Shows
Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersConvo About CannabisIn light of the City of Thousand Oaks’ ongoing debate over changing its law to go from medical-only to adult-use cannabis stores, Westlake Village council member and Legendary Organics dispensary co-owner Ned Davis sits down to talk cannabis and the journey to legalizing local dispensaries with host and Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey. Accompanying LinksLegendary Organics Westlake Village mayor pro tem to help run TO dispensary Friday is opening day for city's first cannabis retailers Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branc...2022-05-091h 10Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTears, Testimony at Rebecca Grossman PrelimHost and Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey is joined by Acorn reporter Scott Steepleton. Scott has been covering the Rebecca Grossman preliminary hearing in Van Nuys the past week, which will determine whether Grossman will go to trial for murder charges in the 2020 deaths of two boys in a Westlake crosswalk. Accompanying LinksMother testifies at murder hearing Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comWritten by Kyle Jorrey ...2022-05-021h 00Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersLove Trumps Hate on Freeway OverpassHost Kyle Jorrey sits down with Thousand Oaks Acorn reporter Dawn Megli to discuss the February and March incidents where neo-nazis displayed white supremicist banners on the Borchard Rd. freeway overpass. Megli was on the overpass April 16 when a local retired scientist hung banners of love and positivity in response to the group’s hateful messaging. Accompanying Links: Neo-nazi group makes appearance in Newbury Park Love replaces hate on overpassBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.com Wr...2022-04-2542 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersHilton Hotel InfernoHost Kyle Jorrey sits down with Camarillo Acorn reporter Makena Huey and Acorn photographer Michael Coons, who were both at the destructive Camarillo blaze that burned down a Hilton that was being built across from the Camarillo Outlets. The trio discuss what happened, how reporters and photographers safely document fires and what’s next for the charred structure.Accompanying Links: Michael Coons on Twitter Makena Huey on TwitterHotel fire investigation gets underwayPhotos from the scene Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branc...2022-04-1849 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersReclaiming the Ventureño Chumash LanguageMoorpark Acorn reporter Makena Huey and Thousand Oaks Acorn reporter Dawn Megli are joined via Zoom by Salvador Tumamait Ambriz and Alanna Cronk, two Ventureño Chumash who are part of a movement to revitalize the mitsqanaqan language of their ancestors. Accompanying links: Giving voice to the past Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow Services211 Village Commons Blv...2022-04-111h 00Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersBrother of Fallen Deputy at War in UkraineThis episode contains a first-hand account of the war in Ukraine, parts of which may be graphic or upsetting to hear. Listener discretion advised.Moorpark Acorn reporter Makena Huey connected with Ukrainian Oleksander Kostiuchenko via Zoom, who stayed back in Ukraine to fight for his country. Kostiuchenko’s brother, Eugene Kostiuchenko, was a sheriff’s deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver in 2014. The VCSO has been sending supplies and donations to Ukraine in his honor. Accompanying Links: Brother of Falle...2022-04-0452 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThe Powers ReportThousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey and Camarillo Acorn editor Dan Wolowicz break down the story behind Ventura County CEO Mike Powers’ abrupt resignation—and how the Acorn uncovered the truth behind his departure. Accompanying Links: Former Ventura County chief executive was subject of sexual harassment investigationInterim CEO selected from outside Powers' circleLet's root out any rot in county leadershipBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.com Written by Kyle Jorrey and Dan WolowiczAudio...2022-03-2841 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersSPORTS: Talking baseball with the skipperThe show hits the road. Co-hosts David Lopez and Eliav Appelbaum visit Royal High School’s baseball diamond to chat in the dugout with longtime head coach Dan Maye, who guided the Highlanders to the school’s first CIF-Southern Section baseball championship last season.Accompanying Links: Royal still seeks respectRoyal Baseball on TwitterBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow Services2...2022-03-2233 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersLocal Ukrainians Speak OutIgor Yasno of Calabasas and Lyudmyla Smolyanyuk of Simi Valley, both originally from Ukraine, sit down with host and Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey to speak about the attacks on Ukraine, share stories of loved ones who continue to live there and provide resources for local residents looking for ways to help. Accompanying Links: Fighting for their country Ukrainian feels pain of war World for Ukraine Inc. nonprofit Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUP...2022-03-211h 01Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersToxic