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Full gallery »Canadian warships join Port Hueneme military exercise

  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR A remote-operated vehicle discovered this fake mine hidden as part of a military exercise Wednesday at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.
  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Crewmen with the Royal Canadian Navy, aboard the HMCS Saskatoon, wait for the signal to drop the chain and anchor Wednesday during Dawn Blitz, a mine countermeasure exercise held at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.
  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Sub Lt. Greg Kuhn (right) and Lt. Greg Morris, both of the Royal Canadian Navy, plan an approach during a military exercise Wednesday off the Port Hueneme coast.
  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Petty officer 1st Class John Wood of the Royal Canadian Navy guides a remote-operated vehicle toward a fake mine hidden in the ocean off the Port Hueneme coast Wednesday.
  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR The Canadian flag and the crown representing England are displayed at the stern of the HMCS Saskatoon. The ship and its crew from the Royal Canadian Navy are at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme to partipate in Dawn Blitz, a mine countermeasure exercise.
  • JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Stef Ludin (left) and Joel LaLonde, who are both leading seamen and port inspector divers for the Royal Canadian Navy, aboard the HMCS Saskatoon, prepare to submerge a remote-operated vehicle Wednesday during a mine countermeasure exercise at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.

Two ships from the Royal Canadian Navy are searching for fake mines off the coast this week as part of a multinational military exercise based at Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme.



Full gallery »Whole Foods Oxnard opens

  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Sierra Perez, Liz Marron, and Debbie Vino applaud with other workers at Whole Foods in Oxnard during the store’s grand opening on Wednesday.
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Colin Brightfield (left), Catie McManus, and Joshua Pemberton share a laugh as they taste beer in the Airstream restaurant/bar during the grand opening of Whole Foods in Oxnard on Wednesday.
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR A restaurant bar constructed out of an Airstream motor home welcomes guests at the new Whole Foods in Oxnard, where the store held it’s public grand opening on Wednesday.
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Katie Zavala (left) and Rosie Castillo browse the packaged poultry during the grand opening of Whole Foods in Oxnard on Wednesday.
  • (ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR) Catherine Bramhall, of Oxnard, applauds as she enters Whole Foods in Oxnard during the store's grand opening on Wednesday. 06/19/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Chloe Ellis, 2, of Ventura, reaches out to try a cookie as Whole Foods employees hand out samples during the store’s grand opening Wednesday.


Full gallery »Making a splash at Rancho Pool

  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Colin Deppe, of Simi Valley, goes for a jump off the diving board at Rancho Simi Community Park pool. The pool has two 1-meter diving boards and one 3-meter diving board.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Melissa Bañuelos, of Oxnard, has fun at the Rancho Pool in Simi Valley with her mother, Lucy.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Brian Giegoldt and several other lifeguards watch for the safety of the swimmers who were enjoying their afternoon at Rancho Pool in Simi Valley on Tuesday.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Beverly Jensen (left), of Simi Valley, lifts her granddaughter Delilah Jensen out of the water during a warm afternoon at Rancho Pool in Simi Valley.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Gabriel Mazarei-Brodock, of Simi Valley, tries for a basket while playing at the Rancho Simi Community Park Pool during its first full week of being open this summer. The pool is open for public swimming from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 16; and 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays; and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 6.

Rancho Pool in Simi Valley is open for public swim hours.



