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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...
The Hollywood Reporter •

Utah Governor Says Motive in Charlie Kirk Shooting Is Not Yet Certain But Suspect Was on the Left

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday that investigators are not ready to discuss the motive behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But he said the suspect had left-leaning political beliefs, disliked the conservative influencer and is being uncooperative in custody.



“Clearly a leftist ideology,” Cox told NBC’s Meet the Press. On CNN’s State of the Union, he said, “That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.”




Cox said Robins...
The Hollywood Reporter •

Stephen King Repeatedly Apologizes for “Horrible” Charlie Kirk Tweet

Stephen King has issued a rare apology for a politically oriented tweet in the wake of Charlie Kirk‘s death.



King originally posted on X about Kirk in the wake of his assassination: “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin.'” The tweet was in reaction to post by Fox News host Jesse Watters writing, “Charlie Kirk was not a controversial or polarizing figure. Charlie was a PATRIOT.”




On Friday morning, King reversed course, writing: “I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated...
Newsweek •

Video shows ICE detain US citizen, green card holders at gunpoint

Federal agents were seen on camera surrounding a parked car in Los Angeles on Tuesday, before breaking a window and pulling three people from the vehicle.

Footage shared with CBS News Los Angeles from Van Nuys showed the confrontation at a strip mall, with two men and a woman detained by masked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers.

Newsweek reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for comment via email Wednesday afternoon.

The enforcement action came a day after...
Truthout •

“Excited Delirium” Is Pseudoscience. Police Often Cite It to Justify Brutality.

For decades, police, medical examiners, and coroners have used the term used to cover up killings in police custody.Anton Black was 19 years old when police officers chased him, shackled him, and left him face-down on the ground, struggling to breathe. He died from asphyxiation. Despite tireless objections from his family, the Maryland Medical Examiner called his death an accident.


Until now. After Maryland’s former head medical examiner testified in 2021 that Derek Chauvin was not responsibl...
Pasadena Star News •

Larry Wilson: What we should do about the climate

Now that we have seen, as shown in this space last week, that climate change is real, man-made, dangerous, what, I have been asked, are we going to do about it?
The short answer is something, rather than nothing. Yes, the Earth is well past the 1.5 degree Celsius average temperature rise that was widely seen, and is, the tipping point for global warming and the consequent weather and ocean-rise factors from which there is no real return, at least for hundreds of years.
But the arguments for stil...
Rolling Stone •

Lawsuit Against DHS Reveals Pattern of Excessive Force Against Journalists

This story is being published in partnership with the Center for Media and Democracy.



In the weeks since President Donald Trump targeted American cities for “the single largest Mass Deportation Program in history” and deployed U.S. troops to the streets of Los Angeles, federal and local law enforcement officers have repeatedly assaulted and seriously injured journalists, legal observers, and protesters, according to filings in a federal lawsuit. 



That violent conduct by Department of H...
TheWrap •

ICE Arrests TikTok Influencer Who Documented Immigration Raids at Her Home on Livestream

Colombian TikTok influencer Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was taken into ICE custody while live streaming from her home in Los Angeles. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Martinez was arrested in connection with a prior DUI.


Newsweek reported Martinez, who is well-known on TikTok for posting videos that document several ICE arrests, was filmed on Friday seated in her Tesla when agents opened her car door and pulled her onto the pavement. She also appeare...
UNILAD •

Southern California wildfire status escalated to 'megafire' as authorities issue desperate warning

A huge blaze burning in Southern California has been dubbed a 'megafire' after becoming the largest wildfire in the state this year.The Golden State has had a torrid 2025, starting off with the infamous LA wildfires that tore through entire neighborhoods - killing 30 residents and displacing thousands more. Just last month, the Madre Fire incinerated nearly 81,000 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County, and now the same residents are fearing its beast of a sister - the Gifford Fire, which has r...
Newsweek •

Celebrity homes threatened by explosive new California blaze

The Canyon Fire in Ventura County, California, is spreading rapidly and now nearing the outskirts of the Castaic community, raising alarm as flames approach residential areas, including the vicinity of several celebrity homes.

Newsweek contacted Castaic Town Council via email for comment outside of regular working hours on Friday.

As reported by Newsweek, the fast-moving blaze, fueled by dry brush and high winds, has already scorched thousands of acres and forced multiple evacuations. It has e...
The Guardian •

Central California issues evacuation orders after wildfire burns 72,000 acres

A huge wildfire in central California has threatened hundreds of homes, with blazes churning through the brush-covered hillsides in Los Padres national forest.At least three people were reported injured, and more than 450 structures were under threat by the Gifford fire, officials said on Monday.The fire had scorched more than 72,000 acres (29,000 hectares) as of Monday evening, after the blaze grew out of several smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Ba...
CBS Los Angeles •

Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara County burns more than 60,000 acres, forces evacuations

A fire in Central California's Sierra Madre mountain range is now spanning more than 60,000 acres after evacuations were ordered over the weekend.