Farm LandThousand Oaks Acorn reporter and Branching Out host Dawn Megli interviews Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist with the Environmental Working Group, about the EWG’s latest analysis of pesticide use in Ventura County, which found that more than 32 million pounds of toxic pesticides were used on farmland in the region between 2015 and 2020. Accompanying Links: 32M pounds of toxic pesticides used in Ventura County, threatening farmworkers, families and moreBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.com...2022-03-1426 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersSPORTS: "Women's sports are here to stay" An interview with Jenna BecerraJenna Becerra, a Pac-12 broadcaster, joins Eliav and David this week. Becerra, a Camarillo native, played prep softball at Westlake High School and collegiately at Stanford University. The three discusses the state of women's sports and softball's leap in popularity in recent years.Accompanying LinksCheck out Becerra's podcast here Bleav in SoftballJenna Becerra on Twitter Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!2022-03-0844 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTaking a Stand Against HateThousand Oaks Acorn editor and Branching Out host Kyle Jorrey sits down with Carole Shelton and Lynda Karl of Adelante Comunidad Conejo, a group that advocates for elevating Latino voices in the Conejo Valley. Carole and Lynda recently penned a letter to the editor regarding the Thousand Oaks city council’s anti-hate resolution passed February 22 in response to a neo-nazi incident that occurred in Newbury Park. Accompanying Links: Neo nazi group makes appearance in Newbury Park Letter: Resolution is just the first step in ending bigotry Branching OutFi...2022-03-0750 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersHunger in Ventura County: Thousands Face Food InsecurityThousand Oaks Acorn reporter and host Dawn Megli sits down with Monica White, CEO and president of Food Share, to discuss food insecurity in Ventura County. Accompanying Links:Food Share of Ventura CountyBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Food Share Ventura County 4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard, CA 93606(805) 983-7100Maid in America Housecleaning...2022-02-2836 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersHow Local Restaurants Tried to Survive the PandemicHost and TO Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey sits down with Brad and Susan Cristea of Pedals and Pints Brewing in Thousand Oaks and Jeff Walker of Twisted Oak Tavern in Camarillo. Brad and Susan share what it was like to open a day before the shutdown in March 2020, and Jeff shares his experience navigating pandemic regulations as the owner of a restaurant with locations in Ventura and LA counties, as well as the ultimate decision to close his Agoura location. Accompanying Links: Twisted Oak closes Agoura Hills locationRestaurants take chance o...2022-02-2159 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersCamarillo’s Search for a Climate-Friendly FutureHost and Camarillo Acorn reporter Alex Wilson talks to Camarillo Mayor Shawn Mulchay about environmental issues including the city's new $66 million desalter, making brackish groundwater safe to drink, and the city's efforts to promote electric vehicles.Background: Desalter facility an oasisCharged up for electric future Firm makes brown waste greenMulchay named mayorBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Ti...2022-02-1447 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTalking Trash: An Interview with Athens ServicesHost Kyle Jorrey speaks with Matt Trouts of Athens Services via Zoom about the ongoing transition from Waste Management and Harrison trash providers to Athens, as well as proper ways to dispose of compost materials. Accompanying Links: Hiccups litter new hauler’s first weekAthens offers council an update New trash hauler starts Monday Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow Services2022-02-0755 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThe Power of EdisonHost Kyle Jorrey chats via Zoom with Ben Gallagher, a public information officer for Southern California Edison, to discuss the PSPS program and answer some of the community’s pressing energy and power questions. Background: Power shutoffs expected for Thanksgiving What’s in store for electricity rates? Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow Services211 Village Commons Blvd. #13, Cama...2022-01-3151 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersElection 2022: Just Around The CornerAcorn Newspapers managing editor John Loesing joins the podcast to help break down the impact of redistricting and discuss some of the races the staff will be watching closely.Accompanying Links: Maps shift region’s political landscapeMajor changes in store for congressional, state districtsParvin to enter race for District 4Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow Services211 Vil...2022-01-2441 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersOmicron Surge Puts Stress on COVID TestingBranching Out’s David Lopez shares his COVID experience with Acorn reporter Scott Steepleton and host Kyle Jorrey. Steepleton and Jorrey also discuss surging cases, local testing chaos and how local journalists at the Acorn find balance while reporting on COVID. Accompanying