News from around the Ojai Valley
'Don't tread on me!' Bumper crop of rattlers
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:57
Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten
A rattlesnake on Ojai's Pratt Trail on 2014.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
It’s rattlesnake season in Southern California, and officials say it could be a banner year for the beautiful but dangerous, and often misunderstood vipers.
Over the past two months, the Ventura County Fire Department has responded to a total of 106 snake calls, according to Capt. Brian McGrath of the Ventura County Fire Department.
OUSD plans maps for district voting
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:54
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Ojai Unified School District held its second of two public hearings April 17 on mapping new voting districts as the school board changes from its at-large voting system to district voting.
The purpose of this hearing was to receive public input on how the trustee districts should be formed and criteria the demographer should consider when drafting the maps.
The board decided at a special meeting last month to move forward with trustee areas where each board member would be elected only by the registered voters in his or her trustee area. The decision was in response to litigation threats received by other nearby jurisdictions, including the city of Ojai, to avoid paying any legal fees.
New initiatives teach tolerance and equity
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:53
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Ojai Unified School District Board of Education on April 17 provided an update on new programs and curriculum for its Cultural Literacy Initiative since a community forum at Matilija Junior High was held in response to some junior-high students forming a human swastika on the soccer field and sending inappropriate group messages in December.
Assistant Superintendent Sherrill Knox said community input was taken into account: “We had several meetings and discussions with them (Ojai Alliance for Education Equity), and certainly some of their commentary that was even provided here at our board meetings. That really did go into the plan. We took a lot of things into consideration and changes were made in the plan because of that rich discussion.”
Ojai kicks off annual Earth Day celebration at Libbey Park on April 20
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:52
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Earth Day is taking place for the 49th time April 22, and to celebrate in the Ojai Valley, a celebration is being held April 20 at Libbey Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first official Earth Day was celebrated on the first day of spring on March 21, 1970. However, the disastrous oil spill in the Santa Barbara Channel was really a trigger for Earth Day as we know it.
Read more: Ojai kicks off annual Earth Day celebration at Libbey Park on April 20
Thousands in V.C. to mark 49th anniversary of environmental awareness
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:51
Photo submitted
David Goldstein
By David Goldstein, Special to the Ojai Valley News
Ojai’s Earth Day, hosted by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, will be April 20 at Libbey Park, 269 E. Ojai Ave., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is promoted as “an ideal way for continuing the conversation about advancing a green, sustainable and resilient way of life,” with “engaging interactive activities, demonstrations, dynamic speakers, talented performers, environmentally friendly exhibitors, and nonprofits sharing information about living with a lighter, more compassionate footprint.” It includes an interactive area with yoga, tai chi, peace sticks, and “kids creative movement,” as well as a $100 Toad&Co gift certificate drawing at 4 p.m. for anyone who registers by 3 p.m.
OSA co-founder Nelson leaves rich legacy
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:46
Photo by Donna Granata
Marta Nelson
By Donna Granata, Special to the Ojai Valley News
Marta Nelson, one of Ojai’s most beloved artists, passed away peacefully at age 96. Marta was a painter, printmaker and a sculptor in papier mâché. She was a traditionalist who knew when to bend the rules, an optimist who felt compelled to paint something beautiful, a citizen of the world who strongly believed that artists have a mission: to use the arts as a vehicle for peace.
Marta reveled in the camaraderie of other artists. She dedicated her life to community, establishing art programs that continue to this day.
Sheriff deputies ax alleged chop shop
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:43
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man on suspicion of possessing explosives without a permit, after they found an alleged “chop shop” operation on his property in Lockwood Valley.
The investigation into 49-year-old Paul Jenkins of Ventura began two months ago, when he was arrested by Lockwood Valley deputies on charges of possessing a stolen trailer, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
In March, Jenkins’ wife, 48-year-old Nicole Denton of Ventura, was arrested on suspicion of possessing an additional stolen trailer in Lockwood Valley, deputies said.
