tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post7971504607483662053..comments2023-10-24T08:25:49.233-07:00Comments on Ojai Valley News Blog: Woman Struck By Police CarUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-55169243052253238382008-07-28T13:38:00.000-07:002008-07-28T13:38:00.000-07:00Anonymous, your an Idiot. I feel for that woman, b...Anonymous, your an Idiot. I feel for that woman, but at the same time she broke the law. Whats so hard about crossing at a cross walk? People are lazy and tend to take short cuts bending the laws. There's a reason you cross at the cross walk, and look both ways before crossing. So you don't get hit. Obvious and simple. So before you go out and gives the people who protect and serve you a bad rep, think about that. Ya fuck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-31674328053576795442008-02-16T17:01:00.000-08:002008-02-16T17:01:00.000-08:00Thank you Noah's for your kind and generous offer....Thank you Noah's for your kind and generous offer. <BR/><BR/>Kindred Spirit donated a free grooming and dog collar (the dog was in bad shape)at Ulti Mutt Pet and the Humane Society donated dog food and a couple of doggie sweaters. The community still rallies with a kind heart!<BR/><BR/>After several weeks Diana's dog is doing better and is now in the care of Animal Regs. They will try to help Diana decide how she can best care for her dog when she's ready. They have a special program for people in times of crisis.<BR/><BR/>I am told Diana will be in a nursing home for a couple of months waiting for her fractures to heal. <BR/><BR/>I hope she gets the care she needs. You cannot force medical care on anyone in this country anymore. It's a double-edged sword.<BR/><BR/>There is not a happy ending to this story. All we can do is wish the best for our loved ones and accept what we cannot change.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your kind words, thoughts and generosity. This valley is indeed a very special place.Ojai Valley Lasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11432238837880421333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-18335056754122641632008-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:002008-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00Ojai Valley Lass...Forgot the phone number for Noa...Ojai Valley Lass...<BR/><BR/>Forgot the phone number for Noah's Apothecary: 640-6900<BR/><BR/>BAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-86425768268964590412008-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:002008-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00Ojai Valley Lass....Thank you for sharing the rest...Ojai Valley Lass....<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing the rest of the story! I am always amazed at the quickness to attack our Police - and it usually comes from the folks who complain that they themselves are the victims of being judged and "marginalized".<BR/><BR/>If you need help with Diana's dog, just call the Shoppe. I'll be happy to provide food.<BR/><BR/>B DawsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-80036402796883894152008-02-02T06:06:00.000-08:002008-02-02T06:06:00.000-08:00I don’t live in Ojai, but I know Ojai Valley Lass....I don’t live in Ojai, but I know Ojai Valley Lass. In 2004, I had temporary lodgings in her home. That is how I met Ojai Valley Lass, and her Hound, both with whom I fell in love. As well as with the house, which I named the Curing House. The Curing House was approximately thirty minutes from my mother’s house, who was dying. That is why I was there and required lodgings. Less than three months after I’d arrived in Calfornia, and unpacked in my quarters in the Curing House, my mother died. Ojai Valley Lass accompanied me to the funeral services and then to the reception that followed. Had she not done so, I would have been the only one of my parents’ five offspring who was unaccompanied. Shortly following that event, I left the country as I live overseas.<BR/><BR/>Several weeks later, the entire California scenario that I had just lived, came out of those skies above, descending upon me in utter clarity. It was on a warm, sunny afternoon when I was sitting on a balcony staring out at the sea. To my right, there was a hill sloping down to the water, with two white horses lounging away the afternoon. In solitude and silence I stared at it all. As California unfolded itself before me, there was Ojai Valley Lass at the forefront and at the base. It was indeed a few minutes of revelation as I saw Ojai Valley Lass as she is at her essential structure, hand stretched out, I can help you. Why it took me so long to accurately perceive this is not difficult to explain.When your mother is dying, your actual surroundings can easily remain obscured. But, at that moment on the balcony, all was unveiled. Reflecting on the circumstances entirely out of my control in California at that time, the fact that OVL was absolutely the very best person on this entire planet that I possibly could have met was laid bare before my eyes, shimmered softly on the water. It was sudden, but soft and slow. I turned around, sat down at the table, wrote a letter to Ojai Valley Lass that flowed out of me as if I were in automatic-pilot mode. That letter no longer exists.