Vol. 10 No. 2
OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
River And Ranch Protection Effort Races Toward June Goal
Donations Still Needed
During the last several months more than one hundred donors have made pledges and gifts to the 1,566-acre Ventura River and Ranch project.This has pushed the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) to 91% of its $4 million goal for protection and stewardship.“The positive response is unprecedented in the history of our open space program,”says Jim Jackson, OVLC President.“But we can’t rest during these final critical months.”
“The positive response is unprecedented in the history of our open space program,” says Jim Jackson,OVLC President.“But we can’t rest now during these final critical months.”
“We need to raise the greater part of $4 million before escrow closes in early June,”explains John Broesamle, Board Member and Fundraising Committee Chair.“OVLC’s experience with the Ojai Meadows Preserve indicates that a reserve fund will be required to preserve and maintain the River and Ranch Property for public use in perpetuity, and thereby fully meet the obligations of the state grant.” Broesamle has led a team of volunteer fundraisers, who are meeting with potential donors, answering questions and arranging tours of the property.The committee has also developed a long-term strategy for underwriting the stewardship of thebiologicallydiverse property.In the event OVLC doesn’t reach its fundraising goal, the board of directors will have to make the tough decision whether or not to close escrow. If escrow has not been completed by June 5th, the present landowner has stated it will move forward with plans to develop at least ten home sites on the property.Such development would almost certainly end the possibility of public enjoyment and conservation management for the Ojai Valley’s largest privately owned, open space parcel.
Broad Coalition of Support - One Hundred Donors And Counting
Gifts and pledges have come from a variety of groups and individuals, including equestrians, other outdoor enthusiasts, local businesses, residents from Rancho Matilija, R.E.A.P.and The C.R.E.W.Donations from $20 to $100,000 have been received with gifts of $500 to $1,000 being the most popular gift.The Conservancy has already received a breakthrough $3.1 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, which will be provided through Conservation Bond Acts 12 and 40.
Tough Times Lead To Special Gifts
Uncertainty over the economy and international affairs has not dampened donor enthusiasm.Contributors have used creative, conservative approaches such as requesting matching gifts from their employer, making a gift of appreciated assets (stock, mutual funds, real estate), establishing an irrevocable estate gift and pledging their gifts over two years. Donors who make extraordinary contributions may be able to spread gifts over a longer period. See pages 2,3,5 and 8 for more information about the River and Ranch Open Space.
Ventura River & Ranch Campaign Update
Every $1 Donated Will Be Matched By $3 From State Grant Campaign Goal$4 million
Pledges & Gifts Raised - 91% of goal$3.64 million
Pledges & Gifts Still Needed$360,000
Second Gifts Are Even Sweeter
“We have been blessed by campaign donors who are so excited about this project that they are now making second gifts,”says Jim Engel.“Many of them are pledging a gift for next year or just making the choice to focus more of this year’s gifts to the River and Ranch acquisition.”
Ventura River and Ranch News
Public Tours A Big Success
ore than 300 people of all ages have attended walking, equestrian, or driving tours with OVLC Executive Director Jim Engel and board members.People from throughout Ventura County who are curious about the 1,566-acre property have explored the three miles of river bottom, Wills and Rice Canyon and Oso Ridge above Rancho Matilija.“I am simply amazed by the incredible beauty and complete solitude that’s so close to Ojai,”exclaims Ann Oppenheimer, Conservancy member. These tours offer the public their only chance to visit the privately held parcel, which is not yet open to general public use.Engel shares his knowledge of the natural history of the large parcel and OVLC plans, if they successfully acquire this scenic property. See Page 5 - Upcoming Events for more information or call the office for more details.
Church Offers Community A Precious Gift
n a time when opportunities for public recreation access through private lands continue to dwindle in the Valley, The Church of the Living Christ is going against this trend.The Church Council has agreed to generously donate a public trailhead and trail easement, if OVLC closes escrow on the River and Ranch Property.The final agreement should be signed by early summer.OVLC will then work with volunteers and the C.R.E.W.to develop a 1/4 mile trail to an existing trail on the River and Ranch property.Signage will direct visitors to the Preserve and away from adjacent private lands.Church officials have already cleaned up the 44-acre river bottom property near El Roblar and Rice Roads by removing old cars and appliances that were dumped before the Church took ownership of the property.
