On nearly 8 usable acres in Ojai’s coveted East End, this exceptional Spanish Revival estate offers privacy, craftsmanship, and panoramic mountain views. Designed by architect Gary Heathcote, the 5,444-square-foot single-level home features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, soaring ceilings, a dramatic central courtyard, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Amenities include water purification, spa, detached studio, healing garden, glamping tent, private hiking trail access, professionally designed Mediterranean landscaping and a three-car garage.
5180ReevesRdOjai.com
Offered at $7,499,000
1950’S COTTAGE
On Ojai’s prestigious Foothill Road, this charming home, filled with light and character, captures the essence of California living. With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garage and a versatile flex space ideal for a home office or studio, this thoughtfully refreshed home offers both timeless appeal and modern convenience. Original hardwood floors exude warmth and authenticity, the kitchen has been tastefully updated and a 1,256 square foot deck offers the perfect environment for alfresco dining or quiet morning coffee. Only minutes from downtown, this property has infinite potential, including room for a pool or an ADU. Offered at $1,725,000
Where Ojai Gets Growing
ESCAPE IN A MOMENT
Getaway to a rare place where you can truly slow down. Where 220 acres surround our iconic Inn, offering space to unplug, cool off, and explore to your heart’s content. Dine al fresco under starlit skies, soak in the views from a dreamy poolside cabana, or pedal the trails with an artisan picnic in tow. Reset, recharge, and return to what matters. Your idyllic Ojai escape awaits.
(866) 976-3538 OjaiValleyInn.com
BRET BRADIGAN
THE SCHOOL OF TASTE
"There's something fascinating about seeing something you don't like at first but directly know you will love — in time."
— Philip Roth
There is a revealing story about Vincent Price that many people don't know.
Long before he became the instantly recognizable voice of gothic horror films, Price was one of America's great art collectors and advocates. He believed that most people don't actually know what they like. They think they do, but what they really know is what they're already been exposed to. That's where the familiar refrain of "I know what I like," comes from. From familiarity itself.
His mission was to introduce ordinary people to painting, sculpture, architecture and design — not to tell them what they ought to admire, but to give them enough exposure that their own tastes could develop. His 1959 memoir was titled "I Like What I Know," a phrase that sounds almost obvious until you stop to think about it.
We don't automatically appreciate great art. We learn to. The same is true of literature. Of food. Of history. Of places. Of music (It took me about three years before I realized what an enormous treasure Ojai presents to the world with the Ojai Music Festival.) And certainly of Ojai itself.
Many people come here for a weekend and leave believing they know the valley because they visited a few shops, had lunch at one of our incredible restaurants, and snapped a few Instagrammable photographs of the Pink Moment.
But Ojai doesn't work that way. It reveals itself slowly.
You begin to understand why Edward Drummond Libbey still shapes this town more than a century later. Why Annie Besant and Krishnamurti made this unlikely valley an international crossroads of philosophy. Why Beatrice Wood mattered. Why Sherman Day Thacher's influence extends far beyond a school campus.
Check out this issue and you'll see that invitation to learn across all 32 pages. You hike Shelf Road, then Pratt Trail, then Cozy Dell, and one day find yourself standing on a ridge looking across a valley you've somehow never really seen before. You meet people like Jon and Linda Lambert in Ilona Saari's Featured Pros profile, whose lives remind us that teaching isn't simply passing along information — it's enlarging another person's world.
You discover a play at the Art Center, a lecture at Krotona, a concert in Libbey Bowl, a hidden gallery, a pottery studio, or a trail you've driven past a hundred times without noticing.
That is among the reasons why we publish this magazine. Not merely to tell you what's happening. To help you discover what you didn't know you would enjoy.
Taste isn't fixed. And curiosity is a muscle. Communities become richer when their citizens know more about them. Vincent Price understood that education doesn't narrow our interests — it multiplies and expands them.
The more we know, the more there is to love. And there are very few places where is that truer than here in Ojai.
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.”
ESCAPE IN A MOMENT
Getaway to a rare place where you can truly slow down. Where 220 acres surround our iconic Inn, offering space to unplug, cool off, and explore to your heart’s content. Dine al fresco under starlit skies, soak in the views from a dreamy poolside cabana, or pedal the trails with an artisan picnic in tow. Reset, recharge, and return to what matters. Your idyllic Ojai escape awaits.
was born out of necessity. Our research showed that even longtime locals were missing out on great events happening right here in Ojai. So we built a better way to stay connected. is your all-in-one calendar for what’s happening in town — from concerts and shows to fundraisers and festivals. You can search by date or category, map venues and directions, and even buy tickets — all in one seamless experience.
JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OJAI PODCAST | EVERY THURSDAY | OJAIQUARTERLY.COM
JULY 4
Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Times: Parade at 10 a.m., Fireworks at dusk, gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ojai Avenue for the Parade, Nordhoff High School for the Fireworks. Contact: 4thofJulyinOjai.com
Kicks off July 3 with a free concert in Libbey Bowl. Considered one of America’s finest small-town Independence Day celebrations. The Fireworks show includes food trucks and live music.
THROUGH JULY 12
“Company”
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays through July 11; Sundays through July 12
Times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. (No performance July 4.)
Location: Ojai Art Center
Contact: 805-640-8797 • OjaiACT.org
Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical explores modern relationships through the eyes of Bobby, a lifelong bachelor surrounded by married friends. Filled with wit, heart and unforgettable songs including “Being Alive,” this acclaimed production is directed by David Henderson.
Santigold is a genre-defying musician, style renegade, and visionary artist across multiple platforms, celebrated for her fearless ability to fuse unexpected elements into bold new work. She sings about the multidimensionality of being — transformation, transcendence, and evolution.”
A Jerry Garcia birthday celebration with the literal best Grateful Dead tribute band on the planet. Grateful Shred manages to channel that elusive Dead vibe uniquely, with wide-open guitar tones, effortless three-part vocal harmonies, choogling beats, and yes, plenty of tripped out, Shredded solos. The look, the sound, the atmosphere is uncanny. Far from being a historical re-enactment, Grateful Shred’s laissez faire flow infuses the band with a gentle spirit, warmth, and (dare we say it) authenticity.
JULY 30-AUG 2
Ojai Playwrights Conference, New Works Festival
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.
— RECURRING EVENTS—
Historical Walking Tours of Ojai
Date: Every Saturday Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ojai Valley Museum 130 West Ojai Avenue
Contact: 640-1390
Come see why there’s so much historical hullabaloo about this “smiling vale.” The tour, led by long-time locals, takes about an hour, and brings you into a deeper understanding of Ojai’s rich roots and heritage.
THURSDAYS
Ojai Podcast: Talk of the Town
New episodes come out Thursday evenings through the OjaiHub.com newsletter. Guests have included Malcolm McDowell on the 50th anniversary of “A Clockwork Orange,” and Sergio Aragonés on his 60 years as a cartoonist at Mad Magazine. More than 280 episodes and counting. Sign up at OjaiVortex.com for a free weekly newsletter.
JOHN & LINDA LAMBERT
BY ILONA SAARI
COFFEE & COINCIDENCE
Linda and Jon Lambert's remarkable journeys — from New York classrooms and international programs to Peru, London and finally Ojai — prove that life's most important lessons sometimes begin with a simple conversation.
LADIES FIRST: When Linda Lambert entered this world in 1947 at the Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany, N.Y., “Old Glory” unfurled as the sky burst with fireworks. Granted, this was happening all over America because it was the 4th of July, but it was a joyful beginning for William and Grace Goosman’s daughter, whose life would be filled with achievement, adventure and teaching.
Grace, a medical secretary at the Albany VA Hospital, and William, a railroad postal clerk, watched as Linda blossomed in school. At Cardinal McCloskey High School she sang in the Glee Club, which joined other diocesan choruses to form a 500-student choir for the Diocesan Music Festival. (“And that’s where I met
my first boyfriend,” she recalls with a smile.) But, singing was only part of her student life. She loved writing the tongue-in-cheek “Cardinal Capers” column for the school paper, “a monthly report on what silly antics occurred in our classes.”
On her second try, Linda won the Yankee Doodle Dandy Oratorical Contest, representing New York State at the Freedom Week celebrations in Philadelphia (July 1–4, 1962). Entrants had to be born on the 4th in a capital city of one of the original 13 colonies. Linda placed second. Contestants shared a stage in front of Independence Hall with 50 governors and President JFK before a crowd of 125,000. “It was the thrill of a lifetime for this 14-yearold girl!”
