2010 May at Ojai Valley News Blog

Projected revenues down $650K, city manager
calls economy worst since the Great Depression

By Misy Volaski

Once again, Tuesday night’s Ojai City Council meeting focused on trimming back spending and getting the budget in order.

City manager Jere Kersnar presented his 2010-2011 proposed budget, as well as the final revised 2009-2010 budget. Details were passed out to council members, but no decisions will be made at least until June 8 and 15, when the council will host meetings to discuss the budget and accept comments from residents. A final budget is scheduled to be adopted on June 22, but by law can come in as late as June 30.

Kersnar said before his presentation of the proposed budget, “This is the worst economy since the Great Depression; a 20 percent decline in two years in our general fund. We are going to show a deficit, but it can be characterized as a planned deficit.”

However, despite some gloomy expectations, Kersnar and his staff were able to bring the budget down to a $116, 780 deficit by making “cautious and conservative” estimates.

Sales tax is down 11.6 percent from this year, Kersnar explained, while the transient occupancy tax, or “bed tax,” dropped 23.6 percent. “That’s about $500,000 short on the hotel tax and $150,000 short in sales tax,” said Kersnar.

“The misconception is that it’s easy for cities to raise revenue,” he added. “But that’s not true. We can’t raise taxes unless we do a vote, so we’re stuck with the revenues we’ve got, and we’ve come up with a spending plan to match those revenues.”

Cuts included items large and small, with most falling into the latter category. “Most of it is not something the public will feel,” Kersnar noted. For example, “We changed the way we pay people, changed the health plan, made different rules on overtime. So that saves us some money.”

But one of the biggest cuts has already begun to take place. Earlier this year, the city canceled its rest room and landscaping maintenance contracts, planning to transfer those responsibilities to the city’s

Once again, Tuesday night’s Ojai City Council meeting focused on trimming back spending and getting the budget in order.

City manager Jere Kersnar presented his 2010-2011 proposed budget, as well as the final revised 2009-2010 budget. Details were passed out to council members, but no decisions will be made at least until June 8 and 15, when the council will host meetings to discuss the budget and accept comments from residents. A final budget is scheduled to be adopted on June 22, but by law can come in as late as June 30.

Kersnar said before his presentation of the proposed budget, “This is the worst economy since the Great Depression; a 20 percent decline in two years in our general fund. We are going to show a deficit, but it can be characterized as a planned deficit.”

However, despite some gloomy expectations, Kersnar and his staff were able to bring the budget down to a $116, 780 deficit by making “cautious and conservative” estimates.

Sales tax is down 11.6 percent from this year, Kersnar explained, while the transient occupancy tax, or “bed tax,” dropped 23.6 percent. “That’s about $500,000 short on the hotel tax and $150,000 short in sales tax,” said Kersnar.

“The misconception is that it’s easy for cities to raise revenue,” he added. “But that’s not true. We can’t raise taxes unless we do a vote, so we’re stuck with the revenues we’ve got, and we’ve come up with a spending plan to match those revenues.”

Cuts included items large and small, with most falling into the latter category. “Most of it is not something the public will feel,” Kersnar noted. For example, “We changed the way we pay people, changed the health plan, made different rules on overtime. So that saves us some money.”

But one of the biggest cuts has already begun to take place. Earlier this year, the city canceled its rest room and landscaping maintenance contracts, planning to transfer those responsibilities to the city’s own crew. “That’s fine, except the other type of work that crew did before —- streets, trees, etc. — there’s less time available for them to do that. There will be less maintenance overall.” That’s something the city can do in the short run, Kersnar said; it will not be that noticeable. “But it will accumulate over time. In my mind that’s one of the first things we should bring back when revenues come back. When you don’t take care of something it ends up costing more in the long run.”

The Parks and Recreation Commission, meanwhile, will most likely suffer $100,000 in cuts. To do this, Kersnar said, “We increased the fees across the board. Just about everybody who’s taking a class or involved in a league is going to see it.”

But in terms of program cuts, relatively few got canceled. Certain “frills” — like team T-shirts and trophies — were cut as well. Kersnar and his staff looked at cutting additional programs, but “… Parks and Recreation thought we shouldn’t, especially youth sports. So we put those back in.”

City Council members have been adamant about keeping the trolley system going, despite the cuts in federal, state and county funding. That required a subsidy from the general fund to the transit fund, to make up the difference created by the evaporation of government funds. But, Kersnar hastened to note, he only recommended the subsidy for a year or two, then the city would either have funding restored or have to look at giving up the service. If not for the subsidy, the proposed budget would be a mere few hundred dollars away from being balanced.