Preserve Management Plan: Protecting Nature and Providing Safe Recreational Opportunities
One of the most common questions people ask is “If you are successful in acquiring the ranch, when will we be able to use the property?”The answer:As soon as we can make the open space safe for public access.Conservancy staff will be developing a resource management plan to help identify the natural, cultural and recreational resources available on the property and develop a strategy on how to protect these valuable resources.OVLC will then work with neighboring property owners and other interested individuals to determine the best balance between a healthy ecosystem and public enjoyment and use of the Preserve.The planning process will start in early June and updates will be provided throughout the summer in preparation for the opening of public trails.The actual opening date for the property will also depend on the timing of grant funding and length of time needed to complete trailhead and trail construction.
VENTURA RIVER & RANCH PROPERTY CAMPAIGN DONATIONS
Dolli Alexander
Kathryn & David Allen
David Allen & Co.
Sheila & Linc Anderson
Anonymous (1)
Judy & Jim Barrett
Riverview Ranch
John Battel & Holly Richmond
Larry Beatty & Sultana Parvanta
George Berg
Jan Blakslee
Thank you to the over 100 people who have generously donated or pledged toward protecting this outstanding open space
John & Kathy Broesamle
David & Ronda Burrell in memory of Dean Hofman
California State
Coastal Conservancy
Myrna & Jim Cambianica in memory of Valerie Fraser
Doug & Leanne Campbell
Peter, Cindy, Chris & Jeff Cantle
Carole Cascio
Terry & Kathy Chaffee
Church of the Living Christ
Willi & Stefanie Coeler in memory of
Bruce Wallace
Tom & Becky Collins
The C.R.E.W.
B.D.& Liz Dautch
Crystal Davis
Mary Jo Davy
Evie & Bain Dayman
Paul Dentzel
Richard & Kristal DeVillers
Mary, Lanyard & Hannah Dial
Jackie & Alan Dorfman
Cynthia Duncan & John Hall
Connie Eaton
Linda & Hugo Ekback
Patricia Ellison
Marjorie Emerson
Andy & Sharon Engel
Jim & Dawn Engel
Environmental Defense Center
Ray & Sylvia Faulstich
Alan & Liz Forbess
Carol Garramone & Charles Massaro
Richard & Joan Glenn
John & Jessica Grahm
Jurgen & Gerry Gramckow
Great Pacific
Ironworks/Patagonia/ Point Blank Surfboards/ Lotus Kayaking/Watergirl
Carl & Marian Greenfield
Charley Griswold & Betsy Bland
Susan Gruber in memory of Bruce Wallace
Bill & Nancy Hammond
Don & Ruth Hauser
Don & Julie Heath
Richard & Velvet Heller
Harriet Herrick
Linda Higginbotham & Brad Leftwich
Jerry & Kerry Holden
Intell Management & Investment Co.
Jim & Susan Jackson
Allan & Janet Jacobs in memory of Carla Bard
Patricia Jump
Ray King & Kale Starbird
Bruce & Patricia Kuebler
Lacey & David Lantz
Marc & Phoebe Larson
Anne Littler-Brown & David Brown
Jim & Dottie Loebl
David Magney & Nancy Breslin
Ruthie Marks & Roger Conrad
Leslie Marvin
Deven May in memory of Millie Greenfield & Kevin Schnoebelen
Jeff & Debra McComas
Roger McDevitt
John Melville in honor of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation & Wilma Melville
Paul & Laura Meyer
Bill & Cookie Miley
Laurel Miller
Paul & Helen Miller
Barbara Muska Nye-Powell-Honda Group
Pamala Nye in honor of Ruric & Gwen Nye
Ojai Valley
Family Medicine Group
Ann & Harry Oppenheimer
William & Laura Peck
Carol Pedersen
Larry, Laura & Walker Ragan
Frank & Maruja Real
R.E.A.P.
