features

  • Westminster’s teen interns provide free healthcare

    Westminster’s teen interns provide free healthcare

    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…

  • Ride On equine therapy provides riding time with caring horses

    Ride On equine therapy provides riding time with caring horses

    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…

  • WHS Food Truck Festival puts the “fun” in fundraising

    WHS Food Truck Festival puts the “fun” in fundraising

    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…

  • Open Book promotes sustainable reading

    Open Book promotes sustainable reading

    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…

  • New fire zone regulation creates pushback in the community

    New fire zone regulation creates pushback in the community

    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…

  • “The world turned upside down” for “Hamilton” in theaters

    “The world turned upside down” for “Hamilton” in theaters

    “Hamilton: An American Musical” premiered on Broadway in 2015, and its legacy is observed through its 11 Tony awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Grammy award. “Hamilton” tells the story of the founding father Alexander Hamilton’s life, spanning from his time as Lieutenant Colonel in the Revolutionary War to his untimely death.…

  • Ms. Bond shares her passion for teaching

    Ms. Bond shares her passion for teaching

    Starting every day on the right foot, Alana Bond, English teacher, gets a brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso from Starbucks. Having earned her teaching credential from Dartmouth, Bond now teaches IB Language and Literature, year one, and advises full IB students on the extended essay. Growing up, Bond enjoyed attending school and learning about…

  • Local fires change the dynamics of communities

    Local fires change the dynamics of communities

    Over the past school year, several fires broke out in the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, leaving many with their homes destroyed and lives forever changed. Living in California, fires are always something to look out for, and homes, businesses and every-day buildings face the dangers of flames. Just a few months into…

  • Local healthcare businesses keep Newbury Park residents flourishing

    Local healthcare businesses keep Newbury Park residents flourishing

    Newbury Park has countless valuable assets to offer its residents. One of the shining stars is the local healthcare business scattered throughout our community. Not only are these businesses necessary, they go above and beyond with their dedication and personable relationships with their patients. In the heart of Newbury Park, Ryan Hodges, a local…

  • Thrift stores drive Newbury Park community away from fast fashion

    Thrift stores drive Newbury Park community away from fast fashion

    Newbury Park High School students work to reduce waste and resist splurging through shopping at local thrift stores. Thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and Queen’s Consignment hope to support the community by providing low-priced items and employment for people in need.  Once or twice a month, Josephine Falt, freshman, enjoys spending time…