Discover Monthly

OJAI 0420 DISCOVER MONTHLY

Real Estate & Visitors Guide

SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES, YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE

SHOPPING LIST FOR PANDEMIC PANTRIES

PATRICK MCENROE ON ‘THE OJAI’ AND ITS FUTURE

STREAM TEAM: THE SHOWS THAT

ARE GOING ON Cover Photo: CHAR & JERRY MICHAELS Keller Williams Realty • 805-620-2438 See Page 17

OM — April 2020 1 Visitor Information Events Activities Lifestyle Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM New Offering Price

EAST END CONTEMPORARY This newly remodeled and completely renovated contemporary masterpiece on the bucolic East End exempli es good taste and quality construction. Clerestory windows, French doors and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams create a light and spacious environment. The oors are beautiful white oak and the kitchen counters are Statuarietto marble. It has been built with the nest quality doors, appliances and xtures. The bathrooms have mosaic travertine oors and Cararra marble-tiled bath and shower. The master bedroom balcony has mountain views in two directions with decorative Granada wall tiles, Porcelanosa oor tiles and an outdoor shower. 1701McNellRdOjai.com Offered at $2,885,000 PATTY WALTCHER 25 years matching people and property in the Ojai Valley New Offering Price

EAST END CONTEMPORARY SIGNAL STREET SPLENDOR This newly remodeled and completely Peace and serenity welcome you to this incredible compound on almost 8 acres in renovated contemporary masterpiece on one of the most desirable areas of Ojai, the bucolic East End exempli es good taste North Signal Street. The main house is and quality construction. Clerestory perched on a hill, with expansive views of windows, French doors and vaulted the valley, from sensational sunrises to pink ceilings with exposed beams create a light moment sunsets. The property has multiple and spacious environment. The oors are structures, including two nished guest beautiful white oak and the kitchen houses and a third waiting for your magic touch. Two other buildings could serve as a counters are Statuarietto marble. It has yoga or recording studio, RV storage, a been built with the nest quality doors, workshop or a secluded writing cabin. The appliances and xtures. The bathrooms grounds include pepper, bottle brush and have mosaic travertine oors and Cararra fruit trees. It is walking distance from town marble-tiled bath and shower. The master and only moments away from some of the bedroom balcony has mountain views in most spectacular hiking in Ojai: Pratt Trail, two directions with decorative Granada Shelf Road and the Ojai Preserve. Don’t miss this amazing property in a secluded country wall tiles, Porcelanosa oor tiles and an setting that has not been on the market for outdoor shower. over 40 years. 1701McNellRdOjai.com Offered at $2,885,000 1203NorthSignalStOjai.com $3,100,000 PATTY PATTY WALTCHER WALTCHER 25 years matching people (805) 340-3774 and property in the Ojai Valley pattywaltcher.com SONNETTE™ CELLULAR ROLLER SHADES

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4 OM — April 2020 SALE PENDING SALE PENDING 180 N. Poli Street - $663,000 1054/1056 Bath Ln., Ventura - $1,749,000

Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1,530 sq. ft. Located just 550 feet from the beach at Pierpont Bay, home with bonus room. Newer wood floors, lighting, up- this modern 2,690 s.f., 5 bed/5 bath property (built in dated kitchen and bathrooms, plus plenty of room for 2002) features ocean and mountain views. Two units, RV or overflow parking. Must see! plus parking for 7 vehicles.

Deckert/DePaola Team - 2020 Sales to date

Thank you for letting us serve you!

1674 Ladera Road, Ojai - $1,750,000 1442 S. Rice Road, Ojai - $1,217,000 Represented seller & buyer Represented seller

1133 El Centro Street, Ojai - $1,081,080 507 Park Road, Ojai - $776,000 Represented buyer Represented seller

11385 Puesta Del Sol, Ojai - $756,000 501 Vallerio Avenue, Ojai - $745,000 Represented buyer Represented seller

210 S. Padre Juan, Ojai - $650,000 1204 Manzanita, Santa Paula - $610,000 Represented buyer Represented buyer

1243 Cruzero Street, Ojai - $535,000 Represented buyer

1846 Topaz Avenue, Ventura - $499,000 Represented buyer

59 W. Calle El Prado, Oak View - $530,000 Represented seller & buyer

11100 Telegraph Rd. #95, Ventura - $275,000 Represented buyer

1885 Maricopa Hwy. #10, Ojai - $228,500 Represented buyer

We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meet- ing each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down. - Eleanor Roosevelt DRE# 01761150, 00780642, 01877842

Phone: 805.272.5221 ~ Email: [email protected] ~ Web: www.BestBuysInOjai.com

OM — April 2020 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS

APRIL 2020

7 Editor’s Note 9 Food Bank’s Covid-19 Shopping List 16 14 The Shows Must Go On 16 Tennis Champ’s Sick Ojai Win 20 Featured Professional: 20 ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe 22 Hartmann’s Rx for the Loan Markets 24 My Garden: Digression, My Old Friend 26 Your How-To Guide to Saving Local Businesses 27 Sold in Ojai 28 Who’s Who In Ojai 30 Stay Ojai — Hotels Guide 31 Chef Randy — Lentil Stew 34 Ideal Ojai Day — Eleanor Kas 35 Top 7 Hikes Into Ojai’s Backcountry 31 36 36 Ojai Facts & Founders

Editor & Publisher, Bret Bradigan Realtor/Partner, Ross Falvo OJAI 0420 Contact Us: DISCOVER MONTHLY Real Estate & Visitors Guide Ross Falvo, 805.207.5094 [email protected] The contents of the Ojai Monthly may not

be used, reproduced or transmitted in any SAVE LOCAL BUSINESSES, form or by any means without the written YOUR HOW-TO GUIDE SHOPPING LIST FOR consent of the publisher. PANDEMIC PANTRIES PATRICK MCENROE Cover: Property by Char & Jerry Michaels, ON ‘THE OJAI’ AND ITS FUTURE Keller Williams Realty THE SHOWS THAT 32 MUST GOING ON

Cover Photo: CHAR & JERRY MICHAELS Keller Williams Realty • 805-620-2438 See Page 17

OM — April 2020 1 Visitor Information Events Activities Lifestyle Tips & Tactics. See more at the OJAIHUB.COM

6 OM — April 2020

OJAIDISCOVER MONTHLY

ALL ALONE, TOGETHER

What we are living in now, with Ojai businesses shuttered, some indefinitely, is the real “cancel culture.” Not the ginned-up outrage de jour. It seems we’re nostalgic already for the days when we could muster Bret Bradigan up the energy for so many divisive debates about who was or was not “woke” enough. Now our entire economy is going through a hard reboot. Maybe something better will come of it, but the pain in the interim is going to hurt every single one of us.

The most frustrating part of this current crisis is the isolated impotence it makes us feel. Ojai is used to rallying around each other when we’re threatened, and now, in our dark hour, we are told to stay apart. As Bill McKibben put it in his thoughtful essay in a recent New Yorker, “Hell is the absence of other people.”

There’s a few things we can do. As Winston Churchill wrote, “America always does the right thing, once all other options have been exhausted.” The compliance with self-isolation, our local phone trees to check on friends, families and neighbors are all positive actions that will help us get through this, together.

In the meantime, here’s a few resources already in place:

• Ojai Shopping Cart. The inimitable Nigel Chisholm and crew are offering to pick up and deliver groceries and pharmacy prescriptions for no service fee. It is limited to high-risk residents with compromised immune systems or extenuating circumstances. You can send them a message through their Facebook page.

• The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund can use whatever you can spare for its food banks, YMCA efforts and outreach to undocumented workers to make sure that they know they are safe to report any Covid19-like symptoms to help slow the spread. Check them out at vccf.org.

• Ojai Community Business Network is posting updates on restaurants which are doing delivery and curbside pickup. Check them out on their Facebook page. Again, do what you can to support local restaurants, because we need them to be there for us when we get out the other side of this misery. A big part of the enjoyment of Ojai life is the range of eating options well beyond what a typical town of 8,000 residents could support. If you enjoy a superb meal in Ojai, you can thank tourists. Until the tourists come back — and they will eventually — let’s support these important community resources.

• Ojai Valley Family Shelter is a front-line resource for our most vulnerable people. They need donations, which you can make through their website, ovfs.org or through their Facebook page. The Ojai Chamber of Commerce is also connecting local businesses so that they’re ready for whatever aid comes down the pike.

Despite the drip-drip of dread, people are hustling together in mutual aid. We are even seeing local performing artists streaming their performances into our self-isolated warrens, connecting us to the greater human stories and emotions out there that are sustenance for our spirit. That’s why this one hurts. We are used to getting together, especially when we need each other.