Links: District attorney warns against home test price gouging Teachers hand out a different kind of test Call for ambulance turns into adventure for Thousand Oaks man Health officer sees reason for hope past Omicron Branc...2022-01-1734 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersCleanup Crisis: SSFL RevisitedMelissa Bumstead of Parents vs Santa Susana Field Lab and Denise Duffield of Physicians for Social Responsibility join host Kyle Jorrey to discuss a new documentary they are featured in, "In the Dark of the Valley," that follows the controversial story of the Santa Susana Field Lab cleanup. Accompanying Links: Field Lab Doc Highlights Lack of Trust "In the Dark of the Valley" official websiteParents against Santa Susana Field Lab Nuclear Disaster Facebook groupFollow Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey on Twitter. Branching OutFind us o...2022-01-101h 10Branching Out with The Acorn Newspapers2021: A Look Back on the Year in Prep SportsHost David Lopez and Acorn sports editor Eliav Appelbaum revisit some of 2021’s best local sports moments, from prep to the Olympic Games. Background Newbury Park High cross countryThousand Oaks High baseball wins CIF titleRoyal High baseball wins CIF titleAgoura High Basketball Advances to first CIF Title GameOak Park Girls Golf program wins first CIF TitleWHS Girls Tennis wins CIF Title Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at bra...2021-12-2733 minBranching Out with The Acorn Newspapers2021: A Look BackYEAR IN REVIEWThe Branching Out team revisits their favorite, most memorable and most surprising episodes and guests from the past year. Plus, an homage to some of the funniest moments provided by former Branching Out host/founder Ian Bradley and a special thank-you to our listeners, guests and sponsors.Follow Kyle, Dawn and Allison on Twitter.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Timios Title and Escrow...2021-12-2033 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersWaiting Game: Delays Mount In Rebecca Grossman CaseBranching Out legal analyst James Bozajian breaks down developments in two major local murder cases: Rebecca Grossman and Anthony Rauda. Plus, the former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney breaks down what can cause a trial to move slowly and what can be done to change that. Background: Iskander crosswalk underway in WestlakeMurder charge filedJury trial set for man arrested on 8 counts of child molestationFollow Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey on Twitter. Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at br...2021-12-1335 minBranching Out with The Acorn Newspapers#CAThanksgivingBlackoutThousand Oaks Acorn editor and Branching Out host Kyle Jorrey and The Acorn reporter Scott Steepleton discuss Southern California Edison's PSPS Thanksgiving Day blackout that left 15,000 homes in Ventura County and more in L.A. County without power for much of the day. Background: Storm packs a punch Dark meat: SCE shut-off leaves 15,000 without power on ThanksgivingFollow reporter Scott Steepleton on Twitter. Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!2021-12-0629 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersCovering Acorn CountryThousand Oaks Acorn editor and Branching Out host Kyle Jorrey gets to know Scott Steepleton, The Acorn’s newest reporter covering Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas. Scott shares how the journalism industry has evolved over the course of his career and break down the story behind several of his recent articles for The Acorn. Background: Food waste preferences taken with grain of salt Boss disputes kill rate at Agoura shelter Agoura housing plan turns to Kanan Road Follow reporter Scott Steepleton on Twitter. Branching OutFind us...2021-11-1535 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTheir Memory is a Blessing: Remembering Borderline with Michael MorisetteOn Nov. 7, 2018, a gunman opened fire inside Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, killing 12 in the deadliest mass shooting in Ventura County history. Thousand Oaks Acorn reporter Dawn Megli has spent the past three years sharing the stories of Borderline's survivors, victims and the families left behind. In this episode, she sits down with Michael Morisette, whose youngest daughter, Kristina, was among those killed. The Simi resident, who has since dedicated his life to helping others get mental health services they need, shares his thoughts on love, loss and turning pain into purpose. Background:S...2021-11-0736 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersToxic Ash: Breaking Down the Woolsey-SSFL ReportBranching Out host and Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey is joined by Simi Valley reporter Melissa Simon to discuss a recently published independent study looking at how the Woolsey fire might have impacted the Santa Susana Field Lab site. The peer-reviewed research indicates that radioactive contamination migrated off the Santa Susana Field Lab site following the Woolsey fire in 2018, calling into question state officials’ reports that no hazardous materials were released into surrounding communities. Background:Calls intensify for SSFL cleanup Branching OutFind us on TwitterE...2021-11-0138 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersSchooling the Conejo: CVUSD Superintendent Mark McLaughlinThousand Oaks