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News from around the Ojai Valley
Ojai woman charged with arson, burglary at Ojai Valley Inn
- Details
- Published on Friday, 22 June 2018 11:26
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
An Ojai woman was arrested for felony arson in the early hours of June 21, according to Ventura County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) Senior Deputy Gregg Delarosa.
Maria Cristina Ramirez-Pichardo, 35, is accused of setting three fires on the Ojai Valley Inn's Country Club Drive property.
The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) responded to a fire at the Ojai Valley Inn June 21 at 1:56 a.m. Upon arrival, Delarosa said, VCFD officials found evidence of multiple small fires around the property and requested the assistance of the Ojai Police Department.
County adopts limited STR ban
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:49
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
By July 19, 2020, most short-term rental operations in the lower Ojai Valley will be prohibited.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted 3-2 June 19 to establish a temporary rental unit (TRU) overlay zone that will apply within the boundaries of the Ojai Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC).
With the vote, the BOS affirmed its view that the county considers short-term rentals to be businesses operating in a residential zone, and that the temporary rental of residential housing is not a “by-right use.”
Supervisors Steve Bennett, Linda Parks and John Zaragoza voted in favor of the measure. Supervisors Kelly Long and Peter Foy voted in opposition.
The overlay zone will prohibit most short-term rental activities except for homeshares — a situation in which the rented dwelling also serves as the owner's primary residence.
Whole-house short-term rentals will only be allowed on historic properties within the overlay zone.
Area graduates prepare to move on
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:48
Ojai Valley News photo by Tim Dewar
A Nordhoff High School graduate waves in triumph after receiving her diploma during graduation ceremonies June 15.
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series featuring one 2018 high school graduate from six area schools. Part Two, that will run in the June 29 edition, will feature students from The Thacher School, Villanova Preparatory School and Weil Tennis Academy.
Kayla Geronimo-Anctil
Besant Hill School
As a student at Besant Hill School, (BHS) Kayla Geronimo-Anctil learned to communicate with classmates in Korean, Malay and Mandarin. She's also fluent in Spanish and French and feels confident conversing in Italian.
Geronimo-Anctil, an Ojai Valley resident, was graduated from BHS June 2 alongside 25 classmates, including students from Saudi Arabia, Niger, Mexico and China.
RV now stands for recurring violations
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:44
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
A ban on parking oversized vehicles on residential streets in Oak View will go into effect Aug. 18.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted June 19 to adopt the ordinance restricting oversized vehicle parking in designated areas of the county.
Supervisors also adopted a resolution designating Oak View as the area where the ordinance will first apply.
Both the ordinance and the resolution were adopted during a second public hearing by the Board.
During the meeting, no one spoke for or against the ordinance, that is backed by District 1 Supervisor Steve Bennett.
The ordinance, modeled after a county ordinance for Oak Park, bans parking of vehicles that are either wider than 7 feet, longer than 25 feet or taller than 8 feet. The Oak View ordinance relaxes vehicle size limits specified in the Oak Park ordinance by increasing the width limit by 4 inches and allowable height by 14 inches.
Ojai City Council approves a $10.1 million budget for next year
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:43
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai City Council unanimously approved a $10.1 million “balanced and very-tight budget,” in the words of Ojai City Manager Steve McClary, for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (FY 18-19) during the group’s June 12 meeting.
The FY 18-19 budget represents an increase of approximately $700,000 in city expenditures from FY 17-18.
The bulk of the city's funds ($6.97 million) for FY 18-19 come from tax revenues, primarily transient occupancy tax (TOT or bed tax), property tax and sales tax. Other contributors to the budget include funds from other government agencies and licensing and permit fees.
In his report to the Council, McClary noted that the city remains highly dependent on revenue from the tourism industry. TOT funds represent 32.8 percent of the city's general fund, he said.
As a result of the dependence on TOT and sales tax, the city is liable to experience significant shifts in revenue if travel to Ojai declines.
The Thomas Fire significantly impacted city revenue, said Ojai Finance Director Rudy Livingston, though the impact was not as severe as he originally anticipated.
Council decides to have voters revisit elected mayor question
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:01
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Voters in Ojai Nov. 6 will again have the chance to change the way Ojai’s mayor is appointed, as well as the length of the term that person would serve.
Two general elections ago, on Nov. 4, 2014, voters approved Measure A, which changed the Ojai City Council’s leadership structure from an appointed mayor, chosen from the five council members, to an elected mayor.
Voters also approved Measure B, which specified a two-year term for the position.
The changes went into effect beginning with the general election in November 2016.
The transition caused the unintended side-effect of unbalancing the council seats, since three of the four current seats will expire in 2018, while only one of the four seats will expire in 2020.