The Gifford Fire was first reported Friday near the Gifford trailhead in Los Padres National Forest, around 15 miles east of Santa Maria. It quickly ballooned to more than 23,000 acres within 24 hours.

Evacuation orders were issued Friday evening for the area south of Highway 166, east of Willow Springs trailhead, and west of Cottonwood Canyon Road....
FOX Weather •

California's Gifford Fire consumes over 83,000 acres as dry conditions challenge firefighters

NEW CUYAMA, Calif. – The largest wildfire currently burning in California grew to more than 83,000 acres. The Gifford Fire burning in Los Padres National Forest in Southern California prompted additional evacuations across two counties on Monday evening, with little relief from dangerous fire weather conditions in sight.The Gifford Fire has scorched 83,933 acres as of Tuesday evening, and containment has remained at 7%, according to officials from Los Padres National Forest.They expect the wildf...
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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...
Daily Sundial •

Andy Newman’s culture shift transforms the CSUN basketball program

In this era of college basketball, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to build a culture.
With how frequently players are transferring and how much money flows from NIL collectives, it’s rare to see players staying at schools for over a few seasons.
At the mid-major level, it’s becoming rarer to see culture being visualized, but that’s what CSUN coach Andy Newman has been able to foster within his program.
Newman has been able to maximize his player’s talent on the court, but he arguably...
Daily Sundial •

CSUN baseball ninth-inning rally falls short vs. Oregon State

The CSUN baseball team closed out their final non-conference series of the year vs. No. 6 Oregon State with a tough 15-12 loss on Saturday at Robert J. Hiegert Field. It’s the fifth time this season the Matadors have been swept.
The Matadors did not win a non-conference series in a season for the first time since joining the Big West in 2001.
After scoring 16 runs in Friday’s outing, Oregon State’s hot offense (30-7) picked up where they left off. CSUN (8-27) had five players finish with a multi...
Daily Sundial •

CSUN falls short to UC Riverside

The CSUN baseball team lost a close 3-1 contest in the Alumni Homecoming Game against the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Highlanders on Saturday at the Robert J. Hiegert Field.
CSUN (11-30) was in control early on, but a cold stretch in the middle innings and missed opportunities late in the game ultimately led to their downfall.
“We were hitting the balls hard, but we left some guys on [base] in key situations,” said Andrew Becker. “Our pitchers did really well, and I wish we could h...
Daily Sundial •

Diego Gutierrez: Making adjustments on and off the field

Diego Gutierrez was five years old when he first picked up a baseball. Playing alongside his friends drew him to the sport, and as he got older, he dreamed of playing at the highest level.
The CSUN right-handed pitcher has had to deal with some challenges, such as moving away from home and moving into a starter spot on the team.
Gutierrez also played in the infield at Lakewood High School and entered CSUN as a two-way player, alternating between position players and pitchers.
Current head coach...
Daily Sundial •

Matadors draw a 0-0 tie at home against Seattle University

CSUN men’s soccer hosted the Seattle University Redhawks (0-2-2) Thursday night, resulting in a 0-0 tie. The last time the two teams met was last year in Seattle, where the Redhawks scored four straight goals to secure the 4-3 win over CSUN.
The Matadors (2-0-2), seeking their third-straight win to start the season, began the game in a 3-4-3 formation and had the opportunity to take the lead with a free kick by captain and midfielder Jorge Solorzano 17 minutes into the game.
Solorzano crossed th...
Daily Sundial •

CSUN Women’s Soccer takes on UC Irvine in an exciting Big West matchup

Returning to their home field after facing Big West opponent Cal State Fullerton Titans, the Matadors set their sights on another competitive conference matchup against UC Irvine Anteaters.
The last time these two teams competed against one another, it resulted in the Matadors taking home a loss (1-2). The team is looking to bounce back this year by getting a win while having the home-field advantage against the Anteaters (4-2-4).
Having home games help boost a team and their morale with more fa...
Daily Sundial •

Women’s volleyball makes history with sweep over Hawai’i

The CSUN women’s volleyball team went into Saturday night’s match hosting the Hawai’i Rainbow Wāhine without a win against them in over 10 years. The Matadors shocked everyone by reigning victorious with a clean sweep in three straight sets (25-21, 25-21, 25-12), breaking their winless streak at the Premier America Credit Union Arena.
This sweep was the first of the season for the Matadors and only the second against Hawai’i in team history. Last year, Hawai’i beat CSUN in five sets and swept th...
Daily Sundial •

