Ojai Valley Green Coalition

Goodmaker Challenge

2012-05-25T16:37:55Z

Vote by May 31 for OJAI and bring $2,000 to help Ojai begin a Net Zero Energy vision http://earthday.maker.good.is/projects/ojaienergy (you do have to register, but then can unsubscribe) Overview of Idea It’s a possible dream. The Ojai Valley can produce as much energy as we consume. With energy efficiency and renewable power we can make our community a "Net Zero" energy user. The Ojai Valley Green Coalition proposes reaching this goal by presenting affordable and realistic solutions to all members of the community. The Specifics: What will the $2,000 fund? With $2,000 the Ojai Energy Efficiency Initiative will be able to host even more presentations and hands on do-it-yourself workshops that enable energy consumers to better control power consumption. These efforts will help people to realize simple, affordable, and sometimes free ways to save energy through various conservation and efficiency retrofit programs and to learn how to take advantage of various financial methods to produce energy through clean renewable and local sources like solar, wind, and bio-energy. In partnership with our local utilities and energy efficiency programs we will provide a clear method and action plan to achieve our goal of a "Net Zero" Ojai with a common purpose to save energy, save money and save the planet. Check out Ojai Energy Efficiency Initiative at www.ojaienergy.org Please don’t delay and vote today! Challenge ends May 31. Thank you.

May 18 Garden Work Day Was A Success!

2012-05-15T16:42:51Z

Thanks to all who came out and helped at May 18 garden work day! A lot was accomplished and the garden area is looking great. For past footage of work done watch the video below:

May is Water Awareness Month!

2012-05-15T16:31:50Z

Water agencies, land conservancies, nonprofits and others have many offerings in May, and throughout the year, for learning about, supporting, and enjoying our precious Ventura River watershed.
Free outdoor conservation water kits for Golden State Water Customers. Go to gswater.com for details. Click here for the calendar-view of the events!

May 11 - OVGC Community Gathering & Spring Feast

2012-05-07T17:11:53Z

OVGC Community Gathering & Spring Feast Friday, May 11 Ojai Valley Green Coalition Community Potluck and Program - Friday, May 11, 6:30- 9:00 p.m. at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. Mingle with neighbors, share a potluck supper and learn practical steps each one of us can do to save on our water bill and make our watershed more resilient to drought. Local water experts will explain how the Ventura River watershed acts and reacts to drought periods. The evening will be topped off with a drawing for a down jacket donated by Patagonia. Must be present to win. RSVP is requested so we can be better prepared, and to reduce our landfill waste, please bring your own table service (plate, silverware, mug, and cloth napkin). For more information email noel@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com or call (805) 669-8445. Click here to: DOWNLOAD May 11th Potluck FLYER Also... Download Water Awareness Month Calendar: http://www.venturawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MayCalendar_FrontandBack.pdf

May 12 - Creek Workday - Final Until Fall - This Saturday

2012-05-07T17:05:37Z

Ojai Valley Green Coalition is spearheading volunteer recruitment for current creek restoration work in Libbey Park, Ojai being led by the C.R.E.W. Please join us for our next work day: Saturday, May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (The final one until next Fall.) We will be removing invasive non-native plants and reestablishing native habitat. A hat is highly recommended, as are long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots. The Coalition will provide work gloves, tools, water and snacks, but feel free to bring along your own gloves and digging tools. Parking is available at the lower Libbey parking lot off of South Montgomery Street. To check in follow the signs to the work site near the old jailhouse building in lower Libbey Park (between the bike path and the park’s lower tennis courts). Those under the age of 18 will need a liability release waiver signed by a parent or guardian. For more information or for waivers please contact david@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com or call (805) 669-8445.

2012 Ojai Valley Earth Day 'Earth Play' a Great Community Event!

2012-05-07T16:59:20Z

Thank you to all who entertained, exhibited, volunteered, and spent the day with us. Congratulations to the Oak Grove School grandparent, who won the raffle grand prize. Check out interviews with some of the vendors. . . Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXyPPeJWLLQ Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFdzHHy5MME&feature=channel&list=UL Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXyPPeJWLLQ&feature=channel&list=UL

May E-News 2012

2012-05-07T16:57:20Z

Check out the Ojai Valley Green Coalition's monthly E-news: * May is Water Awareness Month and Our Spring Community Gathering * Ecotourism: What Would That Look Like for the Ojai Valley? * An OVGC Welcome to Vina Lustado * This Land is Your Land, This Land is Our Land Stewardship Opportunities Read E-News Here...

