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. Offered at $5,875,000
67 ACRE UPPER OJAI MODERN RANCH 12179KoenigsteinRdOjai.com
This recently built modern compound has Topa Topa views and includes a 3br/2.5ba main house, a large yoga room, a 3-car garage with a gym, a tiny house and a garden “writing” shed, all permitted. Verdant grounds encompass mature trees, orchards, raised bed gardens, storage, two wells and lots of room for animals. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an artist’s sanctuary, or a garden-rich homestead, this property is truly special. Offered at $3,200,000
Bret Bradigan
MONTHLY THE VILLAGE SQUARE
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” — Jane Jacobs
John Wilcock, who I got to know in his later years here in Ojai, might be one of the most influential journalists no one has ever heard of. He was one of the five founders of the Village Voice in 1955 (which included Norman Mailer), where he wrote a column called "The Village Square," chronicling the counterculture from its birth. He was also, despite his clean-cut and sober ways, close friends with Andy Warhol, and a key member of his Factory. He also wrote a series of popular travel guides in the 1950s and 1960s. John believed that everywhere was a village; not just the thriving and striving artistic ferment of his East Village in New York City in the 1950s and 1960s. No wonder he felt so at home in his final quarter-century in Ojai, where he wrote an occasional 'zine called "The Orange."
The older I get, the more I believe in Wilcock's insight, of the village not just as nostalgia, but as a working system. A messy, improvised, fully human system that somehow holds itself (and us) together.
You can see that logic in the shape of Ojai. Not in grand architecture, but in the small, generous choices that invite us in: the open green of Libbey Park, the shaded Arcade, the tables outside Rainbow Bridge and the benches along the Arcade. These aren’t just conveniences. They’re instruments of cohesion.
Jane Jacobs, in "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," called it “eyes on the street.” A thriving town, she wrote, isn’t made safe by surveillance or security systems — it’s made safe by people noticing each other. Not suspiciously, but attentively. With care.
That’s what Ojai does well. Step outside and you’ll likely bump into someone you know — and certainly someone who knows someone you know. That’s not just quaint; it’s essential. It creates a kind of living nervous system that keeps the town in balance.
But there’s something deeper happening, something in the wiring of our minds.
Malcolm Gladwell recently wrote in The New Yorker about crime and cognition, drawing from the late Daniel Kahneman’s "Thinking, Fast and Slow." Kahneman described two systems of thought: System One — fast, instinctive, impulsive — and System Two — slow, reflective, deliberate.
Gladwell argues that crime often stems from an overreliance on System One — actions taken before thought can intervene. But I’d suggest village life, when it’s working, gives us a healthy blend of both systems. It keeps our impulses in check by rooting them in a web of relationships.
When you know your neighbor might see you — someone who might know your mom or your kid or your landlord — you think twice. That’s System Two, brought on by the subtle social architecture of small-town life.
But it’s not all inhibition. It’s joy too. Your barista remembers your order. The kid at Westridge helps a neighbor with groceries. Someone strums a guitar under the Pergola, and someone else starts dancing. That’s System One at its best — spontaneous, joyful, instinctive — and it only shows up when we feel safe.
So the village works both ways: it slows us down and speeds us up, in just the right measure. It holds our better selves in view. As we navigate the pressures of growth, housing, and change, we’d do well to ask: does this action or decision help or hinder our ability to see and be seen? Does it preserve the spaces that allow village logic to work its quiet magic?
Because once that’s gone, it’s not just a design flaw. It’s a loss of soul.
FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS
While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having been behind the building of such Ojai landmarks as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and the Arcade — others have been very influential in shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few:
Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted Theosophist. Though she only spent a few days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She is considered one of the pioneers of introducing Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of India’s independence. and the labor movement.
Jiddhu Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical Society, though he later broke with that group (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.
Weather in Ojai
Beatrice Wood. The famed ceramicist’s (“The Mama of Dada”) greatest work of art may well have been her life. The irreverent, avant-garde Wood lived and worked in Ojai for decades until her death in 1998 at age 105. She inspired two classic movies, Francois Truffaut’s “Jules et Jim,” and James Cameron’s “Titanic.” She attributed her longevity to “chocolate and young men.” Her autobiography was appropriately titled, “I Shock Myself.” Many of her distinctive, whimsical, luminous luster-glazed pieces are on display at her former home, now the Beatrice Wood Center, in upper Ojai.
Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West to farm and care for an ailing brother, the Yale-educated Thacher realized that he was going to need another source of income. So he founded The Thacher School in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher student.
OJAI QUICK FACTS:
The name “Ojai” is believed to be derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ‘awhaý, meaning “moon.” In 1837, Fernando Tico received a land grant and established a cattle ranch. Thomas A. Scott, who had financial success with oil and railroads, bought the Ojai Valley in 1864 for oil exploration. By 1868, Scott, through his agent Thomas Bard, began selling properties to homesteaders. By 1874, R.G. Surdam plotted out the town he would call Nordhoff, renamed Ojai in 1917.
Ojai is about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 30 miles east of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide, surrounded by hills and mountains; the rare east-west orientation with a slight southward tilt gives the valley an extraordinary sun exposure; Ojai’s citrus and avocado crops are highly prized. This orientation also gives rise to Ojai as a spiritual destination.
It was due to the resources and organizing energy of Ohio glass manufacturer Edward Drummond Libbey that Nordhoff was rebuilt and renamed Ojai, inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. By 1917, with the construction of the Arcade and Post Office Tower, the town took its present shape.
The city’s self-styled nickname is “Shangri-La,” based on the story that Ojai was the backdrop (later left on the editing room floor) from the 1937 movie as the mystical sanctuary of James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”
Care Convenience
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Camarillo ~ Fillmore ~ Oak View ~ Ojai ~ Oxnard ~ Port Hueneme ~ Santa Paula ~ Ventura
AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS
podcast concerts plays
JULY 20-AUG 3
Ojai Playwrights Conference Times: Varies
Location: The Thacher School
Contact: OjaiPlays.org
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.
AUGUST 8-10, 15-17
Mary Shelley: A Year Without Summer Times: 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees
Location: Matilija Auditorium, 716 El Paseo Road
Contact: OjaiTheater.org
The Ojai Performing Arts Theater is staging a world premiere production of “Mary Shelley: A Year with No Summer,” written by Jule Selbo and directed by Richard Camp. This chronicles Shelley’s writing of “Frankenstein” at age 19, exploring themes of female authorship, climate anxiety, and the power of creation in a collapsing world.
AUGUST 8
Ojai Film Society Presents “Neverending Story”
Times: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Location: Libbey Bowl
Contact: OjaiFilmSociety.org
The OFS “Imagine A World” free summer series continues with this tale of a magic book that unlocks the powers of imagination.
AUGUST 15
Music, Tattoos & Art Festival - 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Ojai Women’s Empowerment Workshop Times: 4 to 9 p.m.
Location: Ojai Woman’s Club 441 East Ojai Avenue
Contact: TheEmpowermentWorkshop.org
This event will feature artists, makers, bakers and more, with music from Jade Hendrix, Girldad the band, Babi Manatee and Kat Morris
AUGUST 22
Ojai Film Society Presents “The Greatest Night in Pop” Times: 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Location: Libbey Bowl
Contact: OjaiFilmSociety.org
The OFS “Imagine A World” free summer series continues with an acclaimed behind-the-scenes look at the 1985 creation of “We Are the World.”
AUGUST 23
“Puppy Love” Concert By the Ventura County Humane Society Times: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Libbey Park
Contact: HSVC.org
Come support the Humane Society of Ventura County with their event filled with fun and furry friends.
AUGUST 26
Bright Eyes in Concert Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Libbey Bowl
Contact: OjaiTheater.org
Ojai Valley Music presents Conor Oberst’s uncommon intensity and tenderness, communal exorcism and personal excavation: these are, of course, qualities that fans have come to expect from indie rock legends Bright Eyes.
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 the newsletter.