Overall, Kersnar and crew were successful in cutting $650,000 in the 2010-2011 budget as compared with the 2009-2010 budget.

In all, said Councilwoman Sue Horgan, “I think we can breathe a huge sigh of relief. It’s not as bad as it could have been.”

Also discussed at Tuesday’s meeting was the problem with residents leaving their cars on the street during street-sweeping days. Mayor Steve Olsen brought up the possibility of having youths put reminder notes on cars the night before a street sweeping, an idea that was well-received by the council. “We’ll try this through the summer and see if it’s effective,” said Kersnar.

Sheriff’s Deputy Sara Valenzuela and Tucker Ring, Ojai’s Explorer of the Year. Photo submitted

Program provides kids with police experience

By Logan Hall

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department honored Ojai resident Tucker Ring as the Explorer of the Year for the Ojai Substation. The department has many programs available to the community like the Citizen’s Academy, which is a course open to the public that allows the average citizen a chance to get an in-depth look into the department. They also have special programs designed for the youth of Ventura County, like the Law Enforcement Explorers program.

The Explorers program provides youngsters with an opportunity to learn about law enforcement while being active members in their community. Sixteen-year-old Ring, who is a junior at El Camino High School, jumped on board with the Explorers when the Ojai Substation started a post last year. “I went to the Explorer Academy for three weeks at the beginning,” said Ring. “I’ve been doing it for about a year now. I‘ve really accomplished a lot.”

Participants in the program are encouraged by the deputies running the course to be involved in the community, helping with events in the Ojai Valley as well as elsewhere in the county. “I enjoy going out in the community to events like Ojai Day,” said Ring. “We also got to help out with the Strawberry Festival.”

The Explorers are also involved in different courses and exercises involving law enforcement. They compete against other Explorer posts in competitions, participate in ride-alongs with deputies on patrol, and occasionally help out around the station. “I went to compete in the S.W.A.T. Tactical Challenge in Arizona,” said Ring. “It’s the S.W.A.T. fitness challenge that they actually use to train the S.W.A.T. team. My partner, Joe Dexter, and I took fourth out of 44 Explorer teams.”

The program also emphasizes leadership and building confidence in its participants. “I think the Explorers program has been awesome for him,” said Ring’s mother. “He’s matured a lot, and he’s really learned how to be part of the community. I’m so proud of him.”

Ring says he is looking forward to being in law enforcement in the future, and hopes to serve alongside his uncle, who is a sheriff’s deputy working at the L.A. County Jail. He seems to really be setting a positive example for his peers, and for young people all throughout Ventura County, which is why he was chosen as the Explorer of the Year. “Tucker is well deserving of this reward,” said Deputy Sara Valenzuela, who is running Ojai’s Explorers program. “He’s worked hard to get to where he is, and he’s really stepped up as a leader in the post.”

Ring is helping organize a pancake breakfast fund-raising event for the Explorers which will include a silent auction. The benefit will be held Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m. at Chaparral Auditorium. For more information on the pancake breakfast or Explorers program contact the Ojai Sheriff Substation at 646-1414.

Hair stylist Buddy Wikds sweeps up clippings at the Arcade Beauty Salon. Photo by Logan Hall

But sources disagree on value of discarded hair clippings

By Logan Hall

When Buddy Wilds, stylist at the Arcade Hair Company, saw the images of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, he hoped there could be a way to help out. Through a contact on Facebook, he found out about the Matter of Trust organization that is working on a process to help remove oil from contaminated areas. Wilds can now use the resources from his business to try to make a positive impact on the effort.

Since 1998, Matter of Trust has been in the forefront of nonprofit organizations helping society to adopt a green lifestyle. Most recently, their efforts are being geared toward the cleanup of the oil spill in the Gulf. Using discarded hair clippings from salons and pet groomers, the organization has helped develop a simple device called a hair boom, because of hairÔs natural ability to absorb oil. Once stuffed with hair, the boom takes on a long cylindrical shape and can then be applied to the oil spill.

Recently, however, the Unified Command in charge of containment of the spill, which includes BP, released statements saying they will not be using hair booms to aid in the cleanup. “Our priority when cleaning up an oil spill is to find the most efficient and expedient way to remove the oil from the affected area while causing no additional damage,” said Charlie Henry, scientific support coordinator for the National Oceanic

When Buddy Wilds, stylist at the Arcade Hair Company, saw the images of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, he hoped there could be a way to help out. Through a contact on Facebook, he found out about the Matter of Trust organization that is working on a process to help remove oil from contaminated areas. Wilds can now use the resources from his business to try to make a positive impact on the effort.

