California 101 Travelers Guide Summer 22'

california 101 Travelers Guide

®

SUMMER 2022

LIVE • STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY SAN LUIS OBISPO • SANTA BARBARA • VENTURA COUNTIES

22

CAYUCOS I CRUISING A daytime adventure by the sea

116

CA 101

I

WINGING IT Wings Over Camarillo air show

N E W L I ST I N G

N E W L I ST I N G

33 Reposo Drive, Oak View 5 BD | 3 BA | 2,262 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,395,000

N E W L I ST I N G

9850 Old Creek Road, Ojai 3 BD | 2.BA | 2,539 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,800,000

Nestled into the oak-forested hills of the Ojai Valley, this three bedroom, two bath Mid-Century Modern home offers gorgeous views and immense privacy. The 4.2 acre

10900 E. Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai

property includes a two story guest house or office, and a double sized swimming pool.

40 ACRE LOT

Large kitchen and adjacent bar. Lovely views from every window.

OFFERED AT $1,295,000

N E W L I ST I N G

Recognized as one of the 2022 RealTrends America’s Best Professional Real Estate Teams “ Tyler and Clint were able to find us the perfect house in a very difficult market with little inventory. We found that they were extremely knowledgeable about the market and were able to get us access to homes before they hit the market, including the home that we ultimately purchased. Tyler and Clint provided great service throughout the entire process. They were very detail oriented, incredibly responsive and dedicated to finding the perfect home for us. We highly recommend Tyler and Clint for buying or selling a home!”

- The Quick Family

615 Crestview Drive, Ojai 3 BD | 2 BA | 2,236 SQFT OFFERED AT $1,595,000

Visit OjaiForSale.com N E W L I ST I N G TYLER BROUSSEAU 805.760.2213 Cal DRE 01916136 tyler.brousseau@sothebysrealty.com CLINTON HAUGAN 805.760.2092 Cal DRE 02019604 clinton.haugan@sothebysrealty.com © 2022 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

2

Summer 2022

508 El Conejo Drive, Ojai 4 BD | 2 BA | 1,857 SQFT OFFERED AT $875,000

california101guide.com

– L to R – Genevieve Gould - DRE#01932840 Kellye Lynn - DRE#01962469 Dave Lynn - DRE#01962468 Valerie Fasulo - DRE#02028690 Geoff Wells - DRE#01034017 Sales, rentals and management

(805) 202-4149 OjaiPG.com

Ojaipropertygroup@gmail.com

DRE# 02099617

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

3

california 101 Travelers Guide

CALIFORNIA 101

STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY

California101Guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (805) 340-1057 mdawkins@ca101guide.com

COVER PHOTO BY Rick Hauser Vicky Benzing waves to the crowd.

MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall

School’s out for summer! And you know what means: “I’m bored!” It’s like nails on a chalkboard. Especially when they drag out that second word and over-pronounce the D. *shudder*

ADVERTISING MANAGER Mike Dawkins WEBSITE MANAGER Jessica Frakes

CONTACT US ADVERTISING mdawkins@ca101guide.com EDITORIAL mhall@ca101guide.com PHONE (805) 340-1057 MAILING ADDRESS 1129 Maricopa Hwy. #B-201 Ojai, CA 93023 Be sure to check out our monthly Real Estate & Contractors Guide at California101Guide.com California 101 Travelers Guide is a quarterly magazine distributed to over 300 business locations throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Total circulation is 30,000 per quarter.

BL

HIGHW

S AY

U

®2022 Blue Highways Productions LLC All rights reserved.

4

Editor California 101 Travelers Guide mhall@ca101guide.com

Editor’s Note

COPY EDITOR Pamela Gaughan

E

Misty Hall

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano

CONTRIBUTORS Katherine McMahon Randy Graham Marlowe Hast Adam Nuñez Misty Hall Hannah Little

BLUE HIGHWAYS PRODUCTIONS LLC california101guide.com

Summer 2022

®

SLO • SB • VTA COUNTIES

If your kids can’t stop talking about the new Top Gun movie, we suggest planning a trip to the Wings Over Camarillo air show on Aug. 20-21 (PAGE 116). Kids of all ages — I’m looking at you, Dad — will be stoked on gravity-defying airplane aerobatics, hands-on flight simulators, and even pyrotechnics.

Travelers Guide®

Published by Blue Highways Productions

SUMMER 2019

Don’t worry, parents. We here at the California 101 Travelers Guide have your back this summer! This issue is full of fun family activities guaranteed to keep that dreaded phrase far from your kids’ lips.

If you’d rather stick closer to home, why not get the kids to lend a hand in the kitchen? Chef Randy (PAGE 106) is back with some inspired recipes that are perfect for the summer, from magic oatmeal to campfire marshmallow and apple hand pies.

Whether or not your car is full of kids, a trip to Cauycos (PAGE 22) is always an enjoyable outing. From gluten-free cookies and gourmet sausages to shipwrecks, this unique little beach town has treasures to spare, just waiting for you to discover.

And hey, we’ve got you kid-less folks covered, too.

For a more grownups-only getaway, we suggest following the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail (PAGE 36). Join writer Katherine McMahon as she tastes her way through this glorious little canyon that runs between Los Olivos and Santa Maria.

As someone who grew up here on the Central Coast, I can confidently say I didn’t utter that awful phrase even once when my parents took me to one of our local lakes (PAGE 8). From Lake Casitas in the south to And now that you’re in Santa Maria, Lake Nacimiento in the north, we profile six why not drop in on Hans Duus and get a regional reservoirs packed with kidlittle decor inspiration? His magical approved activities. Waking up early to go CA Gallery at the Forge (PAGE 52) is full of his 101 wakeboarding or fishing, making friends at hand-wrought iron lighting fixtures and the playground or water park, exploring shorelines by flashlight — what’s better in a other design accents sure to delight, whether your style is ultra-modern or kid’s life? medieval. His work can be seen at locations from Downtown Pasadena to the Looking for a shorter adventure?

Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Heads to the hills above Ojai, to the Piedra Blanca (PAGE 66). These incredible If you’re looking for a slow-down a white rocks are just a short hike from the little further south, there’s no better place road but provide a full day’s worth of fun. than Ojai. Breathe in the zen and wander Get up early and let the kids scramble the country roads in the valley’s east and around the fascinating formations, then west ends to discover its best-kept secret: tuck under a tree for a picnic lunch.

Ojai Farm Stands (PAGE 82). These tiny Not feeling up for a hike? Take the kids family-run stands offer up incredibly fresh, seasonal produce on the honor system — out to Underwood Family Farms (PAGE just drop your payment in the little box on 94). Perhaps best known for its fall the side of the stand. It’s as locavore (and activities, this kid-approved paradise is throw-back) as you can get. great any time of year. Pet farm animals, go on a hayride, pick your own produce (maybe they’ll finally try a vegetable if they picked it themselves!) and more.

What’s your favorite summertime activity on the Central Coast?

Let us know!

california101guide.com

By Katherine McMahon

california 101 Travelers Guide

SUMMER 2019

®

CONTENTS

STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY

8

8

Summer Break at the Lake

22

Cruising Cayucos

By Katherine McMahon

36

On the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

52

66

94 california101guide.com

By Misty Hall

A daytime adventure by the sea

22

By Katherine McMahon

Central Coast Blacksmith

Melds old-world skills with modern-day art

By Marlowe Hast

66

Piedra Blanca

Exploring the CA“white rocks” of Los 101 Padres National Forest

By Adam Nuñez

82

Farm Stand Fans

36

SLO • SB • VTA COUNTIES

Ojai’s country roads offer fresh-picked produce

By Hannah Little

It’s summer in California, and the ocean is calling to me. On a quest for the perfect day by the beach, I head north on Highway 101, exiting onto 46 West to drive through the vineyards of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Turning south on Route 1, I pass through the hills around Harmony and emerge onto the coast. It’s morning, so the fog hangs close along the shoreline, obscuring the view. Up ahead I see the sign: Welcome to Cayucos!

52

94

Underwood Family Farms

Adventures on the farm in Moorpark

106

Randy’s Recipes

Summery Recipes

116

Winging It

Wings Over Camarillo air show

By Misty Hall

By Adam Nuñez

By Randy Graham

106

82

116 Summer 2022

5

LARRY ERIK

Wilde

FINE HOMES | RANCHES | LAND

16084 Maricopa Highway, Ojai CA 93023 Ojai retreat with private waterfall feature. A true, one-of-a-kind Ojai hideaway. An oasis that feels like another world but just over 4 miles from downtown Ojai. With custom built and designed waterfall feature that cascades down the back landscape, all surrrounded by the thriving and vinbrant native plants and trees, the open floor plan home was built in 2003 and includes 3 bedrooms and baths. With rich hardwood floors, a light and airy living room with vaulted wood ceilings and masterful rock fireplace, and an open kitchen including Viking appliances, this home provides all the creature comforts. A living space while you listen to the water trickle down the falls. The perfect Ojai retreat for one looking for peace and tranquility. $2,250,000

1368 Farnham Road, Ojai CA 93023 Nestled in a very private setting off of Foothill Road, this unique property sits on over 3+ acres and is behind a gate servicing only a few other estate quality homes. The residence is a custom-open concept floorplan including 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with a large master suite on the main living floor and a third level loft style office perched above. With a sophisticated and modern touch - including large windows throughout taking advantage of the mountain vistas from every room, the open style includes a kitchen with stainless appliances, rich hardwood floors, beamed and vaulted ceilings, and a stunning floor to ceiling rock fireplace in the main living room. The downstairs includes 3 bedrooms all with beautiful views, a main common area landing and a family room/bonus room ideal for a media or game room. Just minutes from all of Ojai’s shops and restaurants yet the feel of ultimate privacy and seclusion. $2,100,000

T H E F I NE S T OF O J A I & V EN T URA C OUN T Y RE A L E S TAT E

Larry Wilde

ErikWilde

805.640.5734 Cal DRE 00521627 lwilde@livsothebysrealty.com

805.830.3254 Cal DRE 01461074 ewilde@livsothebysrealty.com

727. W EST OJA I AV ENUE , OJA I CA 9 3 023 • W I LDE -W I LD. C OM • LW I LDE @ W E S T. NE T • ERI KW @ W E S T.NE T © 2022 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

6

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Your gateway to the great outdoors

Your happy place Escape from city life to Lake Piru, where you can find everything you need for a one-day adventure or an extended camping vacation.

Lake Piru Recreation Area is tucked away in the lush Los Padres National Forest, just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Our sparkling blue waters are ideal for fishing, boating and water sports, or you can relax at our lakeside picnic area with a playground, horseshoes, disc golf and more.

explorelakepiru.com california101guide.com

Summer 2022

7

Summer Break at the Lake

By Misty Hall

Central Coast lakes hold some of my best childhood memories. I think back to bathing suits worn all day, accessorized with fishing poles, wakeboards, and s’mores … eating messy popsicles, and riding bikes with a gang of friends … beating my dad in gin rummy while listening to classic rock on the radio … these were the moments I waited for all year long.

Though this unprecedented drought has had a devastating effect on our region’s reservoirs, these places still hold loads of opportunities to make memories with your family. Here are six we love:

Photo by Misty Hall

Lake Casitas offers full RV hookups, but it’s the more primitive sites that have the best views.

8

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Lake Casitas Recreation Area A reservoir built in the late ‘50s, Lake Casitas provides drinking water for the Ojai Valley and parts of Ventura. As such, there’s no bodily contact allowed with the lake. But don’t worry, Lake Casitas has plenty to keep you busy. You’ll find oak-shaded campgrounds with more than 400 campsites, excellent fishing, a challenging 18-hole disc golf course, a water park, hiking trails, and amazing birding opportunities.

There’s even a pair of bald eagles — the only bald eagles to nest on the mainland in Ventura County since 1922!

“One of the most popular things to do at the lake, me included, is to walk the park,” says JoeAnthony Martinez III, park services manager. “A lot of local residents come daily to walk the grounds of the park, and along the Wadleigh Arm Trail where you can get a look at our pair of bald eagles.”

Like most lakes in California, Casitas is quickly shrinking due to the drought but you can still catch one of the legendary bass that are rumored to inhabit these waters. (Trust me, I’ve done it — no fish tales here!) You can also find crappie, catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and rainbow trout. Night fishing is available during full moons, including the following dates: July 14-16, Aug. 11-13, and Sept. 16-18.

If you’re planning to launch your own boat, plan ahead —

california101guide.com

more than a month ahead, in fact. Casitas is one of the last quagga mussel-free lakes in this area, and park management has taken strict measures to keep it that way. All vessels, kayaks included, are subject to a 35-day quarantine period to keep this invasive, destructive mussel out of the reservoir.

Don’t have time for all that? No problem — you can rent a boat from the marina, or even book a day on the water with one of the local guide services such as Ojai Angler, Rich Tauber, or Fred Klinshaw.

“Bass tournaments are frequent during the summer,” Martinez says, “but (there’s) nothing like fishing into the evening hours with the American Bass Association tournaments scheduled from 2 to 8 pm on July 9, July 23, Aug. 27, and Sept. 10.”

Other tournaments include Rich Tauber Tournaments on July 16 and Aug. 13, and the two-day Elshere Cup on Sept. 17.

Even though you can’t take a dip in Lake Casitas, you can still cool off at the Casitas Water Adventure Park! Open weekends through September, this small park boasts a lazy river, splash pad and lagoon for kids, and a snack bar. The kid-friendly activities extend beyond the waterpark, with outdoor movie nights scheduled throughout the summer. June 25, they’ll be showing Encanto; on July 2, Cars; and July 23, Finding Nemo.

You’ll also find plenty of playgrounds, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits.

Summer 2022

9

Photo by Misty Hall

The serenity of Lake Casitas.

Photo by Misty Hall

Eucalyptus trees frame views of Lake Casitas.

Want to get out and toss a few discs? Casitas lays claim to an incredible (and challenging) 18-hole disc golf course, open 7 days a week. “The disc golf course is highly rated in Southern California and is host to the Coyote Classic yearly, with competitors world-wide attending,” says Martinez. This year, the Classic will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

But discs aren’t the only thing flying around here. Just below the Osprey Campground, you’ll find the home of the VC Comets. Members of this radio control flying club fly their gas and battery-powered RC airplanes off their small runway here. Especially on weekday mornings, you can often catch them doing incredible acrobatics with their planes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — these guys love sharing their passion with the public. They host special events throughout the year, and welcome new members regardless of your skill level. See their website vccomets.com for more.

Photo by Misty Hall

A mother Canada goose and her goslings, shot through the eyepiece of binoculars at Lake Casitas.

Lake Piru Recreation Area

It gets hot in the interior valleys of Ventura County during the summer, but you can cool down at Lake Piru! Take a dip in the designated swimming areas from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Or, no matter the time of year, you can hop on your personal watercraft, strap on the water skis, gear up for a day of sailing or paddleboarding, or just tool around in your boat. Whatever your preference, Piru’s got you covered. If you

By now, you must be getting hungry. Check out the park store or the Marina Café, which makes a mean chorizo burrito, excellent pancakes, and the best french fries this side of anywhere!

Getting there: From Ventura and the 101, take Highway 33 to Santa Ana Road in Oak View.

For more: casitaswater.org/recreation 10

Summer 2022

Photo submitted

Dramatic blue skies over Lake Piru’s marina. california101guide.com

Photo courtesy Lake Piru

Enjoy boating, jet skiing, inner tubing, and wakeboarding year-round at Lake Piru.

need to rent a boat or gear, Piru’s teamed up with the local Tommy’s Boat Rentals, which can outfit you for your day of adventure.

Don’t forget to bring your fishing poles! Piru’s a great place to drop a line for bass, but you might also nab a crappie, rainbow trout, catfish, and bluegill. Fish in the cool of the night during special twilight fishing dates, from the shore or from a boat. On July 23-24, and Aug. 13-14, fishing times are extended until 2:30 am. “We have a very strong fishery,” says chief park ranger, Clayton Strahan. “We may not be known for record-size fish, but we are known for quantity!” The lake is host to dozens of fishing tournaments each year, as well.

