History, Ventura County

Pretty Poinsettias: The popular holiday plant played big part in local history

While Dec. 12 is National Poinsettia Day, the pretty and popular holiday plant has quite a history on a more local level, including in Ventura County. At the beginning of the 20th Century, palm trees were flourishing and the City of Ventura had the nickname of “Palm City.” But then poinsettias became a larger crop… Read More Pretty Poinsettias: The popular holiday plant played big part in local history

History, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Uncategorized, Ventura County

Local authors chronicle area’s unique baseball history

It’s 1912, and thousands of sports fans fill the stands to watch an exhibition game between the New York Giants and the Chicago White Sox. This might sound like any Major League Baseball game being played at a stadium in the big city, but this match actually took place at a baseball field right in… Read More Local authors chronicle area’s unique baseball history

Food, Made in the 805, Ventura County

Made in the 805: Those sweet, petite, and oh-so-good-to-eat Ojai Pixies

There’s no getting around seeing and hearing about those Ojai Pixies at this time of the year. They’re featured in everything–from drinks, ice cream, and even spa treatments. They’re basically everywhere! But, what exactly is an Ojai Pixie? And how are they different from the Halos/Cuties and other varieties you regularly see at the grocery… Read More Made in the 805: Those sweet, petite, and oh-so-good-to-eat Ojai Pixies

History, Travel, Ventura County

Far from boring: Historical and artistic treasures aplenty at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

When I first heard about the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard, I admittedly didn’t think I would want to visit since I have no knowledge of ships and probably would get bored looking at them. I’m sure glad I put those thoughts aside and found my way to the Channel Islands Harbor to visit… Read More Far from boring: Historical and artistic treasures aplenty at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

History, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County

100th anniversary of end of World War I recognized locally

November 11th is not only Veterans Day, a special day to honor military veterans. It also marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. This year is extra significant because it marks the 100th anniversary of WWI. In fact, major hostilities of WWI were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th… Read More 100th anniversary of end of World War I recognized locally

History, Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days-Fiesta captivates and educates since 1924

It may seem hard to believe today, but Santa Barbara once had some trouble attracting tourists to the area in the 1920s. Santa Barbara was mainly a winter getaway, and the coastal hamlet just wasn’t a draw for many back then during the summer months. The area’s business people decided they wanted to have an… Read More Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days-Fiesta captivates and educates since 1924

Food, Made in the 805, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County

Top 10 must-try ice cream shops in the 805

July 15th is National Ice Cream Day, and what better way is there to celebrate than heading to your favorite shop serving up the creamy and cold treat.It’s always tough to choose a favorite, and there are many fabulous local places to try (and many up-and-coming places that we’re still learning about). The best ice… Read More Top 10 must-try ice cream shops in the 805

Food, History, Ventura County

Owls bring lasting good luck to Camarillo’s classic El Tecolote restaurant

Cruising down Lewis Road in Camarillo, you’ll inevitably come across a retro sign with a large owl on top of an arrow pointing to a restaurant called  El Tecolote. And the owl is not only this classic restaurant’s namesake (El Tecolote means “The Owl” in Spanish). It’s also part of the famous lore of this… Read More Owls bring lasting good luck to Camarillo’s classic El Tecolote restaurant

History, Ventura County

Clarence, the 95-year-old Galapagos tortoise at Moorpark College zoo, helped save his species

Out of the nearly 200 animals at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark, there is one particular four-legged resident that stands out not only because of his extremely large size, but also because of his very unique story. His name is Clarence, a 95-year-old, 550-pound Galapagos tortoise, and he has played an important role in helping… Read More Clarence, the 95-year-old Galapagos tortoise at Moorpark College zoo, helped save his species