Upper Ojai`s Fire Station 20 is moving
Transcription
Upper Ojai`s Fire Station 20 is moving
Don Edwards & Assocs. Your Local Expert with Global Connections for Over 20 Years www.donedwards.info 805.340.3192 RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors Lic. # 01058377 124th Year, No. 92 • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 • Newsracks, 75¢, retail stores, 70¢ plus tax • Yearly subscription, $52 Upper Ojai’s Fire Station 20 is moving Kimberly Rivers Ojai Valley News correspondent Keywords: Upper Ojai, fire station Ojai Valley News photo by Sarah Bourscheid Reach out and grab a ticket to the Ventura County Fair The Ventura County Fair opened its doors Wednesday and continues through Aug. 16. For more photos from opening day, see Page B4. See www.venturacountyfair.org for tickets and more. At the Aug. 4 meeting of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, two items related to Station 20, the Upper Ojai Fire Station, were approved. The Supervisors cleared the way for the construction of a new fire station approximately one mile west of the current station and approved plans for the old station to be used as a base for the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team. “This is certainly a logical and appropriate use of the shuttered fire station,” said Supervisor Steve Bennett in a statement to the Ojai Valley News. “The Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team has proved their tremendous value time and again over the years, and giving them use of the old station would allow the team to consolidate their gear, improve their response time and facilitate their training. While also assuring the building is well maintained and compatible with the neighborhood.” The approval for the new fire station follows some initial opposition from area residents who were concerned about the effect the new location would have on the picturesque views of the Upper Ojai Valley. The plan originally included an 80-foot-tall “lattice” communications tower. Following a previous hearing with the Board of Supervisors held earlier this year, a community meeting was held to discuss alternatives. At that meeting, held June 16, Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen and Herbert Schwind with Ventura County Public Works provided residents with requested information about nighttime lighting, impacts of noise from operations at the station and the decision by the Fire District to reduce the height of the communication antenna. Also at that meeting, Lorenzen agreed to meet at a later time with residents Doug and Laurel Colborn and Paul and Lauren Deneen, as both famiSee Fire Station, Page A3 Groups coordinate to make Matilija Canyon safer from wildfires Misty Volaski [email protected] Keywords: Matilija Canyon, wildfire Picture this: You're stuck in Matilija Canyon. Wildfire surrounds you, blocking the one road to safety. What do you do? Thanks to the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, you'll have a place to go, a temporary refuge area. It's a wide open field where residents can gather to wait for the blaze to pass by. "Even though you can't get away from the smoke, you can at least get away from the heat and flame, and take refuge till the fire passes," said Will Castagna of the Fire Safe Council. "It is a last-ditch place — but if you tried to get out and it didn't work, at least you have a place to go where your chances are better than if you were stuck in a house." The Fire Safe Council hopes, of course, that this temporary refuge area never has to be used, and they're working together with Matilija Canyon residents and members of the Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers (C.R.E.W.) to make the canyon as safe as possible in the event of a wildfire. The Fire Safe Council has secured funds and the C.R.E.W. has been clearing dense, dry brush and trees to widen the amount of defensible space around homes and other structures. That defensible space is vital to preserving life and property in the rural community. "We want to create 100 feet of space" around structures, Castagna explained. "But that doesn't mean — people often misunderstand — that doesn't mean scorched earth, no plants. We just take the dry, dead stuff out, maybe take out some stuff that is too close to (a structure), so there's still plenty of greenery and still looks very natural." In the event of a wildfire, embers can travel far, wreaking havoc — and some things don't even need to be touched by actual fire to become dangerous. "A lot of people don't know, a eucalyptus tree will literally explode just by being exposed to heat!" said Castagna. "There are tremendous energetic forces at work here." By maintaining defensible space, he added, "If something catches fire, it catches fire, but that's it." The logistics of making See Wildfire, Page A3 Ojai groundwater is ‘not in an overdraft state’ Bill Warner [email protected] Keywords: Drought, groundwater Photo courtesy of HSVC The Humane Society’s Ojai shelter is hoping the community will help them “clear the shelter” Aug. 15. Help ‘Clear the Ojai shelter’ Bill Warner [email protected] Keywords: Pets, adopt, shelter Looking for the companionship and affection only a dog or a cat can provide? Then mark Aug. 15 on your calendar. That's the date on which the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) will be participating in Clear the Shelters Day, and the chances for finding just the right pet will be better than good. "It's a one-day event," said Franki D. Williams, HSVC volunteer coordi- nator. "The shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and adoption fees will be reduced to $20 on all dogs and cats." The fee includes shots, collar, spay/neuter, ID tag and a free vet check, she said. This will be the second year for Clear the Shelters Day, an initiative begun by the National Broadcasting Corp. Nationwide, hundreds of animal shelters will participate in partnership with NBC Owned Television Stations and the Telemundo Stations Group See Shelter, Page A3 As the trend toward dehydration continues statewide, the Ojai Valley's subterranean water resources appear to be in fairly good shape. "We're about 48 percent full," Jerry Conrow said Thursday, "which is comparable to the decline in Lake Casitas." Conrow is president of the Ojai Basin Groundwater Management Agency (OBGMA), the state-designated entity in charge of monitoring the groundwater under the city of Ojai and the valley's East End. "We're doing pretty good as a water basin," he said. "The condition of drought statewide does not mean our basin is overdrawn. We're not in an overdraft state." That doesn't mean the OBGMA isn't keeping a close eye on things, though. At its regular meeting of July 30, the board of directors passed resolutions concerning the extraction charges and the metering of wells within its boundaries. The groundwater extraction charge itself is not changing, Board Member Russ Baggerly said Wednesday. It will stay at $15 per acre-foot. What will change, he said, is the schedule of reporting, from semesterly to quarterly. "So people now will send their information in every three months instead of every six months." The new schedule became effective Aug. 1. Additionally, calibration will be required for all well meters within the sanction of the OBGMA. Beginning June 30, 2016, all meters 1.5 inches or larger must be calibrated and tested every two years, Baggerly said. One-inch and three-quarter-inch meters pulling less than 2 acre-feet of water per year must be calibrated and tested every five years. Baggerly said the large meters would be calibrated by Southern California Edison, while the smaller meters could be calibrated by any of a number of local companies. Of the 166 wells reporting to the OBGMA, not all have meters. That's something the OBGMA would like to see See OBGMA, Page A3 Walter completes plan, bows out of Watershed Council Tiobe Barron Ojai Valley News correspondent Keywords: Watershed, Ventura River The Ventura River may not be very big, but its watershed encompasses almost the entire Ojai Valley. Several government bodies have jurisdiction over it, or are affected by it, but nobody is “in charge” of a watershed, said Ventura River watershed coordinator Lorraine Walter. It’s a little more complicated than that. “We now understand that the parts of a watershed make up an integrated, connected system. Acknowledging this fact is just smart, and certainly a more efficient and effective use of limited resources. This is why we coordinate,” said Walter in a piece she wrote for the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC). “The watershed view is one that pulls back and looks at the whole water system. It is a view that acknowledges how critical water is to our lives, how powerfully it can affect our lives, and thus how careful we must be with alterations to water systems. When we established our city boundaries, however, and our water district boundaries, and when we wrote our regulations for flood control, stormwater management, water conservation, clean water protection, habitat protection and especially land use, we did not have this watershed view in mind.” Walter began her foray into holistic water issues during the last significant drought in Southern California, working for the County of Ventura in the county-wide Water Conservation Program during the late 1990s. Walter later worked for the Ventura See Watershed, Page A2 A2 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 Police Blotter CRIMES • Identity theft and petty theft were reported in the 200 block of East Ojai Avenue July 27. • Mail theft was reported in the 900 block of Tico Road July 29. • Petty theft was reported in the 1100 block of Maricopa Highway July 30. • Petty theft was reported in the 1100 block of North Ventura Avenue July 31. • Residential burglary was reported in the 11700 block of North Ventura Avenue Aug. 2. • Petty theft was reported in the 700 block of West Villanova Road Aug. 3. • Petty theft was reported in the 400 block of Country Club Drive Aug. 3. • Petty theft was reported in the 100 block of Don Ricardo Way Aug. 4. ARRESTS • A 64-year-old woman was arrested on East Ojai Avenue Aug. 4 for public intoxication. Bail was set at $2,500. • A 60-year-old man was arrested at the Ojai Skate Park Aug. 4 for public intoxication. Bail was set at $2,500. • A 34-year-old woman was arrested on North Ventura Street Aug. 4 on a warrant and on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $7,500. • A 24-year-old man was arrested on Valley View Road Aug. 3 on a warrant. No bail was set. • A 20-year-old man was arrested on Santa Ana Road Aug. 3 on suspicion of possess- ing concentrated cannabis and statutory rape. Bail was set at $15,000. • A 38-year-old woman was arrested on Casitas Vista Road Aug. 3 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • Two men, age 44 and 30, were arrested on Casitas Vista Road Aug. 3 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail for each was set at $5,000. • A 21-year-old man was arrested on Ojai Aug. 2 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • An 18-year-old man was arrested on Maricopa Highway Aug. 2 on suspicion of possessing metal knuckles. Bail was set at $10,000. • A 25-year-old man was arrested on East Ojai Avenue Aug. 1 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 22-year-old man was arrested on North Ventura Avenue Aug. 1 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 36-year-old man was arrested on Burnham Road Aug. 1 on a warrant. Bail was set at $80,000. • A 47-year-old man was arrested in Ojai Aug. 1 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 47-year-old man was arrested on Ma- honey Avenue July 31 on suspicion of driving under the influence. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 55-year-old man was arrested on Alviria Drive July 31 following a reported domestic incident. Bail was set at $10,000. • A 41-year-old woman was arrested on North Ventura Avenue July 30 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 54-year-old man was arrested on Nye Road July 30 on a warrant. Bail was set at $50,000. • A 34-year-old man was arrested on Loma Drive July 30 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possessing methamphetamine. Bail was set at $10,000. • A 34-year-old man was arrested on Maricopa Highway July 30 on suspicion of driving on a revoked license, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possessing methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. • An 18-year-old man was arrested on North Ventura Avenue July 29 on suspicion of possessing a dirk or dagger and delaying or resisting a peace officer. Bail was set at $15,000. • A 32-year-old man was arrested on Loma Drive July 29 on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000. • A 23-year-old man was arrested on Spring Street July 29 on a warrant. Bail was set at $7,500. Watershed: Continued from Page A1 County Planning Division as a grants administrator, land-use planner and watershed planner. The Ventura River Watershed Council was formed in 2006 and is comprised of various interested individuals, nonprofit groups and local government agencies to manage local water efficiently, maintain water quality and to keep the area eligible for water bond funding per the California state requirements. In September 2011, the OVLC and the Ventura River Watershed Council hired Walter as watershed coordinator. “We interviewed a lot of people for that position. Having a successful watershed program depends a lot on that ‘middle’ person, and we all felt Lorraine was that (perfect fit),” said OVLC executive director Brian Stark. “The watershed really needed that stakeholder involvement, and I think Lorraine’s greatest success was in building that constituency. In the beginning, we’d have maybe 10 people show up for a (Ventura Watershed Council) meeting; by the end it was up to 60 people. It takes a special person to do that.” Beyond “herding cats” — as Stark jokingly describes Walter’s success in getting various people involved in the watershed council — and having the grace to coordinate with different groups with often opposing viewpoints and making sure they all feel heard, Walter has also as- sisted the council in compiling the Ventura River Watershed Management Plan, the first document of its kind for the Ventura River system. The council approved the document last March. “We are all proud of what Lorraine put together. I think it is one of the most useful documents in the valley,” said Stark. “Initially, people were skeptical of these types of processes, thinking it was just more government bureaucracy. But what the plan does is enables everybody to promote their own projects and needs. The real magic of a good watershed council is non-traditional partnerships could be made to address problems. Those areas where there was common ground, we would develop further … We had a voting structure; a lot of (other) watershed councils didn’t have that. If you can do it in a way everyone thinks is fair, then you’ve done a great job. Lorraine stewarded that. I think it’s easy in her position for people to ‘shoot the messenger,’ but Lorraine never made it about herself, and I think everyone appreciated that.” “Writing a detailed watershed management plan for the Ventura River Watershed (was) one of my primary goals,” said Walter. The plan outlines current conditions, identifies areas of concern, and prioritizes projects to address those concerns. Although these are all vital components, Obituaries Don “Zy” Adcock Don “Zy” Adcock, 65, of Ojai and Philadelphia, Miss., died unexpectedly on July 20, 2015. A memorial gathering will be held Sun- day, Aug. 16, at 4 p.m. at The Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road, Ojai. All friends are invited. A potluck of finger foods will be served. Lois Swanson OJAI ALARM & PATROL Lois Swanson, 89, of Ojai, died quietly at Mountain Vista Manor in Ojai on July 30, 2015. A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Pastor Dan Nelson of Calvary Chapel Ojai Valley will be presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of the Perez Family Funeral Home. getting everyone to work together was also important, Walter said. “This is where we learn who is doing what in the watershed, where we identify synergies, where we gain from shared data, where we form partnerships and leverage resources.” Deborah Pendrey, director of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, said, "Lorraine's leadership and mediation skills brought together a very diverse group of stakeholders to get the plan completed. Her knowledge and love of the Ventura River has been an inspiration to many of us. Lorraine will be sorely missed and I think our greatest gift back to her is to make sure the plan continues as a living document and action plan, not a dust collector on a shelf." Now that the document is completed and grant money has been exhausted, Walter is retiring from her position as watershed coordinator. The 800-page document detailing the uses and future of the Ventura River is a great legacy of anyone who cares about local water and environment issues, but beyond that, it is Walter’s knowledge and personality her former employer will miss. “Lorraine has to be one of the most knowledgeable people about the (Ventura River) watershed. It’s really sad to lose that, but if you want to keep things, you have to figure out how to pay for them,” said Stark. “Wherever she goes, she’ll be successful. She wouldn’t take a job she doesn’t believe in. I wish everybody was like that, like my staff is. She left big shoes to fill. I don’t think the importance of the legacy she leaves behind can be overstated.” Want to learn more about our watershed, or get involved? Visit w w w. v e n t u r a w a t e r shed.org for information on the Ventura River Watershed Council, or attend a free graywater and rainwater capture workshop Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Ventura County Hall of Administration, 800 S. Ventura Ave. in Ventura. Locally Owned & Operated in Ojai (805) 646-2900 • www.ojaialarm.com It’s like getting the Ojai Valley News at no cost! Purchase any draft Beer or Glass of House Wine and get one for $1.00 Monday through Friday 12-3 One per table onlyexpires 8-21-15 Expires 08.21.15 Obituary Notices Obituaries can be emailed to [email protected] and if including a photo make it a separate jpg attachment (200 dpi). Be sure to include your name and phone number and the name of the funeral home or crematory. Cost will depend upon how much space the obituary will require and payment is required in advance of publication. Very brief free death notices are also available. Deadlines are Monday by noon for the Wednesday paper and Wednesday by noon for the Friday paper. Call Linda Griffin at (805) 646-1476, Ext. 227, for more information. The Ojai Valley News (SSN40598000) is published twice weekly, Wednesday and Friday, at 408 Bryant Circle, Suite A, Ojai California. Postmaster send all address changes to Ojai Valley News, P.O. Box 277, Ojai, CA 93024. Printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink “Like” the Ojai Valley News on Facebook for breaking news and exclusive deals! Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 A3 Fire Station: Shelter: Continued from Page A1 lies have properties adjacent to the new station site. An agreement was reached at those meetings to relocate the tower about 65 feet to the northwest to help reduce the “visual impact” on the neighbors' properties. The tower will now be 60 feet tall, with a “20 foot tall whip antenna” on top of it. The previous 80-foot height was thought to be needed to connect to high speed broadband. But after further investigation, the fire district learned high speed internet can be provided by landlines. “This connection requires minimal infrastructure and would involved no significant environmental effects.” With the approval of this plan the fire district has stated it will continue to explore feasible methods to reduce the visual impact of the 60-foot tower. In regards to nighttime lighting, the new station is not within Ojai city limits and therefore is not required to comply with the city’s Dark Sky lighting ordinance. But, according to the Continued from Page A1 county's staff report provided to the Board of Supervisors, the station's plan actually does comply with that ordinance. “All fixtures or lamps will be fully shielded and all light is directed downward to eliminate or reduce glare and light trespass,” the report stated. Minimal outdoor nighttime lighting will be used, it added. The approved plan includes several mitigation measures regarding impacts of noise. These measures are meant to “reduce temporary construction noise” and to reduce the time the emergency alert loud speakers are used outside on the property. Those hours will be limited to only daytime and early evening hours through a nighttime muting system. The final approved project includes a new 7,425 square-foot fire station building, and a 1,079 square-foot garage. One oak tree will be removed during construction and 10 new oak trees will be planted on the site. The project also includes 12 parking spaces. OBGMA: Continued from Page A1 changed, though. "All of the big wells are metered," Conrow said. "That would be any producing more than 2 acre-feet per year." Wells producing less than that — primarily homeowners with domestic water use — are not required to be metered, he said. Nevertheless, the OBGMA continues to encourage everyone in the district to meter their wells, regardless of how much water they pump. And there's a good sense of civicmindedness that goes along with that, Conrow said. "We've found that when people do actually meter their wells, they tend to use less water." And overall, the well owners in the basin seem to be doing what they can to save water, Conrow said, although the citrus and avocado growers are already near what could reasonably be considered a limit in terms of conservation. "Anybody using water for agriculture has already gone through as much effi- Comment on this report — send a letter to the editor! E-mail Editor@ ojaivalleynews.com ciency as is achievable," he said. "They're paying close attention to what's happening." Beyond the present levels of conservation, he added, the trees will begin to stress. Regarding other matters, Baggerly said the agency's groundwater management plan appears to be nearing completion. In its capacity as the official Groundwater Sustainability Agency for the Ojai Basin's resources, the OBGMA must submit such a plan to the state, as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. "When the moratorium was enacted on new wells, we told the city of Ojai that as soon as we got our plan in place, they could lift the moratorium," Baggerly said. "So that's something we want to get finished pretty soon." CORRECTION There was an error in a headline on Page A2 of the Wednesday, Aug. 5, issue. The diabetes talk by Dr. Tricia Westhoff-Pankratz will be held Aug. 22. to find new addresses for all critters in need of a permanent home. The adoption requirements at HSVC remain the same on Clear the Shelter Day, Williams said. Those wishing to adopt animals from the shelter must be able to show they can have an animal on their home premises. "Bring a bill with you if you are a homeowner, a rental agreement if you rent," she said. The shelter will also conduct house checks to make sure prospective dog owners have sufficient yard space. And for those who are looking to adopt but already have a pet at home, HSVC will offer "meet and greets" at the shelter — get-togethers for testing the compatibility of existing and tentative pets. Williams said the shelter is currently at capacity — all the dog and cat kennels are full. So she's hoping Clear the Shelter Day will relieve some of the pressure. "A good goal for Clear the Shelter would be 20 cats and 10 to 15 dogs adopted," she said. "And if we get more, we'll be ecstatic." The HSVC is at 402 Bryant St., Ojai. For more information, call 6466505 or visit the website, www.hsvc.org. Williams said all adoptable pets can be viewed on the website in galleries updated hourly. Arnica wants to come home with you Aug. 15. that is the last-stand fuel break. "The last-stand fuel break is approximately a four-mile fuelbreak that runs east to west," Castagna said. "Shelf Road is part of it, and it runs all the way to Highway 33." It's the last fuelbreak between an approaching wildfire and the valley floor, he explained, so making sure it is properly trimmed back is essential to keeping Ojai safe. The Fire Safe Council also hosts wildfire safety fairs once every two years to help educate the community and encourage more people to be prepared for fire. They've also developed a wildfire safety survey app, and have recently secured a Photo courtesy of HSVC Wildfire: Continued from Page A1 Matilija Canyon more prepared for wildfire are complex. Insurance costs, liability issues and protection of sensitive habitat — such as nesting sites for threatened birds — create lots of little details to be worked out. Thankfully, the residents are on board with the plan. "They've already made huge contributions (to brush clearing) on their own," Castagna said. "Ojai is a very dangerous fire zone — and the canyon is super dangerous. They're very aware of the fire danger out there. There's one little teeny-weeny road that threads in and out, and getting equipment up there is a challenge on a good day." The residents' work has been continued by the C.R.E.W. members, who are highly experienced in brush clearing and have received special training and materials to help them identify nesting birds. Their efforts, said C.R.E.W. executive director Bill Murphy, start about three miles down Matilija Canyon Road and continue almost to the trailhead at the end of the road. With trees that had to be cut down, C.R.E.W. members "chipped them for the most part right on site, and homeowners