If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, you’ll still have plenty to do at Piru. Get up early and hike the shoreline (leashed dogs are welcome). Or, hike Pothole Trail, which until last year had been closed for almost two decades in this area. In 2001, the 12-mile loop hiking trail was closed to protect the endangered Arroyo toad, but it reopened access to the southern portion of the Los Padres National Forest in 2021. The trailhead can be accessed inside the park.

If you’re not up for a backcountry hike, grab your sports gear because there are basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and even a 9-hole disc golf course. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills, too, so bring a cooler and have a feast with a view!

With more than 200 campsites to choose from, you can easily california101guide.com

extend your stay. Both tent and hookup sites are available, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. And you don’t have to be too far away from the creature comforts of home here — there are laundry facilities, showers, and even wifi across the recreation area (see website for rates).

Getting there: From the 101 in Ventura, head east in Highway 126. Once in Piru, take Main Street to Piru Canyon Road.

For more: explorelakepiru.com

Lopez Lake Another reservoir, Lopez Lake was built in the late 1960s to service the communities from Pismo Beach to Oceano.

Unfortunately, the drought has ravaged this lake which sits at about 27 percent of capacity. The boat launch ramp has been closed since late May, but you can still hand-launch your kayak or float-tube, and there are boats available at the docks for rent.

And although the lake sits at its lowest level in several years, there’s still plenty to do around here. Throw out a fishing line, or paddle around in your kayak or canoe. There are also miles of hiking and horseback riding trails with lots of wildlife and plant life to discover. Planning to camp? There are more than 350 campsites surrounding Lopez Lake, including primitive tent sites and hookup sites. If tent camping isn’t your thing, Lopez has cabins! (Just be sure to book in advance.)

Summer 2022

11

Photo courtesy Lopez Lake

Rolling hills surround Lopez Lake.

Lopez has even more fun in store for you at the Vista Lago Adventure Park and the Mustang Waterpark. I remember visiting Mustang as a young kid, impatiently looking up at the two slides snaking down the hillside as my mom slathered sunscreen on my face.

Flying 600 feet down to the splash pool was thrilling back in the 1980s, but these days, you’ll find even more fun with the Stampede — a wild halfpipe with a 38-foot drop to the bottom — a kiddie pool, and lots of shade in the cabanas. It’s open 7 days a week, through Aug. 14.

Vista Lago Adventure Park is a newer Photo courtesy LAdVerb Marketing addition, offering ziplines and rope Making memories and new friends at Lopez Lake’s Mustang Water Park. courses for all ages. There are multiple levels of challenges (even a couple Lake Cachuma of high-speed ziplines), so no matter your experience or fitness level, you’ll find fun and adventure. Afterward, enjoy Tucked into the mountains above Santa Barbara, rural Lake refreshments at the Sipline Snack Shack. Be sure to plan Cachuma beckons visitors with its 9,000 acres of recreation ahead, though; the park is open Thursday through Monday at space and views in every direction. Here you’ll find sprawling select times, and reservations are recommended. campgrounds — primitive and full hookups — hiking trails, a disc golf course, swimming pool, store, a nature center, and more.

Getting there: From the 101 in Arroyo Grande, take Branch Street to Huasna Road/Lopez Drive.

Don’t have a tent or RV? Rent a yurt! Cachuma boasts several For more: slocountyparks.com/camp/lopez-lake yurts, which sleep three to six people. Unbelievable views off 12

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Photo by Gerry Matthews

Lake Cachuma’s yurts have incredible views from their wrap-around decks.

the decks of these rustic structures make them a splendid choice for a weekend getaway. Not surprisingly, these tend to fill up fast, so reserve in advance.

If you’re looking to take a dip, head on over to the swimming pool — no body contact is allowed in the lake itself, as it is a reservoir. The pool is open all week during the summer (but be sure to call ahead to confirm the hours). But even if you can’t swim in Cachuma, you can still get out on the water.

Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboat and explore the many coves where you’ll find excellent fishing. (And hey, the views of the surrounding mountains aren’t half bad, either!) If you’re planning to bring your own boat, be sure to call ahead about inspections.

Check out the Neal Taylor Nature Center for an educational experience for the kids (or yourself!). Small in size, it’s big on information: from the construction of Cachuma’s Bradbury Dam, to the resident plants and animals, to the native Chumash who inhabited this area thousands of years ago, and more.

The center is typically open Thursday through Sunday, but call ahead for hours as this is a volunteer effort.

If you’re just coming up for the day, you’ll find lots of day-use picnic areas with grills and tables. Don’t feel like cooking? The Hook’d Bar & Grill is an excellent choice! Last time we were there, I had the tri-tip sandwich and a local beer from Topa Topa Brewing Co. — a true Central Coast meal if there ever was one! california101guide.com

Photo by Logan Hall

The author proudly displays a beast of a bass, caught from the shore at Cachuma.

Getting there: From the 101 in Santa Barbara, take Highway 154/San Marcos Pass Road to Lakeview Drive.

For more: countyofsb.org/637/cachuma-lake

Lake Nacimiento If you’re driving on the 101 in northern San Luis Obispo County, you might notice an unusual bumper sticker on passing vehicles. Why do so many people around here have that same funky white dragon stuck to their windows? It’s not a dragon at all, but the outline of Lake Nacimiento! Those stickers tell me I’m not the only one who has a special place in my heart for “Naci.” It’s where I first learned to water ski at age 9, and where we played flashlight tag till way past our bedtimes in Summer 2022

13

the summer. Here, you can swim, water ski, wakeboard, inner tube, jet ski, and boat to your heart’s content.

Nacimiento’s probably best known for its water sports, but there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re not ready to take a dip. Hike along the shore and the surrounding Santa Lucia mountains, or take refuge in the new airconditioned arcade.

Celebrating something special? Get a Naci-gram! “Our dragon mascot comes and delivers a special message with balloons and a gift of your choice for a small fee,” says Layla Decker, general manager.

The fishing’s great along Nacimiento’s ample coastline — especially in its coves and narrows. It’s the only place in California where they stock white bass! You’ll also find largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.

Keep an eye on the Naci website for kids’ fishing derby dates. If you’re planning to bring your own boat, you’ll need to pass that quagga mussel inspection I keep talking about (see website for details). There are also a slew of boats and equipment available for rent at the marina.

it’s fun to go visit,” says Decker. “I also love to paddleboard on the weekdays when the water is quiet, and you can see all the wildlife coming out of hiding from the busy weeks on the shoreline.”

Whether you’re in a tent or RV, you’ll find a great spot on the oak-dotted hillsides (there are hundreds to choose from). If you need accommodations, however, you’ll have choices here.

Along with RV rentals, there’s a small cabin (dubbed The Naci Cottage), as well as lodges which sleep four to eight people.

These cozy homes have everything you need for a great stay — even a complimentary boat slip at the marina! Some have fireplaces and patios, as well. As you might expect, these fill up quick — as do the campgrounds. Say it with me: reserve in advance!

Getting there: From the 101 in Paso Robles, take 24th Street/ Nacimiento Lake Drive (also known as G-14).

For more: golakenaci.com

If you forgot something at home or (gasp!) run out of beer, the general store has you covered on weekends. You’ll also find great souvenirs here, too. Don’t feel like cooking? The Dragon Lake Grill serves up delicious fare nearby.

“I love visiting our general store. The decor is very unique and almost all handmade. Even if you don’t purchase anything

Photo by Luke Bender

Glassy conditions at Lake Nacimiento are ideal for wakeboarding.

14

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Santa Margarita Lake Confession time: Santa Margarita Lake is the only one on this list I haven’t actually visited. But don’t send me hate mail — this pretty little piece of paradise is one of San Luis Obispo County’s best-kept secrets, even for us Central Coast locals!

And after learning about it, I gotta say, it’s high on my to-do list this summer.

Compared to some of the bigger lakes in the region, Santa Margarita’s 60 primitive campsites may seem like small potatoes. But that’s precisely its charm! With no RV hookups, no fancy frills, and (potentially) no cell service, you’re free to unwind in nature — the old-fashioned way. There are even boat-in campsites if you’re seeking a real retreat. (For a more modern experience, try the KOA campground down the road.)

Speaking of boating: if you’re planning to bring your own, plan ahead and check those quagga mussel regulations. Or skip all that and rent a boat instead. Pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, motorboats, and even pontoons are available at the marina. Because Santa Margarita is a reservoir for San Luis Obispo, no body contact is allowed here. Definitely plan on bringing your fishing gear, though, because we hear they’re biting up at Santa Margarita. Red ear, trout, catfish, crappie, and bluegill are all found in this reservoir.

Bikers, hikers, and equestrians, we haven’t forgotten about you! The Santa Margarita Lake Natural Area and its thousands of acres of open space will keep you plenty busy. And bring your binoculars, because the wildlife sighting and birding opportunities are fabulous, as well. Audubon.org says, “Bald eagle nest regularly at Santa Margarita Lake, and osprey, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon are regularly observed in the area and considered likely nesting around the lake.” Other notable species in this IBA (Important Bird Area) of the Santa Margarita Valley include yellow warblers, yellow-breasted chats, great blue herons, sharp-shinned hawks, wood ducks, and purple martins, as well as Cassin’s, Warbling, and Hutton’s vireos. The list goes on!

If you’re looking to spice up your trip a bit, drive 15 minutes down the hill to Santa Margarita to go wine tasting or even ziplining at Margarita Adventures. San Luis Obispo and Edna Valley is a 30-minute drive, where you could spend days slowly tasting your way back to camp.

Getting there: From the 101 south of Santa Margarita, take Highway 58 to W. Pozo Road, then to Santa Margarita Lake Road.

For more: slocountyparks.com/camp/santa-margarita-lake

Photo courtesy of SLO Parks and Rec

Pick a spot on the rocky shores of Santa Margarita Lake to set up your day camp and drop in a line. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

15

Enjoy the day at

Casitas Water Adventure!

L A K E

Casitas COME JOIN US FOR

Photo By: David Schaar

Camping Picnic Areas Boating & Fishing Bike & Hiking Trails Movie Nights Bird Watching Host A Special Event Kid's Annual Fishing Day

CONTACT US AT: 805-649-1122 casitaswater.org/recreation 11311 Santa Ana Rd. Ventura, CA 93001

BL

E

Blue Highways Productions Magazine production from start to finish.

HIGHW S AY

U

And so much more!

®

At Blue Highways Productions, we design and produce a variety of publications.

WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU! Depending On Your Needs, We Offer Design, Production, Editorial, Advertising Sales, Printing, Distribution, Web, Social Media.

Contact our office at (833) 805-340-1057 • info@ca101guide.com 1129 Maricopa Highway #B-201 Ojai, California 93023 Publications Blue Highways Productions has produced in 2018/19/20 19th Annual

california 101 Travelers Guide

®

SUMMER 2022

LIVE • STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY SAN LUIS OBISPO • SANTA BARBARA • VENTURA COUNTIES

Ojai

Film Festival

November 1

90+ Films •

- 11, 2018

untries enting 33 Co

Repres

els Executive Pan orees | Film Celebrity Hon Screenings s | Gold Coast Focus Earth Film

Full screening 24

16

Summer 2022

I CRUISING CAYUCOS

A daytime adventure by the sea

116

CA 101

I

WINGING IT Wings Over Camarillo air show

schedule and

tickets online

ai j O The Ojai The 119th

l Film Festiva

estival.com

at OjaiFilmF

Tennisentmember trophy m presentation Tourna 20 shot 19 -28, April 24 board

TENNIS TOURNAMENT

l Academy

1 and Wei

Alum Max

Cressy

• Photo

y Roberts

by Holl

ge 5 9

ents: Pa

le of Ev iews: Pages 8Celebrating 120 ScheduYears s 24-25 ev c-12 Pr tes: Page UCLA No.

Pa ap of Si M Net heOjai.20-24, 2022 TAPRIL

california101guide.com

Where Everybody Comes Together PasoRoblesDowntown.org

Explore and Experience Downtown Paso Robles!

ANTIQUES~ART GALLERIES~MUSEUMS, RESTAURANTS~BREWERIES~WINE TASTING~BOUTIQUES~LODGING Weekly Concerts in the Park (Gazebo) Thursdays 6-8pm (June-August) August 20th Trading Day - Arts, Crafts and Collectibles September 17 th Taste of Downtown - Tour restaurants and (26 th Annual ) and Arte de Tiza Farmer’s Market Tuesdays and Saturdays 9am-12pm (City Park) california101guide.com

Summer 2022

17

ME N TH TION IS A FO D 5% R OF F Y PUR OUR CH ASE

Home of 0 0

On the corner of 13th & Railroad 1244 Pine Street Suite D Paso Robles, CA 93446 Mon-Sun 9:00-3:00 Fabricworm.com (805)239-8888 ext.0

We carry Modern, Organic, Imported Fabrics & High Quality Yarn for all your crafting needs!

Located in beautiful downtown Paso Robles.

Follow Us on social media

EXPERIENCE PASO ROBLES'S MOST CREATIVE WINE TASTING!

W I N E R Y

Complimentary farm-to-table gourmet pairings included with wine flights to enhance your tasting experience.

Open Thursday through Monday 1-6 pm Located at the Paso Robles Historic Train Depot 740 Pine St. | Downtown Paso Robles | 805.237.0055

AWA R D W I N N I N G W I N E S • G O U R M E T C U L I N A R Y G I F T S • C Y P H E R W I N E R Y.C O M 18

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Open Daily 11am - 6pm, Closed Tuesdays ART & ABOUT Paso! Every First Saturday of the Month, 6 - 9 pm

We Deliver Open 7 days a week

Outdoor Courtyard Seating Open Thurs–Mon 11am–8pm Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

805.369.2132 819 12th St. (In The Alley) · Paso Robles @jeffryswinecountrybbq info@jeffryswinecountrybbq.com

california101guide.com

• • • • • • • • • • •

Box Lunches Meetings Party Platters Wedding Packages Wine Tours Breakfast, Lunch & More Patio Seating Dog Friendly Kids Menu Gluten-Free Vegan Options

1102 Pine St., Paso Robles

(Next to Park Cinemas Theatre)

(805) 237-1780 Order Online redscooterdeli.com red scooterdeli.com

Summer 2022

19

American Barn & Wood R

H

GA

N MI

I LA C E

A’S C I R ME

GE A T I ER

Old Reclaimed Barn Wood • Barn Doors • Beams and More We supply homeowners and professionals with a large variety of old, authentic wood

3460 La Cruz Way, Paso Robles 805-610-7838 or 805-610-7839

americanbarnandwood.com • info@ americanbarnandwood.com

20

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

YOU'RE NOT LOST...

YOU'RE IN WHISPER VALLEY.

160 ACRES

-

3 private hiking trails

WHISPERVALLEYSTAFF@GMAIL.COM california101guide.com

-

SLEEPS 10

-

SANTA MARAGRITA, CALIFORNIA.

WHEELCHAIR friendly

@WHISPERVALLEYRANCH Summer 2022

21

Cruising Cayucos

A daytime adventure by the sea

By Katherine McMahon

It’s summer in California, and the ocean is calling to me. On a quest for the perfect day by the beach, I head north on Highway 101, exiting onto 46 West to drive through the vineyards of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

22

Summer 2022

Turning south on Route 1, I pass through the hills around Harmony and emerge onto the coast. It’s morning, so the fog hangs close along the shoreline, obscuring the view. Up ahead I see the sign: Welcome to Cayucos! california101guide.com

Cayucos is a small beach town in the center of the Central Coast. About 150 years ago, sea captain James Cass acquired the land that became Cayucos and built a house and a 900-foot pier. Both the pier and the house have been renovated in the last decade and are the town’s prominent landmarks.

diet, so I need to find just the right breakfast. Driving down Ocean Avenue I see a line stretching along the sidewalk in front of Hidden Kitchen, a completely gluten-free organic cafe! I join the queue of locals, weekenders, and Cal Poly college students waiting for the chance to order at the window.

Seating is in a cute dining room inside or a patio in the back, with views of the ocean.