Women’s soccer handle Roadrunners

The CSUN women’s soccer team shutout Cal State Bakersfield (CSUB), 1-0, at Matador Soccer Field on Sunday night.
Forward Cailey Jackson scored the winning goal with 17 minutes left of regulation after a corner kick was saved by Bakersfield goalkeeper Kamy Amaya. However, on the attempt to clear the net, Jackson repeatedly took possession of the ball and fired a shot past Amaya.
Matador goalkeeper Riley Liebsack finished with three saves, putting her at 54 on the season. It was the seventh game w...
Daily Sundial •

Matadors defeat UC Davis to take first place in Big West

The Matadors hosted the UC Davis Aggies on Sunday night at Matador Soccer Field, winning one-nil.
Records are being set with goalkeeper Riley Liebsack earning her 7th straight shutout, moving into the fourth spot all-time in school history, along with the team setting a new record for consecutive shutouts sitting at seven.
CSUN (7-6-3 overall, 5-0-2 conference) completed the trifecta in a perfect week of soccer and earned three consecutive wins over Big West rivals.
The Matadors currently sit in...
Bleacher Report •

Ranking Stars Most Likely to Follow Heung-Min Son to MLS in 2026

13. Marc-André ter Stegen8 of 20Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesThe relationship between Ter Stegen and Barcelona has hit a seriously rocky patch.A back injury that required surgery had ruled the German out for the start of the 2025-26 season, and with Barcelona short on available funds under La Liga registration rules, the Blaugrana saw an opportunity.Listing him as a long-term absentee, the club could effectively write off a significant portion of his wages and confirm the signin...

Son set to become South Korea record appearance holder against Brazil | Flashscore.com

South Korea captain Son Heung-min is set to break his country's record for most appearances for the men's national team when they host Brazil on Friday.The Los Angeles FC striker is poised to win his 137th cap in the glamour friendly in Seoul, which acts as a build-up towards the World Cup in North America next year.South Korea and Brazil have both qualified for the 2026 finals, for what will be the 33-year-old Son's fourth World Cup.Former Tottenham skipper Son, who moved to Major League Soccer...

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,...
Moorpark Acorn - •

From student to teacher

Agnes Brum was living in the Philippines in 2014 and searching for a better life. She found one 7,000 miles away in Moorpark.
Brum, now 59, was working as a civil engineer and a registered nurse in the Philippines, but despite the long hours she put in her paycheck totaled only around $1,000 a month, not enough to support her three children and pay for their college educations.
“I said to my kids, ‘I’ve been working here for almost 20 years and nothing is happening,’” she said.
She decided to...
Simi Valley Acorn - •

Shining bright for 8 nights

DEDICATION—After placing tefillin on Leonard Markowitz of Simi Valley, above, Rabbi Nosson Gurary prays during the Chanukah Grand Celebration on Dec. 18 at the town center. The event, presented by Chabad of Simi Valley, featured juggling, Jewish music, latkes and the lighting of a giant menorah. BENJAMIN HANSON/ Acorn Newspapers
Simi resident Ariella Sisa, 7, gets a fairy face-paint makeover from Jennifer Witten during the celebration, which marks the miracle of light that occurred in the second...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

Community in full celebration mode

HOLIDAY DELIGHT—The recent rainy weather notwithstanding, community members are out in force celebrating the season. Above, a stiltwalker who loves green entertains the crowd at the Dec. 4 Holidays in the Village European marketplace in Westlake Village. The Westlake Rotary clubs sponsored the event. JOHN LOESING/ Acorn Newspapers

HOLIDAY DELIGHT—The recent rainy weather notwithstanding, community members are out in force celebrating the season. Above, a stiltwalker who loves green entertains t...
Camarillo Acorn - •

SHOP with a COP

TOY JOY—Top, Senior Dep. Mario Molina pushes the cart for Santa Paula residents Stella Williams, 9, and her mom, Jasmine Castaneda, during the 11th annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 3 in Camarillo. Above, Santa Paula police Officer Brent Stronge helps Santa Paula resident Jedidiah Ramos, 5, pick out a toy. At right, the event treated 126 children to a shopping spree with officers and deputies from Camarillo, Santa Paula and Simi Valley.

TOY JOY—Top, Senior Dep. Mario Molina pushes the cart for...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

Holiday village comes to life

WINTER DELIGHTS—Top to bottom: Cora, 7, and Carter Michaels, 4, of Thousand Oaks ride the train during the Holidays in the Village winter festival Dec. 4 in Westlake Village. Antonio Sessa of Made in Italy Bistro places a pizza in an oven during the festival. Stilt-walker Samantha Weldon waves to festival attendees. The event, put on by the Rotary Clubs of Westlake Village, featured artisan shops, baked goods, beer and wine from local breweries, and activities for the whole family.