To fulfill graduation foreign language requirements, Linda was assigned Spanish. “To say that I took to Spanish like a duck to water says it all.” Others dreamed of being on stage or exploring Alaska, but teaching Spanish became her goal, so she enrolled at the College of St. Rose of Lima in Albany.
GENTLEMEN NEXT: Two days before Pearl Harbor, Jon Lambert’s life began in Parkchester, N.Y., with far different “fireworks” from Linda’s debut.
His father, Barnett (Barney) Lambert, was exempt from World War II service because of his work with East Bronx street gangs. Later he directed a Bronx YM-YWHA and developed senior trips for the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. Together with Jon’s mother, Evelyn, an educator and homemaker, they created and ran a sleepaway camp in New England for inner-city kids, and managed a Federation of Jewish Philanthropies sleepaway camp for seniors in the Poconos Mountains.
When Jon was 10, the family moved to Eastchester, N.Y. “I was a true example of a nebbish,” he says of his days in high school. His guidance counselor advised him not to apply to college, warning he wouldn’t get in. Jon ignored him and was accepted at the College of Oswego in N.Y. “Getting 350 miles away from home worked!” He made Dean’s List every semester, became fraternity president and student body president. “Truly a late bloomer,” he says about himself.
Jon and his younger brother Howard, who later earned a Ph.D in clinical psychology, spent summers at sleepaway camp, crafting, swimming, fishing, hiking and leading songs as they played their guitars and banjos. In college, Jon led hootenannies and still hosts them in his backyard today.
After receiving a fellowship to the
Columbia School of Social Work, Jon quickly realized it wasn’t for him and dropped out (no, he didn’t ‘turn-on’) to teach sixth grade in Purchase, N.Y. In 1969 he married Susan Applebaum and moved to Chicago, where he completed his Master’s and Ph.D in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology.
Returning to New York, Jon joined Rockland Community College’s Counseling Department and taught psychology. He and Susan settled in Westchester, N.Y. where sons Eric (1971) and Scott (1972) were born. Through his involvement with the college’s United Kingdom program, the family moved to London and lived there from 1975–1977.
“A divorce in 1981 renewed my solo status and I changed employment, becoming the University Director for International Programs at Pace University.”
MEANWHILE, LINDA: In college, Linda befriended Berta, a fellow Spanish student from Peru. During her sophomore year she accepted Berta’s invitation to visit during the summer. It was 1967 and the beginning of Peru’s winter ... it was cold, damp and without
hot water. In true western movie tradition, bath water was heated in saucepans, and as in pioneer days, there was no phone to call home when homesick. Though warmly welcomed, the poverty she witnessed left a lasting impression. “It was a real learning experience and had a profound impact on the way I saw the world.”
In her senior year Linda expected a Spanish teaching job would be easypeasy. Wrong. French, German and Latin positions were aplenty, but none in Spanish. Considering a job with Ma Bell in desperation, she was finally contacted to interview for a Spanish position in the Ramapo Central School District (now the Suffern District) and aced it. On Labor Day 1969 she rented a room in Suffern, N.Y. and began a 31year teaching career.
Five years later, a Master’s degree was required to continue teaching. She enrolled in NYU’s Master’s program in language education, spending two summers at the University of Madrid and another at NYU. Linda loved teaching and fortunately her off-beat, humorous teaching style worked well with seventh
ANNIVERSARY DINNER AT THE RANCH HOUSE
and eighth graders, whom she described as “silly, rowdy, sensitive, moody, rebellious, enthusiastic and, as I like to describe them, hormones with feet.”
In 1977 Linda married Ron Di Marco. The marriage didn’t last, and she moved on and bought “my own sweet little casa in Spring Valley.”
In 1984 she attended a colloquium in Albany. “That’s when my life took a very unexpected turn. I met Jon Lambert.”
HE SAID – SHE SAID: Jon says he attended the conference only because he owed the dean of the language department a favor. The dean wanted Pace represented and no one else could go, so “I was nominated.” Fate intervened. “Linda and I met over a cup of coffee.” Forty years later they still enjoy morning coffee together.
Linda remembers it differently. In that coffee line she realized she hadn’t a clue where the next session was, and “turned to the person behind me to ask directions — and there was Jon. “He gave me directions, looked me in the eye, offered his hand, smiled and said, ‘Hi, I’m Jon Lambert.’” A coffee connection.
