The Ojai Film Festival (OFF), ranked one of the top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway, continues to grow in prestige. The festival, which begins November 4, 2021, showcases the finest new films by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. Both the film and screenplay competitions opened to submissions March 1.

Out of the 77 films in the 2020 OFF three made it to the short list for Oscar consideration. In the previous 20 years 15 alumni received Academy Award nominations, two won an Oscar, and numerous others went on to gain distribution and win prestigious awards.

“Our festival provides a valuable service to filmmakers,” Artistic Director Steve Grumette said. “We give them access to a highly appreciative audience, including film industry professionals who can help guide their careers.”

Films screened in the festival become eligible to win OFF trophies and awards. The Limelight Award for Best Student Film comes with a Panavision camera rental package worth $60,000 USD. Other honors include the Sergio Aragones Award for Best Animated Film, and the Bill Paxton Award given to a filmmaker from Ojai or Southern California.

The event provides audiences with a diverse lineup, many groundbreaking works otherwise inaccessible to the public, which embody the OFF theme: “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film.” Past submissions of short and long narratives, short and long documentaries, and animations. represent over 46 countries. Now in its sixth year the Screenplay Competition last year brought in entries from as far away as Edinbridge, Kent, UK, as well as from all over the US.

At this time plans for the 2021 OFF foresee a mix of physical in-theater experiences and online accessibility. “Presenting an online festival in 2020 became a major learning experience,” OFF President Jonathan Lambert said. “Fortunately, we did it well and received a lot of positive feedback from filmmakers and patrons.” Viewers of last year’s virtual OFF screenings live in many US states and several overseas countries.

Legendary Hollywood producer Peter Guber told the audience at a Toronto International Film Festival that “Ojai is the next Telluride.” This speaks volumes about Ojai’s growing importance on the festival circuit.

FILM DEADLINES AND FEES

Early deadline (April 1): Features $35, Shorts $30

Regular deadline (May 1): Features $45, Shorts $40

Late deadline (June 1): Features $55, Shorts $50

Extended Deadline (July 1) entry fees: Features $65, Shorts $60

SCREENPLAY DEADLINES AND FEES

Early deadline (March 31): $25/$20 Students

Regular deadline (April 30): $35/$25 Students

Late deadline (May 31): $45/$35 Students

Extended deadline (June 30): $55/$45 Students

To enter go to ojaifilmfestival.com/entries

Accepted entries will be notified in mid-August.

Events
by Ana Baker

March 18: Speakers from both Ventura Water and from the Clean Power Alliance will present updated information to the East Ventura Community Council, at the next virtual meeting, on Thursday, at 7 p.m.
Ventura Water will talk about projected rate increases. The Clean Power Alliance speaker will explain clean power sourcing, billing, and answer questions.

Area crime statistics will be shared by Commander Weeks of the Ventura Police Department.

Other topics may be added to the agenda, so be sure to check the group’s Facebook page for updates.
The Council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate.

The meeting will be held online via the Zoom application.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86723830213?pwd=Snl5bldYSk9yY0picmxJTzBEbnlCdz09
You will first need to download the Zoom app on your computer or smart phone. You do not need an account. If you miss the meeting, you can always view it on the website, www.eastventura.org.

For more information, contact EVCC Chairperson, Deborah Meyer-Morris at [email protected].

March 20 & 27: Spring Plant Boutique at the Dudley House Museum 8 – 2 p.m.
Bromeliads, orchids, succulents, tillandsias, rhipsalis, garden art and cultural instructions. Vendors welcome (plants only), please call Charlie at 805-746-4317. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). COVID-19 protocols observed.

April 9: United Way of Ventura County is excited to announce its United to End Homelessness Virtual Symposium on Friday, at 9 a.m. PST. The symposium will feature Matthew Desmond, author of Pulitzer Prize winning bestseller “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” as its keynote speaker. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A session with the author. Also, a panel discussion with local experts, moderated by Henry Dubroff, editor of the Pacific Coast Business Times, on addressing homelessness.

