Ojai Monthly - March 2024

OJAI 03 24 D I S C O V E R M O N T H LY

Real estate / home / Visitors

See Cover Property on Page 2 • Patty Waltcher, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices • 805-340-5774

FEATURED PRO: GEORGE S. STUART FAVORITE OJAI PLACES, CONTINUED FOUR SURPRISE SPRING CLEANING TIPS Visitor Information

Events

Activities

Lifestyle

Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

Co ve r on tu re d Fe a

MINIMALIST WILDLAND SANCTUARY

On 44 pristine acres in Upper Ojai, this modern compound includes a 2700sf main house, a 900sf guest house, a pool and terraces all enfolded in the crook of a dramatic eastern ridge with unparalleled privacy and magnificent views of the Topa Topas, the Upper Valley and Sulphur Mountain. Designed by its architect owners to be a serene, airy, modernist experience completely in harmony with the landscape, this is a truly unique Ojai property that honors both the rawness of nature and the fearless possibilities of contemporary design and construction.

12179KoenigsteinRdOjai.com Offered at $5,250,000

DRE# 01176473

(805) 340-3774

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

© 2024 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.

RARE DOWNTOWN VIEW LOT

This gorgeous 5.25 acre property accessed by gated entry from Foothill Rd has meadows and ancient oaks decorating a unique expanse of usable land. Totally private and inviting, it is bordered by the undeveloped hillsides of Stewart Canyon and has easy access to the Pratt Trail and Shelf Road. Unobstructed views of the Topa Topas and surrounding mountains make this an ideal location for a fabulous home, a horse property, a large retreat compound or anything you can imagine. It is adjacent to two other available lots which could create a fabulous 22 acre lot.

1218FoothillRdOjai.com Offered at $2,500,000

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

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

© 2024 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.

Whitman Architectural Design

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 Homes For Sale

Shanae Kahler Owner

ojaivalleyrealestate.com

Full Service Workout Facility

805-646-4911 Property Management Residential - Commercial Ojai - Ventura - Santa Paula

Hammer Strength • Life Fitness • HighTech Free Weights, Machines and Cardio Equipment • Outdoor Fitness Jungle Gym • Pole Dancing Classes • • Zoom & In-Person Classes • Personal Training & Custom Weight Loss Programs • Pilates Studio • Great Atmosphere • Helpful and Knowledgeable Staff

Spa Services

West Oaks

Property Management

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Jessica McCrea 805-699-8645 DRE#01193756

OM — March 2024

Watsu

Now Open 24/7!

Contact us today! 805 646 2233 406 Bryant Circle Ste Q, Ojai, Ca OPEN DAILY

@bryantstreetgym

631 EL JINA LANE , OJAI, CALIFORNIA

Welcome to Smarty Pants Ranch A stunning sanctuary amidst orange blossoms and the serene beauty of idyllic Ojai, CA. Designed by acclaimed local Ojai architect Jane Carroll and built in 2005, the main house is a contemporary Spanish-style gem nestled onto an extraordinary 3 acres on a private lane in Ojai’s coveted East End. The grounds include a spectacular pool, stables, turn-out and riding arena, 2-bedroom guest house with private drive, breathtaking mountain views and incredible landscaping with over 300 trees and 26 different kinds of fruit. Experience the quintessential East End lifestyle on this magical property meticulously designed inside and out for a luxurious and peaceful retreat.

Price Upon Request | 631 El Jina Lane.com

Jack La Plante

Erik Wilde

Realtor® | DRE 02134607 805.640.5571 jack.laplante@sothebysrealty.com jacklaplante.sothebysrealty.com

Realtor® | DRE 01461074 805.830.3254 erik.wilde@sothebysrealty.com erikwilde.sothebysrealty.com

© 2024 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

OM — March 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2024

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Editor’s Note

8

Ojai Founding Fathers & Mothers

11

Calendar of Events

14

Featured Pro: George S. Stuart

20

Ojai’s Top Ten Hikes

22

Four Surprise Spring Cleaning Tips

24

Who’s Who in Real Estate

26

Dine Ojai — Restaurant Guide

27

Chef Randy: Chickpea & Potato Stew

28

Tips for Cutting Closing Costs

12

25 20

Editor & Publisher / Bret Bradigan Uta Ritke / Creative Director AJ Davis / Home & Garden Design Cover: Patty Waltcher, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 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.

