City of Ojai

City of Ojai: Coronavirus (COVID 19) Update for February 12, 2021 The City of Ojai would like to thank its residents for doing their part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It is important for us, as a community, to continue to practice safe measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The City would like to share the following updates: County Vaccine Update:... The current distribution phase in Ventura County is Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents and effective February 9, 2021 those 65 and older are in the current vaccine phase. As the local vaccine distributor, the County is organized and prepared to distribute the vaccine as supplies are received. Appointments are limited because of the limited supply of vaccines. It may still take time to secure an appointment if you are in the current phase. Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may: 1) Register online www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/portal/. 2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:00-5:00. For the most current and relevant information regarding vaccine, please visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/. Transportation to Vaccine Appointments for Older Adults: Additionally, the Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site. Face Coverings Update from CDC Indicates Two Masks Offer More Protection: Face coverings are one of the most effective tools available to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data showed that combining a disposable mask with a cloth mask on top, blocked 92.5% of particles expelled from a cough. Members of the public are encouraged to consider wearing double masks, in addition to getting tested, practicing social distancing, and avoid gathering. Information on how to properly wear, clean, and create face coverings can be found on the CDC’s website by clicking on the following link:https://www.cdc.gov//prevent/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Ojai City Council Announces New Start Time for Regular Meetings Beginning on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the Ojai City Council regular meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. The regular City Council meetings are scheduled on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The Council meetings are available for viewing on the City's website at ojaicity.org/granicus/; YouTube at youtube.com/user/ojaicity/featured, or on Spectrum Channel 10. Members of the public who wish to submit writt...en public comments under all agenda items may do so in advance via e-mail no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Public comment emails should be sent to [email protected]. Members of the public who wish to speak via telewebinar under all agenda items may register in advance, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. To register, please refer to the meeting agenda, which may be found by clicking on the following link https://ojaicity.org/granicus/ See more

Latest Update Regarding Wind Event from VCEmergency.com (January 19, 2021) The National Weather Service has forecasted strong Santa Ana winds that will continue across Ventura County tonight through Wednesday morning. Winds in the 35-55 mph range with damaging gusts 70-80 mph (isolated gusts to 90 mph possible) are expected over L.A. and Ventura Counties, with the strongest over the most wind-exposed foothills and the mountains. The L.A. and Ventura valleys should expect wind...s of 30-50 mph with damaging gusts at 60-75 mph. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through 10:00 pm Tuesday evening. For the latest weather information, please visit https://www.weather.gov/lox/ Southern California Edison is monitoring a number of circuits for possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) with a period of concern through Wednesday, January 20, 2021. For more information on circuits impacted by this event, please visit https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps Residents with disability, access or functional needs who are power-dependent, should prepare now by obtaining back-up power supplies for critical medical equipment or making alternate plans before power disruption occurs. Southern California Edison operates a medical baseline program by which customers receive a discount on their monthly bills, as well as assistance purchasing back-up power supplies. For more information on this program, please visit https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/medical-baseline. For more information on filing a claim for losses, please contact Southern California Edison at 1-800-611-1911 or visit sce.com/PSPS. To register to receive alerts directly from Southern California Edison, please visit https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps-alerts The City of Ojai would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to please take a minute to register (or update your address if you are already registered) with VC Alert, so that you are able to get direct alerts in the event of an emergency. Residents may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert

CITY OF OJAI TO HOLD VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE! WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 TIME: 6:00pm 8:00pm... Ojai community members are coming together to create a bold new vision and strategic plan for the future. This exciting initiative will establish goals, policies, and actions that preserve community strengths and address key priorities. The General Plan addresses the full spectrum of important topics to the community, including preservation of City character, maintaining a vibrant downtown, balancing tourism with quality of life, quality of public services, fire safety concerns, circulation, and environmental leadership. Ojai’s last comprehensive General Plan update was in 1987; more than 30 years ago. The updated plan must reflect 2021 realities and anticipate community changes through 2045. To ensure a successful outcome, we need to hear from you in a community virtual public workshop, flyer attached. Where will the City build more housing? What types of amenities does the City need to provide for its residents? What is Ojai missing today? How do we keep Ojai safe as the impacts of climate change increase? What other challenges will we need to overcome? These are just some of the questions the City needs your help in addressing. With your input and interaction at the virtual workshop, the updated General Plan will reflect and advance the community’s priorities and vision for the future. To learn more about the project and how to get involved, and sign up for the virtual workshop please visit www.ojaicity.org/gpupdate. On the web page, you will find updated information about the City’s General Plan, Mayor welcome video, results from our community survey, as well as a contact button to get on a mailing list.