SCOTT WHITE
STEEL CITY SOUL, OJAI HEART
From a Tide box meet-cute to Don Quixote, Scott White’s life hits all the high notes.
Those who have heard the mellifluous tones of Scott White’s lush baritone know how blessed they are. His singing has enraptured Ojaians for years, though he found a very circuitous road to reach that point.
The “steel city” of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania seemed the appropriate location for Scott to begin his life. His dad, Bob White, was an engineer in the steel industry. Mom, Barbara was a high school Home Economics teacher, “but, as she often corrected, ‘it’s called Family Living,’” Scott explained. “Smart, loving, hard-working Christian people. Both had college degrees, which was not as common in those days. In fact, all my grandparents had college degrees, very uncommon, but education was a big deal in my family,” he continued.
Just before Scott’s first birthday, Bob followed the steel industry’s westward move in the late 1950s-early ‘60s, “a little bit like chasing the high-paying computer technology jobs of today.” As the family readied for the move, Bob’s co-worker and family dropped by to help them pack and Scott’s young life had a kismet moment when he
met fellow toddler, Sandi Rieseck, (the co-worker’s daughter) while playing in a Tide detergent box. If there was ever a “meet cute,” that was it.
Sans a covered wagon, the White family, Bob, Barbara, Scott, the baby of the family, and his two older brothers (Bob and Peter) and two older sisters (Linda and Nancy) made their way westward and settled in a small town in northwest Indiana. When Scott entered first grade, Barbara went back to teaching full time. “I was left to my own misguided antics after school for most of my formative years,” he remembered. An early pioneer for future latchkey kids.
Scott dreamed of becoming a professional athlete after winning a 100-yard dash in the 4th grade, but those dreams were dashed when he came in fourth a year later in the same race. “I realized I was not quite as gifted an athlete as I thought.” Scott still loved playing sports though, such as tennis, track and skiing ... “but when it came to singing, that has always been different for me.” Scott sang in church and
— STORY BY ILONA SAARI —
sang solos in junior high. Then in high school he played the lead in musicals such as “Damn Yankees,” and “Guys and Dolls.” He also took voice lessons, which helped him get a scholarship to Indiana University School of Music, “one of the many great music schools in the world.”
His parents, his pastor, and high school choir director, among others, nurtured his dreams of a singing career. When he started college, he spent his summers performing in several musical shows, including the lead in “Annie Get Your Gun.” However, he soon realized how many truly gifted singers who were studying music with him just at IU, never mind in other universities around the country. Although he loved performing, “I also liked partying and enjoying college life too much to be willing to put in that level of effort.” That self-realization led Scott, who enjoyed learning math and science, to change his career goal and transfer to Purdue University to study engineering. “I also admired my dad, and thought of him as a role model. I think that’s what ultimately steered me toward something not only satisfying for him, but something stable and more predictable than performing arts.”
After playing together in the Tide detergent box as toddlers, Scott saw Sandi twice during his teen years, but never seriously until a serendipitous meeting in a 7-Eleven store near the Purdue campus, where Sandi was also a student majoring in education. As fate would have it, their early “meet cute” blossomed into a life-long romance.
Scott enjoyed his studies at Purdue and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (later earning his MBA). Immediately after graduation, he and Sandi married and moved to San Jose, where Scott began his professional career at Spectra-Physics, the first commercial laser company in the world. “I couldn’t even spell laser when I got out of engineering school, but it seemed like an interesting, leading-edge industry, which it certainly has been and still is.” He especially liked working with the customers and soon moved into sales and marketing. “I’ve spent my career studying industrial laser markets, trying to figure out what’s coming next and the areas high-tech manufacturers will need in laser technologies.” Today, Scott is the Senior Director of Product Marketing for Spectra-Physics lasers, back to that same company he joined fresh out of Engineering School.
For the next 15 years the couple followed Scott’s career to various
SCOTT WITH THE SAXOPHONE IN THE OJAI ARTS CENTER THEATER'S PRODUCTION OF "I DO, I DO" WITH ASUNTA FLEMING (LEFT)
"We've had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and making friends we will keep for life ... and playing golf and tennis in January is a pretty nice bonus."