OM — April 2020 7 SHOPPING LIST: Courtesy of Food Bank of Santa Barbara County

Meeting your nutrition needs in self-isolation

1. WATER: to the top of meals or salads for a boost One gallon per person, per day is rec- in much-needed sulphurophane boost, ommended. Also, tap water is perfectly flavor and freshness. acceptable and safe. IF YOU DO GET SICK: 2. FOOD ITEMS THAT WILL LAST: • Bone Broth: Buy a few of these (one • Vegetables. Get a few pickled options, large jar or freezer pack per day) in case which provide flavor, fiber, phytonutri- of illness. This is highly recommended if ents and probiotic (onions, cucumbers, someone falls ill. Sip throughout the day beets, asparagus, green beans, carrots, etc). and you can add powerful antioxidants to Two jars should be enough for one person. support the immune system, like garlic, • Yogurt. This protein and fat source ginger, onioins, cayenne pepper, lemon, will last for weeks. etc. • Eggs. Boiled egg is a great addition to rice or noodle dishes, stews, salads and THINGS NOT RECOMMENDED: protein and essential micronutrients. • Frozen Ultra-Processed foods: These • Fruits: Dried, without sugar added (e.g. will be high in sugars, fats, sodium and raisins) is a good option. Dried apple rings, low in fiber (pizza, breaded chicken nug- dried apricots, mango, etc. gets or tenders, etc.) • Fresh Fruits: For this time-frame, you • Canned soups and ramen: High in can get slow-ripening fruits like green sodium and, ramen particularly, low in bananas, green avocados, apples, citrus, nutrition. These are definitely not rec- oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. ommended for a disaster situation when • Nuts, peanut butter and other nut drinking water is limited. butters: Excellent sources of energy, refried beans), which is added waste, • Soft skin or mushy fruits: Peaches, fiber, fats and vitamins that will keep salt and weight. Fill a large bag with dry plums, apricots, grapes and pears have a for weeks. Fill up a bag of trail mix, grab beans, soak overnight and boil the next very short shelf life. peanut butter to add to fruit or oatmel or day. • Cheese? Maybe. Not too much, it can mix with yogurt for a tasty dip or freeze • Canned tomato or tomato sauces to add dry out once opened and doesn’t keep as a healthy dessert. to soups, stews or sauces. Canned veggies well. Hard cheeses like parmesan works • Oats (oatmeal); Light weigh for having are fine, too, but not ideal. for adding flavor (and a great source of to move or carry, expands in size with fi- • Canned fruit can be high in added sug- protein). ber, whole grain, B vitamins, and complex ar. We recommend keeping your intake • Meats: Meats are not simple in terms of carbohydrates for energy. low. freshness and storage, but can be frozen Option: store cans of coconut milk to • Canned meats. We recommend fish to make them last. The issues are cooking enhance flavor of cooked or overnight like tuna, salmon, anchovies and mack- and waste. Meat generally requires much, oats. Add coconut flakes or frozen fruit erel (one or two servings per week for an much caution in terms of food safety. It or jam. adult). generates much more intense smells and • Chia seeds: 10 grams of fiber per two • Whole grains: brown rice, bulgur fat particles that can linger in the air in tablespoons, holds water to keep you wheat, farro, quinoa (half cup to one cup your home, which would not be great hydrated and source of healthy Omega-3 per person per meal) when fighting off a novel respiratory fatty acids. • Comfort items like teas and coffee. illness. It also can produce liquid saturat- • Honey: A plastic squeeze bottle is the Lightweight, soothing and can go a long ed fat that needs to be drained somewhere lightest weight and cleanest. Honey is a time on the shelves and keep their taste. other than the drain and there can be prebiotic that supports very important excess pieces of fat that need to go in the gut microbes to boost immune system • ADVENTURE EATERS: trash, which can lead to rotting, odors, etc. function. It contains vitamins and energy, • Sprouting seeds. You can create a small • Chips, crackers and breads that will go and it will never spoil. microgreens garden and have fresh food stale once opened. • Canned goods: Works for this self-iso- in two days! For those who really need • Candy and sweets are high in sugar and lation scenario as we don’t anticipate fresh greens, radish seeds sprout rapidly. not great for stressful situations. These needing to lug around heavy foods. No You can look for “sprouting radish seed” increase irritability and inflammaotion in need for canned beans (except maybe which will germinate in two days. Add the body.

8 OM — April 2020 12841 TREERANCH RD Moonview, a wonderful Upper Ojai home situated on 1.30 acres near the end of a private lane. Graced with invit- ing and comfortable living areas both inside and out. $1,299,000

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10 OM — April 2020 OJAI’S ARCHITECTURAL GEM

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OM — April 2020 11 STAGE LEFT

How does a community thrive, even survive, without the arts? According to lifelong musician and Underground Exchange founder Bernie Larsen, it won’t. For now, though, livestreaming is one answer.

BY BRET BRADIGAN

OM: You’ve been live-streaming concerts The setup involves a bunch of different since long before the current pandemic. wires, as well as the cables etc used for our How does that work? What’s it like for the audio setup. The lighting is the fun part performer to work without an audience? because you can create so many types of at- mosphere by moving lights in a subtle way. BL: We have done a few over the last year and I’m more the producer/director and Cassidy a half, and a couple of performances from the is a producer and the face/ impresario as she past compilations for testing the waters, but has been for shows for the past three-plus Bernie Larsen have been refining it in high gear to get ready years. over the past few months to do live shows OM: What are you hearing from the with an audience and broadcasting the same performing arts community? Are peo- time. I had all the basic pieces in place, and ple worried about how it’s all going to with the cancelation of all of our live shows play out? All the events cancelled, the due to the current virus threat, the universe general climate? said “now.” BL: All audience based shows for us in the As for artists who haven’t experienced broad- immediate future have been canceled, and casting, I think it’s sort of different at first, we are aiming at doing two broadcast shows and after they get used to the situation with a week on Fridays and Saturdays if we can, cameras and lights, it’s just like sitting at home and it looks like we can. singing to yourself, which is what we do the As far as artists experience with what’s go- most usually. ing on now, I would describe it as crushing. Most of us are living month to month and OM: What’s the comparison on your end, with the fear it has instilled in many people, as the producer/impresario? The setup, I would say many are basically paralyzed. I the ticket-taking, the lights, etc. think there is a deep emotional upheaval for many, too because what we do with our lives BL: It is similar on a lot of fronts, and very is not valued as a gallant “Hero’s Journey” different on others. The booking and promo- kind of thing which it actually is for most. tion is almost the same. It’s donation based as Creatives just trying to honor themselves. it was, and we use the same service to confirm It can feel like driving a car through life reservations. with bald tires, no money in the bank and APRIL EVENTS (Full Stream Ahead)

These April events are online, check out the respective websites for more information and stream accordingly.

WEEKLY Monday, Wednesday & Friday “Somatic Stretch for Self Healing” Instructor: Meredith Sands Keator Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet connection. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230

Monday & Thursdays “Introduction to Somatic Stretch” Instructor: Sultana Parvanka Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com email support@somaticsanctuary Phone: 805-633-9230 $12 in your pocket and two tires blow. For me the internal dialogue is toggling between defending your right to express yourself, and Thursdays feeling a little guilty about it at times. Add the highjacking of “Awareness Through Movement” music by streaming companies and it’s like a tough situation in a Instructor: Mary Jo Healy downward spiral. We are warriors despite the odds. Time: 4 to 5 p.m. Contact: somaticsanctuary.com OM: Humans have a need to connect— loneliness is your email support@somaticsanctuary brain’s warning that you need to get out and be together Phone: 805-633-9230 with other people. How is this pandemic going to affect that? What makes artistic expression so necessary now, and APRIL 4 always? Bernie Larsen & Friends Time: 8 p.m.. BL: I think one of the most amazing human attributes is the ability Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet to adapt to damn near anything. We reinvent ourselves out of need, connection. over and over. People who flow with things probably have an Website: undergroundartsexchange.com easier time rolling with it, but now is a wild one, like it’s snowing, Contact: 805-340-7893 raining, wind blowing and it’s a heat wave all at once. Larsen, renowned guitarist and venue proprietor, will Loneliness is a really difficult blessing for me. It puts me in the po- perform a special streaming show courtesy. Suggested sition to reach inside of myself and almost all of the biggest crisis’ donation is $5 to $15. You will receive a special link for have led to some kind of rebirth. I believe if you get desperate for the show 15 minutes prior to the event. long enough you realize there’s no other option. Talk to your spirit! APRIL 11 OM: I saw somewhere where the basic needs in any crisis are: Alan Thornill & Friends food, health care, security, information and culture. Definitely Time: 8 p.m.. culture. Why is that? What makes artistic expression so neces- Location: Anywhere you can find a sturdy internet sary now, and always? connection. Website: undergroundartsexchange.com BL: Pain or joy makes me want to express. Culture I think is what’s Contact: 805-340-7893 born when there is no where else to turn and you have that in com- Ojai’s legendary singer-songwriter Alan Thornhill mon with others. I believe when people don’t feel like they count, will perform a special streaming show courtesy of the they do something beyond themselves and reach out into the great Underground Exchange. Suggested donation is $5 to unknown of art to sort of say ‘I’m here, I’m here!” $15, which will be split with the artist.

OM — April 2020 13 Stephen Adelman “Your Family Man Realtor”

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PROVIDING HOME LOANS FOR OVER 25 YEARS!