The two-hour, virtual, one-time live event is one of many efforts United Way of Ventura County will be launching to continue bringing awareness to its United to End Homelessness initiative, honor its mission “to mobilize and inspire the caring power and resources of our community,” and address the shelter crisis in Ventura County.

For symposium sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mitchel Sloan, vice president of resource development and marketing, at 805-485-6288, ext. 229 or [email protected]. To learn more about the event and United Way of Ventura County, please visit www.vcunitedway.org/homelessness-symposium-2021.

March 11: The Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) will hold their annual election at their general meeting at 7 p.m. Election is for Executive Officers including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer along with Board members at large.

The nominating committee has picked a slate of officers and nominations will also be taken at the meeting. Kathy Bremer, Secretary with the College Community Council will be officiating the election. To be eligible to vote you must have attended at least one meeting, including virtually, in the last year, and completed a membership form. Visit the MVCC website at midtownventura.org. for more information.

Before the election there will be a special presentation from the Ventura Police Department focusing on one of their specific working groups in the Department. There will also be a short presentation, “Spotlight on Volunteers/Non-Profits” featuring Heidi Coffey, with the National Charity League Juniors is a charity organization of local women

The main speaker of the evening will be Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere. Supervisor LaVere will be addressing the latest information on vaccinations and will also talk about his transition from being Mayor of the City of Ventura to being elected as our Supervisor.

You must register ahead of time for the meeting to be able to participate by going to website at midtownventura.org and the link will be sent out ahead of the meeting.
For further information or questions please call Dan Long at 805 653-6573 or send an email on their website.

Feb.11: The Midtown Ventura Community Council will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. The special guest speaker of the evening will be Mayor Sofia Rubalcava.  MVCC has always had a tradition of giving new leaders in our city an opportunity to informally speak about what inspired them to become more engaged in public service, their background and other topics of their choosing to help attendees become better acquainted with our new Mayor.  The Mayor will be speaking after their “Spotlight” guest.

First on the agenda that evening will be an up-to-date report of the COVID-19 19 vaccination status from a county representative who will also be able to answer some questions.

Darrick Brunk, Special Operations Commander with the Ventura Police Department, will give a very brief update on activities of concern for neighbors to be aware of in the community.

MVCC is also bringing back their “Spotlight on Volunteers/Non-Profits” which gives an opportunity to give a short overview of an organization.  Tammy Glenn, Executive Director of Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly will speak about their local organization.

The latest information from Ventura Water/Wastewater on the new rates for both departments.  Ventura Water General Manager, Susan Rungren, and Assistant City Manager, Akbar Alikhan will speak and will take questions afterward as time is allowed.

The virtual meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  You must register ahead of time for the meeting to be able to participate by going to their website at midtownventura.org and the link will be sent out ahead of the meeting.

For further information or questions please call Dan Long at 805 653-6573 or send an email on their website.

Feb.18: Meeting of the East Ventura Community Council, at 7:00 p.m. will consist of a Candidate Forum in which those persons interested in being appointed to the newly vacant District 4 City Council position will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the public. David Maron, Vice-Chair of the Ventura County Civic Alliance, and well-known moderator from the League of Women Voters, will officiate at the Forum. Questions for the candidates may be submitted ahead of time to [email protected].

The Council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate.

The meeting will be held online via the Zoom application. Go here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sx_vUZdeQ4aFylf7dIKh3w

You will first need to download the Zoom app on your computer or smart phone. You do not need an account.  If you miss the meeting, you can always view later on the website, www.eastventura.org.

For more information, contact EVCC Chairperson, Deborah Meyer-Morris at [email protected].

Feb. 27: Bank Of Books on Saturday 1-3 pm Doug Halter – Book Signing – “Give Me Time – The life and Times of Doug Halter” – Doug Halter and his partner were shocked to learn that they had AIDS and only a few months to live. Doug’s partner grew sick and passed away, but Doug miraculously got into the first successful trial of a drug that blocked AIDS complications – and he survived.

