This is so encouraging, I’m 72 and keep asking where have all the Hippies gone? The “ War, what is it good for?” Peace demanding, Nature loving, health food promoting Children of the 60s and 70 .... hope springs eternal, looks like they and their off spring are in Ojai supporting an actual walk his talk honest to goodness Democrat, RFK Jr. “Imagine”.....
Right? It's baffling to see how many in your age group are denouncing him when he represents everything you mention that your era fought so hard to evolve.
It makes me nuts! And I was not a Hippie, I was a goodie two shoes Villager cable knit monogrammed sweater wearing Preppie back then... and now I’m screaming about our endless wars, unhealthy groceries, crushing debt and especially, why do my grandchildren need 70 shots by their 18th Birthday? My generation is disappointing having become more insular and alarmingly trusting and compliant with our government. It does not help that today’s media discredits any opposing opinions. Not me. “ They” have disqualified themselves on too many fronts far too many times. And RFK Jr is calling them out on so many of those critical fronts. I don’t agree with all his ideas, but he’s got his priorities in order!
I was disappointed to see many of my own relatives (same age as you) succumb to CNN brainwashing, to the point that they reject all the values and morals that once empowered and inspired them. Since when does worship of big Pharma win such passionate allegiance. It's scary, really...
It’s beyond bazaar. I think it really comes down them to not willing to admit they are and were wrong. I have family members that you can’t even say anything without them creaming and shutting the conversation down. So don’t want any information unless it agrees with them.
How do we ever unite the country let alone have a civil conversation. Not happening
I am so with you! I was a hippie (no drinking or drugs); we were the natural generation, we didn’t need make up or fake anything to thrive. Along comes corporate America and 98% of my friends sold out to Botox and fast food. Argh!
President Trump was the first, in that position, to really call out the msm and look what happened to him nonstop during his presidency and ever since. Kennedy will get the same treatment.
I really like RFK and I would definitely vote for him!
I asked my 74 year old hippie movement mother if she wanted to come over and make RFK buttons with me and was shocked at her reaction. Ohhh he is such a maniac! and on and on...I was like oh man I gotta get her off CNN and on to Jessica’s stories 🥴
I feel like you save your best writing for the Kennedy pieces. This was so good.
“Everyone is afraid of offending women, so women, as a result, are stuck pretending we enjoy being invisibly alluring.”
That line. So. Good. Bravo.
Also, Denise’s photography is so beautiful. I work catering and whenever I work private parties for the wealthy I’m in awe of how different they move. It’s not just their hydrated elite bone structures and incredible homes. It’s the FABRIC. No synthetics or blends in sight. Impeccable stitches.
Those photos made me want to run through orange groves in white linens. Like 1993 Much Ado About Nothing. But make it political.
You win the comment section, Selene! I love your take away so much!
And, you're right - I do put a lot into the Kennedy pieces -- anyone who knows me knows this is a dream assignment. Follow and relay a Kennedy running for president. Death, dynasty, scandal, glamour, nostalgic American history, media wars, fight for political power ... It encompasses every element I love to read and write about.
It’s odd to be in the place where you fit not on the right nor the left and yet agree with many on both sides. What gets me is how blind so many liberals can be and look at things like “election interference” as impossible while also believing those that went to the capitol on January 6th had all I’ll intentions. Many on the right are actually fighting for all that’s good in the world and have become what looks like old liberal beliefs. I fear that psychological manipulation (thanks to the three letter agency) is the highest culprit of this mass blindness and the plans they’ve so thoroughly and patiently played out are working on many.
Oh man! It’s like we were there! I could feel the energy. A lot of people would snicker at this crowd, however, I know I’d fit right in. Your writing is so picturesque. Every detail has meaning and flows like a brooke winding its way towards the larger pond.
“We are living in a science-fiction nightmare where children are gasping for breath on bad-air days because somebody gave money to a politician. And my children and the kids of millions of other Americans can no longer go fishing and eat their catch because somebody gave money to a politician.” ~ RFK, Jr.
