USSD Kidfest 2010 at Conejo Creek North Thousand Oaks on March 20th! FREE!

Ventura County Batting Cages

Please Support Nephcure Walk 2010 in Thousand Oaks April 25th!

Advertise on Conejo Valley Guide!

23 Years in the Conejo Valley! (818) 338-1117 ***adobe@century21.com *** WE'RE HIRING!

17th Annual Senior Concerns Love Run 5K/10K in Westlake Village June 6th

H1N1 Swine Flu Updates, Statistics and Information

Updates by Email:

Stay Cool in the Pool! Community Pools In/Around Ventura County

 Restaurant Rewards Programs, Birthday Clubs in the VC!!

25th Anniversary Great Race! Don't Miss out! March 27th!

Fun Easter Activities Around Ventura County!

What's the Big Idea? Event in Thousand Oaks on March 27th!!

 

Ventura County Birthday Party Places and Ideas!

Kids Eat Free Places Around Ventura County!!

Ventura County Area Jobs!

Upcoming FREE Ventura County Area Events!!

 Thousand Oaks Near The Lakes! 10% Off! Use Promo Code CVG10

Ventura County Upcoming 5K, 10K and Other Fitness Events!

Site Search

Follow Conejo Joe on Twitter!


Ventura County Restaurants With Play Areas!

Bad Weather?? Click the Rain Cloud for Indoor Activities and Fun for the Kids!

Conejo Joe's Marathon Training Blog! Tips and Advice!

Hot Outside!? Cool Indoor Activities in Ventura County!

 Orlando Vacations

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Looking for things to do around Ventura County? Conejo Valley Guide has THOUSANDS of local events and activities! The "Welcome" blog has great info and ideas (archived here). Check out Local Events, Events Calendar, Do Something, Kids' Activities and Fitness and Sports pages and you're ready to have some fun!!

 

Friday
12Mar2010

Daylight Saving Time is Back on Sunday, March 14th!

springclock1.jpgDaylight Saving** Time is coming back again! Yes, this will take place on Sunday, March 14th, at 1:59 a.m. When the clock strikes 2 a.m. that morning, you will lose one hour of beauty sleep.

So try to get to bed early the night of March 13th or you might feel grumpy on Monday! Especially when you realize it feels a lot darker that morning. But the good thing is it'll be a lot lighter out at dinnertime!

** Contrary to what many of us think, it is called Daylight Saving Time, not Savings Time. Make sure to correct anyone who says it wrong if you really want to get on their nerves. But the reality of it is that we're not saving any daylight, we're just shifting it around.

MY VENTING SESSION ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME :>

Friday
12Mar2010

Birthday Party Places In and Around Ventura County

We scratch our heads trying to figure out what to do for our kids' birthday parties.  Backyard birthday parties are great, but involve planning, time and cleanup.  So here is a list and links to over 80 birthday party options in and around Ventura County, spanning from Ventura to Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Newbury Park and surrounding areas.  We hope this gives you a few new ideas.

We have attempted to categorize by "type" as best we can.  Contact us if you have something to add! And don't forget to invite us to your party!! :>

Indoor Play Places

Entertainment Centers/Arcades

Gymnasiums and Jumpy/Bouncy Play

Click to read more ...

Friday
12Mar2010

Unemployment is Sky High Today, But Ventura County Companies are Still Hiring!

Find a job! We did EXTENSIVE homework to help you find LOCAL work in and around Ventura County. We look not only in Ventura County, but in adjacent cities like Calabasas/Agoura, Malibu, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth and Carpinteria.

There still ARE lots of jobs out there, but ya have to LOOK HARDER for them and often! Don't rely only on the usual suspects like Monster and Craigslist! Go directly to the source ... corporations, hospitals, municipalities, schools, etc.

Treat the job hunting process like a fishing expedition. Be patient. Keep the fishing lines out there and check these websites often!

For more job hunting tips, click here. I would love to hear about your success stories.  Feel free to contact me or add a comment to this blog post.