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OM — March 2024

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DISCOVER

OJAI MONTHLY FAVORITE OJAI PLACES, CONT. "If you don't become the ocean, you'll be seasick every day."

Bret Bradigan

— Leonard Cohen

I've written before about one of my favorite Ojai features: The book cart outside my office behind the Arcade. It's a feast of treasures, thanks to the bibliophiles around town, as well as the volunteers at Twice-Sold Tales, the Ojai Library's used bookstore. I am inspired to write about it again because the other day I found the massive coffee table book, (18"x11" with hundreds of pages with nearly 90 exquisite plates, tipping the scales at just over 20 pounds) "Michelangelo the Painter." The insight and detail about his fascinating life is mesmerizing. His art is the star, though. The fertility of his mind, and the development of his talent, is almost unbearable in a way. The weight of his genius staggers.

I love books. And I love that Ojai is a town that loves books. Check out my conversation with Matt Henriksen, Bart's Books' manager, on episode 174 of the Ojai podcast. My first experience with books was through my Aunt Jenny. When our second-grade teacher, Mrs. Woods, went on maternity leave, Aunt Jenny came out of retirement to teach us. She bought me a few books to see if they'd pique my curiosity. Yes, they certainly did. There were two in particular I remember vividly. One was a kids' book on Antarctica, with beautiful photographs of an incredible variety of ice, from deep blue to white crystals. Also, it was where I introduced to the first animal that inspired terror in me — the leopard seal, the lurking shadow that haunts penguins' nightmares. My favorite, though, was a book on magnets, which came with a selection of magnets and a bag of iron filings. It was endlessly entertaining and illuminating, being my first exposure to the wonders of the unseen world.

After this experience, I began a habit of visiting our county bookmobile, which lumbered and wheezed into town every other Saturday. The librarian took a shine to me, and would find special treats for me. Each book I read brought me to its bibliography, from which I'd request another round of inter-library loans. At the time, I was obsessed with Arctic and Antarctica travel (I regard Ernest Shackleton, to this day, as the greatest expedition leader of all time — 26 men went into a frozen hell and three-and-a-half years later, 26 men came out). That led me to the Klondike Gold Rush, from there to the Nome Gold Rush, then to the DEW Line, the Russian Far East, a biography of Peter the Great, to the wonders of France in the age of Louis "The Sun King" XIV, and from there back to the French voyageurs who created the Great Lakes trade routes that ran practically through my western New York backyard. That reading journey around the globe took place all within a few weeks.

Back to "Michelangelo the Painter." Not so long ago it was possible to own an original Michelangelo work for only a few hundred dollars. His servants were illiterate, so he'd sketch out their shopping lists. An enterprising soul kept them safe for a half millenia. Apparently, genius can subsist, if not flourish, on a diet of fish, bread, cheese and lots and lots of wine. In keeping with book-cart etiquette I'll return it when I'm done. Just don't be holding your breath.

OM — March 2024

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 — March 2024

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.”

Explore Ojai Valley’s History, Art and Culture Thursday – Sunday 10am – 4pm 130 W. Ojai Ave. 805 640-1390 OjaiValleyMuseum.org

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MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS events

‘THE OJAI’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT | APRIL 24-28 | TheOjai.net

MARCH 2-3

Sacred Geometry Weekend With George Leoniak Location: Sane Living Center, 316 East Matilija Street Times: Varies, check website Contact: SaneLivingCenter.com, 805646-6000 or geometryofhealing.com/ somatic-stretch-rewind-and-reset-event for more information on this powerful healing and spiritual lineup of events in downtown Ojai.

MARCH 10 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.

OPENS MARCH 28 “Tomatomania!”

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dates: Monday through Saturday Location: Wachter’s Hay & Grain, 114 South Montgomery Street Contact: tomatomania.com Get expert advice, find rare heirlooms, classic

podcast

TOMATOMANIA! | OPENS MARCH 28 | TomatoMania.come

hybrids and all you need for a successful season.

Find more than 100 varieties. Tomato restock will happen in May. — DOWN THE ROAD — APRIL Ojai Pixie Month Locations: Restaurants and shops around town.

Contact: Ojai Chamber of Commerce 805-646-8126 OjaiChamber.org Looks for the pixie stickers on windows of restaurants and shops around town for a selection of Ojai’s very delicious and versatile tangerine. From food to beverages to products, the town celebrates its homegrown fruit.

