How to resolve AdBlock issue? News
Tune in to Ojai Music Fest virtual concerts Tuesdays and every day
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 18:33
Ojai Music Festival presents “Tune in Tuesday” each Tuesday at 6 p.m., featuring performances from its archives.
To view the concert, visit:
and click on the “Tune in Tuesday” Virtual Concert Series icon.
Each week’s concerts will remain online in an archive for people to listen to any day of the week.
Each broadcast will feature a complete concert program complemented by
program notes by Christopher Hailey.
The April 7 concert will be from the 73rd Ojai Music Festival, featuring:
— Rachmaninoff: “The Isle of the Dead,” arranged by Thomas Beijer, and
— Mark-Anthony Turnage: “Twice Through the Heart,” with Kate Howden, mezzo soprano, and Edo Frenkel, conductor.
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-8205469895266733"
data-ad-slot="7963878365">
Links to official Ventura County and state COVID-19 information websites and Facebook pages in English and Spanish
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 17:41
— To view the Ventura County Public Health information sites and view daily county government video updates on its coronavirus update, visit:
— To View Ventura County Public Health Facebook page — Ventura County Coronavirus News Group Official, visit:
— To view Ventura County Public Health Spanish-language Facebook page —
Informacion del coronavirus en espanol
Grupo Informativo de Coronavirus del Condado de Ventura – OFICIAL, visit:
Winter weather conditions in mountains above Ojai
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 16:55
File photo by Bob Kilpatrick, Caltrans
The National Weather Service says a winter storm warning for the mountains of Ventura County remains in effect until 5 a.m. on Thursday.
“Snow levels will generally range between 4,500 and 5,000 feet through Wednesday morning, then rise to between 5,500 and 6,500 feet Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning,” NWS advised.
April 7: 243 COVID-19 cases in Ventura County; 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 COVID-19 deaths in Ventura County
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 16:35
April 7: State officials announce latest COVID-19 facts —15,865 confirmed cases and 374 deaths
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 16:00
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health on April 7 announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 15,865 confirmed cases and 374 deaths. As of April 6, local health departments have reported 269 confirmed positive cases in health care workers. For more information on COVID-19 and California's response visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Ventura County district attorney alerts community to April 3 executive order against price gouging
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 15:11
Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten alerted county residents on April 7 to the April 3 Executive Order by Gov. Gavin Newsom against price gouging. Pursuant to Executive Order N-44-20, retailers may not charge a price that is 10% greater than the price that they charged on Feb. 4 for food, consumer goods, medical supplies, emergency supplies, or any other materials previously designated by the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services as scarce materials or threatened materials pursuant to section 102 of the Defense Production Act, 50 U.S.C. § 4512.
On April 7 at about 2:30 p.m., the White House Coronavirus Task Force's press briefing
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 14:55
On April 7 at about 2:30 p.m., the White House Coronavirus Task Force held its press briefing that can be viewed at:
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-8205469895266733"
data-ad-slot="7963878365">
Tuesday, April 7: Ventura County government gives COVID-19 press briefing
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 13:16
Ventura County government officials discuss preparation for surge on Tuesday, April 7, at 1 p.m.
The meetings are recorded daily at 1 p.m. and can be accessed for viewing at www.vcemergency.com.
Sheriff and Dr. John Fankhauser speaking:
https://www.facebook.com/CountyOfVentura/videos/239931363869559/
Read more: Tuesday, April 7: Ventura County government gives COVID-19 press briefing
April 6: 226 Ventura County COVID-19 cases; 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 total deaths in the county
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 11:48
On Monday, April 6, Ventura County Public Health reported the COVID-19 cases in Ventura County up to April 6 and an answer to the "Question of the Day":
— 5 new cases from April 5
— 226 total cases
— 64 recovered cases
— 45 ever hospitalized, of the 45, 36 had pre-existing conditions, 6 with no pre-existing conditions and 3 pending investigation
— 15 have been in the ICU
April 7: Ventura County Board of Supervisors weekly update on county government response to COVID-19
- Details
- Published: Tuesday, 07 April 2020 11:40
Ventura County Board of Supervisors recorded its weekly meeting on county government response to COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 7:
https://ventura.granicus.com/player/clip/5409?view_id=67
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-8205469895266733"
data-ad-slot="7963878365">
California Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to hold COVID-19 Teleconference town hall April 8 at 5:30 p.m.: support for older adults, their families, and caregivers
- Details
- Published: Monday, 06 April 2020 15:55
California Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson will hold a COVID-19 teleconference town hall for older adults, their families and caregivers on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. She wrote in an email the following:
"Dear friend,
California's aging population has been hit especially hard by COVID-19. On top of the health implications, older adults sheltering in place are at risk of social isolation, may have difficulty accessing medications, or need help with necessities like groceries. I want you to know that there are resources in our community to assist older adults and their loved ones during this challenging time.