Since 1998, Matter of Trust has been in the forefront of nonprofit organizations helping society to adopt a green lifestyle. Most recently, their efforts are being geared toward the cleanup of the oil spill in the Gulf. Using discarded hair clippings from salons and pet groomers, the organization has helped develop a simple device called a hair boom, because of hairÔs natural ability to absorb oil. Once stuffed with hair, the boom takes on a long cylindrical shape and can then be applied to the oil spill.

Recently, however, the Unified Command in charge of containment of the spill, which includes BP, released statements saying they will not be using hair booms to aid in the cleanup. “Our priority when cleaning up an oil spill is to find the most efficient and expedient way to remove the oil from the affected area while causing no additional damage,” said Charlie Henry, scientific support coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Robert, La. “One problem with the hair boom is that it became water-logged and sank within a short period of time.”

Despite this setback, Wilds says that Matter of Trust will continue accepting hair contributions and that the Arcade Hair Company will keep collecting and sending what they can.

“We’re on board with this effort,” said Wilds. “The spill in the Gulf of Mexico is just getting bigger and bigger, and the whole disaster makes me sick. (Matter of Trust) is still trying to encourage BP to take the booms and use them. They’re telling us to keep sending them hair. When you are fighting big business, you just got to keep on them.”

The process seems simple enough. All of the hair clippings are collected throughout the day and are thrown into a plastic bag in the back of the business. Once the bag is full, they send it in to Matter of Trust to be made into booms and then stored for later use. “It’s not a big hassle at all,” said Arcade Hair Company owner Jackie Coke. “We just throw the hair in the big plastic bag in the back, and send it off when it’s full.”

Once the hair has been made into booms, they would then be deployed to an area effected by an oil spill, such as the Gulf of Mexico. After the booms have absorbed their capacity of oil, they need to be discarded. “One of my big questions, was what do they do with these big booms full of oil,” said Wilds. “There’s some great You Tube videos of the process. It turns out that there is a particular strain of mushroom that eats this kind of oil. That’s a real green way of doing things.”

Wilds has vowed to continue being involved in the effort as long as there is a possible need for it. Even in the face of adversity, they are pushing forward to make a difference. “I don’t understand why the companies dealing with this don’t want to use these methods,” added Wilds, “but that’s big oil. We’re not going to give up. There’s always hope.”

With teacher Orser on drums, Matilija Rock Band to perform Beatles’ favorites

By Logan Hall

Matilija Junior High School is gearing up to entertain the Ojai Valley with their version of the hit TV show, “America’s Got Talent.” The school’s adaptation, aptly called “Matilija’s Got Talent,” will raise funds for the school and showcase some of its students’ abilities to their peers and the community in the school’s auditorium on Friday.

With various acts scheduled including singers, dancers and even Matilija’s own rock band, the show is expected to provide a fun-filled evening for students, parents and community members.

“Every year we like to do some fun family activity,” said Matilija principal Emily Mostovoy. “It’s our first year doing a talent show like this. Hopefully it will become an annual event.”

One of the acts performing will be the Matilija Rock Band. Organized by the school’s music teacher, Don Orser, the band consists of some of Orser’s music students including eighth-graders Russell Hughart on guitar and Will Cowsill on bass, seventh-grader Sarah Van Son and eighth-grader Katie Root singing, as well as Orser himself playing drums. “We started the band at the beginning of the year,” said Orser. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but didn’t have the right people. This year, we have kids that love The Beatles.” The Matilija Rock Band will perform two well-known Beatles songs for the talent show, “Come Together” and “All My Lovin’.”

Kathy Couturie from Matilija’s PTA says it’s a push at the end of the year to get families out to support the school, but that anyone from the community is welcome to attend. “It’s should be a lot of fun,” said Couturie. “It’s OK if you don’t have a kid in the school. It’s open to the whole community.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday with the doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the Matilija school office, and at the door prior to the event. The ticket price is $5 and the proceeds from sales will go back into the school to help fund various student activities. For more information, call Matilija Junior High at 640-4355.

Matilija Junior High School is gearing up to entertain the Ojai Valley with their version of the hit TV show, “America’s Got Talent.” The school’s adaptation, aptly called “Matilija’s Got Talent,” will raise funds for the school and showcase some of its students’ abilities to their peers and the community in the school’s auditorium on Friday.

