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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Ojai, CA

Home Care Ojai, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Ojai Post Office Bell Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ojai, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Ojai, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”

Briana G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”

Cherie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”

Jami O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”

Luis S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”

Dolores R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”

Wendy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”

Wylie
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”

kmbarnes
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TESTIMONIALS

“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”

Marti D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”

Sandra R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”

Shayna F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”

Shayna R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”

Courtney
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”

Matthew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”

Natalie S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”

Evelyn H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”

Vanessa S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”

Julianna R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”

Jennifer S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Ojai, CA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Ojai, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Ojai, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Ojai, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Ojai, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Libbey Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Ojai, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Olivella or visit Charles M. Pratt House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Ojai, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Ojai, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Ojai, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Ojai, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Ojai, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ojai, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Ojai, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Ojai, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Manor of Ojai Residential Care
  • The Olive Branch of Ojai
  • The Artesian of Ojai
  • Glen Park at Ojai
  • Mountain Vista of Ojai
  • Acacias Care Center
Home Care Ojai, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Ojai, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ojai, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Ojai, CA

Latest News in Ojai, CA

In Ojai, Hotel El Roblar Reawakens with Spanish Revival Charm

Location: Ojai, CaliforniaDesigners: Ramin Shamshiri, Eric Goode, and Jeremy McBrideOn Offer: Ojai’s oldest hotel reemerges after a 50-year hiatus with a renewed take on Spanish Revival design and California-Mexican cuisine.The lobby and adjoining lounges boast fringed leather sofas with a warm patina, woven rugs in deep reds and ochres, and a commanding stone fireplace—a restored relic of the original property—that invites dark drinks and long conversa...

Location: Ojai, California

Designers: Ramin Shamshiri, Eric Goode, and Jeremy McBride

On Offer: Ojai’s oldest hotel reemerges after a 50-year hiatus with a renewed take on Spanish Revival design and California-Mexican cuisine.

The lobby and adjoining lounges boast fringed leather sofas with a warm patina, woven rugs in deep reds and ochres, and a commanding stone fireplace—a restored relic of the original property—that invites dark drinks and long conversations. Monterey-style furnishings and lived-in details heighten the languid ease, a mood perfectly in step with the sensibilities of partner Eric Goode, co-creator of New York’s Bowery Hotel, and interior designer Ramin Shamshiri.

Outdoors, the gardens echo the Los Padres wilderness, luring guests along winding paths planted with desert botanicals. Bungalows are marked by hand-painted animal tiles, while sculptural chairs, Mediterranean fountains, and tiled corners appear like small discoveries along the way.

Standout Features: Two Aldabra giant tortoises, Abra and Cadabra, occupy a dedicated sanctuary championed by Goode, offering guests a rare, thoughtful encounter. Beyond a tunnel of bougainvillea, the pool opens to the backdrop of the Topa Topa mountains. Sage-green umbrellas, striped loungers, and towering dragon trees cast shade over the water, channeling midcentury Mexican resorts through a distinctly Ojai lens.

Vibrant California produce and Ojai’s ties to Mexican cuisine shape the menu at Condor Bar, the hotel’s headlining restaurant from chef Brandon Boudet and restaurateur Warner Ebbink, the duo behind Los Angeles mainstay Little Dom’s. Anchored by a wood-fired grill, the kitchen turns out bold, elemental plates: beef cheek suadero vampiro, local tomato and melon dusted with chicatano ants, seabass caught nearby, and a Santa Barbara sea urchin tamal. Denizens and travelers mingle over agave spirits and natural wines in a space that feels at once like a neighborhood fixture and a destination in its own right.

What’s Old (West) Is New Again in Ojai

You can feel settled in pretty quickly at Ojai’s Hotel El Roblar.The sense of place begins in the Old West-style lobby, where a pair of aged leather couches beckon near the rough-hewn stone fireplace. The Spanish Revival-style property — comprising 31 rooms in the main building and 11 one-bedroom bungalows — has been designed as an homage to Ojai itself, an artistic haven north of Los Angeles known for its “pink moment” sunsets and avocado and citrus orchards. Near the check-in desk, old photographs of th...

