A blue-ribbon commission comprising scientists, conservationists, politicians and other community leaders met Aug. 25 and 26 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village to discuss the future role of America's national parks. More...

TROPICAL BREEZES—Residents of the Sunrise Brighton Gardens, a retirement and assisted living facility in Camarillo, enjoy a Fuji Fantasy event on Aug. 28. Sunrise Brighton Gardens employees Connie Nix, left, and Raquel Torres, standing center, bring a touch of the South Pacific to Sunrise Brighton Gardens residents Ardyth McCormick, second from left, and Ruth London. More...

FRI, SEPT. 5 Chamber School Programs Thousand Oaks-Westlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts Networking Breakfast of Champions, 7 to 9 a.m., Los Robles Greens Banquet Center, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Registration 6:45 a.m., early bird drawing 7 a.m. Information on SchooltoCareer Programs with student and business representatives. $27. More...

With the most recent phase of Camarillo Old Town redevelopment virtually complete, more residents and businesses in the area are enjoying life along Ventura Boulevard. Debbie Rice, owner of FastFrame on the boulevard, thinks the beautification project has been positive. More...

NEW CAMPUS—The Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education Charter School began the school year Wednesday on their new campus at the former site of Valle Lindo School. An official with the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school said enrollment had increased to 420 students from 325 last year. While waiting for their parents to pick them up after their first day, Carly Shaul, 12, and her brother Daniel, 8, at top, laugh with CAPE teacher Kristy Curro. Maile Mayer, 6, above, shows family friend Marla Lindsay a "puffball" she made on her first day. Schools are back in session throughout the city. Please drive carefully. More...

Camarillo High's football team doesn't have too many familiar faces. The Scorpions' defense brings back three starters from a year ago, while the offense only returns two starters. Bring up the word "rebuilding" around the squad, however, and you'll immediately feel out of place. More...

LITTLE EXPLORER— Wilbur is only 12 weeks old, but he's already ready to explore a new home and make friends with a new family! He is pure black, with big green eyes. He is very outgoing and curious, and he loves to play. If you would like to adopt Wilbur, ask for animal No. A448344 at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Drive. More...

Sometime between Aug. 22 and 25, vandals used a BB gun to cause more than $400 in damage to the window of a construction site near Petit Street and Village at the Park. Computer equipment was stolen from Q Corporation, 828 Via Alondra, which was burglarized sometime between Aug. 23 and 25. More...

Religiously affiliated colleges Many private colleges were founded by religious groups, and while a lot of these schools are secular institutions today, religious affiliation is a factor for students to consider as choose they a college. More...

Ben Kendall and his wife, Sheila Scott-Kendall, didn't know July 29 would be their last day together. Kendall had seen his doctor earlier in the day to have his heart checked. More...

Jose Miguel Undurraga and his wife, Luz, dreamed of sharing their passion for good food in a comfortable setting. Panini Place in Old Town is their dream come true. The couple takes pride in their European-style cafe that has a wide selection of unusual food, desserts and beverages. Located at 2145 Ventura Blvd. More...

The Camarillo Health Care District Board of Directors has authorized, through resolution, a statement of opposition to the proposed construction of a state prison hospital near Camarillo. More...

It's that time of year when school campuses throughout Camarillo come alive again with the youthful energy of students from kindergartners to high school seniors. For youngsters, the start of the school year is filled with equal parts excitement and apprehension. More...

Six-time Grammy nominee Dave Koz will headline the third annual Camarillo Art and Jazz Festival next Saturday evening, Sept. 13, in Old Town Camarillo. Koz's performance—scheduled to hit the outdoor stage at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd. at 8:15 p.m.—will culminate a full day of free art and music festivities centered in the city's downtown area. More...

Sherry Zolfaghari won the award for Top Listing Agent from Prudential California Realty's Camarillo office in May 2008. Zolfaghari has been a resident of Camarillo since 1987. Before becoming a licensed agent in 1990, Zolfaghari graduated from California Lutheran University with a bachelor's degree in Economics. More...