With various acts scheduled including singers, dancers and even Matilija’s own rock band, the show is expected to provide a fun-filled evening for students, parents and community members.

“Every year we like to do some fun family activity,” said Matilija principal Emily Mostovoy. “It’s our first year doing a talent show like this. Hopefully it will become an annual event.”

One of the acts performing will be the Matilija Rock Band. Organized by the school’s music teacher, Don Orser, the band consists of some of Orser’s music students including eighth-graders Russell Hughart on guitar and Will Cowsill on bass, seventh-grader Sarah Van Son and eighth-grader Katie Root singing, as well as Orser himself playing drums. “We started the band at the beginning of the year,” said Orser. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but didn’t have the right people. This year, we have kids that love The Beatles.” The Matilija Rock Band will perform two well-known Beatles songs for the talent show, “Come Together” and “All My Lovin’.”

Kathy Couturie from Matilija’s PTA says it’s a push at the end of the year to get families out to support the school, but that anyone from the community is welcome to attend. “It’s should be a lot of fun,” said Couturie. “It’s OK if you don’t have a kid in the school. It’s open to the whole community.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday with the doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the Matilija school office, and at the door prior to the event. The ticket price is $5 and the proceeds from sales will go back into the school to help fund various student activities. For more information, call Matilija Junior High at 640-4355.

Former councilman cites leadership of attorney running for vacated seat

Compiled by Misty Volaski

Former Ojai City Councilman Joe DeVito has announced that he is endorsing Paul Blatz for the Ojai City Council special election, taking place on June 8. In his announcement, the six-term Ojai City Council member and five-time mayor said, “I am endorsing Paul Blatz for the June 8 City Council election. I have known Paul for several years and I have seen his leadership firsthand. Paul was a valuable asset to Ojai when he worked directly with the city as chairman of the Planning Commission and on the Redevelopment Commission. His experience working with the city on various commissions gives him the experience necessary to immediately tackle the important issues facing our city.

“Paul’s ability to lead is evidenced by his hard work on the Pergola Committee, the Libbey Bowl Project, and the Performing Arts Theater Foundation. His commitment to working with volunteer groups to create the Rotary Community Park and the shelters along the bike path shows that he knows how to get things done without asking the city to do all the work.”

In a statement following DeVito’s announcement, Blatz said, “I am honored and extremely appreciative of Joe’s endorsement. Joe has always felt that public service is both a privilege and a responsibility and to have his trust and his vote means a great deal to me.”

Visit Ojaivalleynews.com for an In-Depth interview with Paul Blatz. Scheduled next week is Blatz’s opponent, Len Klaif.

Former Ojai City Councilman Joe DeVito has announced that he is endorsing Paul Blatz for the Ojai City Council special election, taking place on June 8. In his announcement, the six-term Ojai City Council member and five-time mayor said, “I am endorsing Paul Blatz for the June 8 City Council election. I have known Paul for several years and I have seen his leadership firsthand. Paul was a valuable asset to Ojai when he worked directly with the city as chairman of the Planning Commission and on the Redevelopment Commission. His experience working with the city on various commissions gives him the experience necessary to immediately tackle the important issues facing our city.

“Paul’s ability to lead is evidenced by his hard work on the Pergola Committee, the Libbey Bowl Project, and the Performing Arts Theater Foundation. His commitment to working with volunteer groups to create the Rotary Community Park and the shelters along the bike path shows that he knows how to get things done without asking the city to do all the work.”

In a statement following DeVito’s announcement, Blatz said, “I am honored and extremely appreciative of Joe’s endorsement. Joe has always felt that public service is both a privilege and a responsibility and to have his trust and his vote means a great deal to me.”

Visit Ojaivalleynews.com for an In-Depth interview with Paul Blatz. Scheduled next week is Blatz’s opponent, Len Klaif.

Sheriff’s Deputy Gunnar Dike loves his family, job and the community in which he lives. Photo by Logan Hall

Nine-year veteran deputy chosen by peers to receive Kiwanis award

By Logan Hall

“Ma’am, I pulled you over because you were talking on your cell phone,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Gunnar Dike.

“No I wasn’t,” said the motorist as she hung up her phone.

This is one of the many diverse situations that Dike is knee-deep in on any given day during a shift with the department.