APRIL 24-28 2024 The 121st “The Ojai” Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament Times: Varied Location: Libbey Park & Elsewhere Contact: 805-646-7421 theojai.net The country’s oldest amateur tournament, going back to 1896, returns with the PAC-12 championships and many other top matchups.

This year The Ojai will honor Mike and Bob Bryan, the most successful doubles players of all time, winner of multiple Olympic gold medals and multiple Ojai championships.

OM — March 2024

OJAI PODCAST | THURSDAYS | OjaiHub.com

— RECURRING EVENTS —

SATURDAY 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 the “smiling vale.”

MONDAYS

Shakespeare Reading Salon — every 1st and 3rd Monday Times: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Ojai Main Library, 111 East Ojai Avenue Contact: Laurie at 805-646-3733 ojaibard@gmail.com Join our lively reading and discussion.

Whether you like to read aloud or just listen, everyone is welcome!

THURSDAYS Ojai: Talk of the Town Podcast 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. Come join the fun.

RARE DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL/RESTAURANT

These 2 adjoining legal lots in the heart of Ojai have amazing potential as an income property in their current state or as an ideal location for future development. One lot is the former location of the Love Café and the other is a vacant lot that currently serves as a parking lot. The existing buildings include a commercial kitchen, dining room, public restroom and ample porch space surrounded by mature trees and lush landscaping. Let this prime downtown opportunity just a block from the Ojai Arcade and the Ojai Playhouse be your canvas for a creative vision.

205-209NorthSignalStOjai.com Offered at $3,850,000

DRE# 01176473

(805) 340-3774

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

© 2024 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.

LUXURY DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING

This 3900sqft commercial building is in the heart of downtown Ojai. Fully remodeled in 2017, it includes 10 offices, lobby, conference room, kitchen, and 3 bathrooms.

The light-filled interior has high ceilings and accents include tile, wood floors, glass walls, and exposed beams.

Outside has ample onsite parking, a courtyard and a back yard. This unique building offers many possibilities: a large office, a business collective, a doctor’s office, a spa, a retail space, or a gallery. There is nothing else like this available anywhere in Ojai.

108EMatilijaStOjai.com Offered at $4,100,000

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

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

© 2024 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.

GEORGE S. STUART

BY BRET BRADIGAN

HISTORY, TO SCALE George S. Stuart: A Miniature Odyssey Through History — From Dyslexia to Renowned Artist With the Museum of Ventura County hosting an exhibit of his work, The Ojai 'Talk of the Town' podcast episode on George S. Stuart provides valuable insights into his life and work. In the podcast, Stuart shares personal anecdotes, thoughts on his creative process, and reflections on the impact of his miniatures.

Listening to his own words adds depth to the narrative, allowing us to understand his journey through his own perspective.

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OM — March 2024

charming son. He has good manners, but you’re going to have to live with it,’” he said. “My parents were desperately desirous that I become a person of stature and accomplishments.”

So they went to work. “I was surrounded by tutors … who one by one gave up,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything with math, I failed chemistry flat … and so it was an awful handicap.”

The Ojai "Talk of the Town" podcast episode with George S. Stuart provides valuable insights into his life and work.

In the podcast, Stuart shares personal anecdotes, thoughts on his creative process, and reflections on the impact of his miniatures.

Born 95 years ago in Pasadena, the son of an aeronautical engineer and a writer mother, George S. Stuart’s early life was marked by a yet-to-be-identified challenge; “Dyslexia. We’d never heard of it, we didn’t know what it was. Teachers told my parents, ‘We’re sorry, you have a

Stuart's journey from a dyslexic child to a renowned artist was not a straight path. There were glimmers along the way, though. He traveled in Europe as a young boy and began to develop his lifelong fascination with history and architecture, even constructing a scale model of the Palace of Versailles. Another glimmer came with the gift of at age 7 of a marionette, through which he became intrigued by re-creating the human form.

“It was the most exciting thing I ever saw,” he said. None of these early fascinations pointed to a meaningful career, however, especially for someone who struggled scholastically.

After toughing it out at Georgetown and the American University, where Stuart's dyslexia made it nearly impossible for

George Stuart's Historical Figures® exhibition, "Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries."

The exhibition opened February 22nd and will be on display through September 15th at the Museum of Ventura County, giving viewers a onefourth scale version of the rise and fall and rise again of this enormously consequential man and other characters of this pivotal period in history OM — March 2024

him to keep up the course work, he came across an influential figure: Professor and author Carroll Quigley. "It was an absolute turning point in my understanding of why history is important to me, and should be important to others. But I flunked out,” he said.