An OVGC Welcome to Vina Lustado

2012-05-06T17:28:53Z

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition operates throughout the Ojai Valley because of the tireless efforts of a long list of volunteers. In April we were pleased to welcome architect Vina Lustado further into the fold as our newest board member. She has been working on the built environment council and helping as a volunteer with various events since early 2010. Vina comes to us with a background in sustainability and is the founder of Sol Haus Design, an architectural design firm specializing in sustainable building. Vina holds a degree in architecture from USC and comes with 20 years of experience with firms in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. Vina tells us, a highlight of her career was a German international fellowship researching ecological housing where she addressed issues of affordability and sustainability. That focus became the basis of her own firm. “I value the concept of simplicity in design and try to lead a lifestyle in line with that belief,” says Vina, who having spent her childhood in the Philippines, learned that simple lifestyle in a household with nine brothers and sisters. Vina treasured that simplicity even after she immigrated to the United States at age 7 and her family “settled in the urban sprawl of L.A.” “As an immigrant, I’ve lived in many different places but I never found a place I could call ‘home’.” That is until she found herself in Ojai. “I guess you can say Ojai "came" to me. I had been living in Ventura for about seven years and was in transition after an extended trip to South America. A general contractor named Reggie Wood needed help with a residential project in Upper Ojai and it seemed like a perfect opportunity.” Since moving to Ojai in the spring of 2010, Vina loves to spend her time rock climbing, hiking, biking, or just taking in the beauty of Ojai. “Being in nature always nourishes my soul.” Besides having the professional credentials, Vina has also been involved with nonprofit work including Habitat for Humanity’s Green Team, the Global Village Team in Alaska and Italy’s Volunteers for Peace. Vina considers herself lucky to have worked alongside such positive and exceptional people in creative environments and looks forward to adding to that experience while working with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. “I proudly call Ojai my home,” added Vina. “It's the first time I can utter those words. I'm so proud to be part of this community.”

April 28 Canceled. Next and Final Workday until Fall - Saturday, May 12

2012-04-24T20:45:53Z

Ojai Valley Green Coalition is spearheading volunteer recruitment for current creek restoration work in Libbey Park, Ojai being led by the C.R.E.W. Please join us for our next work day: Saturday, May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We will be removing invasive non-native plants and reestablishing native habitat. A hat is highly recommended, as are long pants and closed-toed shoes or boots. The Coalition will provide work gloves, tools, water and snacks, but feel free to bring along your own gloves and digging tools. Parking is available at the lower Libbey parking lot off of South Montgomery Street. To check in follow the signs to the work site near the old jailhouse building in lower Libbey Park (between the bike path and the park’s lower tennis courts). Those under the age of 18 will need a liability release waiver signed by a parent or guardian. For more information or for waivers please contact david@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com or call (805) 669-8445.

April 21 - EarthPlay, EarthDay

2012-04-20T20:50:53Z

Saturday, April 21, 2012 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The day will include local school involvement, environmental exhibits, arts and outdoor activities for all ages, live entertainment, world foods and more. Everything takes place under the trees on the Oak Grove School campus, 220 W. Lomita Avenue, Ojai. Buy a $10 Raffle Ticket and Support the Coalition --> Also Available --> at the Resource Center 327 E. Ojai Ave. 12-5pm Wednesday thru Friday This year, the grand prize is an Apple Computer package valued at $5,000, or $4,000 in cash. Additional prizes include four gift baskets valued at $500 each. Congratulations to Lisa Wallmark - the winner of the Early Bird Raffle Drawing. Her family won four tickets to Disneyland and $100 in Disneybucks. See Larger Poster Image

April 23 - Ecotourism Conference a Success! Next Steps Planning Meeting – April 23

2012-04-20T20:48:53Z

The Ojai Forum on the New Economy II: Ecotourism on April 14 and 15 had over 50 attendees, including Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett and California Assemblyman Das Williams, who both gave their strong encouragement. Attendees and panelists present enjoyed a wide ranging discussion exploring the opportunities, issues, and potential for ecotourism in Ojai as a way to move our community towards sustainability: environmentally, economically and socially. • Environmentally: by both preserving our precious natural heritage - our clean air and water, our oak trees, open spaces, agriculture and habitat - and by creating a model green and sustainable community for others to visit and gain inspiration and education. • Economically: by creating a stronger local economy with more and higher paid Ojai-based green jobs for all ages. • And socially: by creating more resiliency, operating from principles that value community, relationships, equity, culture, service to others and our environment, inclusiveness, and our spiritual heritage. The Ojai Valley Green Coalition is serving as the umbrella organization for this effort. We will be posting a summary and presentations from the conference soon. For information on the follow-up meeting planned for April 23 go to www.ojaiforum.com.