Achieving success as a chemical engineer and computer sales executive, Doug found his true calling as a highly innovative landscaper. Give Me Time is the inspiring story of Doug Halter’s lifelong dedication to AIDS and LBGTQ causes and his groundbreaking contributions to the culture and civic renewal of his chosen home, Ventura. 748 E. Main St. (805)643-3154

Feb.28: Art City Studios is thrilled to present Fitness Palooza, an interactive, outdoor, COVID-19 compliant health and fitness event for all ages in the Art City Stone Garden (aka Ventura Stone Henge.) The event takes place from 10am-2pm, and entry and classes are donation based for all participants.

Fitness Palooza brings outdoor yoga classes to all, aerial demonstrations, live art, music and vendors offering healthy and holistic products and programs. Sign up for a yoga class, bring a mat and spread out among the garden’s monumental stone sculptures for classes led by live instructors with DJ Down N Going spinning motivating flow style tunes.

Aerialists of all levels from Ventura County & Santa Barbara Trapeze Co will be performing aerial demonstrations throughout the event to inspire viewers to move, stretch and flow.

Interact with Art City Sculptor Andy Lewis as he sculpts stone and try for yourself to chisel some stone under his guidance.

Vendors bring healthy, holistic products and programs in a farmer’s market style setting for outdoor local shopping.

Art City Gallery and Studios will be open throughout the event for walk throughs. See breathtaking stone sculptures, fountains, stone monuments, onyx stone lamps and more. Walk through the breezy Art Gallery to see the bright, colorful paintings of Mike Tine.

Ojai Valley Community Hospital is one of only 10 hospitals in California to make the newly compiled list from Becker’s Hospital Review of the “top-rated hospitals for patient experience.”

Using scores from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS), from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Becker’s compiled a list of the best hospitals for patient experience in each of the 50 states. Hospitals either received five or four-star ratings based on a list of criteria from patient surveys. Becker’s Hospital Review is a major publication in the healthcare industry. Ojai Valley Community Hospital and the other nine California hospitals on the Becker’s list all received a top five-star rating. Ojai Valley Community Hospital is the only hospital in Ventura County to make the list.

Ojai Valley Community Hospital is a 25-bed acute care hospital with an emergency room, four beds for Intensive Care patients and 21 medical/surgical beds that also can serve patients needing skilled nursing care. The hospital recently opened a new, modern Continuing Care Center (skilled nursing facility) with 75 beds.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the HCAHPS survey is the first national, standardized, and publicly reported survey capturing the perspective of patients with regards to their hospital care.

Patients discharged from hospitals are asked a series of questions on topics including communication with nurses and doctors, the responsiveness of the hospital staff, the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment, communication about medicines, discharge information, an overall rating of the hospital, and if patients would recommend the hospital.

The Ojai Valley Museum presents a very special Virtual Annual Meeting with talented guests on the museum’s website, OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

When the Museum couldn’t have their typical Annual Meeting due to the pandemic, they got creative. Luckily for the viewing audience, the Museum has very talented and famous friends.

The twenty-minute video includes a performance by Grammy-nominated singer / songwriter Perla Batalla. A former back-up singer for Leonard Cohen, Batalla’s rendition of his “Anthem” is exquisite. MAD Magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragones shares why he loves Ojai, and our local community museum. Award-winning singer / songwriter Michele Brourman’s jazzy rendition of “You’re Only Old Once” is fun and intimate. The video ends with another upbeat performance as multitalented Jimmy Calire accompanies vocalist J. B. White on piano for “I Get a Kick Out of You” by Cole Porter. Ojai City Council member Bill Weirick shares why the museum is important to the community and Ojai Museum Executive Director Wendy Barker highlights their current exhibition, Insight 20/20: Ojai Studio Artists.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave, in Ojai, California. Visit online at OjaiValleyMuseum.org for information about exhibitions and events. OjaiHistory.com is filled with historic articles about the valley written over decades by a variety of local authors. You can also find the Ojai Valley Museum on Facebook and Instagram.

Nov.19: At 6:30 p.m., the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation is hosting its “Evening of Hope Virtual Variety Show,” a fundraising event that will stream on Facebook Live through @VCFJC.Foundation. All are welcome to join the fun.