The vibe is friendly and cozy, and the food is spectacular! Hidden Kitchen’s specialty is blue corn waffles and breakfast tacos. I can tell you in all honesty that the tacos from here are the best I have ever had. The Canyon Carnitas taco

I’m hungry but I have had to cut gluten from my Old

Hidd

en K

itche

n dr

aws

a cr

town

sign.

owd

.

Hidd

en Ki

california101guide.com

tche

n tac

os.

Summer 2022

23

stores. I turn into a garden courtyard and discover Luna Coffee Bar. With a scrumptious cappuccino in hand, I walk further, peeking in the windows of Remember When Too Antiques. At the end of the block, I discover the amazing Cayucos Sausage Co. The owners, Don and his wife Juneé, tell me the story of their business and convince me to try

came with crispy carnitas, cabbage slaw, avocado, Hidden Kitchen special sauce, and their green salsa.

I also got their famous Santa Lucia scramble taco. This delicious creation is a taco with scrambled eggs, sautéed bell pepper, onion, mushroom, melted havarti cheese, avocado, and those delicious sauces and salsas. Just order them and thank me later. This by itself is worth the drive to Cayucos!

My belly full, I stroll down Ocean Avenue to see what Cayucos has to offer. There are coffee shops, restaurants, a classic candy store, surf shops, and antique

ing t

lcom

we Warm

.

offee

aC o Lun

.

ques

ccino

pu Cap 24

Summer 2022

na at Lu

ee.

Coff

ber

em Rem

nti oo A en T

Wh

california101guide.com

several of their sausages. I am so glad I did! It’s some of the best gourmet craft meat I have ever had.

I highly recommend the Irish sausage, and you must get their signature Tequila Mustard to go with it!

Walking back into town I stop at Brown Butter Cookie, a local business started in 2008 by two sisters from Cayucos.

Antiq

ue si

Cay

uco

s Sa

usa

gn a

t Rem

emb

er W

hen T oo.

What is brown butter, you ask?

Brown butter is butter that has been browned on the stove-top to bring out a rich, nutty flavor.

This adds a delicious and unique taste to their cookies. Their signature cookies come in a variety of flavors — including almond, cocoa, espresso, and vanilla. I have had these cookies before at their retail shop in downtown Paso Robles, but this is their headquarters where the magic happens. Every cookie is handmade here. After enjoying a free cookie sample, I start chatting with the friendly staff and learn that in addition to their signature brown butter cookies, they have several

ge C

o.

Craf ts and ausage to-d a ie-fo t Cayuc o r Teq uila s Sausa Must g ard. e Co.

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

25

is the Morro Bay Dog Beach where dog owners can let their best friends offleash to run and play.

Closer to the pier, families have set up on the beach, kids playing in the waves while parents relax in beach chairs. I see a pair of dolphins jumping just beyond the breakers to the north of the pier. On the other side, the waves are busy with surfers.

special gluten-free cookies, including a Cocoa Mint and an Everything cookie, that were so good I buy a dozen to go.

At the other end of downtown is the pier.

When you visit, you must walk out to the end and look back to see Cayucos, the hills behind, and the beach extending for miles. The morning fog has burned off by now, and the view down the coast is spectacular with Morro Rock looming in the distance. I find a spot to sit and people-watch, and check out the surfers catching waves.

r with

About 2 miles down the beach

utho The a

g

Co.

utt

wn B

Bro es at

ki

e coo

fre luten

okie er Co

t

n Bu

s fr

okie

.

okies

wn

f Bro

Bag o 26

Summer 2022

r Co Butte

co dary

row om B

o.

kie C

oo ter C

n

Lege

california101guide.com

I drive out the north end of town to a parking area of the Estero Bluffs State Park, which stretches 4 miles along the shore.

Paths lead along the bluffs, providing access to a series of coves and beaches.

The first cove contains a shipwreck, a tourist draw for the past five years.

Further along, the coves are secluded with rock pools aplenty and spots to sit, swim, and sunbathe.

By this time it’s lunchtime, so I walk back along the pier to check out the restaurants facing the ocean. There is a cute chowder house, a stylish Italian restaurant, a deli café, and a bakery, but I choose a seafood restaurant called Schooners. I sit on their upper deck watching waves and enjoying fresh and delicious crispy calamari and fish tacos.

If you’re a beer person, I recommend grabbing one of the many on tap while you take in the view of the pier.

As the end of the day approaches,

Dog

s are

welc

ome

Scho

oner

off-

california101guide.com

As the sun dips toward the sea, my perfect day by the ocean is ending and I must move on. I vow to return to sample the yummies and admire the stunning beauty of the California Coast.

leas

h at

s en

tran

ce a

nd f

ish t

acos

.

rk.

e Pa

the

Mor

ro B

ay D

og B

eac

h.

rec

hipw

s The

tero

Es k at

tat ffs S

Blu

Summer 2022

27

28

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF CAMBRIA

784 Main St., Suite A Cambria CA 93428 (800)545-5079 or (805)927-8200 Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm – Closed Sunday stay@cvrrentals.com • cambriavacationrentals.com/

A quaint seaside village, is located on the Central Coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, just six miles south of Hearst Castle. We are nestled in a forest of Monterey pines at the foot of the scenic Highway One/Big Sur Coast.

The climate is a cool Mediterranean with clear blue skies, light seasonal fog and temperatures averaging 50 to 70 degrees F.

589 Main St. ◆ Cambria ◆ 927-8877

“Cambria’s Best” Souvenirs & Gifts ◆ Premium Wines at Great Prices ◆ Sweats & T-Shirts ◆ ATM Coffee Dripping with Flavor ◆ Milkshakes & Smoothies ◆ Car Wash ◆ Fill Up Your Car & Yourself!

Cited For Excellence: exceeding the highest standards for customer service, cleanliness & appearance california101guide.com

Summer 2022

29

815 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428 805.203.5950 :: www.patrickgallery.com www.facebook.com/workingartiststudio

Cambria Garden Shed (805) 927-7654 CambriaGardenShed.com Grow Nursery (805) 924-1340 GrowNursery.com Lily’s Coffee House (805)927-7259 Ocean Heir (805) 909-9022 OceanHeirEstateCompany.com

2024 Main Street • East Village Cambria OPEN 10 - 5 daily, 10 - 6 on Fri. & Sat. You found a GEM in the heart of Cambria, California!

The Pickford House is a Victorian style mansion exclusively available for private groups!

Pickford offers nine spacious bedrooms, each with full bath, shower and television. Additionally your stay comes with full use of our semi-commercial kitchen, dining room, separate living room and parlor as well as a useful outdoor bbq area. Located 250 miles from Los Angeles and less than 200 miles from Fresno and San Francisco. Enjoy a perfect destination for a 15-20+ family reunion or friends gathering!

Simplistic Home (559) 970-5654 SimplisticHome.com Twin Coyotes Winery GOOD (805) 927-9800 THINGS COME TwinCoyotes.com IN LITTLE And More!

SHEDS

www.thepickfordhouse.com 2555 Macleod Way Cambria CA 93428 805-878-4561 30

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

14th Annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival Starting on October 1, 2022, Cambria and San Simeon will be awash in unique and creative scarecrows. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy scarecrow displays at their leisure throughout the month. This year's Festival will bring back swashbuckling pirates, sea monsters, Day of the Dead displays, characters from the Coco movie, and other family favorites.

In addition, plan on an expanded educational walk through the history of art with returning and new scarecrow creations. Be amazed at how junk can be turned into scarecrow art with the Great Cambria Recycled Scarecrow

Challenge. Many of your favorite musicians will come to life. You will be amazed at the talent within these small communities.

Visit cambriascarecrows.com for special events and scarecrow locations.

Where Whimsy Runs Rampant

Hundreds of Scarecrows Throughout Cambria & San Simeon

And A nd Don’t Miss Our Special 2022 Event

SALUTE TO SCARECROWS!

A Starlit Celebration of Cambria Saturday, October 29th, at the Cambria Pines Nursery Sat Sa tur 1ST FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 1ST!

CambriaScarecrows.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

31

The Luffa Farm Open to the public for free drop-in tours!

PursesClothingJewelryToysCandles & SpaBooks Greeting Cards Home Décor Local Products & More!

The Luffa Farm Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Educational fun for the whole family!

7395 El Camino Real, Atascadero805-466-3200 perrysparcel.com

32

Summer 2022

1457 Willow Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 343-0883 theluffafarm.com

california101guide.com

GALLERY at the

FORGE by

HANS DUUS - BLACKSMITH

EXPERIENCE A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF A WORKING BLACKSMITH SHOP WHERE DECORATIVE LIGHTING FIXTURE, AND A VARIETY OF HAND FORGED TREASURES ARE CREATED BY SKILLED ARTISANS. THE GALLERY EXCLUSIVELY FEATURES A VARIETY OF HAND FORGED BBQ HOOKS & FORKS, FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES, CUSTOM MADETO-ORDER BRANDING IRONS AND A VARIETY OF DECOR ITEMS GALLERY HOURS: M-SAT 10:00 - 2:30 APPTS ENCOURAGED HANS DUUS BLACKSMITH, INC. 2976 INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY, SANTA MARIA CA, 93455 805-314-2271 • HANSDUUSBLACKSMITH.COM california101guide.com

Summer 2022

33

34

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Make your visit memorable.

Stop in to visit and bring home something truly special.

Offering Hand Crafted Jewelry, Gifts & Distinctive Stationery for over 20 years!

Village Papery & Gifts 110 1/2 Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA (805) 489-1162

3640 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (916) 390-3595 elliestapandvine.com

The for�er T&T garage on Bell St�eet in Los Alamos has been t�ansfor�ed into a 5,000 square-foot galler� that houses the work of more than 60 local ar�ists of all disciplines. The curated collection includes jewelr�, ceramics, wood working, original paintings, photog�aphy, and much more. Stop by on a weekend to see local ar�ists in action!

Local Ar�isans Enter�rise @ T & T Galler� 515 Bell St. Los Alamos, CA 93440

(805) 344 - 3300 • locar�ent.com • @localar�enter�rise california101guide.com

Everything in the restaurant is inspired by Ellie and her love for all things feminine and fabulous. From the wine, to the flowers, to the teacups, to the delicious food, we hope that you feel Ellie’s love for the world with every moment you spend and every bite you take here at Ellie’s Tap and Vine. We’re happy to have you, and we know Ellie is too.

Summer 2022

35

On the

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

Story and photos by Katherine McMahon The author at Zaca Mesa

36

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Years ago when I worked in Beverly Hills, my best friend Stacy would convince me to escape to wine country on our days off. She was a lover of life, laughter, and good wine, and got me out of my shell when I just wanted to be a sloth at home. Together we would drive up Highway 101, stop for the night in the Santa Ynez Valley, and spend the next day driving country roads, visiting wineries all afternoon, and finish with dinner at the Hitching Post to talk about our favorite moments.

It wasn’t until years later that I learned Stacy and I had been driving the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Foxen Canyon Road runs for about 30 miles from the hills just north of Los Olivos to the farmland east of Santa Maria. There are 16 wineries located along or near the road that make up the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. At key intersections along the road there are signposts with white arrow boards pointing the way to the wineries, each of which offers their individual mix of heritage, beauty, and delicious wines.

Stacy passed away in the summer of 2020 due to a rapid and deadly cancer. I was devastated, but I was also inspired to step out of my comfort zone and pursue the dream she had always advocated for me: to be a food, wine, and travel writer.

So now, I am back to revisit and write about our beloved spots along the Foxen Canyon trail.

Great wines abound in every direction on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

37

Driving on Alisos Canyon Road, which branches off the 101 and meets Foxen Canyon Road at about its midpoint, my first stop was Dovecote. Like many of the wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Dovecote produces small quantities of thoughtfully crafted wines from organically farmed grapes. The Thompson family purchased the land almost 40 years ago, but it would take a decade Dovecote welcome board. of work before the first vintage was bottled.

Since then, Dovecote’s single-vineyard syrah has become renowned. The winery has changed hands, but the craftsmanship continues. The tasting space is a small, rustic structure facing a pond bordered by a 240-yearold oak. After I had tried the wines, the tasting manager and her dog took me in their ATV on a tour of the property that includes hillside vineyards, a stocked fishing pond, pastures with horses, and rental cottages which can host weddings. The entirety of these landscapes and fantastic wine was a dreamy moment.

Dovecote tasting by the pond.

On my way to my next reservation, I saw a gorgeous barn building next to rows of grapes with majestic trees behind. “What a beautiful place,” I thought, wishing I was going there. Then the sign came into view: Zaca Mesa – it actually was my destination! Family-owned for almost 50 years, Zaca Mesa was the third winery to be established in Santa Barbara County, and the first to plant syrah. They now produce wine under two labels. Zaca Mesa wines feature estate-grown grapes from the vineyards right around the tasting barn, while Tread wines feature grapes from throughout Santa Barbara County that highlight the range of microclimates and varietals. Every wine was great. I got to meet Stewart Cushman, the second generation of Cushmans to lead Zaca Mesa. He happened to be visiting that weekend and shared his pride in the work his team has done.

Zaca Mesa rosé.

38

Summer 2022

Views over the vineyards at Zaca Mesa. california101guide.com

A few minutes north is Foxen Vineyards, where I met Jennifer Williams-Doré, part of the ownership team. Her husband, Dick Doré, co-founded Foxen in 1985, who named it after his great-greatgrandfather, an English sea captain William Benjamin Foxen. William purchased the land, then known as Rancho Tinaquaic, in the 1830s.

Known for their pinots, Foxen produces a range of varietals from grapes grown in many of the different microclimates of Santa Barbara County. We laughed about the “Sideways” effect — how the national consumption of pinots shot up after the film — but Foxen had already spent decades perfecting their pinot. In fact, they produce eight versions of pinot noir, each

Foxen’s beautiful tasting room.

Sampling a Foxen white wine.

Foxen is known for its pinot noirs.

one highlighting how the variations in temperature, soil, and humidity in different spots give distinct flavors to the grapes.

Going north, past the historic San Ramon Chapel where William Benjamin Foxen is buried, Foxen Canyon joins the Sisquoc River Valley. In the flat of the ancient riverbed is Riverbench Winery, known Foxen’s tasting room. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

39

for their méthode champenoise-style sparkling wines. The ground is a rich, fine, alluvial soil that contains particles of clay, silt, sand, and gravel — great for developing expressive grapes.

The property is stunning, with multiple places you can sit and relax under majestic shade trees. Flowers bloom everywhere you look, and the trees sway gently in Riverbench’s méthode champenoise sparkling wine. the breeze. It was a perfect spot to have a glass of sparkling wine along with a midday cheese plate.

Driving back toward Los Olivos brought me to Demetria, my friend Stacy’s favorite. We went so many times. It is hidden almost two miles off the road in its own little valley

Baby grapes at Demetria.

surrounded by hillside vineyards. Founded in 2005 by Greekborn John Zahoudanis, Demetria specializes in limited release wines. This was my first time back in five years; I sat under the shade of olive trees outside the stucco villa while sipping their flagship wine — Cuvee Constantine, a mourvedregrenache-syrah blend. This was a slice of Grecian paradise, and the perfect catharsis.

Demetria wine.

40

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Andrew Murray Vineyards.

Andrew Murray grounds.

Closer to Los Olivos is Andrew Murray.

I was worried I would feel winedout by this point.

But then the server brought out the Andrew Murray Étancher which is a carbonic rosé of grenache, with a beautiful pink color and such a bright flavor. This was an eye-opening and innovative wine. Plus, the Andrew Murray seating area is sublimely relaxing, with mature olive and oak trees and

Delectable treats at Petros.

Charming views at Petros. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

41

picturesque views over the grapes, and music of just the right vibe playing. I could have sat there for a while taking it all in but had to press on to get to dinner.

Almost back to town, I stopped at Petros for a simply delicious Greek meal. The property is charming, with a vintage car parked in front of the elegant barn-like restaurant. Petros is a winery producing Hellenic wines, but instead of offering tasting flights, there is full menu to compliment the wine. I had tzatziki dip, spanakopita, gyro, and baklava. So good!

