Elderly Oklahoma Tornado Survivor Discovers Pet Dog Alive During Television Interview

The tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma has been terrifying to see. This interview with an elderly woman who survived the tornado is touching in several respects. She is asked what it was like during the tornado; she says she was sitting on a stool with her dog in her arms in a small bathroom. Before she knew it she was lying in rubble. She called for her little dog and indicates the dog is missing and somewhere in the rubble.

The interviewer then asks "Are you able to comprehend yet what happened here?" and I love the woman's response, given with a grin "I know exactly what happened here. Exactly." Then "What do you think of all this, this is your neighborhood...I can't imagine.." and her reply "This is life in the big city." Literally a second later they discover the woman's dog, a little black terrier, alive in the rubble, to the joy of this woman and to all of us.

Blue Star Museums Program Free Admission to Active Duty Military at 1,800+ Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

Free admission is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military  - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.

Local area museums in Ventura County, Santa Barbara and nearby areas that are participating in the Blue Star Museums program include:

• Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas
• Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard
• Channel Islands Maritime Museum
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
• Museum of Ventura County's Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula
• Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley
• Museum of Ventura County in Ventura

For a complete list of museums participating in the Blue Star Museums program, visit www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums.

4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Other Events Around Ventura County!

America's 237th birthday is July 4, 2013! Here's the annual list of local fireworks, parades and other festivities throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas that are planned for this coming Independence Day!

Confirmed fireworks in Thousand Oaks, Moorpark (July 3rd), Simi Valley, Calabasas, Channel Islands Harbor, Ojai, Fillmore, Agoura (July 7th), Woodland Hills, Camarillo and Santa Barbara.

Parades in Westlake Village, Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara and Newbury Park.

Family festivities and fun all over the place...concerts, carnivals, swimming, games, tournaments, face painting, 5K/10K runs, etc.!

(Contact us with updates)

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

The annual Conejo Recreation and Park District and City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at the Oaks Shopping Center and Janss Marketplace parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Call the Conejo Recreation and Park District for more information at 805.381.1247.

Other CRPD 4th of July events around the city include a Pancake Breakfast and Home Run Derby in Newbury Park, Concert in the Park featuring the Conejo Pops Orchestra and Free Swimming!

We anticipate word on Janss Marketplace 4th of July activities soon.

Stop by the 3rd Annual Miller Family YMCA 5K/10K, Classic Car Show and Parade the morning of July 4th in Newbury Park!! Kids fun zone, entertainment and more.

The Oaks mall will also be an official viewing location for the City of Thousand Oaks fireworks, with live music and kids' crafts starting at 6pm on the Muvico lawn.

Speaking of Muvico, there will be a free screening of The Smurfs at 10am on July 4th.

Ice Cream Social and Patriotic Celebration at Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park from 1-4pm on July 4th in honor of its own birthday and the Country's. Free barbershop music, ice cream and more!

Bethany Church on the Hill in Thousand Oaks once again opens its incredible views to the public with a 4th of July Celebration starting at 5pm. Free music, family fun, food for sale and some of the best views of the Thousand Oaks fireworks display in town!

Westlake Village

The 44th Annual 4th of July Parade starts at 9:45am followed by music, inflatables, games, popsicles, etc. at Berniece Bennett Park until noon. Boy Scout pancake breakfast before the parade!

Moorpark (3rd of July!)

The City of Moorpark presents its 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road. Gates open at 3:45 p.m. $5 per person. Food booths, games and attractions, live entertainment and more!

Simi Valley

Visit the Reagan Library 4th of July Celebration between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Festivities include music, family entertainment, food, presidential look-alikes, face p

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Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks is a Perennial Family Favorite

On a recent visit to Conejo Creek Park North, located at 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, we were surprised when we found dozens and dozens of koi in the lower pond area, cohabitating with the ducks.

Where did they come from? We don't know, but there are sure fun to watch.