Acorn reporter Dawn Megli sits down with Mark McLaughlin, superintendent of Conejo Valley Unified School District, to talk about what it’s like to helm one of the largest school districts in Ventura County, the challenges it faces and why we have reason to be excited about the future. Background:School board signs superintendent through 2024Superintendent's nephew goes missing in Wyoming backcountryBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!...2021-10-2554 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersGolden Touch: Local Olympian Visits With Branching OutAmanda Longan, a goalie for the US women’s national water polo team, stops by to share her memories of winning gold in the 2020 Tokyo Games. A graduate of Oaks Christian High School and USC, the Moorpark resident discusses her drive to succeed and why she’s so interested in the mental health aspect of competitive sports, plus her love for God and helping others. Background:A golden opportunityBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!2021-10-1842 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersT.O. After DarkRecorded in front of a live audience Oct. 7, 2021, at Oak & Iron, Branching Out host Kyle Jorrey speaks to four Thousand Oaks entrepreneurs about what can be done to improve nightlife in the city and boost efforts to make T.O. Boulevard a shopping/dining/drinking destination. Our guests: Drew Pletcher of Oak & Iron, Amber and Sean of of Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery and Brittany Brouhard of Naughty Pine Brewery. Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!2021-10-111h 03Branching Out with The Acorn NewspapersVentura County’s Climate ProblemIn the wake of an attention-grabbing new report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, atmosphere research scientist Benjamin Hatchett of the Desert Research Institute joins Branching Out to talk about a 2019 study he worked on detailing the warming climate in Ventura County.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comFollow Allison M.SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Oak & Iron craft cocktail barOn Twitter and Instagram2967 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks(805) 630-16382021-10-0433 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersKanye West Looks To East County For SchoolMoorpark Acorn editor Dan Wolowicz joins Branching Out to break down how the paper's big Kanye West scoop came together. Plus, Thousand Oaks Acorn reporter Dawn Megli discusses her recent piece in Poynter about the mental health trauma that can come with reporting on local tragedies.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Oak & Iron craft cocktail barOn Twitter and Instagram2967 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks(805) 630-1638Maid in America...2021-09-2742 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersState of Affairs: An interview with Jacqui IrwinAssemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Camarillo) joins Branching Out to talk on a range of subjects, including the failed recall of the governor and what comes next, her votes on housing bills SB 9 and 10, the pandemic failings of EDD and the state's approach to vaccines. Plus, Irwin, chair of the legislature's special committee on cybersecurity, discusses the latest high-profile hacks and what businesses large and small can do to shield themselves from digital thieves.Cybersecurity tips Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingout@theacorn.comS...2021-09-2048 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersHow Joel Burchfield Bridge Came To BeReporter Makena Huey makes her Branching Out debut to discuss her latest stories for the Moorpark Acorn, including one detailing how a pedestrian bridge came to be named for an 11-year-old drowning victim. Plus, a profile of a local interfaith group working to provide much-needed goods to refugees arriving from Afghanistan. To contribute, go here.Background:'Because of Joel:’ Pedestrian bridge renamed for Moorpark boyWomen’s Interfaith Network works to help resettle refugeesBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branc...2021-09-1332 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersInspiration in Tough TimesBrooke Lafferty joins Branching Out to discuss the subject of her inspiring story in the latest edition of Beyond the Acorn, just released last week. Plus, Acorn sports editor Eliav Appelbaum drops by to share his experience reporting on a beloved local softball coach lost to complications from the coronavirus. Background:Dancing with our future stars‘A fun-loving and great guy’Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.com@kylebjorrey, @allisonmontroy@Eliav...2021-09-0632 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersIskander family files suitBranching Out hosts Kyle Jorrey and Ian Bradley discuss the latest development in the Rebecca Grossman saga: the Iskander family civil lawsuits. Filed by the parents of brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander, who were killed in 2020 while in a crosswalk in Westlake Village, the complaints target both Grossman and the man she was allegedly racing with, as well as multiple government agencies the family feel are responsible for not fixing the crosswalk years earlier. Plus, we hear what's next for Ian, who is leaving the Acorn to pursue a career in