They dated for two years. Prompted by Jon’s son’s questions about their future plans, Linda “took the bull by the horns” on a beach in the Dominican Republic during another conference and said, “You know, this would be a great time for you to ask me to marry you.” Jon replied, “Oh, so you want to?” She answered, “OK.” Who says romance is dead?
When Jon told his sons, “the first words out of my older son’s mouth were, ‘Oh good! Now we don’t have to eat Dad’s cooking anymore.’” Ba-da-boom.
The wedding was a potluck party in Jon’s aunt’s backyard. The honeymoon included Linda, Jon, his two sons and his brother at a camp in New Hampshire — a true family affair.
Jon left Pace in 1987 but continued as an adjunct professor, created an experimental science program in Yonkers and taught in a gifted-and-talented elementary magnet school before retiring 14 years later.
Linda continued teaching in Suffern and was nominated for New York State Teacher of the Year and Disney Teacher of the Year, and was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers three times. “I
figured that I must have been doing something right.”
Coincidence or fate? Jon’s aunt Ziporah, a Theosophist (an esoteric belief and philosophical movement established in 1875), retired to Ojai because of its Theosophist community. After her death, Jon’s mother lived in her house until she died in 1999. Soon afterward, Jon and Linda who had visited his mom often, decided to leave the east coast and retire in Ojai.
Approached by Tibetan neighbors, they helped create the Tibetan Aid Foundation, which builds and supports educational and health centers in Tibet. Linda also taught Spanish for seniors through HELP of Ojai and Jon served on the board of the Ojai Library Friends. Since 2010 Linda has worked with Laubach Literacy of Ventura County and now serves as vice president, tutor trainer and Ojai coordinator while teaching two English classes weekly. Both have served on the board of the Taormina Community organization.
Jon also became involved with the Ojai Film Festival in 2009, serving as board president from 2012–2024. He still enjoys hiking, camping, boating and continues to
ABOVE RIGHT: LINDA LAMBERT TEACHING ENGLISH, SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR NEW YORK STATE’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR. ABOVE RIGHT, JON LAMBERT SHARES THE STAGE WITH DIRECTOR CHLOE ZHAO AT AN OJAI FILM FESTIVAL EVENT, WHICH HE SERVED AS PRESIDENT FOR 12 YEARS.
hootenanny.
“How fortunate we are to have been blessed with a wonderful life and dear friends in Ojai,” Linda says with a full heart.
Viva la Buena Vida!
LAMBERTS’ WEDDING IN 1986.THE WELL-TRAVELED COUPLE, CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW, IN TELLURIDE, CAYUMA VALLEY, CHILE AND IN THE ANDES AT PERU’S MACHU PICCHU
ROOM TO BUILD DREAM HOME
Hidden behind the gates of Rancho Matilija sits a stunning 3-acre lot with magnificent 360 degree mountain views. Surrounded by mature trees and wildlife, this lot offers a beautiful connection to nature while still being conveniently located near all the amenities, recreational parks, hiking trails, Lake Casitas, fishing and all the outdoor adventures you may be looking for as well as easy access to Ventura, LA and Santa Barbara. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your dream home with endless possibilities in this serene and picturesque setting. This gated, private community offers beauty, peace and vision to the person looking for a one-of-akind property.
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
CHARM & QUIET
Welcome to this charming cottage in the Historic neighborhood of Taormina. Hidden on a cul-de-sac this three bedroom, three bathroom home oozes with charm at the same time offers modern amenities throughout. Lovely living room with large fireplace opens to the dining room. Updated kitchen and bathrooms, light-filled rooms with views from nearly every window. You will enjoy spending time in the enchanting gardens while listening to the birds in this private sanctuary. This neighborhood has direct access to wonderful trails and Ojai’s nature preserve; yet minutes to downtown Ojai. Private and peaceful.
FRUIT TREES
Whitman Architectural Design
1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.
2
RIVER PRESERVE 0-7mi
VARIES | Elev. Gain: ≤ 520 ft Wills-Rice Loop is the longest trail.
5
HORN CANYON 5.5mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1600 ft | Goes to the Pines.
8
ROSE VALLEY 1mi
EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft Rose Valley Falls.
3
PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3300 ft | Goes to Nordhoff Peak.
6
COZY DELL 2.2mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | Cozy Dell Creek & Ridge.
9
SISAR CANYON 22mi
STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4800 ft |Topa Topa Bluffs.
4
GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi
MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs (Elev. Gain: 1200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak.