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This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. C2 Financial Corporation is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate, Broker # 01821025; NMLS # 135622. Loan approval is not guaranteed and is subject to lender review of information. All loan approvals are conditional and all conditions must be met by borrower. Loan is only approved when lender has issued approval in writing and is subject to the Lender conditions. Specified atesr may not be available for all borrowers. Rate subject to change with market conditions. C2 Financial Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker/Lender. BRE #01048403 NMLS #298981

14 OM — April 2020 Come Home To

Available at Frontier Paint 227 Baldwin Rd, Ojai 805-646-0459 • Frontierpaint.biz Selling quality in Ojai for over 37 years

OM — April 2020 15 THE SHOW THAT WENT ON

With “The Ojai” cancelled for the first time since World War II, six-time champion and ITA Hall of Famer Stacy Margolin Potter reflects on the year sickness did not stop her

BY STACY MARGOLIN POTTER

The Ojai.” Mention that to a tennis player terfinal match. I remember one of my teammates or spectator and visions of the tea tent saying, “you’ve got to eat something Stace” and I and the clinking of fine china, fresh managed to eat a quarter of a piece of toast with squeezed orange juice, the scent of orange half a glass of orange juice. After all, there’s noth- blossoms“ in the valley and spectacular gritty ing better than Ojai orange juice. tennis comes to mind. I won my quarterfinal match easily. But early For me, “The Ojai” conjures up memories of that afternoon, I was due to play another match, watching the hunky collegiate guys six years this time against a very formidable opponent, my senior on the main court, staying with a Stanford’s No. 2. I remember feeling nothing in wonderful family and winning the 14s, 16s sin- my legs; my arms felt like noodles, but my body, gles and doubles and Women’s Open division especially my legs, felt so relaxed. This relaxed by the time I was 18. feeling translated to a rather tranquil demeanor. At age 16, I vowed I would live there one day. This turned out to be beneficial. My body didn’t Amazingly, 20 years later, that’s exactly what exert one ounce more energy than necessary, happened. which led to precise hitting and laser-like focus. Now, in the spring of 1979, I was playing in Up against an opponent I knew would usually The Ojai in a slightly different way. Yes, I was challenge me in a major way, I won 6-0, 6-0. This playing in the individual Pac 10 Singles Divi- was shocking. sion, but I was playing No. 1 for the University I was now in the finals, to be played the next of Southern California, and the way this kind day on Court No. 1 at Libbey Park. Those high- of event worked was that each match any of stakes matches on historic courts like Libbey are us Trojans won were added up to determine what ambitious tennis players dream about. But I which team was the best at the end of the tour- still wasn’t fully recovered. nament. I felt proud and honored to be a part of My opponent was Kathy Jordan, Stanford’s No. Stacy Margolin Potter this school, playing alongside my teammates. 1. At that point in time, she and I were going back- with husband Ian at a What added to my pride was that my brother and-forth to determine who was the No. 1 college previous Ojai Tennis (himself a varsity tennis player and competitor player in the country. So there was a lot on the line. Tournament match. at The Ojai), mother and uncle had all attended What I had going for me was that I was playing USC. well, felt relaxed but still aggressive, and had the So there we were, the 1979 Trojans, staying in knowledge that for so long, this was my tourna- one room at one of the local hotels in town. ment. I felt good in Ojai. I knew my hard-striking, As the tournament got under way, three of us run-‘em-down style matched up nicely versus had won our first-round matches. Nothing feels Kathy’s attacking serve-and-volley game. better than winning and going out together I had a plan and I was going to stick with it. We with your team for dinner. One of my team- battled, often with exceptional tenacity, exciting mates and I shared a roast beef salad. We all the packed crowd with either a winning volley enjoyed the banter and camaraderie and soon from Kathy or a running down-the-line winner enough we were back at our hotel, getting ready from me. for bed. We all needed to be up early for the next I wanted this match badly and the fire was in day’s matches that began at 8 a.m. my belly. Before I knew it, the match was over, 6-3, At approximately 2 a.m., I heard one of my 6-4 and I emerged victorious. It didn’t matter that I teammates get up to go to the bathroom. Then was sick as a dog with fever and chills and barely another. Soon enough, I was the third in line, ate for three days. I wanted this collegiate title and throwing up dinner. We took turns throughout that medal around my neck. I wanted it for me the night. The next morning I felt weak as a and my team. It was pure grit and determination kitten — achy, sweaty, as if a truck had just run that pulled me through. over me. I didn’t know how I’d make it through This was my Ojai and I told myself, before that breakfast and a warmup, let alone my quar- final match, “The Show Must Go On!”

16 OM — April 2020 Ojai valley oasis Prepare to exhale when you arrive through private gates to this .76 acre, tree-studded, in-town sanctuary within walking distance of hiking trails & Farmers Market.

Preserving the 1940's architectural character, the home's integral systems have been updated while the warm and super inviting remodeled interior boasts fireplace, rich wood flooring, exposed beam vaulted ceilings in kitchen & dining room, gorgeous spa-like bathrooms & oversized picture windows.

Mature trees shade the expansive flagstone patios, curving rock walls create seating while pathways lead to sunny raised garden beds.Words fall short to describe this fully fenced sanctuary: this is truly a property you'll want to experience! $1,489,000 michaels + associates OJAI REAL ESTATE GROUP Char Michaels (805) 620-2438 www.ojaihomes4sale.com DRE#00878649

OM — April 2020 17 Donna Sallen

Fabulous and charmingly inviting, this two-story Victorian estate is nestled in the magical East End of Ojai. El Viaje was inspired by architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern con- Surrounded by organic orchards and meticulous landscaping, this home is filled with Southern Charm. The wrap- veniences of every day life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private, secluded yard you around porch looks out to the gardens, as the country kitchen and breakfast nook looks out to the pool and tennis will love the mix of mature trees, the rose gardens, and the cozy seating areas. court. Perfectly situated nearby are the spacious guesthouse, separate cottages, and a writer’s studio creating plenty of living space for friends and family. This relaxing and inviting estate is truly elegant.

Donna Sallen There’s no place like home ... 805-798-0516 w ww.DonnaSallen.com Let me find yours. [email protected]

18 OM — April 2020 Donna Sallen

Fabulous and charmingly inviting, this two-story Victorian estate is nestled in the magical East End of Ojai. El Viaje was inspired by architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern con- Surrounded by organic orchards and meticulous landscaping, this home is filled with Southern Charm. The wrap- veniences of every day life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private, secluded yard you around porch looks out to the gardens, as the country kitchen and breakfast nook looks out to the pool and tennis will love the mix of mature trees, the rose gardens, and the cozy seating areas. court. Perfectly situated nearby are the spacious guesthouse, separate cottages, and a writer’s studio creating plenty of living space for friends and family. This relaxing and inviting estate is truly elegant.

Donna Sallen There’s no place like home ... 805-798-0516 w ww.DonnaSallen.com Let me find yours. [email protected]

OM — April 2020 19 BY JESSE PHELPS BY

PATRICK MCENROE

PATRICK MCENROE TALKS THE OJAI Former Champion was to be Honored at 2020 Tournament

The 120th addition of The Ojai Tennis Tournament has been Stanford in 1987. What are your memories of that victory and cancelled for the same reason that almost everything around of coming to the Ojai initially? And have you been back here the world is cancelled as 2020 continues its painful march. since? The venerable tournament, which hosts the PAC-12 men’s and women’s championships and a plethora of other events, had PATRICK MCENROE: My memories are all extremely fond also planned something special this year. Organizers intended of Ojai and the event, whether I won the tournament or not. to bring back former winner Patrick McEnroe as its Ojai Tennis I went there a couple of years and it was always something Tournament 2020 Honoree. that we at Stanford looked forward to a lot, because it was a trip to Southern Cal, and it was obviously intense competition, McEnroe is tennis royalty. In Ojai, he won what was then the but it was always sort of a more relaxed environment. PAC-10 men’s singles title in 1987 in a memorable match against And we used to travel down to SC and UCLA to obviously USC’s Luke Jensen before going on to become a decorated pro, play big duel matches, so that was always pretty intense. including a singles title and one Grand Slam title as doubles So coming to Ojai, where all the teams came together, even champion at the 1989 French Open. That same year, he reached though it was tournament play, etcetera, it has a more relaxed the semis at the Australian Open, where he lost to eventual environment and feel to it — and it was sort of the last event, as champion Boris Becker. I remember, before we started really gearing up for the NCAA championship, so it was sort of a combination of like a really Since then, McEnroe has overseen the nationwide development fun event and obviously a competitive event as well, with all of youth tennis, captained the U.S. Davis Cup team, and become the best teams from the PAC-12, although I guess we were the one of the leading voices of his sport, calling high profile PAC-10 at that point. It was a great environment. I remember matches and providing analysis for ESPN, oftentime alongside that orange juice every day which was put out there, which was his older brother, John. amazing.

