BRET BRADIGAN
LARS & THE REAL CITY
"It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble, it’s what you think you know that just ain’t so.”
— Abraham Lincoln
There’s a movie I return to again and again when I’m thinking about community: "Lars and the Real Girl." If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor: it’s about a painfully shy young man played by Ryan Gosling in a small town who shows up at church one Sunday with a life-size doll he’s purchased online. He treats her — fully, unabashedly — as if she were real. His brother is horrified. The local doctor is professionally baffled. The girlfriend the rest of the world expects him to have never materializes. But the community of that small town — one by one, church ladies and barflies alike — choose grace over ridicule. They treat Lars’s “companion” with polite acceptance, and in doing so they draw Lars out of his shell, into healing, connection, life.
That, in essence, is community. Not perfect people agreeing on perfect things, but imperfect people agreeing to hold space for each other in ways that make us better than we might be alone.
And that brings me to Ojai, where people arrive with dreams as various as used bookstore epiphanies and CBD-infused kombucha. There is something magnetically attractive about this valley — maybe it’s the citrus scent in winter air, maybe the late light on Shelf Road, maybe the conversations that happen when a stranger smiles and you actually respond. As I've written about before, in the ancient Greek imagination there were two measures of time: Chronos, the linear tick-tick of a clock; and Kairos, the qualitative moment when something meaningful happens. Ojai is not immune to Chronos — we run late to brunch, we watch the clock on our emails, compulsively check steps and HRV on our Oura rings — but what draws people here is something closer to Kairos: unhurried moments saturated with presence, connection, and that rare feeling of being truly seen.
That’s why it’s so funny — and sometimes heartbreaking — when newcomers arrive with their Chronos checklist in hand: “I moved here for peace and quiet, and I plan to achieve it in 90 days. Serenity now, dammit!” We all arrive with assumptions — about ourselves, about places, about how life should unfold — but Ojai has its own lesson plans, and it grades on empathy, curiosity, and the courage to be present before you’re ready.
There’s an increase in the laments about the “influx of LA people” and how that threatens the social fabric we treasure. I understand that concern; change always feels like a risk to what we value. But history and experience both teach a subtle truth: community isn’t static, it’s dialogic. It grows by welcoming engagement, not by drawing rigid borders. That doesn’t mean we accept every pretense or every ego that wanders in like someone who mistook Ojai for an Instagram filter. But it does mean we quickly sort between those who disrespect this place’s rhythms and those who genuinely want to learn them.
There’s a line in "Lars and the Real Girl" where a good friend of Lars says something like: “This isn’t about the doll. It’s about giving someone dignity long enough for them to find themselves.” That’s a useful mirror for us. The presence of new people in Ojai can be catalytic if — and only if — we require from them not homage but humility: a willingness to listen more than they announce, to be shaped before they assume they’ve arrived, to prioritize Kairos over the next Instagram moment.
Inevitably, some people won’t make that shift. They’ll treat community like a backdrop for self-promotion, or like a Romantic Ideal, a status symbol, they can own and display. That’s where the irony bites: the very ethos they think they want — “authentic, artsy, soulful” — isn’t something they can have until they’re ready to give it first.
So here’s the soft, stubborn heart of it: Ojai will always be a mosaic of Chronos and Kairos. We keep clocks not because we care about their tyranny, but because we need them for daily living. But what makes this valley endure, what makes us stay, laugh, argue, embrace, and gather for things that don’t fit neatly into schedules — that is Kairos. It’s the unscheduled generosity of spirit, the patient listening, and the choice to see each other as real before we decide what we think we know.
And in that choice, community does not just survive. It thrives.
FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS
While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the building of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade — others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few:
Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement.
Jiddhu Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical Society, though he later broke with that group (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.
Weather in Ojai
Beatrice Wood. The famed ceramicist’s (“The Mama of Dada”) greatest work of art may well have been her life. The irreverent, avant-garde Wood lived and worked in Ojai for decades until her death in 1998 at age 105. She inspired two classic movies, Francois Truffaut’s “Jules et Jim,” and James Cameron’s “Titanic.” She attributed her longevity to “chocolate and young men.” Her autobiography was appropriately titled, “I Shock Myself.” Many of her distinctive, whimsical, luminous luster-glazed pieces are on display at her former home, now the Beatrice Wood Center, in upper Ojai.
Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West to farm and care for an ailing brother, the Yale-educated Thacher realized that he was going to need another source of income. So he founded The Thacher School in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher student.