You can feel settled in pretty quickly at Ojai’s Hotel El Roblar.

The sense of place begins in the Old West-style lobby, where a pair of aged leather couches beckon near the rough-hewn stone fireplace. The Spanish Revival-style property — comprising 31 rooms in the main building and 11 one-bedroom bungalows — has been designed as an homage to Ojai itself, an artistic haven north of Los Angeles known for its “pink moment” sunsets and avocado and citrus orchards. Near the check-in desk, old photographs of the place line the hallway. Custom-made Pendleton blankets lie at the foot of every bed, woven with the words “Hotel El Roblar. Ojai, California 1919.”

“It’s Ojai’s longest-standing hotel, and it’s been around for 105 years,” says producer and entrepreneur Jeremy McBride, one of four co-owners of Hotel El Roblar, where rooms start at $495 a night. Adds fellow owner Ramin Shamshiri, one of the hotel’s designers, “It’s in the center of town, and it would be the central meeting point where everyone would go to spend time, both locals and tourists.”

But that centrality had long fallen to the wayside. For decades, the property had operated as The Oaks at Ojai, which Shamshiri explains was “a long-term-stay spa and health center. It wasn’t terribly open to the public unless you joined their program.”

Now McBride, Shamshiri and their partners, Tiger King co-creator Eric Goode (the hotel’s lead designer) and restaurateur Warner Ebbink, have returned the 2-acre property to its old California roots, reviving the original name and undertaking a painstaking restoration. They restored the white stucco archway that once fronted the street as well as the lobby’s fireplace and wood paneling. Archival research, conducted at the Ojai Valley Museum, the Warner Bros.’ studio library, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (a natural history museum at the University of California, Berkeley), informed the process. “When we started to do the research of exactly what it was, we found the old photography and drawings of the place and just really wanted to recapture its original glory,” says Shamshiri. “The whole property is meant to feel like it’s always been there.”

Soft-opened in June, the lushly landscaped Hotel El Roblar boasts private garden terraces for many of the rooms and outdoor garden patios for all of the bungalows; an inviting pool bedecked with sage green umbrellas and yellow-striped loungers; and two restaurants, daytime café La Cocina and Mexican restaurant Condor Bar, where must-try dishes include the duck leg carnitas and the beef cheek vampiro (a type of taco).

Hotel El Roblar is already becoming a bit of a scene. On a recent weekday, the Condor Room was humming at dinnertime: Among other glitterati, THR spotted fashion designers Anna Getty and Heidi Merrick and A-list photographer Stewart Shining at various tables. The buzz is hardly surprising given the owners’ pedigree: Shamshiri, who’s married to NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios chairman Donna Langley, is an A-list designer who’s working on several high-end residential projects in L.A. Ebbink is the co-owner of Hollywood-beloved Little Dom’s restaurant in Los Feliz and the new Bar Lou bistro in Montecito. Goode is the NYC nightlife and restaurant impresario who co-created the famed ’80s nightclub Area and co-owns the Waverly Inn with Graydon Carter; in recent years, he’s enjoyed a second life as a successful documentary director and producer (he also created the 2024 docuseries Chimp Crazy). McBride and Goode are partners in Goode Films and produced both of his hit Netflix shows.

“It’s not every day the oldest hotel in Ojai comes up for sale,” says Goode, who is also the founder of the Turtle Conservancy, which protects endangered turtles and tortoises around the globe and operates a conservation center in Ojai. (In fact, two giant lumbering Aldabra tortoises, a vulnerable species, live on-site at Hotel El Roblar, on loan from the Turtle Conservancy.)

“I spent three indelible years as a child in Ojai in the late ’60s, where I first fell in love with the back country and the natural world,” adds Goode, whose love of fauna and flora is manifested throughout the hotel. Everywhere you look, elements of the natural world surround you, most notably references to the California condor, once widespread across North America. “By the 1980s,” says Goode, “only 22 remained, surviving in the Sespe Wilderness just behind Ojai. As the last refuge for this iconic species in North America, we felt it was deeply important to honor the condor here.” (Goode’s and McBride’s next entertainment project is, says the former, a docuseries about the “multimillion-dollar world of exotic reptile smuggling.”)