Reminder: Be Prepared for High Winds and Potential Power Shutoffs: January 18, 2021: Southern California Edison is monitoring circuits throughout Ventura County in anticipation of high winds. As of 9:00 a.m. the morning of January 18, Ojai circuits are included. Please visit this page for more information and to see if your address is at risk of power shutoff: https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps

Stewart Canyon Restoration Project - Volunteer Effort Kickoff The Stewart Canyon Restoration volunteer effort is kicking off this weekend (2/13/21). The volunteer days are the 2nd and 4th Saturday of February and March from 9am to 12pm/noon. The work will primarily be planting and weeding. Pax Environmental biologist and the CREW will be coordinating and leading the effort. Please see the flyer below for more information.

City of Ojai COVID-19 Update for January 15, 2021 Keep Ojai Safe With the recent surge of positive COVID-19 cases in Ventura County, the City of Ojai is urging residents to exercise personal responsibility by following preventive health measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As of this date, Ventura County public health officials report the following:... 55,848 total cases 401 deaths 48,577 recovered cases 86 currently in the intensive care unit 6,870 active cases under home quarantine 826,074 tested 659 cases in Ojai The rapid rise in cases over the last couple of weeks is very concerning. We must continue to protect ourselves by wearing masks, keeping our distance from others, avoiding gatherings, and washing our hands to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For tips on how to protect yourself and others from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) please visit https://www.cdc.gov///prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html Local Vaccine Information: The County of Ventura has received the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and, following guidance from the CDC, has begun implementing a multi-phase vaccination plan for Ventura County residents. Additional information to follow. Ventura County Residents or those that work in our County can register for vaccines if they are in Phase 1a Tier 1, 2, 3. If you are not in the current phase, please do not register. When you show up at the vaccine site you will have to show proof that you are in the current phase and that you live or work in our County. 65 and older are not in the current phase. For questions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, the County has set up a vaccine information page, https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information//, that includes Frequently Asked Questions, the phases and where populations fall within each phase and on the distribution timeline, and a place where residents can register for vaccine updates.

Reminder: Free COVID-19 Testing Available on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Sarzotti Park Español abajo] The Ventura County Health Care Agency is offering free COVID-19 testing on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Testing is available to members of the public, including to those who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Appointments are not required and y...ou don’t need to have health insurance. La agencia Ventura County Health Care ofrecerá pruebas de detección del COVID-19 gratuitas el lunes, miércoles 10 de febrero de 2021 de 9:00 a.m. a 3:30 p.m. en Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Las pruebas están disponibles para el público, incluyendo para aquellos que tienen la menor sospecha de que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 o que hayan sido expuestos a alguien que lo tenga. No se require citas y no es necesario que tenga seguro médico.

COVID-19 Testing Scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2021 in Ojai Postponed In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the COVID-19 testing event scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2021 at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Road, Ojai CA. 93023, has been postponed. Testing is scheduled to resume on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M. Additionally, the County of Ventura has expanded free COVID-19 testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. To view a list testing sites offered by the Ventura Count Health Care Agency please visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/

FOOD Share of Ventura County to Host Pop Up Food Pantry in Ojai on Monday, February 8, 2021. [Español abajo] In need of food? FOOD Share of Ventura County is holding a pop-up food pantry in Ojai on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Thomas Aquinas Church, 185 South Thomas Drive, Ojai. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. For additional information, please see the flyer below. ¿Necesita alimentos? FOOD Share of Ventura County ofrecerá de nuevo sus despensas de alimentos en Ojai el lunes 8 de febrero de 2021 en la iglesia Thomas Aquinas, 185 South Thomas Drive, Ojai. El evento está programado para comenzar a las 10:00 a.m. Para obtener información, consulte el folleto a continuación.

