Scrapbooking Forever is a scrapbooking supply store in Thousand Oaks in January 2013. In addition to supplies, the store offers scrapping classes, parties and more. Located at 1321 East Thousand Oaks Blvd A-102. Visit www.scrapbookingforever.net or call 805.379.4901 for more information.

This is the original section of the park; primarily expansive grassy area with play area in background.Paved path area in the expanded section of the park.Something you don't see too often these days...new horseshoe pit area .

Yes, this is a netball court, not to be confused with a basketball court!To learn more about the game of netball, click this link here on Conejo Valley Guide. This is the first, and, as of May 2013, only netball court in Thousand Oaks. And yes, I was confused when I saw it too.

My kids and I love going to the beach but for many years we seemed to go to the same ones all the time. So I stopped by the Automobile Club and asked them if they had a brochure on all the local area beaches open to the public. They shrugged their shoulders and said no such guidebook existed. What the?? So they handed me a fold out map, which was of no use to me. I wanted to know exactly how to get to these beaches, if they have restrooms, what the parking situation is like, etc.

Then I started searching around the Internet for information and found bits and pieces in various locations that were moderately useful. But I still wanted one consolidated place where I could find out about where to go to the beach around Ventura County on up the coast to Carpinteria and down to Malibu.

So finally I compiled a comprehensive list of local area beaches, in two parts (click the links)

Carpinteria to Ventura

Oxnard to Malibu

This took a lot of time to compile, so I truly hope you benefit from these lists! While I have not personally been to all 40+ beaches on this list, I've either visited or driven past the pretty much all of the beaches. So enjoy and provide feedback if you have comments and/or additional information.

For more information, visit www.scarlettbelle.com or call 805.204.0977.

Located at A&M Boat Charters & Cruises at the Marine Emporium Landing at Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd., #219, Oxnard.

Exit the 101 freeway at Victoria, proceed south on Victoria, at West Channel Islands Blvd, turn right. Go to the second stop light and turn left onto Harbor/ W. Channel Islands Blvd. Go to Cabezone Circle make a left. Into the Marine Emporium. Walk to the back of the three buildings facing the street to the dock where you will see the Scarlett Belle and Sunfish. Free parking.

An informational kiosk at the trailhead interprets the Pentachaeta lyonii, as well as other unusual wildflowers found on the site such as the Chocolate Lily, and the White Globe Lily. The site also provides access to hiking trails on the Westlake Vista parcel, also owned and managed by the Conservancy.

Pentachaetta Trail to the east. Westlake Vista Trail towards the Las Virgenes Reservoir on the west.

Views from Westlake Vista Trail towards, well, but of course, Westlake VillageLas Virgenes Reservoir in close proximity to Westlake Vista Trail (but surrounded by a fence, so don't get your hopes up!)

Directions: The main trailhead with kiosk is on Triunfo Canyon Road east of the southern terminus of Lindero Canyon Road. There are some off-pavement spots there. The other end of the trail is at the west end of Triunfo Canyon Road about 1.5 miles west of Kanan Road. I've hiked this with my boys at ages 7 and 9 and they did fine. A little whiny on the return...next time I'll bring snacks.

Directions: From the 101 Freeway in Westlake Village exit Lindero Canyon Road. Take Lindero south to Triunfo Canyon Road. Turn left. The trailhead is located opposite Oak Forest Mobile Home.

Visit www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=62 for more information.

Map courtesy of Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Much of the Ventura River Trail parallels Ojai Freeway 33 and as such is also referred to as the Ojai Valley Trail Extension. Here are the various access points from south to north:

• Dubbers Street at Rex Street
• West Park Row Avenue
• West Harrison Ave at Westpark Center
• Stanley Avenue
• Shoshone Street
• Shell Road
• Orchard Drive
• Crooked Palm Road at Highway 33 Underpass
• Ojai Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant Access Road
• North Ventura Avenue at Hwy. 33
• Santa Ana Road at entrance to Foster Park

More information at www.cityofventura.net/pw/parks.