Ernie & Julie Rischar
Frederick Schmid
Valerie & Dietrich Schmidt
Amy Schneider &
Sarah Schneider
Joyce Schofield
Marilyn & Larry Shames
Edward & Jane Shapiro
Michael Shapiro & Ellen Sklarz-Shapiro
Robert & Judith Stix
Paula & Rick Suddes
Carl & Katie Thelander
Nan Tolbert
The Traudt Family
Terry & Cricket Twichell in memory of Carla Bard
Julie Tumamait
Bruce Stenslie
Arthur & Judith Vander
Doug & Liz Vernand
Tim Vierra
Waite, Jacobs & Atkinson, Attorneys at Law
Patricia Weinberger in memory of Carla Bard
Jane & Richard Weirick
The Carmel M.& John G.
Whitman Foundation
Larry Wilde & Dennis Guernsey
Coldwell Banker
Property Shoppe
Kathy & Larry Yee
Ways to Help Protect the Ventura River and Ranch
MAKE A GIFT OR PLEDGE
- This is our most crucial need during the next two months. Contributions to the Conservancy are tax-deductible and it is a wonderful way to show your support for present and future generations of Ojai Valley residents, who will benefit from your generous gift. Remember - when you put your money into land protection, that difference is on the ground forever. Please consider these following options when making your gift:
Cash
Cash, usually in the form a check, is the most common and popular type of gift.
Pledges
We welcome pledges for up to twoyears or three years with extraordinary gifts.This enables you to spread your gift over a longer period of time.
Matching Gift From Your Employer
Many small and large employers will match your contribution.Just ask for their support!
Appreciated Assets
If you decide to make a gift of appreciated assets to this campaign you are making a wise decision. Appreciated assets include:stock
securities, real estate, individual retirement plans, mutual funds, tangible personal property or closely held stock you have owned over a twelvemonth period, you will receive an immediate tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains.
Show Your Support
Tell you friends, family and neighbors about the project and share why you believe this is a worthwhile project. Write letters to newspapers expressing your support.Encourage others to make a gift or volunteer their time for the Conservancy.
OPPORTUNITIESTO MAKEA DIFFERENCEINTHE FUTUREOFTHE OJAI VALLEY
The OVLC is offering a limited number of gift naming rights for donors who wish to honor or memorialize family, friends, or mentors. All gifts can be made over a two-year period and will be used for the preservation and care of Ojai’s last remaining open spaces.
Gift Naming Rights At The Ventura River And Ranch Property
•$500 Bronze Historical Marker - 70 reserved
•$1,000Carla Bard Memorial (30) - 6 reserved
•$10,000 Benches (10) - 2 reserved
•$25,000 Trailheads (3) - 1 reserved
•$50,000 Trails Near Trailheads (2) 1 reserved
•$100,000 River Trails (2)
•$150,000 Rice Canyon Trail
•$200,000 Upper Wills Meadow
•$200,000 Oso Ridge Trail (near Rancho Matilija)
•$250,000 Wills Canyon Trail
•$250,000 Oso Ridge (High point of property)
•$300,000 Unnamed canyon
•$1.5 M Preserve Name
Gift Naming Guidelines
CARLA BARD MEMORIAL
No one who met Carla Bard will ever forget her.She lived in the Ojai Valley until her untimely death in 1997, but was well known throughout California.Carla was an OVLC board member and a passionate defender of open space.“I was never fortunate enough to meet Carla, but the diversity of people who knew her and the wonderful stories they tell never cease to amaze me,”remarks Jim Engel.
One individual who did know her was Pat Weinberger. “She was one of life’s treasures.As a friend she was peerless,”exclaims Weinberger.
In memory of Carla’s spirit and commitment to open space, OVLC will be creating a special dedication plaque at the Ventura River and Ranch property.Namings on the plaque are available for a gift of $1,000 or more.
-All gift naming contributions can be made over a two year pledge period
-All naming right opportunities are to be provided on a first come, first serve basis and once they are secured by a gift or pledge, the naming will no longer be offered.