Is your business getting assistance?
- Details
- Published: Monday, 06 April 2020 13:31
Dear Ojai Valley Community,
The Ojai Valley News is actively searching for stories of local businesses that have applied for loans through the CARES Act.
Timing can make all the difference for survival for businesses trying to obtain the Paycheck Protection Program and SBA loans. We want to hear today about your business's status. Which bank do you use. Is it bank participating? Have you been denied? For what reason?
The OVN is here to help advocate for our community. We want to hear your stories – good and bad – right away to make a difference.
Contact reporter Austin Widger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., publisher Laura Rearwin Ward at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call the OVN office at 805-646-1476.
Sing along with BRAVO! musician Laura Walter: OUSD posts fun teacher and school links to stay in touch with school
- Details
- Published: Monday, 06 April 2020 10:56
Children love singing with Laura Walter, an Education Through Music teacher.
The Ojai BRAVO! program partners with Ojai Unified School District to provide music with critical thinking games to teach the fundamentals of pitch and rhythm to students up to third grade (though children of all ages will enjoy singing with this talented teacher).
Ms. Walter shares music education with her students online through engaging video lessons.
Tune in at:
April 5: total of 221 positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County, 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 deaths countywide
- Details
- Published: Sunday, 05 April 2020 12:03
Ventura County Public Health reported the latest COVID-19 statistics in Ventura County as of April 5:— 18 new cases since April 4
— 221 total cases
— 62 recovered cases
— 153 under home quarantine
— 6 deaths
Thank a Ventura County healthcare provider on Community Memorial Health System website
- Details
- Published: Saturday, 04 April 2020 23:31
Linda Harmon of Ojai is the first one to download a video of thanks to all the wonderful healthcare providers in our community. Community Memorial Health System has a website for people to download their video messages of thanks and gratitude:
https://www.cmhshealth.org/community-video-submission/
To view the posted videos, including Ms. Harmon's, visit:
https://www.cmhshealth.org/community-video-gallery/
Dr. Jim Halverson COLUMN on April 3 OPINION page: 'Things we won’t ever take for granted again'
- Details
- Published: Saturday, 04 April 2020 23:01
By Dr. Jim HalversonAs we start the third week since Ventura County’s Stay Well at Home Order of March 20, how are we doing as a valley in our effort to limit COVID-19?
The current numbers are encouraging. As of April 4, there have been five cases in valley residents and no deaths. The threat to our valley is, however, much greater than it was a week ago. The number of infections in surrounding communities is increasing significantly. Many of our valley's essential workers are employed in those communities and some of us continue to go there for essential services.
Cases in Community Memorial Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center are steadily climbing. Here are three suggestions to keep the impact of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus as low as possible.
April 4: 203 COVID-19 cases in Ventura County; 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 VC deaths
- Details
- Published: Saturday, 04 April 2020 13:56
On April 4, Ventura County Public Health reported the latest COVID-19 cases:— 14 new cases
— 203 total cases
— 60 recovered cases
— 137 under home quarantine
Read more: April 4: 203 COVID-19 cases in Ventura County; 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 VC deaths
Ojai teachers and staff held a parade Friday to wave to the students they miss
- Details
- Published: Saturday, 04 April 2020 13:43
View the Ojai Unified School District Facebook page video of its Friday teacher and staff parade around the Ojai Valley at:
https://www.facebook.com/ojaiusd.org/videos/2261581184150683/
Photographer Holly Roberts was also along the parade route taking photos for the Ojai Valley News, pictured below and to the right.
Photos by Holly Roberts
Ojai Unified School District staff drove through Ojai neighborhoods April 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Nordhoff High School to wave at their students who they miss.
In a flier, they said: "Please feel free to make signs to hold up for ALL to see!!"
Ways to make your own face mask since health officials are giving new advice to wear them in public
- Details
- Published: Saturday, 04 April 2020 11:32
Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin said he supports residents who wish to cover their nose and mouth when leaving home for essential travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits.
He said that the face coverings should not be hospital grade at this time because there is a shortage and our health professionals need them. Masks should be homemade and cover the nose and mouth.
There are numerous sites online which demonstrate or give patterns for how to make fabric masks. The Camarillo Sewing Brigade provides video instruction at the following link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17AJmbNnQJouKmpH4UgW-4AJXecKII2Yh/view
Additional instruction at the following link: https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nurse-by-a-Nurse/
April 3: 189 positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County; 4 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 deaths
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 18:03
Ventura County Public Health provided the latest COVID-19 numbers for Ventura County as of April 3 and provided answers to the "questions of the day," in addition to a link to a video message from Ventura County government officials:
Questions of the Day:
Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin: 'We are facing a tsunami of cases'
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 16:30
Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin made a report at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 31, warning that as many as 1,000 Ventura County residents could die from COVID-19.