Conejo Creek Park North is one of the nicest, widest appealing parks throughout Ventura County. You get almost everything at this park. This 44 acre park has two ponds with a stream connecting them, two separate play areas, a beach-style volleyball courts, a NEOS game, multiple large, shaded picnic areas. a fitness trail about 2/3rds of a mile that circles the park, plenty of shade trees and multiple large, grassy areas. Something for everyone.

Topping it off is the fact that the park is adjacent to the beautiful Thousand Oaks Library, Goebel Senior Center and Thousand Oaks Teen Center. We often park at the library, check out some books, then walk, scooter or ride across a bridge to the park. It is a great way to spend the day.

Conejo Creek Park North is extremely popular for larger events on the upper grass area adjacent to the largest picnic structure. There is plenty of parking available. And in the middle of the park is a jungle-like trail area that I enjoy exploring with the kids. We also see birthday party celebrations here pretty much every weekend that we visit.

To learn more about Conejo Creek Park North, visit the Conejo Recreation and Park District website at www.crpd.org. To learn about other parks we enjoy in and around Ventura County, click THIS LINK.

Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

We have before us another great summer of free (and almost free), live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas this summer. This preliminary list is GROWING! Rock, jazz, pops, R&B, reggae, Celtic, classical, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Classic Rock, Latin, Tribute Bands, you name it!!!

This list of course is subject to change. Contact event organizers to confirm.

This 2013 list is VERY preliminary and we will be making updates as we get them! Start marking your calendars for a great summer of music!

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

• May 27 to Sept 2: Free Concerts in the Park in Thousand Oaks
• May 31 to August 30: Free Summer Concert Series in Westlake Village (Fri/Sat nights)
• August: Sunday Afternoon Free Jazz at Gardens of the World Thousand Oaks
• Starting May 31: Free Saturday Night Live Music at The Promenade at Westlake
• June 19 to Aug 28: Free Summer Concert Series at Janss Marketplace (Wed nights)

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

• Sundays, 6/16, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4 Summer Concerts at Chumash Park Agoura Hills
• Saturday, June 22: Music in the Park in Oak Park
• June 2 to August 25: Free Concerts on the Green, Sundays in Woodland Hills
• June 9 to Sept 15: Free Summer Sunday Concerts at Calabasas Lake

Moorpark/Simi Valley

• June 15, July 20, August 17: Saturday Music in the Park Series in Simi Valley

Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura/Beyond

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Non-Profit Mi Casa de Angeles Improves the Lives of Impoverished Children in Peru

In 2009, Westlake Village resident Gabriella Brignardello founded Mi Casa de Angeles, a non-profit organization with a mission of improving education and empowering children in impoverished areas throughout Peru. At the time, Gabriella was a 15 year old La Reina High School student with family ties to Peru through her father, who is originally from Lima. Now 18 and a freshman at Stanford University, Gabriella continues to be inspired to make a difference in the lives of Peruvian children in need.

Mi Casa de Angeles Founder/CEO Gabriella Brignardello with Peruvian children.

To date, Mi Casa de Angeles has raised over $100,000 in the United States through various fundraising events and an additional $50,000 with partners in Peru. The organization has launched two projects in Peru. A pilot program was initiated in August 2012 involving sponsorship of a highly trained teacher through Enseña Perú (Teach Peru) serving impoverished students that cannot afford private education.

More recently, the organization broke ground in the construction of a nursery/preschool in the shantytown of Pachacutec in Lima.  Mi Casa de Angeles is working with two Peruvian non-profits, Sembrando Juntos and Lincos, to provide local children, ages 0 to 5, with a higher quality of education. The video below provides insight into this worthy endeavorr.

Groundbreaking Ceremony of the First School – March, 2013 from Mi Casa de Angeles

To learn more about Mi Casa de Angeles and how you can help, visit www.micasadeangeles.org. In the Events section of the site do take a look at the annual Benefit Fashion Show in Westlake Village, planned in late June.

Farmers' Markets and Farm Fresh Produce Around Ventura County

Looking for fresh produce in Ventura County? "Lettuce" help you! There are over 15 farmers' markets in and around Ventura County throughout each week, not to mention another dozen or so stores and Community Supported Agriculture programs that sell organic produce.

