July 2025 OM for web

OJAI 07 25 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY

Real estate / home / Visitors

See Cover Property on Page 17 • Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty • 805-798-0516

FEATURED PRO: HANNAH LUYET GOES SURF TO STAGE CHRONOS V. OJAI KAIROS UP IN VAPOR: THE CASE OF DISAPPEARING POOL Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

67 ACRE UPPER OJAI MODERN RANCH

Amidst the wild beauty of Ojai’s backcountry, this property encompasses three contiguous parcels, offering extraordinary scale, privacy and potential. Anchored by an architect-designed main home and guest house - true jewels in the landscape - this property offers a sublime vision of country living. The primal forms of the existing buildings are artfully integrated into the terrain, and form a canvas for the movement of the sun and the passage of the seasons. Built with fire-resilience in mind, they feature sliding steel doors designed to seal and protect.

12179KoenigsteinRdOjai.com Offered at $5,875,000

DRE# 01176473 (805) 340-3774 patty waltcher.com

Over 25 years of experience matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

© 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

MIDCENTU RY LU X U RY

LUX URY E AST E N D ESTATE

SOLD

SOLD

502 Vista Hermosa Dr

Offered at $3,495,000

Offered at $15,500,000

DOWNTOW N VIEW LOT

R EPRES EN TED BU YER A NCI D NOS SE LLE R CA SA DE LO S EN

SOLD

SOLD

1218 Foothill Road

Offered at $2,500,000

Eri n Ge rk i n

815 Foothill Lane

Se rge Ba n d u ra

Offered at $3,995,000

IDEAL FAMILY HOME (OFF MARKET)

C R E E KSI D E CON D O

SOLD

SOLD

1102 Sunset Place

Offered at $1,325,000

We will help you find the home that brings peace to your mind and heart

211 N Carillo Rd Unit E

Offered at $765,000

www.pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher@mac.com @pattywaltcherrealestate (805) 340-3774 DRE# 01176473

© 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

4

OM — July 2025

ESCAPE IN A MOMENT Deeply rooted in the region’s fresh, flavorful bounty, Ojai Valley Inn’s masterful chefs and seven original dining outlets have earned our beloved resort a stellar reputation for culinary excellence. From signature Italian-California fine dining at Olivella to our oneof-a-kind epicurean experience, The Farmhouse, we invite you to escape in a moment you’ll savor always.

(866) 976-3538 OjaiValleyInn.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY 2025

7

Editor’s Note

8

Ojai Founding Fathers & Mothers

11

Calendar of Events

12

Featured Pro: Hannah Luyet

19

Ojai’s Top Ten Hikes

22

Prepare for the Fire Next Time

24

Who’s Who in Real Estate

26

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

27

Chef Randy: Black Bean Burgers

28

Big Beautiful Bill & Homeowners

Editor & Publisher / Bret Bradigan AJ Davis / Home & Garden Design Cover: Property Listed by Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty Contact Us: editor@ojaiquarterly.com The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

6

14

8

OJAI 07 25 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY

Real estate / home / Visitors

See Cover Property on Page 16 • Donna Sallen, ReMax Realty • 805-798-0516

FEATURED PRO: HANNAH LUYET GOES SURF TO STAGE CHRONOS V. OJAI KAIROS UP IN VAPOR: THE CASE OF DISAPPEARING POOL Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

OM — July 2025

20

27

DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY CHRONOS V. KAIROS We live in two kinds of time.

There’s Chronos, the tick-tock time of clocks and calendars — deadlines, dentist appointments, street-sweeping schedules. The time of aging joints and rising rents. Then there’s Kairos* — the soulful, slippery time of meaning. The ripe moment. The swell of insight that doesn't care what your watch says. One is measured; the other is felt.

Bret Bradigan

In Ojai, we live at the intersection of the two. Or maybe — when we’re lucky — we live in defiance of Chronos altogether. We live for Kairos.

You feel it walking a sun-dappled trail on Shelf Road or nearby Valley View Preserve. You feel it in the first bite of an apricot still warm from the tree. In the silence after a powerful question is asked at a community meeting. In that magenta moment when the sun ignites the Topa Topa Bluffs and even the skeptics go quiet.

We are a town of artists and seekers, of people who know that not all time is created equal. “The days are long, but the years are short,” Jennifer Rubin wrote in The Happiness Project. It’s true. Especially here. Maybe it’s the way the seasons sneak past us with a jasmine-scented breeze, or the way we blink and suddenly it’s the Fourth of July parade again. Ojai time stretches, swells, contracts. Some weeks are like molasses, others like mercury.