Pedestrian-safety operation results in one citation
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 14:00
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) carried out a pedestrian-safety operation in Meiners Oaks June 19. It ran from 10 a.m. to noon on El Roblar Drive at Poli Avenue.
Officers issued one citation and 12 warnings.
“The operation was conducted at this location due to the high number of pedestrian-related collisions in the surrounding area,” explained CHP Officer Dan Ralph. “This was the location we felt would have the best impact on the public and bring awareness to the need for safety.”
The Thacher School holds June 2 graduation ceremony
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 13:57
The Thacher School held its commencement June 2.
The following is an alphabetical list of the school’s 2018 graduates.
Nicholas Satoru Amano.
Shan Nicole Bassolino, Shalan Mimi Billault-Lee and Thomas Merlin Boneysteele.
Connor Wheaton Callahan, Elias Schwab Ceseña and Edison Gregory Chadwick.
Kibibi Ife Asantwea Kwakye Davis, Olivia Huntington de Polo, Jeffrey Ding and Olivia Phoebe Driscoll.
Olivia Fiona Edmondson, Aeddon Rhys Edwards and Nicholas Montgomery Edwards.
Apple Tereza Farrelly, Sarah Ann Finch and Peyton Lewis FitzHugh.
Jane Lucretia Gamble, Christopher William Gilbert, Emma Theresa Gilmore, Helena Teresa Girardoni, Paiton Toshiko Kanda Gleeson and Suzanna Juliet Gulick-Stutz.
John Henry Hancock, Willa Grace Hancock, Joseph Bennett Hardwicke, Elizabeth Frances Hatton, Emily Hidalgo, Ruoyi “Zoe” Huang and Thomas Baskerville Lewis Hudson.
Ethan Rimes Kallett and Finnegan Peter Keilty.
Anne Marie Wanjiru Langan, Yousef Lawrence, Ricardo Carlos López, Oscar Daniel Luna and Bjorn Wester Lynge.
Adam Lirio Marcelo and Clare Marie McCormack.
Reina Kuroda Nadeau, Griffin Blake O’Neill and Kathleen Joyce O’Neill.
Kelly Seohee Oh.
Yosephina Antonia Peters and Béa Low Pierrepont.
Michael Noel Ratsimbazafy, Christopher Burke Robinson and Joelle Rubeli.
Diallo Kandia Scott, Gabriela Isabelle Sierra, Alexis Anne Silverman and Griffin Daniel Somaratne.
Madeline Reeves Waltemath and Mary Ophelia Walton.
Pa Houa Xiong.
Lingyu “Mary” Yan.
Francisco Vidal Zamora.
Motorcyclist dies in Upper Ojai crash
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 13:50
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
An Orange County man died June 15 when his motorcycle collided with another vehicle on Highway 150 in Upper Ojai.
The crash occurred east of Happy Valley School Road shortly after 8:20 a.m.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Artesia resident John Martins, 54, was among a group of eight motorcyclists riding from the Santa Clarita area to the San Luis Obispo area.
Police Blotter as of June 21:
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 13:47
Crimes
• Petty theft was reported in the 1100 block of Maricopa Highway June 10.
• Vandalism was reported in the 200 block of East Ojai Avenue June 13.
• Mail theft was reported at Tico Road and Cruzero Street June 16.
Arrests
• A 41-year-old woman was arrested in the 1100 block of Maricopa Highway June 10 for shoplifting and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000.
• A 21-year-old woman was arrested in the 1100 block of Maricopa Highway June 10 for petty theft, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $10,000.
• A 28-year-old man was arrested in the 4700 block of Crooked Palm Road June 12 for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $5,000.
Water project in Ventura River Preserve expected to last two months
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 21 June 2018 13:45
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Construction of a water pipeline beneath the Ventura River is set to begin next week.
But don't get your hopes up — it won't be bringing any new water to the Ojai Valley.
The Rancho Matilija Mutual Water Company (RMMWC) project is being built on Ojai Valley Land Conservancy's (OVLC) Ventura River Preserve (VRP).
RMMWC will be drilling under the river to install pipes that will take water from the company's wells east of the river to a pipeline along the river's western bank.
The new pipeline will provide RMMWC, an agricultural water supplier that serves multiple landowners north and west of the Rancho Matilija residential development, with a permanent water connection.
Nordhoff High School graduation photo album
- Details
- Published on Monday, 18 June 2018 10:37
(Ojai Valley News photos and video by Tim Dewar)
The Nordhoff High School 2018 graduation ceremony was held June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Ojai Community Stadium.
The following are some of the scenes from that ceremony.
No short-term fix: Supervisors delay vote on valley vacation-rental plan
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 14 June 2018 13:21
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
Another Ventura County Board of Supervisors (BOS) discussion of short-term rentals in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County has come and gone, and a decision has yet to be made.
