Ojai Valley School

Transcription

Ojai Valley School

Spring 2011
Complimentary
SERVING VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Ojai Valley School
SPECIAL WEDDING SECTION • RESTAURANTS & GALLERIES • MAPS • LOCAL HISTORY AND MORE!
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ojai valley visitors guide
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L
Historic Libbey
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Red glass backsplash and black honed granite counters accent
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Exposed beam ceilings
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Photo by Logan Hall
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Contents
Welcome from the Publisher
by Bill Buchanan
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OVS Celebrates 100 Years
of Excellence
62-66
Ojai Valley Business Directory
67
OJAI VALLEY WEDDINGS 2011
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Dos & Don’ts for Brides-to-Be
by Misty Volaski
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“ The Ojai” Tennis Tournament
by Misty Volaski
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by Misty Volaski
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Winter Calendar of Events
by Linda Love Griffin
& Linda Harmon
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Art in the Ojai Valley
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Libbey Park Ascends
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84
Citizen Profile: Gil Vondriska
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Trimpin
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PROOFREADER:
by Logan Hall
102-103 Mind, Body, Spirit
Directory
Map of the Ojai Valley
ADVERTISING:
Mike Dawkins
Ross Falvo
by Chris T. Wilson
Chamber Gala
60-61
Ross Falvo
The Lavender Inn
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Music Festival
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL
PUBLICATIONS:
by Misty Volaski
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Bill Buchanan
Ariel’s Tips & Trends
Artists and Galleries
Map and Directory
by Linda Harmon
PUBLISHER:
An Ojai Love Story
by Misty Volaski
by Linda Harmon
38-39
WRITERS:
Bill Buchanan, Mel Bloom,
Logan Hall, Linda Harmon,
Misty Volaski, Chris T. Wilson
Linda Love Griffin
Ojai Lowdown
GRAPHIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION:
by Mel Bloom
106
Kathy Eicher
Nancy Sandstrom
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER:
Logan Hall
Wine Festival
ON THE COVER:
by Chris T. Wilson
Ojai Valley School
112-113 Dining Guide & Map
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67
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Visitors Guide is published quarterly by the Ojai Valley News, 408 Bryant Circle, Suite A, PO Box 277, Ojai, CA 93024. Telephone (805) 646-1476. Distribution is throughout
the Ojai Valley, and on the Central Coast from Solvang to Malibu and the West San Fernando Valley. It is also the in-house magazine for the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. All rights
reserved. Subscription rate is $15 annually. Published in December, April, July and October. Call 646-1476, Ext. 222, for Visitors Guide Advertising rates and deadlines.
Distribution free to all advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written permission of the publisher. © 2009 Visitors Guide to the Ojai Valley.
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A WORD FROM OUR PUBLISHER
So much from which to choose
Bill Buchanan
Publisher/Owner
Ojai Valley News and Visitors Guide
Spring is often portrayed in
literature as a season of rejuvenation.
A search of literary references to
springtime finds many passages that
offer the common themes of hope
and renewal. They often speak of the
optimism ahead after enduring a
bitter winter, such as the quote by
Victor Hugo, “Winter is on my head,
but eternal spring is in my heart.” It is
easy to understand such sentiment
from those around the country who
endured this past winter, which
ranged anywhere from brutal — to
even worse in some areas. All winter
we saw images of stranded
passengers in airports looking at
departure boards full of canceled
flights; snow-blowers running
overtime to clear suburban sidewalks;
and commuters stuck in endless lines
of snarled traffic due to
unprecedented snow and ice.
While those in some parts of the
country needed a metal detector just
to find their automobiles, Ojai
enjoyed a wonderfully warm winter.
Even parts of the country normally
unaccustomed to severe winter
weather were hit with ice and snow.
Some workers in Dallas were injured
by falling ice the week of the Super
Bowl, but the weather here in Ojai
was so nice that some of us watched
the game while sitting outside.
That does not mean that Ojai does
not welcome the spring. But here,
spring is usually more of a
perpetuation of wonderful weather
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rather than a respite from the severe.
In fact, Ojai offers a chance for locals
and our visitors to enthusiastically
celebrate the season with many
outstanding events, which are
chronicled here in pages of the Ojai
Valley Visitors Guide.
We invite you to browse our pages
to learn more about:
• “The Ojai,” the 111th Ojai Vallley
Tennis Tournament, April 26 through
May 1. Long considered one of the
top amateur tournaments in the
nation, past participants have
included some of the biggest names
in the sport — such as Bill Tilden,
Jack Kramer, Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean
King, Pancho Gonzales, Jimmy
Connors, Tracy Austin, Michael
Chang, Lindsay Davenport, Pete
Sampras and the Bryan twins.
• “The Magic Castle Comes to
Ojai,” May 22, a one-night show at
Matijila Auditorium featuring an
international lineup of world-class
magicians who will perform illusions,
conjuring and sleight-of-hand.
• The completion of the Libbey
Bowl project, which involves an
estimated 1,300 cubic yards of
concrete, 18,000 man-hours, and 35
contractors for the entire renovation.
This edition also provides
information about the Libbey Bowl
grand opening celebration, June 4
and 5, which includes the opening
gala and concert and a “Day of Music”
featuring a variety of performers.
• The 65th Ojai Music Festival, June
9 through 12, our highly acclaimed
music festival that has been described
as “internationally influential” by The
New York Times and “a Mecca for
today’s contemporary music
intelligentsia” by Symphony
Magazine. Dawn Upshaw will be
music director this year, with Thomas
W. Morris serving as the artistic
director. The Australian Chamber
Orchestra will be one of the featured
musical groups.
• The great story of the Lavender
Inn, which began as a one-room
schoolhouse; was later a meeting hall
for the city; and went through many
other transformations before
becoming a bed-and-breakfast,
offering cooking classes and special
events.
• The Rotary Club of Ojai West’s
25th Wine Festival. The festival is held
at beautiful Lake Casitas, and offers a
wide selection of wine, champagne
and beer tastings; live entertainment;
great food; and wonderful vendor
booths.
• The history of the Ojai Valley
School. The school, which started as a
one-room school with 12 students,
now serves more than 300 students
and celebrates its 100th anniversary
of providing a quality education by
“learning through doing.”
• Wedding dos and don’ts as well as
tips for the perfect wedding. Tip No. 1
— why not get married here in Ojai?
We invite you to come celebrate
spring with us.
w
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Stories by Misty Volaski
Contemporary photos by Logan Hall
Archive photos courtesy of OVS
OjaiValleySchool
C e l e b r at e s
100 Years of
E xcellence
In Ojai’s East End, nature still
dominates, and trees and chaparral
far outnumber human structures.
Quietly dotting the foothills are a
cluster of buildings and sports fields
that make up the Ojai Valley School’s
upper campus. The private school
was founded in 1911 across the street
from what is now the Ojai Valley Inn &
Spa, and later erected its East End
campus in the early 1960s to house
the growing high school population.
The small upper campus
population is diverse; boarding
students hail from the U.K., Taiwan,
Thailand, China, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, India and Russia, among
other countries. “It’s very
cosmopolitan. There is no majority,”
said upper campus headmaster Carl
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Cooper, himself a 1968 graduate. And,
surprisingly, there are no cliques
within the student body, he added.
“The kids learn they’re from different
places, but really, we’re all the same
types of people.”
Said U.K. junior Georgie Bridger,
“In England, there were clear
divisions in the student body. But
here, there just aren’t. If you were to
ask me, ‘Who are your friends?’ I
couldn’t label them. Everyone’s
friendly, so you’re friends with all of
them. You don’t have to conform here
— just be whatever you are.”
Carolita Landers, a freshman from
Mexico by way of Texas and Colorado,
nodded her agreement. “My brother
told me all these terrible stories about
boarding schools, but when I got
here, everyone just opened up their
arms to me. It’s a small community,
everyone is always together.”
Local day students, like freshmen
Cameron Cuthbert and Kolby
Saucedo, get a similar feeling. “There
are kids from so many different
countries,” said Cuthbert. He quickly
realized that “… that just means more
friends! It’s interesting just sitting
around talking about our cultural
differences.”
“I’m always asking if I can stay at
school on the weekends,” said
Saucedo. “All my friends are here. We
watch movies, hang out, order pizza.
We’re doing karaoke this weekend. It’s
like a big family.”
(continued on page 98)
Background piture: View of the Ojai Valley
from the upper campus.
Children from Ojai Valley School appreciate
nature circa 1930.
m OVS — a History m
OVS students enjoy state-of-the-art technology
in a bucolic setting.
Edward Yeomans, a Chicago man educated at Philips Academy and Princeton
University, had some big ideas about education.
Children should learn by doing — what he called “experiential learning” — and
not just by simply listening to lectures and quietly taking notes. After what he
considered his own lackluster educational experience, he concluded: with little to
stimulate their collective imagination, how could children fully grasp the subjects
being presented? These concepts were virtually unheard-of in the industrious late
19th century, but Yeomans felt schools were doing children a disservice in his
time.
Schools, he said, “… ought to start or stimulate a process that will grow into
wisdom outside, or into understanding … or, at least, into a healthy curiosity from
and sympathy with the things of the mind and the things of the imagination, past,
present, and future.”
Yeomans’ ideas so captivated Frank Frost, an East Coast transplant to the
sleepy Ojai Valley (then a town called Nordhoff), that he asked Yeomans to come
West and found a school for his son to attend. The year was 1911.
The Bristol School was already established on Ojai Avenue, but was struggling
at the time; Yeomans took over and turned things around. Thanks to a land grant
from local philanthropist Edward Libbey, in 1923, the Bristol School name was left
behind and Ojai Valley School began serving students at the current lower campus
in midtown Ojai.
In the early 1960s, the upper campus was founded in Ojai’s East End for
students in grades nine through 12. Today’s high-tech campus is perched atop the
rolling foothills on almost 200 acres, with unparalleled views in every direction.
One hundred years after Yeomans came to Ojai, his theories on education
continue to drive the school with an emphasis on hands-on experiences, music,
arts and outdoor education, as well as more traditional subjects.
“Integer Vitae” — Latin for the “wholeness or symmetry of life” which brings
strength and well-roundedness — lies at the very core of the organization.
Kids at the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school are varied in their
ethnic, religious, even socio-economic backgrounds, with almost 25 percent of
the student body coming from outside the United States. The result? Learning that
extends far beyond the classroom and deep into the hearts of the students. j
OVS photography student goes in
for a close-up.
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Patrik Fabian
concentrates on
his shot. The
17-year-old
Slovakia native
will be playing in
the Men’s Open
this year, after
winning the
Boys’ 16s in
2010.
Stories by Misty Volaski
There have been some big names who have
played in the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament —
Jack Kramer, Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean King, Jimmy
Connors, Tracy Austin, Lindsay Davenport, Pete
Sampras and the Bryan twins, to name a few.
Photo by Logan Hall
n Libbey Park, you’ll find plaques
with the names of 85 one-time
OVTT competitors who have
gone on to win a prestigious
grand slam title.
As America’s oldest amateur
tennis tournament approaches
its 111th year this April 26, things like
increased prize money in the open
divisions and an explosion of nationally
ranked youth players in the 18-and-under
divisions bring the promise of world-class
tennis to Ventura County’s smallest town.
Interestingly, it’s the junior divisions
that will likely give spectators some of
“The Ojai’s” most intense competition.
Take Patrik Fabian. The 17-year-old
Slovakia native — who will be playing in
the Men’s Open this year after winning the
Boys’ 16s in 2010 — came from a town
with just handful of public tennis courts.
OJAI HISTORY
May Sutton Bundy stands
under a photo of herself in
1972 (near right). In 1979,
Mrs. William A. Fairburn Jr.
surveys the Tea Tent (center).
Poulos and Poulos, Cal
Berkeley 1994 Women's
Invitational Collegiate
Doubles winners (far right).
Photos courtesy Ojai Tennis
Club, Tea Tent Committee
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Once he came to Ojai two years ago to
study at the Weil Tennis Academy, said
Mark Weil, director and founder of the
academy, he recognized almost
immediately that Fabian had the right
mentality for tennis. “He’s a ‘simple’ kid,
and I mean that as a compliment,” said
coach Mo El Bouzkouri. “He doesn’t
overthink things, and that’s one of his
strengths; he blocks those unwanted
thoughts. Some players will pick
themselves apart on the court. He doesn’t.
He just goes out there and does it.”
Weil agreed. “Patrik just loves tennis.
He loves to compete.”
Fabian’s day is incredibly focused —
two hours of tennis in the morning, along
with things like weight training and
footwork. Then around three more hours
of tennis in the afternoon, and school
work in the evenings. Parties, girlfriends,
part-time jobs, even time with family —
they’re all willingly sacrificed by Fabian
and dozens of his classmates, for the love
of a sport and the possibility of
international recognition. “It’s a lot of
time by yourself,” he admitted.
It’s a small sacrifice for a kid who is
already in the top 280 in the ITF. Fabian
has played in Mexico City, in the Orange
Bowl in Florida, in the Yucatan, the
Australian Open, and more. He got into
the finals in a recent Montreal
competition, and is ranked No. 1 in his
age group in his native Slovakia.
“Ojai is really different (from Slovakia),”
Fabian said. “But I really like it here.
There’s no other distractions. It’s a really
good place to focus on your game.”
For Fabian and all students of tennis,
said coach El Bouzkouri, “It’s about
believing in yourself, mastering yourself.
Patrik reads the court
so well. He’s good at
taking what he’s got
and making it better.”
But Fabian is just
one of a rather large
handful of current
and former Weil
players who have
brought big OVTT
titles to their school.
“In 2011 Weil
Tennis Academy will have more than 65
full-time players participating in the five
Junior divisions, Men’s Open and Women’s
Open divisions,” Weil said, “plus over 20
alumni participating in the College
divisions.”
A big name in recent years has been
Gail Brodsky. She’s won everything a
female singles player could win at “The
Ojai,” and all in consecutive years: Girls’
14s, then Girls’ 16s, then Girls’ 18s, then
the Women’s Open (twice, with the last
coming in 2010). Others include Travis
Rettenmaier, Boys’ 16s; Brian Wilson,
Boys’ 16s; Bozhidar Katsarov, Boys’ 16s;
Fabian, Boys’ 16s; Sesil Karatancheva,
Girls’ 16s; Monica Turewicz, Girls’ 18s; and
Ashley Dai, Girls’ 16s. And that’s just the
most recent winners of the 15-year-old
school.
If Weil’s predictions are right — and
they often are — his students will add a
few new titles to the list this year.
Weil’s top contenders for the 2011
Junior divisions, along with their current
rankings, are:
Women’s Open
Monica Turewicz, top 75 in the ITF and
top 20 in the U.S. Girls’ 18s (she’ll also be
attending Duke University this fall on a
full scholarship); Rio Kitagawa, top 85 in
the ITF and top three in Japan Girls’ 18s;
and Ashley Dai, top 85 in the ITF and top
15 in the U.S. Girls’ 18s.
Girls’ 18s Singles
Riko Shimizu, top 25 in the U.S. Girls’ 18s
and top 10 in the Southern California
Girls’ 18s; Tess Bernard-Feigenbaum, top
50 in the U.S. Girls’ 18s and top 20 in the
Southern California Girls’ 18s; and
Gergana Boncheva, top 25 in the Southern
California Girls’ 18s.
The Bryan Twins
Mike and Bob Bryan are tennis legends whose
names are recognized far beyond their Ventura
County roots. The twins, who play together on the
professional doubles circuit have a lengthy list of
accomplishments.
Among their most prestigious titles: 68 wins on the ATP Tour (a record for doubles
teams); No. 1 standing in the world a record six times (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009,
and 2010 — and they’re on track for a seventh this year); No. 2 standing in the world
in 2004 and 2008; winners of the French Open in 2003; winners of the U.S. Open in
2005, 2008 and 2010; winners of the Australian Open in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and
2011; and winners of the 2006 Wimbledon. They also helped bring the Davis Cup
back to the United States in 2007 (they’re 16-2 in Davis Cup matches), have
appeared in 18 Grand Slam Doubles Finals (a new record for the Open era), and are
second in Grand Slam Team Doubles titles, with 11.
At the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, the Bryan twins reached the finals of the
Boys’ 14s as juniors twice, then won the CIF title for Rio Mesa High School in their
freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years, winning 116 games in a row over
four years. Their college team, Stanford, won “The Ojai” twice while the Bryans were
on the team, and Bob won the Pac-10 Singles
as a freshman in college. The next year, he
reteamed with Mike for a Pac-10 Doubles
wins the next year, 1998, before the twins left
Stanford to turn pro.
And just think — their enthusiasm for
tennis began at Libbey Park when they were
just 5 years old.
Below, the twins, their dad, Wayne, and
mom, Kathy, share their memories of “The
Ojai”:
Mike Bryan: “We started going to ‘The
Ojai’ when we were 5 years old and we were
so inspired seeing all the great Pac-10 players
like Jeff Tarango, Carl Chang, Jon Leach, and
Martin Blackman. The park was so beautiful
and majestic and we were amazed at the
large crowds that filled the stands. And we
Photo courtesy Bryan family
Lauren Wagner, top 200 in the U.S. Girls’
16s; and Honami Yazawa, top 50 in the
Southern California Girls’ 16s.