The virtual variety show will feature performances from REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power, Ignition, special guest Gregg Bissonette, The Reddcoats, and more.

Proceeds support the Ventura County Family Justice Center, which provides services and support for local individuals and families who have faced violence or abuse. The justice center began as a big dream at a small meeting five years ago — a dream to provide a richer, more robust emphasis on responding to the impact of violence on the innocent victims, survivors, and their families. Today, that dream has been realized, and the justice center brings together a team of team of more than 40 agencies and 120 volunteers to help reduce trauma, eliminate repeat victimization, mitigate future risks, and make a lasting, positive difference in countless lives.

Nov.19: The Thursday meeting of the East Ventura Community Council will highlight two important topics: Prospects for a new East Ventura market, and city water rates. The meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m.

Ashdon Development’s proposal for a community shopping center was not favored by residents last June, and city staff ultimately did not recommend approval, based on various reasons. The EVCC Board has been working with Ashdon Development towards a better understanding of the community’s needs, and new plans will be presented at Thursday’s meeting.

Ventura Water will share details of their Water and Wastewater Rate Study. It is projected that $400 million will be needed to support our community’s water needs, so a rate increase is anticipated.

Ventura city residents who live east of Victoria Avenue are represented by the EVCC. Public participation at monthly meetings is encouraged.

The next meeting will be held online via the Zoom application. Go here to view:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85054159807?pwd=MThRRkpGQjVMMWZQbFpBdk10dk1xQT09

You will first need to download the Zoom app on your desktop or smart phone. You do not need an account. If you miss the meeting, you can always view later on the website, www.eastventura.org. The October meeting can be viewed there now. Meeting ID: 850 5415 9807 Passcode: 628200

For more information, contact EVCC Chair Marie Lakin at [email protected].

Nov.22: NAMBA’s ongoing “In Performance Live 2020” series.

is on Sunday Nov. 22 at 7pm.

Featuring Delta By The Beach, Solstice, Fili, The Rayjay & Flattop Tom Blues ,Duo, String Planet and Freda Ramey.

More NAMBA and “In Performance Live” information at

www.nambaarts.com & www.nambaarts.com/live2020

Dec.4: Local author and motivational speaker Susan Burrell will join the Ventura County Library at 5pm on Friday to talk about her book Live an Empowered Life! A 30-Day Journey Book. This event will take place virtually via Zoom and be followed by a Q&A session.

Susan Burrell is an intuitive healer and a spiritual guide. She is also a gifted speaker and teacher. Burrell has been counseling and supporting people in transforming from the inside out for over 25 years. Her methods are proven as she herself has lived this journey to empowerment. Her thought-provoking podcast, “Empowering Chats with Susan Burrell,” can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.

In our impatient, “want it now” culture, when people say they want to be happier, experience less stress, feel empowered—they want it that second. They want it without doing any work around it. So, what do they receive? What they put into it: not a whole lot. Live an Empowered Life! A 30-Day Journey Book is an interactive journal designed to give readers a deep dive with action steps to empower their life. The book interacts with Burrell’s website, www.susanburrell.com, and pairs well with her Inspirational Empowerment Cards.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information or to learn how to join this event, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected]. Instructions for joining this event on Zoom can also be found on our online calendar at www.vencolibrary.org/calendar.

The theme “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film” continues to guide the Ojai Film Festival. At a time when people’s spirits need uplifting more than ever before the global pandemic makes it unsafe to invite film lovers to come together in a physical space. To give their audience a necessary boost the Ojai Film Festival (OFF) plans to go virtual this year, November 6 through 15.

This year’s OFF consists of 77 films, selected from 302 entries from 42 countries. A series of 12 Gold Coast films celebrates southern California filmmakers.

Film blocks will screen for the first six days of the Festival, November 6 through 11. Viewers may purchase individual blocks for $10, or a Festival pass for the six days for $50. The other four days, November 12-15, festival films are available as Video on Demand.

