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The Return of the Monarchs: How Ventura’s Butterflies Find Their Way Home
Each fall, monarch butterflies return to Ventura’s coast, clustering in eucalyptus and cypress groves that shelter them through the winter. Their migration—spanning thousands of miles and generations—reminds us how deeply instinct can be tied to place.
2 min read


Bridging Divides: The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
In Agoura Hills, a new kind of bridge is rising over the 101—not for cars, but for wildlife. The Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is reconnecting habitats once divided by concrete, offering a rare glimpse of what coexistence can look like in California. Its story is one of innovation, conservation, and listening to the land we all share.
3 min read


What Are “Natural Flavors”? (And Why Ventura Brands Like Rad Can Are Doing It Differently)
Did you know “natural flavors” can mean more than a hundred different ingredients—and companies don’t have to list them? In this Label Decoder, we break down what the term really means, why transparency matters, and how Ventura’s Rad Can is proving honesty can still taste good.
2 min read


Can Too Much Vitamin B12 Trigger Breakouts?
Can too much of a good thing show up on your skin? Recent studies suggest that high doses of vitamin B12 may influence the bacteria that live on our skin—sometimes leading to unexpected breakouts. In true Sandpiper fashion, we look past the hype to explore what science actually says about B12, balance, and why your body (and complexion) both thrive in moderation.
3 min read


Healing With Color: The Psychology of Ventura’s Fall Palette
Ventura’s fall isn’t the loud kind. It doesn’t blaze in crimson or shout with piles of leaves. Instead, it whispers — in sun-warmed golds, softened greens, and the delicate fade of the sky as it turns from silver to mauve before dusk. It’s the kind of color story that asks you to slow down, to notice the quiet beauty tucked between the tides and trees. As the air cools and the light begins to shift, the world feels calmer here. And that’s no coincidence — because color, as i
3 min read


The Body Knows: How Massage Therapy Became a Path to Healing for Karena Muñoz
When massage therapist Karena Muñoz faced a health crisis, she realized the body often speaks before we’re ready to listen. Now, through Muñoz Wellness, she helps others reconnect with themselves through trauma-informed bodywork, nervous system healing, and the quiet intelligence of touch.
2 min read


Sea Lions on the Shore: What’s Happening Off California’s Coast?
If you’ve walked along the Ventura coastline lately, you may have noticed something unusual: sea lions—more than usual—lying motionless...
2 min read


Cherimoya Season in Ventura: A Taste of Spring’s Sweetest Harvest
Spring in Ventura means peak cherimoya season! This quirky, tropical fruit—affectionately known as the "custard apple"—is like nature’s...
2 min read


Tallow for Skincare: Holy Grail or Hidden Breakout Trigger?
Tallow skincare is having a moment, and for good reason. This ancestral skincare staple is packed with fat-soluble vitamins, deeply...
3 min read


Can a Ketogenic Diet Help Reverse PCOS? Here’s What the Science Says
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, leading to hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, insulin...
4 min read


Discover the Kitchen Hack That Unlocks the Superpowers of Garlic & Broccoli in Just 20 Minutes!
Imagine transforming your meals into health-boosting powerhouses with just a simple kitchen hack. By waiting for 20 minutes after...
3 min read


The Hidden Ingredient in Your Cheese: What to Know About GMO Rennet and How to Find the Real Thing
For centuries, cheesemaking was a simple, natural process—milk, rennet, salt, and time. But in today’s food industry, shortcuts have...
5 min read


Is Ventura County a Secret Blue Zone? How to Live Like the Longest-Living People on Earth
What if the secret to living a long, healthy, and vibrant life wasn’t in a pill, a gym membership, or a trendy superfood—but in the way...
4 min read


Lymphatic Acne: What It Is & How to Clear It Naturally
When it comes to acne, most people know about common types like hormonal or cystic acne. However, lymphatic acne is a lesser-known type...
3 min read


How to Grow Your Own Sprouts at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want fresh, nutrient-packed greens without a garden? Growing your own sprouts at home is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get...
4 min read


The Buzz on Bennett’s: Ventura’s Greenest Honey Producer
Tucked away in Ventura County’s rolling hills and sun-drenched farmland, Bennett’s Honey Farm isn’t just another roadside stop—it’s a...
4 min read


7 Reasons Why Ventura's Kelp Forests are the Underwater Rainforests You Never Knew Existed
Just off the coast of Ventura, beneath the rolling waves, lies one of the most vibrant ecosystems in the world—the kelp forest. Often...
3 min read


Oxnard’s Strawberry Legacy: The Story Behind Ventura County’s Iconic Crop
Oxnard, California, is a treasure trove for strawberry farming, combining the right climate, soil quality, and a deep agricultural...
4 min read


The Summer Journey of Ventura’s Local Fish: Where They Go & Why It Matters
Ventura's coastal waters are more than a picturesque setting for beach outings. They are brimming with life, hosting various fish species...
4 min read


The Coyotes of Ventura County: How Summer Affects Their Behavior
Summer in Ventura County brings a buzz of activity—not just for humans but also for local wildlife. Among the most adaptable of these...
4 min read
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