Branching Out with The Acorn Newspapers - podcast cover

Branching Out with The Acorn Newspapers

The Acorn Newspaperwww.theacorn.com
Branching Out is a weekly podcast expanding on the stories published in the Acorn Newspapers. Reporters and editors will discuss the impact of the stories they report and delve deeper into the issues affecting their communities.The Acorn Newspapers cover the communities of Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark.
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Episodes

Tackling the Mental Health Crisis: An interview with Lori Woodley-Langendorff

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 educat...

Sep 22, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 25

Subtracting fuel from the fire: Oak Park Fire Council shares how to protect life and property

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. Support the show...

Sep 06, 202325 minSeason 3Ep. 24

There's a snake in my boot: Who you call when snakes have you rattled

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. Support the show

Aug 28, 202325 minSeason 3Ep. 23

Girls' Flag Football begins

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. Support the show

Aug 21, 202331 minSeason 3Ep. 22

Pigskin Preview

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. Support the show...

Aug 07, 202342 minSeason 3Ep. 20

Acorn Update: City of Calabasas wants more peace officers and the PetSmart overcharging settlement

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. Support the show

Jul 24, 202324 minSeason 3Ep. 19

Beer and community: How the Kiwanis TO Brewfest supports the next generation

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 Support the show...

Jul 17, 202315 minSeason 3Ep. 18

A Thanksgiving tradition returns: Discussing the return of the Turkey Day Dash

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 Support the show

Jun 19, 202323 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Spejcher murder case: Meeting Chad

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 Support the show...

Jun 12, 202320 minSeason 3Ep. 16

CSUCI grad inspired by mom’s connection to state hospital

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 Support the show...

Jun 05, 202322 minSeason 3Ep. 15

Being your own boss: A discussion with Arsenal Comics and Games owner Timmy Heague

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. Support the show

May 15, 202338 minSeason 3Ep. 14

A discussion with new Acorn reporter Eamon Murphy

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. Support the show

May 08, 202325 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Navigating Breaking News: A discussion with Becca Whitnall about how journalists handle emotional events

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 Toget...

May 01, 202327 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Cold Cases Cracked

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. Support the show

Apr 24, 202324 minSeason 3Ep. 11

The struggle is real and deadly

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 Support the show...

Apr 17, 202345 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Help yourself and others, join a local service organization

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. Support the show...

Mar 20, 202330 minSeason 3Ep. 9

A discussion with Calleguas Municipal and Triunfo Water and Sanitation District

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 [email protected] Call us at (805) 222-0237 Written by John Loesing Produced by David Lopez Music by Ian Bradley Support the show Support the show...

Mar 13, 202330 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Saying goodbye to Kyle Jorrey: Looking back on a career in journalism

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 Support the show...

Feb 27, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Saving Seconds to Save Lives: Talking with a Stroke Treatment Pioneer

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...

Feb 20, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Agoure to Agoura: An interview with historian Andy Ludlum

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 [email protected] Call us at (805) 222-0237 Written by John Loesing Produced by David Lopez Music by Ian Bradley Support the show...

Feb 03, 202337 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Stick with it: An interview with drum line instructor Bill Garcia

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 Support the show...

Jan 30, 202341 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Rebecca Grossman case update

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 Support th...

Jan 23, 202332 minSeason 3Ep. 3

New Dawn in Ventura County: Changes Reshape Sheriff's Office, Board of Supervisors

New Acorn reporter Victoria Talbot introduces herself to the Branching Out audience. Plus, what her recent reporting suggests about the new regimes in charge at the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Branching Out: Find us on Twitter Email us at [email protected] Call us at (805) 222-0237 Written by Kyle Jorrey Produced by David Lopez Music by Ian Bradley Support the show Support the show...

Jan 16, 202334 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Harassment Claims Roil Moorpark College

Moorpark Acorn editor Becca Whitnall and reporter Zia Zografos detail the ongoing student outcry at Moorpark College over a perceived lack of action around sexual harassment. Plus, the latest on progress to address the prevalence of suicide attempts on an overpass spanning the 23 Freeway. Supporting links: https://www.mpacorn.com/articles/college-to-hire-title-ix-consultant/ https://www.mpacorn.com/articles/protest-staged-as-more-victims-go-public/ https://www.mpacorn.com/articles/students-alleg...

Jan 09, 202328 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Year in Review: Prep Sports

Acorn sports editor Eliav Appelbaum and Branching Out producer David Lopez break down the year's biggest headlines in sports. Branching Out: Find us on Twitter Email us at [email protected] Call us at (805) 222-0237 Written by Eliav Appelbaum Produced by David Lopez Music by Ian Bradley Support our Sponsor: Food Share of Ventura County Support the show Support the show...

Dec 26, 202227 minSeason 2Ep. 56

Go Nuts: Branching Out A Year in Review (2022)

Kyle J. and David L. look back on some of their favorite episodes, interviews and moments from the past year. Plus, some news on Branching Out sports and a look ahead to 2023. Supporting links: Cleanup Crisis: SSFL Revisited Taking a Stand Against Hate Local Ukrainians Speak Out The Powers Report Convo About Cannabis School District Welcomes New Superintendent Around the Table with ZEF BBQ (A Beyond the Acorn Collaboration) The Adventures of Gerry Conway Branching Out: Find us on Twitter Email u...

Dec 19, 202238 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Destination . . . Conejo?

Adam Haverstock, director of operations for Visit Conejo Valley, discusses efforts by the Chamber of Commerce and hotels in Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks to encourage tourism and the impact out-of-town visitors have on the local economy. Supporting links: Visit Conejo Valley website Visit Conejo on Twitter Visit Conejo on Instagram Visit Conejo on TikTok Branching Out: Find us on Twitter Email us at [email protected] Call us at (805) 222-0237 Written by Kyle Jorrey Produced by David Lop...

Dec 12, 202232 minSeason 2Ep. 54
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