“I needed a job and I wasn’t prepared for anything I knew of. But I looked in the Post in the want ads and Smithsonian Institution was hiring artists. I thought maybe I am an artist of some sort,” he said. He had started working on early iterations of his historical models. “I knew the figures were going to be terribly important, I didn’t know it’d be the center of my creative life in the future,” he said.

In the early 1950s, he was the third artist hired for the museum’s new exhibit artists program. Stuart was put to work creating models to show the scale of inventions that received patents. His boss, Benjamin Lawless, was “just a few years older than me. A good artist, a charming man. We got along famously, laughing about how to motorize the dinosaurs.”

After a few years, Stuart was given a choice, be fired on the spot, or take a job in the Institution’s remote post in Pierre, South Dakota. En route, he got ill. Very ill.

FROM LEFT, QUEEN VICTORIA, MARIE DE MEDICI, CLEOPATRA

He suspected that it was a bad case of strep throat. Somehow, with no memory of the journey, he ended up back in California.

That was when and where he began focusing on the historical figures, using an exacting process with carefully chosen materials such as Icelandic sheep hair, scaled-down chain mail, special embroideries and accessories to accurately represent actual fashions and weapons of the period. He starts with a jointed wire skeleton like the marionette from his youth, then facial features are meticulously crafted with specially designed instruments, starting with a clay base built up with paper maché, styrofoam, wool felt and blown glass eyes. He developed his own plastique to make the skin as lifelike as possible, through years of experimentation.

“The worst material I used to begin with was called ‘plastic wood’ — like an resin with sawdust," Stuart said. “It would stick to your fingers when you’re trying to model. Another challenge was that it very flammable, which I discovered trying to dry them in a hurry in my oven … I transferred to a substance called Marble X, a hobby craft material. It was excellent for my 16

modeling and it dried beautifully.” When the company went out of business, they gave Stuart a 25-pound bag of it. He eventually found an even better material called Paper Clay, from a man he met at a convention who was building Japan art figures.

Despite the similarities, Stuart said, “I’m a modeler, not a sculptor. And there’s a lot of people modeling, making figures with articulation and other variations. And some of them are absolutely brilliant. So I’m not unique in that respect. What made mine a little different was I stuck with a specific scale … quarter-life size. But my role is about historical figures.”

Private collectors also found their way to Stuart. “I started doing a few and it blossomed into a nice income,” he said. “ As Stuart’s figures became sought after, he put together a show of French historical figures at the Stanford Art Museum in 1957 that was well received. It gave him an idea when he returned to Santa Barbara, where lived many retired Hollywood notables “and it was a very rich mix of theatrical experiences.” So he conceived of a traveling show with his figures, telling himself “You’ve been through three OM — March 2024

universities, you must know something about history, and you’ve been on the stage since age 15 … why don’t you go on as a public speaker?”

With his figures in tow, Stuart became a captivating speaker, delivering talks that brought history to life. His ability to weave narratives around each miniature, offering insights into the personalities and eras they represented, made him a sought-after speaker. Audiences were enthralled by the immersive experience Stuart provided, feeling as though they were transported back in time through his miniature masterpieces. He was hired by the same speaker’s bureau, Samuel Horton Brown Agency, that represented Margaret Mead. “I was nobody. They gave me an audition. They said, ‘Alright, you’re one of our artists.’”

He developed a series of talks that ran from 20 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. One of the earlier ones was about French History, from figures from Louis the IV, the “Sun King,” to Napoleon and the Bourbon Restoration. He had to come up with new material for every season, “adding a few figures here and there, making it into a new program,” he said.

Among those programs are American Revolutionary and Civil Wars, from Samuel Adams to Abraham Lincoln, Bourbon Dynasty from Henry IV to Charles X, Czarist Russia and the Soviet Union. His most popular performance may be “Really Awful People,” spotlighting his figures on Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, Attila the Hun, Vlad the Impaler and Nero. “It starts with a massacre and ends with a slaughter,” he once remarked. The programs kept him busy as he combined his skills as a theater actor and amateur historian.

other museums and galleries around the country. In 1979, the Museum of Ventura County built a special gallery to house 200 figures.

