2022-2023

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Category: 2022-2023

Deirdre Daly long served her community by saying "yes" to sudden needs. She has been on the Board of HELP of Ojai, caregiver and dedicated supporter of local patients and families of Alzheimer patients, the President of the Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation, Housing Director for the Ojai Music Festival, Past President of the Rotary Club of Ojai, and key fundraiser for multiple local charities. She is a true Treasure to our community.

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Category: 2022-2023

The three Vargas sisters have worked tirelessly to put on the Ojal Mexican Fiesta for the past 15 years. The Fiesta celebrates Hispanic culture with the entire Ventura County Community. Each year, there are hundreds in attendance. There is traditional music and dancing, cultural games, food, and fun for all ages. The annual Festival raises funds for scholarships for graduating high school students with Hispanic heritage to continue their education at a university of their choice. With this help, many of our local students now have successful careers thanks to the Fiesta.

Garrett has led volunteers in Ojai Trees since it's inception in 2008, planting over 1800 trees in Ojai on both private and public land. He is on the Advisory Committee for the City of Ojai on tree-related issues since 2009. He and his group envision a sustainable community forest for generations to come. He inspires people to take personal responsibility for the community forest by his participation. His volunteers found him inspiring and willing to go the extra mile, advising people on tree planting and care.

He is a co-founder of the Ojai Cyclist Bike Riding Club and an active member of the Ojai Bee Club which advocates for our pollinators.

He is a spokesperson for Ojai Trees and at events such as Arbor Day and Ojai Day.

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Category: 2022-2023

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Category: 2022-2023

Johnnie is a Living Treasure who has been hiding in plain sight. He epitomizes what it means to do the right thing when no one is looking. Johnny can be found picking up trash along Creek Road and the acorns to protect the deer. He received the Ojai Valley Defense Fund's prestigious James D. Loebl Award as someone who has played a leading role in protecting the environmental quality of the Ojai Valley. He served as city manager in the 1970s and was pivotal in preventing the State of California from building freeways throughout the valley. As Ventura County CEO he was so loved and respected that the road encircling the Government Center bears his name. He was Ojai's first elected mayor, running on a platform of civility in politics and fiscal responsibility. His philosophy is that we should respect the past but prepare for the future.

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Category: 2022-2023

Judith is an exemplary volunteer. She serves in leadership roles on the Ojai Education Foundation, the Music Festival Woman's Committee, the Ojai Valley Hospital Guild, and the Ojai Women's Fund. She is dependable, highly competent, and willing to do whatever is needed from recruiting and training new members to developing policy manuals. Her background as an attorney especially in conflict and dispute resolution shapes her approach to working with others. She has used her hard-earned knowledge t help guide and support women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. She has an abiding respect and sensitivity for the individuals

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Category: 2022-2023

Kara Hooper embodies the passion and commitment of what it means to be an Ojai Living Treasure. Kara spent 12 years as Associate Director of College Counseling at Thacher School. She serves as the Athletic Director for the Matilija Middle School PTO and as Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 504 in Ojai. She serves on the Board of the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation. She also serves as a Trustee for the Monica Ros School. In her spare time, she's also the Librarian at the Monica Ros School.Ed.

Kara is the founder of O-Higher Education. It is a not-for-profit, founded in 2019. Its mission is to help students of the Ojai Valley access higher education, with a focus on those who are first in their family to go to college. The program starts as early as 6th grade and continues through 12th grade. It is 100% free of cost.

Kara, you are "Treasured".