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“Climate Change and Drought Extremes: A Critical Perspective from Ancient Trees in California” presented by Daniel Griffin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Minnesota

How is extreme drought in California connected to climate change and human activities? What can be learned about past and future climate using tree rings from old growth forests in California? Dr Griffin, a dendrochronologist (scientist who studies tree rings) connects the dots between humans, climate change, extreme drought, and native plants in the Golden State.

An online talk presented as part of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s 2022 Summer Virtual Lecture Series which addresses biodiversity, climate change, and California native plants and animals. Registration is $12 for the public and $10 for Garden members. Once registered, participants receive an email with Zoom link.

Daniel Griffin studies the variability of past climate, contemporary climate change, and the climate-modulated coupling of ecosystem processes, often through the development and interpretation of high quality tree ring data. Work in his lab group at the University of Minnesota is field-based, student centered, and highly collaborative. Their efforts have been supported by research grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation and other funding sources.

Current projects are focused on hydroclimate in California and the upper Midwest, and on developing sustainable technologies to achieve open science standards in dendrochronology. He participates in climate services for improved adaptation capacity, and have long been interested in catalyzing connections between field-based research and decision making in natural resources management.

Daily life in 17th century London comes alive again -- online -- through the diary of Samuel Pepys. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with Phil Gyford about a project to put a literary and historical classic on the World Wide Web -- one day at a time.

A team of NPR journalists traveled the length of the U.S.-Mexico border seeking stories of people and crossing. One discovery they couldn't quite swallow was a street snack called tostilocos.

The Ojai Film Festival (OFF) celebrates 24 years of “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film” November 2 through 19. The live event kicks off with free opening night festivities Thursday, November 2 at Libbey Bowl. Music by Spencer The Gardener welcomes patrons starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by Diane Ladd accepting the 2023 Distinguished Artist Award at 6:30 p.m., accompanied by a screening of her latest film “Isle of Hope.”

OFF moves to the Ojai Art Center for the next four days, November 3 through 6, to present 86 short and long films, including narratives, documentaries, and animations, plus seminars.

"Over the last 24 years, the Ojai Film Festival has been a source of joy and cultural enrichment for our community,” Artistic Director Steve Grumette said. “We're proud of the impact we've had and look forward to many more years of bringing people together through the power of cinema."

Many of the films examine people’s relationships. Short films "Bound" and "Shadow Brother Sunday" explore strained bonds between brothers. On the other hand two documentary features depict brothers collaborating. In "Live at Mister Kelly’s" two brothers transformed a family coffee shop into an entertainment empire. "The Canote Twins" shows identical twins who’ve played music together for most of their 70-plus years.

Several other films revolve around music as well. "Called to the Mountains" documents a Japanese bluegrass band. In "The Orchestra Chuck Built" a lawyer-turned-conductor sets out to rectify the reality that blacks comprise less than two percent of professional orchestras. The short "Career Day" shows how a depressed accountant finds new hope when he resurrects his former identity as a singer in a boy band. In "First Chair" a gifted clarinetist struggles with rivalry.

Music also found its way into the Gold Coast program which spotlights filmmakers from the region surrounding Ojai on Monday, November 6. Peter Fox, a longtime fixture in the Ojai theater community, directed "Good Vibrations" a short about a girl who becomes bewildered when her music teacher suddenly retires. Bookending OFF’s first weekend with Spencer The Gardener, "More Than Just A Party Band" chronicles the colorful life of Spencer Barnitz.

Sprinkled throughout the weekend festival goers will find special events, including speakers and panels on film related topics. Mary Duda will shed light on how “AI is Changing Filmmaking.” Author Harry Medved will discuss “Hidden History of Hollywood West: Ojai and Ventura County’s Classic Movie Locations.”

"Our planned seminars and special events are designed to enrich the festival experience by offering an informative complement to our film selections,” Grumette said. “They provide a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights."

For the third year in a row OFF continues its Diversity & Inclusion Program, sponsored by Panavision, with two panels on Saturday, November 4 at 4 pm. Luis Ramón Quintero, a director, writer and producer from Pacoima, will lead a dialog about “Latin Filmmakers in America.” Rosa Costanza, whose various roles ranges from producer to screenwriter and director, will moderate a panel on “Growth for Female Filmmakers.”

The female vibe runs strong through this year’s OFF. Two women celebrities, both subjects of documentaries, plan to make appearances. After "Unveiled: Joyce Tenneson & the Heroine’s Journey" on Friday, November 3, photographer and author Joyce Tenneson will sign books and exhibit photos at a reception in the Art Center courtyard. ‘Hot Tamale’ Susan Feniger, star of "Susan Feniger. FORKED.," will bring her food truck on Sunday, November 5.

Online streaming of films begins Tuesday, November 7. While the virtual festival takes place in cyberspace until November 19, some live events will continue in Ojai. The highly anticipated follow up to the global hit “Kiss the Ground,” Big Picture Ranch’s “Common Ground,” screens at Matilija Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 4 p.m.

Tickets come as single entry, four or six packs, or VIP passes. All seniors, students, active military, and groups of ten or more receive discounts. Ticket prices go up on November 1.

Stay tuned to https://ojaifilmfestival.com for updates on other events and to read descriptions of all festival films.

After the president signed an executive order "defending women against gender ideology extremism," several federal government websites on gender and sexual health disappeared.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by half a percentage point Wednesday, which was a smaller increase than the four previous hikes.

A presidential commission urged broad changes to veterans' care that would boost benefits for family members helping the wounded, an easy-to-use Web site for medical records, and overhaul disability pay. Panel co-chair Donna Shalala spoke with Renee Montagne.

A recent CNN poll finds 36% of Americans say they still don't think President Biden legitimately won the presidency.

Ventura had 1.3", Santa Barbara 1.5", and Los Osos 2.2".

Biden called to "lower the temperature" in politics in remarks Sunday after the former president was shot at during a political rally.