But while we often linger in Kairos, Chronos has a way of barging in.

There’s much to celebrate this month — real, clock-time progress. A multi-million-dollar grant has been awarded to build a shelter village for our unhoused neighbors. It’s not just funding; it’s momentum. It’s movement. After too many years of band-aids and bureaucracy, we’re stepping into something brave. It won’t be perfect. It won’t be fast. But it is happening. And that matters.

Because while Ojai may be a refuge from the noise and clutter of the outside world, we are not immune to its struggles. The soul needs a home, but so does the body. Kairos without shelter is just another broken promise.

Still, what makes this town remarkable isn’t just the money or the plans. It’s the way people show up. The builders, the advocates, the dreamers who refuse to believe that small towns can’t do big things. The way someone always brings coffee. The way another hauls in a truckload of mulch. The way we argue, cry, hug, vote, and volunteer — all in the same breath. That’s Ojai time, too.

Ojai is a strange and beautiful place. Few us ended up here by accident, but whether you’re born here, drawn here, or washed ashore in search of something quieter and truer, you know this already: time works differently here. Maybe that’s why we’re so fiercely protective of this valley. We’re not just preserving space — we’re guarding moments. The ones that matter. So as summer deepens and the light lingers a little longer, I invite you to pause. Step off the Chronos treadmill for a minute. Watch the shadows shift on the mountains. Call someone you’ve been meaning to. Taste something ripe. Laugh a little too loud. Let time stretch. Let it bloom. Let it surprise you.

Because Kairos doesn’t live on a schedule. But it’s always right on time. * Greek for time, not the Instagram guru OM — July 2025

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 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug. Sept.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Ave. High (°F) 67 67 70 74 78 83 89 91 87 80 73 66

Ave. Low Precip.

36 5.04 38 5.24 41 3.35 43 1.22 48 .47 51 .12 56 .04 55 .005 53 .2 47 .98 40 1.69 35 2.95 21.3

Year 2018

Population:

7,461

Valley: (est.)

21,300

Year 1990

Households::

3,176

Elevation:

745

Record Low 16°

8

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:

Average Annual Rainfall: Record High 115°

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.

OM — July 2025

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.”

IN TR O DU CI NG

Care Convenience Now you can manage your healthcare with MyChart!

An important part of providing exceptional healthcare is making sure it’s easy to access and use. That’s why we rolled out MyChart, a seamless, secure patient portal where you can schedule appointments, message your provider, view test results, and pay bills. Our 2 hospitals, 25+ Health Centers, 3 Outpatient labs, and Pharmacy are all connected to MyChart for enhanced security and care. Find out more about the benefits of MyChart, and how to sign up, today.

Sign up now at mycmh.org/mychart

Camarillo ~ Fillmore ~ Oak View ~ Ojai ~ Oxnard ~ Port Hueneme ~ Santa Paula ~ Ventura

OM — July 2025

600 Good Hope Street, Oak View | 2 bed/1 bath | 1,123 sqft on .11 acres This move-in-ready home is nestled in a desirable neighborhood with easy access to both Ojai and Ventura. Recent upgrades include fresh interior paint and updated lighting fixtures — while key elements such as the roof, garage door, and opener were just replaced in May, 2025. Also inside — you’ll discover laminate wood and tile flooring, while the main bedroom features a cozy, adorable screened patio where you can sit for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The spacious two-car garage also presents a fantastic opportunity for an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) conversion, ideal for guests, rental income, or multi-generational living. Located in a well-loved neighborhood, you’re just minutes away from popular local dining favorites like OM Thai Cuisine, Carmelita’s Authentic Mexican Food, Casa de Lago, and Mandala. Don’t miss this gem!