The BOS heard testimony from approximately 80 speakers June 12, from 5:45 to 9 p.m., said Kim Uhlich, a senior planner with the Ventura County Resource Management Agency.
The supervisors deliberated for approximately an hour, she said. They will continue their deliberation June 19, but will not take additional public comments during that session, according to Supervisor Steve Bennett, who represents the Ojai Valley.
End of an era: Students graduate amidst Summit campus uncertainty
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 14 June 2018 12:33
Ojai Valley News photo by Andra Belknap
Summit kindergarteners (from left) Cali Robinson, Max Martinez, JoJo Voyson, Ivan Barraza and Dylan Wilcox celebrate their promotion to first grade June 14.
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
Summit Elementary School celebrated the graduation of 11 sixth-grade students June 14. The celebration, that included speeches from each member of the graduating class, will likely mark the final sixth-grade promotion at the elementary school.
The Ojai Unified School District's (OUSD) School Board voted June 6 to suspend enrollment at Summit for the 2018 – 2019 school year. Just one month earlier, the Board voted to move OUSD sixth graders to Matilija Junior High School at the start of the 2019 – 2020 school year.
The day before graduation, Summit Principal Marilyn Smith led the school’s 38 students on a celebratory hike on Sisar Road.
Summit parents have begun investigating the prospect of transforming the Upper Ojai elementary school into a charter school, according to Summit parent Thea Wilcox, whose three children will attend Monica Ros School in the fall.
Weekend events draw thousands to the valley
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 14 June 2018 11:52
Ojai Valley News photo by Tim Dewar
With a disappearing Lake Casitas in the background, Ojai Wine Festival attendees make their way to the event June 10.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Ojai Music Festival CEO and president Jamie Bennett breaks it down by the numbers:
Thirty-five events over four days.
More than 100 musicians (one piece required eight trombonists).
Three-hundred volunteers, 300 donors and 60 families providing lodging for the players and technicians.
Apart from some hot weather, Bennett said the 72nd annual festival, held June 7 through June 10 in Libbey Bowl, went off without a hitch.
“It was highly successful. I couldn't be more pleased,” he said.
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Latest sports
Villanova Prep athletes enjoy the fruits of their labor
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
Villanova Prep star Luke Peterson explodes off the starting blocks in a swim meet earlier this year.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Villanova Preparatory School (VPS) athletics had plenty to celebrate this spring as several were recognized for their standout performances.
In baseball, the Wildcats went 4-10 on the season but senior Raegan Mang wrapped up his stellar athletic career by earning first-team All-Frontier League honors. Mang will look to continue his football career next fall when he enrolls at Moorpark College.
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Raegan Mang, avoids a defender during action last fall.
Register to Read MoreHoop crews raise money to fight cancer
Photo submitted
Team Two and Half Men, comprised of (from left) Finn Matte, Robert Stratton and Spencer Yates, celebrate their second-place finish in the first Hoops for Hope basketball tournament.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Sixteen three-on-three basketball teams took part in the Hoops for Hope tournament June 16 to help Ojai residents battling cancer. The event was organized by Robert Stratton and sponsored by Ojai CARES.
The tournament raised $3,300 this year and Stratton hopes to make it an annual event.
“At 18 years old, I can’t change the world, but I do hope that I can help change somebody’s world,” Stratton explained. “We will be back and
NHS alums return for golf
In early June, the Nordhoff High School (NHS) golf team hosted the 28th annual George Mataisz Memorial Golf Tournament at the Soule Park Golf Course.
The Mataisz Memorial serves as the school’s main fundraiser for the golf program and brings several NHS alumni together to support Ranger golf.
This year’s winning team was a group of 1990’s alumni comprised of Jacob Lusk (72), Shawn Andrews (74), Ryan Blatz (74), Mark Sebek (77) and Troy York (78). The best foursome gross score was turned in by the team of Kenny Wiksell, Blatz, York and James Casey. The foursome finished their day at 8 under par.
Defending champions making a move in Sundowner
James Casey, Ojai Valley News contributor
The second half of the Sundowner season kicked off June 19 with defending champs Weapons of Grass Destruction posting a league-high 63 points on the day.
The Weapons had a rough start to their season and had fallen to 15th place out of the 16 teams in the league.
Nate Cooper led their charge back to the top with a gross-40 for 22 points. Cooper scored the most points of any player in the league last year but has struggled mightily this season. The Weapons are hopeful that he has found his form once again.
Alfonso Pacheco and Ryan Blatz rounded out the scoring for the team with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Blatz birdied his final hole to help his team take the early lead in the second-half standings.
Brooks earns golf MVP honors
After a competitive spring season, the Nordhoff High School boys’ golf team announced its 2018 team awards.
