As spring blooms, it’s the perfect time to watch seasonal horror movies. This watchlist includes The Wicker Man, Pan’s Labyrinth, Pet Sematary, Midsommar and Annihilation. These films focus on folklore and eco-horror elements, using dreamlike settings to enhance tension and a growing feeling of unease. Each film blends nature’s beauty with unsettling storytelling, offering the audience a reminder that even in the most beautiful landscapes, dread can lurk.

As one of the most crucial seasons for Catholics continues, Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Roman Catholic Parish, located on Telegraph Road in Ventura, emphasizes the importance of Lenten practices during mass with relevant liturgies, homilies and music. Cloths around the church display the seasonal color of sorrow and royalty; purple, along with the banner of an ash cross, first appearing on Ash Wednesday, displaying the reflective verse, Joel 2:12 CEB. This Church supports a majority of the Roman Catholic population in Ventura, offering masses daily and adding special services to offer repentance to the Lord during this time.

On March 13, the Foothill Tech boys tennis team faced Villanova Prep on Ventura College’s tennis courts. The Dragons rose to the occasion and defeated their opponents 17-1. Pictured above is Dylan Files ’26, delivering a powerful serve onto the opposite court.

Shamrocks often dominate the St. Patrick’s Day scene, accompanied by symbols such as pots of gold and rainbows. The holiday traces its origins to St. Patrick, a Christian missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over time, the observance has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture, marked by festive traditions and luck-themed imagery around the world.

Some people go their whole lives feeling like they’re masquerading as members of their own race, a phenomenon that’s come to be known as “racial imposter syndrome.” Often, for reasons related to their appearance, upbringing or social environment, these individuals grapple with feeling “authentic enough” to belong to their racial or cultural group. This experience is commonly reported by individuals with multiracial backgrounds or people who grew up outside the cultural norms typically associated with their identity. Those who experience it may face pressure from both inside and outside their communities to prove their legitimacy, which can lead to self-doubt, anxiety and a sense of isolation.

Cut and polished samples were organized on the vendor’s table. The distinctive geodes and slabs encompassed a wide variety of colors and patterns, intriguing attendees with the complex and unique centers of the rough natural rocks.

Revelations in Stone, owned by Mike Burkleo, displayed various carvings and jewelry at his booth. Burkleo’s passion for stone dates back to Jade Cove in 1958, when he watched his father marvel at the stone, developing his own curiosity as a child.

Tumbled and polished stones were seen layered on shelves at the event. Blue lights were offered to view the rocks from a different perspective through ultraviolet lights, which made certain minerals stand out as they fluoresced.

An assortment of stone carvings covered the booth, which included those of animal figurines, bowls and jars. Numerous attendees paused to appreciate the intricate workmanship and details that went into each piece.

An educational display featured fossil casts and highlighted the interests of paleontology at the show. People of all ages stopped to learn more about the California dinosaurs and marine reptiles, which included the mosasaur as well as the Augustynolophus morrisi, better known as “Auggie.”

The vendor arranged eye-catching opal jewelry at a booth composed of necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings. Viewers stopped to admire the vast selection and ask questions about the unique gemstone.

The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society arranged the 63rd annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show, held on the weekend of March 7-8. The event featured educational booths and exhibits that welcomed kids and adults alike. Visitors admired polished stones and handcrafted jewelry, as well as rocks in their natural state — all displayed by vendors. The Ventura Gem Show sparked curiosity among the attendees, as interests in geology, mineralogy, paleontology and lapidary were explored.

Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words “Artificial Intelligence AI” in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

As social media has increased its influence on the way audiences consume and engage with different art forms, so too has the entertainment industry changed in order to accommodate the shift. This is most noticeable in the subtle changes in the way information is conveyed in movies and television throughout the years. In recent times, these media will prioritize easy-to-consume content, relying not on the audience’s ability to read subtext, but instead preferring to state and repeat obvious facts over and over again. But this is not a failure on the director’s part; instead, it is merely a reflection of the way general audiences now spend more of their time consuming short-form content on social media.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy period of reflection for Muslims, observed with fasting and communal prayer. In 2026, the month began on Feb. 17 with the sighting of the crescent moon, and it will last until the next crescent moon on March 19. Traditional greetings during the month include “Ramadan Mubarak,” meaning “blessed Ramadan,” and “Ramadan Kareem,” meaning “generous Ramadan.” During Ramadan, many Muslims fast from dawn, known as fajr, until sunset, known as maghrib, abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours. According to Islamic tradition, fasting is required for Muslims who have reached puberty, though exemptions are made for certain groups, including pregnant people, young children and others with valid circumstances. Some who miss fasting days may make them up later or provide meals to those in need. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, when families gather to share special meals, exchange gifts and give charity to those in need.

Foothill Tech tennis player Charlie Powers ’27 tosses the ball while serving during a match against Laguna Blanca on Thursday, March 5, at Ventura High School. Reaching high to strike the ball, Powers attempts to start the point with a strong serve. The Dragons had several singles matches during the afternoon as they hosted the Owls in a league contest.

Foothill Tech tennis player Tommy Van Calker ’27 is about to serve during a tennis match with Laguna Blanca on Thursday, March 5, at Ventura High School. Van Calker holds the tennis ball in his left hand and the tennis racket at his back, preparing to serve the tennis ball.

Foothill Tech tennis player Charlie Powers ’27 returns a shot during a match against Laguna Blanca on Thursday, March 5. Powers is at the baseline as he hits the forehand shot, following through as the ball goes over the net.

Foothill Tech tennis player Charlie Powers ’27 swings through a forehand during a match against Laguna Blanca on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Ventura High School. Paying close attention to the ball, Powers returns the tennis ball across the court during the rally.