DRE# 01859199

Phone: 805.272.5218

DRE# 01761150

Email: ContactUs@TeamDeckert.com

Web: BestBuysInOjai.com

3 rd F R I DAY S 5 – 7 p m j o in u s f o r A R T

LIVE MUSIC | WINE & NIBBLES

SEVEN DECADES THE ART OF KAREN K. LEWIS A retrospective of her celebrated career

Ojai Valley Museum June 19 – August 3 Opening Reception: June 20, 5–7 PM ‘Tuscan Pots’ by Karen K. Lewis

10

OM — July 2025

M-Th 11 –5 | F 10–8 | Sat-Sun 10 –6 238 East Ojai Ave Ojai, CA | 805– 646 –56 82 fol l o w u s @ ova a r t s ga l l e r y. co m

JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS events

4TH OF JULY PARADE JULY 4 4THOFJULYINOJAI.COM

JUNE 19 TO AUGUST 3 Karen K. Lewis Retrospective Dates: Thursday to Sunday Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Ojai Valley Museum 130 West Ojai Avenue Contact: 640-1390 A longtime Ojai resident, Karen K. Lewis has spent her life exploring the interplay of color, form, and memory. Lewis’s work reflects a lifetime of evolution, passion, and storytelling through paint. Check out the cover story in the current issue of Ojai Quarterly.

JULY 4 Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Times: Parade at 10 a.m., Fireworks at dusk, gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Ojai Avenue for the Parade, Nordhoff High School for the Fireworks.

Contact: 4thofJulyinOjai.com Considered one of America’s finest small-town Independence Day celebrations. The fireworks show at Nordhoff High School includes food trucks and live music.

JULY 20-AUG 3 Ojai Playwrights Conference Times: Varies Location: The Thacher School Contact: OjaiPlays.org

podcast

concerts

WEDNESDAY BAND CONCERTS | JULY 5, 12, 19 & 26 | OJAIWESTROTARYCLUB.COM

Playwrights will spend the first week in community with other writers, directors, and dramaturgs, reading and discussing the work and a second week in workshop (with actors) to develop their new plays, culminating in public performances.

JULY 25 “Sally,” Ojai Film Society Summer Series Times: 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: Libbey Bowl, 210 South Signal Street Contact: OjaiRec.com A community‑favorite outdoor film night under the stars — bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a summertime classic. Free!

— RECURRING EVENTS — JUNE 7, 14, 21, 28

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.”

RECURRING EVENTS

JULY 5, 12, 19 &26 Summer Band Concerts Times: 7:30 p.m.

OM — July 2025

OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OJAIVORTEX.COM

Location: Libbey Bowl, 210 South Signal Street Contact: OjaiWestRotaryclub.org, libbeybowl.org A beloved, family‑friendly summer concert series featuring approximately 45 musicians playing a mix of show tunes, pop medleys, and traditional marching band music. Popcorn, lemonade, and balloons are provided, with additional event support from Boy Scouts for setup and cleanup.

JULY 13

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.

THURSDAYS

Ojai: Talk of the Town Podcast New episodes come out Thursdays and are available wherever you get your podcast.

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 240 episodes and counting.

Sign up at OjaiVortex.com for a free newsletter.

HANNAH LUYET

— STORY BY ILONA SAARI —

FROM SILVER STRAND TO OJAI CENTER STAGE Hannah Luyet swapped surf and sand for scripts and spotlights — bringing her SoCal sunshine and punk-rock spirit to Ojai’s thriving theater scene “I wish they all could be California girls,” sang the Beach Boys in 1965.

Flash forward six decades and meet Hannah Luyet, born in Oxnard, one of Southern California’s beautiful beach towns.

Nothing defines that Beach Boy song more than a girl raised on the sand in the sun by the surf. Doesn’t matter if she surfed or had sand between her toes, she is the quintessential California girl.

Hannah and her older sister, Alix, who “is one of the most amazing people in my life,” were raised on the mile-long, secluded stretch of white sand called Silver Strand Beach. She loved growing up there. Describing it as “a small little surfer beach punk community.

Everyone knew everyone ... kids roamed around knowing every 12

OM — July 2025

set of parents on the street. I miss all the pop-up punk bands that would play on people’s driveways and days at the beach in the summer.”

After attending Oxnard High School, Hannah segued to nearby Ventura College (in the beach town of Ventura) as an engineering major. “I adored math growing up and thought I was going to develop a career in that field which led me to engineering.” The classes, big on group projects and collaboration, were split up into small groups and were given unique tasks which they worked on together, then presented their solutions to the class.

“I was always the one who wanted to write a skit, make a fake commercial ad, or perform a song to accompany our presentation

OJAI ARTS CENTER THEATER'S PRODUCTION OF "DEER" BY AARON MARK (HOLDING THE PLAYBILL). HANNAH WAS THE STAGE MANAGER.

to make it more fun and exciting.” Though her group thought her ideas were fun, even funny, they ultimately outvoted her for a proper Power Point presentation. The following semester, she enrolled in an acting class as a break from her engineering courses. Within a few months Hannah’s life’s goals had changed.