There are many more wineries along the trail — Cottonwood Canyon, Cambria, Fess Parker, Firestone, Kenneth Volk, Koehler, Rancho Sisquoc, Tensley, and Tres Hermanas — each with their own personality and their own excellent wines. Sadly, I could not make it to them all. With so many to choose from, plus everything else the area has to offer, it’s best

Andrew Murray red.

to make a weekend of it!

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail connects the San Ynez Valley, including the towns of Los Olivos, Solvang, and Buellton, along with Santa Maria and the towns of Los Alamos and Orcutt. All of them have great places to stay and eat in a range from budget to luxury. Some of my favorites are Zaca Creek Inn & Tavern in Buellton, and Skyview Hotel/Norman Restaurant in Los Alamos. And best of all, the area is only a couple hours from L.A., but feels like a complete escape from the intensity of the city. Get away to rejuvenate your spirit. I’m happy I did.

Andrew Murray’s Étancher rosé.

42

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Photos by Liz Dodder, CaliCoastWineCountry.com.

AB O UT LO S O L I VO S Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, the charming historic town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day.

Whether you want awardwinning wine tasting, fine or casual dining, great shopping, fine art and plenty of artisans, renting bicycles to take in the california101guide.com

sights – there is plenty to do in Los Olivos for the whole family!

Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Los Olivos is noted for its love of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean

restaurants, fun festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly residents found throughout the village.

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through beautiful wineries and vineyards.

Los Olivos is a beautifully

accessible town with a variety of shady trees and gardens, in addition to historic architectural gems. We encourage visitors to use our walking map and explore all the nooks and crannies of our delightful streets.

For more information, visit losolivosca.com.

Summer 2022

43

Hacienda Amador

Join us at our magical home away from home on our 5 acre beautifully landscaped private gated hacienda. The generous 1600 sq ft guesthouse includes 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, dining room and all amenities to make your visit as comfortable as possible. The guesthouse is beautifully decorated in a Spanish hacienda decor.

Live your best life at Hacienda Amador!

The accommodations include wrought iron canopy beds and luxury linens to relax after a lovely day in Santa Ynez valley. There are trundle and toddler beds for your little ones . You will be surrounded by vineyards, fire pits, lush green patios and an oak tree grove.

The property has many picturesque gardens with amazing views both day and night. Just minutes from wineries, restaurants, a lavender farm, horse trails, biking trails and hiking trails. Best places to visit are Lake Cachuma , Solvang Los Olivos and the Chumash casino which are just minutes away.

44

Summer 2022

For inquires call 805-636-8848 or visit us at Haciendaamador.com Special rates are available

california101guide.com

Open everyday from 7am to 4pm, this Santa Ynez local favorite serves breakfast, lunch, and special daily.

Have brunch with an Italian flair!

Also now serving popular Tacos + Tapas on Wednesdays evenings, including the extremely popular Surf and Turf tacos 3558 Sagunto St., A, Santa Ynez, California 93460 805-691-9187 • pony-espresso-106136.square.siteV

3551 Sagunto St Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 688-0016 Thur - Sat 10:30a - 5:30p Sun - Mon 11a - 4p charlottessy.com

Forever Posh is that sweet little boutique you discover off the beaten path while on vacation. Forever Posh carries fabulous & fun apparel lines such as Lisa Todd, Label & Thread, Drew Clothing as well as the popular “luxe & lounge-wear PJ Salvage. Also sparkling throughout the boutique is the pretty one-of-a-kind jewelry by Ian Renee Jewelry, a local designer here in Santa Ynez. So pop on over to this little treasure of a boutique located in the quaint town of Santa Ynez. Parking on Madera Street.

3583 Numancia St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 688-1444 california101guide.com

Photo by Jessica Maher

Summer 2022

45

A Juried Show of Contemporary Art of the West

September 23-25 Flag Is Up Farms

901 East Highway 246, Solvang, CA

learn more & get tickets at: www.the-slopoke.com

Arroyo Sunset, 20 x 16, Acrylic on Canvas, Joe A. Oakes

46

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

OVER 20 YEARS IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

1511-B MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG • WWW.WILDLINGMUSEUM.ORG 805-688-1082 • INFO@WILDLINGMUSEUM.ORG

kids visit free • unique museum store • workshops art activities • lectures • and more!

VISIT US Monday & Friday, 11 a .m . - 4 p .m .

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a .m . - 5 p .m .

Fire & Ice

Our Changing Landscape

Go to www.wildlingmuseum.org/visit to plan your visit .

ADMISSION Members . . . . . . . . FREE

Kids 17 & Under . . FREE

Adults . . . . . . . . . . $5 .00

Active Military ID . . FREE

On view April 9 - September 26, 2022 Left: Ethan Turpin and The Environment Makers, Walk Into Wildfire, Mixed Media, 2021 .

Right: Zaria Forman, Ode to An Iceberg, 360 View, Whale Bay, Antarctica, Film Still, 2017 .

A shop full of whimsy, enchantment, sparkle & Delight

1607 Mission Drive #109-110 Solvang, CA 93463 805 697-7869 fairyandfrog.net california101guide.com

Summer 2022

47

WINERY & VINEYARDS

Open Daily In Downtown Solvang Spacious Courtyard Inviting Indoor/Outdoor Tasting Room

1623 Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463

805-691-9395 almarosawinery.com

­

­ ­

48

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

GREETINGS FROM

od

borho h g i e N o i Presid

The Courthouse

california101guide.com

Old Town

a La Arcad

rict

ts Dist r A c i r o t s i H

Arlingt

on Plaz a

Summer 2022

49

Welcome to The Eagle Inn Located in the popular West Beach neighborhood of Santa Barbara, The Eagle Inn is a comfortable bed and breakfast-style boutique hotel by the water, and is cannabis friendly.

The Eagle Inn 232 Natoma Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 965-3586 theeagleinn.com The marina and beach are just a 3-minute walk away, and Stearn’s Wharf, The Funk Zone and State Street, Santa Barbara’s main shopping street, are just a 10-minute walk. Each guest room is unique and spacious with quality furnishings and details. Our Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa Casitas feature fireplaces, two-person spa tubs and private patios and are the perfect choice for a Santa Barbara honeymoon retreat.

All of our hotel rooms are clean, comfortable and well-appointed. Many of our rooms feature large, two-person whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and balconies which are ideal for romantic evenings or weekend getaways. The inn with its included daily breakfast service is popular with both tourists and business travelers alike, who are looking for comfortable Santa Barbara hotel accommodations.

50

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

51

Central Coast Blacksmith melds old-world skills with modern-day art

By Marlowe Hast

52

Summer 2022

Photos by Hans Duus

california101guide.com

Duus specializes in lighting fixtures of all sizes. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

53

The blacksmith trade dates back to 1500 BC. The craft has evolved dramatically since then, and pieces forged today in 2,000-degree heat have changed from simply utilitarian metalwork to works of art.

Santa Maria blacksmith Hans Duus has been honing his craft and creating iron pieces rooted in tradition, the art of handcraft and a love of metalworking. For the last 54 years, he’s melded modern technology and engineering into a wide variety of projects, with a specialty in light fixtures.

Although he started his first forge in Buellton in 1982, these days, he can be found further north.

Hans Duus Blacksmith

Duus recently worked on a project for a hotel that meant hanging very large iron chandeliers throughout the building.

“How do you safely hang something that weighs 2,500 lbs. over someone’s head?” he asked. “And how do you make it look like it’s floating in air?” His work today requires an understanding of engineering in addition to managing the hot forge and working the metal to match the design he has in mind.

Those extremely high temperatures are needed to change the steadfast black metal into a pliable medium he can twist, pull, mold, and braid into various shapes and designs. Working with hot metal is a dynamic process. “Because you think of metal as being this immovable object, you get it up to a couple thousand degrees and it goes into a plastic state.” The iron begins to move, he said. “It stretches and compresses, bends and just about does almost anything you want it to, if you know what you’re doing.”

kind of a fun pat on the back, and he appreciated the hand work and knew that would carry on into the creation of the lighting.”

His love of working with hot, black metal goes back to his childhood. His father was a carpenter and while Duus didn’t take to woodworking, he soaked up vital skills. “I’ve always built things,” he said. “When I was a little tiny animal, I heated up nails in barbecue pits and pounded on them. That’s where it started.” He fell in love with the process in a high school welding class and found a summer job at a forge. There, Duus learned from a German man who came to the United States after World War II. He brought his craft with him, teaching Duus the foundation of crafting black metal into light fixtures. “Here I am, 54 years later, still making light fixtures,” Duus said.

Education has been an important part of developing his craft over his lifetime, and he still refers to his textbooks from college. He has served on the advisory board for Alan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria for more than 30 years and has been teaching blacksmithing at the college for 25 years. “It’s actually a really good deal,” he explained. “I use it for recruiting. When you spend a semester with somebody, you kinda see what they’re all about.” Three of his employees are Hancock College graduates. One of them, Lydia Nelson, saw him give a demonstration when she was in high school and sought out his course a few years later.

One look at the incredible designs he creates, from modern and chic to rustic and Old West, and you know he’s a master of the craft. His fixtures have a signature hand-forged look.

Duus is perhaps best known for his designs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, where he was involved in the initial concept phase.

He shared a story about a hiccup early on that might have thwarted his involvement: the project submittal manual — all 400 pages of it — repeatedly called for CAD drawings done on a computer.

“The first thing out of my mouth was, ‘I don’t do CAD.’” After his hand drawings were submitted, he received a phone call from the art director at Warner Brothers. “He was thanking me for giving him a hand-done drawing. He said ‘I can understand how you’re going to make these things. You show it in your drawing style. I can trust you to make what I want.’ That was 54

Summer 2022

Duus’s more modern lighting fixture complements the antique tools on display. california101guide.com

Today, his forge runs off of natural gas and propane, but when he started learning the art and craft of working black metal he worked with coal, Duus said. “I love coal, it’s a great heat.

I learned on coal. It has a really pungent odor. If I smell it anywhere, I go chasing it. The problem is smoke.” The gas and propane used today may be easier to work with than coal, but Duus still reminisces about the traditional material. “There’s still something that I miss about it. I do have a sack or two of coal around somewhere. Sometimes I break out a little oldfashioned forge and get some good heat.”

Not all of his work is large-scale amusement park art. His business is about 15 percent of stock products that are “off the rack,” so to speak, and available for sale through his website or in his Santa Maria shop. That includes items like light fixtures, fireplace and barbecue tongs, tables, mirrors, and iron brands.

“The rest is all one-of-a-kind, contract work.” Along with designs for theme parks, he also works on hotels and housing development projects. A current project involves outdoor fixtures for townhomes being built in historic Downtown Pasadena. “You name it, we’ve probably done it,” he said. “I did the Hotel Drover at the stockyards in Fort Worth.” That luxury Marriott Hotel project wrapped up about a year ago and Duus drew inspiration from the Old West. “They wanted some very unique chandeliers. I came up with the concept of barbed wire, not the regular kind you find on fences; serious barbed wire, heavy scale,” he said. “It could hold elephants.”

Another project he enjoyed working on required him to design and build historically accurate lamp posts for the restoration of Leland Stanford’s mansion at the California State Capital in Sacramento. The mansion was built in 1856 and was restored about 20 years ago. Duus had to work with

Duus hopes his show room will help inspire people to create their own unique spaces, whether with work he has on-hand or something entirely new they’ve dreamt up. “You can find inspiration in a pile of metal, or hidden in a box,” he says.

old, blurry photographs to design two lamp posts that were long gone. He completed several castings, retooling the design until it matched with what he saw in his mind. “They turned out as close as anybody could come to what we thought was originally there.”

A display of antique tools hearkens back to the old-fashioned way of doing things — ways which Duus was taught when he first started out. california101guide.com

To meet the high standards required by these projects, all of the Duus fixtures meet the highest standards and carry the Underwriter Laboratory (UL) label and are subject to unannounced inspections four times a year. Many of his designs meet Dark Sky requirements to prevent light pollution, Duus pointed out. “We fight light pollution, especially in the rural areas, and try to educate the public not to litter the sky with light.”

Summer 2022

55

His design process starts with what the client wants, but then he takes it from there. Based on the client’s initial request, Duus begins to see a shape develop in his mind. “I can see what it is, what needs to be done. The challenge is to get other people to see it. I don’t know if it’s a gift,” he mused. “I do a pretty good job of looking at something and knowing what it needs.”

In finding the sweet spot in the size of his staff — today a team of four, down from 20 several years ago — he doesn’t have to hunt down jobs “to make payroll.” And he has the option of turning down jobs.

Duus described the actual process of working the metal as “sketching in iron.” It’s a term credited to master blacksmith Samuel Yellin, a Ukrainian immigrant who worked with metal in America in the early 1900s after learning the trade through apprenticeship in Europe. “He did some tremendous work.

The National Cathedral, the Federal Reserve Building, are full of his creations. He wouldn’t know if the piece was going to work until he actually made a little fragment out of iron.” That fragment could be “a leaf scroll, a little detail.”

Figuring out “how are we going to make this work” is the part of the process that Duus most enjoys. “I want to create. I want challenges. How are we doing to make this work? That’s where I get my satisfaction. Take it from a piece of paper, build it in [my] mind, take it out in the shop, with those practice pieces.”

His shop is open to the public and he welcomes visitors to come learn about the traditions of forged ironwork. This summer, the shop will begin hosting public workshops (by reservation) for the novice to learn hands-on and complete a project in a couple of hours. Groups up to five, ages 16 and up, are welcome. Check the shop’s website for details.

Duus is known for the incredible details that have gained him recognition across the country and beyond.

For those just planning a visit, giving a call or email in advance can ensure a superior experience. “When you pull in, it just looks like a big warehouse, 10,000 square feet,” said Duus.

Part of the space is a fabrication area, and another section for finishing assembly. “Then we have what I’m calling the Gallery at the Forge. That’s our showroom. It’s meant to be inspirational.” There are some products for sale, but Duus expects potential clients to “start to get an idea” of what they want by looking at various pieces.

Being a working shop, Duus says, “It’s dirty. It’s noisy, and there’s a lot of stuff laying around. Creative people love it … I let them wander around and dream … You can find inspiration in a pile of metal or hidden in a box.”

More antique tools on display.

56

Summer 2022

Find Hans and his Gallery at the Forge at 2976 Industrial Parkway, Santa Maria. For more: hansduusblacksmith.com california101guide.com

Enjoy that Santa Barbara sunshine!

Happy Hour 2:30-6pm everyday Scratch made cakes & pastries Exquisite wines & European beer Breakfast, lunch & dinner High Tea, served daily from 2pm 1106 State Street | 805-962-5085 Open Daily 9am-6pm, Closed Tuesdays AndersensSantaBarbara.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

57

Plan now to attend the most prestigious open studios tour on the Central California Coast!

The Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ 21st Annual Open Studios Tour takes place Labor Day Weekend with an opening reception Friday, Sept. 2 It’s an annual tradition you don’t want to miss, taking place in beautiful Santa Barbara. Twenty-seven renowned artists in a variety of media will welcome visitors to their studios for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at their work and a chance to visit with the makers themselves.

by supporting families, creating opportunities, and fostering belonging.

Danuta Bennett is a painter and photographer and created this image of the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

The 21st Annual Open Studios Tour begins with a reception from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden Street. Participating studios will be open Dorothy Churchill-Johnson specializes from 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday in mural-size contemporary realist oil paintings like this one, entitled “Counand Sunday; and 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on try Meets Mid-Century Modern.”

Monday. Tickets are $25 (children under 12 free) and available at the Community Arts Workshop (during the tour weekend only), or online (www. santabarbarastudioartists.com). All ticket sales benefit the Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara and Slingshot Art Gallery, a non-profit organization whose mission “Enrico Caruso as Rigoletto at the York Metropolitan Opera House” is to empower individuals with intellectual New is representative of Betsy Gallery’s mosaic work. and developmental disabilities (IDD)

58

Summer 2022

The tour draws Angela Ferraro brings classic tennebrismo (light and shadow) oil local, national technique to her portraits, like this one entitled “Renaissance Man.” and international collectors, decorators, gallery owners, and art lovers of all kinds for a weekend devoted to viewing and purchasing fine art. Santa Barbara is nearly as big a draw as the art and artists themselves.