Corporate, School, Healthcare Career Websites

ADP: www.adp.com/careers.aspx (4 Woodland Hills jobs 2/25/10)

Advanced Motion Controls: www.a-m-c.com/content/contact/careers.html (3 Cam jobs 2/25/10)

AECOM: http://aecom.com/Careers (1 Camarillo job 2/25/10)

Aerovironment: www.avinc.com/careers/jobs/category/simi_valley/ (56 Simi jobs 3/10/10)

AGIA: www.agia.com/employ.asp (4 Carpinteria jobs 2/25/10)

Alcoa: www.alcoa.com/global/en/careers/welcome.asp (2 Newbury Park jobs 2/25/10)

Amgen: https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_home.asp?partnerid=25236&siteid=5308 (126 Thousand Oaks jobs 2/25/10)

AML Communications: www.amlj.com/contact.html# (1 Camarillo jobs 2/13/10)

ATK Integrated Systems: www.atk.jobs (17 Woodland Hills jobs 3/1/10)

AT&T: http://connect.att.jobs/california-jobs (1 Camarillo job 2/1/10)

Avanquest Software: www.avanquest.com/USA/corporate/careers/job-listings.html (8 Calab jobs 3/1/10)

Aveox: www.aveox.com/Careers.aspx (1 Simi job 3/1/10)

Avery Dennison www.averydennison.com/avy/en_us/Careers/Job-Search (1 WLV jobs 3/1/10)

Bank of America: http://careers.bankofamerica.com/jobsearch.aspx (dozens of local jobs)

Baxter: www.careers.baxter.com/us/index.html (28 T.O/WLV jobs 3/1/10)

BeyondTrust Software: www.beyondtrust.com/company/employment.asp (1 Agoura job 2/6/10)

Blue Shield of California: www.blueshieldca.com/bsc/aboutbsc/careers/index.jhtml (15 Woodland Hills jobs 3/9/10)

BMW Group DesignworksUSA: www.designworksusa.com/dwusa/contact/california/index.html (no listed Newbury Park jobs 2/6/10)

Calavo Growers: www.calavo.com/careers.php (no Santa Paula jobs 3/1/10)

Caldera Medical: www.calderamedical.com/careers.php (4 Agoura jobs 3/1/10)

Cal Lutheran University: www.callutheran.edu/hr/ (21 staff/faculty jobs 3/2/10)

Cal St University Channel Islands: www.csucijobs.com (13 staff/faculty jobs 3/2/10)

Caminosoft: www.caminosoft.com/contact/employment.html (no Simi jobs 3/2/10)

Capstone Turbine: www.capstoneturbine.com/company/careers/ (0 Chatsworth jobs 3/2/10)

Carpinteria Water District: www.cvwd.net/jobs.htm (no jobs 3/2/10)

CKE (Carl's Jr): www.ckr.com/careers/index.html (3 Carpinteria jobs 3/2/10)

Ceres: www.ceres.net/AboutUs/AboutUs-Careers-Jobs.html (no NP jobs 3/2/10)

Chatsworth Products, Inc. www.chatsworth.com/careers (2 WLV jobs 3/2/10)

The Cheesecake Factory: www.cakecareers.com (10 Calabasas jobs 3/2/10)

City of Agoura Hills: www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=38 (None as of 2/16/10)

City of Calabasas: www.cityofcalabasas.com/jobs.html (5 part-time 1/28/10)

City of Camarillo: www.ci.camarillo.ca.us/main.aspx?q=6027&p=9685 (None 2/2/10)

City of Carpinteria: www.carpinteria.ca.us/human_resources/current_jobs.shtml (2 job 3/4/10)

City of Fillmore: http://www.fillmoreca.com/employmentops.htm (2 jobs 3/4/10)

City of Moorpark: http://ci.moorpark.ca.us (4 part-time as of 3/4/10)

City of Oxnard: http://hr.cityofoxnard.org/Department.aspx?DepartmentID=11&ResourceID=144 (2 jobs 3/4/10)

City of Santa Paula: http://www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us/employ/ (1 job as of 3/4/10)

City of Simi Valley: www.ci.simi-valley.ca.us/index.aspx?page=30 (1 part-time 2/19/10)

City of Thousand Oaks: www.toaks.org/government/depts/human/jobs/full.asp (none as of 2/19/10)