OJAI QUICK FACTS:
The name “Ojai” is believed to be derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ‘awhaý, meaning “moon.” In 1837, Fernando Tico received a land grant and established a cattle ranch. Thomas A. Scott, who had financial success with oil and railroads, bought the Ojai Valley in 1864 for oil exploration. By 1868, Scott, through his agent Thomas Bard, began selling properties to homesteaders. By 1874, R.G. Surdam plotted out the town he would call Nordhoff, renamed Ojai in 1917.
Ojai is about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 30 miles east of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide, surrounded by hills and mountains; the rare east-west orientation with a slight southward tilt gives the valley an extraordinary sun exposure; Ojai’s citrus and avocado crops are highly prized. This orientation also gives rise to Ojai as a spiritual destination.
It was due to the resources and organizing energy of Ohio glass manufacturer Edward Drummond Libbey that Nordhoff was rebuilt and renamed Ojai, inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. By 1917, with the construction of the Arcade and Post Office Tower, the town took its present shape.
The city’s self-styled nickname is “Shangri-La,” based on the story that Ojai was the backdrop (later left on the editing room floor) from the 1937 movie as the mystical sanctuary of James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”
Discover tranquil Ojai living at 12752 Sisar Rd. This 2-bed, 1-bath, 1,601 sq. ft. home on a quarter acre offers generous rooms, an open layout, and a yard surrounded by nature. With only five neighbors at the end of a quiet street, enjoy exceptional privacy and quiet. A 10-minute walk leads to a year-round stream, leading to longer hikes to the Topa Topa summit. Thoughtfully updated, the home blends rustic warmth with modern comfort. Improvements include a newer roof with fire sprinklers, upgraded exterior lighting, a security system, refreshed interior and exterior paint, newer kitchen appliances, and remodeled kitchen and bath. Upgrades include flooring, HVAC ducting, and a tankless water heater. The property also includes three new outbuildings —two finished 12’×10’ Tuff Sheds with clerestory windows — ideal for offices, studios, or creative work. Updated landscaping, a private bedroom deck, and custom dual sliding driveway gates enhance privacy and function. Your peaceful Ojai retreat awaits.
DRE# 01859199
was born out of necessity. Our research showed that even longtime locals were missing out on great events happening right here in Ojai. So we built a better way to stay connected. is your all-in-one calendar for what’s happening in town — from concerts and shows to fundraisers and festivals. You can search by date or category, map venues and directions, and even buy tickets — all in one seamless experience.
DRE# 01761150
FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OJAI PODCAST | EVERY THURSDAY | OjaiQuarterly.com
FEBRUARY 7
Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel
Location: Deer Lodge of Ojai
2261 Maricopa Highway
Time: 8 p.m
Contact: 805-646-4256
DeerLodgeofOjai.com
Broemel, formerly of My Morning Jacket, and Ramsey, formerly of Band of Horses, join forces for the album they’ve created together, Celestun.
FEBRUARY 13
Jackson Emmer Live at Ojai Arts Exchange
Location: Ojai Arts Exchange
Address: TBA
Time: 7 p.m.
Tickets & Info: Local Arts Exchange Jackson Emmer brings his evocative songwriting and lush, folk-tinged arrangements to the Ojai Arts Exchange for an intimate evening of live music. Known for weaving acoustic clarity with soulful storytelling, Emmer’s set is poised to complement the valley’s intimate listening culture—perfect for a February night when hearts seek warmth and sound.
FEBRUARY 18
Bitchin Bajas at Deer Lodge
Location: Deer Lodge of Ojai
2261 Maricopa Highway
Time: 8 p.m.
Contact: 805-646-4256
DeerLodgeofOjai.com
This experimental instrumental ensemble — lauded for its meditative compositions that blend ambient, krautrock, and psychedelic influences — brings an otherworldly sound to the Deer Lodge stage.
FEBRUARY 26
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Location: Ojai Playhouse
145 E Ojai Avenue
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets & Info: OjaiPlayhouse.com
In a rare and joyous appearance, the legendary South African vocal ensemble
Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings its celebrated harmonic tradition to Ojai’s historic Playhouse.
— RECURRING EVENTS—
Historical Walking Tours of Ojai
Date: Every Saturday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ojai Valley Museum
130 West Ojai Avenue
Contact: 640-1390
Come see why there’s so much historical hullabaloo about this “smiling vale.” The
tour, led by long-time locals, takes about an hour, and brings you into a deeper understanding of Ojai’s rich roots and heritage.
FEBRUARY 8
Coffee & Cars
Dates: Second Sundays of the month Times: 8 to 10 a.m.
Location: Westridge Market parking lot
Come check out classic and luxury cars from the area’s proudest collectors. Have a chance to learn from the owners about the history and importance of some of the world’s most incredible automobiles.