Times, dates and places subject to change. Let us know of any updates!

FARMERS' MARKETS (In "day of the week" order)

VENTURA: Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm at Pacific View Mall in front of Red Robin. Call 805.529.6266. www.vccfarmersmarkets.com/Ventura_(Midtown).html

OXNARD: Thursdays 9 am to 1 pm at Plaza Park (5th and C Streets). Call 805.643.6458. www.coastalpacific.info/oxnard.php

THOUSAND OAKS: Thursdays 1:30 pm to 6 pm at the Oaks Shopping Center east parking lot. Produce, flowers, food and more! www.vccfarmersmarkets.com/Thousand_Oaks.html

VENTURA: Thursdays 3pm to 7pm at Ventura Community Park, 901 South Kimball Road (previously located at Ventura Moose Lodge) Visit the East Ventura FM website at theharvestgathering.vpweb.com for more info.

MOORPARK: Fridays 2 pm to 7 pm at Miller Parkway and Los Angeles Avenue (Village at Moorpark Shopping Center - Petco and Staples parking lot) (805) 290-5670

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Nonprofit Cats and Dogs International, CANDi, Saves the Lives of Stray Animals

Cats and Dogs International, CANDi, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of stray cats and dogs through spay, neuter and adoption programs. Recently, CANDi funded chemotherapy for a cancer-stricken dog called Luna.

The Story of Luna from Nuvue Cinema on Vimeo.

Cancún is a world-renowned tourist destination which is lesser known for its vast stray dog population. In Mexico, many workers earn the equivalent of $4 per day and spay surgery is not feasible, costing up to several weeks worth of pay for the average worker. CANDi programs provide the resources necessary to address the stray animal issue in situations where local governments and animal groups are not in a position to help. Thousands of cats and dogs have been spayed and neutered annually as a result.

It was during a vacation in Cancún that photographer Tracey Buyce came face-to-face with the staggering stray dog issue. She knew she had to help and discovered CANDi’s founder, Galati, through an internet search. She was back in Cancún four months later, volunteering at one of CANDi’s twice-annual free spay/neuter clinics, and soon came on board as CANDi's official photographer.

Returning to Bonfil, Mexico with CANDi again in January 2013, Buyce spotted Luna, a neglected and skeletal dog. After gaining permission from her owner to give Luna up, she had her examined and diagnosed with starvation and cancer. Luna is currently undergoing treatment and chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Leon, and CANDi volunteers in Mexico.

Buyce made it her mission to find a loving home for the gentle dog and posted Luna’s story on Facebook. She received a response almost immediately from Jenny Witte, founder of Mamatoga, a parenting website and magazine in New York, wanting to adopt her. Buyce flew back to Mexico to bring Luna back for a homecoming with her new family in Saratoga Springs on March 18th. The touching result is shown in the following video.

Luna Part Deux from Nuvue Cinema on Vimeo.

Visit Luna's Facebook page here. See more of Tracey Buyce's work at www.traceybuyce.com.

About CANDi: CANDi’s mission is to save the lives of stray animals at international tourist destinations through advocacy, education and humane, sustainable population management programs supported and funded by the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers. Founded in 2006, CANDi is the innovation of CEO and President Darci Galati, an animal lover with 20 years of experience working in the tourism industry. "CANDi’s programs are viable, long-term solutions to animal overpopulation in resort areas that can be copied and applied worldwide,” says Galati, whose organization is supported by the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers. For more information about CANDi visit www.candiinternational.org.

Portions of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park Opened This Morning

As announced yesterday, the National Park Service has opened certain sections of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park this morning. Due to the extensive fire damage to roughly 70% of the 1,170 acres, most areas will not be initially be accessible. The public will not have access into Sycamore Canyon, the "Waterfall," Danielson Monument and other areas until the National Park Service deems these areas suitable and safe. I explored the area early this morning and indeed, under the cloud cover, there was much devastation to be seen...though no structural damage that I could see other than this bench overlooking Upper Sycamore Canyon.