7
MATILIJA CANYON 12mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1200ft | North Fork.
10
SULPHUR MTN. 22mi
MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2300 ft | Sulphur Mountain Road.
EAST END MASTERPIECE
Views, Views, Views. This private, gated, home nestled amidst the trees and the mountains, radiates modern elegance with its thoughtful upgrades, abundant natural light, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. You are welcomed into the large living room with vaulted beamed ceilings, a fireplace and picture windows showcasing the mountains perfectly. Flowing into the dining room and open to the modern, remodeled kitchen with top of the line appliances and gorgeous cabinetry. Open and spacious, you and your guests will love to gather onto the large deck off the kitchen. This three bedroom, two bath home has gleaming hardwood floors throughout and brilliant light in all the rooms. There is plenty of room for your guests with the detached, guest studio. You will enjoy relaxing on the patio amongst the trees and the breathtaking views. The Santa Barbara smooth stucco finish adds to the modern elegance of the home. Bring your family
SUMMER CURB APPEAL TIPS
— By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela —
Making a Great First Impression in Hot, Dry, and Rural Areas
Summer is one of the most beautiful times of year in Ojai. The hills glow golden, lavender blooms in gardens, and long evenings invite people outdoors. It’s also a season when many homeowners begin thinking about selling and when buyers from Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond are here on the weekends getting a taste of the Ojai Valley lifestyle.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, curb appeal matters. First impressions begin before a buyer ever walks through the front door. Fortunately, creating great curb appeal in Ojai isn’t about spending a fortune on landscaping or dramatic renovations. Instead, it’s about highlighting the natural beauty of your property while showing that it has been thoughtfully designed and maintained.
to Southern California. Native plants, ornamental grasses, lavender, sage, rosemary, succulents, and well-maintained mulch can create a beautiful, welcoming appearance while reflecting the natural character of the Ojai Valley.
Here are some practical summer curb appeal tips for homes in Ojai and surrounding communities, including Oak View, Meiners Oaks, Upper Ojai, Ventura, Rose Valley, and Santa Paula.
Work With Ojai’s Natural Landscape: Today’s buyers increasingly appreciate droughtconscious landscaping that feels authentic
Rather than trying to make your property look like a lush oasis transplanted from somewhere with far more rainfall, embrace what makes this area unique. A landscape that feels at home in Ojai often appeals more to buyers than one that requires constant watering and maintenance.
Freshen Up the Entryway: The front entrance creates an immediate impression. Take a close look at your:
• Front door
• House numbers
• Exterior lighting
• Welcome mat
• Porch or entry seating areas
A freshly painted front door, clean hardware, and a tidy entry can make a home feel inviting before buyers even step inside.
For country homes in more rural areas, make sure entry gates, fences, and driveways are also well maintained since buyers will see these features long before they see the house itself.
Pay Attention to Driveways and Access Roads:
Many homes in Ojai and the surrounding foothill communities sit on larger lots or private roads.
Buyers notice:
• Cracked pavement
• Overgrown vegetation
• Potholes
• Untrimmed tree branches
Clearing access routes and ensuring driveways feel safe and well-maintained helps buyers feel confident about the property from the moment they arrive.
Create Defensible Space Without
Sacrificing Beauty: Fire safety has become an important consideration throughout Ventura County.
Summer is an excellent time to:
• Remove dead vegetation
• Trim overgrown brush
• Prune tree limbs
• Clear debris from around structures
Not only does this improve safety and support local fire-prevention efforts, but it also helps buyers see the property more clearly.
A well-maintained landscape communicates responsible ownership and can help buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a rural, canyon, or hillside property.
Showcase Outdoor Living Areas: Many people move to Ojai because they want to spend more time outdoors.
Whether your property features:
• A shaded patio
• A front porch
• A pool
• A garden
• A covered deck
• Mountain views
Make these spaces feel usable and inviting. Simple touches such as clean outdoor furniture, potted plants, new cushions, or a neatly staged dining table can help buyers imagine enjoying Ojai’s coveted indooroutdoor lifestyle.
Don’t
Forget the Little Things
Small details have a big impact: Before listing your home:
• Wash exterior windows
• Clean gutters
• Pressure wash walkways
• Touch up peeling paint
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Repair loose fence boards
• Remove cobwebs
These inexpensive improvements can make a property feel well maintained, cared for, and move-in ready.