Nashville.Background:...2021-08-3037 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersDollars and Sense: Talking public ed funding with CVUSD finance chiefWith area students returning in droves, Victor Hayek, deputy superintendent for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, sits down with Branching Out to share his life story and talk a little bit about how school funding looks on the heels of Gov. Newsom's $123-billion budget for education.BackgroundDistrict’s finance chief escaped war as child, served 6 years as Jersey copBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.com@kylebjorrey, @reporterdawnSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Tarantula Hil...2021-08-2350 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersAmazon and the Camarillo Airport: What gives?Camarillo Acorn reporter Alex Wilson joins Branching Out to break down some of the biggest stories coming from the other side of the Conejo Grade. Among them: how a rapidly expanding cannabis company plans to turn a Ventura County tomato operation into the largest marijuana greenhouse in the world. Plus, separating fact from fiction when it comes to rumors about online retail giant Amazon and the Camarillo Airport.Supporting links:486 workers to lose jobs as tomato-growing facility switches to cannabisAirport, Amazon officials say rumors are untrueAirports chief taking off2021-08-1637 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersComics & COVID: How a local shop managed to thriveBranching Out is joined by Timmy Heague, a local entrepreneur who owns and operates two comic book stores, to talk about how the collectibles industry took off during the pandemic and the ups and downs of being a small-business owner. Plus Ian and Kyle update the audience on two COVID-related stories we've been tracking. Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comArsenal Comics & Games1610-1 Newbury Rd, Newbury Park3431 Telegraph Rd, VenturaFacebookDetails on Free Comic Book Day: Free...2021-08-0945 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersFaithfully LGBTQ: Being Gay and Loving GodIn the second of a two-part series, reporter Dawn Megli talks with former city council candidate Danny Chulack, a local clergy member who only recently came out as gay.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Tarantula Hill Brewing CompanyOn Facebook and Instagram244 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks(805) 538-1191Maid in America HousecleaningCall for a free estimate! (805) 499-7259MaidInAmericaOnline.com2021-08-0232 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTransgender Journey: A Story of Becoming Pt. 1In the first of a two-part series, Reporter Dawn Megli speaks with Lilly Berry about her journey to becoming a woman. Berry, an army veteran, talks about her youth in the community, her time serving in Iraq, and what life has been like since she began to transition, including how her relationships with her family and her wife have changed, and how those connections have, in some cases, grown stronger.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!...2021-07-2643 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersCronies is Back on the MenuOver the course of three hours at last week's Agoura Hills City Council meeting, members of the public shared a variety of opinions about why the city should drop it's recently filed criminal charges against Cronies Sports Grill.The city alleges the establishment has created and maintained a public nuisance since the owners chose to disregard county and public health orders last December. The charges are just the latest challenge facing the eatery--the county has pulled their health permit and they may yet lose their liquor license. The sports grill's owners took to social media t...2021-07-1943 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThe Housing ConversationOn this week's episode Ian sits down with Ray Pearl, the executive director of the California Housing Consortium and a member of the Westlake Village City Council about the state's push to add more housing.Pearl discusses how a city like Westlake Village, which has no more undeveloped land to build on, can meet their state-prescribed housing numbers, and how they maintain their small-town feel while doing so.Follow Ian Bradley on Twitter @Ian_reports.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.com2021-07-1235 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersRemembering Those Who FoughtIn honor of Independence Day, Dawn Megli sat down with Thousand Oaks resident and World War Two veteran Len Zerlin. Zerlin, who served in the Air Force, was a tail gunner in a Martin Marauder B-26 on D-Day, one of 36 missions he flew during the war. He was the recipient of both the Bronze and Silver Stars.