THURSDAYS
Ojai Podcast: Talk of the Town
New episodes come out Thursday evenings through the OjaiHub.com newsletter. Guests have included Malcolm McDowell on the 50th anniversary of “A Clockwork Orange,” and Sergio Aragonés on his 60 years as a cartoonist at Mad Magazine. More than 280 episodes and counting. Sign up at OjaiVortex.com for a free weekly newsletter of Ojai events, news, arts, entertainment, history and culture. And podcasts.
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
| FEBRUARY 26 | Ojai Playhouse
JACKSON EMMER | FEBRUARY 13 | Ojai Arts Exchange
BY BRET BRADIGAN
THINKING PAST THE HORIZON JOHN-CLARK LEVIN
AI forecaster John-Clark Levin on intelligence, risk, and why the biggest changes ahead may arrive faster — and quieter — than we expect.
John-Clark Levin spends his days immersed in the future — reading dense technical papers, tracking emerging breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, and thinking several steps ahead of where technology is headed and what it may mean for humanity. It is exacting work, equal parts science, philosophy, and foresight.
By the time he shuts his laptop at night, he jokes, the data can start to blur at the edges.
Levin is a senior researcher and forecaster working with futurist Ray Kurzweil, one of the most influential thinkers in artificial
intelligence and long-range technological prediction. His role places him at the center of some of the most consequential conversations underway today: how close we are to artificial general intelligence, what risks accompany these increasingly powerful systems, and how societies can prepare for changes that may arrive far sooner than expected.
Though his work now operates on a global stage, Levin’s story begins close to home. He moved to Ojai at the age of eight, graduated from Villanova Preparatory Academy and considers himself a native. Growing up in a town known for its blend
of natural beauty, spiritual inquiry, and alternative thinking shaped his outlook — particularly his instinct to question the conventional wisdom, whether utopian or apocalyptic.
His early fascination with artificial intelligence took hold in 1999, when he received a copy of “The Age of Spiritual Machines” by Kurzweil. Rather than reading it casually, Levin followed its footnotes into deeper waters, tracing ideas through cognitive science, linguistics, and information theory. “I learned the field by following bibliographies,” he says. “One paper leads to another, and then another.”
By 2010, Levin was studying AI from two complementary directions. On the scientific side, he focused on how advances in computing power were finally making a long-predicted breakthrough possible — artificial neural networks, which allowed machines to learn much like humans, through connections rather than brute force memorization and categorization. On the policy and economic side, he examined
how automation and machine intelligence might reshape labor markets and social systems. That timing placed him at the beginning of what would soon be called the deep-learning revolution.
A central concept in Levin’s work is the idea of “The Singularity,” a term Kurzweil popularized to describe a point at which human and artificial intelligence become so intertwined that things start to become wildly unpredictable. Borrowed from mathematics and physics, a singularity marks a threshold beyond which existing models no longer apply. Levin emphasizes that this does not mean everything becomes unknowable overnight, but that the pace and nature of change accelerate beyond anything we thought we knew.
Closely related is the concept of artificial general intelligence, or AGI — systems that can perform at the level of an average educated human across all cognitive domains. Levin is careful to distinguish AGI from consciousness. An AI can
IN 2018 WITH HIS ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE TEAM. UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE IS THE BBC’S FLAGSHIP QUIZ SHOW
WITH JEOPARDY! HOST ALEX TREBEK IN 2012
DAILY MAIL PAPARAZZI PHOTO, COMING OUT OF THE TRINITY (CAMBRIDGE) MAY BALL IN 2017
DELIVERING AN AI TALK
WITH RAY KURZWEIL. LEVIN IS THE LEAD RESEARCHER AT KURZWEIL TECHNOLOGIES. KURZWEIL CREDITED LEVIN FOR HIS METICULOUS RESEARCH IN HIS BOOK, “THE SINGULARITY IS NEARER.”
be extraordinarily capable, he notes, without having subjective experience or awareness. Still, the practical implications of AGI would be profound, regardless of whether machines are conscious in any philosophical sense.
Levin argues that society often underestimates how disruptive such systems could be because people focus on the mistakes current AI still makes. “This is the least capable AI will ever be,” he says. Each iteration improves, sometimes in subtle ways that are easy to miss until they accumulate into dramatic change.
Against the “AI Doomers” Levin said one of the most promising areas of advance is in medicine. AI systems have already transformed protein-folding research, dramatically accelerating discoveries that once took years of human labor. These advances could lead to faster development of treatments for cancer and other diseases, unlocking progress that
IN 2023 WITH HIS MOTHER, GINA, IN VENICE CELEBRATING HER VICTORY OVER CANCER
was previously constrained by human bandwidth.
