KCLU :: NPR and Local News

Firefighters trying to get people in high risk areas to gear up for brush fires

5/16/2011 12:48pm    Download MP3

We're moving into the time of year when the brush fire danger is the highest in Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports from Ventura County's Box Canyon area, where firefighters have gathered to try to emphasize steps people can take to minimize the danger.

Alzheimer's experts say it will take time and money, but are optimistic about efforts to develop treatments

5/13/2011 9:04pm    Download MP3

Leading local and national experts on Alzheimer's disease met in Santa Barbara for a conference looking at the latest developments in battling the problem which is directly impacting more than five million Americans. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story. Link to Alzheimer's Association:Central Coast Alzhemier's Association.

Goats provide natural approach to brush removal, land clearance

5/12/2011 1:02pm    Download MP3

Some property owners on the South Coast are passing on the use of tractors, and weed wackers to clear their land for fire safety, and new development, and are instead turning to "goat power". KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story, from Thousdand Oaks

Ventura Couty gears up disaster preparedness efforts

5/11/2011 10:40am    Download MP3

Ventura County is putting its disaster preparedness to the test, by erecting a 200 bed field hospital in Camarillo, and holding a mass casualty drill. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with a top FEMA official, and Ventura County first responders about preparedness efforts.

Channel Islands National Park the star of new movie

5/10/2011 10:27am    Download MP3

A new movie being shown exclusively in Ventura County took more than three years of planning, shooting, and editing to complete...and even features Kevin Costner as its narrator. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with the creative team behind a new mini documentary about Channel Islands National Park.

Simi Valley historical park and museum looks at largely forgotten part of community's early history

5/9/2011 10:39am    Download MP3

There's a decades old park, and museum in Simi Valley which brings to life one community's almost forgotten roots. KCLU's Lance Orozco gives us a look at Strathearn Historical Park. Link to park website:Strathearn Historical Park.

Cutting edge DNA testing links three decade old Goleta murders to California serial killer

5/6/2011 11:59am    Download MP3

A cutting edge new DNA test is shedding new information on a brutal double murder in Santa Barbara County three decades ago. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the test is now linking the local crimes to a string of serial murders around the state.

State schools chief talks about funding crisis during visits to Ventura, Santa Barbara

5/5/2011 11:14am    Download MP3

During a visit to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, California's top educator got a firsthand look at some of the impacts of budget cuts, and had some warnings about the continuing crisis. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlackson.

South Coast literary tradition revived

5/4/2011 9:42am    Download MP3

An internationally know literary event on the South Coast for more than three decades is returning this June, after it appeared to be dead. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference is being revived, after a two year hiatus.

Link to conference:

Santa Barbara Writer's Conference.

Little known shipwreck in Santa Barbara Channel focus of museum exhibition, lecture

5/3/2011 10:54am    Download MP3

It's a little known part of South Coast history. A ship carrying 500 passengers, and $800,000 worth of gold got lost in the fog, and ran aground in the Channel Islands, marooning crew members and passengers on Anacapa Island. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports it's the focus of a new exhibition at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.