-No more than two individuals or families can share on a gift naming right
-Gift naming donors will be offered a recognition plaque to be placed near the naming right location
For a confidential discussion and a naming rights map, please call 646-7930 or ovlc@ojai.net and ask for Jim Engel, Executive Director
OJAI VALLEY LAND CONSERVANCY
Post Office Box 1092
Ojai, California 93024
Office Phone • (805) 646-7930
Fax • 646-0253
Events Hotline • (805) 646-0251
E-mail Address • ovlc@ojai.net
Street Address:
250 E.Ojai Ave.#B • Back Arcade Plaza Website • www.ovlc.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Jackson • President
Carl Thelander/Spencer Silver Vice Presidents
Vickie Byrne • Treasurer
Allan Jacobs • Secretary
John Broesamle
Jim Exon
Ellen Hall
Marc Larson
Merrill Williams
David Trudeau
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Julie Bloomer
Caryn Bosson
David Bury
Fred Bysshe
Stacy Davis
Roger Essick
Carl Huntsinger
Thad Hyland
Richard Handley
Joan Kemper
Philip Moncharsh
Vivienne Moody
Steve Olsen
Alan Rains
Michael Shapiro
Nina Shelley
Mansfield Sprague
Pat Weinberger
Allan West
STAFF
Carole Cascio • Events and Volunteers ovlcevents@ojai.net
Jim Engel • Fundraising and Land Protection ovlc@ojai.net
Ronda Burrell • Membership Services ovlcmembership@ojai.net
President’s Message
John Muir wrote that, “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”Perhaps that’s why Ojai is such a spiritual place, why so many people experience a heightened serenity upon entering this very special valley.Nature has surrounded us with wilderness—mountains, valleys and meadows that nurture, calm and provide a measure of hope in troubled times.
But to preserve and protect our wilderness requires that we become stewards of the land, and stewardship requires both commitment and effort.With escrow on the Ventura River Property just months away from closing, we have perhaps the best opportunity in the history of our community to become stewards of open space wilderness.
At present we still need to raise more than $360,000 to meet our goal and fully establish the Ventura River Property trust fund.
Our challenge is not just to purchase the property but also to raise enough money to preserve and protect the area.Based on our experience with the Ojai Meadows Preserve, we know that a trust fund of minimally $900,000 is necessary to maintain the Ventura River Property for public use, access and recreation in perpetuity, and thereby fully meet the obligations of our grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy.At present we still need to raise more than $360,000 to meet our goal and fully establish the Ventura River Property trust fund.
It has been my privilege to be involved in the effort to preserve and protect these more than 1,500 acres of wilderness and river-bottom land. I believe it’s one of the best investments I can make in the future of the Ojai Valley.I encourage you to join me in this one-of-a-kind stewardship effort.Whether you choose to enjoy the land on horseback, in hiking shoes, on a mountain bike, or elect to simply glance towards open hillsides and mountains as you enter or leave the valley-you may just find the kind of inspiration that led John Muir to conclude,...
“In such places, standing alone on the mountaintop it is easy to realize that whatever special nests we make-leaves and moss like the marmots and birds, or tents or piled stone-we all dwell in a house of one room-the world with the firmament for its roof-and are sailing the celestial spaces without leaving any track.”
Jim Jackson
2nd Annual Earth Day Walk To Oak Grove School
Sunday,April 27
Time:10am
Location:Mhotion,Inc.,236 West Ojai Avenue
Conservancy Events
Moonlight on the Meadows After Hours
New Volunteer Party
Thursday,May 15th
Time:5:30pm
Location:OVLC Office
Come celebrate Earth Day with our friends from Oak Grove School and walk through the Ojai Meadows Preserve to the Spring Art Festival and Earth Day.Help raise funds for the protection of the River and Ranch Property.Last year’s inaugural event included over eighty walkers and raised over $3,500 for open space.$10 per person minimum donation.Volunteers needed for registration and along the walking route.Volunteers please call Chris Danch @640-1017 or email:cdanch@sunbow.org Walkers please call Gregg, 652-0906 or Laura, 640-6961.