Highlight What Makes Your Property
Special: Every Ojai-area property has its own story.
Maybe it’s the mature oak tree that provides afternoon shade. Perhaps it’s the mountain views, the orchard, the horse facilities, the artist’s studio, the centuryold stone walls, or the peaceful backyard retreat.
The goal of curb appeal isn’t perfection. The goal is helping buyers notice and appreciate the features that make your property unique.
Ross Falvo Keller Williams Realty “The Ojai Real Estate Guy” RossFalvo.com 805-207-5094
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
Dennis Guernsey LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
805-798-1998
Therese A. Hartmann is a local loan consultant affiliated with C2 Financial Corporation, and is a Licensed Broker, California BRE #01048403. NMLS # 298291. Call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.
Donna Sallen Remax Gold Coast Realtors Donna4Remax@aol.com
DonnaSallen.com 805-798-0516
Logan Hall Logan Hall Photography 805-798-0337 loganhallphotos. com
Vivienne Moody LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 805-798-1099 vmoody10@ sbcglobal.net OjaiLifestyle.net
Amy Hall | Realtor® LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
Amy.Hall@SothebysRealty.com direct+1
805.444.7874
554 E Main Street | Ventura, California 93001 Cal DRE 01957427
Bob Kemper Broker, MBA Kemper Realty of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Bob.Kemper@ sothebysrealty.com DRE# 01356802 (805) 551-5121
Larry Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde. com 805-640-5734
Erik Wilde LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Wilde-Wilde.com 805-830-3254
Patty Waltcher Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California, 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
Anne Williamson LIV Sotheby’s Anneshomesinojai.com 805-320-3314
AGAVE MARIA
Fresh, wholesome Mexican food & drink 106 South Montgomery Street (805) 646-6353 agavemarias.com
AJ’S EXPRESS CHINESE EXPRESS
Gourmet Chinese food to eat in or to go 11566 North Ventura Avenue (805) 646-1177 ajchinesecuisine.com
BOCCALI’S
Pizza & Pasta, from our farm to our tables
3277 Ojai-Santa Paula Road (805) 646-6116 boccalis.com
BONNIE LU’S COUNTRY CAFE
Traditional American breakfast & brunch 328 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-0207
THE DEER LODGE
An Ojai legend since 1932 2261 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-4256 deerlodgeojai.com
THE DUTCHESS
457 East Matilija Street (805) 640-7987 thedutchessojai.com
FARMER & THE COOK
The best of organic Ojai 339 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-9608 farmerandcook.com
YUME JAPANESE BURGER
254 East Ojai Avenue (Arcade) (805) 646-1700
JIM & ROB’S FRESH GRILL
Mexican-American & regional favorites 214 West Ojai Avenue #100
(805) 640-1301 jimandrobsojai.com
HIP VGN
Vegan sandwiches, salads & bowls
201 North Montgomery Street hipvegancafe.com (805) 669-6363
HOME KITCHEN OF OJAI
Breakfast and lunch in a warm space 1103 Maricopa Highway (805) 646-5346
HomeKitchenofOjai.com
JOPLIN’S
Classic Barbecue with Sides 715 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9053 JoplinsOjai.com
MANDALA
Pan-Asian Cuisine 11400 North Ventura Road (805) 613-3048
THE NEST
401 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9035 thenestojai.com
OAK GRILL @ THE INN
Al fresco dining under vine-covered pergola 905 Country Club Road (805) 646-1111 ojairesort.com
OJAI COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY
Salads, sandwiches & superb service 337 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-4478
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY
331 Ojai Avenue (Downtown Ojai) 545-7878
TheOnlyGoodPizza.com
OJAI PIZZA COMPANY (Oak View)
The go-to place for food & sports 820 North Ventura Avenue
OJAI ROTIE
Rotisserie, sourdough, winebox 469 East Ojai Avenue (805) 798-9227 ojairotie.com
PAPA LENNON’S
Family owned, original & traditional Italian cuisine 515 West El Roblar Drive (805) 640-7388 papalennons.com
RAINBOW BRIDGE
A community gathering place 211 East Matilija Street (805) 646-6623 rainbowbridgeojai.com
THE RANCH HOUSE
An Ojai culinary destination for more than 60 years 102 Besant Road (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com
SAKURA OJAI
A locals’ favorite for Japanese food 219 East Matilija Street (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.wix.com
SEA FRESH
Serving Ojai for 30 years
533 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-7747 seafreshseafood.com
ZAIDEE’S BAR & GRILL
Patio & indoor dining with Ojai’s most tranquil views 1033 East Ojai Avenue (805) 646-5685 soulepark.com
REDISCOVERING OJAI
PLAYING TOURIST IN MY HOMETOWN
There’s a funny thing about growing up in Ojai: you can spend your whole life here, volunteer for half the organizations in town, know the history better than most tour guides… and still forget to actually experience Ojai the way visitors do.
