Era ends at OVN
By Lenny Roberts

They say whenever a longtime resident leaves Ojai, they will be back. That's what Ojai Valley News staff members are hoping.

Alysia Dewar has been a part of the Ojai Valley News sales staff since 1986, leaving twice to take care of a sick child and give birth to another.

This time, she and her husband, Tim Dewar, former Ojai Valley News editor and current public relations officer for the Ventura County Humane Society, are leaving for Bullhead City, Ariz., where they plan to get real estate licenses and fix up and sell property.

"It will be a new life and a new adventure," she said. "I'm going to get me a boat and play all the time." She said the many OVN customers, friends and co-workers who have touched her life will not be forgotten.
"I will miss my clients. I've enjoyed working with all of them, and don't think I've ever had a bad experience with any of them. They were all so sweet, especially through the setbacks. I was blessed to have had everyone with me through those hard times," she said.

Dewar added that she will occasionally bring daughter Cassidy Cowgill back to Ojai to see her friends and father.

"I'm unemployed now, so I can travel. I want to take a year off and grieve in my own way - by the pool with two desert drinks in my hand. I'll send pictures," she laughed, "and make sure I e-mail them to my co-workers daily to show how much I miss them. But I'll have to find my bathing suit first. I just want to say how wonderful everyone here at the paper has been. And like the 'governator,' I'll be back."

Thursday was her last day at the Ojai Valley News. Staffers said they will dearly miss her and the non-schoolday visits of Cassidy and her stylish hairdos.

Bret Bradigan, OVN publisher, said, "I think I can speak for all of us here with these parting words: Don't go. Or if that doesn't work: Come back soon."

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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