Moonlight On The Meadow New Volunteer Luncheon
Tuesday,April 29
Time:Noon
Location:Conservancy Office
Volunteers are invited for lunch to hear how they can help be part of the best fundraising party in Ojai!
Explore The Ventura River and Ranch Property: Hidden Springs
Saturday,May 3
Time:9am and 1pm
Explore the hidden springs of the Ventura River Open Space with executive director Jim Engel.A rare opportunity since the property is not yet open to the general public.Limited to the first 15 people for each walk.Rugged terrain.Sign-up now!
The OVLC Saddles Up!
Saturday,May 10th
Time:TBA
Location:Rice Road and El Roblar Trail rides and western barbeque will be the order of the day on the River and Ranch Property, which is not yet open to the public.The Church of the Living Christ has graciously provided their adjacent property available for the barbeque.Come explore and learn more.
Join the Moonlight on the Meadows Support Team for libations, Hors d’Oeuvres and information on how to be part of the best fundraising party in Ojai!
Reception For The New Preserve Manager
Thursday,June 5
Time:6pm
Location:TBA
Meet our new Preserve Manager and learn more about what exciting new plans there are for our preserves and how you can help.
Explore The Ventura River and Ranch Property
Saturday,June 7
Time:9am
Explore one of the many special places of the Ventura River Open Space with our new Preserve Manager.A rare opportunity since the property is not yet open to the general public.Limited to the first 30 people for each walk.Sign-ups begin May 5th!
All programs require pre-registration. Call 646-0251 or email us at ovlcmembership@ojai.net
Every year a group of dedicated OVLC volunteers plan one of the biggest fundraising event in the Valley. Moonlight On The Meadow raised over $63,000 for open space protection last year.Over 300 people attend the event, which features live music, delicious food and drink and a spirited live auction. These volunteers complete over 80% of the event’s preparation. It may be hard work, but their commitment also shows how much fun and excitement goes into being part of the event. “Without our volunteers, this event wouldn’t happen,”exclaims Carole Cascio, OVLC Events Coordinator.“We really depend on them to make each year unique and special.”
Volunteers are needed before, during and after the event. Involvement can range from preparing invitations for mailing, food planning, organizing the auction, and much more.Our volunteer committee is hosting two casual gatherings at the Conservancy office for those who want to learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities.
Please see information listed above, for more information about our April and May volunteer gatherings
Membership
New Members
Thank you to our new members for their exceptional support.The Conservancy’s success in the last year is due to the generous financial and volunteer support of our members.
Bonnie Lu’s Cafe
Michael Allen
Willis & Joan Allen
Anonymous (1)
Jim & Judy Barrett, Riverview Ranch
Jan Blakslee
Laurie Brecheen-Ballard
Rob Broesamle
Myrna & Jim Cambianica
Doug & Leanne Campbell
Carol Clarke
Willi & Stefanie Coeler
The C.R.E.W.