<BR/><BR/>As is fairly well-known now, the Curing House no longer exists. It burned down to a few shovels’ worth of ashes, the result of an accident that occurred in Ojai Valley Lass’s absence, Diana’s presence. Well-prior to that incident, on a return trip to California, I had met Diana. It was then when I observed Ojai Valley Lass’s outstretched hand, let-me-help-you approach extended to another person. For me that trip was pure pleasure; no law suits, no one dying, no work, pleasure…the ideal context for lucid observation.While not lodged at the Curing House, that is where I spent the majority of my time. I was a part of that house by then, a part of OVL’s life, her Hound had become a third mine and remained with me exclusively for the entirety of my visit. OVL was often absent. Diana seemed to always be there. The Hound and I watched her. I saw her quite a lot, alone and with others, talked to her, walked with her. I began to notice what occurred to me as questionable behaviour on Diana’s part. I began to wonder how far OVL would go in her attempts to assist one. It took some time, but eventually I did share these thoughts with OVL. She was steadfast, tolerant, counting on improvement.<BR/><BR/>In addition to destroying her dwelling, the fire killed Ojai Valley Lass’s – and my – Hound. I was not present when the fire devoured all, but the ‘coincidence’ – or whatever you choose to call it –was that the day after, I phoned Ojai Valley Lass and got the news. Previously, I hadn’t spoken with Ojai Valley Lass for quite some time. As it’s nine hours later in California, phone calls on over there are not always so convenient. Of course it was a shock for me to hear the story, but it did not shock me that this occurred in Diana’s presence. Thinking about Diana, it was – and remains – impossible to forget certain examples of doubtful conduct. I am not in any qualified position that would justify diagnosing Diana – or anyone – and therefore cannot reasonably do so. But, I think I can say that she should be diagnosed by one experienced in such – or similar – cases.<BR/><BR/>On January 22, I read the article, ‘Woman Struck By Police Car’ and the messages posted on Ojai Valley News Blog. Here follows my comment, in an email to OVL :<BR/><BR/>Of course, it's easy to make snide comments about cops and I could well have done the same. But, when one knows Diana, oh my! doesn't it alter the circumstances!<BR/><BR/>To my continuing amazement, OVL is still helping Diana. But, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. That’s just the way she is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-88376136768666489022008-01-29T11:21:00.000-08:002008-01-29T11:21:00.000-08:00Yes, Ojai Valley Lass, you are a very good friend ...Yes, Ojai Valley Lass, you are a very good friend indeed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-64087913429705814282008-01-26T12:56:00.000-08:002008-01-26T12:56:00.000-08:00Ojai Valley Lass,such is the reality of our times....Ojai Valley Lass,<BR/>such is the reality of our times. a very sad story indeed. you are a true friend...joe grantAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-1675591210707021832008-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:002008-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:00Thank you, Ojai Lass, for setting the record strai...Thank you, Ojai Lass, for setting the record straight. And I apologize to Officer Medina for a reckless accusation. I am glad, after learning of Diana's previous actions on Ojai Ave., that he was there to expedite the emergency situation, and I thank the Divine that it wasn't me driving east on Ojai Ave. at 6:30 in the morning. My sincere condolences go out to Diana's friends/family as well as Officer Medina's. It's a rough, and many times thankless job.<BR/><BR/>Ojai, and Ventura COunty, has long been known as a refuge for transients and homeless -- when I first found Ojai, I slept in my truck in a friend's driveway until I found an affordable rental -- with my dog and cat. The people of the Valley are incredibly altuistic, and there a many safe havens as well as lots of restaurant dumpsters filled with food. Most all "tourist" towns are! But the weather as well as the scavenging (orchards, dumpsters) Make Ojai particularly inviting.<BR/>"Homeless" people may be scary because of their appearance (and sometimes actions), but we as compassionate people, have no right to judge -- there is always a story behind the face! <BR/>Thank you, again, Diana, and Divine Blessing to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-2821292716557975332008-01-26T00:15:00.000-08:002008-01-26T00:15:00.000-08:00Ojai Valley Lass, Thank you for sharing that with ...Ojai Valley Lass, Thank you for sharing that with us. I am so sorry for the struggles you have had to endure the past few years, I hope brighter days are in your future. I also hope Diana gets the medical help that she needs to better her life. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that Officer Medina hit this woman instead of medically inexperienced individual; officers are usually trained to assist in these situations. It could have been anyone in this situation, especially if Diana has been known to act irresponsibly in front of moving vehicles before. My prayers go out to her to find the help she needs as well as Officer Medina to get through this traumatic experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-22754575656982387802008-01-25T22:33:00.000-08:002008-01-25T22:33:00.000-08:00Here's the rest of the story...Diana came to live ...Here's the rest of the story...<BR/><BR/>Diana came to live with me in Ojai 3 years ago. I had been her friend and roommate for many years before, up in beautiful, quaint, Half Moon Bay. . She was once a very bright, beautiful and financially successful woman. <BR/><BR/>In the last few years, Diana lost her property in Simi Valley, the love & support of her family, she self esteem and even her teeth. She was homeless, beaten up, and living in a tent on the beach in Ventura. Diana had been plagued by alcohol and mental health issues her whole life. She was successful for a long, long time at dealing with her problems.<BR/><BR/>She was not allowed to drink in my home. I helped arrange for her get her teeth fixed, a part time job and she was even successfully dating on Match.com. But at the end she started secretly drinking. Last January, while I was at work, she accidentally burned my house down and my dog died. It’s been a difficult year.<BR/><BR/>Since then she has lived alone with her dog of 8 years. She went downhill fast. She now had to be accountable to no one but herself. She could drink all she wanted. A month later I couldn't even recognize the woman I'd known and loved as family for many years. I helped put her daughter through high school. I helped her bury a husband. We were family not just friends.<BR/><BR/>Just days before the accident she admitted she that was without food and meds. But she was never homeless or without a fixed income. She was just between checks. She’d never really lived alone before. She could now do as she wanted.<BR/><BR/>I've spoken to 2 people today that know her and said that they almost hit her while driving on Ojai Ave. on at least three occasions in the last month - also at very early hours. They said she was hanging on a pole on Ojai Ave. and would just swung and dart past the front of their vehicles. She was an accident trying to happen. . <BR/><BR/>I am doing my best and with limited means to make sure she and her dog are cared for and that she is getting proper medical and mental health care. As best I can anyway - with our current mental health system. If she isn’t a person that is a danger to herself and others, then I don't know who is. I hope and pray she gets the help she needs. I am still unable to talk to her or forgive her but that doesn't stop me from loving her. Whatever happens to her, I hope she never lives another day as she did this last year. <BR/><BR/>And yes - people like her should not be enabled. I know. I have experience.<BR/><BR/>Be glad that it wasn't any of you that hit her. Just think about how difficult that would be if had been you or me that hit her. Our lives would never be the same. At least the deputy is assumed to have some training for such situations, has knowledge of first aid and surely knows all the right numbers to call.<BR/><BR/>Look at the positives. He had guaranteed auto insurance and his job provides benefits that should allow him access to counseling to help him deal with this. Not all of us driving on Ojai Ave. have such things. She could have just as easily been hit her by an uninsured, unlicensed motorist at that hour, that flees the scene, instead of by someone that could provide emergency medical care. Be real. I would prefer to have a heart attack in front of a paramedic.<BR/><BR/>There are lessons to be learned from this. I just don't know what they are yet.<BR/><BR/>And by the way… What budget cuts? Wrong year. Wrong county. Read the papers. We've been in a surplus for several years now.<BR/><BR/>That’s for letting me share. <BR/>IOjai Valley Lasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11432238837880421333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-74350886838309448862008-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:002008-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00BBeckett I couldn't agree more. It's apparent the ...BBeckett I couldn't agree more. It's apparent the cyclists only defense is sarcasm. <BR/><BR/>11pm on your beach cruiser - I can't help but wonder where you would be going at that time of the night on your bicycle. Late night workout or quick stop at the local bar or liquor store? Thank god for the Ojai Police, hopefully they give BUI's too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-14873501791675832292008-01-25T10:40:00.000-08:002008-01-25T10:40:00.000-08:00I encourage you to find the stop sign between Rain...I encourage you to find the stop sign between Rainbow Bridge and Montgomery. Nonetheless, are you such a disciplinarian with your students? I'm surprised... to attack someone you do not know with such fervor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-18949255271923554212008-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:002008-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00To the cyclist: the traffic laws apply regardless...To the cyclist: the traffic laws apply regardless of time of day or steepness of the road. Stop signs are NOT a suggestion, even if you are the only one on the road. You may be wrong in your assumption that nobody else is there. Traffic laws can be inconvenient, but they are for everyone's safety, including your own. Your sarcasm does not change the fact that you chose to ignore the law, got caught, and are belittling the officer who DID HIS JOB, rather than yourself, for behaving as though the law does not apply to you.