The Academic Performance Index scores for California public schools showed their first decline in a decade, but even with slightly lower scores in some areas, Las Virgenes and Oak Park unified school districts still rank in the top 2 percent statewide. The API score, based on a 1,000-point scale, is compiled from the results of the state’s annual STAR testing […]
2013-09-19
On the Trail
The cottonwood quest Even on a nature quest, it may be advisable sometimes to follow a modified version of Glinda the Good Witch’s famous travel directive to the wizard-seeking Dorothy Gale. On my quest to track down some native Fremont cottonwoods growing in the riparian woodland surrounding my rural Agoura community, I learned it was wise to “Follow the yellow […]
Historian respectful of the past
When Cim Castellon discovered the city of Agoura Hills had a hidden archive of historical treasures and ephemera waiting to see the light of day, she knew she had a job to do. Castellon was already a valued member of the city’s Cultural Arts Council, and had made substantial changes in the way the Reyes Adobe Historical Site showcased the […]
New board members on arts council
The nonprofit Arts Council of the Conejo Valley started its new year with new board members on Sept. 10 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks. The new board president is Pat Johnson of Westlake Village. Johnson, who was on the former board of governors, has been involved for many years with the arts council, including as […]
Adventures await
FAMILY FONDESS— Above, Frank Padilla congratulates Ryley Riodan for learning to balance a spinning plate at the Triunfo YMCA’s recent “Taste of Adventure Guides” barbecue at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills. Right, Anna Moss teaches Kayla Ames, 7, to be a straight shooter.
Awardwinning writer at Brandeis luncheon
Patt Morrison will be the guest speak at Brandeis Conejo Valley’s fall luncheon and boutique at 10 a.m. Thurs., Oct. 10 at North Ranch Country Club, 4761 Valley Spring Drive, Westlake Village. Morrison is a Los Angeles Times writer, public radio and TV host, author, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes and six Emmy Awards. Admission is $ 70. For […]
Horses strut their stuff at special event
DRAMATIC ENTRANCE—Bareback riders from the Foxfield Equestrian Team of Westlake Village carry American flags into the arena at the ninth annual Day of the Horse on Sept. 14. Below, Foxfield riders demonstrate how to control their mounts without bridles or saddles. The event was at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park in Thousand Oaks.
Wowing the world with magic
Move over David Copperfield, Criss Angel and all you other brain-teasing magicians. Jason Latimer is ready to bend some light, shape water, walk through solid objects—and blow some minds. The 32-year-old Latimer, an Agoura High School graduate, will perform at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Sept. 25. He plans to showcase 8 tons of his specially designed magic tricks, […]
Beach advocate named new chief executive for Heal the Bay
Ruskin Hartley has been named the new chief executive officer of Heal the Bay, the nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of Southern California’s beaches and oceans. Hartley comes to Heal the Bay following a six-year stint as executive director and secretary of the Save the Redwoods League, a San Francisco-based organization focused on studying, restoring and protecting old-growth forests […]