At the same time, Levin is deeply concerned about emerging risks. Job displacement is the most visible — automation affecting drivers, analysts, and even writers — but it is far from the only one. He points to biosecurity as a growing concern: the possibility that future AI systems could be used to design pathogens optimized for both lethality and transmissibility, bypassing the evolutionary constraints that normally limit viruses in nature. While current systems lack that capacity, Levin believes the timeline for such capabilities may be measured in years, not decades.
This dual perspective — seeing extraordinary promise alongside unprecedented risk — has drawn Levin into broader ethical discussions. He has participated in international dialogues on AI governance, including consultations
recently with the Vatican, which is developing a formal teaching document addressing artificial intelligence. For Levin, engaging religious and moral institutions is essential. AI, he argues, is not merely a technical issue but a human one, touching questions of dignity, responsibility, and long-term stewardship.
Levin rejects simplistic “doomer” narratives that imagine AI inevitably turning against humanity, but he also resists complacency. He joked that in Silicon Valley “a first date question is what is your p doom?” (the chance you estimate that AI decides humans are no longer necessary). Levin says his “is about 10 percent.” The probability that advanced AI could cause catastrophic harm (p doom) Levin says seems to average out among leading researchers and thinkers in the mid-20 percent range — unsettling, but not hopeless. “The fact that most outcomes are still positive means there’s a lot worth fighting for,” he says.
Underlying his thinking is a pragmatic ethical stance. Even if there is only a small chance that future AI systems could possess some form of moral status, Levin believes society should proceed cautiously. Treating potentially sentient systems with care may be inefficient; “mistreating them, if they are sentient, would be a profound moral failure.”
Levin’s ability to navigate complex ideas with clarity has surfaced in unexpected places. In 2012, he appeared on “Jeopardy!,”where he was leading into Final Jeopardy. “The only outcome where I lost was if I got Final Jeopardy wrong.” The answer, “The Romans called this animal hippotigris.” He questioned, “What is a rhino?” Alas, it was actually a zebra. The contestant who beat him went on to win 7 games, placing him 13th among all-time winners, behind Ken Jennings ‘(who beat the writer of this story) 74 games.
Like many contestants, Levin discovered that the game is less about knowledge than timing — specifically, mastering the buzzer. “You’re not reacting,” he recalls. “You’re synchronizing. It’s about rhythm.” Though he didn’t defeat Jennings, the experience reinforced a lesson Levin applies to his professional life: preparation matters, but execution often comes down to precision.
Back in Ojai, Levin’s work has taken on a personal dimension. During the pandemic, he watched friends and neighbors — many steeped in alternative health culture — become vulnerable to conspiracy theories, even as his mother battled cancer. The experience sharpened his concern about misinformation and the erosion of shared reality. In an era of AIgenerated images and videos, Levin says, the problem is not a lack of verification tools but a lack of will to use them.
For Levin, the challenge of artificial intelligence is ultimately about alignment — ensuring that increasingly powerful systems reflect human values and contribute to human flourishing. That work is ongoing, urgent, and far from settled. But if there is a through-line in his career, it is a refusal to look away from difficult questions simply because the answers are uncertain.
“The future isn’t something that happens to us,” Levin says. “It’s something we participate in shaping.”
He is also the senior advisor for AI at Greenmantle, Sir Niall Ferguson’s macrostrategy advisory firm, and regularly advises governments, NGOs and Fortune 500 corporations. For the past decade, John-Clark has studied AI and its impacts at Harvard and Cambridge. For fun, JohnClark constructs crossword puzzles for the New York Times, writes humor for McSweeney’s, and performs stage magic as former president of the Cambridge University Magic Society.
His commentary has appeared in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, TIME Magazine, and MIT Technology Review.
Five Things John‑Clark Levin Thinks About the Future
1. Artificial Intelligence Will Not Stay “Imperfect” for Long
People tend to over-index on the mistakes AI still makes — odd hallucinations, confident wrong answers, clumsy tone. Levin cautions that this is a dangerous illusion. Today’s systems are the least capable they will ever be. Each generation improves, sometimes quietly, until cumulative gains become undeniable. The real risk, he argues, is complacency bred by familiarity.
2. The Biggest Breakthroughs May Come in Medicine, Not Media
While much public attention focuses on AIgenerated text, images, and entertainment, Levin sees medicine as the most transformative frontier. Systems that dramatically accelerate protein folding, drug discovery, and molecular modeling could unlock treatments for cancer and other diseases at unprecedented speed. These advances are not speculative — they are already underway — and their downstream effects may far outweigh cultural disruptions.
