1940s Ojai Readies For War Effort
The regimental parades on Sundays were a
big attraction for Ojai residents.
By David Mason
On Feb. 24, 1942, the appearance of a Japanese submarine near Santa Barbara, and its shelling of the coast, emphasized the possible danger to California. As the submarine slipped into the Santa Barbara Channel and fired 20 rounds from its 5-inch guns into the Ellwood Oil Refinery at Goleta, it became evident that there was a real need for a well-trained organization to take over the responsibility for the defense of California.
The incident unnerved locals when told that it was the first attack of the war on the U.S. mainland. In the Ojai valley, blackouts became a nightly occurrence for several weeks.
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Such rich history for our little village. Not to take away from the military aspect of the history, but it would be great if you(OVN) could post pictures of the Golf Match with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in Ojai. Was there any video of the event? Maybe a little USO recordings. Just a thought.
Anonymous
27 May 07 at 11:11 am