Lucky us, then, because before “The Ojai” was put on hold, OM: It’s the best. McEnroe was kind enough to take a little time out to conference call with tourney PR pro Steve Pratt and the Ojai Monthly to PM: I look forward to having that again. I believe the year I won talk about his memories of Ojai, working as a voice of the sport it — you probably know this — I believe I played my buddy, with his brother and the future of the game. Luke Jensen, in the final, from USC? Here are some outtakes from that conversation, which has been edited for length and space: OM: Right.

OJAI MONTHLY: You won here as a collegiate player at PM: Wasn’t it a third set tiebreak? You have the score there?

20 OM — April 2020 STEVE PRATT: It sure was. I have the score, and it was a third took advantage of those opportunities that were there. I always set tiebreak. try to learn, try to expand my horizons, whether it came to being a play-by-play person, being in the studio, doing my own radio PM: Yeah, so I have some memories of that because, first of all, show, or being a color guy. Luke and I were great buddies and played doubles together as juniors (Ed: Like McEnroe, Jensen would take home one Grand But I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard to expand my skill set, that Slam doubles title, also at the French Open, in 1993) and we had I could do different things. So that’s enabled me to really have the some bog titles we won, including Kalamazoo as a doubles team, dream job at ESPN and to work with my brother, to do matches and then obviously became rivals when he went to USC and I with him ... So, the answer is yes. I still really love the game and went to Stanford. And, um, normally I would beat Luke fairly I’m still around it every day. I’ve transitioned from working comfortably, you know? I had a pretty good matchup head to head at the USTA to working with kids in a private sector, at our with him, and his game matched up well with mine. And I just McEnroe Academy in New York. So, the combination of that and remember that this particular match was a real dogfight, and Luke continuing to work in broadcasting is really ideal, so, as I said, I’m was, you know, incredibly fired up with mostly fans from USC extremely lucky to be able to keep involved in tennis and also there in attendance. So, I was a little bit lucky, actually, to win that make a living through tennis. particular match. As I said, I had a very good record against Luke … but he was fired up and I remember that it went to that third set OM: One of the things that makes “The Ojai” special is the tiebreak, and I was extremely lucky to pull it out in the end. But opportunity to watch some of the best up-and-coming talent it was a great victory for me ... I never did that well in the NCAA the U.S. has to offer. As we see not just here but in the pro ranks, Championships as an individual. So winning that event was Women’s tennis seems as strong or stronger than ever. For the definitely a highlight of my individual career as a college player. men, it’s been quite a spell since Andy Roddick won the last major in 2003. That said, the men’s game is at a very high level OM: Your brother, John, couldn’t play “The Ojai” because he had a overall. I’d love if you’d share with our readers your perspective pro tourney that week. It must be pretty cool to have a trophy he on the state of the game, both domestically and internationally. never won. Maybe give us a couple examples of who you think we should keep an eye on over the next few years. PM: (Laughs) There’s not many, I’ll tell you. But it was pretty cool, and as I said, we looked forward to that event because it was PM: I marvel at the athleticism of the game. It’s amazing to me a very well-run event. There were different levels, I remember, how much variety these top players have now. They have it all. in addition to the collegiate, there were other tournaments that When you see someone like (Men’s No. 1 Novak) Djokovic, with go on. Do they still have all the other types of events that go on this amazing two-handed backhand and the ability to hit a one- there? handed slice anytime he wants. Same for Nadal.

SP: They still do, yes, 27 different divisions, junior college state These guys have just taken the game to another level. And you see championship, all the juniors, the men’s and women’s opens. It’s some of the young guys like (world no. 3 Dominic) Thiem … to me, like the whole town turns into kind of like a festival. the game to me is more exciting than ever. As far as the American angle, it’s sort of complicated and sort of simple at the same time, PM: It’s a smorgasbord of tennis. The whole valley supports it so I’ll put it to you this way. If you have a young child who’s five and I remember, you know the main site (Libbey Park), but there or six or seven years old and your child seems to be a good athlete were other sites as well. It was a treat, a privilege, to be there. I or has an interest in sports or has good hand-eye coordination haven’t been back in at least 20, 25 years, maybe more. But I have — you know, they’re running around the house and trying to hit a lot of great memories, I’m sure I’ll see a lot of familiar faces, and things and run, etcetera — if they’re a boy, it’s unlikely that tennis people that I came across paths with in the world of tennis, so I’m is going to be the first thing that comes to the mind of the parent really happy that they asked me to come back and honor me. unless … they are somehow involved in tennis. Just in a normal situation, tennis would probably be the fifth or sixth or seventh OM: You really have a well-rounded tennis life, as does your thing that they would try. Now, take the same situation for a girl. brother. Not only were you and John both quality pro players, but you now often share a booth announcing the game. You also do OM: Right. in-studio analysis. You have become a prominent voice of tennis. Is it gratifying to get to play such a large role in transmitting your PM: Which sport do you think the parent would pick if they love of the game now that your playing days are over? Does it want their girl to make a lot of money playing a sport? There’s make it a little extra special to get to do that with your brother? really not that many options for women. The reason I’m telling it in this way is because we have amazing athletes that are female PM: Yes, yes and yes. I mean, I’m incredibly lucky and incredibly playing tennis, you know, from the time they started playing privileged to still make a living out of the tennis world. Many when they were kids. Obviously, Venus and Serena (Williams), buddies of mine that were great players and great people don’t even people like Madison Keys and Sloan Stevens and Coco have that luxury when they’re done with their playing career. Vandeweghe and Coco Gauff, and (World no. 4 and reigning So, I’ve been given some great opportunities when I got out of the Australian Open champ) Sonia Kenin. You know, if they were all pro game — and obviously my name helped — but I think that I boys, how many of them would be playing tennis?

OM — April 2020 21 Wait! WHAT Just Happened?

Steps Are Being Taken to Create Market Resiliency

By Therese A. Hartmann

This is what we, in the lending indus- — announced that they will be relaxing try, found ourselves asking. With the their standards for property appraisals. fallout of the coronavirus, last week alone Drive-by and desktop appraisals as well we saw funds pretty much dry up for as remote inspections will be allowed, in ALT-A loans, loans made to borrowers certain circumstances. This is a tempo- who don’t fit the government-backed rary measure but should greatly help lending models. • Verifying Income: If your work has People staying home and not collecting been affected by the coronavirus, verifying an income, when the income is what a employment might be near to impossible. loan is predicated on, turned qualifying Well, turns out the Federal Finance Hous- for a loan on its head. And the reduction ing Agency has already taken that into in the Fed Rate to zero had us anticipating consideration. Their temporary solution is lower rates but that, too, did not pan out. to accept instead a recent paystub, receive But that was last week. verification via email or bank statement As a way to counter-act the challenges, showing a recent payroll deposit. the powers that be made some quick deci- Finally, let me just say this … things sions that will, I believe, allow for a more are not perfect. Far from it. But this is not optimistic outcome. Here are just some 2008 either — I’ve been through that — of the changes that are creating market and we are seeing quick actions forming resiliency: to create resiliency in the real estate • Market Liquidity: The two TRIL- market. There is more to come but, in the LION-dollar stimulus package, recently meantime, stay healthy, keep a level head approved, has given rise to quantitative and pick at least one person you can reach easing. This means that the Fed will be out and help. buying unlimited amounts of Treasuries Therese A. Hartmann has over 20 years’ Therese A. Hartmann has 20 and agency mortgages which will, in turn, lending experience. She is a Licensed years’ lending experience. She is a grease the wheels of the credit market. Broker, California Dept. of Real Estate Licensed Broker, California Dept. Bottom line? If there is more money avail- #01048403, NMLS # 298291, affiliated of Real Estate #01048403, NMLS # able, we could see interest rates stabilize. with C2 Financial Corporation. For a free 298291, affiliated with C2 Financial • Appraisals: Both Fannie Mae and Fred- consultation, call Therese today at (805) Corporation. For a free consultation, die Mac loans — read conventional loans 798-2158. call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

22 OM — April 2020 Donna Sallen

Nestled on over an acre of land, this Italian Villa inspired estate is just minutes from downtown Ojai. This impressive family home is perfect for entertaining with the formal dining opening to the light filled formal living room with an elegant marble fireplace. The kitchen is open to the den with a large fireplace and overlooks the huge covered deck for relaxing. A charm filled master suite is warmed with a corner fireplace and lots of windows. There are marble and hardwood floors throughout and nearly every room opens to the amazing backyard. With a huge pool, a cooks dream outdoor kitchen, nanny’s quarters, a treehouse, (not just for the kids), and a variety of fruit trees and Majestic oaks this home has something to offer all your friends and family. There is a three car garage and plenty of parking. This completely fenced, gated and secluded property is within walking distance to restaurants, shops and Libbey park.