Guaranteed access to 25 programs of your choice! Choose between our programming blocks, special events, and a la carte shorts and features (a $250 value). The festival pass (25 “clicks”) is valid only Nov. 6-11.

Individual Video on Demand tickets to single Festival Films are available: Feature Films for $5, short films for $3.

Pass added to your Eventive account (no physical pass)

A la carte purchase for programming blocks, special events, and individual films available soon.

On October 14, the Ojai Unified School Board approved an Agreement with the Ventura County Library to operate a joint-use library on the campus of the Meiners Oaks Elementary School. The Agreement will now go to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors for approval.

With an anticipated opening in late 2021 or 2022, a new library location is being planned for Meiners Oaks Library, currently at 114 North Padre Juan in Ojai.

The new, larger, library will be furnished and equipped to meet the 21st century needs of students and Meiners Oaks community members. The Ventura County Library operates two other public/school joint-use library branches in Piru and Oak Park. “It’s always wonderful to see two local governments collaborate to better serve the public, says Supervisor Steve Bennet. “This partnership will be great for students, the community, and taxpayers and bring a large modern library to Meiners Oaks.” Ventura County Library has plans to provide library services in the existing library’s location in Meiners Oaks until construction of the new building is complete.

It will feature two rooms, one each for children and adults, which can be separated. Plans call for it to be open and staffed for public access 24 hours per week and the school and public will enjoy access to the Library’s vast collection, including both print and electronic resources.

It will also feature a new student computer lab along with 15 hours of staffed homework help per week. The Library’s broadband connection to the CENIC high-speed network via CalREN will be moved to the new site.

All of the library’s vast array of programs for students, youth, and families, including STEAM activities and the very popular Summer Reading program that helps students retain reading skills during the months when school is not in session, will be conveniently available from the new location at the school campus.

The Ojai Film Festival (OFF) will honor former American Society of Cinematographer’s (ASC) President Steven Poster with the 2020 Distinguished Artist Award for Cinematography at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, November 12 at 7 pm.

On Saturday, November 7 at 1 pm, OFF invites anyone interested in cinematography to join Poster for a discussion of what it takes to achieve his cinematic vision. Poster will share highlights of his career and delve into his methods of achieving special images and effects. This seminar includes clips of selected works, and a live Zoom Q&A will follow.

“I’m very excited the Ojai Film Festival considered me for this honor,” Poster said. “Being recognized for my body of work is the highest kind of praise for an artist.”

Poster has worked on the feature films “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Blade Runner,” as Second Unit Director of Photography. In 1989 he shot the iconic music video to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Many people know Poster by his seminal work on Ridley Scott’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” and Richard Kelly’s “Donnie Darko.”

He currently lives in Los Angeles.

EVENTS

Dudley House Outdoor Marketplace. In place of their annual holiday boutique fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum, they will be having an outdoor sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov.28&29., weather permitting, with COVID-19 protocols strictly followed. Located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets in Ventura (197 N. Ashwood). For information call 805-746-4317 or 805-641-3563 or visit www.dudleyhouse.org.

“Namba In Performance Live 2020”
Streaming on Crowdcast Sunday Nov. 8 at 7pm
Featuring Delta By The Beach, Kris Simeon
Richard Aufrichtig, Power2thepeople,
Aaron Burch Band, Fred Kaplan & Robert Kyle
$10 Tickets and Show Information at www.nambaarts.com/live2020

The Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) will hold their next virtual general meeting Thursday, November 12 at 7 p.m. Their main focus of the meeting will be public safety.

First on their agenda will be Daniel Wall, City of Ventura Emergency Manager, who will give an update on new plans that are in place and ones that he continues to work on for possible emergencies that may effect our city.

The main presentation of the evening will be Police Chief Darin Schindler discussing the Ventura Police Department’s (VPD) Strategic Plan for 2020 – 2023.  VPD is rooted in community policing through community partnerships and collaborative problem solving which is central to their efforts. The Strategic Plan outlines department priorities, but VPD also recognizes the need to be nimble to respond to unpredictable change. 