As Stuart reached the remarkable age of 95, he looked back on a life well-lived, shaped by a passion that transcended challenges and setbacks. His miniatures, each a labor of love, became not only artifacts but portals to different times.

Stuart's ability to turn his fascination with history into a successful career serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and history enthusiasts alike.

“My agent called me up for a meeting, saying, ‘We don’t talk about religion or politics or sex in speakers’ presentations,’ I thought ‘Oh my god, that’s all I talked about!’” He said, “That’s what makes it interesting, because I make it into an LOUIS XIV, ‘THE SUN KING’ OF FRANCE interesting drama. I’m not an educator, I’m an entertainer, and I’ve never had the perfect backdrop for his Gallery of any other illusions.” He follows a tradition Historical Figures. Nestled in the East set by Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Will End. Stuart's collection became a living Rogers, and contemporary with Garrison testament to his passion, a place where Keillor and Lily Tomlin, though he is visitors could step into history and witness careful about comparisons. the past unfold before their eyes.

His concern for the future is that history in America is not being taught with the rich context and understanding it deserves. “It’s a sad thing to see, young people now consider the Vietnam War ancient history. I’m not despairing … we’ve been blessed with everything imaginable. It’s how we’ve used it or abused it. We have the opportunity to do so much, but unfortunately sometimes we put our feet wrong,” he said. “In other cases, we do a good job.”

One significant chapter in Stuart's life unfolded in 1959 when he made Ojai his home. In this idyllic setting, he found

George S. Stuart was interviewed for the Ojai podcast, “Talk of the Town,” in episode 171, available wherever you get your podcasts.

He has exhibited his figures — more than 400 in all — in the Smithsonian, Bill Clinton Presidential Library among many

BELOW, FROM LEFT, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND A 23-YEAR-OLD ABRAHAM LINCOLN

OM — March 2024

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

FAMILY HOME $2,675,000 FOR SALE

Located on one of Ojai’s most desirable streets and sitting perfectly on over half-an-acre, this wonderful family home is just waiting for you. This home features a spacious open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, Travertine stone floors throughout and light-filled rooms. There are two large living areas, both with their own fireplace, so you can enjoy the warmth of a cozy fire. Top of the line appliances in the large kitchen which looks out to the beautiful pool and backyard. The dining room opens to a large deck with lovely mountain views, a great place for entertaining. There are four bedrooms, three bathrooms with plenty of room for family and guests. The outdoor space is charming with meandering pebble pathways, lush landscape and mature trees. You will love splashing in the pool on warm summer days or soaking in the hot tub under the star-studded nights sky. With this ideal location you are close to hiking trails, shops, and restaurants. There is an oversized three-car garage with plenty of parking. Private and gated. Don’t miss this one!

PROPERTY DETAIL

4 BEDROOMS

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

3 BATHROOMS

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

3-CAR GARAGE

DONNA SALLEN

805.798.0516

OJAI COMPOUND $1,995,000 FOR SALE

El Viaje was inspired by the architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern conveniences of everyday life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private, secluded yard you will love the mix of mature trees, the flower-lined barranca, and the romantic dining area. Once inside, you will appreciate the elegant but simple lifestyle. With the polished concrete floors downstairs and Brazilian Cherrywood floors upstairs you will feel the warmth of this home. The cozy living room opens to the kitchen and dining room and is perfect for entertaining. There are Venetian plaster walls throughout, granite counter tops, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, and Smart Home technology.

The brilliant finishing touches and attention to detail cannot be ignored so don’t miss seeing this lovely Villa. Located in the heart of downtown Ojai close to restaurants, shops and hiking trails.

PROPERTY DETAIL

MOUNTAIN 4 BEDROOMS

2,742 SF

4 BATHROOMS

w w w.donnasallen.c o m

VIEWS

donna4remax@aol.com

OM | HI K I NG M AP 1

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

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4

VENTURA RIVER PRESERVE | 7mi EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain:

PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300

GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs

5

6

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HORN CANYON 5.5mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft.

COZY DELL 2.2mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft |

MATILIJA CANYON 12mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft |

520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding.

ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever.

(Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.

Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road.

Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines.

Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway.

Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network.

Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble.

8

9

10

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

SISAR CANYON 22mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to

SULPHUR MTN. 22mi MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft |

Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall.

20

Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road.

Only for experienced, f it hikers.

Views are unsurpassed.