City of Ventura: www.jobaps.com/ven/sup/images/default.asp (6 perm/temp jobs 3/5/10)

Clipper Windpower: www.clipperwind.com/careers.html (20 Carpinteria jobs on 3/3/10)

Community Memorial Hospital: http://cmhhospital.jobscience.com (16 jobs 1/10/10)

Conejo Recreation & Park District: www.crpd.org/index.cfm?go2=employment (3 jobs 1/10/10)

Conejo Valley Unified School District: www.conejo.k12.ca.us (7 full/part-time jobs 1/10/10)

CoorsTek-Gaiser Products: www.gaisertool.com/contact_headquarters.php?menu=contact (no listed jobs; contact them)

County of Ventura: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/ventura (26 jobs 2/16/10)

CSG Systems: www.csgsystems.com (3 Oxnard jobs 2/16/10)

Custom Sensors & Technologies: http://cstsensors.com (1 Moorpark job 3/10/10)

Cydcor: www.cydcor.com/open-positions/ (no WLV jobs 2/16/10)

Dako North America: www.dako.com/index/career.htm (1 Carpinteria job 1/28/10)

DEX: www.dex.com/About/Careers/careers_jobs.html# (1 Camarillo job 3/9/10)

Diodes: http://diodes.com/careers (none as of 1/28/10)

Dole: www.dole.com/CareerOpportunities/tabid/1090/Default.aspx (9 WLV/Oxnard jobs 3/10/10)

Click to read more ...

Thursday
11Mar2010

Introduction to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

Here is a nicely done 7 minute informational video about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit that provides one-on-one youth mentoring to children ages 6 to 18 in communities across the country.  As you can see, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a big difference in the lives of these kids.  For more information about donating and volunteering, visit www.bbsvc.org. Thanks to Lissa Coffey of Coffey Talk for producing this video.

Thursday
11Mar2010

Ventura County Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Event on Saturday, March 27th

Wednesday
10Mar2010

First Group of Speakers Announced for Inaugural TEDxConejo Conference in Thousand Oaks on March 27th

Wired Magazine Executive Editor Thomas Goetz, Amgen Scientist Scott Patterson, Neuro Researcher and Author Mark Robert Waldman๏ปฟ

The first-ever TEDxConejo Conference, a one-day locally organized gathering of renowned thinkers and doers produced in association with the Conejo Valley Unified School District, will bring a diverse line-up of speakers to the Scherr Forum at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center on March 27th.  A limited number of tickets are still available.

The conference is built on the model and under license from the TED Conference, an annual gathering of some of the worldสผs most fascinating and influential people. This local edition, brings together some of the leading minds in the area to share ideas, insight and discussion. The program features talks, ranging in length from 3 to 18 minutes, and conversation breaks where audience members and speakers have the opportunity to talk and exchange ideas. In addition to the internationally recognized presenters, the organizers have identified several outstanding area students who will speak or perform.

The daylong program is organized around the theme, “Whatสผs The Big Idea,” and is divided into three sessions: “Thinking,” “Doing,” and “Seeing.” Topics to be covered include the neuroscience of beliefs, innovations and discoveries in medicine and healthcare, the principles of meaningful enterprise, new ideas in education, effective communication, microfinance, human perception and music.

Thomas Goetz is the executive editor of Wired Magazine and author of the new book, The Decision Tree: Taking Control of Your Health in The New Era of Personalized Medicine. His writing on science and medicine has appeared in the Best American Science Writing and Technology anthologies. A former reporter for the Wall Street Journal, his work has also appeared in The New York Times op-ed page and in The New York Times Magazine. He holds masterสผs degrees in American literature and public health.

Dr. Scott Patterson is the executive director of Medical Sciences at Amgen Inc. He is well known in the field of protein chemistry and is one of the pioneers in the field of proteomics. At Amgen, he leads the Molecular Sciences department with primary responsibility for application of biomarkers across all research studies. He received his Ph.D. and B.Sc from the University of Queensland, where he held positions of increasing responsibility culminating in that of senior research officer. Patterson is also a former faculty member of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York.