This bench overlooking Upper Sycamore Canyon put up a good fight.Danielson Road trail to the Waterfall, Monument and Boney Mountain Wilderness is currently closed, though Hidden Valley Overlook to the left is accessible.A bit of cloud cover in Newbury Park this morning after two blistering hot days.Scenes from the Hidden Valley Overlook trail amid charred hills.

More photos on the CVG Facebook page at THIS LINK.

National Park Service to Re-Open Some Santa Monica Mountains Trails on May 14th

Now that the 24,000-acre Springs Fire is officially controlled, the National Park Service has announced it will re-open some trails on the western side of the Santa Monica Mountains on Tuesday morning, May 14th, with restrictions.  

Before and after Spring fire view from bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook at the boundary of California State Parks and National Park Service land in Pt Mugu State Park (photo on right courtesy of National Park Service).

Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park will partially re-open, but some trails will remain off-limits and the park will close from sunset to sunrise. Due to ongoing safety concerns and trail damage, visitors will not be able to travel into Sycamore Canyon, but will be able to reach the overlook at the boundary with Point Mugu State Park.  

The Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa trailheads will also re-open, as will the Backbone Trail east of the Point Mugu State Park boundary. California State Parks land sustained severe fire damage and all backcountry trails in the area remain closed. 

According to the NPS map, the public will not initially be able to access the windmill trail in Rancho Sierra Vista or Danielson Road trail to the Waterfall and Danielson Monument.

Click image for link to larger, pdf version of trail map closures on NPS site.

"We know the public is anxious to return to their neighborhood national park," said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. "We're working as hard as we can to balance that enthusiasm with visitor safety and protection of our natural and cultural resources." 

Visitors are encouraged to help nature recover from the fire by respecting trail closures and staying on the trail in areas that are open. Foot and bike traffic tramples sensitive soil, vegetation, burrows and nests. 

Park officials estimate 70% of Rancho Sierra Vista's 1170 acres burned during the fire, though the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and all other structures were protected. More information is available at 805-370-2301. 

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park System, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

Join a Local Ventura County Moms Club

If you're looking for local Ventura County groups to meet up with other moms for playgroups, activities and socializing, look no further than this list (includes only organizations with websites...Contact Us for additions). (Last update February 2013...subject to change.)

Calvary Community Church MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Camarillo Moms Club

Conejo Families Meetup Group

Conejo Valley Homeschoolers

Conejo Valley Mothers of Multiples

Macaroni Kid Camarillo/Ventura/Oxnard

Macaroni Kid Conejo Valley

Macaroni Kid Ojai-Piru

Macaroni Kid Santa Barbara

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Free and Nearly Free Movies All Summer Long Around Ventura County

Stay cool this summer with several hundred FREE and nearly free movies in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas! These movies are at local movie theaters, parks, libraries and other locations!

Movies/dates subject to change. Contact organizers to confirm. List is preliminary...

Calabasas: $1 Movies at Regal Grand Palace Stadium Tues/Wed 10am (6/18 to 8/14)

Calabasas: City of Calabasas Movies Under the Stars, Fri nights (6/21, 7/12, 8/2)

Camarillo: Free Movies in the Park on Fri Nights (4 Locations) - 8 Movies June 21 to August 23

Camarillo: $1 Movies at Regal Palace Stadium Tues/Wed 10am (6/18 to 8/14)

Camarillo: Camarillo Arts Council Movies at Constitution Park (6/29, 8/17)

Malibu: Malibu Country Mart Free Summer Movie Series on Sundays (6/9, 7/14, 8

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Over 140 Summer Camps and Programs In and Around Ventura County!!

Calvary Community Church K-5 Conejo Valley "Adventure Weeks" Summer Camp 6/17 to 8/9!

Looking for a summer camp within range of Ventura County? Here's a list of over 140 summer day camps and residential camps and programs in the area. Actually, there are hundreds and hundreds of individual camps available. We've attempted to categorize the camps into 3 main groups; Traditional/Learning, Sports and Music/Arts, though many camps cover many fun activities all in one.