WINTER DELIG...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

Amped for Advent

PREPARING FOR THE NATIVITY—Above, the Rev. Walter Dilg thanks everyone for attending the intergenerational Advent celebration Dec. 4 at United Methodist Church Westlake Village. The concert featured songs from the church choir, soloists and children. The concert ended with a ceremonial lighting of the outdoor creche. Photos by BENJAMIN HANSON/Acorn Newspapers

PREPARING FOR THE NATIVITY—Above, the Rev. Walter Dilg thanks everyone for attending the intergenerational Advent celebration Dec. 4 at U...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

Mayors recall city’s past

Kuperberg is proud of ‘what we didn’t build’
I was fortunate to serve at a time when the city was bursting with progress, facility openings and positive growth.
During my time on the City Council from 1995-2011, the community welcomed the Old Agoura Ball Park and Equestrian Arena, the construction of the joint Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, the new City Hall and library, the restoration of the Reyes Adobe Historical Site and Fire Station No. 89, the city’s first-ever fire station.
My c...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

Gathering reminds veterans their service was not in vain

ANNUAL TRIBUTE—Above, Chaplain Gary Dickey of Thousand Oaks salutes while playing the bagpipes at the end of the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at Conejo Creek Park North. At left, Vietnam veteran Glen Shindler attends the ceremony. He served in the Navy for nine years. The Conejo Valley chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars puts on the annual Veterans Day ceremony with help from the Conejo Rec and Park District and has done so for many years.

ANNUAL TRIBUTE—Above, Chaplain Gary Dickey...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

Heroes honored as flags wave

SALUTING THE BRAVE—Cadets with the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Royal High School in Simi Valley present the colors before the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 in Thousand Oaks. The ceremony featured guest speakers, a flyover and music by the Seniors of Note. See more photos on Page 15.

SALUTING THE BRAVE—Cadets with the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Royal High School in Simi Valley present the colors before the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 in Thousand Oaks. The c...
Simi Valley Acorn - •

Pine edges Brodt in Area D for SVUSD

A middle school teacher and an incumbent who’s been working with community organizations focused on local education for many years appear to have prevailed in the school board race against opponents who sought to bring a change of pace to the board.
In Simi Valley Unified School District Area D, Kristina Pine and Don Brodt competed to fill the seat that will be vacated by current board chair Scott Blough who is not seeking reelection.
Pine was leading with 2,824 votes (54%) on Thursday, while Br...
Thousand Oaks Acorn - •

AYSO helps kick-start confidence in kids with disabilities

The prospect of competing in his first soccer game was nerve-wracking for 12-year-old Jack Nishimura of Thousand Oaks.
Jack has been diagnosed with autism, and even though he loves athletics, extracurricular activities that are meant to be fun can induce anxiety.
That changed when Jack joined the Moorpark American Youth Soccer Organization’s VIP league, a soccer league for kids with disabilities.
Elizabeth Hill-Nishimura, Jack’s mom, said the league has been instrumental in helping her son’s con...
Simi Valley Acorn - •

Teeing off to help Simi cops

TOURNEY ON—Above, Councilmember Mike Judge leads the Pledge of Allegiance during the 2022 Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic at Simi Hills Golf Course on Aug. 25. The event featured a putting competition, live auction, Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, a helicopter flyover and a K-9 demonstration. The tournament raised funds for the Simi Police Foundation. Below, Simi resident Bill Zeko, right, watches his grandson, 14-year-old Seth Zeko, participate in the putting competition. Sponsors included Troyc...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

On the field, in the classroom, LVUSD students are back at work

The trend toward lower classroom enrollment in post-pandemic public education didn’t quash the excitement at the 16 schools in the Las Virgenes Unified School District where students were welcomed back to class Aug. 24 with the kind of fanfare that was routine in pre-COVID days.
A reported 85% of California school districts saw enrollment drop this year. The LVUSD roll dropped to 9,762 students compared to 10,119 last year.
“It’s the new reality for districts, so my approach is that we lean into...
The Acorn - Serving Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak P •

Having a ‘ball’ with Community Conscience

13 NONPROFITS BENEFIT— At top, Mardi Gras Ball King Tony Kourounis and Thousand Oaks Rotary Club member Christal Doyle converse before the Community Conscience Mardi Gras Ball July 23 at the Hyatt Regency in Westlake. Middle left, Kourounis and Mardi Gras Queen Mary Sepe join a procession of guests during the event. Middle right, guests bid during a silent auction. Bottom left, piper Gary Alan Dickey plays his bagpipes. Bottom right, Marine Corps League Color Guard associate David Opfer takes pa...
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