The self-guided driving tour unfolds at ticket-holders’ leisure, visiting studios in the Spanish Revival downtown, winding through the Funk Zone, up into the hills of the American Riviera, and Rob Robinson’s work features plein-air through the landscapes like this one, entitled secluded estates of “Sisters on the Bluff.”

Montecito.

Cheryl Doty travels the world for inspiration that is incorporated into her abstracts, portraits, still life, and figurative paintings.

Eric Saint Georges specializes in charcoal, ink and watercolor drawings and water-based clay for his sculptures, which he casts himself in bronze. This sculpture is called “Rita Reclining.”

This year’s event is sponsored by Doty Studios, Susan Tortorici, Manchester Capital Management, Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group, and the Zegar Family.

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Wineries of the Presidio Neighborhood

CA 101

SANTA BARBARA’S PREMIER WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

Jamie Slone Wines Tasting Room 23 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 560-6555 www.jamieslonewines.com Voted best tasting room and best winery in the 2019 Santa Barbara News-Press Readers’ Choice Awards. Our mission is to provide our guests an outstanding Santa Barbara wine experience.

In our cozy tasting room, you’ll discover our passion for family, entertaining, and delicious handcrafted 90+ point wines from the best local vineyards. We’re sipping on Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are living the wine lifestyle. A Yelp and TripAdvisor favorite...join us!

Mon-Thur 12 - 6pm • Fri 12pm - 7 pm • Sat 11am - 7 pm • Sun 11am - 6 pm

Au Bon Climat 813 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 963-7999 www.aubonclimat.com Our tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara offers current releases and select library wines in a warm, casual setting. The wines of Au Bon Climat, Clendenen Family, Barham Mendelsohn, Vita Nova and Jim Clendenen’s other creative endeavors are featured, representing an array of varietals beyond his acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. With Over 100 different wines stocked, the selection is amazing. Seated tastings by appt. See reservation app on homepage.

Walk-in tasters welcome if space allows

Susan Willis Ltd. 4488 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria CA 93013 (805) 684-5085 www.susanwillisltd.com

Murphy’s Vinyl Shack 977 Linden Ave. Carpinteria Ca 93013 (805) 318-5506 Vintage LP records and current new releases.

Vinyl Art and Nostalgic Posters....more than just a record store...

A BLAST FROM THE PAST !

Worthy of a trip to Carpinteria.....stop in and say “Hi”. california101guide.com

You do not want to miss this hidden gem, located on the north end of Carpinteria Ave. off the beaten path! Susan Willis LTD, is a very classy and eclectic gift shop that has been here for 26 years, with it’s own parking lot, it is easy and convenient to access.

Come browse through many choices of summer must haves, like Turkish Towels, sun glasses and sun readers, to body lotions and summer treats to tuck into your picnic basket. Treasures, too many to mention. Great gift ideas for your summer Pet and House sitters.

Monday- Saturday 10-5 Summer 2022

59

…simply fine wines at great prices!

Clementine’s Steak House

Top service is provided, along with the quality of our food.

Patio and indoor seating in a quaint environment.

Delicious specials daily.

Wonderful assortment of homemade pies.

Carpinteria Wine Company 4193 Carpinteria Ave. #1, Carpinteria CA 93013 (805) 684-7440 www.carpinteriawineco.com Wines for all occasions NEW ARRIVALS WEEKLY Stop in and shop our tremendous selection!

4631 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria CA 93013

(805) 684-5119

M-F 10-6pm Sat 10-5pm Take the Carpinteria Avenue exit from 101 South - 4th building on the right

The 4th Annual

Food, Wine and Brew Festival

• Food, Wine and Brew Tasting • The Homebrew Challenge • The Mixology Throwdown • The Edible Magazine Education Tent • The Local Music Stage

SEPTEMBER 11, 2022

Celebrate our local harvest. Over 50 area chefs, wineries, brewers, farmers and purveyors are expected to showcase their culinary expertise on Sunday, September 11th on the beautiful lawns of the Ventura County Credit Union corporate office. Get your tickets at TotallyLocalVC.com.

60

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

61

62

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

F RED E VANS S ELLS ... V ENTURA C OUNTY T O THE W ORLD !

Member of RE/MAX Hall of Fame • Top 1% In The Nation

ONE OF VENTURA COUNTIES TOP LISTING & SELLING AGENTS

5543 KAILAS STREET, VENTURA - BRAND NEW HOME. Ventura Skyline Mediterranean Estate. Panoramic ocean, island & city light views. Featuring 4 BR, & 3 BA, Chef’s kitchen w/ high-end Viking appliances, formal dining room, & home office. Viewing balconies w/ cast stone balustrades. Air conditioning, tankless water heaters, irrigated landscaping & more. Approx. 2875 sq. ft. Lot approx. 8625 sq. ft. This home cannot be reproduced at this price w/ today’s cost & materials. Listed for $1,999,000. www.5543KailasStreet.com

111 W GUIBERSON ROAD, FILLMORE - Fillmore 12.58-acre Navel Orange Grove with single Family home. Spacious 2800 square foot 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, family room and living room with 2 fireplaces, high open beam ceilings. Built in 1981. Grove needs replanting, currently approximately 1300 trees, and 13 / 80 interest in a shared well. Avocados on the perimeter. Beautiful view of the Heritage Valley and the Sespe Mountain Range.

Tremendous potential. Offered at $1,500,000. www.FredEvans.com

3878 MOUND AVENUE, VENTURA - Just listed Midtown Ventura Mid-century Modern Home. First time on the market in 66 years.

Built in 1948. Classic 2 level home is approx..3500 sq. ft. w/ 4 BR & 3 BA’s over ¼ of an acre lot. Huge 500 sq ft living room w/ hardwood floors & massive stone-faced fireplace. Formal dining room, beautiful original kitchen & breakfast room. Game room, laundry room, workshop, roof top deck, & covered patio w/ builtin fireplace. OFFERED AT $1,495,000 www.3878MoundAve.com

2386 FOSTER AVENUE, VENTURA - Ventura Heights Ocean, Island & City Views Hillside Home. Elegant upgraded 3 BR, 2 BA home. Built in 1975 w/ approx..2782 sq. ft. Gorgeous hardwood floors, high Knotty Pine wood plank ceilings & exposed wood beams along w/ panoramic views. Outdoor kitchen with island seating. Outdoor fireplace, waterfall & more. NEW PRICE $1,495,000 www.2386Foster.com

1159 EL CENTRO STREET, OJAI - Located on private road in Miramar Ojai. A peaceful rural setting with river rock wall. This 3 BR, 2 BA home was built in 1972, it has approx. 1723 sq. ft, & a lot size of approx.12,600 sq. ft. This property has tremendous potential. Located close to shopping and schools. Within minutes to downtown Ojai where you can enjoy concerts, plays, restaurants, festivals and more. NEW PRICE $899,000 www.1159ElCentroStreet.com

KOENIGSTEIN, SANTA PAULA - Upper Ojai, 20 Acres Hilltop Home Site. Spectacular views of the Topa Topas and the valley below. Open spaces and peaceful surroundings. Access easement adjacent to 12096 Koenigstein Road. Temporary graded road to top of the hill. Offered at $795,000 www.FredEvans.com

10096 JAMESTOWN STREET, VENTURA - East Ventura Woodside Cottage. Single Story 3 bedrooms, 2 bath built in 1989. Approximately 1274 square feet, lot size approximately 4750 sq. ft. Large living room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, granite counters in kitchen and baths. Close schools, parks and more. NEW PRICE $749,000 www.JamestownSt.com

1678 BUENA VISTA STREET, VENTURA - Ventura Ocean & Island View Lot. Vacant lot & buildable hard to find in the heart of Ventura with .75 acres. Located in the quiet and private Buena Vista tract. Buena Vista Street is a cul-de-sac and not much traffic coming through. Avocado trees. Soil & geological completed. Gas & power available at the street.

Views of ocean & mountains. Located close to parks, schools and down town Ventura. Listed for $475,000 www.fredevans.com

91 POLLOCK LANE, VENTURA - Desirable Lemonwood Park, east Ventura. Senior Living, spacious mobile home on large lot (approx.

5445 sq. ft.). Upgraded & expanded 2-BR, 2 BA coach is approx.

1616 sq. ft. Remodeled kitchen w/ granite counter tops & wood like flooring. Quality dual-paned window, newer water heater, & copper plumbing. Addition work / shop / storage / building w/ electrical power & water. Spacious sunroom addition. Several fruit trees. PRICE REDUCED TO $349,900 www.91PollockLn.com

FRED EVANS-CO-FOUNDER OF RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS NOW IN HIS 37TH YEAR OF SELLING REAL ESTATE

fredevans.com global.remax.com

Translated in over 42 languages

california101guide.com

Buying or Selling?

Call The Fred Evans Team:

805-339-3502 (office) or 805-267-6701 (cell)

Fred Evans - Bringing a world of Real Estate knowledge & experience to Ventura County.

DRE Lic.# 00893591

Summer 2022

63

Fine writing instruments & artsy accoutrements for creative types.

442 E. Main Street Ventura, CA 93001

Visit our website!

Follow us on social media

An Emporium for you and your home Artfully curated artisan and sustainability driven goods in beautiful historic downtown Ventura.

446 E. Main Street Ventura, CA 93001

www.BonMain.com 805-643-9309

Follow us on social media

64

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

I t ’s time to love the spacс where you live.

Enhance every moment with artwork that brings you and your spaces to life.

401 E. M S.

D V *Book a Free Consultation

california101guide.com

Hello@LatitudesGallery.com

805.642.5257 L AT I T U D E S G A L L E RY . C O M

F

s  o d Y Summer 2022

65

Views stretch on d

66

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

PIEDRA BLANCA

Exploring the “white rocks” of Los Padres National Forest Story and photos by Adam Nuñez

dramatically in every direction.

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

67

You’ll know the Piedra Blanca when you see them.

Heading up into the Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai, the iconic rock formations will appear suddenly as you round a corner, protruding like enormous crowns in the middle of a rugged green valley. The main rock formations stretch approximately 1 mile east to west, but they provide a full day’s worth of adventure.

You can meander among the massive sandstone giants, scramble to their tops, and picnic in their shaded pockets. Discovering hidden rock caves is my children’s favorite activity. Between the bald rock giants and blanketing the entire valley are manzanita, sage, and a wide range of other chaparral plants, along with a few hardy pine trees sprinkled about.

The 31-mile-long Sespe Creek runs along the south side of the rocks, with the craggy peaks of the Los Padres National Forest stretching in

Main trail sign on the east side of the parking lot.

Views stretch on dramatically in every direction.

68

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

every direction.

To get to the Piedra Blanca, head north on Highway 33 from the 101 in Ventura. Pass through the Ojai Valley, and after about 28 miles, hang a right onto Rose Valley Road. No off-road vehicle is necessary; still, you’ll want to take it slow to avoid major potholes. Head east for six miles and you’ll reach your starting point: the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail.

The trailhead map, showing the entire 18-mile trail.

The trailhead is located at the east end of the parking lot, which conveniently has two restrooms. On weekends the parking lot might be full; however, keep in mind that this is a central location for many overnight backpackers exploring the deeper reaches of the mountains. The entire trail is about 18 miles long, ending at Reyes Creek

Sespe Creek swimming hole. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

69

Manzanita are unmistakable with their dark reddish bark and sage foliage. These two topped out at over 10 feet.

Campground to the northeast, but getting to the Piedra Blanca is a relatively short trek.

Once on the trail, you’ll likely experience a true sense of “getting away from it all.”

After heading a short distance downhill, the trail splits with a branch heading to the left.

Although the left option seems like the more direct route, this dead-ends at a wide section of Sespe Creek where you can take a plunge in the icy waters on a hot summer day. But to find the Piedra Blanca rock formations, you’ll want to continue straight along the trail.

From here it’s just about a 1-mile, slightly uphill hike. There are a few creek crossings lined with football-sized rocks to help keep your feet dry.

You’re getting close when you pass the Sespe Wilderness sign.

Once you arrive, explore the formations at your leisure. Pay attention to the way the light filters through manzanita and plays off the sandstone rocks as they undulate across the sea of chaparral. Time seems to slow down, but the hours pass quickly here. It’s no wonder the local Chumash tribe considers this area sacred.

Sespe Creek swimming hole.

70

Summer 2022

As you enjoy this inspiring landscape, follow the california101guide.com

Sespe Creek sign near the trailhead.

Leave No Trace principles: Make sure to carry out everything you’ve packed in. And before heading “up the hill,” remember the Boy Scouts’ motto: Be Prepared! Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. My last visit was in mid-March with a weather forecast of 65 degrees, but the high ended up being nearly 90 degrees, with a low of 50 walking back in the rain. The summer months can be scorching

Sespe Creek crossing.

A rainbow stretches over the Piedra Blanca. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

71

hot, so try to get an early start, and bring a hat!

The Los Padres National Forest is prone to wildfires in the summer and ice and snow in the winter, so make sure to check road conditions before heading up. Also, make sure you’ve purchased an Adventure Pass, which you’ll need to display on your windshield. The fee is $5 for a daily pass and $30 for an annual one. Contact the Ojai Forest Service office at (805) 448-6487 or do a search for “Los Padres National Forest Adventure Pass” to obtain your pass.

Backpackers can venture further up the Gene Marshall Trail to find rustic campsites in the Sespe Wilderness, but for those wanting to car camp, plan on staying down the road at Rose Valley Campground or Middle Lion Campground.

We’ll leave you with a final note from Jeff Meyers, who wrote about the Piedra Blanca in the L.A. Times: “Unlike other hiking trails, the Piedra Blanca National Scenic Trail pays off with a quasi-religious experience. Surrounded by the white rock, one is almost required to be reverent and discuss philosophical subjects in a respectful whisper.”

You don’t need to be religious or philosophical The trail winds through the brush, as the Piedra Blanca loom just up ahead.

Juan and Danny Nuñez scaling up a rock.

72

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Early summer hikers get lucky and find a few castilleja (commonly known as Indian paintbrush) still in bloom.

to appreciate the beauty that Meyers describes. But it’s easy to imagine, while sitting in a rock cave, that a Chumash Native American might have sat in that exact same spot hundreds or even thousands of years ago. Just allowing yourself to relax, breathe, and simply BE in the rocky stillness will be well worth the visit.

A hole in the rock frames views of the sandstone formations in the distance. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

73

SEAS The Day! Summer Bucket List at Ventura Harbor Village

1 2 3 4 5

with these 12 quintessentially summer experiences

Head Out to Sea: Book an epic Channel Islands National Park adventure with Island Packers. Or scout for majestic fin, blue and humpback whales a daylong Summer Whale Watching excursion.

Savor Fresh Catch: Relish in fresh-as-it-gets seafood served up at Harbor favorites such as Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Boatyard Pub, Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant and Wild Local Fish Market—always worth the drive!

Cruise Around: Rent a boat, kayak, or SUP from Ventura Boat Rentals to explore Ventura Harbor & wildlife. Sparkle on the water weekend evenings, with lit dragon, duck or swan peddle boats!

Dive In: Get SCUBA certified via Ventura Dive & Sport and become an underwater explorer.

Already certified? Book a guided diving excursion with one of our dive charters.

Find Your Groove: Live steel drum & DJ sets Saturday & Sunday afternoons on the waterfront Promenade Stage from noon until 3 p.m! More live entertainment daily feature delicious international cuisines on seaside patios of 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese Boatyard Pub, Copa Cubana, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood and Margarita Villa.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Cool Down: Treat yourself to must-try rainbow-hued icy cold “Dreamland” summer-themed ice cream creations at Coastal Cone – think “Babyshark” & “Baby Narwahls” or grab cold drinks at Harbor Market & Liquor.

Stay Fresh: Sip Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco fresh fruit infused frescas paired with handmade Mexican dishes—the perfect combo on a warm summer day.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Savor hand-crafted gourmet goodies & eats from Le Petit Café, Bakery & Restaurant, Sugar Lab Bake Shop and Top This Chocolate.