She dropped out of her STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) and signed up for a full course load of theater classes. The gravitational pull of the theater was too strong; her life course was forged.

After graduating and receiving an Associate’s Degree in theater arts, Hannah chose to remain in Southern California and enrolled in San Diego State University (more sand, surf and sun), earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts with a performance emphasis. Her feet were now planted, not in beach sand, but firmly on a theater stage.

While at San Diego State and focusing on performing, Hannah also took intensive courses in lighting, costume and set design.

She worked in labs where she learned to apply her new knowledge to the mainstage. “I was drawn to stage management and chose

that as my second emphasis where I was able to work as an ASM (assistant stage manager) under Production MFA students.” Crossdisciplinary training has become a passion as an artist for Hannah and she encourages those in theater to learn more about different areas of a production. “It naturally makes you a better collaborator, listener, and creative. If one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all aspects.’”

Leaving San Diego, she landed in the town of Ojai, hoping to start working on a more local and regional level. Ojai, on the floor of rural Ojai Valley, is a double “A” community — agriculture and art with an artistic bent that caters to and supports writers, actors, music and theater. Still in Southern California, the valley, surrounded by mountains, does have lots of sun, but no sand and surf in sight. It was classic “post-grad insanity,” as Hannah describes it and she wasn’t sure how to start her dream career in theater, but did know she needed a job.

A friend who was working at the Coffee Connection in Meiners Oaks was moving to Oregon and thought Hannah would be a good fit as her replacement. Having had service industry work OM — July 2025

ABOVE: LUYET ONSTAGE FOR A SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

LUYET AT VENTURA COLLEGE

PRODUCTION OF “LITTLE WOMEN.” BELOW: MICHELLE CHAKRA, LEFT WITH HANNAH AT VERITAS THEATER’S “DRAG QUEEN BINGO: BOOTS & SADDLES” EVENT.

experience, she interviewed and soon became the coffee shop’s newest barista. “Coffee Connection is my favorite job I have ever had! Jon and Brenna Furness are amazing bosses who genuinely want to see their community thrive. Not only have they come to so many of my theatrical performances, but they have helped out by donating coffee for events, selling tickets, and promoting Veritas Theater (see below) to local residents.” She goes on to say, “One of the most amazing things that has come out of working a coffee shop in a small town is being immersed in the community.” She loves that she has met so many other “fellow creatives, curious people that I have been able to collaborate with on projects. “ An acting friend who had been recently cast in a musical mentioned to Hannah that the show needed a stage manager.

Hannah met with the director, Rosie Gordon, and was hired on the spot. That “became my first official job after graduating, stage manager for OPAT’s (Ojai Performing Arts Theater) summer musical, “The Fantasticks.” Hannah and Rosie grew close as friends and colleagues and have worked together on every theater project since with Rosie as Hannah’s producer, director, actor and fellow collaborator. Hannah had found her artistic place in Ojai.

14

OM — July 2025

When Rosie asked Hannah to be the company manager for the Method Machine Lab, Hannah immediately said yes and that theater lab soon morphed into the Veritas Theater, which they co-founded together.

“Making theater with Rosie is easy. I think there is something so special when you find the person who matches your creativity.

Even when theater gets crazy, stressful and difficult (it is theater, after all), “it’s made easy when you can look over to your friend and say, ‘it’s a good show.’” Hannah further explains, “We made this theater because we both have the same mission and ideas: make good art and have a good time doing it.” Hannah, who fell in love with storytelling years earlier in that first acting class, now wants to tell stories with people who love telling them as much as she does. The people in Ojai have given her the support and opportunity to do just that.

Though she misses the sand and surf, she is still that California girl who found her place in the sun, because, as Katy Perry sings more contemporaneously, “California gurls, we’re undeniable!”

And the beach is just a half hour away.

For more information, point your browser to VeritasTheater.org ABOVE: HOT DOG PHOTO TAKEN AT VERITAS THEATER FOR STAGED READING OF “AMERICAN HERO” BY BESS WOHL. BELOW: HANNAH (RIGHT) WITH VERITAS THEATER CO-FOUNDER ROSIE GORDON AT THE DRAG QUEEN BINGO NIGHT THEY HOST.

OJAI ART CENTER’S PRODUCTION OF ARTHUR MILLER’S “CRUCIBLE.”

OM — July 2025

There's no place like home. Let me find yours.

