Perry Van Houten

Pocatello

Senior Reporter at Ojai Valley News

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Articles

Stay out of ocean the next few days, forecasters warn

5 days ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

Authorities are urging people to stay out of the ocean the next few days due to hazardous sea and surf conditions. On Monday, June 2, the National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for Ventura County beaches, the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches until Tuesday, June 3 at 5 p.m.“A long period south swell will bring elevated surf up to 6 feet to south and southwest facing beaches, along with dangerous rip currents,” forecasters said.
Prescribed burn June 6 near Casitas Springs

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

As part of ongoing ecological restoration research, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy will conduct a prescribed burn along Santa Ana Road, near Casitas Springs on Friday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.The 40-acre controlled burn, in partnership with local and regional agencies, is planned for two adjacent properties — the Land Conservancy’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve and privately owned Birdsong Ranch.
Controlled burn in Adams Canyon in early June

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

Area residents may notice smoke from a prescribed burn planned next week north of Santa Paula. The Ventura County Fire Department plans to conduct the burn in Adams Canyon on June 3, 4 or 5, weather permitting, the agency announced in a news release. “This controlled burn is part of ongoing efforts to improve ecosystem health and reduce fire risk,” VCFD stated.
Water lawsuit judge notes parties ‘making progress’

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

“It seems like you’re making progress,” a judge told major parties mediating a potential settlement in the Ventura River Watershed Adjudication lawsuit. During a May 22 status conference in Los Angeles County Superior Court, parties provided Judge William F. Highberger with an overview of structured mediation sessions underway since April 2022.
Ojai honors nation’s heroes at Memorial Day celebration

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

The Ojai Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted a free Memorial Day concert at Libbey Bowl on Monday, May 26. The program, emceed by VFW Post 11461 Commander Steve Quilici, featured local musicians playing patriotic and traditional songs, Scout Troop 504 presenting and retiring the Colors, and speaker Col. Dorian Hatcher from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Rotary Clubs of Ojai name Living Treasures

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

Six local citizens were honored as Living Treasures by the Rotary Clubs of Ojai, during a May 22 installation and reception at the Ojai Valley Museum. Each year, community members are nominated as Living Treasures for their commitment and spirit of giving back, “people who donate their time to community service,” said Dr. Fred Fauvre, who has chaired the Living Treasures Committee the past 24 years.
Independence Day Parade entry deadline is June 6

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

Time is running out if you’re hoping to enter the 2025 Ojai Independence Day Parade. Next Friday, June 6, is the deadline for submitting an application. Entry fees range between $30 and $100, depending on category. Parade entries are being taken online at 4thofjulyinojai.com. Entry forms are also available at American Hay & Mercantile in Oak View, the Ojai Recreation Department and Ojai City Hall.
SR-33 bridge project north of Ojai to require full 55-hour weekend closures

1 week ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

The California Department of Transportation has announced a bridge project on SR-33, north of Ojai in Los Padres National Forest, that will require extended weekend closures of the highway. The $4.6 million North Fork Matilija Creek Bridge Safety Improvement Project is expected to begin in July with completion in September, Caltrans stated in a May 22 news release.
Turtle Conservancy honors students enhancing watersheds

2 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

The Turtle Conservancy is honoring Ojai Valley Defense Fund founder John Broesamle with an annual award for local high school students doing impactful environmental work. The inaugural Local Hero Award, which includes a cash prize of $5,000, was presented on Sunday, May 18, at Twin Peaks Ranch in Ojai.
Rotary Club of Ojai stokes dreams with $162K in scholarships

2 weeks ago | ojaivalleynews.com | Perry Van Houten

The Rotary Club of Ojai awarded $162,000 in scholarships to two dozen local high school students May 16. The annual awards by Rotary and its not-for-profit Educational Foundation were presented during the club’s regular meeting at the Aquinas Center in Ojai. Based on merit and need, scholarships were awarded to students from four schools: 17 from Nordhoff High School, three from Legacy High School, two from Oak Grove School, and two from Villanova Preparatory School.