Donations, volunteers helped make BMX racetrack a reality
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com
      After many delays, the Freedom Park BMX Raceway is finally open for anyone on two wheels. Under construction for the past two-and-a-half years, the 900-by-26-foot track finally opened Mon., Oct. 1, as some 30 riders took a spin around the dirt course.
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Dear to the mountains
      Not too long ago I was privy to a joyous sight. The sun had not yet risen over the eastern mountains. Sitting in a crevice of rocks, I watched the changing light. Suddenly, a mule deer came sprinting out of a willowcovered creek.
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The very definition of a useful gift
     'LOOK IT UP'- Jorden Harber, Maya Garcia and Arely Venegas, from left above, 8-year-olds from Somis, are excited to open up their classroom's brand new dictionaries. Last week the Telephone Pioneers, a group of Verizon employees and retirees involved in community projects, donated 30 dictionaries to...
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Spinners guild hosts open house
      The Ventura County Handweavers and Spinners Guild will host an open house, show and sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 20 in the outdoor sculpture garden at Studio Channel Islands Art Center on the campus of CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo.
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Student project helps bring city's past into present
     SHARING STORIES- Adolfo Camarillo High School student Kimberly Schwander, 15, above, chats with Jane and Stephen Brewster as part of a school history project last Sunday at the Pleasant Valley Historical Society in Camarillo. The reception was the first step in a community service project called "Do...
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Historic Camarillo Ranch House to glow with candlelight at gala
      The seventh annual Camarillo Ranch Holiday Candlelight Gala will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Fri., Nov. 30 at the Camarillo Ranch House, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road. The house will be decorated for the holidays. A buffet will be provided by local restaurants and caterers, and there will...
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Church hosts Halloween alternative
      Calvary Chapel Camarillo will present its sixth annual Halloween alternative carnival from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 31 at 380 Mobil Ave. in Camarillo. The carnival will include giant slides, a rock wall, Jolly Jumps, game booths, hot dogs, candy and prizes. The Reptile Family wi...
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Taking to the sea to stop pollution
Coastal odyssey draws attention to plastic in ocean
      On Sat., Oct. 20, extreme endurance athlete and environmentalist Tom Jones will enter the final phase of a three-month-long expedition to paddleboard the length of the entire California coastline. He is attempting to be the first person to travel the 1,250 miles on a 14-foot paddleboard.
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Community Briefs
      CASA 5K run Court Appointed Special Advocates will sponsor the third annual 5K walk/run Sat., Oct. 13 at College Park, Rose Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard in Oxnard. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The event will start at 9 a.m.
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Acorn squash among farmers' offerings
Toasted, salted seeds make delicious fall snack
      Fresh fall produce, including apples, acorn and butternut squash, persimmons, pomegranates, kiwis and field tomatoes, is available at the Ventura County Certified Farmers' Markets. To cook acorn squash, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and fiber, add a little brown su...
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Humane Society to host fundraiser
      To begin a yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Humane Society of Ventura County will host "Cats in the Canyon, Hounds in the Hollow." The afternoon picnic and wine tasting fundraiser will be presented from 2 to 5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 21 at the Old Creek Ranch Winery, 10024 Old ...
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