On May 28, Dike will be recognized by the Kiwanis Clubs of Ventura County as Ojai’s Officer of the Year in their annual Law Day Awards. Each year, the Kiwanis Clubs put together an awards ceremony to honor various law enforcement officers from different agencies throughout the county including the California Highway Patrol, Ventura Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, which is contracted to operate the Ojai Police Department. Officers and deputies are recognized for exemplary service within their agencies.

Dike, who has been with the Sheriff’s Department for more than nine years, and assigned to the Ojai substation for the last three years, works a 12-hour shift on the days that he’s on duty, encountering many different people doing many different things.

“I like to be out in the field,” said Dike. “A big part

“Ma’am, I pulled you over because you were talking on your cell phone,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Gunnar Dike.

“No I wasn’t,” said the motorist as she hung up her phone.

This is one of the many diverse situations that Dike is knee-deep in on any given day during a shift with the department.

On May 28, Dike will be recognized by the Kiwanis Clubs of Ventura County as Ojai’s Officer of the Year in their annual Law Day Awards. Each year, the Kiwanis Clubs put together an awards ceremony to honor various law enforcement officers from different agencies throughout the county including the California Highway Patrol, Ventura Police Department, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, which is contracted to operate the Ojai Police Department. Officers and deputies are recognized for exemplary service within their agencies.

Dike, who has been with the Sheriff’s Department for more than nine years, and assigned to the Ojai substation for the last three years, works a 12-hour shift on the days that he’s on duty, encountering many different people doing many different things.

“I like to be out in the field,” said Dike. “A big part of being on the job is making contacts.”

Dike began his duty with the Sheriff’s Department working custody in the Ventura County Main Jail. He spent more than six years working in various detention facilities including the old Honor Farm on Baldwin Road. For the last three years, he has been working patrol in the Ojai Valley, where he lives with his wife and 4-year-old son.

“Everything I do is to better this community,” said Dike. “You can’t ask for a better environment. Ojai is a beautiful place to live, and a great place to raise a family.”

Dike is well respected by his supervisors in the department, and it’s no surprise that he has received recognition for his service.

“He has a positive, proactive approach to law enforcement,” said Ojai Police Chief Chris Dunn about Dike‘s work within the department. “He’s got a high level of self-initiative, and he has a good balance when dealing with the community.”

When asked about his service, Dike’s peers gave him similar praise. “Gunnar is very deserving of the award,” said Deputy Sara Valenzuela, who has been with the Sheriff‘s Department for 15 years, having served the last three of them with Dike. “He’s just an all-around good deputy. He works well with the public and with other deputies. You can always count on him.”

Dike’s attitude toward the community and his fellow deputies is one of many reasons he was selected as this year’s Officer of the Year and he seems to genuinely enjoy protecting and serving the public. “One of his most positive attributes is that he’s really approachable,” said Dunn. “We routinely get positive feedback about him from the community. He‘s just a nice guy.”

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating Thursday’s crash of this 1949 Piper Cub at Balboa Middle School.. Photo courtesy Ventura City Fire Department

Pilot reports losing power
en route to Santa Paula

By Logan Hall

Balboa Middle School in Ventura had an exciting evening during some after-school activities last Thursday when 18-year-old Ojai resident Evan Byrne crash-landed his 1949 Piper Cub airplane on the school’s soccer field, according to officials.

Byrne was reportedly heading from Lompoc to Santa Paula when he attempted to switch fuel tanks and started to lose engine power. It was then that he was able to find a clear place to land in the field behind the school officials said. Initial reports indicated that 60 to 80 children were nearby involved in various activities.

“Any time an aircraft comes down in an area like that and no one gets hurt, it’s a really good thing.” said the City of Ventura Fire Department Fire Marshal Brian Clark.

The Piper Cub is a lightweight, single-engine aircraft which has a stout profile and yellow paint scheme that are renowned in the aviation community. Many pilots love the cub for its simplicity, affordability and its safety record. “The Piper Cub is probably one of most well-known planes in the nation,” said Experimental Aircraft Association spokesman Dick Knapinski. “It’s known as a very safe and easy-to-fly airplane.”

Although Byrne’s cub reportedly lost engine power, he was still able to safely glide onto the field where the small plane came to rest after spinning 180 degrees in what pilots call a ground loop. “Most people think that when an airplane loses power it will drop instantly from sky,” added Knapinski who is also an avid pilot. “That’s not the case. Airplanes like the cub are very effective gliders, and pilots are

Balboa Middle School in Ventura had an exciting evening during some after-school activities last Thursday when 18-year-old Ojai resident Evan Byrne crash-landed his 1949 Piper Cub airplane on the school’s soccer field, according to officials.