Full gallery »The Star's All-County Boys Volleyball First Team

  • OWEN YOSHIMOTO CAMARILLO The 6-foot-2 outside hitter made the jump from very good to superstar in his final high school season. A veritable hitting machine, he set a program record with 530 kills, including a team-standard 41 in a single match. He was also the key reason why the Scorpions finished 29-6-1, won the Pacific View League title and reached the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 championship match. The Star’s Player of the Year is also a first-team, all-CIF-SS selection and the league’s MVP. He loves surfing and beach volleyball, and enjoys eating corn dogs. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • SEAN BISNETT RIO MESA The 6-foot-2 senior led the Spartans into the Division 3 playoffs with his steady work at outside hitter. He finished with 257 kills and an impressive kill percentage of .597. The team captain and MVP was also an MVP on the all-league team. He’s strong in the classroom, too, with a trustees and merit scholarship, and is headed to Regis College in Weston, Mass. He enjoys surfing, snowboarding and, of course, playing volleyball. His favorite food is ice cream. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • WOODY COOK OAK PARK Only a sophomore, the 6-foot-3 outside hitter enjoyed a breakout campaign. He led the Eagles in kills with 344, including 4.5 per game, and notched a kill percentage of 44.6. He also racked up 34 blocks, 91 digs and 23 service aces. Among the highlights was first-team all-league honor and MVP recognition in the Dos Pueblos Tournament of Champions. The honor roll student favors going to the beach and watching hockey. His favorite movie is “Anchorman” and his favorite team is the Los Angeles Kings. He’s also a fan of Lindsey Vonn. ROB VARELA/THE STAR
  • ZACH ESCHENBERG NEWBURY PARK A turnabout season for the Panthers included big performances by the junior outside hitter. The 6-foot-6 standout was among the Marmonte League’s top hitter with season-long consistent efforts. He notched 21 kills in a victory over Calabasas, 14 against Agoura and 11 kills and three blocks vs. Thousand Oaks. Newbury Park’s 18-7 mark and third-place finish in league earned a playoff spot in Division 1. He enjoys beach volleyball, hiking, basketball, skiing, traveling and cycling. His favorite team is the BYU men’s volleyball team. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • CHAD ESSEFF THOUSAND OAKS The 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior outside hitter led the Lancers in several attacking categories, earning team MVP honors. The first-team all-Marmonte League selection averaged 4.3 kills and 2.1 digs per set. He had a season-high 23 kills in a four-set win over Calabasas on March 13 and his 19-kill effort helped the Lancers hand league champ Westlake its lone defeat in five sets on April 19. He enjoys playing racquetball, watches “Workaholics” and spending time with friends. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • JENNINGS FRANCISKOVIC OAKS CHRISTIAN Few athletes can match the Lions senior in versatility or ability. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter amassed 521 kills and 6.0 kills per game, which amounted to 44 percent of his team’s total kills. He also piled up 60 blocks, 46 aces and 196 digs. Truth be told, he wasn’t even playing his best position. He’ll play setter at the University of Hawaii. He enjoys ping pong, beach volleyball, penny boarding and hanging out with friends. His favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant and his food of choice is steak. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR

The Star's All-County Boys Volleyball Second Team 2013



Full gallery »Steckel Park aviary in Santa Paula

  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) Ventura County Animal Services on Tuesday put back some birds into their new cage at Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula. The birds had to be removed last fall because the aviary was in disrepair
  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) A pair of geese return Wednesday to their new cage at Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula.
  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) Rebecca Weaverling, who works for the county animal services, catches some cockatiels to put back in new cage at Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula.
  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) Tommy Ochoa, who works for the county animal service, puts back some doves in a new cage at Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula. The birds had to be removed last fall because the aviary was in disrepair and the county had no money to fix it.
  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) Tommy Ochoa, who works for the county animal services, plays with Julie the cockatoo as he and others were putting back birds into their new cage at Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula.
  • (Juan Carlo/The Star) A peacock is put back in his new cage at the new Steckel Park Aviary in Santa Paula.