Dominique Schaefer, No. 1 in the
Southern California Girls’ 12s and top five
in the U.S. Girls’ 12s; Natalie DeSilviera,
top 10 in the Brazil Girls’ 14s; Ife Kuchler,
No. 1 in the England Girls’ 12s; and Ayame
Yazawaop, top 20 in the Southern
California Girls’ 14s.
Boys’ 16s Singles
Ciro Riccardi, top 20 in the Southern
California Boys’ 16s, top 200 in the U.S.
Boys’ 16s; Sasha Solonin, top 50 in the
Photo by Logan Hall
Patrik Fabian works on court strategy with coach El Bouzkouri. For Fabian and all students of
tennis, said the coach. “It’s about believing in yourself, mastering yourself.”
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Bicycle Rentals in Ojai
One of the most picturesque and popular rides is the
Ojai Valley Trail – a 16-mile paved path built in 1989 and
running parallel to California 33 between the beach in
Ventura and Libbey Park in Ojai.
The scenic path is marked by wood railings and dotted
with oak trees. An 11-mile stretch winds through woods
and riverbeds away from traffic and there are no big hills.
The 16-year-old store at 108 Cañada Road, sells and
services bikes and rents for both men and women. Sizes
range from extra small adult to extra large adult. The shop
does not have child-size.
Maps detailing several rides for a variety of fitness levels
are available.
108 Cañada
646-7736
Bicycles of Ojai is located in downtown Ojai,
2 blocks from the bike path and one block from Ojai Avenue
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Ojai ~ the sophisticated village and the beautiful valley.
A selection of distinctive properties.
Estate Property on 2 acres, views, 4 +5,
& office and fabulous entertaining area
by the pool!
Elegant Gated Estate in Rancho Matilija with guest house, pool &
tennis court!
"Green" Estate in town on 2 acres with guest house
and amazing views!!!!
Old World Estate on Foothill Rd. 4 oak-studded
acres with pool
Upper Ojai on 5 acres ~ Gorgeous
Home ~ Guest House ~ Pool ~
Incredible Views!
Elegantly renovated East End home
on 9 acre orchard.
Anne Williamson
Previews Specialist
Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe
805.320.3314
The Ojai
(continued from page 21)
Southern California Boys’ 16s, top 200 in
the U.S. Boys’ 16s; Sterling Galli, top 15 in
the Southern California Boys’ 16s; Kei
Ezaka, top 20 in the Southern California
Boys’ 16s; and Jesse Ross, top 60 in the
Boys’ 16s.
Boys’ 14s Singles:
Fabian Schaefer, top 10 in the Southern
California Boys’ 14s; Kentaro Mizushima,
top 10 in the Southern California Boys’
14s; Aiden Xuan No. 1 in the China Boys’
14s; Connor Hance, top 10 in the
Southern California Boys’ 12s.
In the Pac-10 Championships — also
held at “The Ojai” — the Stanford
women’s team holds one of the most
provocative records as of press time, going
undefeated at 9-0. But last year, UCLA
took the women’s singles and doubles, as
well as the invitational singles and
doubles. Epic NoCal-SoCal battle, anyone?
On the Pac-10 Men’s side, the University
of Southern California took first in the
men’s singles and doubles, and first in the
men’s invitational singles.
The open categories are offering
$18,000 in prize money in 2011, which in
recent years has brought in some serious
competition. Last year, Marina Del Rey’s
Lester Cook edged Brian Wilson of North
Las Vegas for the Men’s Open Singles,
while the doubles team of Chris Haggard
and Gary Sacks (Woodland Hills) bested
Eoin Collins and Wilson (North Las Vegas),
Brodsky took the Women’s Open Singles,
while Amanda Fink (Calabasas) and
Elizabeth Lumpkin (Naperville, Ill.)
captured the doubles.
“The Ojai” also plays host to the
championships for the independent
colleges, Division III colleges, and
community colleges, as well as the
championships for the California
Interscholastic Federation (CIF) boys’
singles and boys’ doubles.
The best part for the spectator at “The
Tennis players at “The Ojai” circa 1898
Australian
Native Plants Nursery
LEADER IN ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS
FOR MEDITERRANEAN GARDENS
*
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Visit our Shop and Nursery Growing Grounds.
Mail Order Available
Plants Delivered locally or anywhere in the US.
Plants, Books, Seeds and Pottery from Australia.
Plants grown in the Ojai Valley for Ojai Gardens.
The nursery is open by appointment but we are around most days,
especially Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Please contact us if you are planning a visit!
(805) 649-3362
www.australianplants.com
24
Ojai” is that chance of seeing the next big
name in tennis. “The Ojai” is to tennis
what indie film festivals are to a budding
actor.
“I personally think
it’s the world’s
greatest sport.”
— Mark Weil, director and founder of
the Weil Tennis Academy
It’s the passion, Weil concluded, that
makes “The Ojai” so worth watching —
and playing in. “I personally think it’s the
world’s greatest sport,” he said. Tennis is
incredibly complex — akin to physical
chess. “You can’t take a coffee break while
walking a tightrope. Tennis is an
incredibly technical sport. It’s such a good
experience in life — learning that you
have to keep going mentally through
those ups and downs. You’re competing
with yourself, as well as the guy across the
court. You’re keeping score, calling lines,
making game plans and minute
adjustments on the fly, and you have to
keep those emotions under control. And
this is all happening at 90 miles an hour.”
For more information, see the Ojai
Valley Tennis Tournament website,
ojaitourney.org. g
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH
“Mardi Gras” Exhibit
Date: March 4 through 31
Time: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4
p.m.
Location: Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 646-0117
ojaiartcenter.org
This exhibit features the art of Mardi Gras
by local artists.
“Awesome Art” Exhibit
Date: March 10 through April 17
Time: Thursday and Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.;
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon
to 4 p.m.
Location: Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W.
Ojai Ave.
Phone: 640-1390
ojaivalleymuseum.org
The museum is displaying “Awesome Art
2011,” a juried art show displaying the
work of students and teachers of local high
schools.
Betty Saunders Exhibit
Date: March 15 through May 1
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Location: The Oaks at Ojai, 122 E. Ojai
Ave.
Phone: 646-5573, Ext. 150
[email protected]
The Oaks at Ojai presents the work of local
plein air painter Betty Saunders.
“The Odd Couple” (female version)
Date: March 25 through April 23
Time: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.;
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 640-8797
ojaiACT.org
The Ojai Art Center Theater presents an
evening of entertainment, directed by
Susan Kelejian. Neil Simon’s misfit guys
were so popular that he decided to include
the gals by making a female version of the
play.
Playwrights Conference Gala
Date: March 26
Time: Readings at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Matilija Auditorium, 703 El
Paseo Road
Phone: 640-0400
ojaiplays.org
The annual Playwrights Conference benefit
gala will honor Jon Robin Baitz, the 2011
OPC Award recipient. The play readings
will be followed by a dinner and auction
26
with the celebrities at 7:30 p.m. at St.
Thomas Aquinas Hall, 185 St. Thomas
Drive. This benefit raises money to support
the Ojai Playwrights Conference which will
produce this year’s “Summer New Works
Festival” scheduled to take place Aug. 9
through 14.
APRIL
Pastel Society Exhibit
Date: April 1 through May12
p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 646-0117
ojaiartcenter.org
The Art Center will feature the work of the
Pastel Society. An artist’s reception will be
held April 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Chamber Music Concert
Date: April 10
Time: 2 p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 640-8327
ojaiartcenter.org
Bassoonist Andy Radford and friends will
perform in the Gallery Room at the Art
Center. Admission is $10 at the door, $8 for
Art Center members.
Besant Hill School Exhibit
Date: April 16 through 24
Time: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 a.m. to
5 p.m.
Location: Beatrice Wood Center for the
Arts, 8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road
Phone: 646-3381
beatricewood.com
The Logan Gallery will feature an
exhibition of works by alumni of Happy
Valley School and Besant Hill School of
Happy Valley through April 24. An opening
reception will be held April 16 at 2 p.m.
Museum Spring Plant
& Treasure Sale
Date: April 16
Time: Starts at 9 a.m.
Ojai Ave.
Phone: 640-1390
This semi-annual sale is a fund-raising
event for the museum and is a source of
bargains and advice on native plants for
area gardens.
Earth Play 2011
Date: April 23
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Ojai Meadows Preserve, 1400
block of Maricopa Highway, and Oak
Grove School, 220 W. Lomita Ave.
Phone: 646-8236, Ext. 104
ojaiearthday.com
Oak Grove School, the Ojai Valley Land
Conservancy and Ojai Valley Green
Coalition will partner to celebrate Earth
Day in celebration of sustainable living,
global awareness, and the joy of nature.
The OGS campus will have environmental
exhibits, a green marketplace, arts and
outdoor activities for all ages, live
entertainment, food, and more. Admission
is free.
111th Ojai Valley Tennis
Tournament
Date: April 26 through May 1
Time: Varies
Location: Libbey Park and other venues
Phone: 646-7241
ojaitourney.org
National and Pac-10 championship tennis
play held in Ojai at the oldest and most
prestigious amateur tennis tournament in
the United States.
“Made in Ojai IX”
Date: April 28 through June 5
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon
to 4 p.m.
Ojai Ave.
Phone: 640-1390
The Ojai Valley Museum presents the Ojai
Studio Artists annual exhibit, “Made in Ojai
IX.” This year’s theme is “Hope.” An
opening reception will be held April 30
from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament
Barbecue and Sports Show
Date: April 29
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Libbey Park South
Phone: 646-7241
Join in the food, fun and celebrating as
players, coaches and their guests mingle
and winners are announced for the Youth
Tennis Scholarship Awards.
Ariel Yve Design,
Photo by Barbara Alessandra
Spring 2011
Open Artists’ Studios
Date: April 30 and May 1
Location: 175 N. Pueblo Ave. and 214 N.
Encinal Ave.
Phone: 640-8329
Ojai artists Christine Brennan and Dianne
Bennett are opening their home studios to
the public. Brennan will also host work by
guest artists Teal Rowe and P. Lyn
Middleton.
Art and Music with John Zeretzke
Date: April 30
Time: 7 p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 789-2480
ojaiartcenter.org
Award-winning composer-musician John
Zeretzke will perform in the Art Center
Theater.
MAY
Jennifer Boswell Exhibit
Date: May 1 through June 15
Ave.
Phone: 646-5573, Ext. 150
[email protected]
The Oaks at Ojai presents the work of
Jennifer Boswell.
Ojai Storytelling Festival
Date: May 5 through 8
Time: Varies
Location: Chaparral High School, 414 E.
Ojai Ave.
Phone: 646-8907
ojaistoryfest.org
Join storytellers Dan Keding, Diane
Ferlatte, Donald Davis, Antonio Sacre, Billy
Jonas, Jude Narita and Regi Carpenter as
they transport listeners in the 12th annual
festival. Tickets may be ordered ahead
online or by phone.
Nordhoff High School Jazz and
String Orchestra Concert
Date: May 6
Time: 7 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsmusic.com
Tickets will be available at the door.
Garden Tour
Date: May 7
Location: Varies
Phone: 646-8126
[email protected]
This self-guided tour is a benefit for the
Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and
features gardens in private homes around
the Ojai Valley. Master gardeners will be
available at each location to answer
questions. Tickets are available through
the Chamber of Commerce, 201 S. Signal
St.
Nordhoff High School
Choral Concert
Date: May 10
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: TBA
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsmusic.com
Santa Barbara Printmakers Exhibit
p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 646-0117
ojaiartcenter.org
The Art Center will feature the work of the
Santa Barbara Printmakers. An artist’s
reception will be held May 15 from 1 to 3
p.m.
Nordhoff High School Dance and
Spring Concert
Date: May 13 and 14
Time: 7 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsdance.com
Tickets will be available online for $12/$7.
Contra Dance
Date: May 14
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 646-0117
ojaiartcenter.org
The Art Center Dance Branch will host a
contra dance with all steps taught and
called; no partners are required.
Elementary School Spring Band
and Choir Concerts
Date: May 17 and 18
Time: 6 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsmusic.com
Area elementary schools perform in this
annual event.
David Francey Concert
Date: May 17
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441
E. Ojai Ave.
Phone: 665-8852
ojaiconcertseries.com
The Ojai Concert Series will host a concert
by David Francey, one of Canada’s mostrevered folk poets and singers.
Nordhoff High School Wind
Ensemble and Symphonic Concert
Date: May 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nordhoff High School, 1401
Maricopa Highway
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsmusic.com
Nordhoff High School Drama
Production
Date: May 20 and 21
Time: TBA
Location: Nordhoff High School Cafeteria
Phone: 640-4343, Ext. 1898
nhsmusic.com
Time and production TBA.
“Sylvia”
Time: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.;
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Montgomery St.
Phone: 640-8797
ojaiACT.org
The Ojai Art Center Theater presents the
comedy about man’s best friend, “Slyvia,”
directed by Steve Grumette. A.R. Gurney
has created a hilarious set-up of a man
bringing a stray dog home to his wife, but
the pooch can talk and is played by a
gorgeous woman.
Ojai Community Chorus
Spring Concert
Date: May 21
Time: 3 and 7 p.m.
Location: Ojai Presbyterian Church, 304
Foothill Road
Phone: 640-0468
ojaicommunitychorus.com
The OCC’s spring concert will feature
music with American roots, such as folk
songs, country and western and patriotic
tunes, sung in a caberet setting.
27
28
Gridley Ranch –Ojai Valley
Nestled above the village of Ojai rests this incredible 44 acre parcel. Complete with a
professionally designed main house, a private guest house, an informal bunk house or recreation
building, glorious views of the majestic Ojai Valley. Sprawling rocks patios, rolling meadows,
family citrus orchard completes this amazing property.
Priced at $4,990,000
Upscale Residential Living
You’ll love this impressive home with
vaulted, high ceilings. Spacious and open
floor plan, recently renovated gourmet
kitchen, 4 bedrooms with Master Suite.
Outdoor entertaining complete with pool, spa,
mountain view, rose garden, and
approximately half an acre of useable land.
Desirable neighborhood.
Priced at $869,000
Coldwell Banker
Property Shoppe
Ojai, CA
East End Citrus Ranch
14+ acres of prime East End real estate and citrus
ranch. Estate includes main house of approx.
2,000 square feet, a guest house that was recently
remodeled. Wonderful mix of a private residential
lifestyle under the Oak trees and established
working ranch with mountain views. Native river
rock wall borders this estate.
Priced at $2,395,000
CathyTitus
805-798-0960
[email protected]
dre lic# 05994306
29
an Ojai tradition
s i n c e
World's Greatest Outdoor
Bookstore
1 9 6 4
One block north of Ojai Avenue • Cañada at Matilija
7 Days a Week, 9:30 am - Sunset
805-646-3755
Over 100,000 books
outdoors on tree-shaded patios
• used • new • rare • first editions • CDs & DVDs •
• BOOKS & SCIENCE TOYS
• MUSICAL TOYS
• KITES & PLANES
• WOODEN TOYS
• LEGO / PLAYMOBIL
• PLAN
• HABA
Family owned and operated for 30 years.
Open everyday 10-5:30 pm
221 E Matilija St., Ojai, CA
(805) 646-2585
30
31
Right from the
beginning,
Ojai’s potential
as a source and
center of artistic
inspiration was
clear. Now, as
you will see in
the following
pages, many
dozens of the
region’s leading
artists live, work
and show in
Ojai.
Photo by Logan Hall
"Something for everyone"
The Corner Gallery of Ojai
Beautiful hand crafted wood art
Country style & Religious
Children and Teen items
Collectible books
Hand carved wood name plaques
B Complimentary Tea and Coffee B
302 N. Montgomery Street
Ojai, CA
32
The
Beatrice Wood
Center for the Arts
Hours: Friday -Saturday - Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road
805-646-3381 • www.Beatricewood.com
A Metaphysical Shoppe and Events Center
• Geodesic Dome • Large Crystal Selection • Angels • Jewelry • Books • Card Decks •
• Buddhas • Candles • Aromatherapy • Chimes • Guidance • Incense •
• Feng Shui Tools • Children’s Section • Psychic Readers •
• Classes •
• Art • Music •
• Community •
805-640-8222
311 N. Montgomery St, Ojai
Open 7 Days: 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
For Classes & Upcoming Events, visit SoulCentered.com
You haven’t really seen Ojai until you visit North Montgomery Street
’s
g
e
m
Nu t
A SUPER Natural
Boutique
A SAT. & SUN. B
Mandala Art Made in Ojai
Astrologer
& Tarot Readers
On Site
12-6
Functional Art For Your House & Garden
American Made - Fair Trade - Beads, Jewelry, Cards & Crystals.
We’re 2 Blocks Off Ojai Avenue & A World Apart!
Open 7 Days... 11-6 ~ 304 N. Montgomery Street ~ (805)640-1656
FREE Wi-Fi ~ OJAIHOUSE.COM
33
Spring 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“Puss ‘N’ Boots”
Date: May 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: 646-8907
ptgo.org
Performances To Grow On presents the
Oregon Shadow Theatre in “Puss ‘N’
Boots.”
“It’s Magic”
Date: May 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: (800) 838-3006, 649-1937
ojaitheater.org
This will be an evening of wizardry and
wonder from the famous Magic Castle in
Hollywood. Ojai Performing Arts Theater
Foundation is producing this event to
raise funds to benefit theater, music and
dance program in local schools.