Byrne was reportedly heading from Lompoc to Santa Paula when he attempted to switch fuel tanks and started to lose engine power. It was then that he was able to find a clear place to land in the field behind the school officials said. Initial reports indicated that 60 to 80 children were nearby involved in various activities.

“Any time an aircraft comes down in an area like that and no one gets hurt, it’s a really good thing.” said the City of Ventura Fire Department Fire Marshal Brian Clark.

The Piper Cub is a lightweight, single-engine aircraft which has a stout profile and yellow paint scheme that are renowned in the aviation community. Many pilots love the cub for its simplicity, affordability and its safety record. “The Piper Cub is probably one of most well-known planes in the nation,” said Experimental Aircraft Association spokesman Dick Knapinski. “It’s known as a very safe and easy-to-fly airplane.”

Although Byrne’s cub reportedly lost engine power, he was still able to safely glide onto the field where the small plane came to rest after spinning 180 degrees in what pilots call a ground loop. “Most people think that when an airplane loses power it will drop instantly from sky,” added Knapinski who is also an avid pilot. “That’s not the case. Airplanes like the cub are very effective gliders, and pilots are trained to land safely without power.”

According to witnesses, after his plane came to a stop, Byrne was able to extricate himself from the cockpit without injury.

“The pilot, who was the only person on board, was not injured,” said FAA communications manager Ian Gregor. “The FAA is investigating.”

Photographer Howard Sloane leads the pack of journalists participating in the Ojai Visitors Bureau press tour of the Ojai Valley as they make their way up Shelf Road to get some photographs of the Ojai Valley. From left, Glenda Winders, Mary McGrath, Lee Daley and Valerie Sloane.. Photo by Logan Hall

Diverse group of journalists in town to promote tourism

By Logan Hall

The Ojai Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosted a group of journalists for a “press tour” of the Ojai Valley. Nine writers and photographers representing many different publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Travelscope Online Magazine, and the Examiner.com, stayed in Ojai and toured the valley, participating in some of the activities that make the community distinctive. Helping solidify the valley’s relationship with the media is all part of the city’s promotional campaign to increase Ojai’s popularity as a visitors destination. “It’s all about building media relations,” said Scott Eicher, chamber CEO and Visitors Bureau secretary. “There will be a number of press trips going on through the year, as part of the ongoing project of the Visitors Bureau.”

In December, the city of Ojai allocated $160,000 to establish the Visitors Bureau to help promote tourism as a way to generate revenue for the city. Part of this effort includes bringing in journalists representing various publications, and giving them an idea about what makes the Ojai Valley a special destination. If the journalists like what they see and give Ojai good press, it will help bring in visitors who will spend money in the community, which will, in turn, help boost Ojai’s economy.

“I think there are many people in Ojai who don’t understand the impact that the bed tax and sales tax have on Ojai.” said Ojai Visitors Bureau President Cathy Cluff. “The funds generated would go to the city for services in Ojai

The Ojai Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce, hosted a group of journalists for a “press tour” of the Ojai Valley. Nine writers and photographers representing many different publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Travelscope Online Magazine, and the Examiner.com, stayed in Ojai and toured the valley, participating in some of the activities that make the community distinctive. Helping solidify the valley’s relationship with the media is all part of the city’s promotional campaign to increase Ojai’s popularity as a visitors destination. “It’s all about building media relations,” said Scott Eicher, chamber CEO and Visitors Bureau secretary. “There will be a number of press trips going on through the year, as part of the ongoing project of the Visitors Bureau.”

In December, the city of Ojai allocated $160,000 to establish the Visitors Bureau to help promote tourism as a way to generate revenue for the city. Part of this effort includes bringing in journalists representing various publications, and giving them an idea about what makes the Ojai Valley a special destination. If the journalists like what they see and give Ojai good press, it will help bring in visitors who will spend money in the community, which will, in turn, help boost Ojai’s economy.

“I think there are many people in Ojai who don’t understand the impact that the bed tax and sales tax have on Ojai.” said Ojai Visitors Bureau President Cathy Cluff. “The funds generated would go to the city for services in Ojai including the OUSD, the Ojai Trolley and other things that would benefit the locals of Ojai.”

