In this week's episode of Branching Out, Lori Woodley-Langendorff joins host David Lopez to discuss the mental-health crisis that has increased in magnitude since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Woodley-Langendorff heads up All It Takes, which has produced a six-part series "A Trusted Space: Meeting the Moment." The series expands upon the urgent need for California's schools to create trusted, healthy spaces for all students. It brings together diverse voices from the frontlines of education to take a deeper look at the social, emotional, mental and academic challenges that persist in a pandemic recovery environment.
“Meeting the Moment” is produced by All It Takes and was made possible with funding through the California Department of Health Care Services, as part of the CalHOPE program.
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Doug Wilson and Jay Fernandez chat with host David Lopez about ways the Woolsey Fire inspired a group of Oak Park community members to create the Oak Park Fire Safe Council. The pair stopped by the Acorn's studio ahead of the 3rd annual town hall this evening. The event helps community members learn how to protect their families and homes from wildfire danger.
Kenny White, the owner and operator of St. Patrick's Rattlesnake and Rabbit Fencing Solutions joins Branching Out this week. Starting out his career with a fear of snakes, White and Branching Out producer David Lopez discusses how to manage life in Acorn country while we coexist with our slithery companions.
In this week's episode, Acorn sports editor Eliav Appelbaum and Branching Out host David Lopez discuss the kick-off of CIF's newest sport, girls' flag football. Read Appelbaum's full preview in print and online.
In this week's episode of Branching Out, producer David Lopez is joined by Mychael Margott. The president of Thousand Oaks' newest pizzeria, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, chats with Lopez about how the shop has found early success in a crowded pizza market.
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Acorn Sports Editor Eliav Appelbaum and Branching Out producer David Lopez discuss the upcoming issue of the Pigskin Preview. Hear Appelbaum's take on some of the area's best teams as the pair discuss spots 10-6 in this year's preseason Power Poll. The Pigskin Preview is a special section produced by the Acorn Newspapers sports department. You'll find it inserted into your copy of the Acorn this Friday or Saturday.
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Acorn reporter Eamon Murphy joins David Lopez to discuss a pair of recent stories he wrote. The City of Calabasas city council has been debating how to better protect its residents from smash and grabs and residential burglary, while PetSmart settled with eight counties, including Los Angeles County and Ventura County for issues related to overcharging.
In this week's episode of Branching Out, host David Lopez is joined by Brian McMahon of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks to discuss the upcoming Brewfest. In its 11th year running, the annual event benefits the Kiwanis' efforts in the community including Bikes for Youth and annual scholarship opportunities for high schoolers. The Brewfest is August 3. The Brewfest's Platinum Sponsors are Pacific Western Bank and Rusnak BMW.
Links
Kiwanis TO Brewfest website
In this week's episode of Branching Out, David Lopez is joined by Kyle Jorrey, Sean Rendineo and Janelle Achenbach. The trio are leading the charge to bring the Turkey Day Dash back to the Conejo Valley this year. Learn more about the history of this Thanksgiving tradition.
Five07 Turkey Day Dash website
In this week's episode, we learn a little about Chad O'Melia, the victim in a 2018 homicide which has yet to make its way through the courts to a trial. Read Becca's story in print this Saturday.
Background
Police: Accused killer told cops that bong hits led to violent episode
Roommate recalls Memorial Day Slaying
Spooner Greenbird was a child, and her mother was a patient at what was then Camarillo State Mental Hospital. Visiting hours had ended, so her mom stood on a bathroom sink and said hello through the bars of a window while Greenbird was lifted into the air by her father. Now a graduate of California State University, Channel Islands, hear Greenbird's stories about her experiences at the university.
Click here to read the story
Join producer David Lopez and Timmy Heague as they discuss the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, they'll share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and secrets to success. Get ready to be inspired, motivated and enlightened. Timmy and David also discuss Jack Kirby and what it means to operate a business in a place a comic book legend called home.
In this week's episode, David Lopez sits down with Acorn newcomer Eamon Murphy. They'll share their insights on the importance of hyper-local journalism and the role of the journalist in a rapidly evolving world.
Branching Out producer David Lopez sits down with Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Becca Whitnall to discuss this month's tragic crime spree that claimed the life of Wesley Welling.
Wesley Service Update (From GoFundMe)
There will be a public service held for Wesley on 5-13-2023 at Calvary Church in Westlake California at 10AM. We encourage everyone to join us and his family at this event.
Calvary Church
5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Links:
Judge denies bail for Eis
Community Comes Together
Reporter Makena Huey and editor Becca Whitnall discuss VCSO arrests in what was, until recently, considered cold cases. The sheriff's office used the same technology they did when helping to solve the Golden State Killer case.
Pat Montoya and Aliza Nichols of Not One More speak with Simi Acorn editor Sylvie Belmond about the fentanyl crisis and what their nonprofit does to raise awareness about drug addiction, prevent overdoses and assist people who struggle with substance abuse disorder.
Links:
Not One More
"Junkie" by Tommy Zee
Fentanyl Awareness event coverage in SV Acorn
Bill Klepper, a financial industry professional, is a longtime member of Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. He is also the past president of the group and is involved with the Simi Valley Police Foundation. Jose Martinez, owner of Mission Burrito in Simi Valley, also is a member of Rotary Sunrise in Simi who enjoys giving back to the community. The two stop by the Acorn Podcast Studio to discuss with Simi Valley Acorn editor Sylvie Belmond what volunteering means to them.