Ojai Youth Symphony Concert
Date: May 23
Time: 7 p.m.
Paseo Road
Phone: 649-8086
ojaiyouthsymphony.org
The Ojai Youth Symphony will perform in
concert. Tickets are $7.50 can be
purchased at the door; students 18 and
younger admitted free.
newly completed Libbey Bowl to be
followed by a reprise concert of Osvaldo
Golijov’s celebrated work, “Ayre,” featuring
Grammy Award-winning soprano Dawn
Upshaw, Academy award-winning
composer and guitarist Gustavo
Santaolalla, and Grammy-Award winning
Eighth Blackbird.
“Art in the Park”
BWCA Exhibits
Date: May 28 and 29
Location: Libbey Park
Phone: 646-0117
ojaiartcenter.org
The Ojai Center for the Arts will hold the
34th annual “Art in the Park,” a fine arts
festival with free admission.
Date: June 4 through July 17
Time: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Location: Beatrice Wood Center for the
Arts, 8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road
Phone: 646-3381
beatricewood.com
The Beato Gallery will highlight the work
of Shane M. Keena June 4 through July 17.
The exhibit will feature photography and
ceramics created during his May residency
at the center. The Logan Gallery will
feature the work of Liam Gallagher June 11
through July 24.
JUNE
Libbey Bowl Gala and Concert
Date: June 4
Time: 5 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. concert
Location: Libbey Bowl lawns
Phone: 646-2095
ojaifestival.org
Come dine alfresco on the lawns of the
Ojai Trail Riding Company
Premier horseback riding
Welcome to the Ojai Trail Riding Company!
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.ojaitrailrides.com
Ojai City License #14950
34
Libbey Bowl “Day of Music”
Date: June 5
Time: Noon until 8 p.m.
35
_ibbey Bowl
Ascends
Story by Linda Harmon
Photos by Fred Rothenberg
With opening events scheduled for the weekend of June 4 and 5,
the $4 million Libbey Bowl project is reaching its conclusion.
T
o celebrate the
collaborative
efforts of the
community, the
city of Ojai and the Ojai Music Festival,
not just one but two events will take place
— the “First Blast” gala and concert on
June 4, and the free “Day of Music” on
June 5.
Breaking ground last summer,
McGillivray Construction demolished the
old bowl, re-graded and compacted the
site, and poured the new foundation right
on schedule. In October, citizens got their
first glimpse of the foundation and the
repositioned bowl. The architect, David
Bury, had the bowl adjusted slightly
towards the north, directly toward the
lawn seating area, increasing visibility and
improving the acoustics for future
spectators.
According to Gary Henschell, the
project manager, the construction
involved 1,300 cubic yards of concrete,
18,000 man-hours, and 35 contractors for
the entire project. Henschell said the story
goes that the original bowl was built in
1954 for $12,000 “but that’s a story and
doesn’t include all the repairs done over
the years.”
36
Despite nostalgia for the old Libbey
Bowl, the primarily wood structure
suffered from the combined assaults of
time and nature, resulting in extensive rot
and termite damage.
“Unlike the old bowl,
this bowl is built to last for
a hundred years and
more,” said Henschell,
during a tour of the site in
January. According to
Henschell, the new version
uses reinforced concrete
and finishes that will not
degrade quickly with time.
The new bowl, like its
predecessor, was also
designed to embrace the
outdoors.
“We have restored a natural riparian
habitat which is a part of the ambiance of
Libbey Park,” said Bury. “Trees have been
a major consid-eration right from the
beginning, protecting and mitigating.”
At press time the project looks to be
headed for a successful conclusion this
June after one short year of construction.
Over that year, 750 families have
contributed an average of $250 to the
“Build the Bowl” project. At this point,
fund raisers are still hoping to make
another $250,000 and several projects are
under way to raise it. Donors will have an
opportunity to own a sound sculpture by
internationally renowned artist Trimpin,
the creator of “Sound Arch,” or
contribute to a children’s wall,
filled with tile plaques made by
young artists and co-sponsored
by the Ojai Rotary.
The community has several
don’t-miss opportunities to
celebrate. On June 4, the “First
Blast” gala and concert will
feature acclaimed soprano
Dawn Upshaw in a reprise of
“Ayre,” Argentinean composer
Osvaldo Golijov’s celebrated
song cycle that was performed
at the 2006 Ojai Music Festival. On June 5,
the free “Day of Music” with feature
performances on Libbey Bowl stage and
throughout the park, plus a special ribbon
cutting ceremony, Chumash blessing,
sidewalk art, a marching band, the
initiation of Trimpin’s “Sound Arch,” and
much more.
To find out more, or make a
contribution, call 646-3117 or go online at
www.libbeybowl.org. o
Imported Fountains • Pottery • Stone Sculptures • Garden Art
Classes for
Adults & Children
Preschool thru High School
ongoing registration
udent
18 yr old st
Ali Nicklin
Ojai’s Artisan
Design Center
Call for schedule Janis Hansen
646-2555
Janis' art workshop
offers
a unique opportunity
for
creativity. Surrounded
by the whimsical art gardens featuring over 50
local artists, students learn a variety of mediums.
The workshop is open 7 days a week for classes
inpainting, mosaic, sculpture and drawing.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mosaic
Water Color
Oil Painting
Life Drawing
Stained Glass
Sculpting
,
ctor/Owner
Janis' Instru dent
Dyan stu
Groups • Families
Individuals
Art & Healing
Special Events
Discover your Artist
Immerse yourself in your
Natural
Joyful expression of art,
healing and play. Unleash
your creativity and
discover the artist you
already are.
Instructor Janis Hansen.
410 W. Ojai Ave. • 646-2555 • Open 7 Days a Week (next to Suzanne’s) • www.ojaiartworkshop.com
37
Artists &
book-lover’s paradise...
AAbook-lover’s
paradise...
Over 100,000 books
outdoors on tree-shaded patios
an Ojai tradition
s i n c e
•
1 9 6 4
used • new • rare • first editions •
One block north of Ojai Avenue • Cañada at Matilija
7 Days a Week, 9:30 am - Sunset
805-646-3755
1) Bart's Books
World's largest outdoor
bookstore. New, used, rare,
first editions. Since 1964.
7 days/week.Corner of
Canada and Matilija St.
•805-646-3755
2) WU2 Creations
Acrylics and watercolors by
William & Karen Wu
852 Oak Grove Ct. (by
appointment)
www.WU2Creations.com
•805-649-5312
3) Jones & Company —
The Art of Home
Bright, sparkling, happy
paintings. Healing gemstone
jewelry, candles & gifts.
307 N. Montgomery St.
celestialsong.com
•805-646-8179
4) HumanArts Gallery
Folk art, jewelry, glass,
art wearables, furniture,
sculpture and more.
246 E. Ojai Avenue
www.humanartsgallery.com
•805-646-1525
8) Evelyn Dayman
Impressionist oil paintings &
giclee prints of Ojai scenes &
her travels.
2300 Ladera Rd.
www.EvelynDayman.com
•805-646-8778
5) Made in Ojai
Exclusively featuring art,
edibles, books, music, and
handcrafted gifts made in
the Ojai Valley.
MadeInOjai.com
323 E. Matilija
•805-646-2400
9) The Corner Gallery
of Ojai
"Something for everyone"
Beautiful hand-crafted wood art
Hand-carved wood name plaques
302 N. Montgomery Street
6) Ojai Valley Museum
Ojai Valley Historical
Collection, Chumash
Culture Exhibit, Exhibitions,
History, Arts, Events.
130 W. Ojai Ave. at
Blanche
•805-640-1390
7) Ojai Creates!
Arts and Imagination Supplies
606 East Ojai Avenue
www.ojaicreates.com
•805-640-6558
The Ojai Valley
10) Birgitta Reveles
California Landscape, Seascape
Pastels, Sculpture.
Available at Calais & Co.
212 B E. Ojai Ave.
or call for studio visit.
•(805) 646-7279
11) Ojai Art Center
113 S. Montgomery Street
Tuesday - Sunday
12-4
• 646-0117
8
14
2
Area of Detail
"The Arcade"
(see facing page)
Map Not to Scale
To add your listing to the Artists and Galleries Map, please call:
Mike at (805) 646-1476 x228 or email: [email protected]
38
Galleries
12) Primavera Gallery
Eclectic collections of
contemporary American glass,
jewelry, wood,
ceramics and paintings.
214 E. Ojai Ave
Open Daily, 10-5
• 646-7133
16) Nature's Studio
Photography
“Investment in Your Memories”
Ruth Miller, Photographer
http://ruthmillerphoto.com
[email protected]
•805-646-3103
13) Nancy Rupp Studio
Contemporary brush
paintings and calligraphy
on oriental rice paper.
305-G E. Matilija St.
• 646-8532
20) Gem Quest Jewelers
Steve Brandt and Cathy
Barnett
Fine Jewelers
Custom Orders & Repairs
108-B N. Signal Street, Ojai
•805-646-3836
17) Nomad Gallery
Leslie Clark Paintings,
ethnic jewelry, artifacts,
textiles, exotic gifts.
307 E. Ojai Ave Ste 103
•805-646-1706
21) Treasures of Ojai
Antique Store
Antiques, Furniture, Lighting,
Jewelry, Consignment Clothing
& More!
110 N. Signal St.
•805-646-2852
14) The Beatrice Wood
Center for the Arts
8560 Ojai-Santa Paula Road
Hours: Sat. - Sun. 11- 5pm
beatricewood.com
•805-646-3381
18) Bonnie Caruk Riege
Narrative presentation of
figurative and still life oil
paintings. carukart.com
•805-640-1491 for visit.
22) Around the Corner/
Plush Surroundings
Art Gallery & Design Studio
A Perfect Combination
105 South Montgomery, Ojai
gloriajeandesign.com
•805-640-8844
15) Nutmeg’s Ojai
House
A SUPER Natural Boutique
19) Vera Long
Energistic Portraiture
In-room and home sittings
Couples portraits
20 min - 1 hour, call for appt.
• 805-455-3247
23) Janis’ Art Workshop
Ojai’s Artisan Design Center
Fun and Functional Art for your
home and garden, emphasis on
ecology & spirituality.
•805-640-1656
3
Classes for Adults and Children
410 W. Ojai Ave.
www.ojaiartworkshop.com
• 805-646-2555
Open 7 Days
15
9
1
5
21
6
20
13
10
12 4
17
7
22
11
39
40
41
“A Night to Remember”
Chamber Awards Gala
February 24, 2011
The Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce
Honors Ojai Businesses at the
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Chamber President Bob Kemper,
Chamber CEO Scott Eicher
Kathy Broesamle
Cathy Cluff , President - CEO
The Oaks at Ojai
Cornerstone Award
Supervisor Steve Bennett,
Debra & Craig Edwards
Laura Salinas - Los Caporales
Amber Wilde
George Thacher of Ojai Pixie Growers Assoc. Best New Chamber Member 2010 Award
Brenda Spandrio,
owner Ambiance Solutions
Rick Bisaccia of Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Spirit of Ojai 2010 Award
Chamber Gala Awards photos by Logan Hall and Baron Spafford
42
Olga Singer, Graphics by Olga Chamber Member of the Year 2010 Award
Sheila Cluff, owner, the Oaks at Ojai Cornerstone Award
David Brubaker, CEO/President Ojai Community Bank
Honorees, Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce
President’s Award for Outstanding
Community Service - Dan Burrell, owner,
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Holly Thrasher, Kingston’s Candy
Company Best Small Business of 2010 Award
Susan Gruber - Ojai Valley Trail Riding
Company - Service Customer
Satisfaction Leader 2010 Award
Ren Adam, Ojai Valley Directory President’s Award for 17 years service
Chamber Board of Directors
Nancy Melet & Fred Leivo of Ojai Village
Pharmacy - Retail Customer Satisfaction
Leader 2010 Award
Outstanding Achievement In
Marketing Ojai - David Marshall
Grant, “Brothers and Sisters”
Mark Crane, owner, Mark Crane Tree &
Arborist Services
43
Trimpin is an
internationally
recognized artist,
musician and an inventor
of musical sculptures that
are enjoyed in museums
around the world. He is
also the creator of Ojai’s
newest piece of public art,
“Sound Arch.” The project
is the result of his
relationship with Ojai. For
this, Ojai owes a debt of
gratitude to the Ojai
Music Festival.
“It’s been several years back now
but Tom Morris called me up about
the festival,” said Trimpin, speaking
about his initial contact with Ojai and
Morris, the festival’s artistic director.
“They were interested in the music of
composer Colon Nancarrow.
They said they would like me to
perform some of Nancarrow’s music
and also to install a piece at the Ojai
Valley Museum in 2006.”
The piece Trimpin later installed
was a tribute to Nancarrow called
“Coloninpurple,” “because once I
asked him what was his favorite
color,” said Trimpin simply.
The well-received sound
sculpture was comprised of
found objects, some
musical by nature,
others re-imagined to
create sound. The
interactive
installation
filled the
museum
gallery,
delighting
visitors,
young
and old, musicians and nonmusicians alike. It led many in Ojai to
ask, “Who is this man Trimpin, and
where did his strange, fantastic
creations come from?”
For the record, Trimpin was born
Gerhard Trimpin, near the Swiss and
French borders of Germany. It was his
Trimpin
Story by Linda Harmon
Photo by Roger Conrad
44
45
Morris on the
Nancarrow-Trimpin
Connection
by Linda Harmon
Thomas W. Morris, artistic director of
the Ojai Music Festival, remembers his
first 2004 introduction to Trimpin as a
sort of “eureka” moment.
Photo Courtesy of Ojai Music Festival
Trimpin’s piece hangs in the “Wedding Tree” in Libbey Park.
46
“I am highly partial to Nancarrow,” said Morris,
speaking of composer Colon Nancarrow and his
motivation in bringing Trimpin to Ojai. “Nancarrow’s
music is so complex. It
includes extremely
complex poly-rhythms.
Where most music
performed requires
musicians to carry on
rhythms of two against
three, Nancarrow would
be composing for polyrhythms of 32 against
57.”
According to Morris,
Nancarrow wrote all his
music, more than 60
etudes, for the player piano. It was Nancarrow’s way of
making sure it was performed correctly and with
precision. If Morris wanted to perform Nancarrow’s
music in Ojai it would require finding someone highly
advanced technically and musically to perform it, and
that person was Trimpin.
Trimpin, a protege of Nancarrow, was known to have
invented a technology to preserve Nancarrow’s music
and captivated the composer with a method of
performing it.
“I found he had designed this keyboard that you
clamped on the piano,” said Morris. “It had 80 some
pistons with different rhythms going on at the same
time.”
When Morris met Trimpin he was enthralled.
“His studio is like a toy factory,” said Morris.” He has
pieces of everything you can imagine lying about and
in all these drawers. He does things like combine six
totally different instruments so that they play as one.”
Morris couldn’t wait to bring Trimpin to Ojai for the
Music Festival.
“In 2006 the first half of the program was 45 minutes
of Nancarrow etudes as realized by Trimpin and his
vorsensor, with no one at the keyboard. It was surreal,”
said Morris. “He is one of the real unique minds in my
view. He has a visual tactile relationship with what he
does. When we did the installation on the sacred
‘Wedding Tree’ in the bowl for the 2009 Festival you
could see all these instruments being played.”
For Morris having Trimpin’s “Sound Arch” in Ojai “is
fantastic.” He hopes “it can make people aware of, and
connect with, these great people that come through
here. The Trimpin is a good example; it can help people
appreciate the creative mind.” k
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47
Trimpin
father, a musician, who taught him to
listen to music in new ways, taking
him into the forest to play
compositions. This captivated
Trimpin, and his curious nature was
further encouraged by the fact that
his father was also an amateur
craftsman. In his workshop he
showed his son not be afraid to take
old things and use them in new ways.
These influences, along with
developing an allergy to the brass
instruments that the young Trimpin
had learned to play, led him away
from the life of a performer.
Otherwise, as Trimpin put it
laughingly, “I’d still sit in an orchestra
being frustrated. This way I had to do
something different.”
Instead, Trimpin forged ahead,
pioneering a career that combined
the disciplines of art and music, using
the science of engineering to make it
all happen.
When discussing his early work,
Trimpin does not mention that he
Courtesy of Ojai Music Festival
Instruments playing magically in the "Wedding Tree" delighted the audience at the Ojai Music
Festival in 2010.
invented a special keyboard that
saved Nancarrow’s experimental
music for future generations, or that
he was one of the famous
Nancarrow’s few collaborators.
Instead the Seattle-based artist talks
about his fascination with sound and
his new work.
Indeed, residents who have come
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Trimpin’s “Sheng High,” a water and bamboo installation in the Libbey
Park, was unveiled for the 2009 Music Festival.
Trimpin
into contact with him have been impressed with his
professionalism, and also his profound sense of art and
music as play, and his deep appreciation for the beauty in
Ojai.
He remains approachable despite being the recipient of
a 1997 MacArthur “Genius” Award and on the cutting edge
of both the art and music worlds. He was the keynote
speaker at the seventh International Conference for New
Interfaces for Musical Expression in New York and received
an honorary degree from the California Institute of the Arts
last year. Despite his credentials, he has no manager or
galleries to represent him or isolate him, but works directly
with clients.
His innovative nature may have been his strongest link
to Morris and Ojai. This relationship was further
strengthened by his water and bamboo installation, “Sheng
High,” in the Libbey Park for the 2009 Festival.
