The Story of Pierre Agoure (via Museum of Ventura County)

By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum

This is the story of an early Ventura County sheep rancher. His remarkable tale has been overlooked and almost lost over time.

Source: Museum of Ventura County

When Cars Came to Ventura County (via Museum of Ventura County)

By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum

It was a stand-off worthy of the old Wild West. The taciturn lawman was face to face with a huffing, puffing adversary. Neither was ready to back down.

Source: Museum of Ventura County

Why these photos of California's coast are not what they seem (via Los Angeles Times)

Amir Zaki, “Built in 1872. Damaged in 1878, 1887, 1921, 1973, 1983, 1986, 1987. Renovated 1928, 1930,” 2021, archival photograph.
(Diane Rosenstein Gallery)

Amir Zaki’s pandemic photography on view in L.A., plus the CSULB art blunder, the Cheech opening in Riverside and more in our weekly arts newsletter.

Source: Los Angeles Times

The Water Witch of Simi (via Museum of Ventura County)

By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum

The frail old man, known to everyone in Simi as “Grandpa Stones,” practically had to be carried over…

Source: Museum of Ventura County

The best space photos of 2021: Sparkling starfields to majestic nebula (via New Atlas)

The Veil nebula is the remains of a massive star that exploded as a supernova roughly 10,000 years ago.

The endless expanse of space is a beautiful and fascinating subject for photography. From the dramatic births and deaths of stars, to galactic glamor shots and planetary close-ups, here are some of the most breathtaking space photos of 2021.

Source: New Atlas

Bootleggers, Rumrunners, and Blind-Piggers: Prohibition in Ventura County (via Museum of Ventura County)

By Library Volunteer Andy Ludlum

It was the opening day of duck season in October 1925. The last thing the hunters expected to bag along the shore east of Hueneme was dozens of 50-gallon barrels of pure alcohol…

Source: Museum of Ventura County