ojai blog - news and events in the Ojai community

Ojai Getaway

There's an article in the San Francisco Chronicle on one writer's Ojai getaway.   I want her expense account. A few excerpts (with links to Ojai Network):

I have a couple of favorite places to stay in Ojai. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is a destination unto itself, and guests can find plenty to do at the spa, on the golf course, or just enjoying a quiet moment around the spectacular pool. But I also like the location and quirkiness of The Emerald Iguana Inn, a compound of lodgings that includes Indonesian furnishings and artwork by local artists and craftsmen, including bright and cheerful Matisse-like paintings by the architect/owner's mother, Nancy Whitman. It's one part Bali, two parts Santa Fe and three parts Whitman family  --  like staying at the home of a well-traveled friend with an artistic bent who showcases the talents of Ojai's creative community.

A fine spot to sip a glass of wine is the sultry and sophisticated Movino, a candlelit downtown wine and spirits bar in the Arcade. For dinner, try the upscale, beautifully decorated and romantic Maravilla, which serves artfully prepared organic cuisine in a hushed atmosphere... On the way out of town, I like to pop in to the Ranch House restaurant.

Good results for Brett Wagner in investigation

A number of local Democrats piled on to Congressional candidate Brett Wagner a few months ago, attempting to push him out of the race in 2006 for Elton Gallegly's seat.  I covered the story here, which links to a couple additional posts.  I received this email a few minutes ago from Brett's campaign:

"Wagner's name cleared by California Democratic Party Investigator"

Ventura, February 27, 2006:  The Brett Wagner campaign last week received official confirmation from the California Democratic Party's investigation into a series of scurrilous and baseless accusations attacking Mr. Wagner, supposedly in the party's name.

Mr. Wagner, the 2004 Democratic Nominee for U.S. Congress (CA-24), had formally requested the CDP investigation in order to clear his name.  Mr. Wagner was very pleased that each of his requests had been fulfilled:

(1) The investigator concluded that none of the local party officials who had initiated the attacks against Mr. Wagner had any authority whatsoever to speak in the name of the Democratic Party.

(2) No evidence was ever presented to back up any of the accusations or allegations attacking Mr. Wagner.

"I am very pleased with the results of the California Democratic Party's investigation," said Wagner, "and I'm looking forward to our local party coming together to work toward our common goals in this all-important Election Year."

Wagner added, "I'm sure that now we have put this unfortunate episode behind us, our friendships will be renewed and our dedication to working together on our shared goals will be stronger than ever."

The CDP official leading the investigation recently shared with Mr. Wagner, "I feel that you will prevail at any goal that you set. Just keep on pushin."

I respect the fact that Brett Wagner and his team didn't back down and fought back.  It's a shame to see negative and accusatory politics at the party level.  If certain Dems feel that they can put forth a better candidate in this Congressional district, be it Jill Martinez or someone else, then they should do it on the up-and-up: running a candidate in the primary, not undercutting a fellow Democrat with baseless accusations. 

Pine Ridge Reservation project update

This note in from Raymond, who is putting together the Pine Ridge Reservation Winter Relief project (written about here).  The truck did not leave Friday, but alternate transportation has been sorted out:

"Tomorrow, Tuesday at 11am, I am loading the truck going to the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. In 4 weeks there have been 188 hefty bags and 18 boxes full of winter clothes and blankets, 4 sewing machines and 25+ bolts of fabric contributed. $400 has been wired already for propane assistance and the $900 for shipping costs was also raised.  Please email me or call 805-646-8479 and let me know if you can help. It's A LOT for me to move on my own. Thank you."

Meanwhile, Slate Magazine has a photo series entitled "Wounded Knee Revisited" with this caption: "On this day in 1973, about 200 inhabitants of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation protested racism and unfair treatment from the government by occupying the grave site of the Sioux Indians killed during the Wounded Knee massacre of 1890. Federal marshals surrounded the demonstrators, and the siege lasted until May 8."

Feast Bistro of Ojai

I am really looking forward to trying out Ojai's newest eatery, Feast Bistro of Ojai.  I popped in this afternoon, and it looks and smells great.  Some more info from their website follows.  Invitations to lunch or dinner should be left in the comments.  :)

Feast Bistro of Ojai is a bistro-style restaurant where Chef Susan Coulter offers her gourmet New American cuisine which uses the ideas and traditions of classic cuisine as a springboard for her imagination, allowing her to create new dishes by combining locally-grown, seasonal ingredients with the classic techniques that perfect them.

The concept of Feast Bistro was created in 2005 by Chef Susan L. Coulter and Elio Zarmati, an Ojai writer and publisher. Their intention was to fill the gap between high-end restaurants and low-end eateries by offering healthy gourmet food for everyone at affordable prices—a haven for food lovers, affectionately known as foodies, in the Ojai Valley and beyond.

What else is feast bistro?