“He hears and observes things we don’t,” said Morris.
“He goes into a space and is very aware of the environment
and an object and how they interrelate … His studio is like
a toy factory.”
With “Sound Arch,” Trimpin’s relationship to Ojai is now
permanently commemorated in Libbey Park. The public art
piece is a 12-foot interactive sound sculpture.
“When I heard about the competition for Ojai and they
were looking for a piece for the entrance or perimeter,” said
Trimpin, describing his first creative thoughts on the
project, “I immediately began thinking. I was familiar with
the surroundings. And when the visitors or audience is
coming, they’re entering the concert perimeter or space
where they are sitting, they would have a common vision
going through this gate, with a similar structure to the bowl
50
51
Music Festival prepares
for new bowl
Story by Logan Hall
Golden light danced off of brass instruments as the conductor raised his baton, bringing a hush
over the audience. The Ojai Music Festival was in full swing last year, and Germany’s Ensemble
Modern Orchestra began to perform, playing original music from composer Frank Zappa.
Throngs of people had gathered, taking up all of the bench seating, and spread out blankets and
towels on the grass above the amphitheater. People watched as shadows played across the scene
and thousands of musical notes drifted through the evening air. Children laughed and darted
around while serious music enthusiasts pondered over every scale and chord progression
generating from the different instruments being played.
Germany’s Ensemble Modern Orchestra, playing original music from
composer Frank Zappa, at the Ojai Music Festival 2010.
52
This time around, in the festival’s
65th year, organizers have promised to
deliver another lineup of musicians
and musical groups to show off the
new bowl. Construction on the
renovated bowl is on schedule with the
opening day planned for June 4 with
the festival’s “First Blast” gala and
concert.
Dawn Upshaw, the festival’s music
director and a world-renowned
soprano, will give a performance of
Osvaldo Golijov “Ayre” while awardwinning guitarist Claudio Ragazzi,
pianist Octavio Brunetti and
accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman
are also scheduled to help kick off the
celebration of the new bowl. Ragazzi,
who is a composer for film and
television and a veritable globe-trotter,
has been featured at famous venues
like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood
Bowl, and has performed with
renowned musicians
lengths with
like Yo Yo- Ma.
resonators and
Prior to the
internal mallet
shows, guests can
mechanisms.” A
take a load off
motion sensor will
during a sit-down
activate as attendees
dinner catered by
approach, turning the
chef Lorraine Lim.
12-foot arch into an
After the concert, a
electronic, musical
late-night party at
work of art.
on the Libbey Park
During the festival,
renowned musical
tennis courts will
groups like the
give guests a chance
Photo courtesy Ojai Music Festival
Australian Chamber
to cut up a rug with
dancing and dessert. Dawn Upshaw, world-renowned soprano, Orchestra will
is the festival’s music director in 2011.
command the stage
Before getting a
under the trademark giant arch of
taste of the world-class music and
Libbey Bowl. The festival will also
performances that will grace the stage,
sound sculptor Trimpin will display his feature a free “Day of Music” on June 5
that will feature Ojai artists showing
“Sound Arch” at the festival’s entrance.
off a diverse variety of talents
The arch produces melodic, chiming
including, music, theater, storytelling
sounds that are generated by “24
and dance. p
reclaimed metal tubes of varying
Photo by Logan Hall
54
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Trimpin
(continued from page 50
itself. As soon as you approach this
gate you will be greeted by music. As
you begin passing through it would
begin to play so that it is interactive in
some way.”
“Sound Arch” was chosen from
more than 30 artists’ proposals by a
seven-member jury, including
representatives from Ojai’s art
community, the Ojai Music Festival
and the city’s Planning and Arts
Commissions.
“It was pretty clear the Trimpin
piece was head and shoulders above
the others,” said Steve McClary, Ojai’s
assistant city manager, who helped
oversee the process. “He is an
amazing artist and very technical ...
his engineering and musical skill to
put it together, even among artists, he
is almost impossible to categorize.
The interactive component is the
perfect thing to feature; kids are going
to run to it.”
The sculpture is activated with
Phato courtesy of Ojai Valley Museum
Close-up of “Coloninpurple”
motion sensors and according to
Trimpin, “will play original short,
one- to two-minute pieces of music.
It also has another mode so that it
can play longer pieces which can be
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56
composed for special occasions.”
Albert Behar, a former Ojai resident
who is currently studying music at
NYU, went to Trimpin’s Washington
studio this spring to become familiar
with the instrument and will compose
the music for its debut during Ojai
Festival’s free “Day of Music” on
June 5.
The “Sound Arch” produces 24
different pitches, or notes, made by
hitting 24 bars inside of the pipe
framework. It uses internal resonators
and mallet mechanisms to produce
the melodic sounds similar to a
xylophone or chiming instrument. It
is tuned in just intonation, a
frequency of notes related by ratios of
small whole numbers, and can
produce a melodic sequence or
percussive sequence.
“At first I was looking at wind but
realized there is hardly any wind in
Ojai,” said Trimpin, laughing and
adding, “only at times when the
weather is miserable and there is
nobody there.”
Exposure to the elements,
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www.donedwards.info
•805-340-3192
Skin & Beauty
B-Fabulous
Shipping
Attitude Adjustment
Shoppe
Shipping services, mail, Fed Ex,
USPS, UPS, Custom packing...
1129 Maricopa Highway, Ojai
www.attitudeadjustment.com
• 805-646-1109
Matilija Mailcall
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty
Office: 805-646-9800
coast2valleyproperties.com
• (805) 766-7889
Bob Kemper
Troop Real Estate, Inc.
[email protected]
ojaivalleyproperty.com
• 805-551-5121
Fax: (805)640-0165
• (805)646-9990
Ojai Business Center
226 W. Ojai Ave., Ste 101
Shipping, fax, notary, mail box
rentals, ofc. supplies, photo &
document scanning, email....
fax: 805-646-5506
•805-646-4690
Delilah
Thomas Hardcastle
Stylist/owner
322 E. Matilija, Ste #109
• 805-646-5355
Makeup by Mari
Permanent makeup by Mari
Perfect brows, awesome eyeliner,
luscious lips....
309 E. Alison St.
• 805-701-6617
Busy Babes
Body ~ Skin ~ Hair ~ Nails
Open 7 days
in the Arcade 306 E Ojai Ave
• 805-646-2713
Annette Greenwald,
Esthetician
Ann Marie Parent
Shoppe
[email protected]
•805-452-5209
Walk-in Welcome!
$10 Haircuts
41 W. El Roblar
Meiners Oaks, CA.
Fabiola
• 805-646-4602
Wrap it ~ Pack it ~ Ship it
323 E. Matilija St., Ste# 110
matilijamailcall.net
email:[email protected]
Kathleen Cressler
307 E. Ojai Avenue
Suite 101
Ojai, CA
[email protected]
• 805-646-9711
Ojai, Ca
Ojai, Ca
A. Brooks Skin Care - Men &
Women - Facials - 4 layer face lift
1121 Maricopa Hwy.(next to
Vons) in LaBelle's Salon
• 805-640-3831
Jan Lewis
Shoppe
[email protected]
www.ojaijan.com
•805-750-1279
Lake Casitas
Photo by Logan Hall
65
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
OJAI VALLEY OJAI VALLEY OJAI VALLEY OJA
AI VALLEY OJJAI VALLEY OJAI VALLEY OJAI VA
Transportation
Spas
The Day Spa
Indulge your body & mind’s
well-being with extraordinary
services & unrivaled hospitality.
1434 E. Ojai Ave.
www.thedayspa.com
• (805) 640-1100
Vehicle Repair
Ojai Valley Imports
Bicycles of Ojai
108 Cañada St.
• (805) 646-7736
The Oaks at Ojai
Spa cuisine • Aerobics •
Nail & Hair Salon •
Eucalyptus Steam Rooms •
Yoga • Massage • Facials
122 E. Ojai Ave.
• (805) 646-5573
Project Ride
Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair
996 E. Ojai Ave
[email protected]
• 805-646-6106
Wine & Spirits
134 El Roblar Dr
Meiners Oaks, CA
www.project-ride.com
• 805-798-5193
AAA 5 Diamond Award
www.ojairesort.com
For Reservations call...
• (805) 646-2420
Ojai Beverage Co.
Wine, Beer, Spirits, Tasting
Room
655 E. Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA.
• (805)646-1700
Topa Topa Taxi
Around town or around the
world via links to all regional
transportation hubs. Serving
Ojai 24 hours, everyday.
www.topatopataxi.com
• 805-312-2288
The Angelic Touch Day
Spa
Old Creek Winery
10024 Old Creek Rd.
oldcreekranch.com
• (805) 649-4132
Ojai Trolley
Daily fares in Ojai, Meiners
Oaks & Mira Monte.
[email protected]
• (805) 640-2562
Facials, massage, couples
massage....
2111 N. Signal St.
www.theangelictouch.net
• 805-640-6536
Attitude Adjustment
Shoppe
- Wide selection of liquors, beers,
local wines, shipping services
www.attitudeadjustment.com
• 805-646-1109
Body Essentials
The very first day spa in
Ojai, offering massage, facials,
body treatments, waxing &
makeup for almost 20 years.
236 W. Ojai Ave., Suite 101
• 805-646-7600
Thrift & Consignment
2nd HELPings Thrift
Store
Household items, Clothing, toys,
jewelry, antiques and estates. All
proceeds benefit the Help of Ojai
Open Tues. - Sat 9am - 4pm
841 E. Ojai Avenue
Still In Style
Consignment Boutique
Clothing for the whole family,
furniture, home accessories,
and so much more!
Open Monday thru Friday, 10-6
Saturday, 10-2, closed on Sunday
For placement of consignment items,
call for an appointment
(805) 640-1760
1211 Maricopa Hwy.,
Suite 101
Ojai, CA
Still in Style
Consignment Boutique
Clothing, furniture, home
accessories and so much more!
Call for placement item appts.
1211 Maricopa Hwy Ste #101
• 805-640-1760
Ojai Limousine Service
Weddings • Winery Tours •
Proms • Airports • Cruise Lines
www.ojailimo.com
Fully licensed & insured.
•805-646-0316
Vacations
Worship
Calliote Canyon
Relax, Rejuvenate, Commune.
www.calliotecanyon.com
•866-550-6868
66
Ojai Valley Community
Church
Adult School classes - 8:30am
Worship Service - 9:30am
www.ovcc.org
907 El Centro Street
• 805-646-4324
Ojai Vacation Center
Fully furnished homes in
variety of styles/sizes/pet
friendly.
1216 E. Ojai Ave
www.ojaivacationcenter.com
•805- 640-2800
Hidden Treasures
Something for Everyone
New • Used • Antiques
10am - 5pm - 7 days per week
730 E. Ojai Ave.
•805-640-3649
Joe’s Quick Stop
Fast friendly service. Beer, wine,
snacks. 201 N Signal St., at the
corner of Signal & Matilija
• 805-646-4247
7 days a week
To add your listing to the
Business Directory
please call: Ross (805) 646-1476 x222 or
Mike (805) 646-1476 x228
Church of the Living
Christ
190 E El Roblar Dr
Ojai. CA 93023
www.ojaiclc.org
• 805-646-1296
WEDDINGS
OJAI
VALLEY
WEDDINGS
2011
Dos & Don’ts
for Brides-to-Be
An Ojai Love Story
Ariel’s Tips & Trends
Ariel Yve Design,
Photo by Barbara Alessandra
The Lavender Inn
WEDDINGS
by Misty Volaski
You’ve said yes, called your mom,
and posted pictures of the ring on
Facebook and Twitter.
Now what? Here’s a list — in no
particular order — of tips from local
brides, as well as local master bridal
consultant Ariel Yve.
• “DON’T start planning the
wedding right away,” suggests Yve.
“Take some time to enjoy being
engaged!” Savor these moments with
your man before the work begins.
• DO start buying those bridal
magazines after about a month after
your engagement. This will help you
“define your style as a bride,” says Yve.
“It may be different from your usual
style.” Ask yourself: what represents
you as a couple? Think where your
families are from; trips you’ve been
on together; the wine you drank on
your first date; your mutual love of
country music; your respective family
traditions.
• DO decide on a budget early. “Not
just ‘here’s kinda’ what I can spend,’”
cautions Yve. Pick a number and stick
to it.
• DO decide on a few aspects that
are most important to you. “Pick one
or two things, and then budget
around that,” said Sara Brown
Epstein, who married at Against the
Wind Ranch in Upper Ojai. “It worked
for us.”
Tara Gustafson and Andrew Coble,
who will marry in July, are sushi
fanatics, but also harbor a love of
barbecue tri-tip. Instead of spending
a large chunk of their budget on a
reception site, they opted to have the
wedding and reception at Gustafson’s
parent’s house, in their small hobby
vineyard. That freed up funds to hire
both Sakura Ojai and Q-Time BBQ for
catering.
• DO cut out pictures of dresses,
linens, details, dishes, everything —
both what you like and what you
don’t like, says Yve. You can show
these to your vendors to help define
your vision. There’s often a
surprisingly thin line between “ideal”
and “eew.”
• DO incorporate meaning into
your day. This doesn’t have to be
expensive — far from it. When Naomi
Photo courtesy Lavender Inn
On the veranda at The Lavender Inn
68
WEDDINGS
69
WEDDINGS
An Ojai Love Story
by Misty Volaski
Tara Gustafson &
Andrew Coble
You hear it a lot, but the story of
how Tara Gustafson and Andrew Coble
fell in love really could be made into a
Hollywood movie. Equal parts chaos,
quirk and charm, the story of the Ojai
resident and her East Coast fiancé is
perfect romantic comedy fodder: Girl
meets guy in online, but doesn’t intend
to meet him in person. But when a
series of zany, unexpected events
throws them together, it quickly
becomes clear — the two were meant
for each other.
It began with Gustafson agreeing to
do a photo shoot for a friend who was
putting together a baseball calendar.
Gustafson was living in Colorado at
the time, and figured, “Hey, it’s a free
tip to New York, why not?”
After a fun shoot, the photos sat on
a shelf for two years before her friends
decided to move forward with the
project. “They put together this
Myspace campaign, and some guy
comments on my picture, ‘I bet you
throw like a girl.’ I didn’t even see it for
like 20 days. But I wrote back some
smart-ass remark, and it just kinda’
took off from there.”
Coble and Gustafson began writing
e-mails back and forth — “Not
romantic stuff, just conversations,” she
said. “We didn’t even talk on the phone
till several months later.”
Then out of the blue, Gustafson got
another call from her baseball
calendar friend, asking her to make
another trip to New York, this time to
help plan the calendar launch party. It
seemed like the perfect time to finally
meet up with Coble. Little did she
know, she would be seeing a lot more
of him than she’d planned — and not
exactly in the way she’d hoped.
70
“So I’m getting ready to board the
plane at LAX,” recalled Gustafson, “and
I get this text from my friend,
canceling the party, telling me not to
come out! Oh, great. But I’m thinking, I
already have a ticket and a hotel room,
so I might as well go.”
So Gustafson boarded the plane,
excited to have a free week to hang out
on the East Coast. But as it turns out,
there was plenty more chaos waiting
for her when she landed in New York.
“My friend is not calling me back. I
can’t get a hold of him at all! And he
has all the info for my hotel room.”
The only person she could get a
hold of? Coble.
“Keep in mind, I’m in Uggs, my
comfy clothes, no makeup, and my
luggage is still in Chicago,” said
Gustafson woefully. Not exactly the
ideal way for her to meet her online
pal.
But Coble was game, and picked her
up at the airport. “It was like we were
instantly comfortable with each other,”
she said. Her calendar friend never did
call Gustafson back, but that didn’t
bother Gustafson or Coble; the one
day she had planned on spending with
Coble quickly turned into a full week.
“I don’t want to call it fate, but
everything fell into place so perfectly,”
Gustafson said. “This was 100 percent
supposed to happen.”
He took her to Magnolia Bakery,
where they had fondue. They also went
to nearby Niagara Falls, which they
consider their first date. “It was
amazing. We just had so much fun
together,” Gustafson said. By the time
she boarded the plane back to
California, “We knew — within 10
days, we just knew.”
What followed next was “lots of
phone conversations, lots of Skypeing,” and nine months of crosscountry flights to spend time together.
The way things were going, Gustafson
decided she would pick up and move
to New York to be with Coble, who had
a good job working for a university in
New York.
“We were going to keep it
traditional,” Gustafson said. “We
weren’t going to live together right
away. I was going to move in with
friends.” She moved back home with
her parents to save money, then quit
her primary job. But three weeks out
from the big move date, Coble lost his
job. Once again, things were up in the
air. Coble moved back home to Ohio,
and Gustafson stayed in Ojai for the
time.
But they wouldn’t be separated for
long; in a reverse of their original
plans, Coble moved out to Ojai on Jan.
4, 2010. A lover of sports, Coble quickly
accepted a job at Villanova Preparatory
School as the junior varsity boys’
basketball coach, and soon after added
the title of assistant coach to John
LeSuer for Nordhoff High School’s
boys’ baseball crew. “It worked out
great because we both love sports,”
Gustafson said. The pair also got a dog
together, a pug-chihuahua mix they
named Joey. Gustafson had already
met Coble’s parents, and Coble had
been on a white-water rafting trip with
the Gustafson clan. Needless to say,
the pair were building toward
something.