Full gallery »Camarillo team restores PBJ-1 plane from World War II

  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) John Syrdahl (left) and Mike Perrenoud walk around the PBJ-1, World War II airplane being restored at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo.
  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) Charlie Carr Jr., a former art teacher at Ventura Community College, makes a template for the plane’s stars and bars at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo.
  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) Jerry Burkhardt attaches a cover for a wing landing light on a PBJ-1, the only one of its kind, according to Dan Newcomb, a member of the restoration team at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo where the World War II plane is being brought back to its original state.
  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) A completely clean, overhauled engine on a PBJ-1 stands out from the wing as mechanic John Syrdahl approaches during restoration of the airplane, believed to be the only one in existence. Housed at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo, the restoration team aims to bring the PBJ-1 back to its original state as it was when in service to the Marine Corps.
  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) Ken Barger, airplane mechanic, dons the hat of the PBJ-1 restoration team at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo on Tuesday. The only artistic license the group has chosen is the Marine Corps’ Semper Fi nose art on the World War II plane to distinguish it for future airshows as it was when flown in the Marine Corps as opposed to any of its modified versions. All other paint is as to the original design. The airplane is anticipated to be flight ready in a year.
  • (KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR) Scott Drosos (left) and David Neel, who works on a tail gunner, are part of the crew bringing a PBJ-1 back to life at the Commemorative Air Force Southern Wing in Camarillo. According to Dan Newcomb, another member of the plane’s restoration team, the aircraft is the only one left in the world. The team is refurbishing it to its original state as it was when in service to the Marine Corps. The vintage plane may be ready for flight in a year.


Full gallery »Ventura County's Most Wanted June 18th

  • Alain Arturo Gonzales, DOB 4/13/1976, 5’11”, 180 lbs., brunette, brown eyes; Failure to appear on bail: Forgery / identity theft/commercial burglary     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.
  • Brandon Hoffmeister, DOB 6/22/1984, 5’8”, 170 lbs., brunette, blue eyes; Violation of probation on: Controlled substance on school grounds     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.
  • Elaine Joel Hallsorice, DOB 12/30/1971, 5’4”, 138 lbs., blonde, blue eyes, tattoo on neck of a dollar sign; Fail to appear: possession for sale of a controlled substance, possession of smoking device     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.
  • Joe Frank Hernandez, DOB 6/12/1964, 5’6”, 180 lbs., black hair, brown eyes; Failure to appear on bail: possession of a controlled substance     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.
  • Lowell Scott Henslin, DOB 5/4/1964, 6’, 225 lbs., brunette, brown eyes; Failure to appear on bail: possession for sale of a controlled substance /under influence of a controlled substance     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.
  • Thomas Paul Hawkins, DOB 7/9/1950, 5’11”, 160 lbs., black hair, brown eyes; Fail to appear on: Identity theft– obtain credit with others identification / fraudulent use of access cars     Wanted as of June 18th, 2013 -|- Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the suspect. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org. All information provided by Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.

All information provided by Ventura County Crime Stoppers as collected from law enforcement agencies.