Michael Crooke & Amy Doizer
Crystal Davis
Mary Jo Davy
Richard & Kristal DeVillers
Lee Ann Dawson & Chip Bissell
Jackie & Alan Dorfman
Linda & Hugo Ekback
Robert Ellwood
Marjorie Emerson
Alan & Liz Forbess
Richard & Joan Glenn
John & Jessica Grahm
Jurgen & Gerry Gramckow
Susan Gruber
Richard & Sandy Hajas
Don & Ruth Hauser
Don & Julie Heath
Richard & Velvet Heller
Linda Higgenbotham & Brad Leftwich
Victoria Johansen
Sizemore
Anne Johnstone
Debbie Johnstone
Lanny Kaufer
Anne Littler-Brown &
David Brown
Leslie Marvin
Deven May
Susan & Robert McMahon
Rex & Susan Meach
Paul & Laura Meyer
Laurel Miller
Paul & Helen Miller
Barbara Muska
Nye-Powell-Honda Group
Ruric & Gwen Nye
John Pavelko
Carol Pedersen
Maggie & Mark Pfeffer
Sharon Rockefeller
Joyce Schofield
The Traudt Family
Wendy Varian &
Richard Bradley
Tim Vierra
Kathy & Larry Yee
AnnualFund Gifts
Patty & Ross Atkinson
Mary Bergen
Carol Bishop
Paul Blatz
Barbara Bowles
Sue Broidy
Peter & Heidi DiCapua
Andy & Judith Gustafson
Mark Hansen
Mike & Elizabeth Hermes
Jerry & Kristayani Jones
Anne & Jerry Kaplan
The Land Trust Alliance
Jim & Dottie Loebl
Jocelyne Lussier
in honor of Don & Sheila Cluff
Michael & Julie McFadden
Lori & Larry Mohr
Alan & Jan Rains
Rains Department Store
Santa Barbara County United Way
Jan & Brett Smithers
Greg Wardle
Coast & Valley Land Surveying
E Renewals
very year, hundreds of our members choose to renew their membership. Thanks for your exceptional support!We are happy to recognize the following individuals and businesses who have renewed their membership since midOctober.Your loyalty is greatly appreciated.
John & Lisa Adair
Robert & Carole Adams
Phil & Tucker Adams
Dolli Alexander
Kathryn & David Allen
David Allen & Co.
Anonymous (4)
Jill Andre
Patty & Ross Atkinson
David, Nancy, David,
John & Ben Babbott
Evelyn Baran
Larry Beatty & Sultana Paryanta
Shed & June Behar
Steve Bennett
Mary Bergen
Lerie Bjornstedt
Zoe & Clark Bowers
Dan & Vicki Breen
Drs.Bruce & Bridget Brockman
Topa Topa Optometry
Dick & Patty Bronk
Bronk-Vreeland Ford
Alvin & Charlotte
Bronstein
Don Brosnac & Twila Carlsen
Rowe & Molly Burgett
Sespe Farm Management
David & Joanne Bury
Vickie & David Byrne
Fred & Judy Bysshe
Mike & Blair Cahill
Allen & Marilyn Camp
Peter & Cindy Cantle
Michael & Jean Case
Charles Casey & Ingrid Boutring
Sheri Ann Cate
Ojai Valley Insurance
Services
Terry & Kathy Chaffee
Joyce Chell
Sally Chenault
Bob & Alice Chesley
Martha Churchyard
Kenneth & Sarah Cluff
Tom & Becky Collins
Karen Courington &
Dan Lukasiewicz
Gary & Mackay
Crampton
Tom & Dorothy Crossman
Paul Dentzel
Russ & Sherry Devine
Sally & David Disco
Richard &
Patricia Doerner
Tim & Maraya Droney
Cynthia Duncan &
John Hall
Steve Eltinge
Gwen Ely-Weiser
Don & Rose Engel
Jim & Dawn Engel
Roger & Pat Essick
Jim & Kim Exon, Jr.
Franceen Fallett
Ruth Farnham
Gary & Brenda Farr
C.J.Farrar
Dick & Kay Felton
Theresa Ferguson &
Jeff Glenn
Frances Fitting
Fred & Dana Fleet
David & Cindy Garber
Don Garrett
Saline Processors, Inc.