were able to use the wood chips," Murphy said. As his young workers continued progress down the canyon, "There was a lot of job satisfaction — we can really see the progress we've made," he added. And it's not just the Matilija Canyon project that the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council is concerned with. "Our overall objective (is) to make Ojai as safe as possible in a wildfire event, so we don't lose people, structures, infrastructure — because we know it's not a matter of 'if,' it's a matter of 'when,'" Castagna said. A key component to Ojai Village Veterinary Hospital ge V e teri n a r y H p it a l O jai Vi l la os Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Day and night, call (805) 646-3111 311 W. Ojai Ave. PET OF THE WEEK Madeline Madeline is a lovely horse, about 18 years old. She had a hard start but is a very loving and calm horse. She is mild mannered and in need of someone to love and care for her. Madeline is waiting at the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai. The shelter is located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call the shelter at 805-646-6505 for adoption fees and requirements. Our low-cost spay/neuter clinic is offering free sterilization for pit bulls or pit mixes. Call for an appointment or information. Humane Society of Ventura County Animal Shelter in Ojai at 402 Bryant Street • 646-6505 $100,000 grant from the California Fire Safe Council to continue their efforts in the Ojai area. Twenty-one other cities in California also received grants from the state. "We're looking forward to seeing that money probably sometime next year," Castagna estimated. Photos by Yvonne Puth Before (above) and after (below) photos show the amount of brush cleared from one spot in Matilija Canyon. A4 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 arou valley nd YOUR COMPLETE Friday, Aug. 7 TALK ON PERCEPTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS — The Gables of Ojai, 701 N. Montgomery St., will host Joanne Palmer, who has a master’s in spiritual psychology, talking about “Shifting Inner Perceptions which Cause Outer Results in Relationships” today at 1:30 p.m. in the lounge. The public is welcome to this free event. Call 646-1446. TEEN DANCE — The Ojai Recreation Department, 510 Park Road, will host a supervised dance for those in ninth and 10th grades, today from 7 to 10 p.m. Dance to the best new music and play in the game room. Cost: $5. Student IDs must be shown at the door and you must have a teen program permission form to be admitted (www.ojairec.com). For more details, call 6465581, Ext. 308. “MAME” — is one of the most fun-loving musicals ever to charm Broadway, and it’s ready to captivate Ojai. Mame is the ultimate Greenwich Village eccentric whose huge heart welcomes artists, writers, freethinkers and then — surprise! — her dead brother’s young son comes to live at her home. Set during the ‘20s to the ‘40s, “Mame” runs through this weekend at Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., today and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 general, $20 for seniors and students. Reservations at 640-8797 or www.Ojai ACT.org. Saturday, Aug. 8 FREE RAINWATER AND GRAYWATER WORKSHOP — Casitas Municipal Water District will host its next free workshop, Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oak View Park & Resource Center, 555 Mahoney Ave. The topic will be “Rainwater Capture and Graywater — What You Need to Know.” Learn how to build a small-scale system at your home that meets all county health and safety requirements. RSVP early at rmerck [email protected] or 649-2251, Ext. 118. Please park in the parking lot. MINDFULNESS — “A Morning of Mindfulness” will be held Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Being Peace Zendo, a homebased center practicing in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Enjoy walking and sitting meditation, chanting and a dharma teaching from Kenley Neufeld. No experience is necessary. An optional potluck will follow. Call or text 252-2448 for more information. “YOU BUG ME” — The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway, will host Philip Phillips, an entomologist from UC-Riverside, Saturday at 11 a.m., presenting “Insects and their Relationship with Mankind: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Insects are very helpful to man, providing food and medical assistance and they can also cause serious damage to agriculture and spread disease. Donations: $3 for adults, $2 for ages 5 through 18; under 5 admitted free. Call 382-9759. “50 YEARS IN MUSICALS” — Actor-singerdancer Gale McNeeley will entertain Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., in a performance titled “50 Years in Musicals.” He will be accompanied on piano by his musical partner, Betty Faas, and both will sing Irving Berlin’s “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.” This show will be suitable for all ages and a $10 donation at the door is suggested. No reservations are required. CONCERT AT BOOKENDS — BookEnds Bookstore, 110 S. Pueblo Ave., will host Take 2 in a concert Saturday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Spend a hot August night under the oaks with this acoustic duo playing rock, folk and classics. No dogs, please. Call 6409441 for more details. O J A I VA L L E Y E V E N T S [email protected] OUR This Week LISTING OF forming (Michel Falcone, Drew Lurie, Jesse Chavarria, Mike Valasquez and John Whoolilurie). Libations and food will be provided by some of the county’s best food trucks. Tickets: $10 at the door. Call 646-0117. Monday, Aug. 10 “HAPPY FEET” — The Gables of Ojai, 701 N. Montgomery St., will host Linda Simpson from Nursecore, presenting a program titled “Happy Feet,” Monday at 1:30 p.m. She will talk about looking after our feet, including exercises, therapy and more. The community is invited to this free event. Call 646-1446, Ext. 117. Tuesday, Aug. 11 “WINGS OF HOPE” — A retired Ojai teacher, Pam Phillips, founded and facilitates a grief support group known as Wings of Hope, and will speak to the Men’s Club Tuesday. Composed of persons who have experienced a recent loss, the group meets weekly to share experiences and, with Phillips’ guidance, move along on a journey of hope and healing. The Ojai Valley Retired Men’s Club holds OLD-TIME FIDDLERS — California State OldTime Fiddlers, District 8, will meet Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Oak View Community Center, 18 Valley Road, Oak View. Join the fiddlers for a fun-filled afternoon of playing, listening and dancing to country, western and bluegrass music. Free admission and parking. Refreshments are available. For more information, visit www.calfid dlers.com or call 7976563. JAMMIN’ AT THE A.C. — The Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., will host a concert on the patio, Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring Latin Touch per- What’s in bloom in the Ojai Valley? With tiny but brilliant purple blossoms, vinegarweed (trichostema lanceolatum) is popping up in the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Four Paws Now in 2 locations to serve you Voted Best Deli Westridge Market Fine Foods • 802 East Ojai Ave. 646-2762 Westridge Midtown Market • 131 West Ojai Ave. 646-4082 Schedule a free tinnitus consultation in Ojai 1211 Maricopa Hwy. , Ojai CA 93023 GAME DAY WEDNESDAY — Every Wednesday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. (through Aug. 12), Oak View Library, 555 Mahoney Ave., will feature board games and puzzles for all ages. A fun way for the whole family to keep brains active and bore- Photo courtesy of Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Pet Grooming You may be among the 1 in 5 people with tinnitus! Wednesday, Aug. 12 Sunday, Aug. 9 Voted Best Grocery Store Chronic ringing in the ears? luncheon meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 11:45 a.m. in the Banquet Room at Soule Park Golf Course. Prospective members are always welcome. Call 649-2434 for reservations. Call now (805) 646-4520 www.hearclearhearingaids.com Walk-ins Welcome Open 8:30 AM Tuesday-Saturday • All Dog Breeds and Cats • All Natural Shampoos & Conditioners • Non-Toxic Flea Shampoo Treatment 565 W. El Roblar 805 640 9543 Serving the Ojai Valley since 1998 Family owned and operated Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 A5 YOUR COMPLETE LISTING OF O J A I VA L L E Y E V E N T S [email protected] dom at bay. Call 649-1523 for more information. AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING — The Oak View Library, 555 Mahoney Ave., will host author Gwen Alferes, Wednesday at 2 p.m., talking about her book, “Forgotten Foster Park.” Learn about life in the tiny Foster Park community before it was demolished to make way for the extension of the Ventura freeway in the mid-1960s. For details, call 649-1523. SUMMER BAND CONCERTS — Rotary Club of Ojai West is sponsoring free summer band concerts in Libbey Park at the gazebo, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 19. The all-volunteer band will play Broadway show tunes, film scores, jazz and marching band tunes. Popcorn, lemonade and balloons for the children’s march will be on sale. VISION FOR OJAI MEETING — A group of community members is gathering Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss views on the future of Ojai. The meeting will allow everyone input on the following questions: What is Ojai known for? What do you like about Ojai? What issues are you concerned about? To RSVP, log on to www.facebook.com and search for "Ojai Vision." Down the Road MOVIE NIGHT AT OJAI RECREATION — The Ojai Recreation Department, 510 Park Road, will sponsor a “Parent’s Night Out” Aug. 14 with a movie night screening of Disney’s “Big Hero 6,” with pizza, popcorn and juice for ages 5 and older for $10. Meet at the Boyd Community Center in the Multipurpose Room. Bring blankets or seating of choice, mats will be provided. Drop-off is at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m. and pickup is 9 p.m. Call 646-5581, Ext. 390. A “SALON SERIES” — is taking place at the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Resource Center, 206-S N. Signal St., Ojai. The next salon is Aug. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. with the theme “Water.” What is your relationship with water? Do you have a special connection with a river, a lake, or perhaps a beach? Bring your story and thoughts to the conversation and circle. A donation and beverage to share are appreciated, though not required. Seating is limited, so arrive early. Further details available at ojaivalley greencoalition.org. YOUTH OPERA SHOWS — Ojai Youth Opera will offer performances for the public, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St. For more information, go to OjaiY outhOpera.org or call 7583602. arou valley nd OUR Ojai Valley News photos by Kelly Forrister CLC helps kids celebrate the end of summer, get ready for school Church of the Living Christ hosted a “Back to School” party Wednesday at their Meiners Oaks church. School-age kids were given free backpacks filled with school supplies; gently used clothing was also made available to help kids get ready to go back to class. In addition to the backpack giveaway, kids and their families enjoyed a bouncy house, face painting, snow cones and a hot dog dinner. The event was organized by the church as a free community service. Continued on Page A6 Don’t throw batteries away Household batteries are hazardous waste. Bring them to the Ojai Valley News office or to Ojai City Hall for proper disposal. SPECIAL LUNCHEON PLATTERS (11:00AM - 3:00PM) Served w. egg drop or hot & sour soup, mini roll, fried rice • Dining Room or steamed rice. • Full Bar 18 dishes to choose from • Lunch Specials starting at $8.95 245 Old Baldwin Rd. - Ojai (805) 640-0055 Web: floragardens.net Construction Manager Designer/Builder, Inc. Consultant Making Dreams Come True Thank You Ojai! 640-0262 Lic. #958625 Decks By Dana.com Ca. Lic. 711930 Bonded and Insured Unique Outdoor Living Spaces: Decks • Trellises • Outdoor Kitchens, etc Homes, Additions & Remodels Just Call Dana at kerrymillerdesigns.com 805-640-0685 [email protected] Orange Chicken Tel: (805)640-0201 asianfusiongarden.com 842 E Ojai Ave Ojai, CA 93023 Gorgeous Mandevilla, pink and red variety, staked, $19.99 for 5 gallon pot Kerry Miller Full Bar A6 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 arou valley nd OUR Continued from Page A5 DEVOTIONAL RETREAT AT MOUNT — Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road, will host the Rev. Karen S. Wylie’s monthly devotional retreat on Aug. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The topic will be “Summertime: Shedding the Layers.” Open to people of all faiths. Suggested donation: $10 (no one will be turned away). Call (310) 968-8928. “MOTHER NATURE’S CHILD” — The next “Wild about Ojai” event will be a film screening and panel discussion of “Mother Nature’s Child: Growing Outdoors in the Media Age,” Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s office at 370 W. Baldwin Road, Ojai. The film marks a moment in time when a living generation can still recall childhoods of free play outdoors; this will not be true for most children growing up today. Space is limited; RSVP to Marti at [email protected] or 6496852, Ext. 2. Free for OVLC members, $10 for nonmembers. “LIVE BIRDS OF PREY” — The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway, will host Kim Stroud, director of the Ojai Raptor Center, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m., presenting “Live Birds of Prey.” Meet a great horned owl, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey. Donations: $3 for adults, $2 for ages 5 through 18; under 5 admitted free. Call 382-9759. OJAI BLUES FESTIVAL — The Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., will host the first Ojai Blues Festival, Aug. 15 from 4 to 10 p.m., featuring music by Crooked Eye Tommy, the Alastair Greene Band, Deb Ryder and Shawn Jones. Tickets: $25. Call 646-0117. CONCERT TO BENEFIT ORPHANAGE — The fourth annual concert to benefit the Changing Tides Orphanage in Haiti will be held Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. in Libbey Bowl, featuring Lissie and guest Ellke. Children under age 10 admitted free with paid adult. A $25 ticket grants entry at 6:30 p.m.; $50 ticket grants entry at 6 p.m. Tickets available at brownpaper tickets.com, Julia Rose & Co., and Contempo Hair Design. “THE MOST SECRET OF ALL SECRETS” — The American Vedic Association Bhagavad-Gita As It Is Fellowship will meet Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at 687 Villanova Road to discuss “The Most Secret of All Secrets.” Sometimes we are so busy doing life we miss the most important and obvious things that deserve our attention more often than just on a “special occasion.” Always free. Call 640-0405. “PEACE BEYOND LOSSES” — Brock Travis, Ph.D., will give a free talk on “Peace Beyond Losses,” Aug. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 202-A Cañada St., Ojai. Learn spiritual and psychological strategies for serenity amidst bereavement and other life-changing losses. Call 642-0239. RANGER ROUNDUP — Nordhoff High School’s Ranger Roundup will be held Aug. 20 for freshmen and students new to Nordhoff, and Aug. 21 for sophomores, juniors and seniors. All parents and students are encouraged to attend. Freshmen and new students and parents should meet in the NHS gym at noon for orientation and a campus tour. Following that all students will report to the I Building for Ranger Roundup from 1 to 2 p.m. to take their picture for ID cards, yearbook, (except seniors) and Lifetouch picture package. Times for Ranger Roundup on Aug. 21 are: noon to 12:45 p.m. for seniors; 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. for juniors; and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. for sophomores. — all in the I Building. Stations will be set up on the abovementioned days for students to receive and/or pay for other necessary items. ID’s and lunch passes must be obtained at Ranger Roundup; otherwise students must wait until the second week of school. For more information call 640- YOUR COMPLETE LISTING OF O J A I VA L L E Y E V E N T S [email protected] Photo submitted “Woman in Gold,” a touching drama based on a true story, starring Helen Mirren, will screen Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium. movie review Jewish family fights for return of paintings in Mirren film The Ojai Film Society will s c re e n “ Wo m a n in Gold” (USA 2015) Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai. This film is rated PG-13. General admission is $10, $7 for seniors and students. For more information, call 646-8946. Helen Mirren is brilliant as the Austrianborn Maria Altmann, who embarks on a 4343. BLOOD DRIVE — United Blood Services Central Coast will hold a blood drive Aug. 20 from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 411 San Antonio Drive, Ojai. For an appointment time or any questions, potential donors can sign up online at www.blood hero.com or call UBS at 654-1600. OVLC MOVIE NIGHT — The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy will host a “Movie Night” at The Mob Shop, 110 W. Ojai Ave., Aug. 21. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the films start at 8 p.m., sponsored by Telluride Mountainfilm and Topa Topa Brewing. The four films will be “Racing the End, “Who Owns Water,” “Georgena Terry” and “Sufferfest 2.” Call 6498652, Ext. 2. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS COLLECTION EVENT — The County of Ventura Pollution Prevention Center will host a household haz- years-long journey to recover five family paintings that were stolen by the Nazis 60 years earlier. Based on a true story, “Woman in Gold” weaves together the two strands of this remarkable account — the family’s tribulations during Austria’s Nazi-controlled period and Altmann’s intriguing present-day attempts to seek justice and restitution. Altmann, a member of a distinguished Jewish family, fled Vienna with her husband during World ardous materials collection event Aug. 22 for residents of the unincorporated communities of Ventura County. Call 658-4323 for an appointment or more information. Small businesses should call (800) 714-1195. “UPDATE IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT” — Community Memorial Health System will offer a free seminar on “Update in Diabetes Management,” Aug. 22 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., presented by Dr. Tricia Westhoff-Pankratz, a specialist in endocrinology. The event will be held in the Banquet Room at Soule Park Golf Course, 1033 E. Ojai Ave. Reservations are required; call (800) 838-3006. “FOOD PREPARATION SERIES” — The second course of the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s “Food Preparation Series” is a “Sourdough Bread and Cheese Making” class on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Katie Zack will share the basics of War II, eventually settling in Los Angeles. As the story opens, Maria discovers a letter in her late sister's belongings about her family’s renowned Klimt paintings, then on display in Vienna's Belvedere Gallery. One of the masterpieces, the gold-laden portrait of her beloved aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, gives the film its title and driving force. Maria enlists the help of a friend’s grandson, Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds), an inexperienced but desourdough bread making and how to make a soft goat cheese. There is a suggested donation of $35 for OVGC supporting members and $40 for nonmembers. Reservations are required and the class is limited to 12 participants. Visit ojaivalleygreencoali tion.org for full details or call 669-8445. “REPTILES SKIN AND BONES” — The Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center, 17017 Maricopa Highway, will host Tom Hagan and Sandy Chase of the Southwestern Herpetological Society, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m., presenting “Reptiles Skin and Bones.” They will show live lizards and snakes and give advice on which reptile to pick as a pet. Kent Grayson will also show prehistoric and present-day bone structures. Donations: $3 for adults, $2 for ages 5 through 18; under 5 admitted free. Call 382-9759. FREE DIABETES CLASS — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association termined young lawyer. Their journey together takes them to the heart of the Austrian establishment and eventually to the U.S. Supreme Court. “It's a touching film that entertains with warmth and humor, while teaching us something about history, law and justice with enormous heart, subtlety and compassion, brilliantly acted and skillfully written. Is there anything Helen Mirren cannot do?” — Rex Reed, New York Observer will host a free class on type 2 diabetes Aug. 24 from 2 to 3 p.m. at its Ojai office, 202-A Cañada St. to help you develop an individualized plan of care. Call 272-8593. “LAKE CASITAS, PAST AND PRESENT” — With amazing foresight, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation began the construction of Lake Casitas to provide a dependable source of water during sustained droughts such as we are experiencing. Aug. 25, Ron Merckling, water conservation and public affairs manager for the Casitas Municipal Water District, will share some of the history of the lake, as well as its current status. The Ojai Valley Retired Men’s Club holds luncheon meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 11:45 a.m. in the Banquet Room at Soule Park Golf Course.Prospective members are always welcome. Call 649-2434 for reservations. Buying Gold & Silver Buying watches, jewelry, coins, tokens, medals, currency & sterling Outdoor Power Equipment Sales & Services Small Engine Repair Watch Repair Batteries Installed: $7.50 Senior Citizens $6.00 FREE appraisal 805. 649.2590 Call 646-4904 or 798-7140 1211 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai (second floor, above Chase Bank) Your Saturday tradition just got better! One click on our home page gets our world-famous garage sale map on your mobile device • Get the sale address • driving directions • street view • items for sale • All in the palm of your hand Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 A7 Opinion [email protected] Ojai Valley News Editorial by Publisher Tim Dewar Change is coming to your newspaper, but you are not likely to even notice Towards the end of next month, the Ojai Valley News will turn 125 years old. For the last few months, the staff and I have put our hearts and souls into making that statement a reality. Was there reason to think it might not happen? Unfortunately, yes. We recently learned the company’s owner, Bill Buchanan, filed for personal bankruptcy. Bill, the owner of another newspaper in Tennessee, purchased the Ojai Valley News in 2000. The ensuing years were not good for newspapers in general and the Ojai Valley News and the Ojai Valley Visitors Guide survived only because of strong local support from our readers and advertisers. Although recent weeks have been a roller coaster for the staff, we have operated under the assumption that we would make it through a trying court process and come out stronger on the other side. It appears we are very close to making that happen. I saw this as an opportunity to return ownership of the newspaper to the community and approached several locals to gauge their interest in purchasing the company. Thanks to three very strong years, we have been profitable enough to make that a viable proposition and while several dropped out, one group has hung in there through this sometimes-arduous process. Fortunately, after a visit to Ojai to meet with me, the major creditor, Excelsior Capital Partners (ECP), was convinced that shutting the doors on a 124-year-old newspaper, now one of the oldest in the state, is not in the community’s best interest. They have since agreed to a plan that would allow the local buyers group to assume ownership. While this plan still faces a few hurdles, for the first time since the process started, all sides are working towards that common goal. We hope the court will resolve the last few legal issues and will seal the deal sometime this month so we can get on with the business of serving the community for another 125 years. Although I probably won’t be around for all of those years, the local buyers group has asked me to stay on as publisher and continue to operate the company as I have since taking over its operation in 2012. I am honored they have such faith in the staff and me. Is it big news to our readers or advertisers that the company will have new owners? Hardly. The company has been sold many times in the past and will likely be sold again (selling shares to locals to make it truly a community newspaper is a strong possibility in the near future). While there will likely be a few changes the new situation will provide, I doubt that most in the community will notice or care as long as we continue to publish twice a week and keep stocking our racks with our quarterly magazine. We fully intend to do just that and more. We are currently in the midst of our annual Best of the Ojai Valley Contest (don’t forget to go to our website and vote). We are days away from putting together the fall issue of the Ojai Valley Visitors Guide and our fall Home & Auto special section will be out just in time to kick off our 125th year. Thanks to the continued support of this great community, we are strong, we are forging ahead and we have shown we can stand on our own financially. If the stars align and our hard work over the past few months bears the fruit we expect, a huge thank you should go to J. Jones and Nate Cann of ECP for their willingness to think outside of their “financial-world box” that gave us a fighting chance. That chance would not be possible without locals willing to stand up for community journalism who believe that Ojai is better