Mark Robert Waldman is Associate Fellow at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Faculty at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is a therapist, co-author of ten books, including Born to Believe and How God Changes Your Brain (both written with Dr. Andrew Newberg, M.D.), and the founding editor of Transpersonal Review. He lectures throughout the country on neuroscience, religion and spirituality and conducts research with numerous religious and secular groups. His work has been featured in dozens of newspapers, magazines and on syndicated radio programs.

A Press Conference will be held to announce the complete speaker line-up and beposted at the TEDxConejo website, www.tedxconejo.com.

About the Conference

Big ideas will fill the Scherr Forum at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on March 27th, when TEDxConejo brings together some of the most interesting and interested people in our community for a day of talks, entertainment and conversation.

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
10Mar2010

March Madness and Super Bowl Pools Still Illegal but Not Quite as Much

I don't know anyone who has been thrown in jail or fined $5,000 for participating in a March Madness pool, but, whew, effective January 1st, at least we don't have to worry about this prospect! Thanks to California Assembly Bill 58 "Sports Betting Pools" law signed last year, the your prospects for going to jail have been reduced even further!

Well, that's not exactly the case. If you run or participate in a sports betting pool that has at least $2,500 at stake and/or is run...gulp...online, you continue to face a possible misdemeanor or even felony charges.

But even if you participate in a little $5 sports pool and fill out your selections on those printed bracket sheets, you still face the prospect of a $250 infraction.

Now I'm wondering if there are any loopholes. If everyone wagers, say, a six-pack of beer, does that

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
10Mar2010

The Parent Projectยฎ Training Program for Parents of Adolescent Children - Ventura County Classes Available

The Parent Project® was created for parents with difficult or out-of-control adolescents. Parents learn and practice specific prevention and intervention strategies for destructive behaviors - truancy, alcohol and other drug use, gangs and other criminal behavior, running away, violence and suicide. Parents are self-referred or can be referred to Parent Project classes by officers in the field, juvenile detectives, diversion programs, court systems, mental health professionals, and school officials.๏ปฟ

This program is available locally in various Ventura County locations.  Many programs are free or charge only a small fee for a Parent Project workbook.

Some currently available local Parent Project classes are below.

  • Thousand Oaks Police Department is offering a 10 week session on Wed nights 6pm to 9pm from 1/20/10 to 4/24/10 at 2101 East Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Another session will run from

Click to read more ...

Wednesday
10Mar2010

New Rules for Roth IRAs in 2010

New Rules for Roth IRAs

Presented by Bradley Bronk, CFP®

Roth IRAs, despite their attractive features, have yet to match the popularity of traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).  One reason Roth IRAs constitute such a small percentage of total retirement assets, just 5%, is that many wealthier individuals, who potentially stand to benefit the most from them, have been ineligible either to contribute to one or to convert their existing traditional IRAs to a Roth IRA.  As of year-end 2008, over $3.5 trillion was invested in traditional IRAs compared with a mere $165 billion in Roth IRAs.1

The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 changed tax laws regarding the conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.  The act specifically allows anyone to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of their adjusted gross income (AGI), beginning January 1, 2010.  This is a unique opportunity that was not available to everyone in the past.

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is a retirement investment vehicle in which all earnings are tax free when distributions are taken. Other benefits include eliminating the need to take minimum distributions after age 70½ and avoiding the early distribution penalty on certain withdrawals.

Click to read more ...

Tuesday
09Mar2010

Don't Miss the 25th Annual Great Race of Agoura Hills on Saturday, March 27th!!

You cannot miss the 25th Annual Great Race of Agoura Hills! The Great Race is one of the largest running events in Southern California!  This year's event takes place on Saturday, March 27th, at Chumash Park, 5550 Medea Valley Drive, Agoura Hills.

