News from around the Ojai Valley
Oak View man arrested June 12 on suspicion of negligently discharging a firearm
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- Published: Saturday, 15 June 2019 17:27
Photo by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Nineteen firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition were confiscated by Ojai police on June 12 from an Oak View resident after he was arrested on suspicion of negligently discharging a firearm.
A report of a person shooting a firearm in an Oak View residence May 28 led to the June 12 arrest of Oak View resident Steven Dobbins, 59, and confiscation of 19 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition from him, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department stated in a press release June 14.
On June 12, Ojai Police Department detectives located and arrested Dobbins on suspicion of negligently discharging a firearm and served him with a gun violence restraining order, which prohibited him from possessing firearms until a scheduled court hearing, according to a press release from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Based on the gun violence restraining order, detectives confiscated 19 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition from Dobbins, the press release stated.
Matilija Junior High Eagles ready to soar
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:48
Ojai Valley News photo by Austin Widger
Matilija Junior High School teachers form a tunnel for the promoted students to go through as they cross over to high school. From left, Ida Tully-Giles, Sophie Vanderwyk and Caitlin Roddick celebrate their achievement as they emerge from the tunnel.
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
On a warm June 12 evening, the Matilija Junior High School eighth-grade class of 2019 promoted to high school at the Nordhoff High School stadium.
Cannabis taxes headed for ballot
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:45
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
In hopes of increasing revenue for the city, the Ojai City Council adopted a resolution setting cannabis tax rates and licensing fees for a 2020 election ballot measure.
The motion was made by Councilman Ryan Blatz and approved 4 to 1. Councilman Randy Haney was the lone no vote.
Santa Ana Bridge expansion will help with dam removal
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:44
Photo courtesy VCPWA
The Santa Ana Bridge in Oak View.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
The effort to remove the obsolete Matilija Dam got one step closer last month, with the award of a $13.4 million grant to replace the Santa Ana Bridge in Oak View.
Sanitary District takes up rate hike June 17
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:40
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Customers of Ojai Valley Sanitary District can comment on the district’s plans to raise charges for sewer service, at a public hearing scheduled next week.
Culvert repair slows traffic on Dennison Grade
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:39
Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten
Caltrans is replacing this culvert beneath Highway 150 at the Dennison Grade.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Drivers using Highway 150 between Ojai and Santa Paula should plan on brief delays over the next few months, due to a California Department of Transportation construction project.
Attorney general opposes fracking plan
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:36
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
California’s top prosecutor is denouncing a Trump administration plan to open more than 1 million acres in Central California to oil and gas drilling, including hydraulic fracturing.
Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center changes name
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:35
Photo courtesy of Two Fish Digital
Board and staff of Secure Beginnings at the launch party last month are Ellen Nightengale, Renee Mandala, Liz Fish, Jessica Mendiola, Lindsey Yeager, Lizzy Chouinard, Serena Handley, Olympia Ammon, Terra Solecki, Gina Gerard, Lisa Griffiths, Tami Winbury, and in the front row, Mabel, a graduate of the program.
Secure Beginnings is the new name of the local nonprofit Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center. Along with the name change is a new logo, website and social media pages.
Besant Hill holds 71st graduation
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:22
Photo courtesy Besant Hill School
The Besant Hill School Class of 2019.
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Besant Hill School of Happy Valley held its 71st commencement ceremony on the morning of June 1.
Chaparral High School, Adult Education graduates
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:17
Chaparral High School held its 2019 graduation ceremony June 12 at 5 p.m. The following students graduated: David Arzate, Nevaeh Avalos, Tylor Blake, Christopher Buley, Adam Erhardt, Shanna Gherardi, Miguel Gonzales, Jacob Kauer, Morgan Maier, Delaney Marrs, Aiden Nino de Rivera, Kayley Perdue, Julien Purkerson, Morgan Robertson, Hunter Rodriguez, Noah Rowe, Alicia Vasquez, Travina Williams and Drake Young.
Ojai Valley School graduates multitalented senior class
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:16
Photo by Misty Hall
Ojai Valley School graduated 30 seniors from eight countries who are headed to colleges around the world.
Tracy Wilson, Special to the Ojai Valley News
Ojai Valley School just graduated 30 seniors speaking 14 languages from eight countries who are now headed to top universities around the world.
OUSD board chooses district map for 2020 election
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:13
The Ojai Unified School District board chose this map at its June 6 meeting to delineate new voting districts for the 2020 school board election.
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
At its June 6 meeting, the Ojai Unified School District board held its final public hearing regarding the election-by-trustee area maps, and approved the Scenario 2 map.
Committee recommends charter school and one-year lease to Rock Tree Sky for Summit
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- Published: Friday, 14 June 2019 08:09
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
At its June 6 meeting, the Ojai Unified School District Board accepted the Summit School 7-11 Committee report that contained two of the three recommendations the committee voted on at its May 9 meeting.
Police blotter as of June 12, 2019
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- Published: Thursday, 13 June 2019 11:50
Crimes
• Graffiti vandalism was reported in the 200 block of East Ojai Avenue May 14.
• Burglary was reported in the 900 block of Fairview Road June 4.
• Battery was reported in the 11100 block of North Ventura Avenue June 4.
• Graffiti vandalism was reported in the 300 block of Vallerio Avenue June 4.
• Grand theft and vehicle theft were reported in the 1200 block of Meyer Road June 5.
Peace declared in Ojai again
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- Published: Wednesday, 12 June 2019 09:56
Ojai Valley News photo by Perry Van Houten
Ojai Mayor Johnny Johnston (in white hat) cuts the ribbon June 11 on a sign declaring Ojai an International City of Peace and nuclear-free zone. Joining Johnston are (left to right) Dr. Robert Dodge, Brian Berman and Lisa Berman. The sign, on Maricopa Highway near the Ojai Meadows Preserve, is one of four installed at the entrances to the city.