Know of more? Submit them here!

No doubt there will be some typos/errors on this list, so let us know if you find one.

Sports Camps (Camps primarily sports focused)

1. Advantage Basketball Camps, Ballhandling and Shooting Camp in Agoura, Calabasas, www.advantagebasketball.com or 310.903.6473
2. Airealistic Circus Summer Camp in Ventura for ages 6 to 17 www.venturacircus.com/summercamp.html
3. Aloha Beach and Surf Camps for ages 5 to 15, www.alohabeachcamp.com or 818.932.4600
4. All Stars Athletics Baseball Camps in Newbury Park allstarsathletics.com
5. America's Baseball Camps ages 8 to 18 in Santa Barbara in July, www.baseballcamps.com or 800.222.8152
6. American Hapkido Martial Arts Camp in Moorpark www.americanhapkido.com/index.cfm?page=17
7. AYSO Summer Camps in Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Oxnard and Thousand Oaks www.ayso.org/camps/day_camps/register.aspx
8. Brit-West Soccer Camps in Thousand Oaks and Malibu britwestsoccer.com/camps-registration.html
9. California Cartwheel Center in Newbury Park, 1-week, half day summer camps, ages 4-12, www.californiacartwheelcenter.com/camp or 805.499.5228
10. Cal Lutheran Summer Sports Camps in Thousand Oaks includes football, soccer, volleyball and water polo. Visit www.clusports.com/pages/camps to learn more
11. Camarillo Springs Golf Course Summer Camp for age 6 to 15 in June through August www.camarillospringsgolf.com/summer_golf_camp.html
12. California Heat Volleyball Club Summer Camps for 8 to 16 year olds in Camarillo www.californiaheatvbc.com/Summer-Camps.html
13. Channel Islands Harbor Summer Junior Lifeguard Program and Youth Watersports Camp www.channelislandsharbor.org/thingstodo/educational_programs.htm
14. Elite 9 Baseball Camp in Newbury Park in June, ages 7-12 www.elitenine.com/camp-schedule
15. Elvenstar Equestrian Day Camp day camps in Moorpark June to August ages 7+ elvenstar.com/riding-academy/specialty-programs/day-camps-2/ 805.529.2800
16. Fieldstone Riding Club Summer Camp in Moorpark 9am to 4pm M-F horseback riding www.fieldstoneridingclub.com/Site/Summer_Camp.html or 805.529.9474
17. FitTennis Tennis & Swim Summer Camp at Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks, ages 4 to 16, June to Aug, fittennis.net/summer-camp or 818.975.0348
18. Fitness by the Sea Summer Camp in Malibu 6/12 to 8/23 www.fitnessbythesea.com/enrollment-info
19. Flight Tyme Speed Camps in Ventura in June-July www.flight-tyme.net
20. Foxfield Resident Horse Training Summer Camp in Lake Sherwood for girls ages 9 to 16, June thru Aug, www.foxfieldhorsebackridingcamp.com or 805.495.5515
21. Gold Coast Gymnastics Club Camps in Ventura Jun to Aug  www.goldcoastgymnasticsclub.com or 805.658.2825
22. Jason Flame's Tang Soo Do Summer Camp June to August in Moorpark www.tsdukarate.com/index.cfm?page=19
23. Leo Carillo State Beach Junior Lifeguard Program and Surf Camp ages 9-15 Jul/Aug www.leojgs.com/programs
24. LU-DAWG Baseball Camp at CLU, 1 week camps Jun-Aug, ages 6-14, www.ludawg.com or 805.493.3398
25. Lu Dog Basketball Camps at CLU, kingsmenbasketball.com/index.html
26. Malibu Baseball Camp at Pepperdine age 7 to 14, residential and day camps June to Aug www.malibubaseballcamp.com or 310.506.4404
27. Malibu Makos Surf Camp in Zuma www.malibumakos.com or 310.317.12

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Family Geocaching Fun in Ventura County

Military ammunition box geocache container (photo from Wikipedia)When a couple friends first told me about how fun geocaching was a few years ago, I blew it off, figuring it was yet one more activity that I don't have time for in my busy family life. I wasn't quite sure what geocaching was, but it sounded like a silly game to me.