This silver anniversary event will be the largest and best in the history of the Great Race!  As always, there will be a huge variety of run/walks for EVERYONE (from nationally competitive runners to casual fun-runners to walkers), including:

  • Cheseboro Half Marathon: This 13.1 mile run is mostly on trails in Cheseboro Canyon, with a final descent down Kanan Road to the finish.  I've run this several times and can say it is challenging, beautiful and fun. This popular race usually sells out at 1,500!!
  • Pacific Half Marathon: This additional 13.1 road race was added last year. The race starts at Paramount Ranch in Agoura and ends at Chumash Park (a shuttle brings you back to the start). This race is also capped at 1,500 runners/walkers.
  • Old Agoura 10K: This 6.2 mile run is a fairly challenging run through the residential areas of Old Agoura. I have run this several times in the past and it was a lot of fun.  There are some rolling hills on this course, so train accordingly! Limited to 1,500.
  • Deena Kastor 5K: This 3.1 miler's namesake is 1991 Agoura High graduate Deena Kastor....2004 Olympic Marathon Bronze Medalist, American Record Holder in the marathon, half marathon, 10 miles, 8K and more (also winner of the London Marathon, Chicago Marathon, etc.). Join 1,499 others to run this flat/downhill course!
  • Kids 1 Mile: Up to 500 kids ages 6 to 12 will enjoy this pancake flat fun run in the neighborhood surrounding Chumash Park.
  • Family Fun Run/Walk 1 Mile: Same flat course as the Kids 1 Mile. Limited to 1,000.

The Great Race "goodie bag" is always GREAT, but greater than EVER this year! Up to 7.000 people will receive HUGE commemorative medals with ribbons specific to their event. All half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids 1 Mile participants will get drawstring backpacks for their goodie bags. Special running hats and bib belts will be distributed to up to 5,000 and 4,000 participants, respectively.

The post race event at Chumash Park will have dozens of vendors and will be a major party! In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a better post-race party around here.

Don't wait as you may miss out! Learn more and sign up NOW by visiting www.greatraceofagoura.com.

Monday
08Mar2010

Conejo Valley Meal and Shelter Program Providers

As the father of a local Cub Scout, I had the recent good fortune to help support a local meal provider for those in need.  I would highly recommend taking part in such activity as nothing tops the feeling of helping others.  The following Conejo Valley locations take part in a program that provide year-round meal on designated nights of the week.  And during the months of December to March, both dinner (6:30 pm) and overnight shelter is offered.  This is a wonderful program and a benefit to all. This information is current as of March 2010. Subject to change.  Please call in advance to verify.

Click to read more ...

Monday
08Mar2010

Easter Egg Hunts and Other Easter Fun Around Ventura County

Here at Conejo Valley Guide we have a special place in our heart for Easter fun! The bunnies of the Conejo Valley and surrounding Ventura County areas are planning ahead to make this Easter memorable.

We have the Germans to thank for the Easter Bunny concept, which came about in the 1500s. Hares and bunnies are signs of fertility and eggs signify rebirth. The Germans brought Easter traditions to America and it wasn't until after the Civil War that Easter became widely celebrated. Now we celebrate by gorging ourselves on candy! Yeah!!!

Mar 12th to Apr 3rd: Easter Bunny at Simi Valley Town Center

Mar 13th to Apr 3rd: Easter Bunny at Pacific View Mall in Ventura

Mar 13th to Apr 3rd: Easter Bunny at The Oaks Mall Thousand Oaks

Sat, March 27th: Conejo Recreation & Park District Spring Eggstravaganza Thousand Oaks

Click to read more ...

Saturday
06Mar2010

Upcoming 5K,10K and Other Ventura County Area Running and Fitness Events!

"Race Day" by Camarillo artist Chuck Trunks.

Start training for upcoming 5K, 10K, half marathon and other Ventura County endurance events! We've made it easy for you to find a local rae by tracking local events!. So go on, get moving, lace up those shoes and start training! CLICK HERE for local running/cycling groups and clubs!!

CONEJO JOE'S MARATHON TRAINING BLOG

March 13th: 2nd Annual Bandit 30K/14K Trail Runs and Kids Fun Run in Simi Valley

March 13th: 2nd Annual Baby Joey SIDS Run for Life 5K in Camarillo

March 27th: 25th Anniversary Great Race of Agoura Races: Cheseboro Half Marathon, Pacific Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor 5K and Kids/Family 5 Mile Run/Walks

March 28th: Sycamore Canyon 8K, 18K, 30K, 50K Trail Runs in Malibu

April 3rd: Comet Run 5K Run/Walk at Mission Oaks Park in Camarillo

Click to read more ...