Robert J.Geres
Fern & Howard Gilbert
Gary & Judith Girod
Patsy & Harold Glenn
Christine Golden
Helene Gordon
Dr.Robert Graham
Ojai Valley
Optometric Group
Emma & Jonathan Greene
Carl & Marian Greenfield
John Greynald
Santa Barbara
Soaring Association
Charley Griswold &
Betsy Bland
Charles & Pauline Gustafson
Laura Hagen & Terry Thompson
Stan Hakes
Dale Hanson
Rae & Keith Hanstad
Marty & Niki Harder
Wyatt & Claudia Harris
Pat & Larry Hartmann
Phil & Margaret Harvey
Eve Hawkins
Kathleen Hellwitz
Carrie Herziger
Sue & Gary Horgan
George Jaidar & Malchia Olshan
Willoughby Johnson & Victoria Matthews
Jerry & Kristayani Jones
Mrs.Charles R.Joy
Patricia Jump
David & Deborah Junod
Anne & Jerry Kaplan
Tim Kenney & Pauline Mercado
Beth & Wes Kent
Glenda & Randy King
Leonard Klaif & Linda Harmon
Marci & Dan Komaiko
Tod & Carolyn Kuhn
Dan Kurilchyk
Royal Cleaners
Lacey & David Lantz
The Reverend
Coryl Lassen
David & Val Lavender
Tom & Becky Lowe
Drew & Claudia Lurie
Ian & Virginia MacLean
Ruthie Marks & Roger Conrad
Delee Marshall
Wanda Martin
Heritage Property Services
Wally & Mary Jane McCall
Jane & Dennis McCarthy
Betty McCurley
Michael & Julie McFadden
Donald & Marion McIsaac
John & Wilma Melville
Bill & Cookie Miley
Lori & Larry Mohr
Phil & Karen Moncharsh
Judi Morningstar & Alberto Kywi
Bill & Maggie Mors
Marilyn Mosley
Joy Sawyer Mulligan & Michael Mulligan
Michele Murdoch & Paul Del Signore
Mr.Gerald Murphy
Bill & Nancy Myers
Elizabeth & Rudolph Nava
Elaine Needham
Duncan & Pat Nelles
Edward & Helen Neuburg
Mrs.Margaret Nofziger
Pamela Nye
The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Mr.& Mrs.Pahnke
Muriel Parfitt
Vickie Peters
Carol Peterson & Curt Mossestad
Earl & Alice Ragland
Bob & Alice Rene
Kathy Richards
Scott Robert Ripple
Ernie & Julie Rischar
Paul & Kathleen Rogers
Rose Garden & Hummingbird Inns
Larry Rose & Lisa Larramendy
Rick & Carrie Rosenbloom
Lee & Katherine Rosenboom
Ronald Rowe
John & Peggy Russell
Nicholas & Nancy Scanlan
Gary & Cathleen
Schlichter, Bart’s Books
Frederick Schmid
Teddy & Dick Schneider
Edward & Jane Shapiro
Michael & Ellen Shapiro
Bill & Dolores Shouse
Spencer & Linda Silver
Daniel Silver
Harry & Margery Sims
Lance & Sheila Smigel
Alex Smith &
Mike Van Stry
Howard Smith & Edie Simone
Mannie & Chilant Sprague
Bruce Stenslie & Julie Tumamait-Stenslie
Jake & Sandra Stub
Glenn & Louise
Stubblefield
Rick & Paula Suddes
Cynthia Sugimura
Bryan & Lillian Tally
Tony & Anne Thacher
Friends Ranch
John & Caroline Thacher
Paula & Victor Theis
Carl & Katie Thelander
Anna Thomas
Glenda Tippett
David & Mary Trudeau
Terry & Cricket Twichell
Mrs.Barbara Uniker
Bob & Virginia Unruhe
John & Helene Vachet
Mr.& Mrs.Van Winkle
Dr.& Mrs.Mort Vinecour
Joan & Bill Vogel
William & Nancy Voyer
Roger & Kathryn Wachtell
Waite, Jacobs & Atkinson, Attorneys at Law
Emery & Helen Walker
Ruth Walker
James Ward & Linda Wells
Deric & Barbara
Washburn
Barbara Watson
Bill & Kathryn Wechter
Andy & Wendy Welling
Allan & Joyce West
J.B.& Elizabeth White
Ronald & Helayne White
The Carmel M.& John G.Whitman
Foundation
Monte & Cheryl Widders
John & Ginger Wilson
Mrs.Mary Zimbalist
Cluff Vista Park
Renewal Fund and Newest Park
Campaign
John & Kathy Broesamle
Sheila & Don Cluff
Frank & Maudette Finck
Gift Memberships
Given By Pamela Nye
Ruric & Gwen Nye
Corporate Matching
Gift Program
Computer Associates on behalf of Richard DeVillers
Patagonia Great Pacific Ironworks on behalf of
Adrienne Moser & Lu Setnicka
Conservancy News Briefs
Membership and Volunteer Celebration
More than sixty OVLC members gathered in late January at the annual potluck event to honor and celebrate the efforts of dedicated volunteers and to share ideas for future open space protection efforts.Special recognition was given to departing board members Roger Essick, Joan Kemper, Alan Rains, and Allan West.All four intend to remain active with the Conservancy on open space issues.Board president, Jim Jackson also welcomed five new board members, John Broesamle, Jim Exon, Ellen Hall, Marc Larson, and Merrill Williams.Hall, Broesamle and Williams are returning to the board after their previous terms expired several years ago.Hall was one of the original founders of the 17 year-old open space group and Broesamle led the OVLC as President for three years during its acquisition of the Ojai Meadows Preserve.Larson is a local attorney, who has a special interest in land use issues and Williams will share her community outreach and public relations skills.