Shop ‘Til You Drop: Update for summer at Anja’s Boutique, Barefoot Boutique, Casa de Regalos, Hats Unlimited, Lost in Socks and Ventura Swimwear.

Hunt for Treasures: Browse for one-of-a-kind gifts and housewares at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, Mermaid Gallery, Treasure Cove and Ventura Pottery Gallery.

Pamper Yourself: Be summer ready with Frenchie’s Modern Nail Salon, Lemon & Lei bath & body products, hair services by Silhouettes by the Beach or Hair Extensions by Shirley.

Tackle a Challenge: Gather your crew for summer fun to conquer The Ultimate Escape Rooms!

74

Summer 2022

Pro-tip: Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com to be the first to know about new restaurants & tasting rooms opening soon! california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

75

PREMIUM CUSTOMIZABLE CHOCOLATE

Freshest Seafood

Over 50 toppings to choose from.

Get your name on a bar in chocolate letters.

Ready in 8 minutes.

A fun chocolate experience for the whole family.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS! 1982-2022 OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE (805) 654-8228

Ventura Harbor Village 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (805) 535-4167 •• We ship •• Order online ••

www.andriasseafood.com

TopThisChocolate.com

Authorized Concessioner to

Ventura Swimwear

The Channel Islands National Park

A Southern California Favorite!

H I K E • K AYA K • CA M P

Whale Watch or Island Wildlife Cruises (805) 642-6281 559 Spinnaker Dr # 102 • Ventura, CA 93001

Photos by Doug Mangum

Call or Book Online

ISLANDPACKERS.COM 805-642-1393 76

Summer 2022

Ventura Swimwear is a local favorite! You’re sure to find the right suit in their large selection of swimsuits, including board shorts, bikinis, and one-pieces! Ventura Swimwear also carries everything else you need for the beach: towels, apparel, hats, cover-ups, and cute jewelry, too. Stop by the shop and find out why people travel for miles to visit Ventura Swimwear. california101guide.com

8am-11am And 3pm-7pm SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Open 8am - 2am

VE NT

VENTURA HIGHWAY HOT SPOT! , CALIFORNI A A UR . 1985 EST

Handcrafted Cocktails!

Call for info or check out our Facebook and Instagram pages!

21+ w/ID

LIV

C K TA I L

E ENT

LO

U

T

EN

NG

CO

M

•Diamond Pool Tables •Jukebox •Karaoke •Live Music •FREE Stand Up Comedy •Friendly Staff and Locals

E

IPAs and Craft Beers on Tap!

A ERT

IN

Authentic Mexican Food Truck Available Tuesday - Saturday after 5pm

2493 Grand Ave, Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 642-2411

34 N. PALM ST. VENTURA, CALIFORNIA 805 | 667 | 9288

americanflagsandcutlery.com store@americanflagsandcutlery.com

california101guide.com

Winter Hours: M-Thursday 10:30-5 Friday & Saturday 10:30-6 Sunday 11-5

Summer 2022

77

an Ojai tradition since 1964

Open Every Day 10-6 | bartsbooksojai@gmail.com 302 W. Matilija Street | 805-646-3755

78

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

c a o l L F e c l n a e v i r o e rs p x E COMPANY

of Ojai LLC

Visit our Honey Tasting Room at 206 E. Ojai Ave! 805-633-9103 | www.HeavenlyHoneyCompany.com california101guide.com

Summer 2022

79

CRYSTALS • JEWELRY • HOME DECOR SOUND BATHS~WELLNESS TREATMENTS CRYSTAL CONSULTS CRYSTAL SHOPPING PARTIES

SORENITY ROCKS

Ojai

Dan Schultz Fine Art Gallery & Studio 106 N. Signal St., Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 317-9634 danschultzfineart.com

901 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 90323 at the lil’ yellow house • 805-272-8363 SorenityRocks.com @SorenityRocksOjai

80

Summer 2022

The gallery’s exclusive focus is artwork by American fine artist, Dan Schultz. Visitors will see the full range of his subject matter including his popular plein air Ojai landscapes, his awardwinning paintings of figures outdoors and also his portrait work. “In fact, Dan has been named Best Artist in Ojai by the Ojai Valley News Best of Ojai competition.”

When Dan isn’t outdoors painting the beautiful Ojai landscape, he is usually painting in his studio area inside the gallery. Please stop and visit next time you’re in the Ojai area! california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

81

FARM STAND FANS Ojai’s country roads offer freshpicked produce — and nostalgia for simpler times

By Hannah Little

All photos by Misty Hall

New Ojai residents often wonder why there are helicopters flying over the orchards on cold winter nights. It’s not helicopters, but wind machines, keeping the warm air low to protect the fruit that will soon fill farm stands across the valley.

When winter retreats and spring begins, the Ojai Valley citrus trees bulge with juicy and delicious oranges, lemons, and Pixie tangerines. But thanks to the valley’s ideal growing conditions, you can find fresh fruit year-round in this corner of Ventura County.

Locals know that when the trees overflow with fruit, so too do the wood-framed farm stands that dot the roads across the valley.

“The sweetness of a freshly picked Pixie from a farm stand during Pixie season just can’t be beat,” said Ojai’s James Grigsby.

He and his partner, Carrie Switzer, admit that they are a product of a very spoiled town. “People who don’t like oranges have never had an orange off a farm stand in Ojai,” said Grigsby. “I have a friend who can’t drink store-bought orange juice because he grew up here.”

This is not a new phenomenon. Since the late 1800s, farming, especially avocados and citrus, has been a major revenue source for Ojai residents. Ojai itself has changed in many ways over the years (think tourism dollars), but the farm stands, luckily, have remained.

82

Summer 2022

Driving down rural roads in the Ojai Valley might not always yield a farm stand, but beautiful views are all but guaranteed. california101guide.com

Take what you need, pay what you can. The small-town sense of community here in Ojai remains strong.

The Ojai farm stands are a well-kept secret from passing travelers. From a moving car window, it’s easy to dismiss the haphazard piles of fruit as typical grocery-store produce. But the fruit stored in those hand-built boxes is anything but typical.

Drive up to one and start chatting with a local shopper, and you’ll learn why. Lupe Laura has spent 30 years living in Ojai and raised her kids on the fruit she buys from the farm stands. “I will only buy my fruit at farm stands,” said Laura.

“When one is empty, I will just drive to the next one.”

Laura distrusts the quality of store-bought fruit because she has no idea when it was picked or how long and far it traveled to end up on a shelf. But the fruit in these shaded stands is sold just a few feet away from the land where it was harvested — usually on that same day.

Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta in Ojai’s East End also includes a farm stand. Owner DeWayne Boccali is baffled that the saying “farm to table” has been commercialized. He has lived and sold the real farm-to-table experience for decades, creating a thriving restaurant which feeds on the california101guide.com

Keystone Ranch farm stand on Grand Avenue, in Ojai’s East End. Summer 2022

83

Fresh-picked citrus at a Grand Avenue stand.

Ojai citrus ripens on trees just a few feet from the farm stands where they’re sold.

fresh Ojai grown produce that comes straight from Boccali’s 2-acre garden and orchards. What he doesn’t use for the restaurant — or at his own home — ends up on his farm stand.

“Real ranch, real farm, real food,” said Boccali. “That’s what you’re getting at the restaurant and the stand.”

he’s like, ‘Uhh hi, I was just wondering, do you have them?’”

Davis recalled, giggling.

Beyond the quality of fruit that you get at farm stands, the abundance of them creates a readily available supply of easily accessible produce at any time. “It’s really a 24-hour local quick mart,” Grigsby pointed out. “You can go out and get a lemon at 3 in the morning. Which is pretty cool!”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a vast number of people flocked to the farm stands. These tiny outdoor markets provided a much less risky shopping experience — with the added bonus of freshness, of course. Nan Davis, who currently runs her long-time family farm, spent much of her pandemic isolation running wagons of fruit from her orchards to her farm stand. “I was picking anywhere between three and five hours a day,” she said. “I just couldn’t keep the stand full!”

Not surprisingly, the people who bought the fruit and produce for convenience and safety during the pandemic got hooked.

Locals and visitors alike come to Davis’s stand for their seasonal fruit fix, she said. “I have an older gentleman, I think he’s probably in his 80s, who drives from Santa Monica for my oranges and when they’re not out, he knocks on my door and 84

Summer 2022

The majority of farms in Ojai get picked commercially and their produce is sold around the world, but there is always excess produce. The farm stands have given an opportunity for farmers to see all of their produce sold and enjoyed, said Ojai farmer and school administrator, Tracy Wilson.

Wilson owns and manages a 100-acre ranch that commercially sells oranges, lemons, and avocados. Farming is a tricky business; wind, drought, and the economy can affect sales from one year to the next, she said. “There are times when you don’t know if your fruit is going to make it to market,” said Wilson. “There is something reliable about the fact that you can always put it out on your own farm stand and have control over how much you’re gonna get and how much you’re going to sell.”

Although much of what can be found on Ojai’s farm stands is seasonal fruit, visitors can also often find eggs, flowers, honey, vegetables, and more. On Gridley Road, a purple, blue, and green painted stand sits on the side of the road and is filled not only with fruit, but an abundance of flower bunches and bulbs when the season is right. The owner, Rick Brooks, has found a passion for growing not only fruit and vegetables in his garden, but also tulips, lavender, oriental california101guide.com

Ojai’s version of a billboard.

lilies, and more.

Brooks has also created the idea to cater his gardening skills to what folks want. “I made a chalkboard to put out there that says, ‘Is there anything that you want me to grow?’ If people have comments of what they would like to eat in particular, I could grow what people wanted,” said Brooks.

It is this sense of community that sits at the heart of these farm stands. Although visitors might not meet the farmer in person when they pull up to a stand, there is an implicit connection between seller and buyer. And that connection extends to the little wooden chests and rusted metal boxes attached to the stands to collect money. The customers are expected to pay through the honesty system.

“One of my customers from L.A. was laughing and said he couldn’t believe it’s an honor system. He goes, ‘This wouldn’t last an hour on my street,’” said Davis. “I think that a part of Ojai is the honesty and sincerity of the community.”

Across the street from Davis’s stand on Grand Avenue is the stand owned by Brian Whitaker. Unlike many other farm stands, his does not hang a sign of prices but a california101guide.com

The Cutbert Ranch stand rewards those who drive just a little further up Gridley past the Shelf Road turnout.

Summer 2022

85

You never know what might pop up on these wooden stands.

sign that reads in bold letters: Take what you need and pay what you can.

Although most farm stands list prices for their fruit, the farmers all embody the same giving spirit. Wilson recalled neighbors not having money on-hand but needing an avocado for dinner. Her response? “Of course, take it and pay whenever you can.”

“There’s something really heartening in this day and age, that there’s such a level of trust,” said Wilson. “Whether you’re a tourist or a local, we’ve never ever had a problem with anyone stealing.” Other farmers shared that sentiment, saying that stealing happens rarely — and when it does happen, people don’t go for the money, but the fresh fruit.

Ojai farm stand owners communicate with their customers the oldfashioned way.

86

Summer 2022

For those wishing to visit these hidden gems sprinkled around the valley, the best place to start is on Grand Avenue where you can find about eight farm stands tucked on the edge of the road or just inside driveways. But if you happen to find yourself in the Ojai area, do yourself a favor and explore the quiet roads around the edges of the valley, particularly in the East End. You’re sure to be delighted by the fruits of your labor. california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

87

Roca Vista Ranch - Enjoy resort-style living at this luxurious, private, 10-acre estate in Upper Ojai with a complete leisure package: lagoon-style pool with beach entrance and wading pool, spa, tournament-grade tennis court, equestrian facilities, family orchard, art studio, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and patio fireplace, gym, and media room. Flagstone patios flank the main house for indooroutdoor entertaining, while the guest house/pool house offers a gym, kitchenette, steam shower, enclosed outdoor shower and changing room, and pool and patio storage. The main house features three fireplaces, large island with breakfast bar, Viking range with griddle, two refrigerators and freezers, wet bar, family room or library, media room, office, two guest wings, six-inch plank floors, custom light fixtures, and upscale finishes. Additional features include a three-car garage, two-car garage, solar array with Tesla battery packs, and separate laundry room with commercial machines. www.RocaVistaRanchOjai.com $5,700,000

Nora Davis (805) 207-6177 CA BRE#01046067

2016 Realtor® of the year!

ojaivalleyestates.com 88

Summer 2022

We Know Ojai. We’re Lifelong Residents.

The Davis Group nora@ojaivalleyestates.com LIV Sotheby’s International Realty california101guide.com

Royal Oaks Ranch - Royal Oaks Ranch is a perfect example of the Ojai lifestyle that draws so many to the valley. With just a fiveminute drive, you can be in the heart of downtown Ojai enjoying boutique shopping, fine dining, weekly farmers markets, spas, galleries, community theater, and concerts in the park. But you don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy luxury amenities and resort-style living every day with a wine cellar and tasting room, massage room, indoor and outdoor putting greens, driving range, golf swing room, pool, spa, Bocce court, slate chessboard, volleyball and badminton court, family orchard, media room, library, four fireplaces, indooroutdoor entertaining spaces, dual primary suites, and voice- and phone-controlled lighting and music. All of this is on five private, gated acres also featuring a private well with stone pumphouse, 10,000-gallon water tank, RV parking with hookups, six-car garages, workshop space, 150-year copper roof, copper gutters, and mountain views. RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com Price Upon Request

Nora Davis (805) 207-6177 CA BRE#01046067

2016 Realtor® of the year! california101guide.com

We Know Ojai. We’re Lifelong Residents.

The Davis Group nora@ojaivalleyestates.com LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Summer 2022

89

SHOP OUR WIDE SELECTION OF CRYSTALS AND HEALING STONES Tumbled Stones Crystal Specimens Smudging Herbs & Incense Spiritual Decor Books, Gifts & More MONDAY - FRIDAY 11- 5 SAT + SUN 11- 6

thecrystalcornerojai.com

thecrystalcornerojai

805 272 8402 • 201 N Ventura St, Ojai CA 90

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

A TIMELESS ROADSIDE RESORT IN THE HEART OF SA N TA B A R B A R A C O U N T Y ’S H I G H D E S E RT cuyamabuckhorn.com | (661) 766-2825 | @cuyamabuckhorn

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

91

Walk-ins welcome!

Chinese massage releases stress, increases circulation and energy –

Full body, foot or chair massage 60 minutes - $50

Oriental Oil Body Massage 60 minutes - $56 60 minutes - $70

1002 East Ojai Avenue, Suite B, Ojai (805) 299-5899 • www.BambooCreekSpa.com

Shady Lane

Grand Avenue

Park Road

AA Relaxing Station

Montgomery

Signal Street

Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm (Tuesday 11 am to 8 pm)

Bamboo Creek Spa

Ojai Avenue

AA Relaxing Station - our downtown Arcade location Phone (805) 302-1166 - 323 E. Matilija Street, #112

203 N. Signal St Ojai, CA 805*798*9291 *Tues Locals 10% off

e Best On d of a Kinss Busine

Best Photo graphe r

www.pixiesgeneralstore.com

92

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Dining Guide

— OJAI

CA 101

Sakura Ojai Japanese Restaurant 219 E. Matilija St., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 646-8777 www.sakuraojai.com

Mon - Thur - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 9:30 • Fri - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 10:00 • Sat 11:30 - 10:00 • Sun - 11:30 - 9:30 • Sushi, Roll• Vegetarian Dishes • Teppan Yaki (Salmon, Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, Rib Eye Steak) • Soup and Noodles • Salad and More!

Bonnie Lu’s Country Cafe

328 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 646-0207

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 7am - 2:30pm • Closed Wednesdays We are a charming country cafe serving good fixin’s with a smile! An Ojai favorite classic American diner since 1995.

Traditional comfort food including farm-fresh omelets, homemade soups, and hearty sandwiches made with ingredients from local distributors

Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill 214 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-1301

www.jimandrobsojai.com Voted Best Burrito & Best Burger in town! Proudly serving locals & visitors for over 21 years!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Veggie, Vegan & G-free items available!