Through several workshops, surveys, and meeting with the community and with collaboration and input from employees at all levels, five goals were identified:

Goal 1: Crime Control – Effective responses to crime in our community

Goal 2: Team Development – A focus on our most important resources

Goal 3: Active Partnerships – Shared community problem solving efforts

Goal 4: Safe Neighborhoods – Enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods

Goal 5: Efficiency and Accountability – Commitment to excellence

Innovation, technological advancements, and fostering a culture of open dialogue with our community is vital to our success moving forward as the City updates policing strategies. VPD is comprised of more than 225 members, including sworn officers, professional staff, and volunteers, all of whom, are proud to serve.

There will be plenty of time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Read their complete Strategic Plan in English and Spanish here: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1053/Performance-Measures“

The virtual meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  You must register ahead of time for the meeting to be able to participate by going to their website at midtownventura.org

 For further information or questions please call Dan Long at 805 653-6573 or send an email on their website

The Ojai Art Center Theater invites community members to get involved in their 2021 season. If you have a favorite play or musical you want them to produce, you may submit it for possible inclusion.

The Play Selection Committee seeks script in the following categories: comedies, dramas, musicals, Shakespearean comedies, classical comedies, and plays or musicals suitable for families. The committee asks that the submissions be published plays available for amateur productions. Please mail scripts to Ojai ACT, c/o Herb Hemming, 411 Tico Rd., Ojai 93023 by May 15, 2020.

Experienced theater directors are encouraged to send a directing resume via email to [email protected] before May 15.

The Ojai Art Center is the longest continuously operating multi-disciplinary center serving the arts in the State of California. Opened in 1939, the Ojai Art Center encompasses eight branches for the various art disciplines. The Theater Branch annually presents a variety of dramatic productions, ranging from comedy to drama and musicals. The branch operates with its own directors and monthly meetings to address all theater-related issues. They annually screen proposals for future productions and present a tentative schedule for approval to the Art Center’s Board of Directors.

Ojai Art Center is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Ojai residents,

As members of the Ojai community, we are all understandably concerned about the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). As Mayor of the City of Ojai, I would like to share actions taken by the City of Ojai, but also share actions that residents can and should take to keep each other, and our community, safe.

This situation is unprecedented, we must be calm and reasonable. This is a public health crisis, and the lead agency for our area is the Ventura County Public Health Department. The Ventura County Public Health Department is the best, most authoritative source for information about this issue. The City has been in regular contact with the Ventura County Public Health Department, and many other partners, to help coordinate as needed.

On Friday, March 13, the City Council declared a local emergency, to provide more flexibility and allow the City to react quickly to needs. The City has postponed or cancelled several community events, and in line with the latest guidelines, discourage people from attending public meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people. The City is taking steps to help residents participate in public meetings by allowing email comments to our City Clerk’s Office.

The City has also begun to reach out to our business community, looking for ways to help enable curbside pickup and delivery, and providing additional hand washing stations throughout the City. The City is also keeping public restrooms open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help ensure our vulnerable populations are able to wash their hands as needed. Our goal is to “flatten the curve” by reducing social interactions and reducing the opportunities for community transmission of the virus. The City may continue to implement measures, such as closing City Hall, to reduce the possibility of community transmission of the virus. We will provide electronic or other means to obtain services if we do so.

Most importantly, I’m asking you all to remain calm, support each other, and encourage best practices. Your personal behavior matters, and you can help reduce the spread of this disease by following county, state and federal advice about increased personal hygiene and reduced in-person contact. Work from home if you can. Practice social distancing by avoiding large groups and staying 6 feet away from others. Please share this information with your friends and family to help them stay safe and healthy.

In order to avoid misinformation, please refer to official sites for accurate information:

• City of Ojai www.ojaicity.org
• Ventura County www.vcemergency.com
• California Department of Public Health cdph.ca.gov/covid19
• United States Centers for Disease Control
  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Lastly, to receive the latest notices from the City of Ojai, please sign up for the City’s email list. Please click on the COVID-19 Information Signup button on the City’s webpage, under quick links.

Mayor John F. Johnston
City of Ojai