OM — June 2023 OM — March 2024

29

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

ELEGANCE IN DESIGN $4,300,000 FOR SALE

Located within walking distance to downtown Ojai, this elegant family home has it all. Light and bright, you will love the open spacious floor plan. The beautifully detailed kitchen and den open to a sunroom, with a massive rock fireplace, which overlooks the private backyard and swimming pool. There are four fireplaces, a large office, downstairs primary bedroom with a ‘spa-like’ bath, formal living room and formal dining room — all with incredible details, balconies and patios to bring the outside in. This property, just over an acre, has an art studio, garden sheds, meandering pathways, a bridge leading to a five star chicken coop, orchards, vegetable and rose gardens, wonderful mature trees, views of the mountains and, yes, a Tree House.

There is a one bedroom attached guest quarters. Private and quiet and yet so close to shops, restaurants, and the Ojai Arcade.

PROPERTY DETAIL

5 BEDROOMS

ARTIST STUDIO

5 BATHROOMS

OUTDOOR DINING

& TREE HOUSE!

www. donnasallen.c om

donna4remax@aol.com

Four Spring Cleaning Tasks (That Might Not Be on Your List)

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

Spring is here, which means it is time for the annual ritual of spring cleaning. Since I love any excuse to clean and organize some part of my house, I love this ritual and usually start making my to-do list well before spring arrives. Most of us who participate in this tradition will include tasks like cleaning out the refrigerator, washing the windows, scrubbing the baseboards, shampooing rugs and carpets, and cleaning out closets.

If you think you might still have a bit more energy to put towards cleaning after completing these tasks, here are four more you might consider adding this year: 1. Clean and maintain your garden tools: This is the perfect time of year to take an afternoon to clean, sharpen, and maintain your garden tools. This might be particularly true after all the rain we have had so far, which might have left some of your tools a bit rusty. For anything with a wood handle, apply linseed or another skinand plant-safe oil, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe off the excess with a rag. If you have shovels or hand tools that need sharpening, use a mill file or flat file to sharpen the edges, or have them 22

professionally sharpened. If some of your tools have gotten a bit rusty, use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove it. You can then apply a coat of linseed oil and store them with the metal part in a bucket of sand mixed with linseed or vegetable oil to help prevent future rusting.

2. Clean your patio furniture and outdoor textiles: While you are outside getting things ready for spring, grab the covers for your patio cushions and outdoor dog beds and bring them inside to launder. Wipe done plastic and metal patio furniture with soap, water, and a rag, and check wood or painted furnishings to see if they need a new coat of oil, stain, or paint.

3. Clean out your shed: The extra storage offered by sheds is rather handy, but it is easy to just keep tossing stuff in there and forgetting about it. Spring is a good time to take everything out of the shed, see if there are items you no longer need that can be given away, sold, or discarded, and then organize what is left to maximize the space and make it more functional. If you free up space in your shed, this will also make more room for storing garden tools, pool OM — March 2024

toys, or other items that might be cluttering your outdoor living areas.

4. Clean your refrigerator coils and dryer vent: Help your appliances function better and reduce the risk of a house fire by cleaning your refrigerator coils and dryer vent.

All of your refrigerators — the main one in the kitchen, the extra one in the garage, the mini fridge in your outdoor kitchen, and the wine refrigerator in your pantry – all have coils that need to be cleaned at least twice per year. This is an easy task you can do yourself with a screwdriver and a vacuum.

The dryer vent is usually also easy to clean, but you can hire a professional if you are not comfortable doing it or want to make sure it is properly cleaned to reduce the risk of fire.

Side note: If your spring cleaning includes donating items you no longer need, check local organizations, such as Humane Society of Ventura (HSVC.org) or Ojai Raptor Center (OjaiRaptorCenter.com) to see if the items might be on their list of needs. Alternatively, donating general goods to the 2nd HELPings thrift store in Ojai allows the items to be sold to support HELP of Ojai.

BUILDALLEN.COM | 805.884.8777 | LICENSE #503300

WHO’S WHO

IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

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

24

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

Clinton Haugan LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 727 W. Ojai Ave. Ojai, CA 93023 C: (805) 760-2092 O: (805) 646-7288 chaugan@livsothebysrealtyca.com DRE# 02019604

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.

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

Kristen Currier LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-3757 thehoffgroup. com

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

Amanda Stanworth LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Phone: 805-218-8117 • E-mail: amandastanworth77@gmail. com Web: Rooney-Stanworth.com

Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254

Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Call me for your Real Estate needs.