The property also reflects Ojai’s artistic DNA. In guest rooms, you’ll find vintage Ojai Music Festival posters, paintings by local artists and treasures unearthed at local estate sales. Even the wraparound mural in the hotel’s lobby nods to Ojai’s past, depicting figures such as Edward Libbey, the developer of the town’s downtown area, ceramicist Beatrice Wood and spiritual figure Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Despite the efforts to honor the town, not every local was on board with the owner’s plans. Amid municipal maneuvering to block the hotel’s plans for valet parking, it took three years to win permitting approval from the city, whose past and present celebrity residents include Jason Segel, Donald Glover, Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres and Reese Witherspoon.

There are a few elements still in the works, including a spa and the soon-to-open Sycamore House, a board-and-batten structure that will include eight additional guest rooms. The owners also have plans for music and event programming.

Within walking distance of the hotel are downtown spots like the Ojai Playhouse (recently restored by music industry impresario David Berger); popular restaurant Rory’s Place; Ojai Ice Cream (owned by producer Jonathan Berg and his wife, Kodi Kitchen Berg, and director Will Gluck and writer Trista Gladden); and the Chaparral Auditorium, where Jon Bernthal recently launched the Ojai Theatre Festival. “It’s become this great spot finally in town that you can go to as a destination and be part of a little, small community,” says McBride of the hotel. “There’s nothing really like it that exists right now.”

This story appeared in the Sept. 10 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

Appeals court revives lawsuit against Ojai council member

A lawsuit accusing an Ojai City Council member of violating California's open meeting law by disclosing confidential information from closed council sessions can proceed under an Aug. 19 appeals court decision.Leslie Rule could still appeal the lower court's dismissal of the case to the Supreme Court of California, but that court accepts only a small fraction of the cases it's asked to hear. Rule did not respond to interview requests, and her attorney declined to comment.A document she filed Aug. 5 with the city, asking it to p...

A lawsuit accusing an Ojai City Council member of violating California's open meeting law by disclosing confidential information from closed council sessions can proceed under an Aug. 19 appeals court decision.

Leslie Rule could still appeal the lower court's dismissal of the case to the Supreme Court of California, but that court accepts only a small fraction of the cases it's asked to hear. Rule did not respond to interview requests, and her attorney declined to comment.

A document she filed Aug. 5 with the city, asking it to pay for her legal representation, indicates that she does plan to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

The dispute started shortly after Rule was elected to the council in 2022. At that time, the Ojai City Council had recently approved an apartment project known as Ojai Bungalows, with 67 units spread across four different properties in the city. A citizen group called Simply Ojai sued the city to stop the development, and Ojai residents also began gathering signatures for a referendum to overturn the city's approval.

The City Council held a series of closed sessions in late 2022 and early 2023 related to the Simply Ojai lawsuit, the Ojai Bungalows project and the potential referendum. The Brown Act, which sets rules for open meetings for city councils and other local government agencies in California, allows legislative bodies to meet in private in certain circumstances, and discussing pending or likely lawsuits is one of them.

Rule did not think the council was complying with the Brown Act, and she felt that behind closed doors, some council members appeared to be siding with Simply Ojai. During some of her first meetings on the council, she spoke from the dais and distributed written material to the audience that gave details of the council's private discussions.

This was a Brown Act violation on Rule's part, according to an investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. The DA's office concluded that the City Council also violated the Brown Act, as Rule had alleged, because some of its closed sessions covered topics that were not properly disclosed on the council's published agendas. The Brown Act requires local government agencies to inform the public of the topics of closed sessions and the outcome of most votes taken in closed sessions.

After the DA's office released its report, the City Council voted 4-1 to acknowledge its violations and follow the Brown Act in the future. Rule voted against that motion, but the DA's office said she pledged separately to follow the law, and it considered the matter resolved.

Appeals ruling sends case back to trial court

In April 2023, a group of seven people, led by Ojai resident David Byrne, sued Rule under the Brown Act. Their lawsuit also named Jon Drucker, Rule's attorney, as a defendant, because he also spoke in City Council meetings about closed-session discussions and handed out the written descriptions of those sessions.