MOUNTAIN MODERN

Views, views, views. This private, gated home tucked among trees and mountains blends modern style with abundant light and indoor-outdoor flow. The vaulted living room features beamed ceilings, a fireplace, and picture windows framing mountain vistas. An open dining area connects to the remodeled kitchen with high-end appliances and custom cabinetry. Step out onto the expansive deck—perfect for entertaining under the sky. The three-bedroom, two-bath home includes hardwood floors throughout and a detached guest studio for visitors. Relax on the patio beneath the oaks and savor the stunning views. With smooth Santa Barbara stucco and space for horses, this retreat has it all.

w ww. donnasallen.c om

donna4remax@aol.com

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

HIDDEN HAVEN

Tucked inside the prestigious gated enclave of Rancho Matilija, this two-story estate captures the tranquil, enchanting spirit of Ojai. Bordered by the Ojai Land Conservancy to the north and the Ventura River to the east, the property offers rare privacy and direct access to nature. Residents enjoy private equestrian and walking trails connecting to the Los Padres National Forest, the Ventura River, and scenic neighborhood paths. From its elevated perch, the home commands sweeping views of the Ojai Valley and the iconic Topa Topa Mountains—famed for the “Pink Moment,” when sunset casts a rosy glow across the peaks and valley below. The residence includes five large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Upstairs, new all-wool carpeting adds warmth and natural elegance. The master suite is a peaceful sanctuary with panoramic views, a spa-like en-suite bath, and a generous walk-in closet.

PROPERTY DETAIL

MOUNTAIN 5 BEDROOMS

5 BATHROOMS

VIEWS

w ww.donnasallen.c o m

NEAR OJAI & VENTURA

3-CAR GARAGE

donna4remax@aol.com

Unlike traditional facial treatments that focus solely on surface-level improvements, skin revision targets the deeper layers of the skin, addressing the root causes of various skin issues to not only improve the skin’s appearance, but to enhance its biological function, bringing it closer to its youthful, optimal state.

New Client Specials

2 DMK Enzyme Treatments plus a 30 day supply of home care products for $499 $50 off HydraFacial® & Glo2Facial® 50% off any sugaring or airbrush tan service

Our Services Include:

Paramedical Skin Revision • Relaxing Spa Facials • Acne Treatments Clear Skin Program • Age Management Treatment Series • Peels Airbrush Tanning • Sugaring Hair Removal • Makeup • Infrared Sauna

236 W Ojai Ave #101 • Ojai, CA • ojaiskinrevision.com • (805) 646-7600

Find Your Senior Living Oasis in Ojai!

203 E El Roblar Dr, Ojai, CA 805-798-9305 theArtesianSeniorLiving.com RCFE# 567609954

18

OM — July 2025

OQ | HI KI NG MA P 1

SHELF ROAD 3.5mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.

2

3

4

RIVER PRESERVE 0-7mi VARIES | Elev. Gain: ≤ 520 ft Wills-Rice Loop is the longest trail.

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

5

6

7

HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1600 ft | Goes to the Pines.

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.

MATILIJA CANYON 12mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1200ft | North Fork.

8

9

10

ROSE VALLEY 1mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft Rose Valley Falls.

SISAR CANYON 22mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4800 ft |Topa Topa Bluffs.

SULPHUR MTN. 22mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2300 ft | Sulphur Mountain Road.

OM — July 2025

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

EAST END MASTERPIECE

Welcome to this nearly 35-acre income producing ranch located in the prestigious East End of Ojai. Truly iconic ranch nestled between McNell Creek and the Topa Topa Mountains offering you a perfect “Pink Moment” nearly every evening. This 1920’s farmhouse has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a massive original rock fireplace. The light-filled rooms with large windows showcase the panoramic mountain views. There is a separate office/ art stdio and a separate two bedroom, one bathroom guest house. Plenty of room to park all your farm equipment in the oversized three-car garage. This ranch produces Ojai Pixies, avocados, Cara Cara navel oranges, and a variety of other fruit trees. With a high-producing well along with Casitas ag water meter and solar ...living off the grid never looked so good.

Rare opportunity to be part of the Williamson Act for tax savings benefits.

PROPERTY DETAIL

MOUNTAIN 4 BEDROOMS

3 BATHROOMS

VIEWS

GUEST HOUSE

3-CAR GARAGE

There's no place like home. Let me find yours.