Conference to Explore Ecotourism’s Potential for the Ojai Valley’s Environment, Economy and Community

2012-04-05T04:25:18Z

With a reputation as Shangri-La, a noted commitment to its natural and cultural resources, and a long history as a sanctuary for spiritual and physical rejuvenation, Ojai seems perfectly poised to join in the growing global trend of Ecotourism. On Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, an interactive forum will be held to explore the possibilities of bringing together the Ojai Valley’s unique assets for an Ecotourism initiative, with the goal of creating a plan of action. Taking place at Meditation Mount Conference Center, and sponsored by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and the Ojai Forum on the New Economy, the Ecotourism Conference will include panelists and speakers from businesses and organizations including the Ojai Chamber of Commerce, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, local farms, environmental organizations, spiritual centers, and lodging and transportation businesses, among others. Topics include potential ecotourism packages and itineraries, ecotourism models in other communities, eco-certification programs for businesses, the potential for community and environmental improvement and economic development, leadership structure and seed funding possibilities. “The intent of this conference is to begin a conversation among the businesses and organizations in the Ojai Valley that are already offering services which could be included as part of ecotourism,” says conference organizer Mike Weaver. “We want to explore how an Ecotourism initiative could benefit Ojai’s environment, economy, and strengthen our community.” The Ojai Valley Green Coalition, with the mission of advancing a green, sustainable, and resilient Ojai Valley, is the non-profit organization leading the initiative. “Our vision is for Ojai to be a place where people can come and learn and have great experiences, then bring back innovation and inspiration to benefit their lives and their home communities,” says Kathy Nolan, Green Coalition board president. The conference takes place from 9:30 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 14, and from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, April 15. Space is limited, and registration is required. A $35 registration fee covers lunch on Saturday and refreshments. Meditation Mount Conference Center is located at 10340 Reeves Road in Ojai. Click here to register and for further information.

Mar. 10th - THRIVE What on Earth will it take? (Movie)

2012-03-09T20:36:00Z

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 4:00PM at the Ojai Playhouse Theater, 145 E. Ojai Ave. and organic dinner at The Ojai Art Center! Catherine Austin Fitts will be hosting this Special Community Event sponsored by Transition to Organics & Going Organic Guide. Suggested Donation for movie: $10 After the film (at 6:30), you’re invited to join us at The Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., (within walking distance from the theater) for an organic dinner and conversation with Catherine. She will be be presenting inspiring information about Community Seed Saving, Bartering, Creating a Local Currency, and Strategies for Personal & Community Transformation. Please RSVP for dinner — $20. Catherine served as the Under Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the 1980s, and currently publishes The Solari Report. Please visit: www.Solari.com. THRIVE is an unconventional documentary that lifts the veil on what's REALLY going on in our world by following the money upstream—uncovering the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives. Weaving together breakthroughs in science, consciousness and activism, THRIVE offers real solutions, empowering us with unprecedented and bold strategies for reclaiming our lives and our future. RSVP for dinner: transitiontoorganics@gmail.com, or call: (805) 646-4294 EXTRAS: (Official Trailer) THRIVE: What On Earth Will It Take? Learn more about THRIVE the movie... the movement. Update: April, 6 2012 "THRIVE, The Movie" can now be viewed... Free... online: YouTube: Thrive Movie Going Free Go to the website to view: THRIVE website