Robby to the rescue
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:41
Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten
Robby, the 10-foot-tall fireman, greets children at a free Wildfire Safety Fair at Sarzotti Park in Ojai on April 13. The fair, hosted by the nonprofit Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, featured first responders and their firefighting gear, educational booths, a kids’ fun zone, live music, food and appearances by Robby and Smokey Bear. 2019 marked the 12th year of the free event, according to Will Castagna, the Fire Safe Council’s board president.
Condo project seeks extension
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:39
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai City Council will hold a public hearing April 23 to consider a one-year time extension to an expired design review permit for the Cottages Among the Flowers, an eight-unit condominium project at 312, 312A-F and 314B W. Aliso Street, Ojai.
At its April 9 meeting, council voted unanimously to appeal the Ojai Planning Commission’s decision to approve the extension. The extension is retroactive for a design review permit that expired Sept. 1, 2018. Jeff Becker of The Becker Group is the applicant hoping for an extension until Sept. 1 of this year.
Meet Dr. Sisk: Ojai shelter pets get new vet
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:38
Photo courtesy Humane Society of Ventura County
Veterinarian Christina Sisk performs a check-up on a patient at the Ojai animal shelter.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai-based Humane Society of Ventura County last month hired a new director of veterinary services.
Christina Sisk, DVM, previously held the same job at the Santa Barbara Humane Society.
Her duties at the Ojai shelter include directing the low-cost spay and neuter clinic, leading clinic staff and overseeing the general well-being of all the animals under HSVC’s care.
Affordable-housing plan on Montgomery gets go-ahead
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:35
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Five to seven units of affordable housing may be on the horizon for Ojai.
At its April 9 meeting, the Ojai City Council unanimously passed a motion approving concept, layout and density plans for an affordable residential development of the city-owned 408 N. Montgomery St. property.
The motion was presented by Councilman Ryan Blatz, with the idea that the concept is approved at five units, with a maximum of seven being considered.
OUSD Board approves superintendent contract
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:33
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Tiffany Morse is now officially the next superintendent of the Ojai Unified School district, effective July 1.
Morse’s contract was unanimously approved by the school board April 17, with Shelly Griffen and Kevin Ruf absent.
The annual superintendent salary for the 2019-2020 school year will be $180,000, which is the same as current superintendent Andy Cantwell’s. Benefits costs include major medical health coverage, dental insurance and vision services plan totaling $18,381. The retirement contributions total $30,780.
Students’ robots invade Matilija Junior High
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:32
Photo submitted
Seventh-grader Kali Cockrell works on her robot at Matilija Junior High School.
"S-u-m-o Bots, S-u-m-o Bots," the chant goes out as creativity and Lego bricks fly around the classroom, and Matilija students prepare for their final Robotics Club competitions. Teams of seventh- and eighth-graders will soon face off on two rounds of engineering and music programming challenges to claim the first Ojai Robotics Club title.
The Ojai Robotics Club kicked into gear this past January as a new after-school club for Matilija students. "The students were the ones pushing to start the club. They kept asking for robotics on campus," explained Carla Edwards of Ojai, the club organizer and mom of a Matilija student. "Matilija is always looking for ways to inspire students across STEM areas, so developing this intermediate robotics curriculum has worked out great."
Nordhoff college fair illuminates possibilities
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:29
Ojai Valley News photo by Austin Widger
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Nordhoff High School held a first-of-its-kind college fair April 12.
This was the largest college fair ever to take place on the Rangers’ campus, with more than 32 colleges and universities, four trade schools and two branches of the military represented. Many California universities were in attendance, as well as others from coast to coast. The Army, Marines and Coast Guard were also present at the event.
Summit 7-11 Committee to vote on school uses after vote to surplus site
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- Published: Friday, 19 April 2019 08:25
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai Unified School District will hold its third meeting of the 7-11 Committee regarding the future of Summit Elementary School on April 24 at 5:30 p.m.
The members of the committee are Chair Trevor Quirk, Clerk Emily Dodi, Dr. James Beaty, Jessica Colborn, Lauren Coyne, Bob Daddi, Jeanette Espinoza, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sherrill Knox, Dr. Christina Mercer McGinley, Louise Oseguera and Kate Spiva. The members were approved by the OUSD Board at its February meeting.