3. Job Displacement Is Only the Most Obvious Risk Automation and labor disruption are real and imminent, but Levin believes they are only the first-order effects. More complex dangers include biosecurity risks, misinformation at scale, and AI-enabled manipulation of social systems. As AI capabilities expand, new “risk surfaces” emerge — threats that did not previously exist and cannot be addressed with legacy policies or instincts.
4. Alignment Matters More Than Intelligence
A superintelligent system is not inherently dangerous, Levin says — misaligned intelligence is. The central challenge is ensuring that powerful AI systems reflect human values and promote human flourishing. This is not merely a technical problem but an ethical one, requiring input from scientists, policymakers, philosophers, and moral institutions alike. Intelligence without values, he warns, is not progress.
5. The Future Is Not Predetermined — but the Window Is Narrow
Levin does not subscribe to fatalism. He believes catastrophic outcomes are avoidable, but only if societies act deliberately and soon. The pace of AI development leaves little margin for delay. Decisions made in the next few years — about governance, safeguards, and cultural norms — may shape the longterm trajectory of human civilization. The future, he insists, is still participatory — but not indefinitely so.
There's no place like home. Let me find yours.
ROOM
TO BUILD DREAM HOME
Hidden behind the gates of Rancho Matilija sits a stunning 3-acre lot with magnificent 360 degree mountain views. Surrounded by mature trees and wildlife, this lot offers a beautiful connection to nature while still being conveniently located near all the amenities, recreational parks, hiking trails, Lake Casitas, fishing and all the outdoor adventures you may be looking for as well as easy access to Ventura, LA and Santa Barbara. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your dream home with endless possibilities in this serene and picturesque setting. This gated, private community offers beauty, peace and vision to the person looking for a one-of-akind property.
PROPERTY DETAIL
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
TIMELESS OASIS
Discover a quiet East End compound offering nearly 5,000 square feet across three private homes. Originally crafted by Mr. Shippee for his family, the main house welcomes you with a walled courtyard, covered veranda, sparkling pool, and lush landscaping. Inside, acacia wood floors, an open cook’s kitchen, and a dramatic double-sided fireplace anchor the living spaces. Three bedrooms with French doors open to the gardens. A 1,400-square-foot guest house adds two bedrooms, a bath, a private courtyard, and a two-car garage — ideal for visitors or extended family. The third home features modern concrete floors, a spacious living room, kitchenette, bedroom, bath, and two secluded patios. The landscaped grounds mix drought-tolerant plantings with fruit trees — apple, citrus, fig, pomegranate — and olive trees lining the drive. A fenced paddock and turnout area make the property horse-friendly. Altogether, this rare compound blends versa-
12752 Sisar Road | 2 Bedrooms | 1,601 sf | .25 acre lot | $1,129,999
nature. With only five neighbors at the end of a quiet street, enjoy exceptional privacy and quiet. A 10-minute walk leads to a year-round stream, leading to longer hikes to the Topa Topa summit. Thoughtfully updated, the home blends rustic warmth with modern comfort. Improvements include a newer roof with fire sprinklers, upgraded exterior lighting, a security system,
DRE# 01859199
refreshed interior and exterior paint, newer kitchen appliances, and remodeled kitchen and bath. Upgrades include flooring, HVAC ducting, and a tankless water heater. The property also includes three new outbuildings —two finished 12’×10’ Tuff Sheds with clerestory windows — ideal for offices, studios, or creative work. Updated landscaping, a private bedroom deck, and custom dual sliding driveway gates enhance privacy and function. Your peaceful Ojai retreat awaits.
DRE# 01761150
1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
2
RIVER PRESERVE 0-7mi
VARIES | Elev. Gain: ≤ 520 ft Wills-Rice Loop is the longest trail.
5
HORN CANYON 5.5mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1600 ft | Goes to the Pines.
8
ROSE VALLEY 1mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft Rose Valley Falls.
3
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.
6
COZY DELL 2.2mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.
9
SISAR CANYON 22mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4800 ft |Topa Topa Bluffs.
4
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi
MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.
7
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1200ft | North Fork.
10
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2300 ft | Sulphur Mountain Road.