It seems as though it can be difficult for the city to get support from certain parts of the community when it comes to promoting Ojai to more visitors. Some of Ojai’s locals see words like tourism, and immediately start thinking about the negative connotations of bringing in more visitors. The Ojai Visitors Bureau wants to help ease the minds of everyone in valley.

“We’re not talking about buses coming and dropping people off for the day,” added Cluff. “We want people to stay for several nights in Ojai. Then they will spend money in the local shops and restaurants.”

A big part of promoting Ojai will come from the articles that are published about the valley. Among the journalists who participated in last week’s press tour was Glenda Winders, who will be writing about Ojai for the Creator’s Syndicate that will be syndicated all over the country, and the San Diego News Network. “One of the things that made the biggest impression on me was the community spirit,” said Winders of her experience in the Ojai Valley. “All of the artists, merchants and restaurateurs seem to help and support one other.”

Ojai seemed to give a similar impression to most of the journalists on the tour. “Everyone I met in Ojai was friendly, helpful and downright neighborly,” said San Francisco Upscale Travel columnist Lee Daley. “I was also very impressed with the quality and variety of artwork for sale in town, and … Ojai‘s physical beauty embraces everyone who visits.”

With positive impressions of the valley being published, the hope is that more people will come visit Ojai and spend money, which will, in turn, help with the city’s current economic crisis. The Visitors Bureau is helping lead the charge to bring in more revenue for the city.

“This is the first time we’ve had a full-scale PR and marketing effort that has been implemented in the city,” said Cluff. “The press is excited about Ojai. That’s good news for our community.”

Kersnar hoping for eventual restoration of federal and state funding

By Sondra Murphy

The Ojai City Council has decided to continue the current Ojai Trolley Service, despite the loss of revenues previously used to support it. After exploring a number of changes in the transit services, it was determined that the city would still be in the red, and so opted to continue the routes as they currently exist.

This decision was not taken lightly, since reductions in city revenues, primarily from deflated transient occupancy and sales taxes, is resulting in cutbacks throughout the city’s departments. Meanwhile, drops in gasoline sales tax and federal funding are impacting transit funding statewide.

“In order to maintain the current level of service, we’d have to subsidize the trolley by about $120,000 in the next fiscal year,” said city manager Jere Kersnar. “You asked what the services would look like with no subsidizing from the general fund. We could only afford 60 hours of services, as opposed to 162. It’s not really a viable system left. It’s very hard to see how that is a workable system for many riders.”

The trolley’s budget projections for fiscal year 2010-2011 are $822,472. Estimated revenues are $705,361. “If I were a council member, I might think about buying ourselves some time in this year and the next with the expectation, in the following fiscal year, we might see a restoration of funding,” said Kersnar. He added that the opposite could also take place: an elimination of transit funds that would force the shut down of the Trolley Service.

“If we could increase the farebox, it could repay the general fund,” said Councilwoman Carol Smith. “If the economy improves, and if the visitors use it, I’m hoping that people will respond to the call of ‘use it or lose it.’” She added that if people could just commit to using the trolley once a week, it would help the situation. “We need to see that our public loves the trolley and will use it.” Smith said that part of the tourist appeal of Ojai includes the trolley.

Ojai Valley Green Coali

The Ojai City Council has decided to continue the current Ojai Trolley Service, despite the loss of revenues previously used to support it. After exploring a number of changes in the transit services, it was determined that the city would still be in the red, and so opted to continue the routes as they currently exist.

This decision was not taken lightly, since reductions in city revenues, primarily from deflated transient occupancy and sales taxes, is resulting in cutbacks throughout the city’s departments. Meanwhile, drops in gasoline sales tax and federal funding are impacting transit funding statewide.

“In order to maintain the current level of service, we’d have to subsidize the trolley by about $120,000 in the next fiscal year,” said city manager Jere Kersnar. “You asked what the services would look like with no subsidizing from the general fund. We could only afford 60 hours of services, as opposed to 162. It’s not really a viable system left. It’s very hard to see how that is a workable system for many riders.”

The trolley’s budget projections for fiscal year 2010-2011 are $822,472. Estimated revenues are $705,361. “If I were a council member, I might think about buying ourselves some time in this year and the next with the expectation, in the following fiscal year, we might see a restoration of funding,” said Kersnar. He added that the opposite could also take place: an elimination of transit funds that would force the shut down of the Trolley Service.

“If we could increase the farebox, it could repay the general fund,” said Councilwoman Carol Smith. “If the economy improves, and if the visitors use it, I’m hoping that people will respond to the call of ‘use it or lose it.’” She added that if people could just commit to using the trolley once a week, it would help the situation. “We need to see that our public loves the trolley and will use it.” Smith said that part of the tourist appeal of Ojai includes the trolley.