— Scott White
cities and states. After a company change and advancement, they moved to England where, in 1990, their daughter Alexandra (Lexi) was born. Six weeks later, they were back in the states, eventually settling in Ojai and, after being away from music for over a decade, Scott started singing again at the Methodist Church. “I had forgotten what I’d been missing singing harmonies, and music being a part of my life again.” However, he still had one more major career move, and in 2000 the family found themselves in Wisconsin. But, now that singing was back in Scott’s life, he joined the choir of a large Methodist church which had an excellent music department, including musical theater. When they did “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Scott scored the role of Potiphar, “a small part with a great song!” he says. The musical theater bug had bitten him again.
Fast forward a few years later, and the family moved back to Ojai, this time permanently. Scott started singing at the Ojai Presbyterian Church that also had an outstanding music program. He was traveling less and now had the time to sing and act in musicals. He took on the role of Fred Graham/Petruchio in the Ojai Art Center Theater’s (OACT) production of “Kiss Me Kate,” in 2007, and won Outstanding Male Performance that year from the 4-Star Theatre Group. This was followed by the musical version of “A Christmas Carol,” playing the Ghost of Jacob Marley. It was then that he “realized theater was not only a wonderful avocation for me, but also a great stress reliever from my regular job in high tech and I craved it.” Commuting to the Silicon Valley for work, Scott immersed himself in that community’s theater world as well, and won leading roles in musicals such as “Camelot,” “The Music Man,” and “42nd Street.” He even understudied at Theatre Works, a renowned professional company and learned a great deal, especially the challenging road that professional performers must travel. Scott was thrilled to be invited to sing with the Silicon Valley Orchestra Broadway Series and its 90-piece orchestra, “keeping me on key,” he said with a smile.
When daughter Lexi started preschool at Noah’s Ark, Sandi began teaching there, then became a teacher at Monica Ros, where Lexi was also a student. After earning her masters MFT (Marriage Family Therapy) degree, Sandi counseled for a few years, worked for the Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, then became the Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She later moved into fund raising for non-profits that focused on
SCOTT WHITE WITH HOLLY SEWELL IN “ANNIE, GET YOUR GUN.’
SCOTT WITH ASUNTA FLEMING IN “SHE LOVES ME.”
SCOTT WITH LAURA DEKKERS IN “MAN OF LA MANCHA.”
education and in 2019 became the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Villanova Prep.
Though still commuting north, Scott was “drawn back to shows in Ojai by the Ojai Performing Arts Theater (OPAT) which was focused on creating professional quality theater in the Ojai Valley.” OPAT understood and accepted Scott’s limited rehearsal availability (weekends only) and still cast him in his first OPAT production, the two character musical “I Do, I Do,” co-starring Asunta Fleming, followed by “She Loves Me.” Cast as Don Quixote in “The Man of La Mancha” in the OPAT and OACT’s co-production was “easily one of my all-time favorite musicals and roles. “All wonderful experiences, with high-quality talent and production values.” Since COVID, Scott has continued to be involved with other OPAT productions and concerts. His most recent theater musical was for Ojai Youth Entertainment Studio, (OYES) where he played the dad in “The Gravedigger,” “a dark comedic musical with a really fun group of mostly younger people with a ton of talent and energy.”
Scott’s love for Ojai also drew him into volunteering. When Lexi was in in elementary school, he coached T-ball and baseball. When she was in high school, he ran the Booster Club. Both Scott and Sandi were heavily involved with Ojai Presbyterian Church’s Senior High Youth Group for over 11 years. Scott now helps run OPCs Thanksgiving basket program, which started over 30 years-ago and is now in conjunction with Help of Ojai. “We collect food and distribute over 150 boxes (baskets) of Thanksgiving food to less fortunate families around Ojai Valley.”
What does he love about living in Ojai? “The diversity of the community and the amazing talent of musicians, actors, tennis players and more. Ojai was a great place to raise our daughter, and we’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and making friends we will keep for life … and playing golf or tennis in January is a pretty nice bonus.”