Donna Sallen 805-798-0516 There’s no place like home ... www.DonnaSallen.com [email protected] Let me find yours. MyBY LESLIE HIDLEY Garden Digression, My Core Competency

hallowater, Roundup, Anton, Bainer, Littlefield, Amherst, Sudan, Fairview, Muleshoe, Progress, Lariat, Farwell, and Texico. These are the towns on the way from Lubbock to Clovis. In 1954, the only place in a 500-mile radius of Amarillo where you could get cheesecake. My father was a New Yorker. He liked cheesecake. On Sunday afternoons we’d drive to Clovis to get some. When it was 110 degrees, in an un- air-conditioned two-tone green Buick across the mesa into New Mexico. Dust devils would accompany us. My mother would try to find something on the radio that expression, one for “coloreds.” wasn’t country and western but she never had any luck, unless it was a Mexican station and that wasn’t to her taste, Our school was smack in the middle of an immense cotton either. field. And in the fall, when the cotton was ready, the fields would fill up with colored people carrying 10-foot Our parents, unbeknownst to them, were raising Texans. sacks and filling them with the cotton they picked for 50 The first live music I ever heard outside of church was a cents a bag. They would sing gospel songs as they went cowboy band with a pedal steel. I still love the sound. This up and down the rows. I would try to sit near the window was at a school performance designed to give us a taste of so I could hear them. The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the culture. In the same school system that taught eight years Clara Ward Singers, the Louvin Brothers, all sounded like of Texas history and no foreign languages because, as the my childhood. governor of the state said, “If English is good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me.” Some Chinese sage, I can’t remember who, said that patriotism is nothing more then the love of the food of I’m meandering. My mother preferred Handel. But he ones childhood. My mother was an execrable cook. The wasn’t on the radio. My sister and I used to listen to the cooks at school — wonderful southern cooks — were the western music stations after school, but especially to the three maiden sisters of the principal. They wore their what were called in those days “race stations.” This was the hair Marcelled, which if you don’t know, is how women segregated south — separate water fountains, restaurants, wore their hair in the 1920s and ‘30s — flat against the hotels, waiting rooms, swimming pools, schools and head with waves going back and forth. They made black- radio stations. One for whites and if you’ll pardon the eyed peas and rice, or Hoppin’ John, pinto beans with My Garden

ham hocks, turnip greens, pecan pie, peach cobbler, corn But like I said, she bread, biscuits, chicken-fried steak. It makes me hungry to mostly didn’t cook. Or remember it. When I taught myself to cook, these were the clean. Or iron. Roberta, first things I learned to make. the colored woman, did the cleaning. Lupe, I can’t recall a single dish of my mother’s. What can you the Mexican girl, did say about a woman who actually served canned asparagus? the ironing. My mother It didn’t matter to my father. He didn’t marry her for her played bridge, shopped cooking but because she was beautiful. It was worth it to and gave parties. him to drive 200 miles for decent cheesecake, and finally, to learn to bake it himself. My father was a pilot in those days. He said he The only thing my mother cooked adequately was was the best pilot in the Air Force. It must have been true breakfast — and that was only because my father had because he never lied. a tendency to invite everyone back to the house after the Officers’ Club closed. They were the Scott and Zelda He taught us about the weather. Texas has real weather, Fitzgerald of Reese Air Force Base. I remember Mama — I not like California where the weather is decoration or wall remember her smell on those nights when she would come paper. Plotinus says that weather is the celestial form of in to kiss us while she thought were sleeping: cigarettes, music and in West Texas this is deeply true. We studied the scotch and perfume. weather — paid it constant attention — especially in the spring when cold dry air from the north would crash into same methods he used hot damp air from the Gulf of Mexico and make a swath of in flying I’m sure. glorious thunderstorms in a line moving from southwest to I can remember northeast, traveling across the map, if you were looking at a him saying, radar scope, and the landscape, if you were outside. “Make half the correction and Heston Daniels, our across-the-street neighbor, ejected from hold it twice as his jet during one of these storms when he was caught in a long.” And, “See that tornado. He rode to the ground being pummeled by fist-sized fool up ahead? Let him hail stones. He was in the hospital for a month. He had been go on up and have his on the Bataan Death March and survived that, too. accident all by himself.”

During the storms, Papa would take us in the car out to the My mother would greet him countryside and we’d try to spot tornadoes forming over the at the door after his day desert. Then we’d go to Operations and spot them on radar. of flying. At 5:05 p.m. — We were little girls — Cath was five and I was seven — when with a glass of milk and a we began these jaunts. I have photographs of us in braids, and plate of fig newtons. Other wearing smocked dresses and black patent Mary Janes. Little fathers were greeted with girls didn’t wear pants in those days — just skirts or dresses. bourbon, or a martini. But my Pop with milk Papa told us about evaporation and condensation, Coriolis and cookies. He was the force, the jet stream. I felt as if I was being let in on the secrets favorite child in our family of the universe. Years later, I was walking down the street and low-blood sugar was my mother’s with my husband and I turned to him and said, “It is going to theory of the cause of any problem. I think she hail.” And ten seconds later, it did. He thought I was magic. must have read an article in the Reader’s Digest But he was a Californian and had no experience with real that made a life-long impression on her. And it weather. may have given her some explanation of his undiagnosed mood swings and occasional We used to have dust storms, too. You could see the brown terrifying rages. cloud coming from miles away and miles up in the sky. My mother would hurry and put masking tape around the I am supposed to write about ice cubes, so I windows and doors, otherwise everything would be covered will. For some reason, I am unable to bring with a fine layer of silt, including your teeth. myself to say “on the rocks” when ordering a martini. I always say “a martini on ice.” I And snow, well, snow was just thrilling. Even later in Goose never get a martini on ice but always up, in Bay, with feet of snow and the aurora borealis. Somehow a martini glass, which is not what I ordered. snow made the world mysterious and enchanted — hushed So then I always say, “Would you mind everything, except for the sound of the wolves calling from having this put over ice, please?” And often, across the river. the waitress says, “But you didn’t order it on the rocks.” And I smile. You’d think I’d learn, I digress. It’s what I’m good at. wouldn’t you? But I haven’t. My father was in pilot training at Reese — teaching both Arabs and Israelis to fly. He taught us to drive later, using the I was always told to speak precisely and to

26 OM — April 2020 listen carefully. incomprehensible. Perhaps that’s why my first thought on hearing of my father’s death was, “Thank God.” I don’t It must have been my father’s Jesuit training. My uncle think this was just a failing of filial piety. It was my first, once asked me to go and see if there was any mail. I came but not my only thought. back empty-handed and said, “Yes, there is mail.” It never occurred to me that he wanted me to bring the mail in. He He had a heart attack while driving. He was in the middle would have said so if that’s what he wanted. My uncle of a busy intersection. He put the still-running car into — my mother’s brother — this was the Welsh side of the park, and died. I can still hear him saying, “Always leave family — was incredulous. yourself a margin of safety.”

The two sides of my family could not have been more different. My mother went mad and then shortly became demented. My mother was black Welsh and my father was English and Long past the time when she recognized anyone, she said Irish. Cath and I looked like my father - fair skin, blond hair, to my son, Theo, who resembled my father, “I used to love thin — those noses we call “the curse of the Lippincotts’.” somebody who looked like you.” My mother was short and bosomy and round with brown eyes and dark auburn hair and dark skin. We They were only used to tell Mama that she was adopted. so-so parents, but they were My parents adored each other, but they had some great material. colossal arguments. My father told me that when Faulkner said Mama was really angry at him, he’d go down to he’d kill his the basement to lock up the guns. I can remember my grandmother mother looking across the room at my father and saying for a good short quietly, “John, you’ve got to sleep sometime.” story. All I can say is, he must There were two occasions that always caused a fight: not have had a hanging drapes and anything involving my mother’s very interesting having to read a map. This was when threats of divorce grandmother. would fly. And since we traveled a lot by car — which involved lots of map reading — and moved a lot — which I have left a lot of things out: like about how my sister and involved the hanging of drapes each time — we got to see I always went to the movies on Saturday afternoons and them sputter and fume at each other a fair amount. I don’t when we’d return home, we’d always find our parents think these fights ever ended, but happened periodically sitting up in bed, smiling and chipper. I thought it must be until my father’s death. Once, my father was so angry awful to be grown up and not be able to think of anything at my mother, he locked her out of their bedroom. My better to do on a weekend afternoon than take a nap. mother moved into the guest room for a few days, but must have gotten tired of it because my father told me that one I left out the part about my father bringing us flowers. Not afternoon he heard a strange sound going up the stairs: a just roses for my mother, but small bouquets or corsages pat, pat, thump — pat, pat, thump. So he went to the stairs for me and Cath. About how he used to read Churchill’s to see what the noise was and found my 70 year old mother speeches to us at bedtime. bout the parties they gave. dragging a twenty-pound sledge hammer up the stairs, About my mother paying $200for a pair of shoes — this preparing to bash the bedroom door in. I asked him, “What was in the early ‘50s when you could rent a large house for did you do?” He answered, “I unlocked the door. Those 50 dollars a month. But the shoes were dazzling. How my doors are expensive to replace.” father always told me,” Write what you know.” And my mother said,” If you ever publish anything, promise you On the rare occasions when my mother would cry, he won’t use your real name.” And how when we misbehaved, would say, “Oh, please don’t cry, Cathryn. You screw your my mother would say to my father, “John, say a word to face up so that you are ugly when you cry.” And that was your daughters.” And my father would turn to us, glower reason enough for them both for her to stop. and say, “Girls, a word.” And we would be filled with fear and immediately silent. I was in my 30s before I realized Years later I would read in the autobiography of a Quaker that this was a private joke between them. man that he had never heard a raised voice until he was in his twenties. I was so habituated to the expression of strong And now they are at rest. My father, at Arlington. My emotions — the equivalent of neurological weather — that mother, in a beautiful porcelain jar on my mantle. There, I wondered what planet he was from. Such peace was and in my memory.