He said it will take three to seven weeks before COVID-19 peaks in Ventura County.
Read more: Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin: 'We are facing a tsunami of cases'
April 3: Ojai Police Chief Jose Rivera and Ojai City Manager James Vega give local COVID-19 update
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 14:55
Ojai Police Chief Jose Rivera and Ojai City Manager James Vega gave an update on Friday, April 3, on local measures regarding COVID-19:
To view the city's website with this information and more from previous press releases and updates, visit:
http://ojaicity.org/covid-19-information/
To view the videotaped message from Chief Rivera and City Manager Vega, visit:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Rain and snow expected Sunday and Monday
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 12:35
Ojai Valley News file photo by Perry Van Houten
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
Southern California is in store for a good soaking to start next week, from a cold Pacific storm more appropriate for February than April.
The storm, enhanced by a decent amount of subtropical moisture, is expected to bring rain to Ventura County starting Sunday afternoon, with peak rainfall occurring Sunday night and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Hikers reminded to hike safely so OVLC trails remain open
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 12:02
Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten
The parking lot at OVLC’s Riverview Trailhead was nearly full Thursday afternoon.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
If this weekend is anything like the past two weekends, trails around the Ojai Valley will be overflowing with people out enjoying nature.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Brendan Taylor, stewardship director with Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.
April 3: Nordhoff High students asked to register for next year's classes; registration includes an appeal option to add a course to reduced schedule for 2020-21
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 11:26
April 3: Ojai Unified School District students implement 'distance learning' plan
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 11:05
Ojai Unified School District has rolled out its three-phase distance learning plan and is in Phase 2 through April 19.
It can be viewed at:
Read more: April 3: Ojai Unified School District students implement 'distance learning' plan
Ojai Certified Farmers' Market shuts its stands for Sunday, April 5
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:58
Photo by Paul Bergmann
Patrons fill the Ojai Certified Farmers Market on March 29.
The Ojai Certified Farmers Market will be closed Sunday, April 5.
This decision by the city of Ojai officials was not made lightly, Ojai Certified Farmers Market Manager Cynthia Korman said.
Educators face learning curve
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:48
Photo courtesy Villanova Prep
Villanova Preparatory School freshman and Ojai native Rhys Anderson takes advantage of a beautiful Ojai day for some outside distance learning.
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
As schools across Ventura County closed due to the novel coronavirus, Villanova Preparatory School, The Thacher School and Ojai Valley School jumped into online learning.
OUSD schools stay shut
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:29
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
During a special videoconference board meeting Wednesday, Ojai Unified School District board members voted that students will not return to their campuses through the end of the school year. The board approved the measure 4-1, with Board Vice President Jane Weil dissenting because she felt the district could have waited a couple more weeks to make the decision.
However, distance learning will continue.
Restaurants keep food on the table
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:26
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
Restaurants restricted to take-out and delivery since the coronavirus outbreak are fighting to stay open, while their operators are forced to make some tough decisions.
Rob Tucker, owner of Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill in Ojai, says he's doing about half the business he used to, but he feels the eatery on West Ojai Avenue has had an easier transition than some, because he's always offered take-out food.
Ojai man arrested on suspicion of intoxication after solo crash
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:20
Ojai Valley News photos by Perry Van Houten
A pickup truck collided with a garage in Meiners Oaks after going off Highway 33.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
An Ojai man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after he crashed into the garage of a Meiners Oaks residence March 27.
Evictions due to COVID-19 on hold throughout county
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:15
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
County supervisors on Tuesday adopted a moratorium on evictions in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.
The urgency ordinance, approved unanimously during a special meeting of the board, will temporarily prohibit or suspend residential and commercial evictions in the unincorporated areas for nonpayment of rent based on substantial financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more: Evictions due to COVID-19 on hold throughout county
Upper Ojai Relief delivers for those in need
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:10
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Upper Ojai Relief is back at it again. The nonprofit that assisted people during the Thomas Fire, Montecito mudslides and Woolsey Fire is tackling a new crisis: COVID-19.
Founder and Upper Ojai resident Trevor Quirk has set up a door-to-door delivery service for those most vulnerable: the elderly, immunocompromised, immobile, or in self-quarantine. The service provides medicine, groceries, emergency supplies, child and pet care items.
Grocery stores makes sure customers keep their distance
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 10:02
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
As the local restrictions and social distancing regulations in response to COVID-19 continue to evolve, local grocery stores are adapting to aid the public.
