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

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

Travel, Ventura County

Matilija poppies take center stage at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

After a brief delay, the very popular Matilija poppies are in full bloom at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks! The garden presented its annual Matilija Poppy Festival on April 29, but the flowers weren’t quite blooming yet in time for the celebration. “I think the weather has an impact, I’m sure to… Read More Matilija poppies take center stage at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

Food, History, Travel, Ventura County

Golden Chicken Inn serves up history in Oxnard’s historic Chinese center

It’s easy to get distracted by the myriad of cantinas, shops, and markets that line the bustling downtown area of Oxnard. But, as you make your way down the ever-busy Oxnard Boulevard, slow down and take another look at the old, two-story brick building at the corner of the boulevard and West 7th Street. That… Read More Golden Chicken Inn serves up history in Oxnard’s historic Chinese center