But it wasn’t until November that
Coble asked Gustafson to marry him
— after obtaining permission from
Gustafson’s father, Terry, of course.
“One random weekday, we decided
to go to Disneyland,” she said.
“Andrew had told me we were going
the day before without any notice, but,
oh well, we had season passes, and
Disneyland has always been a place
where we could both forget about the
outside life and enjoy each other.” She
later admitted she felt something was
“different.”
“He was still his charming and
goofy self,” she said, “but there was
something off and I couldn’t put my
finger on it.”
After a long day of fun, Coble
suggested he and Gustafson get their
picture taken in front of Cinderella’s
Castle before dinner. The
their grandmothers, as well as a pair of
diamond earrings from Gustafson’s
mother.
“I didn’t want to start planning the
wedding until I had my ring, our ring,”
Gustafson said. The result was striking
— a round diamond in the center,
flanked by smaller square diamonds
on either side, surrounded in gold.
“Apparently, gold is coming back now,
so I guess I’m ahead of the trends,”
joked Gustafson, as her left hand
sparkled merrily.
Thus armed, Gustafson began
planning their big day. “I gave him the
option of eloping, but he said no!”
Gustafson said, somewhat relieved.
Their big day will take place in front
of a small group of friends and family
on July 16. They decided to hold the
wedding and reception outdoors in
Ojai, at Gustafson’s parents’ private
backyard vineyard. Plans of the area
show the wedding itself taking place
underneath an ancient, sprawling oak
tree, with the reception on an open,
grassy area.
When they first began planning, “I
thought, $10,000 to plan a party? Oh
yeah!” Gustafson said. “But what they
say really is true — $10,000 doesn’t go
as far as you’d think! It’s like they add
the word ‘wedding’ to something, and
the price doubles.”
When choosing a color scheme,
Gustafson loved the growing trend of
peacock colors.
“But he wasn’t in
to the jewel
tones, so — back
to the drawing
board!” she
laughed.
Luckily, they
found a better
color scheme,
one that infused
even more
meaning into
their special day.
Rochester, N.Y.,
where Coble lived
when he first met
Gustafson, is the
lilac capital of the
world; so purples
became the first
shade. Magnolia,
too, was a favorite
of the pair, as it
was the name of their New York
fondue date. So in one swoop, they
had their colors — purples and
creams, with a little yellow thrown in
— as well as their flowers. “It was just
perfect!”
The bridesmaids will wear light
yellow dresses in flowing fabrics,
Gustafson said. To make them one-ofa-kind, Gustafson is having a printed
sash added to each, in the same fabric
as her wedding day purse.
Catering will be from two of the
couples’ favorite places — Q-Time
BBQ Catering for their tri-tip
weakness, and Sakura Ojai for their
love of sushi. The cake is coming from
a mom-and-pop shop based in
Ventura: I’d Rather Be Baking, which
will also provide disc jockey services.
Rentals will come from Ventura
Rentals, and Greg Rents out of Oak
View will provide lifts to help get
decorations into the oak trees.
Although some plans have yet to be
finalized as of press time, a tropical
honeymoon is definitely in the works.
“As long as we’re together,”
Gustafson said, “that’s all I really
want.”
71
WEDDINGS
photographer took the usual four
pictures and began to take out the
picture card to give to the couple, “but
Andrew then politely asked if we could
take one more picture,” Gustafson
remembered. “Courteously, the man
obliged and at that exact moment
something caught my interest. To this
day, I don’t remember what it was that
could have made me turn away, but
when I turned back to face Andrew, he
wasn’t there. Then came a rushing
overflow of emotion as I found him,
kneeling in front of me with a ring box
and asking the magic words in front of
the Magic Kingdom.’Will you marry
me?’ I will never forget the moment for
as long as I live, only the answer I gave.
I was assured later that I said, or more
wept, ‘Yes.’ I jumped into Andrew’s
arms and he held me tightly as the
moment I had envisioned for the last
year and a half had finally materialized
in reality.”
The ring with which Coble
proposed was his mother’s ring, a
family heirloom from the 1800s. That
in itself made the ring special, but the
couple wasn’t done yet; they wanted
the ring to be one-of-a-kind,
something steeped in meaning for
both of their families.
So once back home, they made their
way to the shop of Meiners Oaks
goldsmith David Whipple, bringing
with them gold and diamonds from
WEDDINGS
Ariel’s ~ Tips & Trends
by Misty Volaski
Just don’t try to do everything yourself!
Pick one or two things.
Photo by Michael & Anna Costa Photographers
Ariel Yve, master bridal consultant
Ariel Yve, the world’s youngest
master bridal consultant and a
longtime Ojai Valley resident, shares
some of the latest wedding trends:
• ”Food and alcohol can make or
break your event,” Yve says. Many
brides are now considering offering
beer, wine, and adding a “signature
drink stations” instead of a full bar.
You and your honey might want to
choose an already-established favorite
cocktail, or craft your own. For a
super-local flair, PolishedPalate.com
suggests using Ojai Pixie tangerines
for a Tangerita: 2.5 ounces premium
tequila, one ounce pomegranate
liqueur, 3.5 ounces fresh-squeezed
Ojai Pixie tangerine juice and ice.
Shake and serve with a tangerine slice.
Or try a Lavender Martini, inspired by
72
Ojai’s Lavender Inn: 1.5 celadon,” she said. Additionally,
ounces vanilla vodka, .5 Pantone’s Color of the Year often
inspires of-the-moment trends; for
ounces fresh lemon
2011, Pantone went with honeysuckle,
juice, and a quartera bold, cheery pink. And don’t worry if
ounce lavender syrup
a friend “stole” your color scheme.
(available at specialty
“You can do something totally
stores, or make your
different with orange and blue, for
own: dissolve 2 cups
example — you could do high drama
sugar in 1 cup boiling
with chandeliers or go totally
water; let cool and add
bohemian.”
3 tbsp. fresh or dried
• Scented candles or incense are
lavender flowers;
great for delighting the senses and
refrigerate for three
adding to the overall ambiance (but
days, strain and use).
• Lighting in strategic should not be placed near food).
• Interesting textures, prints and
places — at entryways,
metallic accents serve to liven things
above tables (focused
on centerpieces), in the up and create a “different” feel than
trees — adds
Ariel Yve Design, photo by Barbara Alessandra
drama and
romance, and
draws attention
to your favorite
details. “You’ve
spent money on
all these
elements, but if
they’re not lit
properly no one
will see them,” points out Yve.
“Just don’t put green lighting
on people or food! Go with
ambers, blushes or warmer
tones.”
• Brunch receptions are
gaining popularity. “Daytime
weddings are sweet and
simple, and you have perfect
lighting for all your details,”
Yve says.
• When choosing a color
scheme, go with colors that
suit you and your fiancé best.
However, Yve said navy with
bright poppy accents are gaining
the norm. “Pewter, copper, stripes,
paisleys — just ground it with a good
recognition, as are emerald greens
solid,” offers Yve.
and peacock colors. “Peaches are also
coming back, which I love, as is
WEDDINGS
Ariel Yve Design, photo by Lacie Hansen
73
WEDDINGS
Your best bet? Ask other recently
married brides in your area.
• DO spend time finding the right
photographer for your needs. “Spend
a good amount of time getting to
linens, chandeliers, vases, napkin
know your photographer so that they
rings and more. The no-charge
Eshoo and Jehf Jones married in Ojai
have the best chance of capturing you
service lets you play with all the
last fall, they invited Eshoo’s father,
and your families’ personalities on
different options. “We
brother and close
your big day,” said Epstein.
have eight different china
friends to play
• DO delegate tasks. You’re
patterns for all the same
Armenian Folk and
probably not the only one who can tie
price,” said owner Heidi
dance music.
a bow or research wine pairings. “I
Whitcomb. Want
most worried about getting
Juxtaposed with the
something regal but
everything done in time (I failed to
lush, tropical
reasonable? “We can show delegate enough) and after all was
ambiance of The
the bride how to get that
said and done, I realized that none of
Ranch House, the
gold touch she wants but
it was worth worrying about,” said
effect was intoxicating
stay in the budget. A glass
Epstein.
and uniquely Naomi
gold charger rents for $8
• DO “keep centerpieces either
and Jehf — yet it
each a day, but the acrylic
below 8 inches or above 18 inches,”
required minimal fuss.
gold charger rents for $1
says Whitcomb.
• DO hire a
each per day and looks
• DON’T be tempted to do your
consultant, or get an
beautiful.” About 90
own flowers, says Gustafson. “I would
organizer to collect
percent of brides leave
love to design my own bouquets and
your ideas. If it’s in the photo courtesy of Bodee’s
with their order looking
centerpieces — I went to school for it
budget, wedding
completely different than
— but it’s not realistic,” she said.
consultants can often get better rates
they anticipated, added Whitcomb.
Fighting with flowers is not the best
from vendors they work with year
“I’m a visual person, I need to see it
way for a bride to spend the day
after year — helping offset the cost of
together. We’ll keep working with you
before her wedding.
their services. And they may have
till it’s right.”
• DO fully inspect and unwrap
connections to other vendors, such as
• DON’T invite people “because
everything
you’ve ordered through
reception sites or florists, you haven’t
you feel like you have to.” It’s your day the mail way ahead of time. “I check
heard of. The Association of Bridal
— invite those who will attend
all the chair covers, make sure they fit
Consultants (bridalassn.com) can
because they love you and your
and were what you thought they
recommend reputable planners in
fiancé, and will share in the joy of
were,” says Whitcomb.
your area.
your special day. “You will be glad you
• DO plan on a few extra people.
If you decide not to go with a
made that choice years later,” said
Just
in case.
consultant, bookstores stock a large
Epstein.
•
DO
consider seeing the groom
selection of planning books, which
• DO decide early on your wedding
before
the
ceremony. While some
give tips and to-do lists, and provide
and reception sites.
would cringe at the idea, Yve
big pockets for keeping your notes,
photo courtesy of Bodee’s
This needs to be
says it helps some brides
inspiration pictures and receipts.
booked far in advance
calm their nerves and enjoy
Essentially a giant binder, these
(up to a year or more
the moment more fully.
planners serve as the epicenter of
in some cases) and can
“You want to remember
your planning efforts.
take up a big chunk of
every second of the
Eshoo opted for the more portable
the budget.
ceremony.”
“The Bride Guide” application on her
• DON’T forget to
• DO “take the butterflies
iPod Touch. For $4.99, it provides a
check power
as a cue to breathe,”
budget calculator, stores’ vendor
distribution at your
suggests Yve.
contacts, has a “prepopulated” to-do
reception site, before
• DON’T obsess and
list which you can add to or delete
you get too far into
freak
out. Epstein’s advice?
from, suggests in-season flowers, and
planning. “You might
“Try
your
best to plan things
gives in-depth tips on every aspect of
have power at one
out in such a way that helps
the planning process, among dozens
spot, but you need it in
you enjoy the big day when
of other functions. “The best thing
10 other places too,”
it comes. Don’t worry about
ever!” Eshoo says.
says Whitcomb. “Heaters, projectors,
other
people
and rest assured that
• DON’T try to tackle too many dolighting, band power, coffee makers
they
are
all
having
a fun time visiting
it-yourself projects. “The truth is,
— how will you get power to all this?”
with
one
another.
Eat
some food,
most people won’t remember all of
• DO get opinions and references
smile
for
pictures,
take
a pause every
that stuff anyway,” points out Epstein.
before hiring your vendors. Yve
now
and
then
to
soak
it
all in. After
• DO experiment with ideas.
suggests weddingwire.com as a good
all,
you’re
only
doing
this
once, right?”
Ventura Rental, for example, will help
place to start, but even simple Google
you set up a “test table” with different
searches can yield helpful reviews.
74
WEDDINGS
Photo by Linda Jordan
Garden Weddings Our Specialty
“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
SUNDAY BRUNCH, DINNER TUESDAY - SUNDAY
805-646-2360
500 South Lomita, Ojai • www.TheRanchHouse.com
75
WEDDINGS
Ariel’s ~ Tips & Trends
• Wine tasting has been all the rage in
recent years; so it was really only a
Ariel Yve Design, photo by Michael and Anna Costa
Photographers
matter of time before we saw
beer tastings. It’s a little more
inviting and casual, but is just as
distinctive and fun.
• Ethnic ceremonies give an
authentic flair, and offer guests
unique memories. Embracing
family traditions on your special
day will be appreciated by family
members as much as it will be
enjoyed by those who are
experiencing it for the first time.
• Do-it-yourself crafts can not
only save money, but also add a
hyper-personal touch. “Just don’t
try to do everything yourself!”
Yve cautions. “Pick one or two
things.” Generally, the best
wedding favors are ones that
come from the heart and will
evoke a “that is SO them!”
response from guests.
Ariel Yve Design,
Photo by Michael and Anna Costa Photographers
CANOPIES CHAIRS TABLES FLOORING ARCHES HEATING
LIGHTING FLATWARE CHINA & MORE
EQUIPMENT • 805-648-2819
3072 TELEGRAPH ROAD, VENTURA
PARTY CENTER • 805-644-4496
1601 CALLENS ROAD, VENTURA
EQUIPMENT • 805-643-0996
160 WEST STANLEY AVE., VENTURA
www.venturarental.com
76
WEDDINGS
Ariel Yve Design, photo by
Michael and Anna Costa
Photographers
• Be unique, but don’t become
consumed about being “different.”
Bottom line? Don’t worry if your
idea has already been done before, or
isn’t “in” right now. The biggest trend
right now is, indeed “being uniquely
you.” Start there, and it’ll all fall into
place. g
Ariel Yve Design, photo by Michael
and Anna Costa Photographers
77
WEDDINGS
The Lavender Inn
In real estate, they say, there are but
three things to consider when
determining the elements of an ideal
place: location, location, location. It’s a
mantra often repeated that so aptly
applies to one of Ojai’s premier
lodging, spa and special event jewels.
This is the Lavender Inn, a historic
bed-and-breakfast, which is 125 years
old this year. But then, location is only
a part of what makes this place special.
In the same year that real estate
developer R.G. Surdam laid out plans
for the town he named Nordhoff — a
moniker the town held until being
renamed Ojai in 1917 — what’s now
known as the Lavender Inn was built as
a one-story schoolhouse. Over the
years, the structure served as the Ojai
village’s first community hall and
meeting center. It grew with the aid of
a remodel here and a structural
You’d be hard pressed to find a spot
where you can stay in downtown Ojai
that is more perfectly situated than this
quaint, charming bed-and-breakfast.
Centrally located behind Ojai’s historic
Arcade, the Lavender Inn is easily
within a tennis-ball’s bounce of nearly
everything downtown Ojai has to offer.
But there’s so much more to it than
a cute place for visitors and lovers to
enjoy the magic of Ojai. With its
historical pedigree and variety of
offerings over the years, a spirit of
beauty and grace has come to live in
this place that is easily felt by those
who pass by the lush blooming
gardens, up the wooden stairs and
through the inn’s doors.
addition there to become a private
residence and public boarding house.
In 1982 the building was again
improved and renamed the Ojai Manor
Hotel. It had six modest rooms that
shared two bathrooms. In the late ‘90s
it received another structural upgrade
and was renamed the Moon’s Nest Inn.
In 2004, husband-and-wife team
Mark and Kathy Hartley, bought the
inn and set about to transform it into
the multifaceted facility it is today. The
Hartleys are avid Ventura County
historical building and business
preservationists. They own the
Watermark Restaurant & W2O Rooftop
Lounge in downtown Ventura and have
owned the Ojai Playhouse movie
78
Story by Chris T. Wilson
Photos courtesy Lavender Inn
theater, in addition to others.
Head innkeeper Beth Keenen came
to work for the Lavender Inn three
years ago and also serves as the
wedding planner, overseeing about a
dozen weddings per year, and as a
coordinator and instructor for the inn’s
cooking school, known as the Ojai
Culinary School.
The cooking school offers a series of
small classes in the inn’s kitchen that
happen throughout the year. Local and
regional chefs are brought in for the
intimate classes that can
accommodate eight to 12 participants
who team up to prepare a delicious
feast and learn the tricks and timehonored techniques that the chefs
employ to make a meal savory, sweet
and perfectly delicious. The courses are
scheduled throughout the year on a
regular basis, and the school is
available for private individual or small
group instruction, a cool idea for a
group of friends, a husband and wife,
or an individual who’s wanting to
improve their culinary skill set.
Interestingly, in the kitchen, you’ll
see the only remaining original brick
wall from the inn’s 1874 construction.
The clay for the bricks was collected
from the creek bed in Libbey Park just
a few yards away.
“I love the diversity of things I get to
do here at the inn,” Keenen says. “We
get people from all over and there’s
always something new to keep things
interesting.”
Not content with just running a
cozy, boutique hotel, the Hartleys have
created a
broad stroke
of experience
that benefits
the Ojai
community
and travelers
seeking the
uncommon
beauty of the
Ojai
experience.
“They’re
really
amazing
people to
work with,”
Foundation, Hartley
developed an event that
includes spa services, a
healthy meal-cooking
course and
therapeutic life
coaching sessions
that can really make
a difference for
women who are
fighting against
cancer and through
chemotherapy.
Hartley says she
hopes to have the
InnCourage concept
spread to other
B&Bs and inns around the
country and is working
actively to make that happen.
