Fall 2025
FALL 2025
OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 31
Things might look a little different this season. As VORTEX rounds out its fifth year, we’re leaning into the odds and ends that make Ojai what it is — unpredictable, layered, and often more interesting when you look twice. Fall has a way of sharpening contrasts, and this issue gathers the stories that stand out in that light.
The Luminous Dark: Tom Pazderka Brings Edge to Ojai’s Art Scene
Our first piece for this issue is a look at artist Tom Pazderka, whose show at the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation has pushed Ojai’s art scene into unfamiliar territory. His work is heavy with fire, ash, and memory, and it asks more questions than it answers. He is not painting the Ojai we usually see on postcards, and that is precisely why his rise feels important. The story is written by Lila Glasoe Francese, and VORTEX is tickled to have her as our newest contributor!
TOM PAZDERKA AT CAROLYN GLASOE BAILEY FOUNDATION THROUGH OCTOBER 19
Looking ahead, October is packed. We will cover the Ojai Storytelling Festival, the 25th year of Taste of Ojai in support of Rotary, and a round-up of this year’s Halloween events. Those are some of the stories on the way, and we always welcome new pitches. If you are a writer with an idea, get in touch.
A reminder that most coverage lives inside the OLO members-only section. Only sponsored stories appear in full before the paywall, with homepage teasers leading to everything else. If you want your story to reach the full public audience, sponsorship is always an option.
Here’s to another Fall season in Ojai, layered, unpredictable, and full of shadowplay.
If you’re asking… NOW 100% ANONYMOUS
Katie McQuillen: She is absolutely not your therapist, your best friend, or your moral compass, but she is extremely good at telling it like it is.
OLO Members-Only:
EVENTS CALENDAR
A curated list of regular and special events from Ojai, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara.
OLO TEA PARTY
Around Town, Real Estate, Food Scene, City Council Recaps, Quick Takes 🤦🏻♥️🤡😻and more!