EAST END MASTERPIECE
Views, Views, Views. This private, gated, home nestled amidst the trees and the mountains, radiates modern elegance with its thoughtful upgrades, abundant natural light, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. You are welcomed into the large living room with vaulted beamed ceilings, a fireplace and picture windows showcasing the mountains perfectly. Flowing into the dining room and open to the modern, remodeled kitchen with top of the line appliances and gorgeous cabinetry. Open and spacious, you and your guests will love to gather onto the large deck off the kitchen. This three bedroom, two bath home has gleaming hardwood floors throughout and brilliant light in all the rooms. There is plenty of room for your guests with the detached, guest studio. You will enjoy relaxing on the patio amongst the trees and the breathtaking views. The Santa Barbara smooth stucco finish adds to the modern elegance of the home. Bring your family
ROOM TO BUILD DREAM HOME
Hidden behind the gates of Rancho Matilija sits a stunning 3-acre lot with magnificent 360 degree mountain views. Surrounded by mature trees and wildlife, this lot offers a beautiful connection to nature while still being conveniently located near all the amenities, recreational parks, hiking trails, Lake Casitas, fishing and all the outdoor adventures you may be looking for as well as easy access to Ventura, LA and Santa Barbara. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your dream home with endless possibilities in this serene and picturesque setting. This gated, private community offers beauty, peace and vision to the person looking for a one-of-akind property.
seven creative ways to increase storage
— By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela —
My partner and I just got back from visiting her parents in Atlanta where I was reminded that folks in other parts of the country commonly have a usable attic, basement, or both. Her parents have both. Their basement is the same size as the other floors of their home, and their attic is a whole additional floor with real stairs. Can you imagine having so much extra usable space? If more Californians had basements or full attics, we might actually park our cars in our garages.
Since this is not the case, storage space continues to be a challenge for most of us. I am always looking for ways to increase storage in my home, so I thought I would share some of the ideas that have worked for me or that I have seen work in clients’ homes.
Create an attic storage area with pulldown stairs: Check your attic space to see if it is possible to create a storage area. We discovered that there was enough space in the attic over our garage to install shelves with a walkway. We are now working on finishing a portion of the attic over our house and garage with plywood flooring, shelves, and a pulldown ladder. The finished project will create about 400 square feet of storage for holiday décor, camping gear, and other items we would like to get out of the garage.
Install overhead storage racks: If you have a garage, consider installing overhead
storage racks. I easily added 32 square feet of storage by adding one storage rack over a spot where I have a refrigerator and shelves in the garage. Next, I plan on installing one over the washer and dryer to get another 32 square feet of storage.
Consider other ways to better use vertical space: Bookshelves over doorways, floorto-ceiling cabinets, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are great for maximizing vertical space in almost any room.
Add a storage shed to your backyard: If you have space for a storage shed, this is an easy way to add more storage for yard care tools, patio cushions, pool toys, or storage bins. This one is not very creative, but it works.
Maximize the storage space you already have: Maximize the space in your closets by installing closet systems with adjustable shelves, double hanging rods, or built-in drawers or baskets. To maximize the space in smaller linen closets or coat closets, consider adding a set of shelves
at the back of the closet and a rolling shelving unit that can be stored in front of the installed shelves and rolled out when you need to access the back shelves. I use this system in one of my hall closets, which allows me to have gifts and gift-wrapping supplies on the back shelves and games and puzzles on the wheeled shelving unit.
You can maximize cabinet space by installing pull-out shelves that allow you to easily access items stored in the back of the cabinets. When I did this for my lower cabinets in my kitchen, it was life changing.
Look for furniture with integrated storage: For patio storage, look for a storage bench that serves as both a deck box and seating option. For storing throw blankets in the living room, consider a coffee table with a removable lid. I know storage furniture is not always the most attractive option, but I have a round, hammered metal coffee table that is perfect for storing blankets and throw pillows, and I love the look of it.
Install toe-kick drawers: I don’t have these in my kitchen – yet – but I have seen this ingenious way to reclaim wasted space used in clients’ homes, and it is amazing.
Finding more storage without sacrificing living space can be challenging, but if we get a bit creative, we can come up with workable solutions that can maximize the space we have.
