KCLU :: NPR and Local News

Insect pest threatens Ventura County commerical, backyard citrus crops

12/23/2010 11:35am    Download MP3

It's a tiny insect the size of a grain of rice. But, the discovery of an Asian Citrus Psyllid in Ventura County poses a huge threat to the county's 24,000 acres of commerical citrus crops, as well as to every backyard citrus tree. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with agricultural industry, and government agricultural officials about the crisis.

Is El Nino trying to make a return visit to the West Coast?

12/22/2010 7:16pm    Download MP3

Winter has started with a bang for Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.

Could this be a sign we're in for an El Nino weather pattern, and wetter than average winter, and spring? KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with some weather experts about what's occuring, and what may be happening next.

Boy in Ventura County oncology/hematology program helps start toy drive for other kids

12/21/2010 10:27am    Download MP3

A young Ventura County boy coping with serious illness has reached out to help others, by starting a toy drive that's helped hundreds of other kids in the region. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

New Santa Barbara based research project backs once controversial theories about Western U.S. water shortages

12/20/2010 3:00pm    Download MP3

A new study by a Santa Barbara based research project shows that we're using nearly double the surface water in the Western United States than is sustainable. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

Song written for Santa Barbara charity becomes a regional holiday favorite

12/17/2010 9:18am    Download MP3

A holiday song which began as an effort to raise money for a Santa Barbara County based charity is now an annual tradition in a couple of western cities. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with composer and artist Barry Devorzon to get the story behind the catchy tune.

State Fish and Game Commission approves controversial new Marine Protected Areas

12/16/2010 3:00pm    Download MP3

A controversial proposal to create dozens of new reserves to protect fish, and other marine life off the coast from Point Conception, to the Mexican Border has been approved. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports from the State Fish and Game Commission meeting in Santa Barbara, where hundreds of people were on hand for the end of the more than two year long process.

Santa Barbara County decides to tighten hiring to deal with expected budget crisis

12/15/2010 5:34pm    Download MP3

With a tight budget situation only expected to become tighter in the next two years, Santa Barbara County is going to try to limit new hiring. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

New stamp commemorating Ronald Reagan unveiled in Ventura County

12/13/2010 5:27pm    Download MP3

A series of events, and activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of America's 40th President kicked off with the public unveiling of a new Ronald Reagan stamp. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports former First Lady Nancy Reagan was a part of the ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley which officially launched a year of activities.

Earthquake prediction theory stirs debate among experts

12/13/2010 10:16am    Download MP3

Ther's a controversial theory which suggests that a circle of earthquakes in a region could set the stage for a big one in the center. A U.C. Davis researchers believes a "Mogi Donut" pattern could be happening in Southern California, but other experts are skeptical. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

Arrest made in 2008 murder of Ventura County teen

12/10/2010 9:31am    Download MP3

It took two and a half years to build a case, but Ventura County Sheriff's detectives have made an arrest for what they call the unprovoked stabbing death of a teenager. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

Young cancer survivor talks about battling two bouts with the disease

12/9/2010 10:10am    Download MP3

While most teens were thinking about things like school, dating, and the senior prom, one young man from the Conejo Valley has been dealing with two rounds of cancer. Colin Lemon of Thousand Oaks talks about his fight, to highlight the efforts of the Ventura County Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The support group is rasing money for its efforts with a gift wrapping both on the second floor of "The Oaks" Mall in Thousand Oaks from December 11th-24th. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

Brain mapping research at U.C. Santa Barbara opening new doors on brain functions

12/8/2010 10:33am    Download MP3

We take for granted simple things we do every day, like lifting a cup to take a drink of coffee. But, researchers are trying to figure out how so-called brain mapping occurs, which allows us to interact with our surroundings. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with local researchers who think they've solved part of the mystery.

Pearl Harbor attack survivor talks about the day which plunged the United States into World War Two

12/7/2010 10:20am    Download MP3

Today marks the anniversary of a dark day in U.S, history. It was 69 years ago today that Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. Solomon Jackson of Ventura was a 22 year old Marine stationed at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack, and he talks to KCLU's Lance Orozco about his memories of that day.

Nativity scene sets featured in show to benefit Ventura County homeless

12/3/2010 10:59am    Download MP3

Nativity scenes are a common sight this time of year. But, you can see close to 600 of them in one spot in Ventura County this weekend, as part of a unique show which raises money to help the homeless. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

Santa Barbara Mission to kick off year-long 225th anniversary celebration

12/2/2010 10:24am    Download MP3

It's an internationally know landmark, and a part of California history. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports this weekend marks the kickoff of a year-long 225th anniversary celebration for the Santa Barbara Mission.

Controversy could be settled soon over proposed used of chemical on agricultural fields in California

12/1/2010 10:45am    Download MP3

A long simmering debate over the use of a controversial chemical as a fumigant on some of California's agricultural fields may be settled by the end of the year. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at the local debate, in Ventura County, about the methyl iodide issue. UPDATE: 2:45 on 12/1/10: The State Department of Pesticide Regulation announced today it will allow the use of methyl iodide in the state.