<BR/><BR/>Becky BeckettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-2517921813702686302008-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:002008-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00"Get over it, they're human like us and unfortunat..."Get over it, they're human like us and unfortunately have accidents too." - Does this count for celebrities? Cops are pseudo-celebrities, aren't they? Many of you have managed to thoroughly abuse our local celebrity residents via comments here (an excellent outlet for your misguided wickedness).<BR/><BR/>And thank you for admonishing me on my bicycle ticket. Riding my beach cruiser along Matilija at 11:00 PM. REALLY deserved it. Clearly Matilija St. is like a 45 degree grade, JUST LIKE THATCHER.<BR/><BR/>"Reading all of these negative comments just reminds me of the reason I moved away from Ojai."<BR/><BR/>Amen. It is easy to debase someone when you're not sitting with them face-to-face. I still am vexed by our local law enforcement though. I'm sure Medina is a great guy and has saved children and arrested people when they deserve to be arrested. Or ticketed. Or both.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-89841168353751326462008-01-24T21:08:00.000-08:002008-01-24T21:08:00.000-08:00I find it funny that many of you complain that you...I find it funny that many of you complain that you have been pulled over in Ojai for a speeding ticket or not stopping for a stop sign. It's called the LAW. Laws are enforced for a reason. If we had none, could you imagine how chaotic things would be? If you get caught breaking the law, your going to have to pay the consequences whether it happens in Ojai or by an officer of another city. The people of Ojai seem to be very quick to judge. Yes, I am sure their may be a few officers in Ojai that abuse their priveledge of the badge but Officer Medina is certainly not one of them. Unfortunately he took his eyes off the road at the wrong time but he has to deal with that so lay off his case and let him. Tomorrow the same thing could happen to you and how would you feel if everyone acted this way towards you? Be a good person and show some support.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-14607295963406412172008-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:002008-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00Yes, officer Medina, "hold your head up" and keep ...Yes, officer Medina, <I>"hold your head up"</I> and keep your eyes on the road.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-45748638496653327122008-01-24T19:03:00.000-08:002008-01-24T19:03:00.000-08:00Davis your comment on officer medina is right on ....Davis your comment on officer medina is right on . He has always<BR/>be there for my kids and I. Hold your head up officer medina and dont let these negitive comments get to you. Those who know you are behind you all the way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-70696979832598115152008-01-24T13:16:00.000-08:002008-01-24T13:16:00.000-08:00Reading all of these negative comments just remind...Reading all of these negative comments just reminds me of the reason I moved away from Ojai. <BR/><BR/>I grew up in this great little small town full of good and honest people. Now Ojai consists of too many self-involved, tree huggin', art-obsessed cop haters. People that seem to be too unhappy or bored with their own lives that they feel the need to try and cause more chaos in someone else's life. As if officer Medina isn't going through enough? Have some CLASS and RESPECT people! You would all be lucky if you were even half the person Officer Medina is. If it was anyone else who had hit this lady, Ojai wouldn't blink an eye and continue on with the day; but the fact that is was an Ojai Valley Police Officer... god forbid!!!!! Get over it, they're human like us and unfortunately have accidents too. Just remember next time you call on the law because of a burglary or maybe a peeping tom, remember who your calling and who always has your back because I've never known the Ojai Officers to not have mine. <BR/><BR/>For once stop complaining that Ojai has too many officers and be thankful for the fact that they keep that town as safe as they do. If you don't like it, move. No one is forcing you to stay. I hear LA is a great place to live, ha. One might like the fact that they're lacking officers. <BR/><BR/>Officer Medina: You are a blessing to this town. Thank you for all your honest and dedicated hard work. It is very much appreciated!