Ross Falvo
Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
805-798-1998
Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
OjaiValleyEstates. com
805-207-6177
Jessica McRae Ojai Valley Real Estate
221 E. Matilija St., Ste J (805) 699-8645 jessica@ojaivalleyrealestate. com
Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Call me for your Real Estate needs. 805-340-3774
Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors
Donna4Remax@aol.com
DonnaSallen.com 805-798-0516
Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net
Amy Hall | Realtor® LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Amy.Hall@SothebysRealty.com direct+1
805.444.7874
554 E Main Street | Ventura, California 93001 Cal DRE 01957427
Bob Kemper Broker, MBA Kemper Realty of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Bob.Kemper@ sothebysrealty.com DRE# 01356802 (805) 551-5121
Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734
Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254
Team Deckert
Keller Williams Realty
Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com
805-272-5218
Dale Hanson Ojai Valley Real Estate 211 E. Matilija Street, Ste. J, 206 E. Ojai Ave. 805-646-7229 dale@ovhl.com
Anne Williamson LIV Sotheby’s Anneshomesinojai.com
805-320-3314
GIFT GUIDE
Curated with Love from Ojai’s Makers & Merchants
LARK ELLEN FARMS
ORGANIC GRANOLA
Sprouted nuts and seeds in Snack Lovers
Gift Box, $34.99 www.purelysprouted.com
MUD LOTUS
305 E. MATILIJA ST. SUITE G
805- 252-5882
Handmade embroidered silk crepe kimono, under $175
FRIENDS RANCH
15150 MARICOPA HWY • 805-646-2871
Mail order is available online; fruit ships in the New Year. FriendsRanches.com. Local citrus sells at $5+ per 2 pound bag
PURELY SPROUTED SPROUTED SNACKS
212-A E. OJAI AVE • 805-798-0177
The Gift Variety Pack for $47 - Sprouted With Love in Ojai www.larkellenfarm.com
MUD LOTUS
305 E. MATILIJA ST. SUITE G
805- 252-5882
Travel toiletry pouch under $25. Hand-block-printed cotton
SUNDAY’S
307 E. OJAI AVE • 805- 766-1366
Sustainable Gift Boxes. Our approach is to create high-quality, unique gifts that support the community. Thoughtfully curated & free local delivery
REVEL KOMBUCHA
307 E. MATILIJA ST. STE C • 805-272-0028
Bring locally crafted Revel to your holiday gatherings — delicious, festive, and enjoyable for all ages!
MUD LOTUS
305 E. MATILIJA ST. SUITE G 805- 252-5882
Cashmere shawls under $150, made in Nepal with a fair trade designation.
HEY BINGO!
PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES
305 E. OJAI AVE • 805-798-1355
Give your fur babies a little holiday magic! Whether it’s a cuddly plush toy or a delicious treat, stop by and spoil them this holiday season
This Season, Skip the Click. Stroll, Browse & Discover the Spirit of Ojai
STEVEN SHARP AND ASHLEY RAMSEY Ojai locals, friends, and now partners in real estate. After years of working alongside one another, we’ve teamed up to form the Sharp Ramsey Group, blending our strengths to offer a more collaborative, client-first experience.
Our approach is simple: real estate done with care, intention, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve. From the heart of the Ojai Valley to the coastlines of Montecito and Santa Barbara, we bring trusted local insight, refined marketing, and a hands-on process designed to make your next move feel seamless.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling something special, or just exploring what’s next — we’re here to help you navigate it with confidence and connection.
Explore more at SharpRamsey.com Or scan the QR code below to connect with us directly.
AGAVE MARIA
Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink 106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com
AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS
Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com
BOCCALI’S
Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables
3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com
BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE
Traditional American breakfast & brunch 328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207
THE DEER LODGE
An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com
THE DUTCHESS
457 East Matilija Street (805) 640-7987 thedutchessojai.com
FARMER & THE COOK
The best of organic Ojai 339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com
YUME JAPANESE BURGER
254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 646-1700
JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL
Mexican-American & regional favorites 214 West Ojai Avenue #100
(805) 640-1301
jimandrobsojai.com
HIP VGN
Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls
201 North Montgomery Street
hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363
HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI
Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346
HomeKitchenofOjai.com
JOPLIN’S
Classic Barbecue with Sides 715 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9053 JoplinsOjai.com
MANDALA
Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048
THE NEST
401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com
OAK GRILL @ THE INN
Al fresco dining under vine-covered pergola 905 Country Club Road (805) 646-1111 ojairesort.com
OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY
Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY
331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878
TheOnlyGoodPizza.com
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View)
The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue
OJAI ROTIE
Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com
PAPA LENNON’S
Family owned, original & traditional
Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com
RAINBOW BRIDGE
A community gathering place 211 East Matilija Street (805) 646-6623 rainbowbridgeojai.com
THE RANCH HOUSE
An Ojai culinary destination for more than 60 years 102 Besant Road (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com
SAKURA OJAI
A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.wix.com
SEA FRESH
Serving Ojai for 30 years 533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747 seafreshseafood.com
ZAIDEE’S BAR & GRILL
Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com
MOBILE HOME SOLUTIONS
WHICH NEST FITS YOU BEST?
I remember a time growing up when it was seen as “uncool” to own or live in a mobile home park. As a kid I’d heard someone refer to a man who had a reputation as a deviant as “trailer trash.” But nobody would say that today considering the beautiful homes, clean parks and upscale owners. It’s become a really good option for many seniors and families too.