Ojai Chief of Police Jose Rivera shared a message with the community regarding public concerns over potential violence related to the upcoming presidential inauguration. His message may be seen below. "Due to the recent violence at the U.S. Capitol, citizens across the country have raised concerns over potential violence related to the upcoming presidential inauguration. The Ojai Police Department understands that many citizens in the Ojai Valley may have these concerns as ...well. The Ojai Police Department is currently monitoring the situation, collaborating with partners, and is prepared should any issues arise. We have not received any information of any potential violence within the Ojai Valley. The Ojai Police Department is committed to safeguarding our community and ensuring the safety of all of our citizens. Please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (805) 654-9511 if you have any concerns or need to report any suspicious activity. Thank you, be safe and stay healthy" - Chief Rivera

Free COVID-19 Testing in Ojai Extended through December 28, 2020 The City of Ojai and County of Ventura have announced additional free COVID-19 testing dates in Ojai through December 28, 2020. Testing is to be held at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023 every Monday beginning November 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Testing is available to the public, including to those who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Appointments are not required and you do not need to have health insurance.

The Ventura County Sheriff Office of Emergency Services is currently monitoring fire-prone weather expected to impact Ventura County through Tuesday evening. During this timeframe, there is an increased possibility of power outages and wildfires. Residents are being asked to take steps now to plan and prepare for this period of concern. For additional information on weather forecast, please visit the National Weather Service online https://www.weather.gov. In anticipation ...of this forecast, the City of Ojai would like to take this opportunity to share some important information with residents: Please take a minute to register (or update your address if you are already registered) with VC Alert, so that you are able to get direct alerts in the event of an emergency. Residents may do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert

Reminder: [Español abajo] The Ventura County Health Care Agency is offering free COVID-19 testing on Monday, October 26, 2020 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Testing is available to members of the public, including to those who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Appointments are not required and you don’t need to have health insurance, but may be asked for it if you do. La agencia Vent...ura County Health Care ofrecerá pruebas de detección del COVID-19 gratuitas el lunes 26 de octubre de 2020 desde el mediodía hasta las 5:00 p.m. en Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Las pruebas están disponibles para el público, incluyendo para aquellos que tienen la menor sospecha de que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 o que hayan sido expuestos a alguien que lo tenga. No se requerirán citas y no es necesario que tenga seguro médico. Si tiene seguro médico, es posible que se le pedirá la información. See more

Food Share of Ventura County to Hold Pop-Up Food Pantry in Ojai On Monday, October 26, 2020 (10/26/2020) FOOD Share is holding pop-up food pantry in Ojai today at 10 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church (185 South Thomas Drive), for low-income families living in Ojai. Proof of residence is required.

[Español abajo] The Ventura County Health Care Agency is offering free COVID-19 testing on Monday, October 26, 2020 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Testing is available to members of the public, including to those who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Appointments are not required and you don’t need to have health insurance, but may be asked for it if you do. La agencia Ventura County... Health Care ofrecerá pruebas de detección del COVID-19 gratuitas el lunes 26 de octubre de 2020 desde el mediodía hasta las 5:00 p.m. en Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. Las pruebas están disponibles para el público, incluyendo para aquellos que tienen la menor sospecha de que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 o que hayan sido expuestos a alguien que lo tenga. No se requerirán citas y no es necesario que tenga seguro médico. Si tiene seguro médico, es posible que se le pedirá la información. See more

Two Ojai Traditions Continue Virtually! With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Ojai community has found a way to keep two Ojai traditions in place, with modifications. The City of Ojai’s Historic Preservation Commission has continued the annual historic jail tour tradition by recording a virtual tour. Chair Brian Aikens leads the tour and gives history on the historic jail located at Libbey Park. The video tour is available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg...QpbGmiv7Q&feature=youtu.be Additionally, the Ojai Mandala Mavens are continuing the tradition of the annual Mandala. This year’s Mandala will be located at the Libbey Park fountain. Come by to participate or to check it out. A video and virtual tour is available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbgZFtfFTG4&feature=youtu.be