OM — April 2020 27 8 Ways to Help Save Local Businesses

By Aimee Jo Davis-Varela

The spread of the novel coronavirus clothing and jewelry from local bou- 6. Pay ahead for services you cannot has brought with it a new reality of tiques, spa treatments for future visits, or use right now. physical distancing and isolating at maybe some special treats to make your If you are able, consider paying your home. All of us are in a period of adjust- isolation a bit more comfortable. regular service providers for future ment, and we cannot be sure what the 3. Order food for pickup or delivery. services. This might be your dog groom- future holds, but in these trying times, Several restaurants in Ojai are offer- er, housekeeper, auto detailer, or dog one thing we can do is band together to ing food delivery or curbside pickup walker. While you might not be able to get through this. for prepared meals. This means you can use their services right now, paying for a This means doing what we can to keep still enjoy some delicious takeout and few future services will help them make ourselves and our neighbors healthy support local restaurants while isolating. it through this tough time. and, for those who are able, it also means If possible, tip extra. 7. Support local farmers. coming together to support the commu- If you are concerned about exposure The weekly farmers market behind nity so that we may come out stronger in from ordering pickup or delivery, do a the Arcade is still offering fresh, locally the end. This may mean sewing masks, quick Google search for best practices. grown produce every weekend, so stop donating to food pantries, encouraging There are several online posts about order- by Sundays between 9:00am and 1:00pm larger companies to take care of em- ing and receiving prepared meals safely. to restock your fridge and support local ployees who cannot work, or bringing 4. Maintain your current services. farmers. There are also several CSA groceries to vulnerable neighbors. If it is possible to continue your cur- (Community Supported Agriculture) For those who have expendable rent services while maintaining physical programs where you can sign up for a incomes that will not be significantly distance and obeying shelter-in-place weekly box of local produce. impacted in the coming months, another orders, this is an easy way to support the While their produce might not always way to help is to support small, local local businesses providing these services. be from local sources, you can support businesses that are being affected right Landscape maintenance, pool care, and local grocery stores by stocking up at now. pest control are examples of essential Westridge or Rainbow Bridge. Ojai Food Here are eight ways you can help: services that are allowed to continue Taxi also offers grocery delivery from under the current shelter-in-place order. these grocers if you would rather stay at 1. Buy gift cards and gift certificates. 5. Hire local contractors. home. Purchase gift cards or certificates from Contractors and tradesmen also fall 8. Look for creative opportunities restaurants, hotels, salons, yoga studios, under essential services, so if there are to support local businesses and your and shops that you love. While you home repair or improvement projects on well-being. might not be able to use them now, this your list, now might be a good time to While you have some extra time on will provide some much-needed revenue hire out this work. Since you are isolating your hands, look for ways to promote to local business owners, and you will in your home, you probably do not want your family’s well-being while also sup- be able to use them once our period of to do a major remodel on your primary porting local businesses. For example, isolation is over. You can also purchase residence, but if you have an unoccupied while Bart’s Books is technically closed, gift cards to give to others for birthdays, guest house, a second home you are not there are still books on the exterior holidays or thank you gifts. using, or exterior work that allows for bookshelves and a slot in the door where 2. Shop local online. safe distancing for both you and the you can drop payment. So, you can find While you are stuck at home anyways, contractor, this might be an opportunity books to enjoy during isolation while why not get some birthday and holiday to complete these repairs and give work contributing at least a few coins to the gift shopping out of the way? Not all Ojai to a local business. local economy. businesses have online shops, but some To limit exposure for all parties, do as Or, another option, is to look for yoga do and others are now considering it. much as you can via phone or email, and studios and similar businesses offer- Hop online to purchase gift certificates discuss how you will maintain distance ing classes online while the studios are for wine tasting or local restaurants, and sanitize surfaces during the job. closed.

28 OM — April 2020 SOLD IN OJAI Ojai Valley Homes Sold Last Month Real estate A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RECENT HOME SALES Sales/Property Management/Notary (across from Ojai Farmers Market)

203 North Alvarado 990-992 Loma Drive, 4 FOR RENT OR LEASE Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 800 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,850 Sq. Sq. Ft. Listed $500,000. Ft. Listed $1,497,500. Sold DOWNTOWN OJAI Sold $475,000 $1,450,000

25 Ojai Drive, Oak View, 1615 McNell Road, 2 bed, 2 bed, 1 bath, 936 Sq. Ft. 1.75 bath, 2,515 Sq. Ft. Listed $499,000. Sold Listed $1,800,000. Sold $507,000 $1,690,000

1142 woodland Avenue, 10806 Encino Drive, Oak x 4 bed, 3 bath, 1,350 Sq. View, 4 bed, 4.5 bath, 4,149 Ft. Listed $775,000. Sold Sq. Ft. Listed $2,100,000. $525,000 Sold $1,836,473

202 North Fulton Street 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,196 Sq. Ft. Listed $665,000. Sold $678,000

204 Fox Street, 2 bed, 1 bath, 1,000 Sq. Ft. Listed $669,000. Sold $700,000 Office space from $250 to $3,000 per month

2451 Bonmark Drive, 3 Furnished/Unfurnished bed, 2 bath, 1,473 Sq. Ft. Listed $749,000 Sold 200 square feet to 2,500 square feet $749,000 First floor or second floor 507 Park Road, 5 bed, 3 Month-to-month or long leases available bath, 1,977 Sq. Ft. Listed $799,000. Sold $776,000 CALL RON AT 646-4911

510 Shady Lane, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,445 Sq. Ft. Listed $789,000. Sold $789,000 221East Matilija Street, Ojai 1133 El Centro, 2 bed, 1.75 805-646-4911 bath, 2,045 Sq. Ft. Listed ojaivalleyrealestate.com $1,120,000. Sold $1,081,080

OM — April 2020 29 WHO’S WHO IN OJAI REAL ESTATE?

TO BE LISTED HERE, PLEASE CALL ROSS @ 805-207-5094

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Stacy Sharon Vivienne Larry Cadenasso MaHarry Moody Wilde Keller Williams Keller Williams LIV Sotheby’s LIV Sotheby’s Realty, 109 Realty, 109 North International International North Blanche Blanche Street, Realty Realty Street, Ojai. Ojai. 805-798-1099 Wilde-Wilde. 805-217-2676 805) 766-7889 vmoody10@ com sbcglobal.net 805-640-5734 OjaiLifestyle.net

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Patty Marsha Stephen Kristen Waltcher Kaye Adelman Currier LIV Sotheby’s Home Mortgage Broker Associate LIV Sotheby’s International Consultant “Your Family International Realty Phone: 805- Man Realtor” Realty Call me for 640-0654 LIV Sotheby’s 805-798-3757 your Real Estate Cell: 805-746- realestateojai@ thehoffgroup. needs. 9055 gmail.com com 805-340-3774 marsha.kaye@ ojailuxuryreales- homebridge. tate.com com 805-640-5563

30 OM — April 2020 Nora Joe Davis Davis Full service LIV Sotheby’s property International management, Realty residential • OjaiValleyEstates. Commercial • com Industrial 805-207-6177 JoeTheRental- Guy.com. 805-574-9774

Dale Kathy Ojai’s Hanson Hoff Ojai Valley LIV Sotheby’s Real Estate International locally owned 211 E. Matilija Realty Street, Ste. J, (805) 290-6907 and operated 206 E. Ojai thehoffgroup. Ave. com 805-646-7229 magazines. [email protected]

By nationally Kirk Don & Cheree Ellison Edwards award-winning LIV Sotheby’s RE/MAX International Gold Coast Realty Ojai’s Top writers and KirkEllison@ Selling Team me.com LivinginOjai.com photographers 805-340-5905 805.340.3192 . 805.350.7575

Therese A. Hart- #OJAI STRONG, Hildegard Tallent DISCOVER OJAI STRONGER mann is a local loan On the Firing Line with Travis Escalante J a 8 CalBRE# nu 01 ary 2 consultant affiliated 02047013 OJAI with C2 Financial MONTHLY Keller Williams Lifestyle & Visitor Information Corporation, and is Realty, 109 N. a Licensed Broker, Blanche Street California BRE Tel: 805-798-1872 #01048403. NMLS email: hildegard. # 298291. For a [email protected] free consultation, call Therese today at (805) 798-2158.

