The Ojai Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 4 received a staff presentation on the department’s Fall 2025 activity guide, including holiday events, new youth programming and expanded senior excursions. No formal action was taken.

Commission members and staff said the guide, published Aug. 19, lists a wide range of classes and special events. Recreation staff reported that all time slots for the Ojai Trolley holiday light tour were already filled and that the department is offering Sunday trolley service. Staff also described a new “Tinsel Tavern” Santa’s workshop-style series and a returning contractor-led program called “Earth Arts” using natural dyes and materials.

The guide includes new family-oriented offerings such as a “Family Night Out,” a youth basketball league sign-up, and expanded senior programming, including an Island Packers day trip to Santa Cruz Island and excursions to the Santa Barbara Sea Center. Staff noted driver’s-education classes continue to be available through an external contractor and that an open game room after school will be offered at the recreation center to serve students who disembark at the bus stop in front of the facility.

Commissioners praised the layout and accessibility of the new guide and asked staff to bring future presentations page by page so commissioners can follow program details. A commissioner proposed partnering with local high schools to deliver technology-help sessions for seniors (iPad, Mac, iPhone), and another commissioner offered to contact the school board to explore cooperation or service-hour opportunities for students.

Staff said a new recreation coordinator, Brianna Solis, has been with the city for about two and a half years and will serve as the commission’s contact at future meetings when the current manager is absent. Staff also reminded commissioners that vendor applications for Ohiday are closing the day after the meeting and that about 120 booth applications had been received so far, with artwork submissions for the Ohiday poster due the following Monday.

No motions were made and no votes were taken on program content; staff indicated contractors will be invited to present at a future meeting so commissioners can review specific offerings and ask follow-up questions.