7 things you probably haven't done in idyllic Ojai

FIND NEW EATS, AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER AND MORE IN THE ENCLAVE BENEATH THE TOPATOPA MOUNTAINS.

- BY CHRISTOPHER REYNOLDS

THE CENSUS PEOPLE will tell you that Ojai's population is something like 7,563, but don't be fooled. This is a small town that contains multitudes. That is, this little, liberal enclave beneath the Topatopa Mountains cherishes creativity yet often resists change. It celebrates freedom yet relies on regulation. Though its prosperity is driven by visitors from Los Angeles (just an hour and a half away), its leaders get nervous about anything that might lure more of them. Somehow, this mix keeps producing new and intriguing things - including enough recent developments to fill a lively weekend.