because of what this newspaper provides. Without our wonderful subscribers (if you aren’t yet, this would be a fabulous time to become one) and advertisers, our financials would not be strong enough to convince anyone to make an investment in us. And finally, to Bill and Ava Buchanan, we give thanks for being our stewards for the past 15 years and for making it possible for us to move into year 125 in a position to continuing providing jobs to a dedicated staff, community journalism to our readers and value to our advertisers. LETTERS TO THE E DITOR Send your opinions to [email protected] each “Stop” sign is quite impractical. Of course, signal lights should be obeyed by all. Bikers should have own rules ROBERT SKANKEY, OJAI Biking has been encouraged by conservationists for some time to reduce emissions, and has been used by many for recreation and to get exercise for health reasons. It would be a shame to reduce that trend by not carefully evaluating the traffic laws pertaining to it. The problem is that bikers are not pedestrians nor operators of motor-powered vehicles. They really need a separate set of rules that make sense for safety for this unique means of locomotion. My recommendation is to replace all “Stop” signs on the Ojai Valley Trail as well as adding to “Stop” signs on streets the sign “Bikers Yield.” Thus one can bike through an intersection devoid of cars without slowing, but with cars present the biker should slow or stop in order to yield to vehicles.To otherwise expect a biker to come to a full stop at Affordable must mean livable LOUISE BENNION, OJAI In response to the article published Aug. 5 on “Affordable Housing”: While affordability is all fine and good, one also needs to look at the appropriateness of the housing in Ojai Valley. A rental that I rented for a few months in Ojai was not adequately insulated to withstand the hot, hot summers or the cold winters that sometimes occur in Ojai. I was running my heater all the time in the winter and running two window-type air conditioners full blast during a hot spell. When I left that rental to move into a better home, the landlord jacked up the rent by almost $100 per month to rent to the next lowincome person needing housing. I was on subsidized housing, but my budget for my utilities was going through the roof, literally. Rentals, especially subsided ones, need to be adequately insulated and weatherized. I am appalled at what is being called “Housing” in Ojai Valley, especially rentals pegged for lowincome households. Tree care tips are available BOB MEYER, OJAI Ojai Trees is a local nonprofit organization concerned with the community forest.During this current drought, evidence of stressed trees can be seen throughout our valley. We often get questions from residents as to how to provide care for their trees while being conscious of our water supplies. We have researched some available information and posted a summary on our website, ojaitrees.org, on the “Tree Care” page. We encourage everyone to read this and do what they can to preserve our beautiful trees. If you have any questions, or would like to donate or volunteer to help us, you can send an email to [email protected]. Drought should not be an excuse SUE WILLIAMSON, OJAI Are there enough rich people yet? It’s really shameful that Ojai has so few housing options for low-income people, yet how many people directly benefit from the labors of those people? Using the drought as an excuse to not build affordable housing is a joke as long as the grass on the golf courses and all the many lush lawns and landscapes remain well-watered. New construction usually has far better watersaving features than most older construction. Just the amazing amount of water wasted by children showering at the Ojai Athletic Club everyday would be enough to supply a whole complex! How many people have a water flow-regulating button on their shower head and use it so water is not running constantly during a shower? And with Air B & B’s taking long-term rentals off the market, there is even a real shortage of “regularly” priced rentals. Ojai is long overdue for providing low-tomoderate housing for its citizens who need it. They are just as much a part of this community as anyone else. It’s truly a shame that people are deemed to be worthy of housing not on the content of their character but on the content of their wallets. Kudos to the City Council (except for Betsy Clapp) for moving forward with this project. thumbs up, thumbs down • A reader sends a thumbs-down to whoever stole Boulder the tortoise from Holy Cross Preschool! Have you no conscience to take from the children? Please return Boulder. • A reader sends a thumbs-up to all the people who worked tirelessly for F.L.O.W. Your efforts have paid off and are genuinely appreciated. Thank you for all you did. • A reader sends a thumbs-down to shoppers at grocery stores who can’t walk 5 to 10 feet from their cars to put shopping carts in the cart racks, just leaving them out in the parking lot. • A reader sends a thumbs-up to the lady who cleans the rest rooms at Libbey Park and Sarzotti Park, who does such a wonderful job. Thank you! • A reader sends a thumbs-down to the Lake Casitas gate entry: a beautiful four-lane remodel, but only one lane open with five to 10 cars in line. • A reader sends a thumbs-up to the person who found his vehicle registration form in the street and went to the trouble of mailing it back to him. Submit online at [email protected] We reserve the right to publish submitted thumbs up or down as letters to the editor. Submissions that are "advertorials" disguised as legitimate opinions, or those unfairly targeting individuals or businesses by name will not be published. Ojai Valley News Directory (805) 646-1476 owner publisher managing editor reporter sports editorial assistant advertising sales mgr. business manager classifieds circulation Bill Buchanan Tim Dewar Misty Volaski Bill Warner Mike Miller Linda Griffin Mike Dawkins Jodie Miller Ally Mills Ally Mills [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ext. 220 ext. 213 ext. 232 ext. 234 ext. 235 ext. 227 ext. 228 ext. 218 ext. 210 ext. 212 Mission Statement: To inform you about the issues and events in our community with diligence and dedication. The Ojai Valley News, published on Wednesdays and Fridays, is operated by Ojai Valley Newspapers, LLC, 408 Bryant Circle, Suite A, Ojai, Calif. 93023. (805) 646-1476. Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Ojai, Calif. under the act of March 3, 1988. Adjudication Decree No. 38975 by Superior Court, Ventura County, Feb. 26, 1952. Send forms 3579 to P.O. Box 277, Ojai, CA 93024. Subscription rates by carrier are $52 for one year, $42 for seniors, $32 for six months and $22 for three months. Mail subscriptions are $75 for 1 year, $50 for 6 months and $35 for 3 months. A8 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 Sports B1 Friday Aug. 7, 2015 Mike Miller, editor [email protected] Highlighting prep, rec and area sports Four Sundowner golf teams still in the hunt James Casey OVN contributor There is only one week remaining in the regular season before the Sundowner golf league holds its annual playoff event to determine the winner of the coveted Callender Cup. Week 15 action saw teams play some of their best golf of the year to shake up the season standings. It appears to be a four-horse race for the league title this year and the league is sure to see yet another exciting finish. The Soule Park Hookers remain in the top spot but they have seen their lead over the field dwindle to the slim margin of only two points. They scored 61 points on the week and were led by team captain Mike McEttrick's round of a gross 41 for 21 points. The Hookers also saw good play from Eddie Hwang and Eric Wachter, who each managed to score 20 points of their own. The Scramblers remained in second place on the season after scoring an impressive 65 points on the day. The Henard family carried the team this week as the father and son duo of Carl and Todd Henard each were able to score 23 points on the day. Luke Ackerman continued his successful year by scoring 19 points to round out the scoring. The Scramblers have scored the most points of any team during the second half of the season. Team captain Todd Henard has finished the year on a tear and has his team well-positioned for the postseason. The Weapons of Grass Destruction sit in third place on the season but they are only three points behind the leaders. They saw Ryan Blatz post his career-best round in Sundowners play by shooting a 2under-par gross score of 34 for 23 points. Blatz was supported by fellow Ojai Valley School alumni Nate Cooper and Jason Goldman, who both scored 21 points to give the Weapons a 65-point total on the day. J.L.'s Junkyard posted the highest team total of the week and were able to move themselves squarely into the race for the Callender Cup. They had 67 points on the week and fired a three ball gross score of 106. The 106 team total was 2-under-par gross and was the lowest total of any team this year. Scott Snowbarger had five birdies on his way to shooting a gross round of 4-under-par 32. He Send your local sports photos and stories to Mike@ ojaivalleynews.com scored 24 points and tied with Dan Cole for the most points by any player on the day. Snowbarger's gross round of 32 was the lowest round by any player this season. His teammate Ray Pierson was equally impressive, shooting an even par round of 36 for 23 points of his own. Gil Sauceda and Matt Johnson rounded out the scoring with 20 points of their own. The team is just five points back of the leaders and ready to strike as they enter the final week of play. Skins in the A Flight were won by Snowbarger and Blatz, who each won two skins. Snowbarger birdied both par three holes for his skins and Blatz eagled the par five fourth hole and birdied the ninth hole. The B Flight saw Pierson win a huge carryover skin for his birdie on the ninth hole and lone skin in the C Flight was won by Curt York for his birdie on the third hole. The battle for most points by any player this season is led by Gene Berban of Millie's Duffers. He has a small lead over Rob Graham, Dan Cole, and Steve Rapholz. The highest point average on the season is led by Sam Houseman of 1PUTT4EAGLE. He has a healthy lead and will be tough to catch. The final round of play is next Tuesday and the playoffs take place Aug. 16. Stay tuned to see which team will take home the coveted Callender Cup this year. Current standings Soule Park Hookers (867), Scramblers (865), Grass Destruction (864), JL's Junkyard (862), 1PUTT4EAGLE (847), Good Pick It Up (847), Millie's Duffers (846), Chiefs IE (842), Characters (841), Bugsy's Bandits (841), Parker's Putters (839), Bob Martin's Leftovers (810), Hut Putters (801), and Handicap's What? (790). Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown Reserve your seats for 2015 NHS action Fans hoping to reserve their seats for the 2015 Nordhoff High School football season need to act soon. The Ranger Gridiron Club is offering reserved seats at $20 a seat. Those renewing seats will be able to purchase the same seats Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon in the NHS administration office. New members may purchase any available seats starting Aug. 17 until sold out. There is no longer a four-seat limit. Memberships to the Ranger Gridiron Club will also be available for purchase at that time. For more information regarding the sales of the NPA discount memberships, call Nicole Botti at 340-7176. If you have questions regarding reserved seats, call Roxanne Farrar, athletic secretary, at 640-4343, Ext. 1764. Ojai Tennis Turnstile: Local Tri-Level team falls to WAC • The Libbey Park Tri-Level squad lost last week to Westlake Athletic Club (WAC) 2-1 in a high noon shootout in plus-90-degree weather. Ojai took the 4.0 match with Julianna Adelman and Mary Flemming providing a 4-6, 6-3, (10-8) victory. Carolina Murillo and Jackie Francis of Ojai lost their 3.5 match, 6-3, 6-3. In the 3.0 match, Westlake once again proved to strong, defeating Dee Timm and Robin Gerber, 6-3, 6-4. The Ojai Pixies dropped their match, 3-0, to the Camino Klusters. Katya Welborn and Heather Miller were overpowered by Sera Burton and Alyson Meyer, 6-1, 64, in the No. 1 spot. Yukari Farkas and Sabina Voegeli defeated Gabriela Cesena and Christina Castro, 6-3, 6-2. In the third spot, Julie Porrazzo and Gloria Kilmer took down Jodi Martin and Celeste Manolas, 6-1, 6-4. • Friday drop-in classes will be held at 9:30 a.m., not 9:30 p.m. as previously reported. Instructor Rick Thompson will be on vacation from Aug. 10 to 26, but classes will resume Aug. 27. • The Ojai Libbey Heat 3.5 women's doubles team is looking for players. Ladies should be 18 or older. Matches run from September through mid-December. Interested players should contact Thompson at rickthompson [email protected] for more information. Front Nine thunders through mini-tourney The Soule Park Ladies Front