Pizza
Bank
635 votes
633 votes
Best
Grocery
Best
Mexican
Store
Food
628 votes
621 votes
Best
Bar
Best Health
616 votes
Food Store
605 votes
Best
1st. Dutch’s Downtown Shuttle
Transportation
2nd. Ojai Trolley
Service
393 votes
3rd. Topa Topa Taxi
Best
Travel
Agency
141 votes
1st. Topa Topa Travel
2nd. Santa Barbara Travel’s Ojai Branch
3rd. Bijou Travel/Incredible Journeys
Best
Tree
Service
236 votes
1st. Call Oscar Tree Service
2nd. Sky High Tree Service
3rd. Crane Tree Service
45
With Gratitude, We Thank You For Voting
Treasures of Ojai “Best Antique Store in Ojai 2013”
We Really Appreciate Your Business, Our Local
Community Means a Lot To Us!
Katrina Sexton
Treasures of Ojai
110 North Signal Street, Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-2852
follow us on Facebook and Twitter: treasuresofojai
1st. Plush Surroundings
Best
Upholsterer 2nd. Topa’s Custom Upholstery
92 votes
3rd. Ray’s Upholstery
1st. Matilija Veterinary Hospital
Best
Veterinarian 2nd. Animal Clinic of Oak View
417 votes
3rd. Ojai Village Veterinary
Best
1st. Farmer and the Cook
Vegetarian
2nd. Rainbow Bridge
Menu
428 votes 3rd. Hip Vegetarian Joint
“Cuisine is cuisine, but The Ranch House is original.”
— Paul Newman
“Simple elegance in a heavenly setting” marks this renowned Ojai idyll,
“original” California cuisine, matched with a “world-class wine list”;
“ultimate in outdoor dining.”
— Zagat
The
Bakery and Herb Garden on premises.
Garden Weddings Our Specialty
Dinner Tues. - Sun., Sunday brunch
805-646-2360
500 So. Lomita, Ojai
www.TheRanchHouse.com
WINNER of the Ventura County Wine
Trail Local Food and Wine Challenge!
Thank you, Ojai, for voting us “Best Outdoor Dining”!
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!
s
d
n
e
i
r
F
u
o
Y
k
Than
MARY NELSON SKINCARE / OJAI’S BEST ESTHETICIAN AND BEST FACIAL
Mary Nelson Skincare / Spa at the Lavender Inn
210 East Matilija Street, Ojai 805.798.3555
Best
Volunteer
79 votes
1st. John Broesamle
2nd. Deborah Pendrey
3rd. David Mason
Best
Wine
List
341 votes
2nd. The Ranch House
3rd. Barrel 33
Best
Yoga
Instructor
108 votes
1st. Kira Ryder/LuLu Bandhas
2nd. Suza Francina
3rd. Ingrid Boulting/Sacred Space
“Thank you for choosing us from
amongst so many other quality
electricians in Ojai!”
805-640-1011
Best of Ojai Winner
10 Years Running!
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