Ojai Underground
FALL 2024
OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 1
I had a whole plan for this season. It started with an introduction to a remarkable young woman — a student and intern to a local artist. An amazing kid, really. She’s been exploring Ojai’s underground tunnels with her friends, documenting graffiti, belting out echoing songs, and simply being a teen. Her adventures reminded me of Drew Mashburn’s Short Stories, where he recalls the thrill of venturing into the tunnel beneath Ojai Avenue as a boy in the ’60s.
This young explorer, who asked to remain anonymous, invited me to join her on one of these subterranean escapades. I was stoked — imagining myself delving into the shadows with a flashlight in one hand and a sense of rebellion in the other. But then reality hit. I’m an adult with responsibilities, potential liabilities, and… do I need her parents’ permission? That’s awkward. So, I chickened out.
Her photos, which you’ll find above, are a glimpse into this hidden world.
What is it about Ojai that compels us to look deeper? Beneath the sun-drenched surface of this small town lies an intricate web of creativity, history, and quiet rebellion. This season, we’re peeling back the layers to uncover the “Ojai Underground” — the stories, spaces, and people who make this place a little mysterious, a little magical, and endlessly surprising.
Talk about TIMELY.
TOM PAZDERKA
We begin with Deception and Capital, a thought-provoking essay by Tom Pazderka that dissects the absurdities of modern life, from deceptive airline fees to medical billing practices. Tom dives headfirst into the tangled connections between capitalism, ideology, and power, challenging us to rethink the systems we've inherited—and the ones we perpetuate.
In light of recent events surrounding Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Tom's essay gains a renewed relevance. Mangione's alleged actions have sparked widespread discussions about the ethics and operations of the healthcare industry, echoing the critiques Tom raises about the deceptive practices embedded within capitalist structures.
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM: It’s Cooler than You Know
From systems to celebrations, we take you to the Ojai Valley Museum for their unforgettable Halloween bash. This year’s event blended art, nature, and community, featuring live creatures, a magical photo booth by Mikael Jorgensen, and a standout performance by the Top Shelf Brass Band.
CASSANDRA C. JONES
PHOTO BY MIKAEL JORGENSEN
Next, we stick with the Ojai Valley Museum for Jane Handel’s piece on In the Realm of Spiders, curated by Cassandra C. Jones. This exhibit turns fear into fascination, weaving together art, myth, and science. With works by Joel Fox, Rosemary Hall, and more, it’s a meditation on the delicate balance of beauty and danger in nature.
Mikael Jorgensen takes us inside The Ojai Underground, a somewhat hidden venue for music, dance, and community. Founded by Bernie Larsen and Cassidy Linder, this space is a labor of love and a testament to the power of small, intimate venues in an increasingly commercialized world.
PHOTO BY MIKAEL JORGENSEN
Each of these stories reflects a different aspect of what makes Ojai special. Together, they form a mosaic of creativity, history, and community — a celebration of everything that thrives beneath the surface.
This season, we invite you to dig a little deeper, look a little closer, and discover the magic of the underground.
See you there.
OLO Members-Only:
EVENTS CALENDAR
A curated list of regular and special events from Ojai, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara.
OLO TEA PARTY
Around Town, Real Estate, Food Scene, City Council Recaps, Quick Takes 🤦🏻♥️🤡😻and more!
Gallery shows
thru September:
OJAI VALLEY MUSEUM
CANVAS + PAPER
CAROLYN GLASOE BAILEY FOUNDATION
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Poppy
For a change of pace, Drew Mashburn shares a personal piece about his great-grandfather, Poppy. This century-spanning story connects us to Ojai’s roots, reminding us of the resilience and quirks of a time gone by. Chicken dinners, tobacco cans, and backyard family gatherings all come alive in Drew’s vivid retelling.