A very busy and productive life … one for which he can provide his own soundtrack! And, a life our community has been blessed to share.
THE FATEFUL MEETING OF THE INFANTS:
SCOTT AND SANDI RECONNECTED YEARS LATER AT A 7-11 NEAR THE PURDUE CAMPUS.
SCOTT AND SANDI WHITE ENJOYING AN APRÉS SKI DRINK.
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.
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
bath, and a generous walk-in closet.
1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
2
RIVER PRESERVE 0-7mi
VARIES | Elev. Gain: ≤ 520 ft Wills-Rice Loop is the longest trail.
5
HORN CANYON 5.5mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1600 ft | Goes to the Pines.
8
ROSE VALLEY 1mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft Rose Valley Falls.
3
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.
6
COZY DELL 2.2mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.
9
SISAR CANYON 22mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4800 ft |Topa Topa Bluffs.
4
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi
MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.
7
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1200ft | North Fork.
10
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2300 ft | Sulphur Mountain Road.
40 YEARS OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED
EAST END MASTERPIECE
Views, Views, Views. This private, gated, home nestled amidst the trees and the mountains, radiates modern elegance with its thoughtful upgrades, abundant natural light, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. You are welcomed into the large living room with vaulted beamed ceilings, a fireplace and picture windows showcasing the mountains perfectly. Flowing into the dining room and open to the modern, remodeled kitchen with top of the line appliances and gorgeous cabinetry. Open and spacious, you and your guests will love to gather onto the large deck off the kitchen. This three bedroom, two bath home has gleaming hardwood floors throughout and brilliant light in all the rooms. There is plenty of room for your guests with the detached, guest studio. You will enjoy relaxing on the patio amongst the trees and the breathtaking views. The Santa Barbara smooth stucco finish adds to the modern elegance of the home. Bring your family
10 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Use
By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela
Plastic products can change — and even save — lives, so they certainly have their place, but much of the plastic we use in our everyday lives is just for convenience. It is so ubiquitous in consumer products and packaging at this point that most of us don’t even realize how much plastic we use.
Because of this, there are hundreds of big and small ways we can reduce plastic in our lives that include such simple changes as buying reusable sandwich bags and making our own salsa. Here are 10 of the easiest ways you can start reducing your plastic consumption today.
1. Reusable shopping bags: I think almost everyone is already doing this one, but it is worth mentioning, since it is such an easy way to quickly reduce your plastic consumption.
2. Reusable produce bags: These have not caught on quite as well as reusable shopping bags, but I am starting to see them a bit more when shopping in produce and bulk sections. These inexpensive, mesh bags can be used for fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts.
3. Reusable water bottle: There are still a lot of people regularly using single-use, plastic water bottles. Switching to a glass or stainless-steel water bottle that you can refill on the go encourages you to stay hydrated and saves you money while also reducing the demand for plastic bottles.
4. Reusable coffee cup: The hardest part about this one is remembering to bring it with you when you head to the coffee
shop. Most coffee shops use paper cups with plastic lids, and most folks who go to coffee shops go regularly, so more of these folks bringing their own travel mugs would significantly reduce waste.
5. Glass food storage containers: Plastic food storage containers are common, but glass options are so much more durable that your children and grandchildren can inherit them and continue reducing the demand for plastic long into the future.
6. BYO to-go containers: Once you stock up on glass food storage containers, bring a couple with you to pack up the leftovers when you go out to eat instead of using the to-go containers at the restaurant.
7. Travel cutlery: Between running all over the county when I’m working and road trips with my partner, I end up eating on the go quite a bit. Rather than use the plastic cutlery that comes with to-go orders, I carry reusable cutlery sets in my purse. I prefer metal, and that is what I carry daily, but I also have a bamboo set
for when I fly or know that I am going to the courthouse that day.
8. Bar soap: Bar soap gets your hands just as clean without the plastic packaging that comes with liquid hand soap and body wash. If you want to go a step further, there are also shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and lotions bars.