Boy was I wrong! Geocaching is a lot of fun!

In a nutshell, geocaching is an outdoor activity where you hunt for hidden containers, or "caches," using GPS tracking on your smartphone or a GPS device. Kind of like modern day treasure hunting!

There are over 2 million active geocaches around the world waiting to be found. What is a cache? Generally a waterproof storage container in various sizes that contains a log and perhaps other little treasures waiting to be found.

I use an Android phone and, after registering at Geocaching.com, downloaded a free app called c:geo. I was impressed at how easy this app is to use. Simply press "nearby" to find local caches registered on Geocaching.com and pick one that is nearby and sounds interesting. The app tells you how many meters/km the cache is from your location. Read the cache description, click the little compass that shows you which direction to go and how far away you are from the cache. And, you're off!

(There are plenty of other geocaching apps for both iPhones and Android phones, many free. Since I've only tried c:geo, I don't claim to be an expert on these apps. So other apps may work better for you.)

The kids and I have a blast with geocaching. We can be anywere...a park, the beach, on the trails...and track down caches nearby. The GPS brings you to within a reasonably precise location, sometimes "dead on" and other times within 5 to 10 meters, but once you get there, you may have to look around in every nook and cranny. It is easy to give up, but it can take a bit of persistence to find the geocache. Some of the geocaches we've uncovered have been a lipstick case hidden under a rock, a plastic screw-top case hidden in a light pole and a small container hidden in a crevice of a fence.

Who hides these caches? All sorts of people hide geocaches, adding to the fun. We were at Point Dume State Beach when I said, hey, let's look for a geocache! Within 15 minutes we discovered a cache close to the sign shown below. Every hunt I do with my kids, we seem to reach a point where we want to give up...but after some perseverance and luck, more often than not we find the coveted treasure.

We were at the Thousand Oaks Library when afterwards decided to look for some geocaches at the adjacent Conejo Creek Park. Within 30 minutes we uncovered two small geocaches, signed the little log sheet (be sure to bring your own pen as many caches are too small to provide one) and went on our way. Geocaching is fun, engaging and great exercise!

There are literally thousands and thousands of geocaches just within Ventura County. Looking for a little push? Check out local community programs for geocaching classes...our entry into geocaching started with other kids and parents in a fun two hour Conejo Recreation and Park District session.

In addition to your smartphone, your kids can join in on the action with their own handheld GPS devices, like this Geomate Jr. Geocaching GPS.

Go try it out and let us know what you think!

Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Clubs Around Ventura County

It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards program and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, a coupon, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

VENTURA COUNTY AREA DAILY DEAL AND PRINTABLE COUPON WEBSITES!

The Melting Pot

Club Fondue: Receive box of https://www.tgifridays.com/6 Signature Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with purchase of any Big Night Out, Four-Course Classic or combination of two individual entrées and cheese fondue.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: FREE chili dog and special offers for signing up.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura (Thousand Oaks closed March 2012)

Bandits Grill & Bar

Bandits' Roundup Club: Free birthday gift, specials and more.

Locations: Thousand Oaks and Camarillo

Separately, Bandits recently added the ability to purchase eGift cards directly from its website. To celebrate this new feature, they are offering $10 Holiday Rewards for every $50 in eGift cards purchased through December 31, 2012. The eGift cards can be emailed directly to recipients. Visit www.banditsbbq.com/gift-cards for more details.

Barnes & Noble Kids' Club: Free birthday cupcake and $5 gift certificate for every $100 spent on kids' books, plus 30% off most kids' books.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Ventura, Woodland Hills

Baskins-Robbins

Birthday Club: FREE 2.5 oz scoop on your birthday! We love this!

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

KidsLink Birthday Club: Free mini-pizookie® on your kid's birthday plus special promotions.

Locations: Westlake Village, O

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