At the two Westridge Market locations in Ojai, General Manager Jim Patterson detailed the measures put in place to protect customers and employees alike from the spread of COVID-19.
Read more: Grocery stores makes sure customers keep their distance
Ojai Valley Woman's Club continues tradition of service
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 09:58
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
Since the coronavirus outbreak, many Ojai Valley Woman’s Club members have been staying in their homes.
But they haven’t been idle.
Beware of COVID-19 scams
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 09:55
Ventura County prosecutors say to be on the lookout for scammers using the coronavirus outbreak to rip you off.
Law enforcement agencies in Ventura County and nationwide are seeing an increase in scams related to the pandemic, according to a March 31 news release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The C.R.E.W. readies for fire season
- Details
- Published: Friday, 03 April 2020 09:51
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
As the coronavirus crisis worsened last month, a local nonprofit employment and leadership program debated if it could continue its work, and decided the answer was "yes."
Ojai-based Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers (The C.R.E.W.) does environmental work in the Ojai Valley and across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, while providing jobs for young people.
April 2: 177 positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County, 3 in Ojai, 1 in Oak View; 6 people have died
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 19:09
Ventura County Public Health released the latest COVID-19 cases for Ventura County on the evening of April 2.
They are included here and in the accompanying graphs:
— 17 new cases
— 177 total cases
— 36 recovered cases
— 40 hospitalized
April 1: Ventura County officials, including county Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin, share videotaped messaged about COVID-19 issues locally
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 18:55
To view the videotaped messages by Ventura County officials regarding COVID-19, on April 1, visit:
Police blotter as of April 1, 2020
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 12:19
Crimes
• Arson was reported in the 00 block of Valley Road March 26.
• Battery was reported in the 400 block of North Ventura Avenue March 26.
• Theft from an elder and identity theft were reported in the 500 block of Del Oro Drive March 26.
April 2: U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides list of business resources for coping with COVID-19
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 07:41
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released new
guides as of April 2 for businesses of all sizes to secure relief under the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.]
Informative links are listed below:
April 1: Ojai Unified School District Board of Governors holds meeting via videoconference
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 01:12
The Ojai Unified School District Board of Governors met via videoconference for its April 1 meeting.
To view the agenda and see the links to view the meeting, visit:
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/637191/April_1__2020_Agenda.pdf
View the meeting via district YoutubeVideo:
OR
View the meeting via District Facebook at:
April 1: Congresswoman Brownley provides COVID-19 Resource Guide to services
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 00:46
Dear Friend,
The public health emergency that we face today is one of the greatest challenges our nation has ever faced.
Last week, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/C-3%20summary_V1.2-updated.pdf which is the third package aimed at addressing this crisis. Previously, Congress passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act — https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Coronavirus%20Supp%20Summary%203.4.20.pdf — and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act — https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/Families%20First%20Summary%20FINAL.pdf. Together, these laws dramatically expand critical financial lifelines for families, establish new benefits and protections for workers, create new tools for small businesses to meet payroll and other expenses, and provide relief for students and schools.
Read more: April 1: Congresswoman Brownley provides COVID-19 Resource Guide to services
April 1: Ojai and other county public schools to keep campuses closed through end of school year; meals and distance learning continue
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 02 April 2020 00:11
Following the state Superintendent of Public Instruction and Gov. Gavin Newsom's recommendation that California schools not have students return to their campuses before the school year ends, Ojai Unified School District Superintendent Tiffany Morse sent the following message via email and text on Wednesday, April 1:
"Dear OUSD families and staff,
April 1: 160 positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County — 2 in Ojai and 1 in Oak View
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 01 April 2020 23:55
Ventura County Public Health reports 160 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Ventura County as of Wednesday, March 1.
Review the graphs to see the cities and ages of those tested positive out of 2,987 tests given.
Here are the numbers:
— 11 new cases
— 160 total cases
— 31 recovered cases
— 34 people have ever been hospitalized from COVID-19
— 124 active cases under quarantine
— 5 deaths
Test count for April 1 will be included April 2. As of March 31, there were 2,987 people tested.
Supporting Local Businesses: The county of Ventura appreciates all that our local businesses are doing to comply to the Public Health Order. If you know of a business that has had to close and needs assistance please visit www.vcemergency.com/business .
Do you have questions about COVID-19 compliance at local businesses? Do you have a business with questions about whether or not they are considered essential? Please call the Covid Compliance hotline at 805-202-1805 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Read the modified Stay Well At Home Order at: https://vcportal.ventura.org/covid19/docs/March_31_2020_Order.pdf.
Read more: April 1: 160 positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County — 2 in Ojai and 1 in Oak View