Journey to Ojai: Family, Legacy, and New Beginnings
Article by Dr. Robert Ornelas, Staff Journalist- IPA Magazine Travel. Read more about Robert in ‘Our Staff’ section
For those with a lengthy layover at LAX, I recommend taking the scenic drive to Ojai, CA. Traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway immerses you in California’s natural beauty and its spirit of resilience. Ojai offers a perfect blend of tranquility and community healing, making it an ideal getaway that’s both meaningful and rejuvenating.
For us, this trip carried even deeper meaning—it was for our niece Jasmine’s wedding, a celebration lovingly planned throughout the year. That family milestone made the beauty of Ojai all the more special, transforming the journey into a story of love, legacy, and unforgettable moments.
Leaving Orange County, we made our way up the 10 before merging onto the Pacific Coast Highway. The road unfolded with breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, and mountains. Yet, amidst that beauty, the charred hillsides from the Palisades Wildfire of January 2025 stood as a stark reminder of resilience—the way communities rebuild after devastation.
Not long after, Melissa and I found ourselves reminiscing about the 1993 film Poetic Justice, directed by John Singleton and starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson. One memorable scene was filmed along this very stretch of highway, and as we drove, those cinematic moments came alive once again.
Crossing into Ventura County, the drive became a tapestry of memories. On one side stretched agricultural fields representing the region’s farming heritage; on the other stood the Navy base, a reminder of history and service. Driving past Oxnard and Ventura brought back years of work alongside those communities—advocating, performing, and standing with people in their struggles.
But being near Santa Paula felt different. After the tragic loss of a young pregnant woman to gang violence, I had been invited by former Chief of Police Steven McLean to speak and perform, helping unite a community in grief. Just a little farther on, memories of fishing with my father in Port Hueneme resurfaced—personal ties woven into the very landscape we passed.
All of these threads—community, advocacy, and family—came together as we reached Ojai, a place where natural beauty meets human resilience.
Our first stop was Ojai Avenue, the town’s charming main street, where we checked into the Hummingbird Inn. We were eager to settle in quickly and meet family. My wife’s Aunt Kelly had flown down from Oregon, and making sure she had a good meal was one of our priorities.
Of course, we also brought along our boxer dog, Solomon. Including him wasn’t just about having the whole family together—it was part of the travel experience we wanted to highlight. Ojai turned out to be wonderfully pet-friendly, and the Hummingbird Inn welcomed him warmly. Knowing Solomon was comfortable made the trip feel whole.
Ojai has much to offer—from mineral baths and wellness retreats to art galleries, live entertainment, and a vibrant cultural scene. Yet sometimes, the simplest experiences create the best memories.
That evening, we strolled down Ojai Avenue to Ojai Pizza Company, a local favorite. We started with a hearty salad, fresh and flavorful, before diving into a veggie pizza made entirely with organic ingredients. It was light, delicious, and exactly what we needed after a long day. The leftovers even carried into the next day, fueling us as we prepared for the wedding
After dinner, we returned to the Hummingbird Inn. The cozy pool area, complete with a fireplace and communal seating, set the perfect atmosphere for relaxing. What stood out most, though, was the extra effort the inn put into guest comfort—like free bicycles for exploring town. I took one out for a short ride with Solomon, capping the evening with a simple joy. Visit their website at Hummingbirdinnojai for lodging information.
As your correspondent for IPA Magazine Travel, I can say the Hummingbird Inn delivers a peaceful night’s rest. The beds were so comfortable that I drifted off early and woke before sunrise, refreshed and ready for the day.
Saturday, September 20—the long-awaited wedding day—began with peace. Melissa had gifted me a Canon T7 camera, and I took the quiet morning to test it, capturing textures and light in downtown Ojai.
Ojai’s Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean architecture defines its main street, a European-inspired aesthetic chosen deliberately to attract tourism. Yet beneath these buildings lies a much older heritage—the sacred land of the Chumash people, who lived here for thousands of years. Their imprint was not the one chosen to represent the city, but their presence remains deeply felt.
That morning became more than photography—it was prayer. Each click of the camera became a moment of gratitude: for the sacredness of the land, for the family milestone ahead, and for the chance to witness my niece’s marriage in such a meaningful place.
Soon after, Melissa called, and we headed to Bonnie Lu’s Country Café. I ordered Eggs Benedict with sausage, complete with a small orange on the plate. Curious, I asked the waitress if it was a Pixie tangerine—Ojai’s local specialty. She explained it was a Sunkist orange from a partner farm. Our conversation led to the story of the citrus industry that has thrived here since the 1960s, adding yet another layer of connection to the land.
What made the day even more special was having our sons, Joshua and Jaycob, celebrating alongside their cousins. They all grew up together, and being reunited for Jasmine’s wedding was a true family blessing.
We’re especially proud of Jaycob, who has been building his acting career—appearing in CBS’s SWAT (now streaming on Netflix) as Arturo, the Cartel Gang Leader, and soon to be featured in Apple TV’s Palm Royale with stars like Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, and Allison Janney. Seeing him step into new opportunities while celebrating family milestones made the day even richer.
Ojai itself has long been a wedding destination. Its beauty, architecture, and traditions have drawn couples for decades, making ceremonies here not just picturesque but central to the local culture and economy. Weddings in Ojai are both practical—timed shuttles, attire, family coordination—and profoundly meaningful, blending logistics with the deeper essence of place.
And then came the moment: Jasmine’s wedding. The ceremony was breathtaking, and everything—from the food to the music to the dancing—came together seamlessly.
As her uncle, I’ve watched Jasmine grow—from her years at La Mirada High School, through her time at San Diego State University, and now into this new chapter. If I had stood to speak, I would have asked her to close her eyes and picture all of us in Ojai—her family, her friends, and her Papa Joe, who recently went home to be with the Lord—surrounding her with blessings. I would have told her it has been an honor to witness her journey, and that we wish her a life full of prosperity, health, and wholeness.
Perhaps, if she ever reads these words, she’ll feel not just our love on her wedding day but also the continuing presence of her Papa Joe, smiling down from heaven.
If you find yourself with a long layover at LAX or simply needing a reset, take the drive to Ojai. Slow down. Support the local shops. Honor the land’s layered history. And—practically speaking—don’t forget to catch your shuttle on time.
Much respect to all our world travelers. May your journeys be filled with family, legacy, and new beginnings. See you on the road.