Nine played again on Thunder Thursday. For the third time this summer, thunderstorm activity flashed during one of the club’s minitournaments. Lightning remained up and beyond the Topa Topas so the tournament played as scheduled. Further reducing the risk while significantly increasing the challenge, players were allowed to carry just three clubs and a putter. The varied fairway lengths, elevation changes, hazard loca- tions, and doglegs made club choices very important. According to the golfers, the course played fast on firm summer fairways with excellent greens and approaches. First-place honors went to Peggy Brown who scored a personal best of 51. In second place was Joyce Robinson. Cookie Brewer took third along with fewest putts (15). Joan Logan (179 yards) and Holly Mitchem (197 yards) won longest drive competition in their respective divisions. Low gross (40) went to Jenny Davis. Aug. 13 is the last minitournament (eighth week) of the summer session and is a member-invited guest tournament. Call Mitnee Duque at 272-8490 for questions about joining. The pre-holiday session begins Sept. 17. Soule Seniors close July with four-man scramble Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts Ojai summer campers cramming before school starts Ojai’s Grace Golbere sharpened her skills at a recent tennis camp hosted by the Ojai Valley Athletic Club. Summer activities are beginning to wind down as local youth athletes look ahead to the start of another school year. Ojai’s only full service independent insurance agency. The Soule Park Senior Men’s Club held a fourman team scramble to close out the month of July. In the first flight of the day, the top finishers were Barry Long, Rick O'Hara and Roy Rodriguez, with a net score of 48. Coming in second place was the team of Terry Starr, Pete Shedlosky, Cameron Vantrease and Martin Lusson. They came home with a score of 49. Flight two was headed by the team of Larry Memel, Tony Hirsch and Joe Garcia, with a net 47.33. The second place team was comprised of Bill Hatch, Jerry Renelli and Charlie Dewing, with 48.44. Finishing first in flight three was the team of Bob Soares, David Nakada and Chuck Montag, with 46.4. Second was the team of Tom Gibson, Eddie Gibson, Lonnie Gibson and Bill Nugent, with 50.0. Topping the fourth and final flight of the day was the team of Pete Conforti, Tom Murphy, Rocky Rockefeller, and Ron Adolphson, with 47.0. Second-place honors went to the team of Roy Steichen, Andrew Neilson, Jim Gilden and Dale Babcock, with 49.0. Soule Park Senior Men's Golf Club is open to men 55 and older, regardless of skill level. Club events take place on non-holiday Mondays mornings, with a shotgun start. For more info, call Bill Nugent at 797-3481 or Jim Maxwell at 646-2003. Follow @OVNsports on Twitter! INSTANT VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS HERE! SKIP THE TRIP TO THE DMV. Policies for life, health, personal auto, homeowners, umbrella, commercial auto, general liability for contractors, businesses and many other types of insurance. B2 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 Public Notices Fictitious Business Name Statement L&M R.E. Services OVN07-26-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 17, 24 & 31, 2015 August 7, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015062210012268-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 06/22/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: L&M R.E. Services Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 591 Schuman Pl., Ventura, CA 93003 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: David Reading Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 591 Schuman Pl., Ventura, CA 93003 This Business is conducted by: An Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) David Reading /s/DAVID READING NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Cottage Ojai Center OVN07-27-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 17, 24 & 31, 2015 August 7, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015071510014025-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 07/15/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Cottage Ojai Center Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 125 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Barbara Bowman Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 15974 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, CA 93023 Full name of 2nd Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: C R De.. La Torre Bueno Residence Address of 2nd Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 15974 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai, CA 93023 This Business is conducted by: Married Couple The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Barbara Bowman /s/BARBARA BOWMAN NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Ashly Piano Crafts OVN07-28-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 24 & 31, 2015 August 7 & 14, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015072010014270-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 07/20/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Ashly Piano Crafts Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 930 Ventura Ave., Oak View, CA 93022 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Dennis Ashly Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 930 Ventura Ave., Oak View, CA 93022 Full name of 2nd Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Evan Austin Residence Address of 2nd Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 207 N. Fulton st., Ojai, CA 93023 This Business is conducted by: A General Partnership The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 7-20-15. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Dennis Ashly /s/DENNIS ASHLY Dennis Ashly NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Nicole’s Properties OVN07-29-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 24 & 31, 2015 August 7 & 14, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015070810013498-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 07/08/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Nicole’s Properties Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 4195 Valley Fair St. Ste. 104, Simi Valley, CA 93063 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura State of Incorporation/ Organization: CA Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Lead-In Technologies, Inc. Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 4195 Valley Fair St. Ste. 104, Simi Valley, CA 93063 This Business is conducted by: A Corporation The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/15/2013. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Lead-In Technologies, Inc. /s/JOHN P. WASKEWICS, JR. John P. Waskewics, Jr. President NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: West End Screen Print Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 315 E. Lewis St., Ventura, CA 93001 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Nicola Bhatti Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 315 E. Lewis St., Ventura, CA 93001 Full name of 2nd Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Saul Bhatti Residence Address of 2nd Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 315 E. Lewis St., Ventura, CA 93001 This Business is conducted by: Married Couple The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Nicola Bhatti /s/NICOLA BHATTI NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Fictitious Business Name Statement West End Screen Print OVN07-30-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 24 & 31, 2015 August 7 & 14, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015062510012659-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 06/25/2015 Christian Execusearch OVN07-33-2015 Published Ojai Valley News July 31, 2015 August 7, 14 & 21, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015072710014832-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 07/27/2015 THE FOLLOWING PER- Tyler Brousseau When you are ready to 805-760-2213 Realtor® www.ojaiforsale.com 2015 30 Under 30 Award Winner Internationally buy or sell a home Please give me a call SON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Christian Execusearch Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 456 N. Rice Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Tamanie May Brown Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 456 N. Rice Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 This Business is conducted by: An Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 9/23/02. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Tamanie May Brown /s/TAMANIE MAY BROWN NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Rock Tree Sky OVN08-05-2015 Published Ojai Valley News August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015080310015345-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 08/03/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Rock Tree Sky Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 12607 Sisar Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: James Thomas Bailey Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 12607 Sisar Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 This Business is conducted by: An Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) James Thomas Bailey /s/JAMES THOMAS BAILEY NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Fictitious Business Name Statement Earthgen Foundation, Nano Resonance Systems OVN08-06-2015 Published Ojai Valley News August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2015071010013663-0 1/1 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder MARK A. LUNN File Date: 07/10/2015 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1st Fictitious Business Name: Earthgen Foundation 2nd Fictitious Business Name: Nano Resonance Systems Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 710 South La Luna Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023 County of Principal Place of Business: Ventura Full name of 1st Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Margaret Elizabeth Elliott Residence Address of 1st Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 710 South La Luna Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023 Full name of 2nd Registrant Individual/Corporation/Limited Liability Company: Dennis Randall Gray Residence Address of 2nd Registrant (P.O. Box or PMB are not acceptable): 4225 H Oceanside Blvd. #333, Oceanside, CA 92056 This Business is conducted by: An Unincorporated Assoc. other than a Partnership The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 9/18/2014. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares information as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) Margaret Elizabeth Elliott /s/MARGARET ELIZABETH ELLIOTT NOTICE – In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in residence address or registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., Business and Professions Code). This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Ventura on the date indicated by the file stamp above. ———————— Petition for Change of Name Richard Glen Kunde OVN08-07-2015 Published Ojai Valley News August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2015 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF Ventura 800 Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 Ventura Courthouse PETITION OF Richaed Glen Kunde FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME 56-2015-00470421-CU-PTVTA TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Richard Glen Kunde filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a) Richard Glen Continued on Page B3 OJAI VALLEY NEWS GARAGE SALE MAP DEADLINE to place a garage sale ad is Wednesday by noon. Call 646-1476, Ext. 210. 