Volunteers Kathy Broesamle and Patsy Glenn were recognized for their outstanding efforts on behalf of open space protection.Broesamle helped create the very successful and popular Moonlight On The Meadow fundraiser and has helped with many other activities.“Kathy has set an example for the rest of us with her spirit and commitment to protecting our Valley’s landscapes,”said Jim Engel.Glenn has been one of the people instrumental in providing the ‘mouth watering’food for the fundraising event, a task made more challenging by the remote location and lack of onsite cooking facilities.
President Jim Jackson, with Retiring Board Members, Allan West (left), Joan Kemper, and Alan Rains.
The remainder of the evening was spent updating members and receiving feedback on how the OVLC can do a better job of protecting open space.Much of the time focused on the effort to protect 1,566-acres of river and open space land on the west side of the Ojai Valley.Members gave several suggestions on how to raise the funds necessary to complete the project by the June deadline.
Special Thanks
Jeff BrinkmanandFor The Sake of Salmon for preparing a steelhead habitat evaluation report on a lower Ventura River Property.
Kathy Broesamle for organizing and leading the Petroglyph tours.
Vickie Byrne for leading equestrian tours of the River and Ranch Property.
Terry Chaffee, Lee Ann Dawson, Laurel Miller andCassandra Burrell for their valuable assistance in the office.
Church of the Living Christ for generously donating a trailhead and trail easement adjacent to the River and Ranch property.
The C.R.E.W. for pledging $5,000 toward the development of trails on the River and Ranch Property.
Environmental Systems Research Institute for donating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, which will allow us to do a better job of defining how and where to focus our open space protection efforts.
Roger Essick, Rich Handley and Ernie Rischar for evaluating the best ways to provide public access to the River and Ranch Property.
Rich Handley for leading the latest Environmental Learning Series Program:Ojai As A Bioregion.
Ellen Hall, Marc Larson, Merrill Williams, Jim ExonandJohn Broesamle for agreeing to join the OVLC Board of Directors.
Allan Jacobs for hosting a hiking tour of the River and Ranch Property for his fellow Rotarians.
Carol Langford for delivering newsletters to local businesses and public places.
Ken Neissen for loading the G.I.S software and giving staff and board members a quick tutorial.
Vickie Peters and the G.I.S. Committee for preparing and tracking our successful GIS grant.
Alan Rains, Joan Kemper, Roger Essickand Allan West for their many years of dedicated board service.
David and Edie Skaggs for hosting our annual Conservation Legacy Circle event at The Ranch House Restaurant.
Julie Tumamait for presenting a grant proposal on behalf of OVLC to the Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash Indians.
David and Mary Trudeau for hosting the Board Retreat at their home.
Ventura County and Dawn Robbins for donating parcel database information.
Merrill Williams, Julie and Ernie Rischar for hosting a hike and picnic of the River and Ranch property.
Wish List
The Conservancy is seeking new and used items for managing our Preserves. Please consider donating any of the following:
◆ Four Wheel Drive Truck or SUV in good condition for management of our Preserves
◆ Global Positioning System Units to help us in gathering data for resource management
◆ Power Point Projector for public education presentations