Full gallery »The Star's All-County Boys Tennis First Team 2013

  • COREY KAREN Camarillo The 6-foot senior capped his high school career with a flourish. Karen finished the season with a 30-1 record at No. 1 singles to lead Camarillo to the Pacific View League title. Karen captured the PVL individual singles title and reached the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section individuals. He was named the PVL’s Most Valuable Player. Karen enjoys eating In-N-Out, Toppers Pizza and Jersey Mike’s. His favorite movie is “Don’t Mess with the Zohan,” his favorite band is Task Force and his favorite athlete is Novak Djokovic. Karen will play at UC Santa Barbara. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • MATTHEW GOTTLIEB Westlake The 5-foot-10 sophomore was a stalwart in singles for Westlake this season. Gottlieb finished with a 29-4 record to help the Warriors capture a share of the Marmonte League title. Gottlieb was named the Marmonte League’s Most Valuable Player. Gottlieb enjoys going to the beach, watching “The Big Bang Theory” and eating sushi. His favorite movie is “Gladiator,” his favorite athlete is Roger Federer and his favorite college team is UCLA. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • MAX SWERDLICK Calabasas The 5-foot-11 senior provided strong play and leadership for Calabasas this season. Swerdlick finished with a 40-4 record at No. 1 singles to help the Coyotes capture a share of the Marmonte League title. He won the Marmonte League individual singles title and was a first-team all-league selection. The honor roll student enjoys watching “Family Guy,” eating sushi and hanging out with friends. His favorite movie is “Black Hawk Down,” his favorite singer is Wiz Khalifa and his favorite athlete is Rafael Nadal. Swerdlick will play at Skidmore College in New York. ROB VARELA/THE STAR
  • ALEXANDER LOH Westlake The 5-foot-10 junior provided a steady presence in the singles lineup for the Warriors. Loh finished the season with a 26-10 record to help Westlake capture a share of the Marmonte League title. He was a first-team all-Marmonte League selection and finished in third place in the league’s individual doubles tournament. Loh was a member of the school’s third-place academic decathlon team. He finished first individually in literature, second in math and third in social science and art. Loh enjoys playing the violin, watching “NCIS” and reading. His favorite movie is “Iron Man,” his favorite food is Chinese and his favorite athlete is Roger Federer. ROB VARELA/THE STAR
  • ALEX SOLONIN Thousand Oaks The 6-foot-5 senior provided power at the top of the lineup for the Lancers this season. Solonin finished with a 20-4 record as the No. 1 singles player for Thousand Oaks. He was a first-team all-Marmonte League selection. Solonin enjoys going to the beach, playing basketball and eating sushi. His favorite movies are “Jerry Maguire” and “Forrest Gump,” his favorite athletes are Roger Federer and Kobe Bryant and his favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Solonin will play at Pepperdine. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • DAVID GOULAK Oak Park The 5-foot-10 freshman provided an instant punch to the Oak Park lineup this season. Goulak finished the season with a 23-4 singles record. He was a first-team all-Tri-Valley League selection and was named his team’s Most Valuable Player. Goulak enjoys swimming, listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and watching ESPN. His favorite movie is “Die Hard,” his favorite food is potatoes and his favorite athlete is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR

The Star's All-County Boys Tennis First Team 2013



Full gallery »Sea lions released from rehab center

  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) One of two rehabilitated sea lion pups that were taken care of by the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute gets ready for release to the ocean near Santa Cruz Island. Both pups were given satelitte collars that would allow scientists and researchers to see how they survive in the wild.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Members of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute release the first of two rehabilitated sea lion pups from an Islands Packers boat to their natural environment near Santa Cruz Island.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Jennifer Levine of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute looks at the two rehabilitated sea lion pups that were being released back into the ocean near Santa Cruz Islands. Both pups were fitted with satelitte collars to allow scientists and researchers to see how they do in the wild.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) One of two rehabilitated sea lion pups that were taken care of by the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute gets ready for release to the ocean near Santa Cruz Island. Both pups were given satelitte collars that would allow scientists and researchers to see how they survive in the wild.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Ruth Dover (right), founder of the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, along with other volunteers look at pictures they had taken of two rehabilitated sea lion pups that they were about to release to their natural environment near Santa Cruz Island.
  • (JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR) Jennifer Levine (right), Ruth Dover (left), Lynne Adelman (second from left) and Maria Serrano celebrate after successfully releasing two rehabilitated sea lion pups to their natural environment near Santa Cruz Island. Dover is founder of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute that took in the sea lion pups.