805-340-3774

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

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

805-798-1998

OM — March 2024

Don & Cheree Edwards RE/MAX Gold Coast Ojai’s Top Selling Team LivinginOjai.com 805.340.3192 805.350.7575

Kirk Ellison LIV Sotheby’s International Realty KirkEllison@ me.com 805-340-5905

Hildegard Tallent CalBRE# 02047013 Keller Williams Realty, 109 N. Blanche Street Tel: 805-798-1872 email: hildegard. tallent@kw.com

Ojai’s locally owned and operated magazines.

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

Kathy Hoff LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 290-6907 thehoffgroup.com

By nationally award-winning writers and photographers.

Marsha Kaye Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 805640-0654 Cell: 805-7469055 marsha.kaye@ homebridge. com

Rachelle Giuliani Realtor 805-746-5188 DRE:02047608 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices rachellegiuliani@ bhhscal.com

OjaiHub.com 805.798.0177 OM — March 2024

AGAVE MARIA Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink 106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com

HIP VGN Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls 201 North Montgomery Street hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363

AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com

HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346 HomeKitchenofOjai.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

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MANDALA Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048 THE NEST 401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com LO>E SOCIAL CAFE 217 East Matilija Street (805) 646-1540 nosovita.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

OM — March 2024

(805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com OSTERIA MONTE GRAPPA Rustic menu of Northern Italian fare & seafood dishes.

242 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 640-6767 omgojai.com PAPA LENNON’S Family owned, original & cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com

traditional Italian

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 chickpea & fingerling potato stew Chickpeas, commonly called garbanzo beans, have long been valued for their fiber content and are one of the world’s healthiest foods. If you like chickpeas, this vegan recipe is for you. This is a hearty vegan stew that takes advantage of canned chickpeas and quick-cooking fingerling potatoes to make prep quick and easy. Adding unsweetened coconut milk and the subtle heat of North African harissa spices make it tasty.

I like to serve this with Naan or Bhatura bread on the side.

Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lactoovo 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: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup onion (diced) 1 red bell pepper (large dice) 8 ounces fingerling potatoes (halved lengthwise) 2 garlic cloves (minced) 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (peeled and finely chopped) 2 teaspoons harissa 3 cups vegetable broth 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base 15-ounce can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped for garnish)

D I R EC T I O N S : In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-

Healthy

Quick

Winter

Vegan

high heat. Add the onions and bell pepper and stir until browned — about five minutes. Add the potatoes, garlic, ginger, and harissa and cook for two minutes more. Add the broth, bouillon, and chickpeas and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the potatoes are tender — about 15 minutes. Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper (if needed). Sprinkle the stew with cilantro and serve while still hot.

OM — March 2024

The hidden costs of closings Five Top Tips for Saving a Bucket Load of Money

By Therese A. Hartmann

My client texted me last night at around 6 to get some advice on his insurance policy.

I had recommended he contact three insurance agencies as property insurance rates here in California have gone through the roof ! (No pun intended) He believed, like many, that the 20 percent he was putting down was the bulk of what he needed to account for. Closing costs, however, can range between 3-5 percent of the purchase price. What he didn’t know is that some of the closing costs are negotiable with a little effort. Here are some of my top tips for saving a bucketload of money: Insurance: There are online services, local brokers and non-profit agencies like AAA that can provide quotes. Many California insurance companies are pulling the plug on their insureds, so you want to make sure you work with a solid company and agent willing to go to bat for you. A good place to start is the company insuring your vehicle. But don’t stop there as I’ve seen some pretty wide swings in the premiums lately.

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amount so if you’re paying a point on a $600k loan, it’s going to cost $6,000.

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.

No Points Loans: My strategy right now is to offer no-points loans for my clients.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for lower rates in the coming years so paying points makes no sense. It usually takes five years to recoup any gains for paying points and if there is a streamlined refinance in your future, consider going the no-points option. A point is a percentage of the loan OM — March 2024

Schedule the Closing Strategically: On closing day, you prepay loan interest, property taxes for the month, along with a year of homeowner’s insurance. Make sure the closing day coincides with when you are most likely to move in. So, if you know you can’t move until the weekend, schedule the closing for Friday, with funding on Thursday. A good loan officer can help guide you with this.

Negotiate Closing Credits with Seller: Even if you have agreed on a purchase price, there is still room to negotiate credit.

