ojai blog - news and events in the Ojai community

Ojai profile: Krotona School of Theosophy

From the website:

Since its founding in 1967, the Krotona School of Theosophy has been helping students deepen their understanding of theosophy, the ancient wisdom, in its many forms, and has encouraged them to live a spiritually oriented life. The school emphasizes "transformative education" which focuses on spiritual renewal. Such studies lead students to orient themselves to eternal truths in a changing world.

The school, an integral part of the Krotona Institute, supports the work of The Theosophical Society and its three objects, which are concerned with: 1) The unity of all people; 2) The study of comparative religion, philosophy and science; and 3) The investigation of unexplained laws of nature and our latent powers. School programs reflect the peace and special presence that make Krotona the spiritual center it is.

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Say hi to Lakshmi!

Ojai profile: HELP of Ojai

HELP of Ojai combines community and individual resources to respond to the identified unmet basic human needs of individuals in the Ojai Valley community, including seniors, families and youth, with an emphasis on senior citizens.

HELP of Ojai is the social service organization for the Ojai Valley, providing professional services at its multipurpose center, "Little House".   Established in 1979 at 111 W. Santa Ana St. in Ojai (next to City Hall), Little House acts as the central nervous system for HELP of Ojai and its auxiliary programs, serving as home-base for the ever-growing multitude of services and social, recreational and educational activities that enrich or enable the lives of so many in the valley.

Ojai profile: Happy Valley School

Located in Upper Ojai (originally located in Meiners Oaks decades ago), Happy Valley School is an institution that encourages the creative pursuit of knowledge.  HVS' mission statement from their website:

The mission of Happy Valley School is the development of each individual's intellectual and artistic abilities. Through awakening the spirit of inquiry, we encourage each student to pursue integrity and excellence. Our non-competitive community builds honesty, respect, compassion and responsibility. Our goal is to develop a lifelong habit of learning as embodied in our school's motto Aun Aprendo, I am still learning.

Ojai profile: The Garden Terrace

Two words about The Garden Terrace on E. Ojai Ave.: huevos rancheros.  An excerpt from The Garden Terrace website:

Chef Patricia Cluche' combines cooking techniques from around the world with an abundance of fresh regional ingredients to fashion imaginative dishes of superb flavor and style. Grilled meats and fish, pastas, and wonderful vegetarian selections are offered, reasonably priced, every day.

The dining room, a colorful, open space with high ceilings, features a large fireplace and views of the terrace and golf course. Outside is one of Ojai's most beautiful terraces showcasing a "California Zen" garden fountain and gorgeous bougainvillea with a view of the surrounding mountains.

Ojai profile: Firehouse Pottery

An excerpt from Frank Massarella's Firehouse Pottery website:

Massarella Pottery soon became one of Ojai’s many attractions, unique in it’s being open to his studio, where guests would come from all over to observe the process of production pottery. His gallery thriving, and it’s close proximity to the Ojai Art Center (just two doors down), led to the acquisition of the Landmark Firehouse located at 109 S. Montgomery St. When the building came up for sale by the city, Frank was a “shoe in”. Bidding against a local architect, a developer and a youth organization, the city council quickly granted the sale to Frank. So in 1998 he renovated the landmark, carefully maintaining the integrity of the original architecture. Also important, was to maintain the interior of concrete brick, and the garage where the firetrucks had parked became a 2000 sq. ft. gallery, still open to the studio. What had been the firemen’s dormitory became the studio with the throwing, glazing, and decorating areas open to public view. The top floor of the building had been the captain’s quarters, which Frank converted to an efficient two bedroom apartment for himself and his two daughters. The renovation was completed in November of ’98 and he moved his sixteen-year business next door to it’s new home. Massarella’s Firehouse Pottery and Gallery, 109 S. Montgomery St., Ojai, CA.

Having received accolades from the city for an exceptional renovation, Mr. Massarella continues to expand the project. He breaks ground in 2003 for a garage/storage/dual studio at the rear of the property. This will allow other artists the opportunity to lease studio space in a thriving, established location virtually at the door of Ojai’s newest art corridor.

Ojai profile: Edible Ojai

From their website:

Edible Ojai is an award-winning quarterly newsletter which promotes the abundance of local foods, season by season – we celebrate our small family farmers, farmers market vendors and local chefs for their dedication to producing the highest quality, organic, fresh and seasonal foods. The fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, cheese and other artisanally produced foods they bring to the table are what makes our community an interesting and healthy food community to live and work in.

Ojai Businesses Unite!

The next Ojai City Council meeting is Tuesday evening, July 26, 7:30 pm, City Hall (401 S. Ventura Street). The Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce will be represented, and will address the issue of the eliminated Visitors Bureau funding, and tying Visitors Bureau funding to the Transient Occupancy Tax (bed tax) starting next year.

The Chamber encourages you, whether or not you are a member, to come to this meeting in a show of unity and support for the Ojai Visitors Bureau and the businesses dependent on the tourism industry in Ojai.  Contact Scott Eicher, CEO of the Chamber, at 805-646-4126 for more information.

Ojai profile: The Deer Lodge

One of the most scenic mountain routes in California is Highway 33. Starting in the picturesque valley of Ojai, it winds it's way gently through the canyons and rocky landscapes of the Los Padres Forest.

Tucked in at the base of the Matilija Canyon, The Deer Lodge Tavern is reminiscent of a different era.  Wood and stone blend to create this landmark bar and restaurant.  Once the last outpost of an untamed wilderness, it now shines as a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors alike.

Bottom line: a happening spot with booze, meat and taxidermy.

Ojai profile: Casa Barranca

Casa Barranca and the Pratt House were designed by the architects Greene & Greene and is recorded in the National Registrar of Historic Places.  Produced and bottled at the historic estate in its century old underground stone winery, Casa Barranca Wines uphold the ideals of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

Gone campin'...

Off to the Northern California coast to cool off for a while.  While I'm gone, ojaiblog.com will feature daily short profiles of various merchants and businesses in town.