Earning their stripes

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers

JUST ONE OF THE BOYS- Tracy Ostrich, 18, standing fourth from left, recipient of the Ventura County Council 2007 Explorer of the Year award for Simi Valley, poses with her plaque along with fellow recipients, from left, Steven Varela, Camarillo; Santiago Jimenez, East County; Alexis Solis, Oxnard; Frederico Michel, Port Hueneme; and Richard Mink, West County. The group was honored at a ceremony held earlier this month in Camarillo.