OAK HAVEN RETREAT

Sitting perfectly on more than an acre of land, nestled among the majestic Oak trees, you will find a lovely Craftsman-style home which has been tastefully remodeled. The large picture windows showcase the great room with vaulted ceilings, large fireplace, and amazing views. The kitchen opens to the den and also to the dining room for ease of entertaining with top-ofthe-line appliances. There is a screened-in porch off the dining room which looks out onto the oak-studded backyard and pool. Your family and friends will enjoy their stay in the spacious, private guest house which overlooks the pool and views.

Majestic oaks add to the privacy and serenity. If you have horses, this property has a barn and arena, and is close to surrounding hiking trails. There is an oversized three-car garage, solar, and a large workshop. You will love the understated elegance.

PROPERTY DETAIL

MOUNTAIN FOUR BEDROOMS

THREE BATHROOMS

VIEWS

3-CAR GARAGE

The Secret Life of Your Disappearing Pool (A Genteel Mystery Solved in Six Sensible Steps)

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela Evaporation can account for the loss of an average of one-quarter inch of pool water per day, which, depending on the size of your pool, can add up to thousands – or tens of thousands – of gallons of water lost each year. Since we are generally in some state of drought here and are currently in a severe drought, everything we can do to save water is a step in the right direction.

If you have a swimming pool and would like to save money and conserve water by reducing evaporation, here are six tips to try.

Get a pool cover: This one is too obvious to not be first on this list. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using a pool cover prevents up to 95 percent of evaporation. There is a variety of choices available, including manual and automatic options. Using a cover also keeps your pool cleaner, keeps the water warmer, and, depending on the type of cover you install, a cover can also make your pool safer.

Try a liquid pool cover: Liquid pool covers (aka liquid solar covers, liquid solar blankets) create an invisible barrier on top of the water the reduces evaporation, heat loss, and chemical loss.

22

Turn off water features when not in use.

Waterfalls and fountains are beautiful and relaxing, but they also make the water in your pool evaporate faster. So, when you are not using them as a focal point during a dinner party or to enjoy the look and sound of moving water while lounging by the pool, turn them off.

Lower the temperature on your pool heater: The warmer the water is, the faster it will evaporate. That makes simply lowering your pool temperature by a few degrees an easy way to reduce pool water evaporation this summer. You will also benefit from using less electricity to heat your pool.

Add shade and windbreaks around your pool: Since heat and wind are two of the main causes of evaporation, reducing these

OM — July 2025

elements around your pool can help you save water. Consider privacy fencing, trees and shrubs, or a shade structure to protect your pool from the elements.

Maintain pool chemicals: Test the chemical balance of your pool regularly to ensure that you are maintaining proper pH and alkalinity. When chemical imbalances occur, the water is less stable, which increases evaporation.

Using a local pool maintenance service is the best way to ensure that your chemicals are regularly tested and balanced. If you need a professional to help with any of these other tips, such as installing a fence or planting trees, make sure to use local contractors and vendors to support the local economy.

Whitman Architectural Design

FIRESTICK POTTERY Creative Workspace Open to Public OPEN 10-6 DAILY 1804 E. OJAI AVE 805 - 272 - 8760

www.whitman-architect.com Providing the highest quality custom residential & commercial Architectural Design and Construction Services.

805-646-8485 “We Shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

Winston Churchill

OJAI VALLEY TRAIL RIDING COMPANY Guided Trail Rides on the Ventura River Preserve

GALLERY WORKSHOPS For more information and pricing please call us at

805 890 9340

POTTERY PARTIES FREE TOURS

Reservations needed

firestickpottery.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

ojaivalleytrailridingcompany.com

36

ojaivalleytrailridingcompany

ojaivalleytrailriding 2023 OJAI VISITOR

OM — July 2025

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL BRET @ 805-798-0177

Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094

Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177

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.

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

24

805-798-1998

Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com

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

Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net

Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734

Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors Donna4Remax@aol.com DonnaSallen.com 805-798-0516

Bob Kemper Broker, MBA Kemper Realty of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Bob.Kemper@ sothebysrealty.com DRE# 01356802 (805) 551-5121

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

OM — July 2025

Anne Williamson LIV Sotheby’s Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314

ALL OF THE HOUSES Start writing your Ojai story with us.

We are a little team with a lot of love for houses and the people they hold. We know Ojai and the mountains that surround it. We know the secret pockets and lanes that make it magical — just like we know all of the corners of Los Angeles and its unique architecture, design and possibility. We understand the market and sales and the delicate nature of navigating the process of buying and selling a home. We’ve got this. Each house is a story. We want to know yours.