Full gallery »The Star's All-County Boys Golf First Team 2013

  • PETER GRIFFITH Oaks Christian Coming off a strong freshman season, Griffith managed to top himself in 2013. He posted a season scoring average of 73.1, and his CIF scoring average was 73.8. Griffith shot a 6-under 66 in the final round of the Tri-Valley League tournament to win the individual championship by 15 strokes. He was the anchor for a Lions team that finished third at the State Championship. Griffith also excels in the classroom with a 4.4 GPA. His hobbies include fishing and watching movies. He likes cheeseburgers and “Forrest Gump.” He is a Clippers fan and enjoys watching Clippers guard Chris Paul and golfer Brandt Snedeker. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • GREGORY BROWN Ventura Brown capped off his high school career with his best season. He posted a scoring average of 76.5, had a season low score of 6-under 66 and was medalist in six matches. He was an all-Channel League selection and made it to the CIF Individual finals. He carries a 3.0 GPA and his hobbies include playing and watching other sports and hanging out with his brother. His favorite movie is “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Brown’s favorite food is pasta. His favorite athlete is PGA Tour golfer Kyle Stanley and he is fan of the USC Trojans and the Baltimore Ravens. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • SEAN CROCKER Westlake Crocker turned in another stellar performance, helping Westlake defend its CIF Northern Division title by shooting a 5-under 67, which was the low score of the day. The junior posted a season average of 70.2. He was not eligible to compete for the Marmonte League’s individual title because he missed two league tournaments while traveling to South Africa to play in a professional event, where he finished as low amateur. Crocker is a two-time academic sportsman. His favorite movie is “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” His favorite food is chicken and he enjoys listening to Mac Miller. His favorite athlete is South African golfer Nick Price. He enjoys watching college sports and has already verbally committed to play at UCLA. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • THOMAS LIM Moorpark Lim completed his high school career with another outstanding season. Lim was under par on nine different occasions, with his best round a 5-under 67 at Calabasas Country Club en route to winning the Calabasas Invitational. Thomas finished the season shooting 6 under for all of the rounds he played, for a scoring average of 71. Lim was not eligible to compete for the Marmonte League’s individual title because he missed two league tournaments because he was traveling to play in Golfweek Magazine’s prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Course. Lim is an honor roll student, carrying a 3,85 GPA. His favorite movie is “Nacho Libre” and his favorite show is “The Office.” He roots for the University of Oregon and will compete for the Ducks starting in the fall. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR
  • KYLE MCLAY Rio Mesa McLay turned in a tremendous junior season, combining with Victor Ponte to form a powerful 1-2 punch for the Spartans. McLay posted a scoring average of 75.4, including a low round of 66 at Sterling Hills. His season highlight came at the CIF Northern Individuals, where he bested three other players to earn medalist honors. His hobbies include surfing, basketball and hanging out with friends. His favorite movie is “American Gangster.” He enjoys listening to rappers Dizzy Wright and Wiz Khalifa. He loves eating at Chipotle and his favorite athlete is Tiger Woods. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR
  • VICTOR PONTE Rio Mesa After transferring from Oaks Christian, Ponte found his new home at Rio Mesa much to his liking. The junior compiled a team-low 73.8 scoring average and claimed the Pacific View League individual title. He reached the CIF Individuals, where he lost in a playoff. Off the course, Ponte won the UCSB Early Outreach Program Award. His favorite movie is “Grandma’s Boy” and his favorite show is “Breaking Bad.” He enjoys Thai food and listening to Kendrick Lamar. He is a fan of the Lakers and the Green Bay Packers. His favorite athlete is John Daly. ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR

Bios and pictures of the The Star's All-County Boys Golf First Team 2013.



Full gallery »Father's Day Car Show in Oxnard

  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR Steve Walker, of Hawthorne, and his children, Izzy (left), and Lana, check out the interior of Simi Valley resident Ron Tanabe’s 2007 Custom Z06 Corvette at the Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.
  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR An ornament sits on the hood of a 1954 Pontiac Star Chief at the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on Sunday.
  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR Linda Shaffer and John Robertson, both of Port Hueneme, check out a 1941 Chevy Sedan at the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on Sunday.
  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR Duke Dixon, of Canyon Country, and his son, Cole, attend the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on Sunday.
  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR Merrick Giles, of Ventura, sits in the back seat of his father’s 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme as he watches a World War II aircraft do a flyby at the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on Sunday.
  • ROB VARELA/THE STAR People walk by a modified 1937 Ford five-window coupe at the Father’s Day Car Show at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on Sunday.