The Lavender Inn is a place
dedicated to life that captures
the essential Ojai treatment that
seekers have migrated to the valley for
over the centuries. From within its
well-appointed rooms, guests can gaze
at the surrounding hills, be lulled to
sleep by the songs of the frogs in the
sprawling lawn courtyard and make a
commitment to love and to life. And it’s
nice to know that this is a place that is
kid and pet friendly, with plenty of
room for reflection and comfort.
But a story
in the Visitors
Guide does
little justice to
the true nature
of this place in
town that has
served so
many for so
long. The only
true way to
know for
yourself is to
pay a visit to
Ojai’s Lavender
Inn and see for
yourself if the
feeling is true.
Has Ojai chosen you?
The Lavender Inn is located at 210
E. Matilija St. Phone (805) 646-6635 or
lavenderinn.com for reservations or
more
details.
79
WEDDINGS
Keenen says of
the Hartleys.
“Not only have
they kept the
structural
integrity of the
place, they’ve
made it into so
much more.”
Another
annual event
Kathy dreamed
and manifested
is called
InnCourage.
Each year
around the
Christmas and New Year season, eight
women with cancer can come together
and spend a few days together to visit,
relax and rejuvenate in a supportive,
stress-free environment. Hartley says
she thought the Lavender Inn would be
a perfect place for women to be able to
come and put their minds at ease,
think about other things and care for
themselves.
Working in conjunction with the
Ventura County Medical Resources
Wedding Ceremonies,
Handfasting Ceremonies
Studio C
Wild Honey Clothing Boutique
Lisa Clark Cosmetics at Studio C
[email protected] • 805.646.9711
[email protected] • 805.646.3100
307 East Ojai Avenue, Suite 101
80
The binding ceremonial cord represents the
couple becoming one. The families of the
couple uniting. Their dreams, wishes and
desire for everlasting love and happiness are
prayed into every fiber of the cord.
The cord is placed around the couple wrists
forming a sacred circle that is continuous and
enduring, moving into the future
in brilliance and feathers.
May it continue indefinitely, I Sari Wa.
Julie Tumamait
Chumash Elder
805-646-6214
81
Spring 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Photography Show
Ojai Wine Festival
Location: Libbey Bowl
Phone: 646-2095
ojaifestival.org
Come celebrate with Ojai’s performing
artists and the whole community whose
dedicated efforts led to the new Libbey
Bowl. Admission is free to the event being
produced by the Ojai Music Festival. It will
showcase the very best of what Ojai has to
offer, from music and dance to theater
and storytelling. Besides entertainment
there will also be community booths and
activities.
Date: June 10 through July 7
Time: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to
4 p.m.
Phone: 646-0117
Montgomery St.
ojaiartcenter.org
The Art Center Photography Branch will
host its annual open and juried show. An
artist’s reception will be held June 12 at 3
p.m.
Date: June 12
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Location: Lake Casitas Recreational Area
Phone: 646-3794
ojaiwinefestival.com
The 25the annual Ojai Wine Festival will
feature wine and beer tastings, food, craft
vendors, silent auction, live entertainment
and free boat rides.
Ojai Music Festival
Date: June 9 through 12
Time: Varies
Location: Libbey Bowl
Phone: 646-2053 or 646-2094
ojaifestival.org
An internationally acclaimed festival
established in 1947 known for its intimate,
outdoor setting that fosters creative
innovation and collaboration in the artists
it hosts. The 65th annual Music Festival
will be led by Thomas W. Morris, artistic
director, and Dawn Upshaw, music
director.
82
Masanga Marimba
Date: June 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Dancing Oak Ranch, 4585
Casitas Pass Road
Phone: 665-8852
ojaiconcertseries.com
Masanga Marimba will perform in the
Dancing Oak Ranch Summer Series
premiere show. The band features
traditional and popular music from Latin
America and Africa, played on seven
Zimbabwean marimbas, along with vocals,
drums, percussion, saxophone and
trumpet.
David Dobek Exhibit
Date: June 15 through Aug. 1
Ave.
Phone: 646-5573, Ext. 150
[email protected]
The Oaks at Ojai presents the acrylic
paintings of David Dobek.
Seventh Annual Lavender Festival
Date: June 25
Location: Libbey Park
Phone: 640-1189 Karen
[email protected]
83
Citizen Profile:
Gil Vondriska
Story by Logan Hall
The altimeter read 3,500
feet on a clear, cool,
December morning as
pilot Gil Vondriska leveled
out the bright yellow,
single engine, Super
Decathlon just east of
Santa Paula Airport.
“The first maneuver we’re going to
execute is a full loop,” he said in a
calm, calculating voice into the
headset. “We’re going to’ be pulling
about 4 Gs on this one. You ready to
rock back there?”
Earlier in the day, after helping me
strap on a parachute — which is an
FAA requirement when performing
aerobatics — he handed me an
airsickness bag and with a
mischievous smile said, “Just in case.”
I had been dreaming about going on
an aerobatics flight my whole life,
though, and was quick to give him an
“All good!” I wrapped my camera
strap tight around my wrist and
prepared to go on the wildest ride of
my life.
With a quick tug on the stick, he
sent us soaring upwards, passing
through vertical flight and arching
over the top of the loop. Upside down
and gaining speed, more than four
times the force of Earth’s gravity
pushed me into the seat as I tried to
snap a few shots of the action.
“You OK back there?” he asked as
we leveled out again.
A “yeeeehaaaw,” told him I was
ready for the next round. After a few
more maneuvers like the “split S” and
the “hammerhead turn,” we headed
back to the airport, airsickness bag
unused.
84
Photo by Logan Hall
The American Champion Aircraft Super Decathlon hurtles toward the ground in a steep dive after
Vondriska skillfully executed a “hammerhead turn” maneuver.
A Desert Storm Veteran and FedEx
instructor pilot on the MD-11 cargo
jet, Vondriska will tell you he’s been
lucky in life. Growing up in small
town in Wyoming, his mom and dad
instilled a sense of respect in him,
and always encouraged him to follow
his dreams.
“My mom got me into aviation,” he
said, reminiscing about his
childhood. “She got her pilot’s license
to get around. Wyoming is a big
place.”
He took his first flying lesson at the
age of 14, taking a job at the local
airport to get discounts. After getting
certified, he quickly set his sights on
the Air Force Academy, knowing that
his destiny waited in the wild blue
yonder.
After an interview and recommendation by then-Congressman
Photo coutesy Gil Vondriska
Photo by Logan Hall
Vondriska climbs out of an Air Force T-38 Talon
trainer after three flights in 100-degree heat
instructing younger pilots at Euro NATO Jet
Pilot Training in 1990.
Dick Cheney, Vondriska realized his
dreams by attending the academy.
During his time there, he learned to
fly gliders, and eventually logged 700
flights as a glider instructor.
After graduating from the academy
in 1988 as an Air Force officer, he
went to Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot
Training where, after a year of intense
training, he instructed younger pilots
in the twin jet engine, T-38 Talon
trainer. “I was a 23-year-old teaching
22-year-olds how to fly super sonic,”
he said. “It was a lot of responsibility,
but we had a blast.”
Shortly after his time with Euro
NATO, he trained to fly the Air Force
C-5 Galaxy cargo plane. Immediately
upon finishing his training, he was
called into duty to fly combat
missions in Desert Storm. An Air
Force pilot flying the Galaxy might
usually log 200 hours of flight time in
a year. He logged 800 hours in his first
year flying the enormous C-5,
bringing equipment to the troops in
the Middle East. “We flew the Patriot
missile system over there,” he said.
Vondriska flew the Galaxy for five
years, which included missions flying
M-1 Abrams tanks and aide supplies
into Mogadishu during the crisis in
Somalia. “The airport was right below
Vondriska carefully and methodically does his preflight check of an American Champion Aircraft
Super Decathlon before an aerobatic flight near Santa Paula Airport.
the town in Mogadishu,” he said.
“They were constantly shooting and
lobbing stuff at us.”
After five years of active duty, he
joined the Air Force Reserves 301st Air
Squadron and also began his career
as a civilian commercial pilot.
After a brief job flying for Trans
World Airlines, he was hired by FedEx
where he would go on to fly, and then
instruct pilots on the civilian MD-11
cargo jet.
While flying for FedEx, Vondriska
married his wife, Carolyn, but said he
still had an itch to do something in
the military. “I wanted to do
something different,” he said.
“Something challenging with low
level flying.”
It was then that he got a call from a
“I’d flown up
that mountain a
hundred times
but it had never
looked as big
as that day.”
buddy in Florida, telling him that
flying search and rescue helicopters
was the way to go. Using some of his
Veterans Administration benefits, he
got his commercial add-on to fly rotor
helicopters, and quickly fell in love
with the wingless birds.
In 1996 he took a year off of FedEx
to train, and got a job with Air force
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) in
Portland, Ore. Working his way up to
tactical command instructor and,
ultimately, squadron commander of
the 304th Rescue Squadron, he spent
10 days out of the month flying the
Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk
helicopter — the Air Force version of
the well-known Army UH-60 Black
Hawk. Although the primary mission
of his squadron was to pick up
downed airmen behind enemy lines,
they would also help in civilian
search-and-rescue missions as a last
resort if civilian resources were
limited. Performing four major
rescues in the area, it was with CSAR
that he would encounter, “the most
intense moment of my aviation
career.”
Arriving at work on a warm day in
May 2002, Vondriska watched a live
news report that had told of nine
climbers who were attempting to
ascend Mount Hood in northern
Oregon, when they fell, plummeting
into a large crevasse midway down
the mountain.
Two of the climbers were killed in
the fall, five were seriously injured,
while the remaining two tried to help
the others. Vondriska’s search-andrescue unit was called in to help airlift
the survivors to the hospital. He had
just arrived at the base where he was
stationed as his best friend was flying
a Pave Hawk toward Mount Hood.
News helicopters captured the
85
Citizen Profile:
Gil Vondriska
infamous rescue attempt as Vondriska
and his comrades watched, cheering
on their friend. As they observed the
rescue on television, he noticed that
something wasn’t right. The rescue
took place just above 10,000 feet
where the air was thinner due to the
heat of summer and the helicopter
had to push its limits.
As they picked up their first victim
of the fall, violent wind shears
pummeled the Pave Hawk from
different directions and the pilot
began to lose control. Vondriska
watched in horror as he saw his friend
fight to gain control before crashing
into the mountainside and rolling
seven times, finally coming to a stop
further down the mountain.
Not wasting any time, he gathered
a crew and powered up another Pave
Hawk to go help in rescuing the
rescuers. “It was the biggest weight
I’ve ever had on my shoulders,” he
said. “I’d flown up that mountain a
hundred times but it had never
looked as big as that day.”
Because of the quick thinking and
decisive actions of
the pilot and crew
of the crashed
Pave Hawk, all
aboard escaped
with their lives and
Vondriska helped
fly the most
seriously injured to
the hospital. “That
was by far the
toughest thing I
ever did,” he
recalled.
Vondriska puts
a big emphasis on
respect and being
loyal to family and
those who have
helped him
through his life. He
Photo courtesy Gil Vondriska
and his wife had
been visiting Ojai
Vondriska pauses for a photo in the open door of an Air Force HH-60G
for 17 years before Pave Hawk helicopter in Turkey while on Combat Search and Rescue
duty near the border of Iraq during Operation Northern Watch in 1998.
moving to town to
to give tours of the Ojai Valley for the
be closer to his wife’s parents, John
Ojai Valley Defense Fund and is
and Kathy Broesamle. “They are
always willing to help a young,
amazing grandparents,” he said.
aspiring pilot fulfill their dreams.
When not flying overseas for his
“So many people took the time to
work with FedEx, the seasoned pilot
give me guidance,” he said. “I’m an
enjoys renting a plane from CP
open book and I really want to help
Aviation in Santa Paula Airport or a
people. I think helping other people is
helicopter from Orbic Helicopters at
so important in life.” h
Camarillo Airport. He donates flights
Photo courtesy C. P. Aviation
The author, left, pauses for a photo with Vondriska in front of the bright yellow Super Decathlon aerobatic plane that will take them soaring through
the wild blue yonder just minutes after the photo was taken.
86
87
OJAI LOWDOWN
by Mel Bloom
A MISSIVE TO THE
MOTHER COUNTRY
I consider it the height of
egocentric pomposity (a term
which itself is pretty
egocentrically pompous) for
those fortunate enough to have
been allotted space in
periodicals to write open letters in that
space to the famous as well as the
infamous. These letters invariably
contain three basic elements, bunk, halfbaked advice and arrogance. They are
written not so much for the recipient as
for the readers of the publication. It’s all
show-off stuff, particularly when they
begin the letters with “Dear Barack,”
“Dear Hillary,” “Dear Angelina,” etc.
Think of me thus in writing a letter to
HRH Prince William, second in line
(behind his father) to succeed to the
British monarchy. However, I’m not
arrogant enough to begin with “Yo, Bill,”
much less start the thing with “Dear
________.” So here it is.
***
Your Royal Highness:
Let me get right to the point. Spring in
Ojai is heavenly. The weather is balmy;
the sun, radiant; the air, redolent of a
million blossoms; and such a profusion
of greenery abounds it would make a St.
Patrick’s Day celebration in Dublin pale
by comparison. You may never have
heard of Ojai; in fact, some of your
countrymen (and women) often confuse
it with Ohio, an American state about
1,800 miles east of Ojai. Ojai is like your
Camelot — you know, “where the rain
may never slush upon the hillside, and by
eight a.m. the morning fog must have
flown.” In short, like Camelot, Ojai is
perfection. One of your most esteemed
writers, James Hilton, who wrote “Lost
Horizon,” the book about the mythical
Shangri-La, had Ojai in mind, or at least
a lot of us who live here believe it and
propagate it regardless of its
authenticity.
88
I know that you
know ever since
William of
Normandy crossed
the channel in
1066, all English
princes have been married in England. It
is a well-fortified tradition, but after 945
years I believe it may be both
appropriate and even inspirational to
break with tradition and embrace the
new. Therefore, I am taking the liberty of
suggesting you get married here in Ojai.
It would bring our countries closer
together and heal the breach which
began long ago on the bridge in Concord
and in the harbor at Boston. Also, that
little episode of burning down the White
House in 1812 still rankles some
Americans.
Aside from its natural splendor of
flora and mountains, Ojai has a plethora
of gracious amenities. We have 16 houses
of worship and though we realize English
princes are conventionally married in St.
Paul’s or Westminster Abbey, our St.
Andrew’s Episcopal Church is a member
of the worldwide Anglican community
and it’s a lot cozier than either the Abbey
or St. Paul’s. We also have the world-class
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, which for sheer
elegance could give London’s Dorchester,
Connaught, and Claridges a run for their
money. And if the Ojai Valley Inn doesn’t
already have a bridal suite, they could
put one together that would assuredly be
pleasing to you and your bride.
We have a lovely array of shops and
boutiques offering things as spiffy as one
will find at Harrod’s, Fortnum’s and
Asbury’s, and our Ojai Avenue, if not
exactly Bond Street, comes a close
second. We have five parks here and
though none have the water fowl charm
of geese, swans, and mallards
encountered at parks Hyde, St. James and
Kensington Gardens, they do have their
own indigenous charm and if it could
influence your decision, we could readily
put in a plastic pool and toss in a couple
of ducks.
Aside from those already mentioned,
there is an abundance of reasons to hold
your nuptials here. You would be doing
something innovative. No English prince
has ever been married in Ojai and both
the public and history hold dear those
who blaze new trails. We have a large
number of fine motels which can easily
accommodate all your fans, friends and
relatives. And, on top of that, every one
of us adores your grandmother and,
furthermore, we have all gone a little
gaga over your great-grandfather ever
since we saw “The King’s Speech.” While I
can’t promise, I feel certain your wedding
in Ojai would make the front page of the
Ojai Valley News, which with a little
touch-up here and there, could give The
Times of London a run for its money.
Philosophers and psychotherapists
maintain one of the hardest things in life
is to change one’s mind. I realize both
you and Ms. Middleton and your
respective families have hearts set on a
London wedding, which is fully
understandable. But you project a
persona of daring, of exploratory
curiosity, of seeking freedom from the
bonds of conventionality. I guarantee
you’ll love Ojai in the springtime.
Everyone does. Should this notion appeal
to you, could you kindly give me a call
because if we’re going to get this show on
the road, I will have to run it by the Ojai
City Council, which is currently
preoccupied with problems on the loo at
our new skate park. By the way, you’ll
love the new skate park, especially when
the loo is functioning properly
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
Mel Bloom
Mel Bloom
P.S.: My fondest regards to your
grandmother.
Please visit www.tomfarmerojai.com for PHOTO TOURS of each listing.
Over 15 acres with water and electricity within
walking distance to downtown Ojai.
Offered at $1,874,500
195 Acres overlooking the Ojai Valley.
Just reduced price!!! Sellers motivated!!! This large
custom-built home is located just blocks from
downtown Ojai and Zoned Village Mixed Use.
Offered at $647,500
The Name Locals Trust
Tom Farmer
805-320-1414
tomfarmerojai.com
Gated Estate Property overlooking the Ojai Valley (Daly Road).
