Makena Huey

California

Ventura County Journalist at The Acorn

Contributing Writer at Freelance

Journalist | The Acorn Newspapers | Ventura County | Pepperdine Alum | [email protected]

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Articles

City oak tree guardian and local landscape architect retires at age 89

3 weeks ago | toacorn.com | Makena Huey

He’s designed the city’s most well loved landscapes and he’s protected the city’s most treasured resource. Thousand Oaks residents may not recognize James “Jimmy” Dean, but they enjoy the impacts of his decades-long career every day. The local landscape architect and arborist is retiring at 89 years old, saying goodbye to the city he has dedicated so much of his time to.
Possible plans emerge for Hillcrest Center

3 weeks ago | toacorn.com | Makena Huey

For more than two decades, Conejo Recreation and Park District has occupied the Hillcrest Center for the Arts building that sits near the top of Fireworks Hill overlooking The Oaks mall and much of the city beyond. Lately, the future of the building— which is owned by the City of Thousand Oaks, once serving as City Hall—has been called into question.
CLU names Nunes ninth president

3 weeks ago | theacorn.com | Makena Huey

One year ago, when John Nunes was named interim president of Cal Lutheran University, he expressed a commitment to strengthening the community’s confidence and trust in the institution. Now, the school’s board of regents has placed its confidence and trust in Nunes by naming him the ninth president of the Thousand Oaks college. Nunes, formerly the pastor at Santa Monica’s Pilgrim Lutheran Church and president of New York’s Concordia College, began his long-term role June 1.
Animal rescue organization hopes for some rescuing of its own

3 weeks ago | theacorn.com | Makena Huey

After more than a decade of rescuing abandoned animals, Paw Works may have to close its doors due to financial challenges. The nonprofit, which has an adoption center and veterinary hospital in Thousand Oaks, has faced many obstacles over the years: from the founder dying unexpectedly to a car crashing into the facility. Recently, however, the company is six digits in debt as a result of unexpected bills.
After three decades, murderer confesses

1 month ago | simivalleyacorn.com | Makena Huey

Nearly three decades after Monica Leech was fatally shot during a Thousand Oaks bank robbery, a San Bernardino man has pleaded guilty to her murder. Kevin Ray James, 57, accepted a plea deal and will receive a sentence of 19 years to life in state prison, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. “Losing Monica has been an unbearable tragedy.
Lauding the locals who make a difference daily

1 month ago | thecamarilloacorn.com | Makena Huey

The first five recipients of the District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards represent the very best of Ventura County. From education to conservation, the honorees have gone above and beyond to serve their community, Supervisor Jeff Gorell said. Gorell organized the inaugural event, which was held May 21 at the Amgen headquarters in Thousand Oaks.
‘Keeping my promise’

1 month ago | toacorn.com | Makena Huey

Wilbert Ac has faced more challenges than many college students, among the greatest was losing his dad at just 14 years old. Now, at 22, Ac is graduating from Cal Lutheran University. He’s the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and he said he would never have walked across the stage May 16 if his father had not believed him when no one else did. “He told me, ‘Whatever happens, don’t try to be perfect, but try to be a good man,’’ Ac said.
City considers changes to crossing guard program

1 month ago | toacorn.com | Makena Huey

The City of Thousand Oaks has managed and funded the local school crossing guard program for six decades, but that could change in the future. The council unanimously voted May 20 to discuss with Conejo Valley Unified School District officials options for future program oversight, including possible transfer of the program. “I don’t even think the financial side is even in question here. As some people say, who could put a dollar on anybody who gets injured,” Councilmember Bob Engler said.
Supervisor honors citizens who make a difference

1 month ago | toacorn.com | Makena Huey

The first five recipients of the District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards represent the very best of Ventura County. From education to conservation, the honorees have gone above and beyond to serve their community, Supervisor Jeff Gorell said. Gorell organized the inaugural event, which took place May 21 at the Amgen headquarters in Thousand Oaks.
Gala supports region’s fieldworkers

1 month ago | mpacorn.com | Makena Huey

Ventura County nonprofit Friends of Fieldworkers is hosting its third annual fundraiser to honor the resolution and resilience of local farmworkers and their families. Harvesting Hope will take place 2 to 5 p.m. Sat., May 31 at Studio Channel Islands, 2222 E. Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo.