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Benjamin Hanson is a freelance photojournalist and reporter based in the Greater Los Angeles area. His photos have been published worldwide and in many local publications. Here are a selection of published photos.

News

Online coverage of anti-ICE protest split by political lenses

Protests in Southern California and around the country over raids targeting undocumented immigrants played out differently on social media depending on the person or the platform. They’re peaceful — look at the family-friendly atmosphere. They’re violent — Los Angeles is in flames. These competing narratives underline the hyper-siloed nature of online discourse and the power of misinformation. Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with Renee DiResta, associate research professor at Georgetown Univers...
KIMT News 3 •

Key questions remain about Charlie Kirk’s assassination as his memorial is announced. Here’s what we know

(CNN) — As investigators pore through online messages, notes, and engraved shell casings in their search for a motive in the killing of one of the country’s most prominent conservative activists at a Utah Valley University campus event, authorities are also looking into whether suspect Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship with a transitioning roommate was a factor in the shooting, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told CNN’s Dana Bash Sunday morning.Meanwhile, the 63,400-seat State Farm Stadium in Glendal...
Daily Sundial •

101 Freeway shuts down as thousands protest

Thousands of people gathered to protest President Donald Trump’s new immigration and deportation policies on Sunday, Feb. 2.
The massive protest, promoted on social media, closed the 101 Freeway and temporarily gridlocked downtown LA.
Originating at Placita Olvera, where organizers gave speeches and chanted, the protestors marched to Los Angeles City Hall, dancing, singing and making their voices heard.
After several hours near city hall, protestors spread all over downtown LA, lining the street...
LAist •

National forest roads

What opponents say: "The law of unintended consequences is a very real law," said Alexandra Syphard, senior research scientist with the Conservation Biology Institute. "One of the most fundamental concepts in fire, especially in terms of fire geography, is that roads are the dominant place where you see ignitions."What supporters say: "For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to action — prohibiting road construction, which has limited wildfire...
LAist •

Bad air quality and high temperatures are expected this week in SoCal

A heat wave is expected to hit Los Angeles and Orange County come Wednesday, with temperatures projected to reach as high as 110 in the valleys. So far, Southern California has been having a mild summer, but even with relatively low temps, fire season has started. The Gifford fire in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County has burned over 65,000 acres, and three people have been reported injured. Today on AirTalk, we get the latest about the fire and what the heat wave may mean fo...
ABC News •

Los Angeles County declares state of emergency over immigration raids

The declaration was passed on Tuesday by a 4-1 vote.Los Angeles County officials voted on Tuesday to declare a state of emergency over ongoing federal immigration raids.The proclamation gives the county the power to assist residents they say have been impacted financially by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action.The declaration was introduced by County Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn and passed by a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposing.Los Angeles County is...
Chron •

Texas broadcasters stand firm against ABC's Jimmy Kimmel return

The announcement from Nexstar Media Group, based in Irving, came just hours before the program was set to return Tuesday night. Disney suspended the show last week following Kimmel's on-air comments about the Sept. 10 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The announcement from Nexstar Media Group, based in Irving, came just hours before the program was set to return Tuesday night. Disney suspended the show last week following Kimmel's on-air comments about the Sept. 10 shooting of con...
Rolling Stone •

Educator, ACLU Sue University After Firing Linked to Kirk Criticism

An Indiana educator — fired after being targeted by the right-wing X account Libs of TikTok and the attorney general of Indiana for making private remarks on Facebook about the killing of Charlie Kirk — is suing Ball State University for violating her right to free speech.Brought in conjunction with the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the lawsuit claims that the woman’s social media post was “fully protected by the First Amendment” and that “her firing was unconstitutional.”...
Houston Chronicle •

Did Jimmy Kimmel violate FCC rules? Here’s what the rules say

Following ABC’s suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over Jimmy Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk, many are asking: can a show be pulled over what its host says?

Following ABC’s suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over Jimmy Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk, many are asking: can a show be pulled over what its host says?

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Walt Disney-owned network announced it had indefinitely removed the late‑night program after Kimmel’s Sept. 15 monologue about the fatal shooting...