89
“A Night to Remember”
Ojai Valley Chamber of
Commerce Awards Gala
February 24, 2011
Olga Jones,
Ameriprise Financial Planner
Malcolm McDowell, actor and star of
“Easy A”
Emcee and Honorary Chamber Member,
Peter Bellwood
Misty Volaski, managing editor, Ojai Valley
News & Ojai Valley Visitors Guide
Rob Clark, Ojai city manager
Veronica Cole, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Honorary Oak View Mayor Greg Webster,
owner, Greg Rents
Rocky and Ginny Rockefeller
Scott Eicher and Olga Singer
Ryan White, Ojai Visitor Bureau,
Janis Clapoff, managing director of Ojai Valley
Inn & Spa and Serena Whitcomb, Ojai Valley
Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Awards Gala photos by Logan Hall and Baron Spafford
90
ECO-LUXURY
IN OJAI
In the highly sought-after Upper
Foothill Road area of Ojai stands
this elegant land/home collaboration.
On 5+ private acres, this
4000+ sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom
home incorporates many state-of-theart renewable energy technologies, like
the newly installed 16 kw photovoltaic
solar system. The salt water pool and
spa and the beautiful native rock work,
along with the extensive interior
upgrades and renovations,
have all been recently finished to the
highest standards.
Simply too many amenities, upgrades,
and features to list here,
1250 Foothill Road is one of the
finest examples of Eco-luxury in a
country setting, anywhere.
To schedule a private viewing
please contact Robin Williams at
805-798-2025 or
[email protected]
Offered at: $3,249,000
Robin P. Williams, Realtor ®
(805) 798-2025 Direct • (805) 646-7288 Office
[email protected] WWW.OJAIROBIN.COM
91
Trimpin
continued from page 56
especially the heat in Ojai, was a
challenge to Trimpin but one of the
biggest challenges was the one
common to all public art.
“Sometimes kids or adults get a
little out of control and want to hang
on it to show off,” said Trimpin. “So I
had to think how I can minimize the
damage so it’s not so easy to abuse it.
It does restrict the sound of the
instrument because the elements had
to be inside this tubing system. So
since this summer I have been
basically working making prototypes.
Since this particular piece didn’t exist
before, everything had to be built
from scratch. The mechanism, the
drivings, had to all be specifically
designed for this project.”
Trimpin began work in his studio
using common drinking straws,
tinkering, trying to figure out how to
accomplish this.
“With a $40,000 budget it was very
tight,” said Trimpin of the fabrication
process. “It is almost just the material
cost, the thickness, and then the
engineering. If there is an earthquake
or a storm, all this had to be taken
into account … Someone in the
business world would never touch a
thing like this for $40,000, only a
stupid artist with no thinking on what
they agreed on would do this. You’re
basically working for minimum wage
but that’s what’s typical in the arts. If
you want to make the big bucks you
better be working for some company.”
It is obvious that Trimpin wouldn’t
want to do anything else, anywhere
else. Otherwise that’s where he would
be.
“Once I had a representative or a
person to look for work and galleries.
But it always boils down to, when you
have a show in a gallery and
something sells,” said Trimpin, “then
they basically dictate your work. They
say this was selling really well; we
want to have this again. Well, I don’t
want to do this again. It’s history. My
work doesn’t fit in this structure.”
For Trimpin it is more interesting
to see how his actual audience sees
and perceives his work than what the
critics think. He likes to “hear about it
from people who would understand it
from a different way. They really can
see what and how the eye and ear
perceives it when they walk into the
environment.”
As one observer of Trimpin noted,
“He loves to see the surprise of
something new on observers’ faces.
They may not understand it at that
moment but they will take it away
with them and it will increase their
curiosity and understanding of
music.”
Courtesy of The Ojai Valley Museum
Music Festival attendees marvel at Trimpin's creations.
92
As for Trimpin, “I feel at home in
Ojai where people are supporting
these kinds of events … People that
really appreciate it, and are not just
pretending.”
The “Sound Arch,” now part of the
Ojai City Municipal Collection, will be
on permanent display in Libbey Park
at the entrance of the new Libbey
Bowl. It is for all of Ojai to enjoy. s
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93
Spring 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Stroll a mediterranean marketplace for
the day in downtown Ojai with fresh and
dried flowers and herbs, lavender soaps,
candles, body care, wreaths, food and
drink, art and entertainment.
“Shangri-La, the Romance of Ojai”
Date: June 30 through Sept. 11
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday
noon to 4 p.m.
Ojai Ave. Phone: 640-1390
The Ojai Valley Museum presents the
images and lore that make Ojai a
“Shangri-La.” A reception will be held July
2 from 5 to 7 p.m.
RECURRING
EVENTS
Certified Farmers’ Market
Date: Every Sunday
Location: Matilija Street city parking lot
behind the Arcade
Phone: 698-5555
Open-air market featuring locally grown
produce, plants, musicians and
handmade items, including soaps,
baskets, beeswax candles and olive oil.
Ojai Historical Walking Tour
Date: Every Saturday, October through
July
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Depart from Ojai Valley
Museum, 130 W. Ojai Ave.
Phone: 640-1390
Ojaivalleymuseum.org
Approximately one-hour tours of
historical and cultural attractions in
downtown Ojai. Walk-ins welcome;
reservations not
required. For large
groups or group tours
during the week, call
number above.
Peddlers’ Fair
Date: Every third
weekend
Location: Chaparral
Auditorium, 414 E.
Ojai Ave.
Phone: Jodie Jewett,
797-6710
Benefit sale for Mira
Monte Elementary
School with antiques,
collectibles, crafts,
and used items. Free
admission.
Artisans’ Fair
Date: Second Sunday
of every month
Time: 10 a.m. to 2
p.m.
Location: 323 E.
Matilija St.
Phone: 646-2400
madeinojai.com
Live demonstrations
on the sidewalk in
front of the store
feature Made in Ojai
co-op member artists
in media ranging
94
from pottery to jewelry to leatherwork,
plus free family-friendly activities related
to the monthly theme.
Full Moon Meditations
Dates: April 17 (exact time, 7 p.m.), May
16, June 14
Time: 7:30 p.m. (except exact time
meditation)
Location: Meditation Mount, 10340
Reeves Road, Ojai
Phone: 646-5508
meditation.com
Meditation at the full moon with music is
held each month. Join in joyfully
celebrating the full moon with a global
meditation and a blessing for the world.
Trail Clearing Events with the
Forest Service:
Date: First and third Saturday
Time: Varies
Location: Meet at the Ojai Ranger
Station, 1190 E. Ojai Ave.
Phone: 646-4348, Ext. 309
[email protected]
To participate in events bring a daypack
with lunch, hat, water, sunscreen, gloves,
eye protection, and wear sturdy shoes.
Old-Time Fiddlers
Date: Second and fourth Sunday
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Oak View Community Center,
18 Valley Road
Phone: 640-3689 or 517-1131
[email protected]
Join the California State Old-Time
Fiddlers, District 8, for a fun-filled
afternoon of listening or dancing to
country, western and bluegrass music.
Free admission and parking.
Healing in America
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Location: Holistic Healing Center, 107 W.
Aliso St.
Phone: 640-0211
HealinginAmerica.com
Guided meditation and healing circle
offers an opportunity to be with likeminded people and receive energy healing
from trained practitioners.
To be included in the
Ojai Valley Visitors Guide
calendar, send event listings to
[email protected].
WE DELIVER
646-7878
331 E. Ojai Avenue
Downtown Ojai
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The Bryan Twins
always dreamed of someday playing there ourselves. And ‘The
Ojai’ folks were so nice to let us start playing in the 14s when we
were only 10. It was a dream come true when we won the
Interscholastic Doubles for Rio Mesa and then the Pac-10
Singles and Doubles and Team Title when we played at
Stanford.”
Bob Bryan: “Yes, ‘The Ojai’ really fired us up to play tennis
and to be good enough to play there someday. We always
remember as little guys drinking the delicious orange juice and
always taking extra cookies. We also found the grounds to be fun
to explore when we were 5 or 6 years old. The whole scene there
was so magical for us. And when we started playing there as
each year passed we had more and more local fans coming out
to watch us and root for us. We were so proud to win titles there
and still have great memories of ‘The Ojai.’”
Wayne Bryan: “‘The Ojai’ has always been
part of our family. We so greatly appreciate
and respect the work that the community
puts into that best of all tournaments.
Everyone cares so much and is so
dedicated. I can remember playing there
as a junior and in my senior season at
UCSB, I think I got to the semis of the College
Division singles and doubles.
“I later played the Open Doubles for several years when I was
the club pro at the Cabrillo Racquet Club. Think I got to the
semis a few times as I recall. Kathy won the Open Women’s
Doubles a few times and I think she won a junior title or two
there as well. I also emceed the Thursday late afternoon
barbecue for several years for Wilson and the tournament. Our
band played and Mike and Bob were always involved and it was
always a huge and fun event. Our family was part of that
tournament for some 25 years as players.”
Kathy Bryan: “I grew up playing ‘The Ojai’ as a junior and
remember having a match point on Billie Jean King there. It was
such a beautiful site and there were always so many friends
there and it was such a social gathering. ‘The Ojai’ will always
have a special place in our hearts and even when we drive up to
Ojai to this day, we all get a little nervous like we were getting
ready to play the tournament.
“Like Wayne said, we are all appreciative and amazed at the
number of people who put so much work into the event and
how much they care and how nice they are to everyone. They
have all been very nice to our family through the years and
many have become friends.” h
Photo courtesy Ojai Tennis Club, Tea Tent Committee
96
97
Ojai Valley School
Celebrates 100 Years of
Excellence
Teacher Fred Alvarez concurred
with the students’ views. “I attended a
very bad public high school, and what
I saw at upper (campus) was
extraordinary. Students were engaged.
They were taking part in student
government, and taking pride in
shaping their school. They genuinely
liked each other, and liked their
teachers. They were warm and
accepting of others, and outsiders. I
was blown away.”
Group experiences are vital to the
OVS student body and staff. The
entire high school consists of just over
100 students, allowing them to meet
together several times a week. There
Photo courtesy Ojai Valley School
are slide shows of recent class trips to
such places as Mexico, Costa Rica,
China, and Thailand; presentations
Photo by Logan Hall
from area organizations; college
acceptance announcements; and
updates on community service
projects. It changes each week.
“It gives the kids a broader sense of
the world, and at the same time
builds their sense of community,”
said Tracy Wilson Alvarez, director of
admissions and marketing.
When not in meetings, students
attend classes with low student-toteacher ratios — the
largest class
contains 17
students — and the
offerings are as
varied as their
backgrounds.
There’s
photography, wood
athletics fields “great
shop, art, ceramics,
teaching centers for life”
journalism, AP
— but the school makes
statistics, music
Photo by Logan Hall
camping trips mandatory.
theory, language,
“We do it for all the new
English as a second language, AP
students,” he said. They gather their
environmental science, and a host of
own firewood, sleep on the ground,
others. But perhaps the most notable
tell stories, and just be together
is its outdoor program.
outdoors.”
With 195 acres on what was
“We are dedicated to providing
originally a cattle ranch, the upper
outdoor education to our students,
campus has ample space for getting
and it’s hard to quantify what they get
kids outside. Not only are students
from this experience,” said Alvarez.
encouraged to join a sports team —
“Let’s just say they come back
headmaster Cooper called his
changed in some fundamental way
98
OVS lower campus in 1928
OVS lower campus today
after spending a week in the Sespe or
at Montaña de Oro with their friends
and teachers. A kid by the name of
Daniel Ramirez, won our outdoor
education award last year. He is a
natural leader on the trail … it’s his
leadership that sets him apart from
others, and the thing that will carry
him the rest of his life.”
These outdoor lessons help teach
the kids what they are really capable
of. How do they manage obstacles?
There are a host of things one can
learn when outside that cannot be
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Ojai Valley
Office
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Anthoula Randopoulos
886-1839
Cindy Winfrey
746-2806
Rosalie Zabilla
455-3183
640-1440
236 W. Ojai Ave.,
Suite 100
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99
Ojai Valley School
Celebrates 100 Years of
Excellence
learned indoors,” Cooper said. The
camping trips also allow faculty
members to get to know students
better. “We have dynamic
relationships with the students; we
know them as people, and are
therefore able to understand them
better.”
Every faculty member has six or
seven students they advise and keep
in touch with, to make sure they’re
doing OK, said Wilson Alvarez. “That
way no one falls through the cracks.
They mentor the kids and
communicate with their parents.”
The tradition of mentoring extends
to interactions with the lower campus
as well, morphing the OVS highschoolers into role models and tutors
for the younger kids. Younger
students came up recently to give a
presentation on penguins, and the
high school students hold their
musicals at the lower campus.
It all contributes to that sense of
community and developing the
student as a whole, which really
begins with the lower campus. Even
the pre-kindergarten students are
encouraged to explore themselves. A
Photo by Logan Hall
“It’s a place where we
encourage students to
stretch beyond what
they think is possible, to
take risks and
sometimes fail. We
focus not on the fall, but
on the getting back up.”
— Fred Alvarez, teacher
glimpse over the garden fence reveals
children boisterously romping around
and shouting to one another, but still
patiently waiting their turn when it
was time to visit the water fountain.
They learn how to speak publicly,
speak to adults, even speak Mandarin
Chinese.
A sense of community is key as Ojai Valley School turns 100. Students, faculty and staff gather
together to celebrate the happy occasion.
100
OVS students are shown on the stairs at the
lower campus circa 1930s.
OVS student Nicole Gartrell said all
OVS kids are gently pushed to be selfreliant. “You’re taught to be
independent, how to make mistakes
and try again. Our expectations are
high for the kids; we challenge them.
As an adult I look back and I think,
wow, I spent five days on a
backpacking trip before I got to high
school. But I didn’t really think about
that at the time; it was fun. It’s that
consistent philosophy that helps kids
be more prepared for life. The kids
just get it.”
“We work hard to give students
opportunities,” echoed upper campus
teacher Alvarez. “Not just
opportunities to learn, but
opportunities to experience. It’s a
place where you can explore and
figure out what you’re good at. It’s a
place where we encourage students to
stretch beyond what they think is
possible, to take risks and sometimes
fail. We focus not on the fall, but on
the getting back up.”
Ultimately, said upper campus
headmaster Cooper, OVS aims “not
just to prepare the kids for college. We
want a complete person carrying our
diploma. We want them to know who
they are, be a risk-taker, and know
that their best will almost always be
good enough.” v
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Beautiful, edible and ornamental gardens.
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(805) 640-1827
Holistic Healing Center
107 West Aliso Street, Ojai
Tel: 805-640-0211
www.healinginamerica.com
Lic# C27-723727
Energy Healing
Hypnotherapy
Acupuncture
Massage
Lymphatic Therapy
Reiki
Guided Meditation
& Healing Circles
Yoga
Tai Chi
Chi Gong
Flower Essence
Ayurveda
Zen like space available for functions
NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programing)
Healing Development Workshops
Various Talks / Lectures / Demonstrations
101
MIND BODY SPIRIT
HEALING ARTS
HEALING ARTS
Marilyn Salas
Energy healer for 17+ yrs; now teaching
classes. Releasing/rebalancing
body/mind/spirit/emotional energies for all
ages through touch and sound. Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.loveshealingenergy.com
Phone: (805) 798-1448 (cell)
Healing in America
A non-profit organization, offering
energy healing development programs
across the US.
P O Box 432
Ojai, CA 93024
(805) 640-0211
Rev. Sandra Foster
Hands-on Healing, Spiritual Coaching,
Hypnotherapy, Bodywork, Intuitive
Healing & Distance Healing.
805-272-5425
[email protected]
Bobbye Rotello, CCT., CNC.
Digestive Wellness, 18 years in Ojai
Gentle, colon hydro-therapy. Better
health, energy & vitality through
cleansing, sauna & nutritional
counseling. [email protected]
ojaidigestivewellness.com
(805) 218-3169
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie
Chumash Elder
Wedding Ceremonies
Handfasting Ceremonies
(805)646-6214
[email protected]
Nathan Kaehler, MAL LAc
State Board Medical license
Ojai Herb & Acupuncture Clinic
Custom herb prescriptions, gentle
acupuncture
1000+ herbs/products
805-640-8700
ojaiherbs.com
Crystal Light Bed
Rev Deb Court
7-Chakra Crystal/Color Light-Therapy
Heal, Relax, Relieve Pain and Stress
Heighten Awareness/Deepen Connection
Developed by John of God
www.crystalclearmiracles.com
805-669-5643
Jill Townsend
Life Consultant, Empowerment,
Ceremonialist
P.O. Box 970
Ojai, CA 93024
(805) 640-8897
[email protected]
Laurel Felice, L.M.T.
offers Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology,
reiki, craniosacral and pregnancy
massage with a reverent & joyous
balance of hands & heart.
805-886-3674
[email protected]
ojaihealers.com
Soul Centered
Metaphysical Shoppe
Crystals, books, Buddhas, music,
and more.
(805) 640-8222
Eric Baumgartner L.Ac.
Ojai Medicine Wheel
[email protected]
(877) 820-4845
OjaiMedicineWheel.com
“The power of Love guides us. The
power of Love protets us. The power of
Love illuminates us.”
Debra Cummings
“One hour with Debra helped more
than years of therapy.”
Advanced Energy work to create rapid
life-changes.
(805) 340-1700
[email protected]
debracummings.com
Laurie Edgcomb L.A.c.
