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European holiday festival celebrates culture and community at the Oaks
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On Dec. 6, the Oaks Mall was transformed into a historical winter wonderland, representing European holiday culture and offering a traditional marketplace experience packed with authentic foods, unique vendors and live entertainment, all supporting non-profit organizations. Traditional European cuisine was scattered across the “Festive Garden” and “Le French Quarter” centers, offering warm beverages like…
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Organizations allow volunteers to spread the holiday joy
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Ventura County is home to many different organizations that provide volunteer and service opportunities year round, especially during the holiday season. Whether it is allowing underprivileged children to experience a Thanksgiving dinner or hosting toy drives, these organizations allow people of all ages to play a role in the community during the festivity-filled seasons.…
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Día de los Muertos celebrates ancestors and traditions
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The festival of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated all around the world, primarily in certain parts of Mexico and other latino countries, as well as right here in Newbury Park. Día de los Muertos is a vibrant holiday celebrated in remembrance of those who have passed on. On…
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Falling in love with seasonal snacks
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November is truly one of the most breathtaking months as winter creeps in, and fall slowly comes to an end. As Trader Joe’s is famously affordable and privately labeled, there is immense popularity among their seasonal foods–especially the hospitable and warm fall flavors. I wanted to focus my tastebuds on cozy flavors and foods…
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Jill Magnante enjoys a fine balance in last year of teaching
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Rohinton Mistry, the author of “A Fine Balance,” says that there is “no such thing as an uninteresting life.” Jill Magnante, the Middle Years Program [MYP] Coordinator and IB Literature teacher at Newbury Park High School [NPHS], is living proof of this quote. As an avid reader, former theater star and Midwesterner, Magnante has…
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Westminster’s teen interns provide free healthcare
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Every other Wednesday, high schoolers across Ventura County intern at the Thousand Oaks location of Westminster Free Clinic, a nonprofit medical care facility that provides free healthcare to uninsured and working families. Not only does the clinic support local communities, but it also exposes students to the medical environment and careers in the healthcare…
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Ride On equine therapy provides riding time with caring horses
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When one hears “equine therapy,” images of a horse with glasses and a clipboard may come to mind, but that is not what it involves. Equine therapy is therapeutic for people going through medical struggles or people who just need a mental outlet. It involves riding, pampering and spending time with horses. Ride On…
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WHS Food Truck Festival puts the “fun” in fundraising
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The typical fundraiser put on by many school clubs and organizations consists of restaurant nights at a variety of local and chain stores. Each year, however, the Westlake High School [WHS] Instrumental Music Program organizes an annual Food Truck Festival, bringing together community members from around the Conejo Valley to raise funds for the…
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Open Book promotes sustainable reading
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Books are one of the foundations of learning, but also one of the most significantly overproduced and overpriced items. However, for people who have been looking for a more ethical way to find their favorite book in print, The Open Book could be a perfect solution. With a newly opened nearby location in the…
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New fire zone regulation creates pushback in the community
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By the end of 2026, all structures in a high or extreme fire risk zone will have to remove all flammable objects within a 5-foot radius, according to a new regulation called Zone Zero. This includes, but is not limited to, all plants, chairs, tables and fences. Zone Zero is currently in effect for…