Kusa Seed Research Foundation looking for Seed Guardians

The Kusa Seed Research Foundation is Ojai’s own “heirloom seed” organization, keeping alive the ancient human valuation of the preciousness of untrammeled seeds. They are looking for help hosting these seeds. Founded in Ojai in 1980, the Kusa Seed Society has built-up a deep collection of bio-diverse, highly nutritious edible seedcrops — endangered staple-food seed …

Ojai Valley Green Coalition chooses new executive director

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition has chosen a new executive director, Tim Nafziger, following the resignation of Russell Sydney, who served in the post for a year and a half. Nafziger plans to serve for six to nine months in an interim role to help the organization find a long term executive director. “We appreciate …

Thacher Astronomer to Host Dark Skies Open House on September 15

During the day, Jon Swift teaches astronomy and mathematics at Thacher School in Ojai’s East End, where he has taken charge of a large state-of-the-art astronomical observatory, and oversees a hard-working group of students enthralled with the stars. At night Swift and his collaborators look to the skies for illumination on a variety of astronomical …

VanLeit Joins Ojai Valley Green Coalition Board

Betsy VanLeit, who joined the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s Board this August, brings years of experience in administration of different sorts, from working in health issues (while teaching at the University of New Mexico, and administering federal grants for underserved people in the state) and the environment (while working for the US Forest Service, in …

SKYGLOW Project Presentation Sept. 15

On Friday, September 15, 7 to 9 p.m., join the Coalition for a SKYGLOW Project screening and book signing. SKYGLOW explores the history and mythology of celestial observation, the proliferation of electrical outdoor lighting that spurred the rise of “skyglow” and the Dark Sky Movement that’s fighting to reclaim the night skies. Held in the …