Owning a mobile home in Ventura County can be a practical and appealing option, especially for anyone trying to stay within a reasonable budget in an area where traditional home prices can feel out of reach. The mobile home park my mother lives in, for example, is super clean, has a pool and gym and large clubhouse among other amenities all included in the park rent. She can enjoy a safe, parklike setting without having to pay for the upkeep. And while the appreciation of mobile homes was questionable in the past, they seem to be holding their value in today’s economy with more folks opting for this choice.
Single-family homes offer a different set of advantages. You own both the house and the land, which provides stability, freedom to make changes, and the potential for stronger long-term appreciation. The monthly costs are higher — including full property taxes, higher insurance premiums, and all utilities and maintenance — but many homeowners feel the investment is worth it because you build equity over time. Ultimately, the choice comes down to
By Therese A. Hartmann
Therese A. Hartmann has more than 25 years’ lending experience. She is a Licensed Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
priorities: whether someone values lower monthly costs and a community setting, or long-term investment potential and full control over their property.
Case in point, one of my brothers spent about five years renovating and living in a mobile home. He loved it! He’s a social guy and adored getting to know his neighbors who often came to rely on him for his friendship and help. But his wife, as much as she enjoyed the close relationships, needed a little more autonomy and they eventually settled back into a single-family home in a tract setting.
So which type are you? Here are some things to consider if you’re grappling with which way to go….
Mobile Homes:
• Lower upfront costs and really low insurance
• Access to desirable locations and amenities
• No property taxes (unless on leased land) Space rent can be between $645-$1,500 in today’s economy
• Potentially slower appreciation compared to traditional homes
• Financing is a little more complex with higher interest rate
Traditional Homes
• Stronger long-term appreciation and equity growth
• Full ownership of land and more freedom to renovate
• More privacy and stability without space rent
• Much higher insurance (if available) and utility expenses
• Property taxes!
• All repairs and maintenances are on the homeowner
In the end, choosing between a mobile home and a single-family home in Ventura County is a bit like choosing between a cozy café and an upscale restaurant. One is simpler, more affordable, and comes with built-in community; the other gives you more space, more freedom, and a bigger bill at the end of the month. Either way, you’ll still be living in one of the most beautiful places in California — so whether you’re paying space rent or property taxes, at least you get ocean breezes with the deal.
mixed media
Pamela Grau jewelry
Sharon Curtis painting James Petrucci painting + books
Heidi Bradbury ceramics
Nancy Currey jewelry
Jennifer Grasmere sculpture
Ted Gall painting
Susan Guy charcoal
Sandy Treadwell woodworking
David Blackburn mosaics
Yolanda Bergman mosaics
Sherri Sanchez leather Don Earl rock sculpture
Martha Moran
Rose Valley Land - Create an off-grid, country retreat on 40 acres with mountain views, trails, and a natural spring in Rose Valley in the Los Padres National Forest $1,200,000
Royal Oaks - 5 Bedrooms, Upscale Finishes Throughout, Media Room, Wine Cellar, Tasting Room, Gym/Massage Room, Pool & Spa, Putting Green, Well, Six-Car Garage, Bocce Court, Views, and So Much More RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com
1.25-Acre Lot in East End Ojai Bordered by Seasonal Creek with Topa Topa Mountain Views, Paved Road to Property, One Share of Senior Canyon Water, and Room for Horses or Hobbies $895,000
Twin Palms Cottage – This private oasis features a three-bedroom main house with an electric fireplace, one-bedroom ADU with separate yard and entrance, two-car garage, and well-designed outdoor living areas with a swimming pool and spa, covered patio, gas fire pit, outdoor television, and low-maintenance landscaping. $1, 395,000
Corral Canyon Ranch - 277+ Acre Ranch in Cuyama Valley with 5 Recently Renovated Houses, Equestrian Facilities, Fenced Pastures, Hay Fields, Riding Trails, Stunning Views Surrounded by Los Padres National Forest.
Casitas, Oak View Shops & Restaurants, and Downtown Ojai $1,395,000
Perched along Ojai’s iconic Foothill Road, this glass-walled architectural sanctuary is defined by light, serenity, and expansive 270° views. Built in 2017 and thoughtfully re-imagined in 2022, the 3,154 ± sqft single-level home pairs minimalist design with seamless indoor-outdoor living. A 1,117 ± sqft pavilion with showcase parking, wellness studio, and sauna—along with additional creative retreats—completes a private compound set on 1.87 ± acres with pool, spa, and unforgettable Pink Moment sunsets.