Sports

Outlook Newspapers •

Football: Hoover Begins Campaign With Rout

The Tornados offense scored on almost every drive and the defense prevented the Eagles from generating any kind of momentum.Ward, who took over head coaching duties following Azad Herabidian’s departure, said he was proud of the way his team played.“I think we had some normal first week issues and cramps — we'll get a hold of that, we'll get conditioning and we'll push ourselves in practice,” Ward said. “Working through the ebbs and flows of football, but overall, I'm just proud of our guys.”Hoo...
Outlook Newspapers •

Football: Hoover Falls to Arcadia in League Opener

After a three-game homestand to start the season, the Hoover High football team kicked off its Pacific League campaign in its first road game of the season visiting Arcadia High on Thursday, Sept. 18. In what proved to be a tug-of-war battle to start the league run for both teams, it was host Arcadia who came out on top over Hoover 18-7 at Salter Stadium for the Apaches' first win of their season. “We saw adversity in every corner, we had injuries left and right, but the kids found a way to win,...
Outlook Newspapers •

Softball: Rocco Guides La Cañada Past South Pasadena

Going into game two of the three-game Rio Hondo League softball series between South Pasadena High and La Cañada, the Spartans were yet to lose a league contest with half the games in the books. This was the host Tigers’ chance to change that, but La Cañada senior Grace Rocco had other ideas.“As the only undefeated team left in league, I think we’re still the team everyone is gunning for,” Rocco said. “We just have to carry that on our shoulders and just hold our heads high, hit the ball and pla...
Outlook Newspapers •

Softball: Five Tigers Garner All-League Accolades

For the first time since 2008, the Tigers clinched a runner-up finish in Rio Hondo League play.As a result, a contingent of five South Pasadena softball players earned all-league honors for their efforts this season.Natalie Kan and Racquel Dominguez were honored with first-team accolades, Taelyn Adams and Lucia Atencio were second-team selections and Talula Bearden was named honorable mention. Kan was selected as first-team pitcher, but was effective on both sides of the game. In 16 appearances...
Outlook Newspapers •

Football: Crescenta Valley Debuts New Stadium in Triumph Over South Pasadena

For the first time, the Falcons played a night game at Crescenta Valley High following renovations to the stadium seats, lights, and track and field. After a vivacious pregame ceremony to unveil the new digs, the hosts jumped on the visitors early and stayed the course throughout. Crescenta Valley previously played its home games at Glendale High's Moyse Field. The Falcons did host an afternoon football game once before, according to Gossard.South Pasadena started off on the wrong foot when it m...
Outlook Newspapers •

Softball: Timely Hits from Earl, Morales Sends Burroughs Past Muir

“We had some bad at-bats in the beginning, and Muir was making some solid defensive plays, so you've got to give them credit,” said Bears coach Doug Nicol. “In softball, it’s sometimes about who gets the biggest hit, and we got it today. Alyssa got it done. Karlee got it done. It was awesome, and Valentina Reyes, I mean, what a performance from her. She’s only a sophomore and that’s the best game she’s ever pitched. Her growth has been tremendous, and we’re excited to see her go even more.”The M...
Outlook Newspapers •

Baseball: Flintridge Prep Takes Down Providence in Prep League Win

Flintridge Prep took advantage of the situation and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. With one out in the top of the first inning Nicolas Arparicio doubled and Calvin Chen singled to right field. Two infield errors later and the Wolves had themselves an early 3-0 lead.The Wolves would go down quietly in the top of the second as Providence starting pitcher Adrian Contreras settled in and retired the side in order on three infield grounders. This would prove to be the only clean inning for...
Outlook Newspapers •

Softball: Providence Outlasts Flintridge Prep in Offensive Matchup

In a high-scoring Prep League softball game on May 2 at George Izay Park, it was Providence which secured the win over Flintridge Prep 13-10 in a contest that saw the Pioneers tally a run in every inning.In the first two innings, Providence took an aggressively early lead of 5-1 that was also sparked by a boost of confidence after senior Delailah Lopez hit one out of the park. But in the third inning Flintridge Prep bounced back, earning five runs and taking the lead 6-5.In the top of the third...
Outlook Newspapers •

Boys' Volleyball: Burroughs Sweeps Top League Awards

That campaign culminated in the Bears completing a sweep of the top league awards at the end of the season. Ryder Tafoya and Caiden Shrode were named co-players of the year, while Joel Brinton was named coach of the year. Noah Duffield, Nathan Kameya and Benji Ly earned first-team honors, Skyy Alston was a second-team selection and Riley Brinton was named honorable mention.The Bears completed the Pacific League title-winning campaign with a 10-0 record and finished 30-7 overall. Burroughs was pl...
Outlook Newspapers •

Girls' Flag Football: Burroughs Sweeps L.A. Sacred Heart in Doubleheader

“We had to get a certain amount of games in to try to make the playoffs,” Knoop said. “So this doubleheader really helped us, and we actually lost another doubleheader, so we're going to be exactly at 23 games. If we lose another game, we won't be playoff eligible.”In the first game, the Bears forced a three-and-out on the first drive and responded with a good mix of runs and passes to keep the Comets’ defense on its toes. Bears quarterback Karisma Mendez capped the drive with a 21-yard touchdow...

