OjaiNews.com

Happening in the Valley today and into the weekend: "Bringing Up Baby" at the Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center in Oak View begins today (which i can personally vouch for as an excellent parenting/partnering/caregiving experience with real benefit to our community and planet), followed by music, cooking, peace, and theater tomorrow. Saturday sees the 22nd Annual Peddler's Fair, free chiropractic, and tequila tasting. Sunday is all about more eating, more drinking...and supporting Democratic presidential candidate and Ojai visitor Dennis Kucinich.

The Ojai Arts Commission meets tonight, and the City is looking for new Commissioners for the Arts, Historic Preservation, and Parks and Recreation Commissions. "All that's required," says City Clerk Carlon Strobel, "is that you are interested in taking an active role regarding specific issues in our community." You can download an application here, or visit the City website for other contact methods.

The Ojai Post pays a few tributes and takes on global warming (yet again), while the OVN blog reports a possible State housing plan rejection, naming of this year's Independence Day Parade Grand Marshall, and a glimmer of hope for restoring Ojai's famed (and long abandoned) bowling alley (property owner Gail Bazzano says “We’re tossing around the idea to see how much interest people in Ojai would have. Before putting four to five million dollars into something, we would want to know if people are really going to use it." Would you use it? Tell us!) Ventura County Star coverage is all blood, injury, crash, and burn.

Presidential Primaries are February 5th in California, which means we've all got until January 22nd to be registered to vote. It's never been easier to register, change Parties, update address info, etc. Visit our OjaiNews registration page to fill out the simple form, then print and mail it before next Tuesday!

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The Editor's Journal is cross-posted at the Ojai Post, where you can make comments and generate dialogue!

The rain continues steadily, with a forecast for continued sky-water through Saturday night (AccuWeather) or Monday (Weather Channel). Our local Police and Highway Patrol are reporting no road closures or major accidents, but there are many flooded areas which are mostly marked with cones and/or signs. As always in the rain, simply be cautious and aware, reduce your speed, and increase your stopping distance.

The second half of this week is all about Energy, Nature, and Music: the Green Coalition's Energy Committee meets Thursday night at 7pm and the Land Conservancy hosts a nature hike on Saturday (i could not reach them for rain alternatives). Saturday the 26th at 7:30pm, you have your choice of either the "We Are All Related" concert at EarthPlay EcoStore or the Matilija Auditorium's featured Bearfoot Bluegrass.

The Ojai Post explores cell phone recycling and local transportation issues, while the OVN Blog covers local oil spills and a woman struck by a police car. If you're a Raptor Center groupie, the VC Star says you can see the birds on February 15 for a special free show with refreshments.

Meanwhile, the Thrifty Gas station in Oak View is selling 87 Octane today for $3.01/gal while Ojai's Chevron and Union 76 continue their bid for "Most Expensive Gasoline" at $3.29/gal.

Something to say?
The Editor's Journal is cross-posted at the Ojai Post, where you can make comments and generate dialogue!