9. DIY body powder: Body powder and baby powder are so easy to make that there is really no reason to be purchasing powders that come in plastic containers. I mix one-half cup cornstarch, one-quarter cup arrowroot powder, and one-quarter cup baking soda to make my daily body powder. For home use, I use a glass sugar shaker from the dollar store. For travel, I use a glass spice jar.
10. Trash can inserts: Invest in a few affordable trash cans with removable inserts for your bathrooms and stop using trash bags. You can easily remove and dump the inserts, which makes trash bags a waste of plastic and money.
Ross Falvo
Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
805-798-1998
Nora Davis LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
OjaiValleyEstates. com 805-207-6177
Jessica McRae Ojai Valley Real Estate
221 E. Matilija St., Ste J (805) 699-8645 jessica@ojaivalleyrealestate. com
Patty Waltcher LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Call me for your Real Estate needs. 805-340-3774
Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors
Donna4Remax@aol.com
DonnaSallen.com 805-798-0516
Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net
Amy Hall | Realtor® LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Amy.Hall@SothebysRealty.com direct+1
805.444.7874
554 E Main Street | Ventura, California 93001 Cal DRE 01957427
Bob Kemper Broker, MBA Kemper Realty of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734
Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254
Team Deckert
Keller Williams Realty
Ray Deckert, Broker Associate ContactUs@ TeamDeckert. com
805-272-5218
Dale Hanson Ojai Valley Real Estate 211 E. Matilija Street, Ste. J, 206 E. Ojai Ave. 805-646-7229 dale@ovhl.com
Anne Williamson LIV Sotheby’s Anneshomesinojai.com
805-320-3314
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 one-of-a-kind epicurean experience, The Farmhouse, we invite you to escape in a moment you’ll savor always.
AGAVE MARIA
Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink
106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com
AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS
Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com
BOCCALI’S
Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables
3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com
BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE
Traditional American breakfast & brunch 328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207
THE DEER LODGE
An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com
THE DUTCHESS
457 East Matilija Street (805) 640-7987 thedutchessojai.com
FARMER & THE COOK
The best of organic Ojai 339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com
YUME JAPANESE BURGER
254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 646-1700
JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL
Mexican-American & regional favorites 214 West Ojai Avenue #100
(805) 640-1301
jimandrobsojai.com
HIP VGN
Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls
201 North Montgomery Street
hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363
HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI
Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346
HomeKitchenofOjai.com
MANDALA
Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048
THE NEST
401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com
OAK GRILL @ THE INN
Al fresco dining under vine-covered pergola 905 Country Club Road (805) 646-1111 ojairesort.com
OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY
Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY
331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878
TheOnlyGoodPizza.com
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View)
The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue
OJAI ROTIE
Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com
PAPA LENNON’S
Family owned, original & traditional Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com
RAINBOW BRIDGE
A community gathering place 211 East Matilija Street (805) 646-6623 rainbowbridgeojai.com
THE RANCH HOUSE
An Ojai culinary destination for more than 60 years 102 Besant Road (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com
SAKURA OJAI
A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.wix.com
SEA FRESH
Serving Ojai for 30 years 533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747 seafreshseafood.com
ZAIDEE’S BAR & GRILL
Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com
CHEF RANDY’S LIFE OF SPICE
GREEK SUMMER SALAD
What makes a salad “Greek”? According to the internet, it’s made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. My recipe includes all of this and more. I’ve heard they call this a village salad in Greece. I call it delicious!
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:
(Serves 4)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper English cucumber (cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick)
1 green bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
5 ounces feta cheese (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves (garnish)
Bibb lettuce (for plating)
DIRECTIONS:
Place 4 salad plates in the refrigerator to get them cold.
In a small bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients— olive oil through black pepper — and set this dressing aside.
Remove the salad plates from the refrigerator. Place the lettuce leaves on each plate. Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, feta cheese, onions, and olives on top of the lettuce. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss. Sprinkle with a few generous pinches of oregano and garnish with the mint leaves.
