KCLU :: NPR and Local News

Two decade project to complete pipe organ finished

11/20/2009 8:58am    Download MP3

It's taken more than 20 years, but the largest pipe organ in Ventura County is finally complete. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story behind the project, and the woman who helped make it happen.

Ventura County home to groundbreaking new waste recycling effort

11/19/2009 10:23am    Download MP3

A new recycling facility in Ventura County is not only turning sewage plant sludge into recyclable material...it's even generating enough electricity to power more than a thousand homes. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the facility near Santa Paula is being called the first of its kind in the nation.

Bioethics expert says big progress in field could be at hand

11/18/2009 9:04am    Download MP3

He's considered to be one of America's leading bioethics experts...and he says there may be some big breaks in the controversy that's surrounded the subject. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with Dr. Gregory Pence.

Health fair helping hundreds of local homeless

11/17/2009 9:30am    Download MP3

What's being called the largest health fair for the homeless in Southern California is taking place from November 16th-18th in Santa Barbara. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports the effort offers everything from swine flu shots, to checkups, plus free shoes and clothing.

Award winning journalist says denialism is hindering scientific progress

11/16/2009 2:37pm    Download MP3

Some people say they won't get swine flu shots, because they're worried about possible side effects. Others fear scientifically enhanced food. A leading science journalist is concerned Americans are now viewing science with the same mistrust they show towards the corporate world, and he contends it is inhibiting progress. KCLU speaks with Michael Specter, who's speaking in Santa Barbara November 16th.

Tea Brushfire remembered on first anniversary

11/13/2009 9:47am    Download MP3

November 13th, 2009 marks the first anniversary of one of the worst disasters in Santa Barbara County history. It was a year ago that the "Tea" brushfire rolled down from the mountains above Montecito, ultimately destroying 210 homes. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports from Montecito, where he talks with some survivors about their rebuilding efforts.

New push to examine DUI problem in Ventura County

11/12/2009 2:16pm    Download MP3

They're the number one weapon in violent deaths in Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. It's not guns, or knives...it's vehicles driven by people under the influence. KCLU's Lance Orozco talks with some public safety officials who are trying to get a new take on how to deal with the problem.

Camarillo veteran recalls battles over Europe during World War Two

11/11/2009 11:40am    Download MP3

A 91 year old Camarillo who took to the air to fight for freedom during World War II talks about his wartime experiences over Europe, as America celebrates Veteran's Day. KCLU's Lance Orozco has the story.

New local social fund provides regional non-profits with more than money

11/10/2009 11:40am    Download MP3

A unique new fund created to help non-profit groups in Santa Barbara County is giving out more than money...it's also providing business management advice. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports Social Venture Partners is offering a new twist on philanthropy in the region.

Reagan Library hosts event commemorating 20th anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall

11/9/2009 2:46pm    Download MP3

November 9th marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Some past, and present world leaders involved in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe gather in Ventura County to commemorate the event. KCLU's Lance Orozco was on hand, and has the story.

Philippe Petit talks about high wire walk between WTC buildings

11/6/2009 2:33pm    Download MP3

He mesmerized the world, walking back and forth between the world's two tallest buildings on a high wire, more than a quarter of a mile above the streets of Manhattan. KCLU's Lance Orozco

talks to Philippe Petit about his amazing performance 35 years ago, which is now highlighted in a documentary.

Mission, Impossible star honored at Ojai-Ventura Filmfest

11/5/2009 2:27pm    Download MP3

He won a Golden Globe for his work in "Mission, Impossible"...

and became a comic icon for his role in the movie "Airplane".

KCLU's Lance Orozco talks to actor Peter Graves, who's receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival.

Santa Barbara County tries to tackle pet overpopulation problem

11/4/2009 1:26pm    Download MP3

Supporters say it could ease Santa Barbara County's pet overpopulation problem, but opponents say it's a case of government going too far. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at a proposed new ordinance designed to get people to spay, and neuter their cats and dogs.

Ventura voters to decide big box store controversy

11/3/2009 10:05am    Download MP3

Do voters in one South Coast community want a big box superstore? Ventura voters are looking at that question in the November 3rd election, as they decide the fate of Measure C. KCLU's Lance Orozco looks at the controversy, in the final segment of our series of reports on the election.

Rain garden created on South Coast to spur interest in water conservation

11/2/2009 10:44am    Download MP3

The drought conditions we have on the South Coast mean we need to think twice about having traditional gardens. KCLU's Lance Orozco reports some groups have joined forces to create a demonstration garden in Ventura County which is not only beautiful, but requires no watering.