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-8484811759609172072008-01-24T09:48:00.000-08:002008-01-24T09:48:00.000-08:00Good people can take their eyes of the road, too. ...Good people can take their eyes of the road, too. If he did cause the accident, we need to remember why they are called accidents in the first place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-12045714786409420012008-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:002008-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:00Yes, to the cyclist who got the ticket,,,I have to...Yes, to the cyclist who got the ticket,,,I have to wonder how long you've been riding your bicycle if you still don't know that bicycles on the roadways are required to follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicles. If you don't know that by now, maybe you should be walking.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-23662242682374323582008-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:002008-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00To the cyclist who got a ticket for running a stop...To the cyclist who got a ticket for running a stop sign: you EARNED it!!! I have nearly been run down by cyclists coming down the upper portion of Thacher Road or coming around a corner and ignoring the stop sign. I have also been cut off by cyclists who arrive at a 4-way stop AFTER I do (in my car), but who fail to stop. I read lots of letters to the editor from cyclists demanding their rights on the road. Those rights come with responsibilities. I applaud your decision to get around by bicycle, but please follow the rules of the road!<BR/><BR/>Becky BeckettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-33689650567656989752008-01-24T06:35:00.000-08:002008-01-24T06:35:00.000-08:00Yes a pedestrian does have the right of way when a...Yes a pedestrian does have the right of way when at a marked crosswalk. However, they also bear the responsibility of making sure oncoming vehicles have plenty of time to stop. A pedestrian can choose to step out simply because they believe they have the right of way in a crosswalk or any intersection,,,,and they may be right,,, but they can also be dead if they choose to do so without making sure the vehicle has ample time to stopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-63358088123181564832008-01-24T00:20:00.000-08:002008-01-24T00:20:00.000-08:00Come on People of Ojai.........This could have bee...Come on People of Ojai.........<BR/>This could have been you, me our teenage drivers or our eldery parents. We can not predict when a pedestrian will inadvertinly walk out in front of us. Officer Medina has been there for all of us including our kid's at Nordoff. He was Police Officer of the Year and if you get to know him you are priviliged. He is a very dedicated, hard working and compassionate Officer. The Ojai Valley is a better place because of him and the rest of our VCSD.<BR/>They are the ones that look for your runaway kids, lame spouses and pick up our celebrity spouses off the highway. They keep law in our Valley but do it with class.<BR/>Officer Medina keep your head high and just remember you were at that the worng place at the wrong time for some one that choose to cross your path illegally. They do it all day long but don't have such an inpact as she did. Thank God she lived and you can keep up your excellant duty in our Valley. We need more of Officer Medina.<BR/>Thank you for your service, your are appreciated!! Friends of OjaiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-85955081033652912992008-01-23T21:20:00.000-08:002008-01-23T21:20:00.000-08:00Hmm...6:30 a.m., a woman walking alone...no crossw...Hmm...6:30 a.m., a woman walking alone...no crosswalk between Fox and Fulton at Bald St.(in front of SeaFresh), heading south...possibly trying to get to the Bus Stop for the 7a.m.? Or...coming from the laundrymat...opens at 6a.m. and THE place for the homeless to do their laundry... (I'm in my detective mind, here!) Speed limit here is 25mph...enough time to stop on icy/dewy street??? Work it out...even without a crosswalk, enough time/distance NOT to cause TWO broken legs, etc. The pedestrian ALWAYS has the ROW in California, even if not in a crosswalk! He WAS speeding--end of story.<BR/><BR/>I, too, have seen the police SPEEDING on ALL streets in Ojai and the Valley...When I see them stopped, I have even spoken to/pleaded with them about speeding problem on my street (Aliso). Hurray for ticketing the speeders! Not enough, IMHO! ALL congested areas on 150/33 should be 25mph! Let's enforce "Enjoy the Ojai Valley Slowly" and perhaps pad our Police budget as well!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039563145970308239.post-24404521565362401832008-01-23T20:38:00.000-08:002008-01-23T20:38:00.000-08:00Sidwalks don't get you across the street. Furtherm...Sidwalks don't get you across the street. Furthermore, I don't believe there are any past Fox St.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com