Every human in the states needs to realize this is exactly what’s happened. From the Reagan collaboration with the Kaiser foundation, the sugar industry paying to have fat made the blame for Americans being overweight and Monsanto endorsed to make chemicals to kill selected genome’s has lead to far greater corruption than most people can fathom.
My hope is more people will wake up and realize a Kennedy presidency to could be or best hope to righting the wrongs and healing the ills of our nation.
The photos, the food, the clean fresh faced beauties and the down to earth spirit were captured beautifully. Thank you Jessica and Denise. Ohhh how I love RFK. Let me count the ways. I have tried to win the falcon day and lunch with him several times. I would die. His goodness for this country brings me to tears.
Has Hayes asked you for a pool table yet? 😄 I’ve visited Ojai on several occasions. I found it to have a vortex vibe, although I was staying in an area surrounded by the groves and mountains. Now I want to go back! Fun shopping, but expensive. Why is it easier to throw down more money for clothes and jewelry when visiting these boutique towns? Not a care in the world. I am hippie, hear me roar.
My Grandmother always said: “people don’t remember what you say, they remember how you make them feel”. Jessica, everything you ‘said’ in this piece made me ‘feel’ like I was there. Denise’s photos are sublime. Thank you both so much! Now, if only the days of the glossy thick pages of a great magazine were not behind us (sigh). This one would be on my coffee table! #RFK2024🇺🇸🦅
Hilarious. I just moved to Ojai in the Summer from LA (it's actually where I'm from but I grew up in "upper Ojai" and went to the only public school in town, Nordhoff. It's more liberal than it was when I grew up here -- it was definitely more of a conservative town 40 years ago. What I notice now is how anal everyone is. The rules are insane. These are people who are used to having life exactly the way they want it. They're okay with you as long as you follow the rules.
Ojai is 95% white yet these are the "wokest" of the "woke." It is the most liberal place I have ever lived. The old Ojai is underneath it all and occasionally presents itself. Old timey rednecks and Bob Hope Conservatives. The new Ojai? Not sure it's my vibe. But it's pretty.
Jessica, I was just listening to Tucker talking with Alex Berenson and he just mentioned that Fauci has a freaking secret service detail. I am mind blown. And even more angry now. What the hell?!
I genuinely love RFKj and your prose is 🤌🏻. But I have huge disagreements with him regarding abortion, guns and reparations. However, I greatly appreciate your fairness. Such a rarity now.
Have you watched “The Fall of Minneapolis?” Would love to hear your take.
Have you read his stance on these subjects? Sometimes things get convoluted through the rumor mill. You can read each one here: https://www.kennedy24.com/faq
What a fun and beautiful article Jess! You have captivated Ojai, we were all gushing over how lovely you are and what hardcore fans we have become. You have the courage (and whit) to say what we’re all thinking, it’s so refreshing! It was a pleasure to meet you. If you come back for a visit, let’s connect!
So interesting to read this after going to a similar private event for RFK Jr in Florida last month. When Bobby talks, people listen. And he has a lot to say. He's much taller than I expected. And so genuine. I hope he will be our next president! (It was also fun to read about your shopping experience. Trying to find what to wear as I went through the same struggle. Business casual is tricky in Florida as well. I think our folks were a bit dressier. But then again, it was also an evening event.)
This is so encouraging, I’m 72 and keep asking where have all the Hippies gone? The “ War, what is it good for?” Peace demanding, Nature loving, health food promoting Children of the 60s and 70 .... hope springs eternal, looks like they and their off spring are in Ojai supporting an actual walk his talk honest to goodness Democrat, RFK Jr. “Imagine”.....
Right? It's baffling to see how many in your age group are denouncing him when he represents everything you mention that your era fought so hard to evolve.
It makes me nuts! And I was not a Hippie, I was a goodie two shoes Villager cable knit monogrammed sweater wearing Preppie back then... and now I’m screaming about our endless wars, unhealthy groceries, crushing debt and especially, why do my grandchildren need 70 shots by their 18th Birthday? My generation is disappointing having become more insular and alarmingly trusting and compliant with our government. It does not help that today’s media discredits any opposing opinions. Not me. “ They” have disqualified themselves on too many fronts far too many times. And RFK Jr is calling them out on so many of those critical fronts. I don’t agree with all his ideas, but he’s got his priorities in order!