Interested in being involved in the Go Ojai Demonstration Project? Join the team at the next Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. To register for the virtual meeting, please visit https://ojaicity.org/goojai/

State of California Releases Guidelines for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos During COVID-19 The state of California has released guidelines for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines can be found at https://covid19.ca.gov/holidays/ and encourage residents to enjoy the holidays safely by planning alternative celebrations that don’t risk spreading coronavirus to family members and others in the community. Tips for each holiday include: Ha...lloween Plan lower-risk celebrations, like: Joining online parties for costume contests or pumpkin carving Enjoying activities from your car like drive-through Halloween displays or drive-in movies Having fun at home with scary movies, a candy scavenger hunt, or turning your home into a haunted house Putting on costumes and going on a physically distanced walk with your household Dressing up your home or yard with Halloween decorations Many traditional Halloween celebrations such as parties and in-person, door to door trick-or-treating pose a high risk of spreading COVID-19 and could put your family and loved ones at risk. These activities involve face to face interactions with people from different households, and if an infection is detected among a participant, it will be very difficult to find and notify those who may have been exposed. For more low-risk Halloween activities, read CDPH’s Guidance for Safer Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Celebrations during COVID-19. Día de los Muertos For safety, celebrate Día de los Muertos only with other members of your household, or online. Some low-risk activities are: Placing altars outside or in a front-facing window so they can be seen from a distance Creating virtual altars online that can be shared through email or social media Creating altar cards that can be sent in the mail Visiting cemeteries only with your household. Wear masks and physically distance from others. Limit time you spend there. For more low-risk Día de los Muertos activities, read CDPH’s Guidance for Safer Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Celebrations during COVID-19.

[Español abajo] Food Share of Ventura County continues to support our community through their weekly food pantry events. If you are in need of food, here is the schedule for this week’s upcoming distributions. Food Share of Ventura County continúa apoyando a nuestra comunidad a través de sus eventos semanales de despensa de alimentos. Si necesita alimentos, aquí está el calendario de las próximas distribuciones de esta semana.

[Español abajo]The Ventura County Health Care Agency is offering free COVID-19 testing to the public, including to those who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. Testing is to be held at Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023 every Monday from noon to 5:00 p.m. through October 26, 2020. Appointments will not be required and you don’t need to have health insurance, but may be asked for it if you do. For additional informa...tion, please see the flyer below. La agencia Ventura County Health Care ofrecerá pruebas de detección del COVID-19 en el Valle de Ojai para el público, incluyendo para aquellos que tienen la menor sospecha de que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 o que hayan sido expuestos a alguien que lo tenga. Las pruebas se llevarán a cabo en Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Rd. Ojai CA. 93023. cada lunes de 12:00 p.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m. No se requiere sita y no se les cobrara por la prueba. Adicionalmente no es necesario que tengan seguro médico. Si tiene seguro médico, es posible que se le pedirá la información. Para obtener información adicional, por favor consulte el folleto a continuación.

[Español abajo] The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from November 3, 2020 through November 16, 2020 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households meeting the AHA residency preference (live, work or hired to work in the AHA’s jurisdiction) The AHA serves the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Applications...Continue reading

Painting of the Mandala in the Fountain Area of Libbey Park The City continues the longstanding tradition of the mandala. The painting will begin on Monday, October 19 at 10 a.m. and continue through Thursday, October 22. This year the painting of the mandala is in the fountain area of Libbey Park. The mandala is painted by local artists (Mandala Mavens Rivers Sauvageau, Evergreen Hericks and Mary Kennedy) and volunteers. School children are invited to help. Masks, social di...stancing, and all COVID-19 requirements will be implemented. To volunteer on the project, please contact River Sauvageau at [email protected], Susan Evergreen Hericks at [email protected], Mary Kennedy at [email protected], or via Facebook Ojai Day Mandala - 2020- Libbey Park Fountain . Ojai Day, the annual City community event, will not be held this year due to the Coronavirus and public health orders. See more

The time is NOW to complete the Census . According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the last day to complete the Census is TOMORROW, October 15th. Get your family, children, loved ones and neighbors counted TODAY. Time is running out. Together we can work toward a complete and accurate count in the #2020Census. #WeAllCount #BeCounted