In court filings, Rule and Drucker denied that they violated the Brown Act. They also asked to have the case thrown out under California's anti-SLAPP law.

SLAPP stands for "strategic lawsuit against public participation." Anti-SLAPP laws like California's provide an avenue to have a lawsuit quickly dismissed if it seeks to punish someone for exercising their free speech rights on a matter of public concern.

In October 2023, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Ben Coats ruled in favor of Rule and Drucker's anti-SLAPP motion and dismissed the lawsuit against them. Byrne and the other plaintiffs appealed, and last month the state appeals court overturned the Superior Court ruling.

In her ruling, which was joined by two other appeals court justices and officially published by the court on Aug. 19, Associate Justice Tari Cody wrote that the trial court did not properly analyze whether the anti-SLAPP law should apply.

The appeals court did not rule on the underlying question of whether Rule violated the Brown Act. The case will now go back to Ventura County Superior Court, unless the California Supreme Court intervenes.

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There is a "public interest exemption" in California's anti-SLAPP law, which states that the law does not apply to lawsuits that deal with matters in the public interest and don't seek any special remedy for the plaintiffs themselves. The appeals court ruled that Byrne's lawsuit should fall under that exemption.

David Loy, the legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said the point of the anti-SLAPP law is to make sure that lawsuits targeting protected speech don't have "a chilling effect on speech in matters of public interest."

The First Amendment Coalition is a nonprofit that advocates for press freedom and open government and has brought a number of Brown Act lawsuits against government agencies.

Loy said the Ojai case wasn't covered by the anti-SLAPP law because "this is not about one person trying to make money off another person, trying to win a judgment that says, 'You owe me $100,000.' The plaintiffs are not trying to profit from this."

City has refused to cover Rule's legal fees

"My clients are not asking for any monetary damages, just for the court to tell her she's wrong and prohibit her from doing it again," said Sabrina Venskus, an attorney for Byrne and the other people who filed the lawsuit.

Venskus said she disagrees with the district attorney's conclusion that the Ojai City Council violated the Brown Act by discussing topics in private that weren't property covered in its public agendas. Even if that was a violation, Venskus said Rule isn't allowed to respond by disclosing confidential information. Instead, Venskus said, the proper remedy is to take the matter to the district attorney or file a lawsuit against the city.

“There are provisions in the Brown Act to address the issue if she thinks something must be disclosed, and she did not go through those procedures," Venskus said. "She was advised very clearly by the city attorney that this is how you go about dealing with the issue that you have, but it’s not to take it into your own hands.”

If Rule loses in Superior Court, she may have to pay the plaintiff's legal fees. The original court ruling called for Byrne and his fellow plaintiffs to pay Rule's legal feels, which were about $79,000. Since that decision was overturned, they will no longer have to pay.

Rule has repeatedly asked the city to cover her legal costs, and the city has repeatedly refused. The most recent request Rule filed was Aug. 5. It asked the city to "authorize and fund" her legal costs, including for a petition to the California Supreme Court to review her case.

In a claim filed by Rule with the city on June 20, she said her legal fees had totaled $352,000. That claim accuses the city of retaliating against her by not funding her legal defense, and by excluding her from closed sessions and filing a brief in support of the lawsuit against her.

Ojai Bungalows now in development

The legal dispute over what Rule said about the closed City Council sessions has outlived the dispute over the Ojai Bungalows apartments. Work is now underway at the properties, where the developer, The Becker Group, plans to build a total of 63 new units and preserve 25 existing units on one property.

The voter referendum that could have overturned the city's 2022 approval of Ojai Bungalows never made it to the ballot. In August 2023, the developer, Jeff Becker of Ventura, withdrew his application, and the City Council voted to take the referendum off the March 2024 ballot.

Becker then submitted a new development plan for the four properties, and in December 2023 the City Council approved a settlement with the developer to allow the project to move forward. A new state law that took effect in 2024 would have allowed Becker to build without City Council approval and without preserving any of the existing units, and to include fewer affordable units than were in the final development agreement, according to an explainer on the agreement posted to the city's website.

Tony Biasotti is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected]. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.

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