Deckert / DePaola Keller Williams Realty Ojai by Design: Ojai’s toy story: book spotlights famous The barthelemys have Cheryl Deckert, Broker Associate architects more in store Ray Deckert, Broker Associate Maria DePaola, Realtor Associate Cover Sponsored by Oak Grove School “Where the World is Our Classroom • See More On Page 19 Visitor Information • Hikes • Events • Activities • Lifestyle Tips & Tactics [email protected] See More AtOM TheOjai.net - December 2017 1 805-272-5221

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OM — April 2020 31 OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA Upscale Spanish-style hacienda with contemporary rooms & a spa, pool, golf & several restaurants. One of BLUE IGUANA INN & SUITES EMERALD IGUANA INN Spanish-style inn offering rooms, Upscale inn with lush gardens, pool, California’s premier destinations. suites & cottages with Southwest hot tub, spa services, breakfast, & 905 Country Club Road | (855) 697- décor. Easy access to the Ojai Valley rooms with local artwork. 8780 ojairesort.com Trail. 108 Pauline St | (805) 646-5277 11794 Ventura Ave | (805) 646-5277 emeraldiguana.com OAKRIDGE INN blueiguanainn.com Functional budget hotel offering an outdoor pool, HUMMINGBIRD INN plus complimentary continental CAPRI MOTEL Lodge-like inn offering modern, Hip, quirky option with retro rooms casual rooms, plus free wi-fi break- breakfast & WiFi. and cool pool scene. fast, & an outdoor pool. Across the 780 North Ventura Ave | (805) 649- Free Wi-Fi street from Soule Park Golf Course. 4018 oakridgeinn.com 1180 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4305 1208 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-4365 hotelojai.com hummingbirdinnojai.com OJAI RETREAT Serene, hilltop bed-and-breakfast offering traditional rooms, some CARAVAN OUTPOST LAVENDER INN A beautifully curated garden of Quaint bed-and-breakfast in an with terraces, plus a buffet breakfast Airstreams, located in the heart of 1874 building featuring coun- & yoga. Ojai. Free wi-fi, nightly entertain- try-style rooms, plus a spa, yoga 160 Besant Road | (805) 646-2536 ment, dog friendly, complimentary & cooking classes. In the heart of ojairetreat.com bicycles, camp store. downtown Ojai. Instagram: @caravanoutpost 210 East Matilja St | (805) 646-6635 PEPPER TREE RETREAT & Web: caravanoutpost.com lavenderinn.com EDUCATION CENTER 317 Bryant Street I (805) 836-4891. An oasis for the mind in a peaceful setting where individuals, couples THE OAKS AT OJAI and small groups can relax and CHANTICO INN & SUITES Serene weight-loss retreat offering 3 Relaxed, cozy rooms in a Mission-style ho- meals daily, plus a wellness spa & enjoy the beauty of the valley. tel offering free breakfast & WiFi, plus free fitness classes. 1130 McAndrew Road an outdoor pool. 122 East Ojai Ave | (805) 646-5573 (877) 355-5986 406 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-8100 oaksspa.com peppertreeretreat.com chanticoinnsuites.com OJAI RANCHO INN SU NIDO INN Borders Ojai Valley Trail, easy stroll Artfully designed, Mission-style inn to downtown. Hip, rustic-style inn with traditional rooms, with stunning offering country-chic rooms, plus free courtyard, an easy walk to down- Wi-fi, a pool & a sauna. town. Free Wi-Fi 615 West Ojai Ave | (805) 646-1434 301 North Montgomery Street ojairanchoinn.com (805) 646-7080 sunidoinn.com

32 OM — April 2020 CHEF RANDY

Lentil Stew with Sausage

Lentils are low in calories, high in fiber, high in protein and have zero trans fats. This basic lentil recipe is simple and easy to prepare. Just put all the ingredients into a slow cooker and the chow down 4 hours later. The vegetarian sausage adds depth and texture for a hearty stew. It’s especially good on a cold winter night.

INGREDIENTS: LENTIL STEW WITH SAUSAGE 1½ cups lentils (black lentils are good but any lentils will do) 1 package Lightlife Smart Sausages Italian Style (cut into 1/2-inch pieces) 2 cups sweet corn kernels 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced) 3 carrots (cut into one-inch pieces) 1 medium onion (chopped) 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (including liquid) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon (vegetable base) 4 cups vegetable broth

Photo courtesy of Eiliv Sonas Aceron/Unsplash

Randy Graham is a writer, author, and private chef. He enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens. His food is often called “vegetarian comfort food.” He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog, Willow. Robin and Willow are not vegetarians.

DIRECTIONS: Instructions: Plug in your slow cooker and set the heat to high. Healthy Quick + Easy Rinse the lentils and cull out small stones and debris. Add the lentils and all other ingredients to the crock-pot. Cook for 4 hours.

Winter Vegan This makes a meal all by itself but is even better and more nutritious when accompanied by rice.

OM — April 2020 33 Cozy 2 bed 2 bath Mobile Home with a den open to the living area that can have multiple purposes. A spacious layout and lots of natural light. Newer laminate floors in the living/dining area and bedrooms. Bright Master bedroom with corner window and nice large walk-in closet. Some features include a spacious kitchen with lots of storage, screen porch, large tuff shed with electricity, artificial turf, water softener, RO system. For more information go to OjaiRe.com

ROSARIO FALVO WWW.OJAIRE.COM 805.207-5094 DRE # E 01504988

34 OM — April 2020 I have a beautiful start to all of my mornings in Ojai because My backyard butts up to the property line of Nordhoff I head out with my dog to one of Ojai’s beautiful trails. I meet High School. I enjoy listening to the high school band up with a few others with their dogs and we do a 3-mile hike. practice and I also get to watch the girls’ junior league A couple of our older dogs will occasionally walk alongside softball team play. off leash so we’ll get yelled at by some random, usually quite cranky, self-anointed sheriff-type person who can barely Sure, lots of foul balls fly into my yard, but not a single one keep up with us. This is an Ojai thing. We say we’re very yet has broken my windows or cracked my head. At the sorry; we’ll never do it again, and move on. That’s also an Ojai end of the season, I toss the balls back, but carefully, never thing. aiming at anyone.

I usually have my morning cup of coffee at home (because Living adjacent to Nordhoff gives me a feeling of I have an amazing Nespresso machine) but recently I met connectedness to the young people of our community so I with friends at Coffee Connection in Meiners Oaks and will often wave to them when I see them on the street. It’s not I have to say the Chai Latte there was the absolute best I’ve clear if they share those feelings, but I wave anyway. ever tasted. I mean, truly remarkable. Coffee Connection’s owners live on my block and I’ve watched their kids grow My next-door neighbors recently assembled a trampoline up. The youngest couldn’t have been more than one when in their backyard so when the kids jump on it they can see I first moved here — just a baby. Now she’s a beautiful little directly into my master bedroom. I don’t mind because girl and hangs out with my next-door neighbors’ youngest there’s never anything happening in there that isn’t PG -13. son, who was also just a baby not too long ago but now speaks in complete sentences. The two of them are always I end the day in my backyard where I relax and gaze upon together; I like to think a lifelong relationship is blooming the lovely mural I had painted by the same muralist, Aaron there. Glasson, who painted the mural that resides behind Hamsa Studio. When I commissioned the work, I asked Aaron if My dog and I have three favorite Ojai haunts where we go to he could try to include a coyote or an owl, and other natural say hello, spend money, and hang out: Wachter’s Hay and things I see every day in Ojai. He did all of that and more. I Grain, Ojai Pixie’s General Store, and Ace Hardware. love it. Speaking of owls, I hear there are babies again in the Without fail, the folks in these stores are always happy to meadow! I’m so jazzed about this. I watch the owlets grow see us, which is such a joy. When we arrive at these favorite every year. That meadow is magic. haunts, my dog immediately heads behind the counter — feigning to work, of course — and despite the fact that Editor’s Note: This was written prior to the state’s “social she has never actually done anything that even closely distancing” order in response to the pandemic, but here’s resembles work, she always gets paid. In treats. So Ojai. hoping we can all get back to our “Ideal Ojai Days” soon.

OM — April 2020 35 Beatrice Wood. The famed ceramicist’s FOUNDING FATHERS & MOTHERS (“The Mama of Dada”) greatest work of art While Edward Drummond Libbey is rightfully may well have been her life. The irreverent, regarded among Ojai’s chief benefactors — having avant-garde Wood lived and worked in been behind the buildbing of such Ojai landmarks Ojai for decades until her death in 1998 at as the Ojai Valley Inn, St. Thomas Aquinas age 105. She inspired two classic movies, Church (now the Museum), Post Office Tower and Francois Truffaut’s “Jules et Jim,” and James the Arcade — others have been very influential in Cameron’s “Titanic.” She attributed her shaping Ojai’s identity. Here’s a few: longevity to “chocolate and young men.” Her autobiography was appropriately titled, “I Shock Myself.” Many of her distinctive, Annie Besant. Free-thinker, feminist and noted whimsical, luminous luster-glazed pieces are on display at her Theosophist. Though she only spent a few former home, now the Beatrice Wood Center, in upper Ojai. days in Ojai, she brought Krishnamurti to Ojai, and helped buy hundreds of acres of property Sherman Day Thacher. After coming West in Ojai, (now the sites of Besant Hill School to farm and care for an ailing brother, and, along with A.P. Warrington, the Krotona the Yale-educated Thacher realized that Center) which she called “the smiling vale.” She he was going to need another source of is considered one of the pioneers of introducing income. So he founded The Thacher School Eastern mystical thought to the West, and was an early advocate of in 1887. Now one of the most prestigious India’s independence. and the labor movement. preparatory academies in the country, its founding creed was “teach a boy to ride, Jiddhu Krishnamurti. The spiritual teacher and writer, came to shoot and tell the truth.” Also, in 1896, Ojai in 1922, sponsored by the Theosophical his brother William founded “The Ojai,” the country’s oldest Society, though he later broke with that group amateur tennis tournament. Among Thacher’s more illustrious (“The Leaderless Path.”) He gave talks to many students were industrialist, aviator and film producer Howard thousands of people each year, in the Star Camps Hughes and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and in the oak groves west of Ojai (now the site of novelist Thornton Wilder, who wrote his first play while a Thacher Oak Grove School. He once held the Guinness student. Book of World Records for having spoken to the greatest number of people.