This year’s Most Valuable Player Award went to Jesse Brooks. Brooks also earned All-Frontier League first-team honors this spring.
Harrison Price was awarded the Dick Coburn Memorial Award.
The Jim Coultas Memorial Award, for the team’s most improved player, went to Mason Moen.
Also earning All-Frontier League honors for the Rangers was Cade Sauer, who was named to the second team.
Springing back: Wiggins happy with results, optimistic of a strong season
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff High School head football coach Lance Wiggins (center) talks to his team during a recent spring training session.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Nordhoff High School (NHS) football program recently wrapped up its spring activities with the annual Blue and Gold spring scrimmage.
NHS head coach Lance Wiggins was beyond thrilled with his team’s effort on the field.
“It was by far the best spring game I’ve ever had. I thought our kids played well and the fans really got into it,” he said.
The Rangers scrimmaged without pads for four 15-minute quarters and showed off what they have been working on this spring.
Sundowners hit halfway point
James Casey, Ojai Valley News contributor
The Characters were able to hang on to the top spot after June 12 play and win the first half of the Sundowner Golf League season. They sprinted to the finish line with a 60-point output that allowed them to win the first half by a 13-point margin.
League veteran Steve Rapholz led the way with 42 strokes for 22 points. Rapholz has the highest average of any player on the team with 19.1 points per round.
He was supported by the play of Victor Logan and Craig Oswald.
Logan has returned to his old form and has seen two shots drop off his handicap this season.
Oswald switched teams over the off-season and has quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. Both players scored 19 points on the day.
Weil Tennis graduates 14
Photo by Jill Cox
The Weil Tennis Academy graduated 14 seniors in May including (from left) Joseph Schwarcz (Occidental College), Odissey Kavak (Philadelphia University), Adrian Zhang (University of Rochester), Nicholas Potter (Colgate University), Bass Lin (Emerson College), Alexander Fedor (Washington & Lee University), Rafael Premisleaner (Babson College), Henry McNeal (University of Redlands), Shotaro Iida (University of San Francisco) Noah Williamson (Skidmore College), Nicole Li (Fordham University), Aranza Alvarez (Seattle University), Lauren Anderson (San Diego State University) and Sydney Byrnes (Bates College). According to school officials, all will go on to play college tennis at four-year universities.
van Houten sweeps youth tennis events
Photo submitted
Sweden van Houten follows through on a shot in recent competition.
Ojai’s Sweden van Houten recently competed in two Ventura County tennis tournaments. She played in the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association's Pierpont Racquet Club Girls’ 12 and Under Open June 2. After sweeping her matches in the initial round robin, she defeated Kira Branson, 6-0, in the final to win the title.
Several Nordhoff student-athletes rack up spring all-league honors
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Honorable mention honoree Will Wiggins (center) blocks a ball at the plate earlier this season.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports reporter
A number of Nordhoff High School (NHS) student-athletes recently learned they had earned all-league honors this spring.
On the baseball diamond, the Rangers had a rough season after going 1-21, but three players earned postseason honorable-mention honors from the Tri-Valley League.
Freshman Philip Heldwein and sophomores Will Wiggins and Matt Rosen were recognized for their play this season.
NHS fans hope the young players — who gained valuable experience this spring — will help turn around the program’s fortunes in the future.
New team sits atop Sundowner golf standings
James Casey, Ojai Valley News contributor
The Characters rode the strong play of Chris Williams to the top spot in the Sundowner Golf League June 5.
There is only one week remaining until the first half of the season concludes and teams are starting to round into form with payouts to the top three teams looming after next week's round.
Williams fired a personal-best round of a gross 38 for a 25-point week. The 25-point performance was the best score by any player this week and was only one point off the season high.
Williams birdied two of his final three holes to finish with a bang. "My short game was on fire and my approach shots were hitting the green,” said Williams.
NHS wrestling hosting dinner event
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
The Nordhoff High School (NHS) wrestling program has produced great results on the mat and as the program continues to grow, so does its financial commitment. NHS wrestling will host its first Italian dinner fundraiser June 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Ojai at 930 Grand Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for those 10 and younger. The event also caters to those who would prefer the take-out option. There will also be a silent auction as part of the fundraising efforts. For more information, contact NHS wrestling coach Paul Clementi at (805) 340-9563.
Nine Rangers earn honors
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Frontier League Pitcher of the Year Sidney Wimpee fires a pitch to the plate in this year’s playoff game.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
After a season that saw them finish second in the Frontier League, the Nordhoff High School (NHS) softball team had nine players earn all-league honors.
The Lady Rangers finished their season with a 10-12-1 record and qualified for the CIF Southern Section playoffs but were eliminated in the first round.
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff junior Angela Zirpolo, who was recently named to the All-Frontier League, makes a play at first base earlier this season.
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