Saturday
06Mar2010

Potato Cobb Salad with Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing

Here's the latest recipe from chef Jill Fisher! Jill, a licensed Personal Chef, teaches cooking classes at Conejo Valley Adult School and Williams Sonoma in Thousand Oaks and has written articles for local food magazines such as 805 Living. In December, Jill and her friend released their cookbook "i found my sanity in...My Best Friend's Kitchen."

CLICK HERE for other recipes from Jill published here on Conejo Valley Guide!

Happy March everyone!  Since the Irish always seem to steer me towards thinking of potatoes, here is a great take on potato salad – Potato Cobb Salad!  Fill up your platter with rows of beautiful salad fixings and toppings and let your guests pick and choose what they like.  Serve with a side of Cilantro Buttermilk dressing for a real crowd pleaser – maybe even Oscar Party worthy!  Enjoy! -Jill

Potato Cobb Salad

 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes

¾ tsp salt

Click to read more ...

Friday
05Mar2010

Swine Flu Outbreak Information and Updates

We have been reporting daily H1N1 (Swine) Flu tallies and updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization since 4/27/09 and will continue to do so until they stop reporting the stats.  On 7/24/09, the CDC announced it will no longer report individual H1N1 flu cases by state but will continue reporting hospitalizations and deaths. But we will continue reporting tidbits of information as we obtain it.

The Ventura County Health Care Agency H1N1 Hotline is 805.981.5390 and operates Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm. Visit the VC Public Health website at www.vchca.org/ph/swineflu for more information.  H1N1 and seasonal flu shots are now widely available to all individuals in Ventura County.

Update 3/5/10: CDC reports 40,805 flu-related lab confirmed hospitalizations (187 in latest week) and 2,009 deaths (15 in latest week) from 8/30/09 to 2/27/10.

There were 329 lab-confirmed flu-related pediatric deaths from 4/26/09 to 2/27/10, no change from the prior week. 277 of these are confirmed H1N1 related.

WHO H1N1 update 90 on 3/5/10 reports at least 16.455 deaths as of 2/28/10 (229 more than last week).

Update 2/26/10: CDC reports 40,618 flu-related lab confirmed hospitalizations (316 in latest week) and 1,994 deaths (28 in latest week) from 8/30/09 to 2/20/10.

There were 329 lab-confirmed flu-related pediatric deaths from 4/26/09 to 2/20/10, 3 more than the prior week. 278 of these are confirmed H1N1 related.

WHO H1N1 update 89 on 2/26/10 reports at least 16.226 deaths as of 2/21/10 (305 more than last week).

Update 2/19/10: CDC reports 40,302 flu-related lab confirmed hospitalizations (272 in latest week) and 1,966 deaths (39 in latest week) from 8/30/09 to 2/13/10.

There were 326 lab-confirmed flu-related pediatric deaths from 4/26/09 to 2/13/10, 2 more than the prior week. 277 of these are confirmed H1N1 related.

WHO H1N1 update 88 on 2/19/10 reports at least 15,921 deaths as of 2/14/10 (629 more than last week).

Update 2/12/10: CDC reports 40,030 flu-related lab confirmed hospitalizations (236 in latest week) and 1,937 deaths (32 in latest week) from 8/30/09 to 2/6/10.

Click to read more ...

Thursday
04Mar2010

Farmers' Markets and Farm Fresh Produce Around Ventura County

Looking for fresh produce in Ventura County? Lettuce help you. This may sound corny, but I suspect you will find this handy list of farmers' markets to be quite peachy.  Over the years, the number of such markets has mushroomed in Ventura County and it beets me how one could pass up the opportunity to shop at them! So squash those fast food thoughts, step on your acceleryator and find a grape deal at a local Ventura County farmers' market!

(Times/Dates/Places of course subject to change. Let me know of any updates or changes!)

Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm at Pacific View Mall in Ventura in the community plaza in front of Red Robin. Call 805.529.6266 for info.

Thursdays 9 am to 1 pm at Plaza Park in Oxnard (5th and C Streets). Call 805.483.7960 for more info.

Thursdays 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Oaks Shopping Center east parking lot. Produce, flowers, food and more!