Full gallery »A Ventura County family sails around-the-world

  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Brian Merrill relaxes as his wife, Lisa Lopez, steers their 39-foot yacht, Glide, at Catalina Harbor near the end of their circumnavigation of the globe. He said sailing across the ocean is the “ultimate freedom.”
  • Juan Carlo/The StarLeft to right Brian Merrill his wife Lisa Lopez her daughter Gina Lopez-Merrill and their son Max Lopez-Merrill sail from Two Harbors to Catalina Harbor to work on their boat and work on school finals. The family sailed around the world in 10 1Ú2 years and because their children are starting college they decided it was time to come home. They started their trip from Channel Island Harbor in 2003. 6/09/13 Catalina Island, CA
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Max Lopez-Merrill readies the yacht as his family sails from Two Harbors in Catalina Island to Cat Harbor. He was 9 when the cruise around the world started. Now he’s 19 and headed for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
  • Juan Carlo/The StarLeft to right Gina Lopez-Merrill, her brother Max Lopez-Merrill, her mother Lisa Lopez and her father Brian Merrill at Two Harbors in Catalina Island. The family is sailing around the world and because their children are starting college they decided it was time to come home after 10 1Ú2 years . They started their trip from Channel Island Harbor in 2003. 6/09/13 Catalina Island, CA
  • Juan Carlo/The StarBrian Merrill gets ready to go pick up his wife Lisa Lopez and their son Max Lopez-Merrill from Two Harbors in Catalina Island. The family is in their last leg of sailing around the world and because their children are starting college they decided it was time to come home after 10 1Ú2 years. They started their trip from Channel Island Harbor in 2003. 6/09/13 Catalina Island, CA


Full gallery »Around the world in 3,817 days

  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Brian Merrill relaxes as his wife, Lisa Lopez, steers their 39-foot yacht, Glide, at Catalina Harbor near the end of their circumnavigation of the globe. He said sailing across the ocean is the “ultimate freedom.”
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Max Lopez-Merrill readies the yacht as his family sails from Two Harbors in Catalina Island to Cat Harbor. He was 9 when the cruise around the world started. Now he’s 19 and headed for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Left to right: Gina Lopez-Merrill her mother Lisa Lopez, holding her husband’s hand Brian Merrill and their son Max Lopez-Merrill get off their boat at Channel Island Harbor in Oxnard. The family was sailing around the world and because their children are starting college they decided it was time to come home after more than 10 years. They started and ended their trip from Channel Island Harbor.
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR The Lopez-Merrill family on the boat in Mexico in 2003.
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Max Lopez-Merrill helps his mom cut onions inside their yacht, Glide, at the end of a 10-year sailing voyage.
  • JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Brian Merrill shares pancakes with his daughter, Gina Lopez-Merrill, as they sail at Catalina Island. As a decade-long journey around the globe ends, Gina will become a freshman at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.

Ten years, five months and 13 days after they started on a journey around the world, a Mira Monte family is coming home.



Full gallery »Simi Valley: Dad's weight loss

  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Brenda Coleman (left) laughs at her husband Dave Coleman playing with their son James Coleman in a greenbelt by their home before dinner in Simi Valley recently. With three young children and a wife, Dave Coleman decided to drop down to a healthier weight, unloading 50 pounds that came off, in part, by running marathons.
  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR James Coleman, 6, (from left), his father Dave Coleman, brother Nathan, 3, mother Brenda and sister Lily, 7, break out medals earned in marathons and walk-a-thons the Simi Valley family has participated in. With three young children and a wife, Dave Coleman decided to drop down to a healthier weight, unloading 50 pounds that came off, in part, by running marathons.
  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Nathan Coleman (left), 3, neighbor Jacob Campbell (middle), 7, and Dave Coleman play sports in a greenbelt by their homes before dinner in Simi Valley recently.
  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Dave Coleman comes out to play sports with the whole family, including Nathan Coleman, 3, (left) and James Coleman, 6, in a greenbelt by their Simi Valley home recently.
  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Dave Coleman embraces his daughter Lily Coleman, 7, at home in Simi Valley recently before they go out to play. With three young children and a wife, Coleman decided to drop down to a healthier weight, unloading 50 pounds that came off, in part, by running marathons.
  • KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Dave Coleman bows his head as his daughter Lily Coleman, 7, adorns his neck with marathon medals at home in Simi Valley recently. With three young children and a wife, Coleman decided to drop down to a healthier weight, unloading 50 pounds that came off, in part, by running marathons.

