Oct 17

Oct 17 Home

Who gets to call Ojai "home" is a hot topic amongst Ojai's meme lords.

And let's face it, that angst has been around for a while. Mark Churchill's "Keep Ojai Lame" mugs were a must-have item when I arrived returned to the Valley in 2016. In fact, he didn't seem to want to sell me one. With the challenges of housing affordability and shifting demographics, it's evident that the heart and soul of Ojai is in flux. VORTEX is accepting pitches for stories on homelessness, homeownership, housing policies, architectural wonders, landlords, sustainable living innovations, the potential of tiny homes, the mysteries of vanishing insurance policies, and the ever-dynamic real estate scene. The theme for this season is vast, and we're excited to explore it with you!

THE DRON FAMILY IN 1942, LEFT TO RIGHT: BOYD, JOHN JR, DOROTHY, AND THEN-CAPTAIN DRON

SAVING DRONHAME (IN TECHNICOLOR)

As VORTEX continues into this season’s theme of “Home,” Mark Lewis’ story about John Dron stands out as particularly poignant. From a Scottish immigrant to a key figure in Ojai’s history, 'Major' Dron’s life journey is a testament to strength and perseverance. The resilience of Dronhame against the adversities of nature — surviving the great forest fire of 1948, the Wheeler Fire of 1985, and the Thomas Fire of 2017 — underscores the power of home as a concept that transcends physical structures, embodying the spirit of legacy, environmental stewardship, and community bonds.

I had the privilege of crafting the print layout of Mark’s story for Ojai Quarterly in 2019. Now, I’m excited to revisit this compelling narrative in VORTEX, bringing to life once again the tale of a man whose legacy is as enduring as the stone walls of Dronhame, the house he built amidst Ojai’s wild edges.

There is one twist: I’ve colorized the archival photos 🤗

NOAH (acronym): Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing

‘Cottages’ Fate Still Up in the Air

VORTEX delves into the complex battle between urban development and community integrity. With the future of the Cottages Among the Flowers and Mallory Way Bungalows hanging in the balance, Ojai confronts the challenges of preserving NOAH. As public voices rise and legal battles unfold, we stand at a critical juncture that will define the City’s soul. Join us as we unravel the intricate narrative of Ojai’s most pressing dilemma.

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As we mark the sixth anniversary of the Thomas Fire, let's savor how Heather Stobo's skepticism lost to Lisa Casoni's determination to create Beato Chocolates. Amid the Jule-frenzy of pre-Christmas Solvang, Lisa's lightbulb moment with a cup of cocoa sparked a journey from evacuation to chocolate innovation. The fire was an uninvited disruptor of lives and landscapes, a formidable force that left a mark on the canvas of many existences. Yet, within this context of destruction and loss, lies a profound lesson about the human spirit and the art of storytelling. That is: if you're funny enough, even catastrophe can be a gift.

SMILEY’S HOUSE, PHOTO BY LOGAN HALL FOR OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

Get a glimpse into what awaits you with our exclusive preview of the Ojai Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace. Ever get curious about the interiors of Ojai’s most exquisite homes? This is your golden ticket! Snoop through architectural masterpieces, from the historic charm of Smiley’s House to the cozy allure of Gwynne Cottage. Along the way, gather unparalleled holiday décor inspiration.

OJAI'S DARK SHADOWS

Dive beneath Ojai's idyllic façade. Tom Pazderka uncovers the Valley's mysterious depths and presents a captivating exploration of its complex, enigmatic character.

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To go along with these stunning images is a series of vignettes that capture a life's journey through various living arrangements and the mundane task of laundry.

Can you imagine seeing this person at the grocery store? I did. I saw her at Westridge. I see pretty people all the time; it's Ojai. Usually, I'm too big a chicken to go up and talk to them. But this one had her mother with her, and I'm comfortable with a middleman. Besides, VORTEX hasn't done an editorial shoot since last winter, so the itch was unignorable.

Get ready for a stunning visual journey made possible by a fantastic crew. A special shoutout to our HMUA virtuoso Em Stoltz from Little Koyote Salon, the ever-chic Sally England, and the incomparable Marc Alt. Kudos to the phenomenal Maddison Dennie, with mama Erin Dennie backing an incredible talent. Our heartfelt thanks to Ali Golden for gracing Ojai with her fashion brilliance. And, a big salute to Jim Anderson of Royal Cleaners and Coin House for opening the doors to his laundromat and transforming it into our unconventional, yet perfect, fashion runway.

Ojai artists Ted and Wrona Gall invade Santa Monica! Opening this weekend at Bergamot Station's acclaimed bG Gallery, this show is a spellbinding joint exhibition, Stories in Pigment & Metal, on view from November 11th to December 5th. Get out of the Valley for a minute and go check it out!

Did you grow up in Ojai? Drew Mashburn sure did.
Dive into his latest selection of vignettes,
Short Stories from Drew’s Boyhood Days...

...where daring chariot races inspired by “Ben-Hur,” youthful entrepreneurial pursuits with tarantulas, and the undying spirit of boyhood antics in the Ojai Valley come to life! Unearth the thrills of the ’50s and ’60s as we recount escapades that range from the innocence of frog hunts to the exhilarating terror of dark tunnels. Whether reminiscing about your own misadventures or looking for a hearty laugh, this article is an ode to childhood’s unfettered joy and challenges. It’s a tableau vivant ― with spiders and jockstraps!