Margaritas, Seasonal Cocktails, Craft Beers • Happy Hours 3-6 pm Mon-Fri, Sports on 5 HDTVs! Restaurant open @8am Daily Enjoy a drink on the patio! Cantina open @12pm M-F, 11am S-S

Ca’ Marco Ristorante

1002 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023

(805) 640-1048 www.camarcoojai.com

Ca’ Marco has become a hit in Ojai with its inviting atmosphere and delicious authentic Italian dishes. On warm days guests enjoy the patio with views to the back nine of the Soule Park Golf Course. When it chills up they cozy up inside near the fireplace.

No matter where you sit, you bask in that sweet spot between fine dining and comfort food that Ca’ Marco has managed to master. The food is prepared to impress, from the fresh bread and dipping sauce brought to the table, to the thoughtfully constituted salads, to the homemade pizza and large, interesting wine list.

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

93

Pick and Play at

Underwood Family Farms

Nestled between the rolling hills of Moorpark, about 10 minutes north of Thousand Oaks, is an ideal summer family getaway. Underwood Family Farms is a sprawling 200 acres of farmland and a myriad of fun activities for the kids. There are animal petting and feeding stations, live animal shows, climbable haystacks, tricycles, tunnels, slides, tractor rides, and even a cow-shaped bouncy house.

A wooden train makes a great playground.

94

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Story & photos by Adam Nuñez

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

95

The main entrance sign to the Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark.

The crown jewel of Underwood though is the farm itself, where you can pick your own produce. Year-round, there are dozens of types of fruit and vegetables to harvest.

96

In early summer, the fields yield some of the sweetest strawberries in Ventura County, along with crisp lettuce, ruby red beets, plump onions, juicy tomatoes, and many

Families stroll together under a tunnel covered by passionfruit.

A variety of basketball-sized lettuce.

Families harvest delicious strawberries together.

Ripe beets ready for harvest.

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

other tantalizing crops. It’s hard not to smile when you’re sitting atop the tractor as it pulls up next to the fields, and you feast your eyes upon all the harvesting options.

The history of Underwood Family Farms stretches back to 1867 when the Underwood family began farming in Ventura County, and it’s still family owned and operated to this day. As soon as you walk onto the property, it’s easy to sense the dedication and care the family has put into making this an enjoyable family experience.

Parents can easily turn an Underwood visit into a teachable moment. It’s not often that children have the chance to see where food actually comes from, especially when it’s fresh and local. Underwood Family Farms gives families the opportunity to get their hands dirty (and possibly muddy). Kids might even be motivated to eat more of those vegetables if they picked them!

A tractor pulls visitors towards the harvesting fields.

If it’s a full meal you’re looking for, Underwood has its own food truck, the We Bee Grubbin (get it?). They serve fruit smoothies, Philly cheesesteaks, tomato pesto grilled cheese, and more. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring in your own food.

The Underwood Family Farms Somis produce market located near the corner of Los Angeles Ave. and Somis Rd.

Part of a special mining activity kids can participate in. california101guide.com

Baby chicks for the petting.

Kids can ride tricycles around a dirt track.

Summer 2022

97

Both adults and kids alike will enjoy the live animal show. We watched rats climb rope, pigs sit and rollover, sheep push barrels, and dogs crawl on their bellies. The amphitheater is quaint and personal, with trainers happy to answer questions. One of the trainers, Mckenna, has worked at Underwood for two years and says she simply loves working with the animals and sharing her joy with visitors.

While it’s still summer, teachers can plan ahead for the fall. Underwood hosts educational field trips for traditional schools and homeschooling families. Tours are 2-1/2 Combine slides are one of the many free activities at Underwood.

to 4-1/2 hours long and include a variety of fruit/ vegetable picking options along with different animal experiences. Similar to field trips, Underwood can even host your next birthday party with the same variety of experiential opportunities!

Autumn is also a popular time to visit Underwood because of the Fall Harvest. During October, there are huge fields full of pumpkins ready for carving, along with live entertainment on weekends.

Animal Trainer, Mckenna, shows the audience tricks with one of the three pigs at the live animal show.

One of the furry alpacas that calls Underwood Family Farms home.

98

Summer 2022

Can’t make it to Underwood’s Moorpark farm? You can visit their stands at local farmer’s markets all across Ventura County, from Westlake Village to the city of Ventura. They also have a permanent shop located in the charming agricultural town of Somis, just north of Camarillo, which has a few animals to view and feed as well.

California poppies grow along the strawberry fields.

Ducks relax in the sunshine next to a cool pond. california101guide.com

An intricate treehouse-like hangout for the goats.

There is so much to love about Underwood Family Farms.

In addition to the animal petting stations, you’ll find wooden play equipment, hay pyramids, combine slides, a tricycle trail, tractor rides, and of course, the ability to pick your own fruits and vegetables. As well, the shop offers specialty gifts, gift baskets, and pickup/delivery options. There are only just a few places like Underwood where children can run off their energy while you shop for your groceries!

Keep in mind that while some of the activities are at no extra fee, others require a ticket purchase. Be sure to call or check the website for up-to-date information about events and seasonal produce on offer. Admission is $10 per person on weekends and $6 per person on weekdays. Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans, and Emergency First Responders receive a $2 admission discount with valid ID. Find the farms at 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, and 5696 E. Los Angeles Ave, Somis.

Both locations are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

For more: (805) 529-3690 or underwoodfamilyfarms.com california101guide.com

Rubber tire tunnels to run through.

Summer 2022

99

HORSE, HEART & CONNECTION A n E q u i n e E x p e r i e n c e i n O j a i , C a l i fo r n i a Explore spiritual wellness, mindfulness and embodied intuition with the horse as your mirror - with Equine Facilitated Learning teacher, Andrea Gaines

is an opportunity to be with

Small group sessions and privates, maximum 6 participants.

to explore your intuitive

Cultivate your inner knowing with horses.

Equine Facilitated Learning horses, without riding, nature, non-verbal

communication and be your authentic self.

Andrea Gaines (847) 971-3643

Instagram: @horseheartandconnection

horseheartandconnection.com

Explore Ojai Valley’s History, Art and Culture 130 W. Ojai Ave. 805 640-1390 OjaiValleyMuseum.org

100

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

INDIA

RISHI VALLEY

JOSHUA TREE NATI O NA L PA RK

DISCOVER OAK GROVE SCHOOL

oakgroveschool.org california101guide.com

the art of

living & learning Oak Grove School’s expansive, 150-acre campus is reflective of its academic approach: A college preparatory DAY and BOARDING High School with an intimate, home-style boarding program. A rich academic curriculum, emphasizing depth over breadth, spanning PRESCHOOL through HIGH SCHOOL. Engaging OUTDOOR EDUCATION courses that include camping, backpacking, international and domestic travel. This approach prepares students to function with excellence, care, and responsibility in the world.

Summer 2022

101

Who We Are A Catholic college preparatory school in the Augustinian Tradition since 1924 Day and boarding programs; offering local transportation and both 5-day and 7-day boarding opportunities IB World School and the only boarding school in California offering the IB Diploma Progamme An international community with students from 17 different countries across 5 continents Education of mind, heart and body with 17 varsity sports, a variety of visual and performing arts, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities

Limited spaces available for 2022-23 academic year Apply online at villanovaprep.org/admissions

102

Summer 2022

The #1 Coed Catholic School in Southern California according to Niche.com

california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

103

monicaros.org

JOYFUL LEARNING

8 0 years of

Blending academic fundamentals with the richness of the visual arts, drama, and music.

Preserving the magic of childhood in Ojai’s beautiful East End. Pre-K - 3rd Grade • Summer Camp

MONTESSORI

805.646.8184 783 McNell Rd. Ojai, CA 93023 monicaros.org

Sc h o o l o f Oj a i

EDUCATING THE INDIVIDUAL

BUILDING COMMUNITY

CARING FOR THE WORLD

NoW enrolling for Fall 2022

montessori school of ojai Infant-8th grade MSO QUARTERLY

Sp r i n g 2 02 1

805 649 2525 • MSOJAI.COM • 806 W Baldwin Rd, Ojai Educating the Individual • Building Community • Caring for the World License #566212532 & 561702317

104

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

105

CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide - Randy’s Recipes

CA 101

S SUMMERY R RECIPES UMMERY

ECIPES

By Randy Graham

Open-Face Artichoke Melt Sandwiches

Hot fun in the summertime! I remember my summer of 1969 very clearly. I was 18 and had just graduated high school. I had also just gotten my driver’s license and could hardly wait to go to the beach with my friend Ron. The weather in the Santa Clara Valley was close to 100 degrees as Ron and I left for Santa Cruz in his family’s Ford Mustang. We were heading down to watch the moon landing with Gran at 106

Summer 2022

her small home near UC Santa Cruz — and also, to girl-watch on the beach at the Boardwalk.

The family car had a built-in Lear Jet 8-track tape player, and with the top down, we listened to Steve Miller songs on tape: Living in the USA and Space Cowboy.

tell you that we camped out on the beach, and I enjoyed my first campfire marshmallow. It was one of the best summers of my life.

Here are five fun and tasty recipes to consider cooking at the beach, at home, or around a fire at your favorite campground in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or Ventura Counties.

I can’t describe all of the fun we had that summer in Santa Cruz, but I can california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide - Randy’s Recipes Open-Face Artichoke Melt Sandwiches I read an article about an artichoke festival they have in Tuscany, Italy. The article featured a sandwich made with focaccia bread, black olives, and fresh baby artichokes seasoned with lemon juice.

I thought, “I wish I were in Tuscany right now.” Because traveling to Italy was not an option, I sat down at the kitchen table and began outlining artichoke sandwich ideas. I decided my sandwich would be open-faced and, for ease of purchase and prep, use canned artichoke hearts instead of the baby artichokes used at the Tuscan artichoke festival.

As I enjoyed this incredible sandwich in the sun on our back deck, I thought this is the kind of late afternoon meal Diane Lane would have shared with her lover in the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.” It is the perfect sandwich for a summer fling with good food.

This hot, open-faced sandwich begins with a taste of classic Italian fontina cheese and buttery Castelvetrano olives. The fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and crusty ciabatta get a kick from the fresh lemon and explode with flavor as you savor every bite.

CA 101

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 /4� cup Italian parsley (chopped coarsely) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 ripe plum tomatoes (sliced 1/2� inch thick) 2 ciabatta rolls (cut in half horizontally) 1 /2� cup Castelvetrano olives (pit and slice in half) 4 deli slices fontina cheese Directions: Slice artichoke hearts in half lengthwise. Pat dry and set aside.

Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add artichokes to the skillet and sauté until golden — about five minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Transfer to a small bowl and stir gently to mix.

Cover and set aside.

Return skillet to heat; add remaining one tablespoon of oil.

Arrange tomato slices in skillet and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about five minutes, then turn each slice over and cook for another 60 seconds. Remove pan from heat and set aside.

Makes 4 open-faced sandwiches.

Assembly: Scoop out the doughy bottom of each ciabatta half, creating a cavity for the filling. Spread each half with 1/4� of the olives.

Mound the artichoke mixture over olives and arrange tomato slices over the artichokes. Place one slice of cheese over tomatoes.

Ingredients: 14-ounce can artichoke hearts (cut hearts in half lengthwise) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided) 1 small clove garlic (minced)

Place sandwich halves on a baking sheet and place the sheet on a rack in the middle of the oven. Broil until cheese melts - about two minutes. Watch carefully, so the cheese does not burn.

Remove sandwiches from the oven and serve while still hot.

Serve with a nice bottle of coastal chardonnay and clink glasses to toast friends, lovers, and the sunny weather we enjoy here on California’s Central Coast. Mangiamo!

Bang Bang Corn on the Cob You’ve heard, no doubt, about Bang Bang Shrimp. But have you heard about Bang Bang Corn with a sweet chilibutter sauce? This simple corn-on-the-cob recipe is perfect because it’s different, cooked on the grill, and doesn’t heat the kitchen. Serve it with salmon skewers, a fresh Caesar salad, and a chilled beverage!

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients: 1 /2� cup sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce 3 tablespoons melted butter 2 cloves garlic (minced) 2 tablespoons lime juice Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper 6 ears corn (husks and silk removed) 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped for garnish) california101guide.com

Directions: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 400 degrees).

Mix together chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, butter, garlic, and lime juice. Slather most of this bang bang sauce all over the corn and season generously with salt and pepper.

Grill the corn, occasionally turning and basting with the remaining bang bang sauce, until tender and charred, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from grill and garnish with cilantro.

Summer 2022

107

CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide - Randy’s Recipes

CA 101

Campfire Marshmallow and Apple Hand Pies Consider this hand pie recipe next time you look for something different to make at the campfire.

It’s a cross between roasted marshmallows and a slice of apple pie, and is good for a crisp morning breakfast or a latenight snack by the campfire.

You’ll need a sandwich maker if you don’t already have one. I use a Coghlan’s Camp Cooker which is inexpensive and holds up well over time, but many of these devices are available on the internet, so whatever works best for you is what you should use.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Ingredients: 1 can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (8 biscuits per can) 1 cup apple pie filling 4 large marshmallows

Magic Oatmeal Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this summer? How about making my Magic Oatmeal? Kids love it, and it is something you can do without heating the kitchen. It is a quick, hearty, and nutritious breakfast perfectly measured out for one person. Double or triple the recipe for more helpings. Add fresh blueberries as a topping if you have them!

Directions: Spray the interior of the sandwich maker with buttery cooking spray.

Open the can of biscuits and flatten out each biscuit to the size of the sandwich maker. Layer one biscuit, 1/2�cup of apple pie filling, and one marshmallow in the sandwich maker. Then layer one biscuit on top of that. Close the sandwich maker and cook over an open fire for approximately four minutes per side. Cooking times will vary depending on the fire’s heat.

To serve, carefully remove the pie from the sandwich maker and allow it to cool for about two minutes before eating.

Repeat three more times to get four sandwiches.

and stir until the water is absorbed and the oats are soft. Stir in wheat germ. Top with sliced banana and oat milk.

Tip: I use regular oats, cooking them per box instructions.

When they are ready (about eight minutes), I stir in the peanut butter, brown sugar, and wheat germ.

Ingredients: 1 /2� cup quick oats 1 /2� cup boiling water 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 teaspoon organic brown sugar 1 tablespoon wheat germ 1 /2� ripe banana (sliced) 1 /2� cup oat milk (room temperature) Directions: Put oats, water, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a bowl 108

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide - Randy’s Recipes Grilled Chicken Nachos I recently made a bet with my friend, Lol. I bet him I could make nachos without heating up the kitchen. Lol thought this was bar-bet tomfoolery at its best, but it was not. These nachos are made on my outside grill — no kitchen heat at all — and I bet you that if you try them, you’ll smack your lips, as my friend did, and pronounce them amazing!

Makes 2 servings.

Ingredients: 8 ounces tortilla chips 1 1/2� cups cooked shredded chicken (cook your own or buy it shredded as I do) 1 /2� cup barbecue sauce (divided) 1 /2� cup sour cream 2 cups cheddar and jack cheese blend (finely shredded) 1 tomato, chopped (optional) 1 /4� cup red onion, chopped (optional) 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional) 1 /2� bunch cilantro, chopped (optional) 1 /2� large avocado, chopped (optional)

california101guide.com

CA 101

Directions: Preheat your grill for high heat (about 600 degrees). As the grill heats up, prep the ingredients.

Mix the chicken with 1/4�cup of barbecue sauce and set aside.

Mix the sour cream with the balance of the barbecue sauce and set aside.

Take two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil and layer them on top of each other. Crimp the sides so that you have a large open “boat.” Arrange the tortilla chips over the bottom of the foil. Sprinkle 1 1/2� cups of the cheese on top of that. Layer the chicken over the chips and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Place the nacho boats on the preheated grill, cover, and cook for five minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chips are lightly browned at the edges.

To serve, sprinkle with optional extras such as tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle nachos with the sour cream barbecue sauce and munch away!