NEW CREDIT SCORE RULES
New Policies Make Monitoring Your Scores Much Easier
How many times have we been told to watch our credit scores, save up, pay bills on time (and more) to keep in good financial standing. From the vantage point of a loan officer, having a great credit score often does make a difference in rates and getting approved. Yet, understanding HOW to attain such a score has been shrouded in mystery except to those of us who have taken classes in scoring. And even then, much was kept hidden to avoid having consumers (or loan officers) manipulate the system. For good or bad, just when we all felt comfortable with the scoring method, rules changed. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 Credit Report changes and the impact they will have.
Under new policies being rolled out by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), credit reporting is about to make your life easier. Reporting is becoming not only more flexible, but it will also be modernized to reflect real-life financial habits.
It’s good news for most and will require some to take action to benefit. I know you’re chomping at the bit to hear what has changed so here is my breakdown for you:
Medical Debt is GONE!: As of March 17th, of this year, medical debt no longer appears on your credit report. This is a game-changer! Medical bills have long dragged down scores for borrowers who otherwise manage debt responsibly. Now lenders can’t consider medical debt when reviewing the application and credit
By Therese A. Hartmann
Therese A. Hartmann has more than 25 years’ lending experience. She is a Licensed Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
bureaus must remove existing medical collections from your report. How might this new guideline impact your score? We are expecting scores to rise an average of 20 points and that is often the difference between getting a loan or not. What should you do to ensure a better score if you have, or have had, medical debt? Simply request a copy of your credit report from Equifax, Transunion, and/or Experian. If they have not removed a ding, request they do so and cite the new rule.
New Scoring Models Rolled Out!: Big tech meets big credit in late 2025. FICO isn’t the only game in town as lenders will begin using alternative scoring models that reflect today’s borrowing habits. The traditional trimerge reports are going away and instead of the three, as mentioned, lenders will be able
to choose two, creating a bi-merge report. Bottom line, your credit report might vary depending on who is checking it, and which two bureaus are being used. Your job will be to monitor your credit across all three bureaus to get the full picture. Sign up for tools like Credit Karma, or myFICO to stay on top of things.
AI & Alternative Data: getting smarter – literally. New AI-powered models will now factor in alternative bills such as rent & utility payments. Your on-time payments here could really boost your score. Where you work and for how long will also help your score as well as your digital spending habits. Your payment patterns (like mobile payments) could influence your score. This is a big win for people with little to no credit but who have good money habits, especially younger borrowers and renters. For this you’ll want to sign up for a tool like Experian Boost which will report rent, utilities and other recurring payments to the credit bureaus.
Now you might be wondering if these changes will help or hurt you and it would be a good question. For many who have alternative credit or delinquent medical bills, it will be a big help. If you’ve been careful about paying rent and other bills, your future looks bright. If not, you’ll want to become proactive and get your finances under control. The fact that you’ve read this article tells me you’ve already taken the first step…becoming aware. So, bravo and go get ‘em!
Rose Valley Land - Create an off-grid, country retreat on 40 acres with mountain views, trails,
a natural spring in Rose Valley in the Los Padres National Forest
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,
Much More
Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Manufactured Home + Outbuildings on Flat, Usable, .81-Acre Horse Property Close to Lake Casitas and Oak View Shops & Restaurants
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 $919,500
Corral Canyon Ranch - 277+ Acre Ranch in Cuyama Valley with 5 Recently Renovated Houses, Equestrian Facilities, Fenced Pastures, Hay Fields, Riding Trails, Stunning Views Surrounded by Los Padres National Forest.
$5,500,000
1.25-Acre Lot in East End Ojai Bordered by Seasonal Creek with Topa Topa Mountain Views, Paved Road to Property, One Share of Senior Canyon Water, and Room for Horses or Hobbies
$950,000
Golden Oaks Glen - 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Spacious Primary Suite with Two Vanities, Media Room, Two Fireplaces, Walk-In Pantry, Two Laundry Rooms, Over-Sized Two-Car Garage, Swimming Pool & Spa, Patio Fireplace, Built-in Grill with Bar, Family Orchard, RV Hookup & Much More
$3,795,000
LO V E I S 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 O jai’s creative spirit, surrounded by nature and just minutes to top schools, hiking trails, and adventures.