A Simi Valley teacher and dad wanted to set an example.



Full gallery »Pacifica High grads

  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Pacifica High School graduates participated in their 2013 commencement ceremony on Friday. 06/14/13 Oxnard, CA


Full gallery »Rio Mesa High grads

  • Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday.
  • Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday.
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday. 06/15/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday. 06/15/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday. 06/15/13 Oxnard, CA
  • ANTHONY PLASCENCIA/THE STAR Rio Mesa High School held their 2013 commencement ceremony in Oxnard on Friday. 06/15/13 Oxnard, CA


Full gallery »Oak View grads

  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Kevin Fatemi (left) and Zack Lewine chat while getting ready for their graduation from Oak View High School.
  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Breanna Kay fixes her tassel while getting ready for the Oak View graduation ceremony.
  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Kelsey Watters gets a hug from teacher Susan Allen after receiving her diploma during the Oak View graduation ceremony.
  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR One of the attendees to the Oak View graduation ceremony looks over the commencement . 06/14/13 Oak Park, CA
  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Graduates from Oak View High School stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at their graduation ceremony . 06/14/13 Oak Park, CA
  • VINIT SATYAVRATA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Breanna Kay (center), Kevin Fatemi (left) and Corey Spero (right) react to Christine Wilkins speech during the Oak View graduation ceremony. 06/14/13 Oak Park, CA

Oak View High School graduate Christine Wilkins said in her graduation speech on Friday that her life completely changed when she came to the continuation school two years ago.



Full gallery »Newbury Park grads

  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star The Newbury Park High School Class of 2013 participates in the school’s commencement.$RETURN$$RETURN$
  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star David Anderson holds up his diploma for his family to see in the audience at the Newbury Park High School graduation on Friday.$RETURN$$RETURN$
  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star The Newbury Park High School Class of 2013 participates in the school’s commencement.$RETURN$$RETURN$
  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star Miranda Gardner (left) and Christian Hazel look at names printed in the program for the Newbury Park High School graduation ceremony as they wait for the ceremony to start on Friday.
  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star The Newbury Park High School Class of 2013 participates in the school’s commencement.
  • Richard Quinn/Special to the Star The Newbury Park High School Class of 2013 participates in the school’s commencement.

As the graduating seniors lined up for commencement at Newbury Park High School, Assistant Principal Larry Berlin reminded the class of 2013 that when they arrived as freshmen four years ago, they had been told that there were 720 school days standing bet



Full gallery »Adolfo Camarillo grads

  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Overcome with emotion, Molly Menne (right) receives a hug from her friend Jessica Flaherty on Friday during the Camarillo High School commencement.
  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Family members and friends of a graduating student cheer when his name is called Friday during the Camarillo High School graduation.
  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Jack Richey-Luna celebrates after receiving his diploma Friday during the Camarillo High School commencement.
  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Camarillo High School holds its graduation ceremony Friday at the campus.
  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Corbin Covey is about to give a high-five to a friend Friday during the Camarillo High School graduation.
  • DAVID YAMAMOTO/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Balie Mara receives a hug from a friend Friday during the Camarillo High School graduation.

Camarillo High School held its commencement ceremony Friday



Full gallery »Hueneme High grads

  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.
  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.
  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.
  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.
  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.
  • CARMEN SMYTH/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Hueneme High School celebrated its 2013 graduation Friday afternoon.

Bleachers on both sides of the stadium at Hueneme High School erupted in cheers, whistles and shouts of the names of loved ones as more than 500 graduates walked onto the field Friday to mark the school's 53rd graduation ceremony.




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