4 5 8 7 3 #1 9 10 6 2 #3 #2 1074 S. LA LUNA AVE., Sat., 9-1. Estate sale! Great furn., true rattan set, Oriental cabinet, antiq. carved wooden eagle, bookcases, fancy home decor, office furn., collectibles. Hwy. 33/150 to Baldwin Rd./ Hwy.150 to S. La Luna Avenue 135 CHRISTOPHER LN., Sat., 8-4 & Sun., 10-4. Moving Sale! Many great bargains! Drexel Heritage china cab. & hutch, dining rm. table (w/leaf) & 6 chairs, La-Z-Boy recliners, Vaughn Basset dresser, decorative chests, bookcases, coffee table, love seat, lamps, plants, tools. Maricopa Hwy. to El Roblar Dr. to (left) Lomita Ave. to Stockbridge Ln. to Christopher Lane #7 1 #6 313 VALLERIO AVE., Sat., 9-3. Stone slabs, crystal, china, collectibles, fly fishing gear, heavy trolling rods, hunting knives, power tools, & MUCH more! Maricopa Hwy. to Vallerio Avenue 107 N. VENTURA ST., Sat., 8-3. School Garage Sale! Misc., hshld. misc., books, toys, dresses, plants, etc. Ojai Ave. to N. Ventura St. (World University) #4 1287 MEINERS RD., Sat., 8-2. Barn Sale! Art supplies, books, sleeping bags, auto chains, Thule rack & roof carrier, drafting table, surfboard, life jacket, TV, furn., coolers, clothes, jewelry, wire fencing, file cabinets & more! Maricopa Hwy. to Meiners Road 274 E. OAK VIEW AVE., Sat., 7-? Sat. ONLY! It’s that time! BIG sale with great prices! Tools, sporting goods, housewares, fishing gear, stoarge boxes, toys, & SO much more! Come check it out! Hwy. 33 to E. Oak View Avenue #5 445 MONTANA CIR., Sat., 8-12. NO EARLY BIRDS! Estate Sale! 50 yrs. of good stuff to browse! Hshld. misc., furn., good quality women’s clothes, books, tools. Maricopa Hwy. to Cuyama Rd. to Montana Rd. to Montana Circle #9 #8 308 N. BLANCHE ST., Sat., 9-12. NO EARLY BIRDS! Ntv. Amer. & Persian rugs, lrg. plants, china, art, unique items, clothes, hshld. goods, Ntv. Amer. jewelry. Ojai Ave. to Blanche Street 311 PARK RD., Sat., 8-1. Furn., kitchen items, tools, kids clothes & outdoor play items. Ojai Ave. to Park Road #10 461 AVENIDA DEL RECREO, Sat., 8-2. HUGE 3 family yard sale! Exercise equip., new kids clothes, antiqs., a little for everyone! Ojai Ave. to Avenida De La Entrada to Avenida Del Recreo Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 B3 Classifieds [email protected] FOUND HELP WANTED FOUND - Percussion or drumsticks? We’re not sure! Call to ID! 421-9460 HELP WANTED SALES HELP, F/T. Apply in person. Meiners Oaks Hardware, 121 E. El Roblar Dr. OJAI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Nordhoff High School Girls' Varsity Soccer Coach- Immediate need. Applications @ www.ojai.k12.ca.us/hr or 414 E. Ojai Ave. Closing date 8/17/15 @ noon. 805-640-4300 X1041 SITUATIONS FOR SALE WANTED WANTED TO BUY GREAT office mgr., needs work. 231-5219 ANNOUNCEMENTS RAV4, 2010 or newer. (805) 649-9762 LIFE ALERT - 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE BROCHURE! CALL- 800-880-6849 Deadlines for placing your ad MOTOR VEHICLES JUST REDUCED! 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, mint condition! 46k miles, classic, fully loaded! $7,500 340-1057 Think Global ... Shop Local For Wednesday’s paper, Monday before Noon. For Friday’s paper, Wednesday before Noon. We accept personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express & Debit. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT to require that any ad be paid in advance of publishing. REFUNDS will be mailed within 30 days of cancellation. READERS are cautioned to make no investments before thoroughly investigating any advertisements in the Classified columns, which require investments in stocks, samples, equipment or cash bond in order to obtain a position. READERS are cautioned to thoroughly investigate services and products advertised in this publication. Consumers are urged to use prudence in their patronage. Advertising in this publication in no way represents an endorsement by the publisher. OJAI VALLEY NEWS BUSINESS AND SERVICE DIRECTORY Culver Baseball Academy CALI TREE CARE Private Lessons on a Private Field TREE REMOVAL TREE PLANTING culverbaseballacademy.com Call for Appointment 805.207.3263 230 Burnham Rd. Oak View FIREWOOD • FREE DELIVERY $10 OFF FIREWOOD Culver Softball Academy 805-798-1463 Eccles Electric WANTED Old Race Cars, Classics, Motorcycles: SERVICES C-10 # 968646 Electrical installations, finished wood work, tile work, plumbing, painting, fix door problems, change water heater, garbage disposal repairs, wood fences and more! (805)-452-9205 • TREE MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES! LIC. # 14366 Efrain’s Gardening Service • FIREWOOD (805) 646-2917 • BRUSH CLEARANCE • FREE ESTIMATE CALL CARLOS 805-798-0693 License #822381 Ojai Termite & Pest Control Over 30 Years Ser ving the Ojai Valley! (Use a local firm) (805) Manuel Reyes “Your local handyman” 15 years experience 798 - 5797 8784 Nye Rd. Ventura, CA 93001 TRI-VALLEY TREE TRIMMING REYES HANDYMAN 646-6504 • Rats, mice, gophers, moles, ground squirrels, ants, spiders etc. Any and all your pest construction needs • Termite Damage & Fungus repairs • Termite reports for escrow • Live & dead animal removal • Fumigation (sub-contracted) • Free Estimates! [email protected] Available seven days a week Weekly, Bi?monthly, Monthly 20 Years Experience Landscape Maintenance, Irrigation Systems, Tree Trimming & Pruning, Weed Abatement, Tractor Work & Clean Ups, FREE ESTIMATES KENTON AUTO INSURANCE Don’t throw batteries away DMV REGISTRATION • TAGS Smoke detector and other household batteries are hazardous waste. Bring them to the Ojai Valley News office at 408 A Bryant Circle during business hours. Do your part, we’ll do ours. LIFE INSURANCE WE’RE YOUR INSURANCE AGENTS! 805-652-1400 kentoninsurance.com Public Notices Continued from Page B2 Kunde to Richard Edward Curl THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 9-25-15 Time: 8:30 am Dept.: 42 The address of the court is same as noted above. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county: Ojai Valley News. Date: JUL 31, 2015 BY ORDER OF THE COURT MICHAEL D. PLANET Ventura Superior Court Executive Officer and Clerk By: /s/S. McCARTHY Deputy Clerk Email public notices to: [email protected] ANSWERS TO WEDNESDAY’S NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE The Ojai Valley News is on Facebook! or send by fax: 646-4281 DISCRIMINATION: Any advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling, or with respect to an employment opportunity that indicates ANY PREFERENCE, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, number of tenants, status with respect to public assistance, disability, age and affectional or sexual preference is unacceptable. Advertisements For Roommates: Advertisements for roommates may specify gender, but only in two cases: IF the accommodation involves shared living space, or IF the housing is a dormitory in an educational institution. Keep in mind: Advertisements for apartments or housing not involving shared living space may not specify gender. Where living space is shared, only the gender of a roommate may be specified, and the ad may not specify race, religion, or any other protected class. THE PUBLISHER assumes NO FINANCIAL responsibility for errors nor for omission of copy. Liability for errors shall not exceed the cost of that portion of space occupied by such error. B4 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 Get breaking news from Sheriff’s Office Nixle allows the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to send messages to subscribed users instantly via their cell phones. Messages may include emergency alerts, area advisories and community messages. Nixle is free, secure and easy to use. Using a smartphone, residents can send a text message to 888777, adding the ZIP code of the area they wish to follow in the conversation line. Once the message is sent, Nixle responds with a confirmation text. Vital information in that ZIP code area will now be sent to the smartphone. Several area ZIP codes can be added, however only one ZIP code message should be sent at a time. Suggest a theme for 2016 parade Nancy Hill, chairman of the Ojai Independence Day Committee, Inc. has announced that once again it is sponsoring a contest for the theme for the 2016 Fourth of July parade. The winning entry receives recognition at the parade as well as a family pass to the Fourth of July fireworks concert and show at Nordhoff High School. The deadline for entries is Oct. 15, 2015. Themes may be submitted online to www.4thofJulyinOjai .com or e-mailed to [email protected] or sent to P.O. Box 1176, Ojai, CA 93024. Prizes are awarded during the parade for the entries which are closest to the theme, so make your theme entry something that will be fun and creative for the decorations for the floats. Please "like" the Ojai Independence Day Committee on Facebook to get updates and information on the parade as the time for next year's parade comes closer, and to see photographs from past parades — "Ojai Parade" on Facebook. Benelisha honored with book plates Photo submitted Eleanor Benelisha’s friends are honoring the librarian’s memory with special book plates. A small group of Eleanor Benelisha's friends, after her death May 7, got together to discuss how they could pay tribute to her and her role in the community. A retired medical librarian, Benelisha was known to many who frequent the Ojai Library. Her face was especially familiar to those who brought a reference question to the library, where she worked on a part-time basis into her 70s and 80s. She kept up with changing technology, served on a number Sports Zone of local boards — including the Friends of the Library — and was an avid fundraiser. She was also a self-taught graphic designer who made posters for various library events. In her honor, her friends launched a program that will enable the community to donate to a New Books Fund for the Ojai Library. Specially designed book plates, developed to reflect her love for books and her appreciation of fine graphics, will be inserted into books purchased from this fund. To make a donation to the fund in Eleanor Benelisha's honor, contact Ron Solorzano at the Ojai Library, 646-1639, or by email at ron.solorzano@ ventura.org. “Your Home Away From Home” If The Game Is On... The Game Will Be On At JJ’s Full dining room service Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm & Fri & Sat 11am-1am Happy Hour weekdays from 3pm-5pm $1 off all beer, wine and appetizers 820 N Ventura Ave. Oak View, (805) 649-4655 Ojai Valley News photos by Sarah Bourscheid More than your ‘Fair’ share of fun Above, Kaydence Billington, 3, kisses her horse, Teirnan, with her mother Amber Billington at the opening of the annual Ventura County Fair on Wednesday. Below, Luis Garcia Rodriguez, 7, rides his first mechanical bull. Reunions • Nordhoff High School Class of 1965 will hold its 50th reunion Aug. 21 through 23. For more information, contact Jack Jacobs at (805) 646-4321 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Don’t throw batteries away Batteries are hazardous waste. Bring them to the Ojai Valley News office or Ojai City Hall. Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 B5 Perspectives OJAI VALLEY MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION Dan Nelson And two shall become one Growing up, I would ride my bike everywhere. It was more than merely a means for transportation; it was a window to freedom. Later replaced by my first car, the opportunities these mechanical innovations held for me were significant to my developmental years. And learning how they work, the various parts that make up their systems and methods to repair them when they malfunction, became important to my growth. Yet, as my knowledge would increase regarding the sophistication and engineering that were involved, I continued to look at these holistically. When speaking, I would reference these as wholes, and found no need to list out the names of the individual components that they were constructed of. Although essential, the distinct pieces integrate systemically so that the result is a functional device that I could see as simply my bike or car. Similarly, the Bible describes marriage, family and the church in terms of wholeness. Although we are all uniquely and wonderfully made by our loving creator, as individuals with distinct characteristics and gifts, we are called to oneness in a way that is miraculous. God loves to work in the realm of the supernatural. Jesus clarifies to his followers that the impossible things to men are readily accessible by God. When the first woman was introduced to her soul mate, God officiated the wedding, and ordained marriage. He inaugurated a principle of two becoming one. But we mess around with the message all the time. We say things like “she is my better half” and “he completes me.” In doing so, we proclaim that one is only a partial person until a spouse fills the void to make one whole. But two halves have always equaled a whole, and there is no miracle; this is third grade arithmetic. God wants to do more. When Jesus was asked about conditions under which one might sever the union of holy matrimony, he references this principle that finds its origin in the beginning of human relationship, oneness. When speaking about these ideas, Jesus expands the concept to explain kingdom of heaven thinking in general, which includes family, and the church. In the Old Testament, God is referenced as the husband and Israel as the wife. In the New Testament, Jesus is pictured as the groom and the church is the bride. The entire Bible starts with a wedding and finishes with a wedding, one before all things fell out of sync with the divine order, and the final restores all things to the original design. So when Paul writes about principles of roles and oneness in marriage, he says that he is actually doing more than most realize; he is revealing mysteries relating to Christ and his church. We are warned to avoid useless wrangling, and foolish disputes, not to be argumentative, but to live as peacemakers. Divisiveness is dangerous to unity, but love covers a multitude of sins, and we are called to forgive those who trespass against us. God did not intend for Adam to be alone and he doesn’t want you isolated either. Mishandled friction in relationships can produce loneliness: a playground for Satan to scheme evil. God wants you filled with his spirit and in deep fellowship with himself and others. There is nothing noble about being an island and hard hearts rarely feel fulfilled. But Jesus’ words turn deserts into spring meadows, they are spirit, and they are life. In John 17, eternal life is defined as knowing our heavenly father and Jesus Christ, the only begotten son sent from above. In that passage, Jesus prayed that his followers would understand and experience this concept of oneness. If you have ever wondered what God’s will is for your life, this is it! It’s time for the children of God to learn and live the miracle of wonderful oneness. The EMUR chapel is at the World University of America campus at the corner of Ventura and Matilija streets. Regular services are held every second and fourth Sunday of the month. For more information, call 646-1444. Call 640-0498 for information. Dan Nelson is pastor of Calvary Chapel Ojai Valley. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of his church, the Ojai Valley Ministerial Association, nor the Ojai Valley News. RELIGION BRIEFS St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church worships the Lord with joy and laughter, good music, short sermons and free coffee. Holy Eucharist is held Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. All are welcome to the Lord’s table for Holy Communion. Centering prayer is held every Thursday at 7 p.m. The outdoor labyrinth is open daily for meditation. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is at the corner of Bristol Road and Ojai Avenue. For information, call 646-1885. First Church of Christ, Scientist “Spirit” is the subject of this Sunday’s lesson at the Christian Science Church, based on a passage from 2 Corinthians: “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” The church service and CITY OF OJAI Public Works Department 408 South Signal Street · Ojai · California · 93023 (805) 646-5581 · fax (805) 653-2235 The City of Ojai is requesting proposals for the removal of the existing playground equipment located in Libbey Park prior to the community build playground on October 5, 2015. If your organization is interested in the playground and have the means to remove the playground, you are invited to submit a proposal to the City. Items required to be included with the Proposal: 1. Provide an outline of how you plan to access the park, dismantle and remove the playground. The playground footings are set in concrete. 2. Your organization’s intended purpose for the playground. Public or Private use? Describe any limits on access, if any. 3. Describe your means of providing the following to the City: o Liability Insurance Coverage (if available), naming the City of Ojai as additional insured and coverage amount o Identification and Release of Liability Ecumenical Ministry of the Unity of All Religions The Ecumenical Ministry of the Unity of All Religions will meet Sunday at 11:30 a.m. EMUR Minister John Griffin, Ph.D., will speak on “Spirituality and Education in Life.” The public is welcome to the Sunday service. Center for Spiritual Living The Center for Spiritual Living, Ojai, is a metaphysical community offering principles from the mystical traditions of world religions and indigenous teachings. People of all faiths, races, ages and lifestyles are welcome. This Sunday, the Rev. Marilyn Miller’s topic will be “Loving Those Awesome Others.” Meditation service begins at 10 a.m.; the celebration service and youth program are at 10:30 a.m. Services are held at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave. Holy Cross Church All are invited to worship Sunday at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 1212 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. Child care for infants and toddlers is available during the service. Preschool and elementary-aged children are offered classes after the children’s message and rejoin teens and adults for Holy Communion at the end of the service. Throughout August, Ecclesiastes offers a challenge: “Map Your Future.” This Sunday Holy Cross will explore the sage’s classic poem showing that “Life Is Beautiful” in Ecclesiastes 3. Holy Cross wants to help you experience God by saying yes to Jesus every day. For more information call 646-5652. OJAI CHURCH OF CHRIST 411 N. Montgomery Street Ph: 646-5737 or 646-7768 CHRISTIANS COMMITTED TO WORSHIPPING AND GLORIFYING GOD IN CHRIST All are welcomed so that together we can seek to know God through Jesus Christ. * Offered only on selected units & subject to availability. Prices good now until Aug. 30, 2015. Promotions good for new customers only. OAK VIEW SELF STORAGE www.oakviewselfstorage.com 805-649-5533 Units at 50% off for 4 months!!! SUNDAY Worship - 10:00am Bible Study - 11:30am Evening - 6:00pm * * No evening service 1st Sunday WEDNESDAY: Bible Study - 7:00 pm The City would like the playground repurposed in the Ojai Valley. It must be removed by September 11, 2015 (or possibly September 18, 2015, depending if the art component schedule allows.) The City will remove the existing wood fiber ground covering, (not included with the playground equipment removal.) All concrete and hardscape adjacent to the playground area must be protected as-is from damage. Please submit your proposal to the Public Works Department at 408 S. Signal Street, Ojai, no later than August 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. If you have any questions, please email or call Andrea Mackey at [email protected] or (805) 6465581 ext. 209. V isit us on the web! www.ojaivalleynews.com To get our postings about local, breaking news... like the Ojai Valley News Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Ojai Oak View Post Office ➞ Request for Proposals – Libbey Park Playground Equipment Removal and Salvage Sunday school begin at 10 a.m. Testimonial meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. All are welcome. The church is at the corner of Oak and Blanche streets in Ojai. A Christian Science Library and Bookstore for the community at 206-J N. Signal St. is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 3 p.m., offering a wealth of publications and a quiet place to read. Call 646-4901 for information. Builders Mart ➞ Park Ave. X Portal St. Ventura ➥ Calvary Chapel of the Ojai Valley Calvary Chapel Christian Church of the Ojai Valley, 195 Mahoney Ave., Oak View, wel- comes everyone for Sunday worship. Service times are 9 a.m. for family worship (children and adults together) and at 10:45 a.m. with a children’s and youth ministry provided. Pastor Dan Nelson will continue a chapter-bychapter, verse-by-verse study of the Book of Acts. The Ojai Valley Bible Study meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Children are invited for Calvary Kid’s Club and youth are welcome to Calvary Youth. Call 649-1515 for more information. Ventura Ave. Ojai United Methodist Church Everyone is welcome to the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road. The sanctuary is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon for personal prayer and meditation. Children are always welcome at Ojai United Methodist. The Sunday worship service is at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Scripture reading will be Ephesians 4:255:2. Pastor Cathie Capp’s sermon is titled “Speak the Truth in Love.” For more information, call 646-3528. 65 Portal St. Oak View B6 Ojai Valley News • Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 Perspectives CHEF RANDY Randy Graham Throw some avocados on the grill On one of our son's visits home, he turned us on to this wonderfully easy and tasty side dish. Grilling softens the avocados. It also brings out the natural oils that make this fruit tasty and satisfying. When you spread the softened avocado on thick slices of grilled rosemary-olive bread, and add a couple of drops of fresh lime juice and a dash of salt, the combination can't be beat. Grilled Avocados on Crusty RosemaryOlive Bread 2 ripe avocados (but not over-ripe) 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 loaf of crusty rosemary-olive bread 1 tsp. fresh lime juice Salt to taste Preheat the grill on medium to medium high heat (about 400 degrees) for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut avocados into quarters and discard pit. Do not peel off skin. Brush avocados with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Grill avocado quarters on one side for 3 minutes. Turn onto other side and grill for 3 minutes more. Remove from grill and set aside. Cut four thick slices from loaf. Brush one side of each piece of bread with the other tablespoon of oil. Grill on olive oil side for 3 minutes or until nice grill marks appear (bread should not be burned). Remove from grill. Let the grilled avocados fall out of their skins and into a medium mixing bowl. Discard skins. Spread a thick smear of avocado onto the grilled side of each piece of bread. Garnish each piece of bread with a few drops of fresh lime juice. Sprinkle each piece with a little salt, serve, and enjoy! For additional recipes see Chef Randy's website at valley-vegetarian.com. Photo by Randy Graham If you love avocados, try this easy recipe that can’t be beat. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING MEL BLOOM On the hunt to find a new ‘normal’ It’s called the “grieving process” and I suppose it’s an apt name; but conventionally when we think of the word “process” we are inclined to imagine a procedure or a well-worked-out plan into which considerable thought has been applied to produce a standard result. I have been informed innumerable times since Sweetie passed on, by both experts and lay people, that I am undergoing the “grieving process.” But I find there is nothing standard about it. Just as no two people are exactly alike, not even identical twins, every person’s grieving process is customized for them only, which sounds a bit like tailor-made clothing. Furthermore, when it comes to an end, if indeed it ever does, the mourners receive no certificate nor diploma indicating they have graduated. I do believe, however, no matter what we call the period of time when a dear one dies, it is easier on those who mourn when they are young. I have lost a number of dear people along the way, but there was a resilience in me to, if not exactly to snap back quickly and resume a conven- tional life, the realization, or even rationalization, that everyone of us will eventually pass away. It was the normality of the system. Many mourners are fortified by the belief they will ultimately be reunited with their dearly departed when their time comes. It certainly is a comforting thought. Losing a spouse at any age, especially a dear one, is a severe blow for those who have partnered for many years with a highly compatible mate; it is more than that, it is devastating. I have already attended two different grieving classes in two esteemed Ojai institutions and was not surprised to find some people have been in grief for 10 years. I have concluded, and I hope erroneously, for senior citizens the grief never ends. It lessens, but there is always a residue which hopefully in time may fade to wistfulness. I’m in a much better spot than where I was weeks ago for which I am grateful. But I know I will never be what I once was. I talk to Sweetie often during the day. I don’t get answers, but for some inexplicable reason this comforts me. Sometimes from out of nowhere a melancholy cloud descends and kicks my equilibrium out from under me. Last week I was in the Ojai Community Bank closing Sweetie’s accounts and while sitting with Ann Brown, who is the customer service supervisor, she confided in me she had a long conversation with Sweetie in her office when Sweetie was still able to get around. Sweetie knew time was closing in on her and said to Ann her biggest worry was who was going to take care of me. That touched me so deeply it took three facial tissues to blot the tears. We are raised with a vast repertoire of expressions, inspirational quotations, and homilies which are used with such frequency they often become cliché and trite. One of them is “Life goes on.” Yes, it does. And that is a good thing since it speaks to the survival of the human race. But sometimes changes arrive which are neither beneficent nor kind, and everything is thrown into disarray and the former cozy status quo is no more. For some adversity is character building. For others it is difficult to cope. Sometimes I think I may make some adjustment to my new normal. Other times, I just don’t know. What I know for certain is I miss Sweetie and I don’t seem to be getting used to it. Come Home To $ 21.95 The Very Best Low/No V.O.C. Paint At a Great Price $ 31.95 Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd Ojai $ 46.95 (Offer Exp. 8/31/15) The Expert Advice is Free! $ 56.95 Selling Quality for Over 35 Years