Elisa Crispi

Tracey Becker

Michelle Berryhill

Andrew Stiles

Heidi Sowards

M: 310 480 5578 CAL DRE# 02037327 Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. License Numbers 01991628, 01527235, 1527365.

weare@allofthehouses.com @allofthehouses | allofthehouseS.com OM — July 2025

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

26

(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 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

OM — July 2025

OJAI ROTIE Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

traditional

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

CHEF RANDY’S LIFE OF SPICE

‘BEAN ME UP, OJAI!’ This burger has great texture and flavor, and it’s not mushy in the middle. I think you’ll find that it has the perfect combination of black beans, veggies, breadcrumbs, seeds, nuts, spices, and herbs. It’s ideal for grilling this summer and fall.

Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 38 years. Chef Randy has written and published a series of seven cookbooks with original recipes developed over the period 1975 through 2020. He writes for the Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Monthly, and the California 101 Travelers Guide.

His vegetarian recipes are published in newspapers throughout Central California under the header, Chef Randy. He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog Cooper. Robin and Cooper are not vegetarians.

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup warm water 3 tablespoons flax seed meal (Bob’s Red Mill is good) 14-ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed) 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup red onion (chopped fine) 2 large cloves of garlic (minced) 1 cup carrots (grated) 1/3 cup parsley (chopped fine) 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (toasted and chopped) 1/2 cup almonds (toasted and chopped) 2 tablespoons Tamari sauce 3 large egg whites (lightly beaten) 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup rolled oats (blended coarsely) 1/2 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS: Whisk the water and flaxseed meal in a small bowl. Cover and set aside.

Healthy

Summer

45 minutes

Vegetarian

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained black beans. Using a potato masher, mash the beans until about 2/3 of the mixture becomes a bean “paste,” while leaving roughly 1/3 of the beans mostly intact. Set the bowl aside.

OM — July 2025

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic and sauté for five minutes. Transfer the onion and flax meal mixture into the bowl with the mashed beans. Add the carrots, parsley, sunflower seeds, almonds, Tamari sauce, eggs, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and salt, and mix to combine.

Using your hands, mix the oats and bread crumbs until the mixture comes together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before shaping patties.

Form the dough into six tightly packed patties. If you have a hamburger press, this is a good time to use it.

Grill over medium-high heat (about 400 degrees) for four minutes. Carefully flip and grill for an additional three minutes.

Allow the patties to cool on a rack for five minutes before serving to help them firm up a bit. At this point, they can be refrigerated or frozen if you are preparing these in advance.

Serve on a grilled bun with a spread of lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. Add my secret sauce to the burger and serve with a dill pickle and chips.

BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL? Political Decision-Making & How It Affects Homeownership

By Therese A. Hartmann

My father was a wise man. Wise enough to not want to get involved with local politics — he always said it was a thankless job where half of Ojai would adore you and the other half take potshots at you — but he did find other ways to make a difference.

Among other ventures, he played a significant role in making life better for the elderly by serving as a “senior senator” for many years. This entailed his reading through many, many bills having to do with seniors, finding the best of them and then jockeying them on the floor in Sacramento.

He knew what we probably are all aware of ... many of these important ideas would get wrapped in with other less favorable bills.

Getting them passed took a lot of negotiating and compromise with the original format of the “good” bill often getting diluted.

We seem to have that now with President Trump’s bill.

There are some really great ideas with the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and some that appear well, simply put, rather dodgy. I imagine this to be the result of a sort of duking it out between political parties and we can only surmise what the final bill will hold. There doesn’t appear to be much compromise between parties.

Because of this and the enormity of the bill, I have a feeling it’s going to be a bit of a wild ride to get to any consensus but as it stands, there are some powerful possibilities for homeowners and some that might be 28

expanding opportunity zones, which could encourage investment in housing developments in underserved areas.

Energy-Efficiency Cuts: Some energyefficiency tax credits for homeowners may be eliminated, potentially raising the cost of green home upgrades.

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.

questionable.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what we are seeing at the moment: SALT Deduction Expansion: The House version of the bill raises the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction from $10,000 to $40,000. This would especially benefit homeowners in California where taxes are outrageously high.

Affordable Housing Incentives: The bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which could lead to the development of over 500,000 affordable rental homes between 2026 and 2035. It also lowers the bond financing threshold, making it easier for developers to qualify for tax credits.