Mar. 24th - Creek Habitat Restoration Work Continues in Libbey Park

2012-03-09T20:34:00Z

On Saturday, March 10 nine C.R.E.W. members and 20 volunteers (mostly youth from Ventura College, Oak Grove School, Ojai Valley School, and San Antonio Elementary) worked together to remove invasive vegetation and plant oak trees, willow cuttings, mulefat, and mugwort. One large oak tree donated by Flora Gardens was ceremonially planted and named Querci. Ojai Valley Green Coalition is spearheading the volunteer recruitment and we encourage you to join in for our next work days Saturday, March 24th and Saturday, April 28th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You can just show up, but should check in by 9:30 a.m. at the work site near the old jailhouse building in lower Libbey Park between the bike path and the park’s lower tennis courts. Those under the age of 18 will need the liability release waivers signed by a parent or guardian. If coming by car, you can park at the lower Libbey parking lot off of South Montgomery Street and follow the signs. Wear long pants with closed-toed shoes or boots and a hat is highly recommended. We will again be removing invasive non-natives plants and planting native habitat. The Coalition will provide work gloves, tools, water and snacks. For more information or for waivers please contact david@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com or call (805) 669-8445.

April 14-15: Ojai Forum On The New Economy: Ecotourism

2012-03-09T20:30:00Z

Join us April 14-15, 2012 for an interactive forum on the new economy in Ojai, CA, where we will explore the possibilities of bringing together Ojai’s unique assets for Ecotourism, and create a plan of action. Participate in a discussion on the possibilities for sustaining our environment, economy and community through an Ecotourism initiative. Presenters, Panelists & Facilitators The Ojai Forum is honored to have our Ojai based speakers, panelists and facilitators. Following is a partial list, alphabetically listed. The Ojai Forum does not guarantee attendance by any individual, and a few of the following are invited and not confirmed at this point. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Steve Bennett – County of Ventura District 1 Supervisor Das Williams – State of California District 35 Assembly Member OTHER PRESENTERS, PANELISTS & FACILITATORS Ron Asquith – Ojai Olive Oil Matt Boeck – Ojai on Horseback Caryn Bosson – Ojai Valley Green Coalition Board Member, Founding Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation Bret Bradigan – The Ojai Quarterly Ulrich Brueger – The Ojai Retreat Maggie Carota – The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Dave DeMauro – Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour Scott Eicher – Ojai Visitor’s Bureau & Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Kim Exon – The Well Center for Conscious Living Greg Gamble – Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Debbie Godfrey – Ojai on Horseback Cynthia Grier - Founder & Consultant at EcoLogic Life – green design build showroom, Founder of EcoLogic LifeStyle travel guide, Editorial Advisor for Natural Home Magazine, Judge for United States Green Building Council C4 Green Awards Ellen Hall – Director of Meditation Mount, Past Mayor of Ojai, Past Head of Oak Grove School, Founding Director of The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Kathy Hartley – The Lavendar Inn Bed & Breakfast, Spa at Lavendar Inn, Ojai Culinary School Jim Johnson – General Manager Casa Ojai & Su Nido Inn Bill Moses – Casa Barranca Winery & The Pratt House Kathy Nolan – Principal & Landscape Architect at Studio Landscape, City of Ojai Planning Commissioner, Ojai Valley Green Coalition President Kelly Pascoe – The MOB Shop Deborah Pendrey – Ojai Valley Green Coalition Executive Director Ian Potter – Trails by Potter Stacy Potter – Trails by Potter Kira Ryder – Lu Lu Bhanda’s Yoga Studio & The Ojai Yoga Crib Brian Skaggs – Director of Engineering, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Leif Skoberg – The Ojai Foundation Jaap Sluijter – Krisnamurti Foundation of America Steve Sprinkle – Farmer & the Cook, Transition to Organics Yaap Sluijter – The Krisnamurti Foundation Mike Weaver - Business, Research & Strategic Planning Consultant at Weaver Research & Consulting Group, Past President of Rotary Club of Ojai Susan Weaver – Urban Economist & Planner, City of Ojai Redevelopment Commissioner, Past City of Ojai Planning Commissioner Reggie Wood – Westwood Construction, Ojai Rotary Club Floating Environmental Education Classroom TO VIEW FULL SCHEDULE: Click Here LOCATION: Meditation Mount Conference Center 10340 Reeves Rd, Ojai, CA 93023-5105 (805) 646-5508 Located at the east end of the Ojai Valley – from downtown Ojai, go two miles east on Ojai Ave. At Boccali’s Italian Restaurant, the highway curves to the right. Instead, take a soft left at the restaurant onto Reeves Rd. Follow Reeves all the way until you reach the driveway for Meditation Mount, about a mile and a half. To View The Ojai Forum Website: Click Here DOWNLOAD FLYER (.jpg file) Download Flyer from ojaiforum.com website (.PDF file)