Ojai backs concept for Nordoff High climate-resilience partnership, authorizes staff to craft scope

The Ojai City Council on Dec. 2 gave concept approval to a proposed climate resilience and fire-preparedness partnership with Nordoff High School that would expand the school's native-plant nursery, replace greenhouse infrastructure, provide certifications and field experience for students, and deliver native plants and home-hardening assessments for the community.

Council members Ruhl and Meng described the proposal as a grant-funded partnership that would fund Nordoff's greenhouse and nursery expansion; in exchange, students would grow native plants for city projects, support home-hardening assessments and participate in internships with local partners. Nordoff teacher Miss Cohen explained the program scope and said, "We already have thousands of plants over 40 species at Nordoff at our native plant nursery" and that the school could expand production if funding supported greenhouse and transport needs.

Council discussed logistics including transportation for student field trips and internships, potential in-kind vehicle donations from Gold Coast, and liability concerns if the city directly transported students. Staff and council suggested the school or school district could accept any donated vehicles and manage student transport to limit city liability.

The council authorized staff to work with OUSD leadership to develop a scope of services and funding options in a range up to $50,000 (staff were asked to return with a scope and a recommended funding level). Council member Whitman recorded an abstention; the motion passed on roll call.

Council members and public commenters praised the program for student career-development opportunities and for contributing native plants for public projects. Staff will draft a scope of services and bring an agreement back for council review, including clarifications about transportation, liability and how in-kind donations would be managed.