Opportunity Zones: There’s support for OM — July 2025

Interest Rate Concerns: The bill is expected to increase the federal deficit by trillions over the next decade. Some analysts worry this could lead to higher interest rates, making mortgages more expensive.

Rent Regulation Restrictions: A controversial provision would block local governments from regulating rent-setting algorithms for the next decade, which critics argue could favor large landlords over tenants.

In short, the bill could offer tax relief and encourage housing development, but it may also widen the gap between wealthy and lower-income homeowners. If you’re a homeowner in California and/or involved in real estate development, the benefits could be enormous. For renters, even though they typically don’t have all of the headaches of home ownership (taxes, repairs, high mortgage payments, high-priced or nonexistent insurance, excessive utility bills, etc.) you might see fewer protections. And don’t forget, just because a bill gets passed, or an executive order gets signed, implementation is a whole other story. One for another article!

561 SADDLE LANE | Ojai

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF

Ojai Living

TAKE A TOUR OF THIS MARC WHITMAN DESIGN

Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Ojai offers a rare blend of natural beauty, artistic spirit, and small-town charm.

Known for its enchanting “pink moment” sunsets, thriving creative community, and focus on wellness and sustainability, Ojai is a sanctuary for those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing culture or connection. From boutique shopping and world-class farmers markets to scenic hiking trails, luxury spas, and award-

5 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | POOL | 3.8± ACRES

winning dining, Ojai invites you to live in harmony with nature

OFFERED AT $10,450,000

while enjoying the finer things in life.

DISTANCES TO 561 SADDLE LANE 1.57 MILES

DISTANCES TO 272 EL CIELITO

12 Miles 1.2 MILES

OJAI VALLEY INN

.3 Miles 0.6 MILES Parma LIBBEY PARK Park

Santa OJAI Barbara DOWNTOWN Airport

4 Miles Downtown

C R I S T A L C L A R K E | 8 0 5 . 8 8 6 . 9 378 MONTECITO-ESTATE.COM | CRISTAL@MONTECITO-ESTATE.COM | DRE 00968247

FROM COASTAL CONDOS TO GRAND ESTATES — EXPERTISE AT EVERY LEVEL. #1 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES AGENT LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY*

TAKE A TOUR

©2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. *Awards based on 2023 production of approximately 50,000 sales associates in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network

OM — July 2025

We know Ojai.

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

Rancho Royale - 21-Acre Equestrian Estate with Main House + 8 Rentals, 7 Horse Barns, 20 Covered Corrals, 4 Arenas, 2 Round Pens, Hay & Equipment Barns, Panel Walker, Entertainment Barn, Archery Range, Mountain Views & More RanchoRoyaleOjai.com $7,890,000

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

Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Manufactured Home + Outbuildings on Flat, Usable, .81-Acre Horse Property Close to Lake Casitas and Oak View Shops & Restaurants $799,000

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

Corral Canyon Ranch - Make your dream of country living a reality on this 277+ acre ranch surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest. With a beautifully remodeled main house, caretaker’s house, bunkhouse, two guest houses, open barn, paddocks, fenced pastures, hay fields, arena, covered round pen and so much more, this unique property has everything you need to enjoy the tranquility of Ojai’s back country set against the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains in Cuyama Valley. www.29443hwy33.com $5,500,000

Four-bedroom Oak View home with gas fireplace, wood-burning stove, RV parking, two-car garage, covered patio, large closets, and large family room in walkable neighborhood $929,000

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

LOVE IS IN THE AIR ON HAPPY LANE 3541 THACHER ROAD, OJAI • NEW PRICE AT $2,300,000 This enchanting East End mini-compound spans a full acre, offering a main house (3BR+office / 2BA), art studio, writer’s office, cozy chill cabin, outdoor showers, and an infinity cedar tub. Entertain around the fire pit, yoga platform, and a chic Airstream guest retreat. Rustic yet refined, this blissful property embodies Ojai’s creative spirit, surrounded by nature and just minutes to top schools, hiking trails, and adventures.

3108 CALLE DE MAREJADA • CAMARILLO • $2,997,000

ACCREDITED LUXURY PROPERTIES SPECIALIST

805.236.3814 THE NEXT LEVEL OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES

gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com

TRUST • INTEGRITY • RESULTS

DRE 01983530

© 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for your listing. Awards based on 2024 production of approximately 50,000 sales associates in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network.

VENTURA KEYS 2607 SEAHORSE AVE. $3,450,000