Drought or no drought? With near-record rainfall this year, what's the real story? On Branching Out, the experts talk about water, and where the next few months are headed.
Branching Out:
Find us on Twitter
Email us at branchingout@theacorn.com
Call us at (805) 222-0237
Written by John Loesing
Produced by David Lopez
Music by Ian Bradley
For the last 13 years, Kyle Jorrey has been the editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn. In this week's episode, Jorrey sits down with Branching Out producer David Lopez to discuss his time at the Acorn and some of the highlights from his editorial career.
Complimentary Links:
Dawn Megli Borderline Coverage
Scott Mitnick Part I
Scott Mitnick Part II
The Stranger Part I
The Stranger Part II
Written By: David Lopez/Kyle Jorrey
Music By: Ian Bradley
Dr. Asif Taqi, one of the country's leading experts in stroke neurology, sits down to talk about his path into medicine and his groundbreaking work in the field of stroke treatment. Medical director of neurosciences at Los Robles hospital in Thousand Oaks, Taqi helped the hospital become Ventura County’s first certified comprehensive stroke center and developed a system to train EMS first-responders to diagnose stroke patients and start treating them in the field.
Related Links:
https://www.vnsc.org/about-dr-taqi/
https://losrobleshospital.com/specialties/stroke/
Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center Becomes the First Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Ventura County
Act F.A.S.T. to identify stroke
Branching Out:
Find us on Twitter
Email us at branchingout@theacorn.com
Call us at (805) 222-0237
Written by Kyle Jorrey
Produced by David Lopez
Music by Ian Bradley
Jeff Gorell joins Branching Out to discuss his road to becoming a Ventura County supervisor. Gorell was elected in November to represent District 2.
Branching Out:
Find us on Twitter
Email us at branchingout@theacorn.com
Call us at (805) 222-0237
Written by Kyle Jorrey
Produced by David Lopez
Music by Ian Bradley
Jeff Gorell joins Branching Out to discuss his road to becoming a Ventura County supervisor. Gorell was elected in November to represent District 2.
Branching Out:
Find us on Twitter
Email us at branchingout@theacorn.com
Call us at (805) 222-0237
Written by Kyle Jorrey
Produced by David Lopez
Music by Ian Bradley
Rustlers, hustlers, and cowboys: Ventura County historian Andy Ludlum discusses our community's colorful past.
Link:
Read Ludlum's Blog
Branching Out:
Find us on Twitter
Email us at branchingout@theacorn.com
Call us at (805) 222-0237
Written by John Loesing
Produced by David Lopez
Music by Ian Bradley
Thousand Oaks High School percussion instructor Bill Garcia joins David Lopez to discuss all things drumline. With the season kicking off in February, Garcia breaks down drum line culture and offers an education on the indoor marching event.
Links:
2023 TOHS Drum line rehearsal
Thousand Oaks High School Drum line 2006
Acorn reporter Scott Steepleton joins host Kyle Jorrey over zoom to update listeners on his coverage of the Rebecca Grossman case.
PODCAST UPDATE:
In our original recording of this episode, our hosts discussed a pending Iskander family lawsuit against the City of Westlake Village. The lawsuit was filed in court, but it was never served on the city and therefore no longer exists.
Supporting links:
Grossman trial delayed till May
‘This is a murder for money case’
Follow Scott on Twitter
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Tackling the Mental Health Crisis: An interview with Lori Woodley-Langendorff
19:46
Subtracting fuel from the fire: Oak Park Fire Council shares how to protect life and property
24:49
There's a snake in my boot: Who you call when snakes have you rattled
24:59
Girls' Flag Football begins
30:49
PIZZA PARTY: An interview with Slice House by Tony Gemignani Thousand Oaks president Mychael Margott
24:12
Pigskin Preview
42:09
Acorn Update: City of Calabasas wants more peace officers and the PetSmart overcharging settlement
23:50
Beer and community: How the Kiwanis TO Brewfest supports the next generation
15:19
A Thanksgiving tradition returns: Discussing the return of the Turkey Day Dash
23:23
Spejcher murder case: Meeting Chad
20:26
CSUCI grad inspired by mom’s connection to state hospital
22:24
Being your own boss: A discussion with Arsenal Comics and Games owner Timmy Heague
38:07
A discussion with new Acorn reporter Eamon Murphy
24:48
Navigating Breaking News: A discussion with Becca Whitnall about how journalists handle emotional events
27:15
Cold Cases Cracked
23:47
The struggle is real and deadly
45:20
Help yourself and others, join a local service organization
30:00
A discussion with Calleguas Municipal and Triunfo Water and Sanitation District
30:09
Saying goodbye to Kyle Jorrey: Looking back on a career in journalism
1:05:58
Saving Seconds to Save Lives: Talking with a Stroke Treatment Pioneer
1:04:17
Changing of the Guard: Interview with Supervisor Jeff Gorell (Part 2 of 2)
38:06
Changing of the Guard: Interview with Supervisor Jeff Gorell (Part 1 of 2)
40:18
Agoure to Agoura: An interview with historian Andy Ludlum
36:36
Stick with it: An interview with drum line instructor Bill Garcia
40:53
Rebecca Grossman case update
32:25