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Maid in America HousecleaningCall for a free estimate! (805) 499-72592021-07-0539 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersRed Blog, Blue StateDawn Megli sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, a Simi Valley resident and the managing editor of Red State, a conservative news outlet. Van Laar's reporting brought to light then-Congresswoman Katie Hill's relationship with a member of her staff, and explicit photos of the representative, after which she resigned.Dawn spoke with Van Laar about how she started reporting and the relationship between her politics and her journalism.Branching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!...2021-06-2833 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersRevisiting Anthony RaudaOn June 22, 2018 Tristan Beaudette was shot and killed while camping with his daughters at Malibu Creek State Park. Ian and Kyle revisit the so-called "summer of fear" that followed his death--what information came to light after he was shot, as well as the progress in the case against Anthony Rauda, the man charged with his murder.https://www.theacorn.com/articles/reward-offered-in-malibu-creek-shooting/https://www.theacorn.com/articles/more-gunfire-reported-in-park-vicinity/https://www.theacorn.com/articles/summer-of-fear/https://www.theacorn.com/articles/community-center-burglar-linked-to-recent-canyon-crimes/https://www.theacorn.com/articles/murder-charge-filed/https://www.theacorn.com/articles/cop-claims-public-wasnt-warned/2021-06-2136 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersA Seat at the TableStudents from Conejo Valley Unified's Equity Task Force--Mia of Thousand Oaks High School, Cynthia of Westlake High School and Ava of Newbury Park High School--talk about their efforts over the past year, the challenge of trying to change the status quo and why they feel their work is so important. Plus, an old Branching Out friend pops in to say hello and add some thoughts to the affordable housing debate.Background:School district forms equity task forceTask force pushing district to confront discriminationChief of schools decries use of N-word on campuses2021-06-1450 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersTurning Tragedy Into AwarenessWestlake Village resident Matthew Pall knows the effects of the opioid epidemic firsthand. He lost his girlfriend and later his best friend to overdoses, and has spent years as a paramedic, resuscitating people in the back of an ambulance.Pall has taken it upon himself to prevent others experiencing similar pain by founding Conejo Health, an organization that distributes Narcan--a drug that treats overdoses--and teaches people how to administer it, as well as how to spot the signs of an overdose.He sat down with the hosts of Branching Out to share his story. 2021-06-0757 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersRoadmap for the FutureClaudia Bill-de la Peña , current mayor of the City of Thousand Oaks, sits down with Branching Out co-host Kyle J. for a far-reaching interview about her 19 years on the City Council. Among the topics touched on: housing, homelessness, racism, and the council's recent controversial decision to update the city's land-use map for the first time in 50 years. Plus, a rundown of Memorial Day events.For more information:City Council finds consensus on new mapBranching OutFind us on TwitterEmail us at b...2021-05-3159 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThink BlueWith summer around the corner and baseball in the air, Branching Out's in-house Dodger superfan David “DL” Lopez joins Kyle for a conversation with Kevin Klein, the founder of The Incline, a podcast dedicated to all things Los Angeles Dodgers. A Rio Mesa High School graduate, Klein started The Incline in a closet (no, seriously) in 2019, just a year before the Dodgers would win their first World Series in 32 years. Klein shares how he's elevated the show to now include interviews with Dodger players and coaches and his predictions for the current season. Say it with us folk...2021-05-2429 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersStatus KuoNewbury Park's Ben Kuo sits down with Branching Out to share the incredible story of how he led rescuers to a lost hiker in the Angeles National Forest using nothing more than a cellphone image, his computer skills and a knowledge of satellite imagery. Attention to Detail: Amateur radio buff turned Twitter sleuth helps lead rescuers to lost hikerBen on TwitterSocaltech.comFind us on TwitterEmail us at branchingoutpod@theacorn.comSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Levi Gelineau-Business Insurance United Agencies2021-05-1043 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThe Borderline ReportThe Branching Out team and Acorn reporter Becca Whitnall dive into the most significant findings of the long-awaited Borderline Report, which offered the public a glimpse into the sheriff's department response to the November 2018 mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill. Radio issues, hesitancy hindered rescue attemptConfusion reigned in minutes after shootingSheriff weighs in on report's findingsThe Borderline ReportSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!Levi Gelineau-Business Insurance United AgenciesCall for quote! (818) 295-2267 Get to know L...2021-04-2632 minBranching Out with The Acorn NewspapersThinking Globally, Acting LocallyIn honor of Earth Day this month, the Branching Out team is joined by Kat Selm, a member of the recently formed Conejo Climate Coalition, a group of environmentally-minded residents trying to provoke change at the local level.For more information on the Conejo Climate Coalition: conejoclimate.orgFacebookTwitterFor information on Thousand Oaks Environmental Action Plan go here. Sign up for updates.Social Media Links:https://twitter.com/branchingoutpodhttps://twitter.com/KyleBJorreyhttps://twitter.com/ian_reportsSUPPORT OUR SPONSOR!Levi G...2021-04-1231 min