I agree!
I was disappointed to see many of my own relatives (same age as you) succumb to CNN brainwashing, to the point that they reject all the values and morals that once empowered and inspired them. Since when does worship of big Pharma win such passionate allegiance. It's scary, really...
The lack of questioning issues that clearly warrant questioning is disturbing.
very
It’s beyond bazaar. I think it really comes down them to not willing to admit they are and were wrong. I have family members that you can’t even say anything without them creaming and shutting the conversation down. So don’t want any information unless it agrees with them.
How do we ever unite the country let alone have a civil conversation. Not happening
I agree. It frightens me to see CNN playing in airports.
Can’t we complain as customers and get it changed?
I am so with you! I was a hippie (no drinking or drugs); we were the natural generation, we didn’t need make up or fake anything to thrive. Along comes corporate America and 98% of my friends sold out to Botox and fast food. Argh!
President Trump was the first, in that position, to really call out the msm and look what happened to him nonstop during his presidency and ever since. Kennedy will get the same treatment.
I really like RFK and I would definitely vote for him!
Yup. RFK really can present himself as the smart, non establishment alternative candidate.
Thanks! It’s called let your conscience and common sense be your guide!
Right?
I asked my 74 year old hippie movement mother if she wanted to come over and make RFK buttons with me and was shocked at her reaction. Ohhh he is such a maniac! and on and on...I was like oh man I gotta get her off CNN and on to Jessica’s stories 🥴
You really do. There still time to rescue her lol
Let’s get rid of cnn?
I feel like you save your best writing for the Kennedy pieces. This was so good.
“Everyone is afraid of offending women, so women, as a result, are stuck pretending we enjoy being invisibly alluring.”
That line. So. Good. Bravo.
Also, Denise’s photography is so beautiful. I work catering and whenever I work private parties for the wealthy I’m in awe of how different they move. It’s not just their hydrated elite bone structures and incredible homes. It’s the FABRIC. No synthetics or blends in sight. Impeccable stitches.
Those photos made me want to run through orange groves in white linens. Like 1993 Much Ado About Nothing. But make it political.
You win the comment section, Selene! I love your take away so much!
And, you're right - I do put a lot into the Kennedy pieces -- anyone who knows me knows this is a dream assignment. Follow and relay a Kennedy running for president. Death, dynasty, scandal, glamour, nostalgic American history, media wars, fight for political power ... It encompasses every element I love to read and write about.
It’s odd to be in the place where you fit not on the right nor the left and yet agree with many on both sides. What gets me is how blind so many liberals can be and look at things like “election interference” as impossible while also believing those that went to the capitol on January 6th had all I’ll intentions. Many on the right are actually fighting for all that’s good in the world and have become what looks like old liberal beliefs. I fear that psychological manipulation (thanks to the three letter agency) is the highest culprit of this mass blindness and the plans they’ve so thoroughly and patiently played out are working on many.
I have lots to say about this "election interference" too. It would be a great downhill discussion for Substack readers.
What’s your thoughts Jessica? And what have you seen/uncovered?
Ps, thank you for giving us these real life glimpses into what’s happening on the ground.
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." (Desmond Tutu). Thank you for helping to shine that light.
Oh man! It’s like we were there! I could feel the energy. A lot of people would snicker at this crowd, however, I know I’d fit right in. Your writing is so picturesque. Every detail has meaning and flows like a brooke winding its way towards the larger pond.
“We are living in a science-fiction nightmare where children are gasping for breath on bad-air days because somebody gave money to a politician. And my children and the kids of millions of other Americans can no longer go fishing and eat their catch because somebody gave money to a politician.” ~ RFK, Jr.
Every human in the states needs to realize this is exactly what’s happened. From the Reagan collaboration with the Kaiser foundation, the sugar industry paying to have fat made the blame for Americans being overweight and Monsanto endorsed to make chemicals to kill selected genome’s has lead to far greater corruption than most people can fathom.