State Medical Board License
National Certification
Acupuncture, Herbs, Nutrition,
Acutron Microcurrent, Qi Gong
102 E. Aliso St
(805) 646-1360
Jacalyn Booth, Certified Colon
Hydrotherapist, Ojai Colon Therapy
The art of colon hydrotherapy in a
relaxing, nurturing environment.
Experienced, gentle, knowledgeable.
(805) 901-3000
[email protected]
www.ojaicolontherapy.com
102
HEALING ARTS
BOOKS
Kim Lumsden
Author, Ancestors' Wake
Speaking engagements, book signings
Sedona/Verde Valley sacred site seminars
& tours, special events, book clubs
www.Ancestorswake.com
[email protected]
(805) 798 4041
COUNSELORS
Gladstone Counseling Center
Bruce Gladstone, Ph. D.
530 W. Ojai Avenue, Suite 208
www.gladstonecounselingcenter.com
(805) 646-9724
Leslie Bouché C.Ht.
Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified
Master Therapeutic Imagery,
Cutting The Ties That Bind (Phyllis
Krystal Method) Offices in Ojai
(805) 796-1616
[email protected]
www.hearttomind.com
MEDITATION
Krotona Institute of Theosophy
Library
Metaphysical Bookshop
School of Theosophy
2 Krotona Hill, Ojai
805-646-2653
[email protected]
Meditation Mount
Sanctuary, International Garden of
Peace & Meditation Paths overlook
Ojai.
Meditation 8:30-9:00 am.
Meditation/Educational/Spiritual
programs/Weddings. Open until sunset.
10340 Reeves Rd.
meditationmount.org (805) 646-5508
Krishnamurti Library & Visitor Center
at Krishnamurti's Ojai Home
Thursdays - Sundays, 1 pm - 5 pm
1098 McAndrew Road, Ojai
(805) 646-2390
www.kfa.org
805-646-4771
Pine Mountain Buddhist Temple
Traditional Zen teaching and practice.
254-241-6102
[email protected]
www.pinemtnbuddhisttemple.org
CHIROPRATIC
Dr. Caitlin Matthews
Chiropractic
411 West Ojai Avenue
Ojai, California
805-646-.8865
WORKSHOPS
Susan Burrell
Living Your Inspired Life
Spiritual Counseling, Inspirational
Speaker, Metaphysical Workshops
www.livingyourinspiredlife.org
[email protected]
(805) 390-9664
RETREATS
The Ojai Retreat
Hilltop getaway with 12 bedrooms.
5 acres, views, European-style
breakfast.
160 Besant Road
www.ojairetreat.org
[email protected]
• (805) 646-2536
Peppertree Retreat & Education
Center
An oasis for those who want to relax
and enjoy the beauty of the Ojai
Valley in a quiet, peaceful setting.
1130 McAndrew Road, Ojai
(805) 646-4773
Website: www.peppertreeretreat.com
Contact: [email protected]
SAVING OJAI
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Preserving Open Space
in the Ojai Valley
(805) 649-6852
[email protected]
www.ovlc.org
P.O. Box 1092
Ojai, CA 93024
California Native Plant Society
Channel Islands Chapter
Dedicated to preserving
California native flora
(805) 646-6045
P.O. Box 6
Ojai, CA 93024
www.cnpsci.org
Ojai Valley Green Coalition
Our mission is to bring together
community organizations, government,
schools, business & people of all ages to
make the Ojai Valley a model green and
sustainable community.
805-653-8445
P.O.Box 878 Ojai, CA 93024
ojaivalleygreencoalition.org
Ojai Valley Defense Fund
JOIN US IN OUR MISSION BY
DONATING NOW!
Ph: (805) 646-5948 or (805) 646-1200
Post Office Box 1255, Ojai, CA 93024x
(805) 000-0000
[email protected]
www.ovdf.org
SACRED TRAVELS
Brazil's John of God
Healing journeys to John of God in
Brazil. Transform on every level.
Official Guides: Deb Court (805) 6695643 & Mary Sequoia Hamilton (805)
766-7222 www.guidetojohnofgod.com
www.GuidesToJohnofGod.com
YOGA & PILATES
Bryant Street Health and Fitness
Therapeutic Yoga, therapeutic stretch,
power yoga and many more classes.
Massage, Watsu, weight room and
day spa.
406-Q Bryant Circle
(805) 646-2233
Lulu Bandha’s Kira Ryder, Uschi
Gibson, Alana Mitnick, Craig Holloway,
Catherine Nation, Winifred Wilson,
Amber Robinson & Betsy Stix. Daily
Classes, All Levels. Host of the Ojai
Yoga Crib. 306 E. Matilija St.
(805) 640-7868
www.lulubandhas.com
New Body Pilates
Mandy Wright
BASI Pilates Certified
Motivating Your Mind and Body
(805) 701-5100
109 Montgomery St. #C
[email protected]
www.ojaipilates.com
To add your listing to the
Mind, Body, & Spirit
Directory
please call:
Mike Dawkins at
(805) 646-1476 x228
or email to:
[email protected]
103
Exotic Thai
Restaurant
849 East Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023-2902
(805) 646-6618
Dine in or take out • Patio dining
www.exoticthairestaurant.com
104
105
Story by Chris T. Wilson
Photos courtesy Rotary Club of Ojai-West
There may be no better
way to usher in the sunny
days of summer, than with
a glass of rich red wine or
bubbling beer and a tasty
nibble of nosh on an
afternoon of mouthwatering temptation and
aural dancing delight.
This is what thousands of people
come together to do each year on the
shores of the Ojai Valley’s very own
Lake Casitas. And this year is special,
in that the Ojai Rotary West is proudly
celebrating its 25th year of putting
together the Ojai Wine Festival. This
year’s festival will be held June 11
from noon to 5 p.m. at the lake.
From its humble beginnings in
1986, the newly established Rotary
Club of some 50 members was
looking for a good way to raise money
for local and international causes.
One of the founders of the event, Les
Gardner, the owner of Attitude
Adjustment Shoppe, tells the tale of
how the event came to be.
“We were a young club and we
were looking for a fund-raising idea
and we tried a few things that didn’t
work out so well,” Gardner says.
“Then one day me and Bill Shouse
and our wives decided to go to Paso
Robles and check out their Wine
Festival. We had a lot of fun and
thought we should try this. The
organizer of that event helped us get
organized and put it together.”
The first two years the event was
held at the Montessori School on
Baldwin Road and then the event was
moved to Soule Park on Ojai’s East
End where it met with the wonderful
success of bad publicity.
“After the first year, we knew we
we’re going to have to do it again
because we had a thousand glasses
left over,” Gardner says with a
chuckle. “We were very optimistic at
the time. Then we moved the event to
Soule Park, which was much better
106
107
Ojai Wine
FestivAl
for us because we had so much more
room.”
But a local school principal,
Gardner recalls, wasn’t pleased that a
wine event was being held in a public
park and this led to a lot of extra
coverage in the Ojai Valley News and
attendance skyrocketed.
“We had close to 5,000 attend that
year,” Gardner says. “The following
year, we moved it to Lake Casitas.”
In the summer of 1984 a series of
Olympic rowing events were held at
Lake Casitas, and it was here that
Gardner and his Rotarian cohorts
negotiated and planned their next
Wine Festival event. At first the shores
of the lake, where the event is still
held to this day, were dusty and uncultivated.
“We planted the grass, planted
trees, put in a sprinkler system and
electrical and turned that area into a
real event space,” he says. “And
Casitas has continued to take
advantage of that and promote it as a
great place to hold events.”
Now, years later the event has
continued to grow and change. Event
executive director Angela May says
that just a few years ago there were
only about 30 wineries involved and
that has now doubled to nearly 60. A
variety of local restaurants offer great
food to eat picnic style, the trees have
grown and provide shade and
wonderful arts and craft vendors
peddle their creations. And a
selection of silent auction items are
108
donated from local businesses for
people to bid on.
“We’re very pleased to announce
that we are adding a VIP area this year
with four wineries pouring wine by
the glass,” May says. “And we also
have a new beer sponsor, Stella Artois
from Belgium.”
The four wineries being poured by
the glass in the VIP area are Le Vigne
Winery, Estrella Creek Winery,
Michael-David, and Barefoot. In
addition there will be three superior
Belgian beers by the glass sponsored
by Anheuser-Busch, Stella Artois,
Hoegaarden or Leffe, with hors
d’oeuvres in a shaded setting by the
lake front.
“I think the thing that really sets
our Wine Festival apart is that it’s not
snobby,” says May. “People come back
year after year, because they know
how fun it will be.”
The VIP tent will be adjacent to the
stage where musical performers
Beatles tribute band, Sgt. Pepper,
plus Tom Thumb and the Hitchhikers,
an 11-piece rock and soul review, will
perform during the afternoon.
“Most people who come end up
staying for the whole day,” May says.
“I think that’s part of what makes the
event special and what’s made it so
successful.”
Successful it is indeed. Gardner
says that the Wine Festival has raised
around three-quarters of a million
dollars since its inception. This
money has been funneled back into
the community and to other causes.
This year’s money will continue to
support many humanitarian and
community projects, including the
environmental science-based
educational Lake Casitas Boat Tours
for Ojai public schools. Over the years
the money raised from the Wine
Festival set the groundwork for the
National Disaster Search Dog
Foundation, sponsored the building
of Rotary Community Park at the “Y,”
purchased bicycles and uniforms for
the Ojai Police Department,
supported the Ojai Education
Foundation and funded polio
research projects.
“It’s really helped us to do some
great things for the community and
for international projects as well,”
Gardner says.
The Rotary Club of Ojai West
welcomes visitors and potential new
members to join them each Tuesday
at 7 a.m. for their breakfast meeting at
Soule Park Golf Course Banquet
Room. Though they’ve been active for
a quarter century and have had some
turnover, they’re still at around 50
members, Gardner says. Information
on the group can also be retrieved at
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe in the
Vons shopping center. Gardner
encourages anyone interested to stop
in and ask questions.
For more information and tickets
for the 2011 Wine Festival, visit
www.ojaiwinefestival.com or stop by
Attitude Adjustment Shoppe. Advance
purchase tickets are discounted and
VIP tickets are limited.
Cheers and “clink”!
25+ Bottles of Beer on the Wall
7 kinds of Beer on Tap
Great Selection of Local
and California Wines
Wings, Burgers & Fries, Salads, Sandwiches & more!
7 HDTV Big Screen TV’s • NFL Sunday Ticket
Game Room for kids with Nintendo WII
219 E. Matilija Street
(805) 646-6150
COME OUT
AND VISIT
!
Turn over a new leaf,
Try the Mediterranean Diet!
Discover the taste & health benefits
of freshly-pressed Olive Oil
“The perfect food”
Free Tours
Saturdays 10am-3 pm
Weekdays by appointment
1811 Ladera (Ridge) Road, Ojai
(805) 646 5964
www.ojaioliveoil.com
109
• 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!
Join us at The Cafe O.B.C.:
Daily Wine tastings & Wine by the Glass
• 12 beers on tap & many more by the bottle
• New menu! • Outdoor patio
Check out our web site for an up-to-date events calendar!
The Ojai Beverage Company
655 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, Ca. 93023
805-646-1700
www.ojaibevco.com
We can ship your purchases to all approved states
110
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DINING ETC...
5) Bliss Frozen Yogurt
1) Agave Maria
Restaurant & cantina
Fresh mexican cuisine
Great patio dining
106 S. Montgomery St.
• 805-646-6353
www.agavemarias.com
2) Azu Restaurant &
Tapas Bar
Spanish & Mediterranean
Cuisine - Fresh local California
Ingredients - 457 E. Oai Ave.
• (805) 640-7987
www.azuojai.com
3) Bad Wolf BBQ &
Sports Bar
MEXICAN FOOD,
OPEN 7 Days
Mon - Sat 7-9
Sun 8-9
585 W. El Roblar Dr, Ojai
• (805) 640-3736
6) Boccali’s
Great homestyle Italian
cooking.
Indoor & Outdoor Dining.
3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd.
• (805) 646-6116
Dine in or take out.
Patio dining.
849 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
www.exoticthairestaurant.com
• (805) 646-6618
7) Bodee’s
12) Farmer and the
Cook
11) Exotic Thai
Indoor & Outdoor Garden
dining. Located 2.5 m. 3304
Maricopa Highway
www.bodees.net
• (805) 646-5300
Open 7 days for Lunch &
Dinner - Open at 11am
100 E El Roblar Dr. #104
• (805) 640-WOLF
• (805) 640-9653
farmer and
the cook
8) Bonnie Lu's Cafe
4) Barrel 33
Fine wine and relaxation.
308 E. Ojai Ave
• (805) 646-1555
Barrel 33 - Ventura
Fine wine and relaxation.
1067 E. Thompson Blvd.
• (805) 652-1810
13) Feast Bistro
Bistro Dining in Ojai's historic
Arcade - Enjoy our open kitchen,
relax on our pet friendly patio.
254 E. Ojai Ave.
• 805-640-9260
www.feastofojai.com
9) coffee connection
14) The Garden
Terrace
Area of Detail
"The Arcade"
25
10 12 20 3
9
27
14
30
15
Open Daily 8 to 8
Farm to Table - Organic
339 w. El Roblar
• 805-640-9608
www.farmerandcook.com
328 E. Ojai Ave.
• (805) 646-0207
Serving Breakfast and Lunch
Open 7am - 2:30pm
Mon. through Sun.,
Closed Weds.
Your community coffee &
espresso bar - free wi-fi with
the purchase of specialty drink
311 E. El Roblar Dr., Ojai
• (805) 646-7821
7
112
10) DON LALO’S
Open Everyday 11am - 9pm
Locally Owned and Operated
10 delicious flavors
www.blissyogurtojia.com
451 E. Ojai Ave
• (805) 640-8000
11 29
6
Taste Heaven!
Cocktails, gift shop.
We deliver in Ojai.
across from Soule Golf course
15) Ideal Seafood
FRESH: Ahi Tuna, Salmon,
Halibut, Swordfish, Shrimp...
11512 N. Ventura Ave
• (805) 231-8752
[email protected]
21) Knead Bakery
27) The Ranch House
Freshy baked goodies and
yummy entrees
Thurs - Sat 8 am - 4pm
Sun at the Ojai farmers Market
469 E. Ojai Ave
• (310) 770-3282
16) Il Giardino
Gourmet restaurant famed
for original award-winning
cuisine & extensive wine list.
500 S. Lomita, Ojai
www.TheRanchHouse.com
• (805) 646-2360
22) Los Caporales
28) Sea Fresh Seafood
Fine American & Italian
Cuisine - Patio & Indoor
Dining - Live Entertainment on
wknds - Lunch & Dinner
Specials - 401 E. Ojai Ave
• (805) 640-7387
Authentic Mexican Food
Voted “Best Margarita in Ojai”
Catering for All Occasions
loscorporalesrestaurant.com
• (805) 646-5452
Fresh Fish Market, Sushi &
Oyster Bar
Celebrating 25 years in Ojai
www.seafreshseafood.com
533 E. Ojai Ave
• (805) 646-7747
17) Java & Joe's
23) Ojai Cafe
Emporium
Sea Fresh Seafood Channel Islands
Behind the Arcade
Great Coffee & Specialty
Drinks • whole coffee beans,
& Fresh baked goodies
323 E. Matillija Street
• (805) 646-3138
18) Jersey Mike’s
Subs, Wraps, Salads & Soup.
The freshest ingredients
always!
www.jerseymikes.com
• (805) 640-9070
Ojai's favorite gathering and
eating place for over 20 years
108 S. Montgomery St.
off Ojai Ave.
• (805) 646-2723
Fresh Fish Market, Sushi &
Oyster Bar
www.seafreshci.com
3550 S Harbor Blvd Oxnard
CA • (805) 204-0974
24) Ojai Pizza
29) Soule Park
Restaurant
Voted #1 Pizza In Ojai!
331 E. Ojai Ave.
"We Deliver"
NFL Sunday Ticket
• (805) 646-7878
19) Jim & Robs Fresh
Grill
Open 7am to 5pm daily
1033 East Ojai Ave
• (805) 646-5633 ext. 1
25) Papa Lennon’s
Open Daily at 8:30am
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Happy Hour - Daily
214 E. Ojai Ave. Ste#100
• (805) 640-1301
Original Italian Cuisine,
2010 Best Casual Restaurant
Local wines & beers on tap
515 W. El Roblar Dr, Ojai
www.papalennons.com
• (805) 640-7388
20) Jolly Kone
26) Rainbow Bridge
Natural Foods Store
Burger, Fries and a Coke.
ice cream cones, shaved ice
and more. REAL food.
Over 50 years in Ojai!
113 W. El Roblar Dr.
• (805) 646-5176
30) Suzanne's Cuisine
"Ojai's top rated restaurant"
Zagat Survey
502 W. Ojai Ave.,Ojai
• (805) 640-1961
31) Wrec Room
7 HDTV Big Screen TV's NFL
Sunday Ticket
Wings, Burgers & Fries, Salads,
Sandwiches & more!
(805) 646-6150
Vegetarian dishes
Scrumptious Deli Counter
and Dining Area
• (805) 646-4017
Area of Detail - The Arcade
17 31
31
19
13
4
8
22 24
16 18 5 2 21 28
1
23
113
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Ojai Valley School

Transcription

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