Fridays 3 pm to 8 pm at Simi Valley Town Center: 1/15/10 to 11/19/10 Fresh produce and baked goods, kid-friendly attractions, entertainment, and more for area residents.  Held in the mall’s parking lot across from Larsen's Grill.

Click to read more ...

Thursday
04Mar2010

TEDxConejo Event at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on March 27th

Tuesday
02Mar2010

Moorpark Police Department "Operation Hang-Up" During the Month of March

Moorpark Police Department "Operation Hang-Up" in March

The Moorpark Police Department will be conducting “Operation Hang-Up” during the month of March.  The operation will be focused on maximum enforcement of laws related to the use of cell phones while driving.

The Vehicle Code prohibits a driver from using a cell phone while operating a vehicle on a roadway unless the cell phone is equipped with a hands-free feature; and from text messaging while driving.  The law also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving, whether or not the phone is equipped with a hands-free feature.

Talking on a cell phone held to the ear, or text messaging, are distractions that take away from a person’s attention to their driving.  The use of cell phones by drivers of motor vehicles contributes to scores of traffic collisions every year.  Many of those collisions have resulted in injuries that could have been avoided if the drivers were paying attention to their driving instead of their cell phone or text conversations.

Click to read more ...

Tuesday
02Mar2010

Thousand Oaks City Watch Update, March 2, 2010

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Deputy Jim DeSoto of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

Crime Fighters,

I encourage everyone to remain alert and attentive. We greatly appreciate your telephone calls to dispatch and our officers are making important contacts that were generated from your calls. The information that officers obtain is frequently forwarded to our detectives who are able to make arrests on past crimes. Keep those phone calls coming.

I have seen two trends concerning juveniles that parents should be aware of. Juvenile shoplifting seems to be a constant dilemma at The Oaks Shopping Center. The deputies are busy responding to petty thefts at The Oaks and it takes the officer away from street patrol. On an individual basis, the time is not significant but the total amount of time the deputies are spending over a month’s period can be better spent.

Periodically deputies respond to homes where the parents are away and the son or daughter is giving a party where alcoholic drinks are being served. Citing the party-giver for the social host ordinance is one concern but another point is equally as important. Many times items are stolen from the homes by the party attendees. Jewelry, money, small electronics or other small valuable items are commonly stolen. Juveniles do not see the party for its dangers of serving alcoholic drinks and the potential for theft. Unfortunately, most of what is taken belongs to the parents. With the bad influences, drugs and

Click to read more ...

Monday
01Mar2010

The White House in Miniature Exhibit Opens at Reagan Library on March 15th

The White House has long served not only as our president’s home, but also as the most enduring symbol of our nation’s capital and of American democracy itself. Every year, over one million visitors to Washington, DC tour this stately mansion, marveling at the history contained within its walls and the grandeur displayed in every room. Yet while the White House remains one of the country’s most popular tourist spots, most Americans will never have the opportunity to visit and experience the thrill of history in the making.

On Monday, March 15, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum brings the White House straight to you through its latest temporary exhibit, The White House in Miniature. This authentic recreation of the White House measures 60 feet long and 20 feet wide: a one-foot-to-one-inch scale. Taking over 600,000 hours of labor to create, the miniature is an amazing replica, showing visitors an intimate look into the White House - from the Lincoln bedroom to the Oval Office to tiny, working televisions to hand-carved chairs, tables and crystal chandeliers.

Built and updated by John and Jan Zweifel, this exact miniaturized replica is a wonder to behold. Modernized for each presidency and for each White House room renovation, visitors to The Reagan Library will be awed by this marvelous, intimate look into The White House.

In addition to the White House recreation, the Inside the White House exhibit will take an in-depth look at dining at the White House.  The display will include a table with the Reagan Administration’s White House china, a serving table with a White House tea set, an invitation to a State Dinner, a signed White House guestbook and four of Mrs. Reagan’s gowns worn to these events.  Other items rounding out the Inside the White House exhibit include an original Cabinet Room Chair, gifts given to the President and Mrs. Reagan, and a look at what it took to build the Oval Office.

Regular Museum admission applies to visit the exhibit. More info at www.reaganlibrary.com or call 805.577.4000.

President and Mrs. Reagan pose in front of the White House replica in the early 1990s.