The Acorn


Moorpark Acorn - •

A get-together just like old times

Street came alive on Oct. 4 as the Moorpark Country Days
Parade returned to the heart of the city, honoring the town’s pioneers and bringing generations of families together for a day of celebration.
Thousands lined the streets or took part in the parade, which featured marching bands, vintage cars, politicians, local officials, beauty queens, and lively performances from dancers, gymnasts and musicians.
For John Bollington, a first-grader at Arroyo West Elementary, it was his first parade. Walk...
Moorpark Acorn - •

PUMPED for PUMPKINS

PICKING TIME—Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark kicks off its 28th annual fall festivities with its giant “Pumpkin Patch, Pick Your Own & Fall Harvest” experience. Below, attendees on Sept. 28 ride a cart through the farm. Below right, Thousand Oaks resident Michael Ramirez and his 2-year-old son Nicolas feed ducks. Through Oct. 31 this year, festival-goers can enjoy games, rides, a corn maze, live music, demonstrations from Ventura County first-responders, feeding farm animals and, of course, p...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

Swinging for the end zone

FUNDRAISER TEE-OFF—Golfers sign in to the Moorpark Country Club and check out the fundraiser festivities during the third annual A-Town Football Golf Classic in Moorpark on Aug. 11. The Agoura Hills football team hosts the yearly fundraiser to support student-athletes and the AHS football program. The event features giveaways, free food and raffle prizes. Photos by BENJAMIN HANSON/Acorn Newspapers

FUNDRAISER TEE-OFF—Golfers sign in to the Moorpark Country Club and check out the fundraiser festi...
Moorpark Acorn - •

Pride, Talent, Inspiration

BRAINS AND BEAUTY—Clockwise from left: Katie Hornyak, center, is awarded Miss Teen Moorpark during the 2025 “Miss/Teen Moorpark and Miss/Teen Simi Valley Scholarship Competition”on Aug. 9 in Moorpark; director Diana Spencer, left, smiles as Hornyak answers her on-stage question; Miss Moorpark Carly Sutton performs a chemistry experiment; 4-year-old 2025 Princess Korra Beas admires her coronation trophy during the festivities; and contestants enter the stage alongside the previous year’s winners....
Moorpark Acorn - •

Camping in the park

SLEEPOVER—Clockwise from above: Campgoers line up for hot dogs and chips during a Family Campout at Houghton-Schreiber Park on Aug. 2 in Simi Valley; families brought tents and essentials while the city provided food, games and activities; 6-year-old Dominic Dimacali plays an axethrowing game during the festivities; and the sun begins to set behind a row of tents during Family Campout. Guests could also play volleyball, cornhole and other games in addition to enjoying the playground.

SLEEPOVER—...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

SCORE hands out 2023 top business awards

A longtime lover of knitting, Casey Xiao-Morris had little idea that she would one day be able to turn her passion for yarn products into a profitable business capable of turning millions of dollars in revenue.
The Ventura County Chapter of SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) last month recognized KnitPal, the Moorpark based company founded by Xiao-Morris, as its 2023 Small Business of the Year award winner.
KnitPal offers tools and supplies to people who are passionate about the world of...
Camarillo Acorn - •

Community service is in their hearts

City Councilmember Tony Trembley—one of Camarillo’s 12 newly named dons and doñas— said that despite their unique interests and gifts, all recipients are united by a love of their city and a desire to help its residents.
The Pleasant Valley Historical Society’s annual barbecue, held Sept. 16, honored a tradition dating back to 1965. The Spanish titles are given to longtime community leaders who make a difference through their professional and volunteer work. Over nearly six decades, 538 men and...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

HONKY TONK summer

WITH MICK AND THE BOYS—The Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash closes out the City of Agoura Hills sumer concert series Aug. 27 at Chumash Park. Above, Eric Newman tosses his daughter Andie into the air. Photos by BENJAMIN HANSON/Acorn Newspapers

WITH MICK AND THE BOYS—The Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash closes out the City of Agoura Hills sumer concert series Aug. 27 at Chumash Park. Above, Eric Newman tosses his daughter Andie into the air. Photos by BENJAMIN HANSON/...
Moorpark Acorn - •

Smiling faces are back at MUSD

On a sunny August morning, little students are excitedly making their way to the gates of Arroyo West Active Learning Academy in Moorpark.
Amid a sea of children recapping their summers and chanting “We made it,” third-grader Aliyah said she was looking forward to making new friends.
“I’m excited to meet more people,” she said.
Enrollment is holding steady districtwide this year, said Lynn David, assistant superintendent of business services. As of Aug. 23, Moorpark Unified School District had 5...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

University Village remembers

Prayers, poetry and the lighting of six candles to represent the loss of 6 million Jews were all part of a service commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day, known as Yom HaShoah in Hebrew, at University Village on April 18 in Thousand Oaks.
“We are gathered here to remember 6 million lives lost and to honor the survivors of the Shoah, some of whom have lived at University Village Thousand Oaks or who now live in our community,” said Elissa Lazarus, the community’s Jewish leadership council chair,...