This normally shows up as a credit for repairs after an inspection is done. Don’t feel nervous to ask for what you feel is appropriate. All they can do is say no.

Title & Escrow: While the seller normally gets the say on who they will use for title and escrow, and this is generally recommended by the listing agent, it doesn’t hurt to check pricing say in Santa Barbara where rates tend to be lower.

While this isn’t my top tip, it can be worthwhile to check.

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

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? LET'S WORK TOGETHER Buying and selling your home should be an exceptional experience. With over 2 decades of design experience and a passion for Real Estate Michelle brings her attention to detail to every transaction. Michelle makes every client feel as if they are her only client. She will work relentlessly on your behalf. interested in learning more?

CHAPLINDESIGNS@GMAIL.COM (213)476-2646 DRE: 02164357 @REALTOROJAI REALTOROJAI.COM

© 2024 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES 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.

GALLERY WORKSHOPS POTTERY PARTIES FREE TOURS

firestickpottery.com

OM — March 2024

We know Ojai.

Royal Oaks Ranch - 5 gated, private acres close to downtown with wrap-around porch, 5 bedrooms, media room, wine cellar with tasting room, library, gym/massage room, 4 fireplaces, pool and spa, sauna, family orchard, Bocce court, putting green, volleyball court, chessboard, pasture, private well, 150year copper roof and gutters, RV parking with hookups, six-car garage and workshop, and more.

RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com

Three Bedrooms + Office with Fireplace, Wood Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Breakfast Bar, Trex Decks, Wet Bar, Over-Sized Garage, Fruit Trees, Solar Panels, and Mountain Views

$959,000

Commercial Property with Great Ojai Avenue Location, Private Parking Lot, Four Office Spaces, Kitchen, Two Bathrooms, Garage 405WestOjaiAvenue.com $1,345,000

Gated, Five-Acre Country Estate with Main House, Guest House, Workshop, Pool & Spa, Outdoor Kitchen, Sports Court, Two Fireplaces, Multiple Outdoor Living Areas, Orchard, Patio Fireplace, Solar Panels & Mountain Views 705RiceRoad.com $5,000,000

Ojai Commercial Property with Parking Lot, Showroom, Workshop, Office, Breakroom or Storage Room, Two Bathrooms, and Great Location in Industrial Area Evolving into Hip Entertainment District 907BryantPlace.com $1,785,000

Nora Davis

BRE License #01046067

805.207.6177

nora@ojaivalleyestates.com

We’re lifelong residents.

Rancho Royale – Historic, 21-acre, remodeled and updated equestrian estate with four-bedroom main house plus eight rentals, 18-stall barn, 16-stall barn, 5 additional barns, 20 covered corrals, four arenas, two round pens, hay and equipment barns, three RV hookups, Preifert panel walker, entertainment barn, archery range, mountain views, and so much more

RanchoRoyaleOjai.com

$8,199,000

Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Manufactured Home + Outbuildings on Flat, Usable, .81-Acre Horse Property Close to Lake Casitas and Oak View Shops & Restaurants $899,000

Fully Remodeled Five Bedroom, Five Bathroom Mid-Century Modern with Spanish Colonial Influence with Brazilian Wood Floors, Pool & Spa, Two Primary Suites, Guest Quarters, Media Room, Amazing Views

Lone Palm Cottage - Three Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Huge Family Room, Hardwood Floors, Over-Sized Soaking Tub, Lots of Closets, Breakfast Bar, and Mountain Views $899,000

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

276RunningRidgeTrail.com

The Davis Group ojaivalleyestates.com

$3,499,000

216 E MATILIJA STREET, OJAI 2 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 1,955 SQFT | $2,500,000 Turnkey Mid-Century-Modern Village Mixed-Use reimagined architectural masterpiece! Step into the heart of Ojai with this exceptional one-of-a-kind live & work property, ideally situated next to the vibrant Sunday Farmers Market, renowned restaurants, wineries, boutiques, galleries, and the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. This hip, alluring, and sophisticated oasis is the perfect live-work sanctuary.

Fabulous investment opportunity in the historic, charming, and bustling Midtown Ojai!

GABRIELA CESEÑA LIVE IN BLISS

805-236-3814 gabrielacesena@bhhscal.com DRE #01983530

The Next Level Of Real Estate Services Trust • Integrity • Results © 2024 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 2022 production of more than 50,000 sales associates in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network.

VENTURA KEYS 2607 SEAHORSE AVENUE $3,450,000