Summer 2022

109

Location is Everything The historical Foothill Road hosts some of the most beautiful properties in Ojai. The location is ideal, close to downtown as well as the many hiking and biking trails that originate at the Pratt Trailhead.

This home includes 100% owned solar panels and raised beds for a kitchen garden. it is a perfect family home with ample room for kids and grandparents alike.

Come take full advantage of the peace and solace of magical Ojai!

110

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

UPPER FOOTHILL FAMILY PARADISE

This beautiful family home on a private drive off the historical Foothill Road combines modern, spacious living with the exquisite natural beauty of Ojai. The park-like setting cradles the living space and large windows allow interior and ex terior to blend, drawing the gaze outdoors and bringing in the light.

The 4br/4ba home includes a formal dining room, a cottage style sunroom and a gym/office. Two primary bedroom suites feature fireplaces and luxurious bathrooms.

The large kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Crown molding and floors of wood and tile create warmth and charm. An expansive front porch along with an outdoor BBQ and a stone seating area in back offer many opportunities to entertain while enjoying the beauty and serenity of the lushly landscaped nearly 1 acre lot.

1464FoothillRdOjai.com

Offered at $2,750,000

PAT T Y WALTCHER

(805) 340-3774

pattywaltcher.com california101guide.com

Summer 2022

111

MUD LOTUSDESIGNS DESIGNS &LOTUS ACCESORIES FAIR TRADED INDIA EXCLUSIVE CLOTHING./CLOTHING UNIQUE DESIGNS. EXCLUSIVE MUD LOTUS /CLOTHING & ACCESORIES FAIREXCLUSIVE TRADED INDIA EXCLUSIVE CLOTHING. UNIQUEMUD MUD LOTUS DESIGNS. ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE NATURALFABRICS. &&VINTAGE FABRICS NATURAL&&SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE ETHICAL, SUSTAINABLE ,, NATURAL VINTAGE FABRICS NATURAL FABRICS. & Artist Jewelry One of a Kind Clothing & Accessories Hand Block Printed Bed Covers TribalTribal & Artist Jewelry One of a Kind Clothing & Accessories Hand Block Printed Bed Covers Ojai Handmade Tie Dye.

Ojai Handmade Tie Dye. PHONE: 805 252 5882, 305 E. MATILIJA, SUITE G, OJAI - INNER ARCADE’S COURTYARD

PHONE: 805 252 5882, 305 E. MATILIJA, SUITE G, OJAI - INNER ARCADE’S COURTYARD themudlotus 112

Summer 2022

themudlotus

themudlotus.com

themudlotus.com

california101guide.com

Thank You For Voting For Us!

Best Dive Bar in Town Great People

Ojai Valley’s Original Mexican Restauant

Great Vibe Great Service Cold Beer

Best Taco

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best Burrito

Family Owned since 1985

Great Cocktails Pool Table Outdoor Patio

THE HUT

891 Ventura Ave., Oak View 805.649.9595 715 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai 805.640.1577

279 N Lomita Avenue Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 646-0670

GRATITUDE

vintage & thrift

SOULE PARK GOLF COURSE Soule Park Golf Course is one of the Country’s most highly regarded municipal golf courses. Situated in the spectacular Ojai Valley, Soule Park was ranked the 48th best municipal golf course in the country by Golf Week magazine in 2014. The golf course at Soule Park was originally designed by renowned architect William F. Bell in 1962. Bell was responsible for many other iconic Southern California golf courses including Torrey Pines (North and South) in San Diego and Sandpiper in Santa Barbara. In 2005 Soule Park underwent a golf course renovation led by Gil Hanse who is one of the industry’s most highly regarded modern-day golf course architects.

1033 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 646-5633 soulepark.com california101guide.com

secondhand general store vintage clothing, rugs, decor & quality thrift beautiful selection of crystals & jewelry 106 park rd, ojai 415-699-1677

@gratitudevintageandthrift Summer 2022

113

OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE 2007

SAME VIEW 2022

OJAI MEADOWS PRESERVE 2007

SAME VIEW 2022

In today’s changing climate, land protection and restoration are critical to protecting Ojai’s natural capital.

The transformation of the Ojai Meadows Preserve from a wasteland to a vital wetland is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish as a community.

Together we can make Ojai more resilient to climate change. Scan the QR code to learn more and to donate today.

ovlc.org/giving 114

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

115

Photo by Rick Hauser

Visitors will get a chance to get up close and personal to many of the planes featured in the show.

Winging It Wings Over Camarillo air show promises aerobatics, automobiles, and aviation awesomeness

By Misty Hall

Trick airplanes, classic cars, and pyrotechnics. Can you think of a more all-American way to spend a summer afternoon with the family?

Wings Over Camarillo is flying back into town Aug. 20 and 21, with thrills in the sky and on the ground. Along with a fantastic lineup of aircraft, WOC’s bringing back the classic car show 116

Summer 2022

and STEM Pavilion for its 41st year. But of course, the biggest attraction is still the planes. History buffs and aircraft nerds will rejoice in the mix of historic and high-tech, and casual observers will appreciate that these are just really cool-looking planes. You’ll be able to get a close-up view of most of them before and after their flights. Some even allow visitors to hop in the cockpit! california101guide.com

Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo

Aaron Fitzgerald in the Red Bull helicopter, pulling some insane moves.

Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo

The F/A-18 Hornet — one of the military’s coolest combat jets. california101guide.com

Summer 2022

117

Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo

Kids (and grownups!) can get close-up and hands-on at the Wings Over Camarillo show.

Photo by Rick Hauser

Visitors will get a chance to get up close and personal to many of the planes featured in the show.

When I ask WOC Air Boss Bill Thomas for the highlights for this year, I get the sense that it’s hard to know where to start. He rattles off a slew of performers, like the Red Bull helicopter and its pilot, Aaron Fitzgerald (who lives in Oxnard). “He’s one of the few pilots in the U.S. who do full aerobatics in a helicopter,” Thomas says. Then there’s Sammy Mason, the 118

Summer 2022

youngest performer at this year’s WOC, and the youngest member of the Red Bull Race Team. The Santa Paula native is only 27 but has been flying shows for 12 years! He’ll defy gravity in his Edge.

There’s some major girl power happening this year at Wings california101guide.com

Photo by Rick Hauser

Vicky Benzing performs stunts in her Stearman.

Photo by Rick Hauser

Photo by Rick Hauser

Vicky Benzing waves to the crowd.

Vicky Benzing makes a low pass over the runway.

Over Camarillo, as well. Vicky Benzing will tear up the skies in her bright red PT-19 Stearman. This pilot/skydiver/aerobatic competitor/racer has some serious chops with over 30 years’ experience, 6,000 hours of flight time, and 1,100 parachute jumps. “She’s an extremely accomplished lady!” Thomas exclaims. Judy Phelps will join Benzing in the lineup. This local

favorite — and 2011 National Flight Instructor of the Year — is a master certified flight instructor in aerobatics for CP Aviation, based out of the Santa Paula Airport. She’ll be showing off her prowess in her Pitts S-2B.

california101guide.com

And the list just keeps going. Notes Thomas, “We’ll probably Summer 2022

119

Photo by Rick Hauser

Visitors can explore the many aircrafts and booths between shows.

Photo by Rick Hauser

How do they get that close together going so fast?

Photo by Rick Hauser

A member of the Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team drops down on the runway.

have eight to ten WWII round engine airplanes, fighters, and bombers.” Airplane buffs will also recognize the Corsair, Spitfire, P-38s, Hellcats, P-61s, P-51s, P-38s, Mig-17s, the F/A-18 Hornet, Black Hawks, and tons more. As Thomas simply puts it, “We’ll try to keep a lot of planes in the air!”

120

Summer 2022

Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team will perform, as well.

They’ll be jumping out of the D-Day Doll, C53 Skytrooper, which was instrumental in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. “They’ll be jumping out like they would have (back then),” Thomas says. california101guide.com

Photos by Rick Hauser

When we say aerobatics, we mean it!

Defying gravity. And physics. And logic.

You’ll also find in the lineup experimental aircraft (some of which can go 200-plus knots!) and our local Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit, which will demonstrate firefighting and water-drop capabilities in their UH-60/UH-1. And then, of course, there will be flying formation teams, the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, and more. california101guide.com

And then … there’s the pyro. Who doesn’t love a good explosion or two? Firewalkers International will give the show that extra bang. “There’s going to be big, simulated bombs and strafe,” says Thomas, “and a big wall of fire at the end of the show.”

But it’s not all flash — Wings Over Camarillo also emphasizes Summer 2022

121

Pyrotechnics — need we say more?

122

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

Photo by Rick Hauser california101guide.com

Summer 2022

123

Photo by Rick Hauser

A FIRST tech team prepares their robot for competition in the STEM Pavilion.

Photo by Rick Hauser

Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo

The lineup of classic cars.

Wings Over Camarillo attracts some seriously pristine custom cars.

education. “We’re really pushing S.T.E.M. this year,” says Thomas, referring to the pavilion featuring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’ll feature FIRST robotics team creations, flight simulators, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flight demonstrations, and more. In short, the STEM Pavilion will offer plenty of hands-on fun for the kids (and yes, grown-ups are welcome, too).

he’s not in the air performing.

“One of the things we have coming is a mini jet,” Thomas says. “When you look at it, you think, ‘Oh, that looks like a kids’ plane,’” because it’s so small. But once you watch pilot Tom Larkin rip through the sky at seemingly impossible speeds, well, it’s clear this is no kiddie plane. Visitors can get a close-up look at Larkin’s jet, which will be parked in the STEM Pavilion when 124

Photo by Rick Hauser

Taking a test flight in a flight simulator, in the STEM Pavilion.

Summer 2022

By this time, you might be feeling inspired and want to get in the air yourself. WOC has you covered. There will be opportunities to take flights in both airplanes and helicopters outside of show times.

If you need yet another reason to come out, all of this fun is for a good cause, too. In 11 years, the Camarillo Wings Association (which presents WOC) has donated more than $521,000 back to the community.

For tickets and more: wingsovercamarillo.com california101guide.com

lic.#01488460

BEAUTIFUL MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE ESTATE 723 OAK GROVE COURT

Gated and private, this beautiful Mediterranean-style estate is sitting perfectly on 2 acres in Rancho Matilija. Designed by local renown architect, Marc Whitman, the special attention to detail can’t be overlooked. With a dramatic entry which leads you to the open spacious great room you can’t help but notice the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living where light filled rooms blend with the lush landscaping. Perfect for entertaining with two outdoor kitchens, saltwater pool and spa and a private pool house or art studio.

Back inside you will love the gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances. Vaulted ceilings, three fireplaces, a media room.

You will love the sweeping staircase leading you to an exquisite room which can be used as an office or family room. There is a gentlemen’s orchard, an oversized three car garage along with lovely mountain views. This home is one of a kind and a must see.

“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516

donnasallen.com • donna4remax@aol.com california101guide.com

Summer 2022

125

Margaritas, Wine and Micheladas Visit us for Happy Hour Monday through Thursday 3:00pm to 6:00pm Daily Specials!

827 East Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805) 420-9542

SANTA PAULA TRADING COMPANY Resale Redefined Up-cycled and new fashion for the whole family Featuring over 30 local 805 artisans

Store Hours: Tues-Sat - 11am-6pm • Sun - 11am-4:30pm Closed Monday

848 E Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805) 317-4228 • santapaulatrading.com 126

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 READERS

SAVE UP TO 15% AT SONESTA SELECT CAMARILLO

USE CODE CALI101 AND SAVE 10% OFF 1 NIGHT USE CODE CALI102 AND SAVE 15% OFF 2+ NIGHTS *OFFER SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY & VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022

SONESTA.COM

4994 VERDUGO WAY, CAMARILLO, CA 93012

805-388-1020

tion Men Ad s i h T ive Rece And

Off 10% irst ur F Yo

california101guide.com

r Orde

Summer 2022

127

WINE • BEER • FOOD Featuring artisan wine and craft beer by-the-glass or bottle.

Creative food menu and gourmet Panini.

Serving lunch and dinner.

WINE CLUB DISCOUNTS WINE TASTING THUR-SUN BOTTLE SHOP, WINE BAR & CHEESE MARKET HO U RS Monday Clos ed | Tu e/Wed 1 2 – 7 P M Thur/Fri/Sat 12 – 9 P M | S u n d a y 1 2 – 5 P M

WINE • BEER • FOOD

24 2 3 Ve ntura B lvd . , Cam ar i llo , CA 9 3 0 1 0 (80 5 ) 38 3 -9 8 1 2 | wi n eclo s et i n c. co m

Eat well. Help others. Feel good.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables • Local Seafood • Tamales • Sausage Pasture-raised Eggs • Breads & Pastries •Live Music •Crafts & Gifts

EVERY SATURDAY

2220 Ventura Blvd.

Old Town • Camarillo

8 a.m. to noon

camarillofarmersmarket.com A percentage of all sales supports free grief and bereavement services throughout Ventura County.

128

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

SIMI HILLS GOLF COURSE Simi Hills Golf Course offers tree-lined rolling fairways and plush greens that will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Water hazards come into play on eight holes, and over 50 bunkers are strategically placed throughout the layout.

The course is extremely fair and fun for all golfers - just pick one of the five sets of tees to match your game, and you’ll be on your way to a great day. Simi Hills is dedicated to providing an exceptional golf experience and one of the best values in the state. In addition to 18 great holes of golf, Simi Hills offers exceptional practice facilities, with a lighted driving range and practice putting green, as well as chipping and bunker practice areas.

5031 Alamo St., Simi Valley, CA 93063 (805) 522-0803 simihillsgolf.com

P R E S ID E N TIAL L IB RARY & MU S EUM One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations!

World Premiere Exhibition REAL SECRETS REAL STORIES

Ask about our docent-led group tours Two restaurants available with tour group options

REAL ARTIFACTS Open now through October 9, 2022

R E A G AN L I B R A R Y . C O M

Tickets include admission to the Reagan Library, where you can touch an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, view an exact replica of the Oval Office, and climb aboard Air Force One! 40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 800.410.8354

california101guide.com

Summer 2022

129

lic.#01488460

BEHIND THE GATES OF RANCHO MATILIJA 12407 MCDONALD

Photos by Chad Jones Photography

Located behind the gates of Rancho Matilija, this home has some of the most magnificent views. Enter into the home and you enjoy the light-filled living room showcasing the mountains. The great room opens to the kitchen and leads out to the backyard. The views are breathtaking with pink sunsets and early morning sunrises. You won’t want to miss this home. Bring your creative touches and make this charmer your home for life. With the trail right outside your door, you can walk your dogs, take a hike or ride your horses. Horses are welcome on this equestrian property. Private and gated.

“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516

donnasallen.com • donna4remax@aol.com 130

Summer 2022

california101guide.com

lic.#01488460

BEHIND THE GATES OF RANCHO MATILIJA 12407 MCDONALD

Photos by Chad Jones Photography

Additionally, you will find a separate 1300 sqft. commercial space with it’s own private entrance directly across from Bart’s Books.

Close to all of the downtown amenities this turn key home is ready for you!

“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516

donnasallen.com • donna4remax@aol.com california101guide.com

Summer 2022

131

Patty Waltcher 25 ye a r s o f e x p e r i e n ce m a tc h i n g

p e o p l e a n d p ro p e r t y i n t h e O j a i Va l l e y

UPPER OJAI 22 ACRE LOT

This 22 acre lot on Koenigstein Road presents a rare opportunity to build a fabulous estate or a private mountain getaway. With multiple buildings sites and ample usable land, the lot has unsurpassed, panoramic views of the Topa Topa Bluffs, the Santa Ynez mountains, and the entire Upper Ojai Valley.

The land has a wild, magical quality that is immediately palpable. There is an existing private well and a paved driveway, easily accessed from highway 150 halfway between Ojai and Santa Paula.

UpperOjai22AcreLot.com Offered at $1,250,000

I will help you discover the home that brings peace to your mind and heart (805) 340- 377 4 ~ pat t y w alt c h e r .c o m Lic. 01176473 132

Summer 2022

california101guide.com