Ojai Valley Green Coalition Transportation Committee Chair Suza Francina addressed the council during the public hearing. “It’s a well-known fact that if you stop building parking lots, it adds to people’s motivation not to drive,” she said. “I thought I heard (Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO) Scott Eicher mention that they’d like to get rid of that Draconian law preventing charter service. Maybe if we could get the hotels on board, have them get tokens or something, it would help.” Francina was referring to a Federal Transit Administration regulation that prohibits the public sector from competing with the private sector in providing transit services to private parties as long as anyone is willing to provide the service.

“It’s so clear it would be inappropriate for us to cut services so much,” said Councilwoman Sue Horgan. “It would be flying in the face of so many things we’re trying to do. I like the idea of buying time.”

“I have to warn you, I told you some time ago that I thought we could achieve a balanced budget, but that was before the transit situation,” Kersnar said.

That noted, the council voted to have staff prepare the proposed fiscal year budget 2010-2011 to include transit subsidies from the general fund.

“So the Trolley Service is up and running,” said Mayor Steve Olsen.

Kersnar and staff will bring preliminary budget numbers to the council next month. The council will be focused on the challenge in the face of a struggling economy until adoption in June for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Chet Hilgers, president of Skate Ojai, reacts with his mother, Wendy, and others at Tuesday night’s Ojai City Council meeting after councilmembers voted to award the construction contract for the long-awaited Ojai Skate Park project. Photo by Scott Wintermute

By Sondra Murphy

Ojai City Hall was buzzing with anticipation Tuesday as skateboard park supporters packed the chambers to witness the City Council vote on whether to accept a bid from California Skate Parks to build the permanent, in-ground facility in the heart of downtown.

The crowd was not disappointed, as the council voted to adopt two resolutions. The first was to award the contract to CSP in an amount not to exceed $379,992, including all add- and deduct alternatives. The second resolution authorized a $107,237.50 allocation from Redevelopment Agency funds for additional costs, such as rest rooms, benches and perimeter fencing as required by the property owner, Ojai Unified School District.

Those carefully monitoring the process know it has been nearly two years since the community came through with more than $260,000 to supplement the city’s allocation for the project. The efforts to build an Ojai Skate Park first began in the ‘90s. The project has waxed and waned, depending on the financial situation of OUSD or the city any given year, as well as the whims of numerous governing board members during various terms.

Public Works director Mike Culver reported that the project includes $100,000 from the city and $260,214.08 in donations raised by Skate Ojai. So far, $30,780.47 has been spent on design and pre-bid activities and $16,237.95 is earmarked for construction management. This left $313,195.66 in the fund. CSP’s bid was $286,742, leaving $26,453.66 to serve as a contingency on the base construction project.

The conditions of approval set forth by OUSD require a vaulted rest room, benches and 8-foot-high perimeter fence, which puts the project beyond the amount of money contributed by the city and Skate Ojai and made the redevelopment funds necessary. The council was satisfied with the plan in order to begin the construction process.

“I am prepared tonight to award the construction contract and award the add-on components,” said Councilwoman Sue Horgan. “However, I’m wondering if there’s a way to break up the add-on components. Is there a way to carve out the cost of that fence?”

“I don’t want anything to delay this project,” said Councilwoman Carol Smith. “The property is owned by OUSD. They made it real clear they want a fence and a toilet.”

The council decided to authorize the resolutions, but directed staff to approach the School District to see if any adjustments might be possible, in light of the cost of the add-on alternates.

The audience sighed its relief in hearing the council was comfortable authorizing the project. “It’s been a long — a long — and tiresome process,” said Skate Ojai’s Deborah Moe. “Everyone’s worked so hard and I’m just thrilled that we’re finally here.”

Skate Ojai President Chet Hilgers agreed. “This is a great night for the kids. We have generations of kids that have worked hard on this.”

“Moe is one of the original people who has worked for the Skate Park from 1994,” said Wendy Hilgers, also of Skate Ojai. “Everybody in the room; we’re just so happy.”

Besides the cluster of youth who celebrated the vote, members of the award-winning Ojai Skate Team were on hand. Jamey Gabriel said he will still be on the team when the park is finished. J.T. Erickson said he looked forward to being able to practice in town and even gazed down the road at the possibility of helping to teach younger participants in the sport, “… once they build the new park.”