June 8, 2005

Saving Ojai
Panel seeks consensus on preserving Ojai’s special nature

By Nao Braverman, Ojai Valley News

Imagine the quaint neighborhoods of Ojai replaced with strip malls and industrial parks, and the streets clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Some people already see it that way, though compared to neighboring cities such as Thousand Oaks or Camarillo, most would agree that the city has managed to preserve its natural beauty and sense of community.

The question some residents are asking is, "Can we keep it that way?"

On Sunday about 100 Ojai residents, including Mayor Rae Hanstad, gathered at The Ojai Retreat and Cultural Center to attend a panel discussion on the creating a sustainable future for the Ojai Valley.

"When I first came to Ojai in 1968 there was not one street light," said Elaine Needham, a board member of The Ojai Retreat who organized the event with Earl Bates and Ulrich Brugger, the executive director of The Ojai Retreat. “I think that we’re at a crossroads where the environment is going to precipitously decline unless we make some smart decisions.”

The panel was composed of eight people: Russ Baggerly, board member of Casitas Municipal Water District; Steve Bennett, Ventura County Supervisor; Caryn Bosson, executive director of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation; John Broesamle, board member of the Ojai Land Conservancy; Dale Hanson, Ojai Citizen of the Year for 2004; Mike Krumpschmidt, board member of Citizens to Preserve the Ojai; Carl Thelander, president of BioResource Consultants; and Richard Handley, preserve manager for the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.

They took turns answering the question, “How can Ojai’s economic and cultural growth be sustained while maintaining the special nature of the valley and its environmental resources we all depend on?”

Thelander responded, “If the question is how can we be sustainable, we have to start by defining what we want to sustain.”

Panelists were concerned with maintaining Ojai’s quality life, guarding against overdevelopment, and preserving the natural environment and community atmosphere.

Bosson cited the importance of education in maintaining the quality of life in a community. Youth who were educated about their environment and the place they live would be more inclined to take care of it, she said. Bosson also noted the benefits of creating and developing volunteer opportunities for Ojai’s youth. “ If all the young people had the opportunity to become community service volunteers, it could be transformative,” she said.

Hanson spoke about on maintaining a sense of community and supporting local businesses. “The connectedness we have here is really important,“ she said.

Krumpschmidt pointed out that each resident could help decrease traffic and pollution: “I bet almost everyone of us drove here tonight,” he said. “We all have vehicles that are not in the best interest of the community.” Krumpschmidt urged residents to make an effort to walk and ride bikes as often as possible. “ We have to live the way we think is necessary to maintain the natural environment,” he said. “ We all have to be involved.” Members of the audience brought up some interesting points.

Ojai resident Eric Harrington suggested some ways to make Ojai more sustainable. “In planning in this community we have to understand that everything is going to change because of the increasing prices in fossel fuels,” he said. “We need to prepare for change. One of the ways we can make this happen is growing our own food in our community so that food doesn’t need to be trucked in.”

Angela Armstrong was concerned about the increasing development and Linda Taylor brought up the proposals for developing the Bryant Street area.

Wrapping up the discussion, panel members reminded residents of the importance of involving themselves in the community. “Changes have been made at the council meetings while we are at home watching television,” Baggerly said. “If we want to have a say we need to make our voices heard.” A follow-up event is being planned to continue the discussion. Those interested in attending should contact Diva Gatica at 646-1131.

June, 2005

The Road Ends in Ojai
by Donna Strong, Vision Magazine

Beleaguered from the daily demands and the over stimulating trek across Route 101 in LA, I finally reached my destination spot in Ojai. Winding up the hill on Besant road, my senses began to stir from the light flickering through the trees lining my path. I was about to enter the grounds of the Ojai Retreat and Cultural Center, affectionately known as ‘the Retreat.’ At last I reached the end of the road. As I made it to the top of the hill, I knew I had crossed the threshold into an extraordinary place. Sighing with relief, I now had four days to rest, write, and rejuvenate.

Wednesday evening
Sitting on the deck overlooking the valley, I am called into present time by a hummingbird that pauses, taking a whiff of the rose oil in my exotic chocolate bar on the banister before it whizzes away. I sip tea and drink in its sensory delights. Waves of evening wind begin. I watch the tree branches sway in the breeze.

Wednesday night
The crickets inhabiting the hillside begin their call and response, pulsing like the heartbeat of the earth. Their circadian sounds rise to a crescendo as the light falls into the starry night. Here, in the “Valley of the Moon” as Ojai is known from the native Chumash word, A'hwai,’ the new moon twinkles, a silver crescent in the inky blue sky. I realize the most precious of luxuries, the feeling of being in the right place. The land feels immense and strong and inviting. For a while I sit on the deck and enjoy the night’s unfurling, curled into my wool wrap.

Inside at last, I soak in a luscious tub of steamy water, filled with scented aromatic oils. Surrendering to the elements, I feel myself letting go of what the Taoists call the ten thousand things. The currents are gusty; the rustling leaves of the California oaks sounds like a rushing waterfall. I drop into a cocoon of sleep in my sweet cottage room, known as the Balcony.

Thursday morning
Bird sounds herald the dawning of a new day. Lying in bed, the coverlet is a cool morning blue, providing a pristine airy feel that is crisp and clear in this cottage space. Overhead, the sky is an expansive cerulean color as I walk the path to pick up morning tea in the big house. Listening, I hear chits, chirps, and the caws of the crows, thrashers, towhees and orioles that reside on the rustic slope.

Thursday
I tap back into a childlike sense of flowing delight. I breathe with ease, accepting this state of buoyant harmony. A few moments of pleasurable sensory expansion registers as hours on the clock. No matter, all is well. Between lines of writing, I watch dancing butterflies wing by.

Sunday a.m.
After a few days of being infused in the sights and sounds of nature, I feel restored. Ojai has a mellow hometown feel, with abundant bucolic beauty. Yet it is also a bubbling hub for creatives and travelers–both tourists and spiritual pilgrims. There is subtle spiritual energy in this mountain mecca that is a beacon to people from around the globe. It calls people to explore and be catalyzed by the special quality that is palpable in this place.

The Retreat is a mirror of the best of Ojai, offering a place of beauty and expansive serenity for both leisurely relaxation and spiritual reflection. Being here, I have reconnected with a rich inner sense of peace that is resilient. Aligning with my intention to live in a calmly spirited manner, I am inspired by the words of Indira Gandhi. I am learning “to be still in the midst of activity and be vibrantly alive in repose.”

The canopy of trees brings a comforting sense of enclosure from my balcony room with a view. Nestled into the hillside, the deck offers glorious glimpses of the Topa Topa mountains draped in velvety green growth. This sojourner has found the end of the road and from here, it feels like being on top of the world.

The Ojai Retreat and Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization providing individual and group retreats. It hosts cultural and spiritual programs as well as community events. The Ojai Retreat has 12 bedrooms, a large public living area and rustic gardens on a 5-acre hilltop. Go to www.ojairetreat.com.