Weather in Ojai OJAI QUICK FACTS:

Ave. High (°F) Ave. Low Precip. The name “Ojai” is believed to be derived from the Ventureño Chumash word ‘awhaý, meaning “moon.” In 1837, Fernando Tico received a land Jan 67 36 5.04 grant and established a cattle ranch. Thomas A. Scott, who had financial Feb 67 38 5.24 success with oil and railroads, bought the Ojai Valley in 1864 for oil March 70 41 3.35 exploration. By 1868, Scott, through his agent Thomas Bard, began selling April 74 43 1.22 properties to homesteaders. By 1874, R.G. Surdam plotted out the town he would call Nordhoff, renamed Ojai in 1917. May 78 48 .47

June 83 51 .12 Ojai is about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 30 miles east July 89 56 .04 of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles long by 3 miles wide, Aug. 91 55 .005 surrounded by hills and mountains; the rare east-west orientation with a slight southward tilt gives the valley an extraordinary sun exposure; Sept. 87 53 .2 Ojai’s citrus and avocado crops are highly prized. This orientation also Oct. 80 47 .98 gives rise to Ojai as a spiritual destination. Nov. 73 40 1.69 Dec. 66 35 2.95 It was due to the resources and organizing energy of Ohio glass manufacturer Edward Drummond Libbey that Nordhoff was rebuilt and Average Annual Rainfall: 21.3 renamed Ojai, inspired by the City Beautiful Movement. By 1917, with the construction of the Arcade and Post Office Tower, the town took its Record High Year Population: 7,461 present shape. 115° 2018 Valley: (est.) 21,300 The city’s self-styled nickname is “Shangri-La,” based on the story that Record Low Year Households:: 3,176 Ojai was the backdrop (later left on the editing room floor) from the 1937 16° 1990 Elevation: 745 movie as the mystical sanctuary of James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.”

36 OM — April 2020 OQ | HIKING MAP

1 SHELF ROAD 3.5mi EASY | Elev. Gain: 200 ft | Overlooks downtown Ojai.

2 3 4 VENTURA RIVER PRATT TRAIL 8.8mi GRIDLEY TRAIL 6-12mi PRESERVE | 7mi STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 3,300 MODERATE | 3 mi to Gridley Springs EASY TO MODERATE | Elev. Gain: ft | Trailhead off North Signal Street. Goes to (Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft) 6 mi to Nordhoff Peak. 520 ft (Wills-Rice). Trailheads at end of Meyer Road, Nordhoff Peak. Clear day? See forever. Trailhead at north end of Gridley Road. South Rice Road and Baldwin Road. Great for birding. 5 6 7 HORN CANYON 5.5mi COZY DELL 2.2mi MATILIJA CANYON 12mi

STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 1,600 ft. MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 740 ft | MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 1,200 ft | Trailhead near Thacher School’s gymkhana field. Goes Trailhead 8 miles north of Ojai on Maricopa Highway. Middle Fork. Trailhead at end of Matilija Road. First to shady stand of 80-foot tall pines. Short, intense hike that also connects to trail network. 1.5 miles of trail well-maintained, the rest a scramble. 8 9 10 ROSE VALLEY 1mi SISAR CANYON 22mi SULPHUR MTN. 22mi

EASY | Elev. Gain: 100 ft STRENUOUS | Elev. Gain: 4,800 ft to MODERATE | Elev. Gain: 2,300 ft | Trailhead at Rose Valley Campground. Leads to a Topa Topa Bluffs. Trailhead at end of Sisar Road. Trailhead on eastern side of Sulphur Mountain Road. spectacular 300-foot, two-tiered fall. Only for experienced, f it hikers. Views are unsurpassed.

OM — April 2020 37 We know Ojai. We’re lifelong residents.

IN ESCROW

Custom Spanish Revival Home in the East End on 7.5 Acres with Gated Entry, Courtyard, Multi-Room Master Suite 106+ Acre Country Retreat with Mountain and Lake Views and Custom, Stone House. 5180ReevesRoad.com LuckyQRanchOjai.com $3,450,000 Price Upon Request

Hacienda-Style Upper Ojai Ranch on 5+ Acres. Caretaker’s Quarters, Horse Facilities, Pool, Tennis Court and Gorgeous Views. Four-Bedroom Arbolada Home with Guest House, Pool, Four Fireplaces & Mountain Views 12605HighwindsRoad.com 407TicoRoad.com $2,649,000 $2,199,000

Turnkey country charmer with wood floors, remodeled kitchen and Custom Four-Bedroom Home on 5.43 acres near Downtown with Meticulously renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom oasis with pool, 2 BR, 1 BA with detached garage, RV parking, recent upgrades within bathrooms, separate office or studio, custom touches and upgrades Formal Living & Dining, Butler’s Pantry and Much More. cabana and views on large lot one block from downtown and adjacent walking distance of shops and restaurants. $519,000 throughout. $592,500 1436NorthMontgomeryStreet.com $1,595,000 to Ojai Valley Trail. $1,879,000

Kellye Lynn BRE License #01962469 The Davis Group The Davis Group Nora Davis ojaivalleyestates.com ojaivalleyestates.com BRE License #01046067 805.798.0322 805.207.6177 [email protected] We know Ojai. We’re lifelong residents.

IN ESCROW

Custom Spanish Revival Home in the East End on 7.5 Acres with Gated Entry, Courtyard, Multi-Room Master Suite 106+ Acre Country Retreat with Mountain and Lake Views and Custom, Stone House. 5180ReevesRoad.com LuckyQRanchOjai.com $3,450,000 Price Upon Request

Hacienda-Style Upper Ojai Ranch on 5+ Acres. Caretaker’s Quarters, Horse Facilities, Pool, Tennis Court and Gorgeous Views. Four-Bedroom Arbolada Home with Guest House, Pool, Four Fireplaces & Mountain Views 12605HighwindsRoad.com 407TicoRoad.com $2,649,000 $2,199,000

Turnkey country charmer with wood floors, remodeled kitchen and Custom Four-Bedroom Home on 5.43 acres near Downtown with Meticulously renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom oasis with pool, 2 BR, 1 BA with detached garage, RV parking, recent upgrades within bathrooms, separate office or studio, custom touches and upgrades Formal Living & Dining, Butler’s Pantry and Much More. cabana and views on large lot one block from downtown and adjacent walking distance of shops and restaurants. $519,000 throughout. $592,500 1436NorthMontgomeryStreet.com $1,595,000 to Ojai Valley Trail. $1,879,000

Kellye Lynn BRE License #01962469 The Davis Group The Davis Group Nora Davis ojaivalleyestates.com ojaivalleyestates.com BRE License #01046067 805.798.0322 805.207.6177 [email protected] G A B R I E L A C E S E Ñ A THE NEXT LEVEL OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES Realtor | Luxury Specialist Berkshire Hathaway Unwavering commitment to my clients’ satisfaction. Driven by passion for the work I do 805.236.3814 | [email protected] CAL BRE# 01983530 Gabrielacesena.bhhscalifornia.com

608 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE: Timeless, classic, sophisticated Ojai seamlessly. The home is centered around a sensational great-room living at its best! This delightful property, only moments away from featuring an epic stone fireplace, connecting living, dining, and kitchen the famous Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, offers all the best Ojai has to offer. into one flowing open living space. Outside, a poolside terrace invites Set against a backdrop of majestic Topa Topa mountain views and outdoor dining and entertaining, with a built-in BBQ and numerous surrounded by colorful, inspiring gardens, this exceptional property sun-drenched patios for quiet moments of reflection or occasions both embodies the essence of Ojai with unrivaled tranquility and natural large and intimate. The lap pool, luscious lawn & eclectic gardens are beauty. This turnkey, 4BD/3BA uplifting and blissful home is flooded delightful. Welcome to your Ojai Oasis. Remarkable Value for the spe- with natural light designed to integrate interior and exterior living cial property! Offered at $1,895,000

40 OM — April 2020