My hope is more people will wake up and realize a Kennedy presidency to could be or best hope to righting the wrongs and healing the ills of our nation.
thank you, Robyn.
The photos, the food, the clean fresh faced beauties and the down to earth spirit were captured beautifully. Thank you Jessica and Denise. Ohhh how I love RFK. Let me count the ways. I have tried to win the falcon day and lunch with him several times. I would die. His goodness for this country brings me to tears.
Has Hayes asked you for a pool table yet? 😄 I’ve visited Ojai on several occasions. I found it to have a vortex vibe, although I was staying in an area surrounded by the groves and mountains. Now I want to go back! Fun shopping, but expensive. Why is it easier to throw down more money for clothes and jewelry when visiting these boutique towns? Not a care in the world. I am hippie, hear me roar.
hahaha!
Wonderful read! The photos are stunning. Your coverage feels so authentic, like a friend sharing all the juicy details. Thank you🌹
My Grandmother always said: “people don’t remember what you say, they remember how you make them feel”. Jessica, everything you ‘said’ in this piece made me ‘feel’ like I was there. Denise’s photos are sublime. Thank you both so much! Now, if only the days of the glossy thick pages of a great magazine were not behind us (sigh). This one would be on my coffee table! #RFK2024🇺🇸🦅
Awwww, thank you for this response xx
I miss that old magazine joy too.
Hilarious. I just moved to Ojai in the Summer from LA (it's actually where I'm from but I grew up in "upper Ojai" and went to the only public school in town, Nordhoff. It's more liberal than it was when I grew up here -- it was definitely more of a conservative town 40 years ago. What I notice now is how anal everyone is. The rules are insane. These are people who are used to having life exactly the way they want it. They're okay with you as long as you follow the rules.
Ojai is 95% white yet these are the "wokest" of the "woke." It is the most liberal place I have ever lived. The old Ojai is underneath it all and occasionally presents itself. Old timey rednecks and Bob Hope Conservatives. The new Ojai? Not sure it's my vibe. But it's pretty.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. And the hot take guy 🤣🤣🤣
he says a lot about ... not too much lol
Jessica, I was just listening to Tucker talking with Alex Berenson and he just mentioned that Fauci has a freaking secret service detail. I am mind blown. And even more angry now. What the hell?!
I genuinely love RFKj and your prose is 🤌🏻. But I have huge disagreements with him regarding abortion, guns and reparations. However, I greatly appreciate your fairness. Such a rarity now.
Have you watched “The Fall of Minneapolis?” Would love to hear your take.
I have not seen it. I'll make a note!
Have you read his stance on these subjects? Sometimes things get convoluted through the rumor mill. You can read each one here: https://www.kennedy24.com/faq
nice
What a fun and beautiful article Jess! You have captivated Ojai, we were all gushing over how lovely you are and what hardcore fans we have become. You have the courage (and whit) to say what we’re all thinking, it’s so refreshing! It was a pleasure to meet you. If you come back for a visit, let’s connect!
I love the ladies of Ojai. give me any new excuse to visit. xo
Bookstores, bicycles, body work
Horses, honeybees, hikes
Perfume, pomegranate cocktails, psychedelics and philosophy
How many new experiences are we talking about here? Take your pick babe! I’m sure I could curate an eclectic weekend for you.
Looks like I'm coming back for an estate sale in March! Take me to all of this?
Yes absolutely! I will gladly be your guide :) also I love that an estate sale is bringing you back here… iykyk
So interesting to read this after going to a similar private event for RFK Jr in Florida last month. When Bobby talks, people listen. And he has a lot to say. He's much taller than I expected. And so genuine. I hope he will be our next president! (It was also fun to read about your shopping experience. Trying to find what to wear as I went through the same struggle. Business casual is tricky in Florida as well. I think our folks were a bit dressier. But then again, it was also an evening event.)
evening makes a difference, good point
p.s. I chose a Calvin Klein Sleeveless Tie Mock Neck Scuba Crepe Pencil Dress in Forest Green. Got it from Dillards. :-)
Fab choice!
Super article, Jessica. You captured that exact feel of Ojai; from your writing and Denise’s photography, I can almost smell the pixies.