I’ve lived here for generations — Ojai is in my bones — and over the years I’ve poured my time into the Ojai Women’s Fund, the Ojai Music Festival, the Ojai Education Foundation, the Ojai Tennis Tournament (yes, I was one of those teenagers squeezing oranges at sunrise), and countless other local efforts. I’ve helped behind the scenes, set up tables, poured juice, organized volunteers, and cheered on the community.
But I didn’t always pause long enough to actually enjoy the events themselves.
Then one day it hit me: people travel from all over the world to experience what I walk past every day.
So, I decided to become a tourist in my own hometown.
I hit the trails — Shelf Road, Pratt, Cozy Dell Trail — places I’d hiked before I became so busy but hadn’t revisited lately. The views were just as breathtaking as I remembered, maybe even more so now that I was paying attention. Hiking Pratt the other day put a smile on my face so big that I wondered why the heck I’d stopped taking the time for it. I have been treating myself to dinners out, savoring the farm-to-table dishes that vis-
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itors rave about. I sat on patios under string lights, listening to conversations drifting by in accents from all over the country while enjoying a cold drink. I’ve brought friends along to participate … trying out restaurants that I generally recommend to others.
And like local historian Mark Tovar, I have been walking. A lot. Through Libbey Park, down Ojai Avenue, past the fountains and the murals and the citrus-scented breezes that make this valley feel like a world of its own.
I walk through the Arbolada where I’ve made friends with a dog named Nala. We have a “thing.” I give her a treat at the first gate to the property and then tell her “Let’s go” which has her running to the second gate to get another treat and some extra petting. It’s a highlight for both of us.
In my walking reveries, I realized that one of the biggest surprises was how much I’d missed by always being the volunteer behind the curtain. The concerts in the park? Pure joy.
In June, I had offered my studio to house one of the musicians during the recent Ojai Music Festival and was given tickets to attend. Knowing this is really a musician’s festival, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was AMAZING!
I had the good fortune to sit right next to one of the composers, a gal from Washington who was enjoying Ojai for the first time. Through her eyes, I looked at our little valley and instantly felt filled with pride.
During intermission, I ran into so many locals I knew, waving from picnic blankets and promising we would get together soon. It wasn’t just the music, world-class as it was, it was the sharing of something special and this time, I finally let myself enjoy it as the complete gift it was.
What I’ve learned is this: Ojai isn’t just a place you live. It’s a place you experience. And sometimes the best way to appreciate your hometown is to borrow the eyes of the people who travel so far to see it. I’ve discovered this through talking to some of my guests at my three short-term rentals in Upper Ojai.
Most recently, it was via a couple escaping the Boyle Heights fire in Los Angeles with their three dogs who were struggling with the
smoky air. I met Angela and her husband and pups as I was finishing up getting ready for their early arrival. As soon as they parked and opened their car door, it was as though they breathed a collective sigh of relief. Being in an area where you can just let your guard down has a way of making you feel alive again.
And whether you meditate, or hike, or sit on the porch and watch the world go by while drinking a steaming cup of coffee or go to the many events Ojai has, I know from experiencing it anew, it what life is all about.
I’ll still keep being a volunteer, I still love the work — but I also will plan to make time to soak in the music, the laughter, the scenery, and the community spirit that makes Ojai unforgettable. I’ll enjoy slowing enough to find out more about the stories we all carry with us…and create more memories of my own.
Because being a tourist in Ojai isn’t about checking off attractions. It’s about remembering why this valley has held my family for generations—and why people from around the world keep coming back for more. So please forgive us if we locals aggressively protect the beauty of Ojai and push back against “progress” that just isn’t. We are keeping it special, working to retain its small-town charm. But hey, if you ever need a reminder of JUST how special Ojai is, just take a walk through the Arcade or one of the local trails as dusk approaches. Trust me, it works every time.
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