A wine bar/espresso and tea bar open for patrons to enjoy through the day, at “happy hour” and late into the evening. The finest local wines and beers are served, along with the best fair-trade organic coffees and teas. Mouth-watering Belgian chocolates and pastries from local bakers complete the offering.

A deli and food retail space where customers can buy the finest local food products, including wine, oils and vinegar, mustard, condiments and fine canned foods. A few daily specials in the Take-Out du Jour food section caters to the busy professionals with young families and to anyone not in a mood to cook who wants to eat at home.

A wine tasting bar where local vintners such as Bill Moses of Casa Barranca present their finest wines on a regular basis. Occasionally, local breweries present their beers and tea-makers like Zhena’s Gypsy Teas offer samplings of their finest products.

A cooking school where Chef Susan and a variety of local chefs teach the fine points of gourmet cooking.

A catering service where Chef Susan's numerous fans always enjoy ordering for their weddings and parties.

JGB, Particle and more from Howard

The music scene in Ojai has been growing thanks to the efforts of local promoter Howard Freiberg.  Ojai has long been known for the highly-acclaimed classically-inclined Ojai Music Festival. But with the Ojai Classic Rock Fest series and the Jam Band Festivals, Freiberg has revealed, if not the underbelly of the Ojai iguana, then at least it's leather pants and patchouli scented hemp skirt.

Coming soon to Libbey Bowl:

Ojai Classic Rock Festival 2006
Saturday April 1: some of the world's best cover tribute bands invade Ojai, including the dopplegangers of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Doors and many more.  [previous story]

Ojai Global Groove Festival
Sat.-Sun. May 20 and May 21, 2006: Aphrodesia, Delta Nove, Cubensis and two sets from monster jam band Particle.  Holy crap that's going to be fun.

Ojai Classic Rock Festival 3
Sat.-Sun. July 15 - 16, 2006: Headlined by the real deal: JGB (that's the members of Jerry Garcia Band for the unitiated.  Sorry, no Jerry, only lookalikes in the crowd).  Plus rockers that looks and sound like the Dead, Janis, Jimi, Skynyrd, Heart, Led and more.

Ojai Classic Rock Festival 4
August 12, 2006: OK, "classic rock" might be pushing it for the whole lineup, but a hell of a good time with cover tribute performances of Boingo, Steely Dan, No Doubt, the Stones and more.  Who knows, maybe even a Morrissey impersonator?

Pine Ridge Reservation Winter Relief project

Matilija Canyon resident Raymond Powers has been coordinating a winter relief project that will bring large quantities of blankets, winter clothing, sewing machines, fabric, local produce and more to the South Dakotan Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

He sends this note: "The truck is finally leaving and taking well over 1000 lbs. of winter clothes and blankets to Pine Ridge reservation South Dakota. The shipper is picking everything up this Friday between 1-3pm. I need to assemble a small team beforehand to help empty the storage locker and tag each item. We will meet this Friday, February 24, 11am at 412 Bryant Circle (the new storage units at the end of the street). Please email me or call 805-646-8479 if you can help. Bring a friend too! Thank you to all of you who have contributed to this effort. We are still raising funds to go towards propane and firewood for heating."

UAE port control: Gallegly on the smart side

The Bush administration's deal allowing a United Arab Emirates state-controlled company to take over six major U.S. seaports is coming under serious fire from people on both sides of the aisle.  The UAE has funding and organizational links to terrorist organizations.  South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsay Graham said this deal was “unbelievably tone deaf politically."  Not to mention a potentially massive compromise of our national security.

I called Rep. Gallegly's office, and he is against this deal going through.  Good for Elton.

Ojai Garden community blog

The Ojai Garden is up and running with some new posts and beautiful photos of Ojai, from detailed images of flowers to sweeping vistas of the Ojai Valley.  Check it out.

Ojai Garden blossoms

I've been working on a new site - OjaiGarden.com - take a look.

The Ojai Garden is a community blog, with authors writing about the greater Ojai Valley as the garden.  Bloggers will include home gardeners, hikers and adventurers, nature photographers and great local destinations such as the Lavender Inn B&B and the The Ojai Community Demonstration Garden.

"From the numerous private gardens found throughout Ojai to outdoor Ojai destinations to over a million acres of national forest, The Ojai Garden is the greater Ojai Valley as a giant natural garden to explore, cultivate and learn from."

Some news from the Ojai Chamber

Spaces are filling up for the interactive Customer Service Workshop on March 1st.  Ed McLaughlin will present a fast-pace 90 minute event that will include a continental breakfast. Entry is $35 for chamber members; $40 for prospective members. Call the Chamber at 805-646-8126 ext 101. Deadline for registration is February 22.

Full color street maps of the Ojai Valley are at the chamber office for $3.25.

The Ojai Music Festival is seeking an inexpensive, waterproof cargo or RV trailer to purchase for storage (or donation welcome!). Preferably about 8' wide by 16-20' long. Please call Lynn Malone at 805-646-2094 ext. 106

OK, too much excitement for one day  ;)