Bike Thefts on the Increase in Northern Portion of Thousand Oaks

There has been an increase in the thefts of high-end bicycles in the northern portion of Thousand Oaks during the months of July and August of this year. The suspects have entered the victims’ open patios and garages. They have used bolt cutters to remove the cable locks to steal the bicycles. Thefts have occurred during the night hours, late morning and into midday hours.

On 8-15-2011, a witness saw two Hispanic males attempt to steal a bicycle.

Suspect 1 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-10”, 160 lbs, slender build, medium complexion with no facial hair. He was wearing a gray baseball cap.

Suspect 2 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-8”, 180 lbs, medium build, medium complexion, and short dark hair.

Both suspects were wearing royal blue T-shirts with “We Will Floor You” written in white letters on the back of the shirt. There were other words written on the shirt, but the victim could not see what they were.

If you have any information about these crimes, please contact Detective Mike Ferguson of the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Animal License Canvassing Begins In Thousand Oaks on September 14th

Thousand Oaks Dog Owners Be Prepared! Animal license canvassing will begin in Thousand Oaks on September 14, 2011.  Officers from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control will begin going door to door checking for current rabies vaccinations and to ensure residents are in compliance with dog licensing requirements.  The City of Thousand Oaks contracts with Los Angeles County for animal shelter and related services.

California State law requires all dogs over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed.  Securing a license is also important when searching for and identifying lost dogs.  Residents are required to comply and will be subject to license fees plus delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee to off-set field service costs. 

In order to avoid penalties, be sure to license your dog.  Residents will nee

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Two Recent Zumba Flash Mobs in Ventura County with Amanda Welti

Flash mobs are all the rage around the world. Haven't heard of many local ones, but Thousand Oaks fitness instructor Amanda Welti has made her mark with two recent Zumba flash mobs at the Ventura County Fair and Janss Marketplace. Planning a flash mob somewhere in Ventura County? Contact us so we can get the scoop! WE LOVE FLASH MOBS!

Belated News: Enoteca Toscana Wine Bistro in Camarillo Closed May 1st

Enoteca Toscana Wine Bistro in Old Town Camarillo closed on May 1st of this year. Somehow I never got wind of this one. The food was very good there in my opinion. My only beef with the place was that it was a bit on the pricey side. In fact, I specifically recall dining there several years back. We ordered something light, like a panini, along with a cup of minestrone soup. The soup was delicious. But when we received the bill, we discovered the soup was like $10. For a cup, not even a bowl. We kind of looked at each other in shock, thinking it had to be a mistake. But it wasn't. We asked. That was the price. That delicious $10 bowl of soup prevented me from other going back I hate to say...though if anyone offered to buy me lunch there, I'd certainly have gone. In any case, I know Enoteca will be missed.

Fallen Sign at Wendy Drive and Potrero Road in Newbury Park

There's a popular trailhead to Sycamore Canyon/Rancho Sierra Vista at the corner of Wendy and Potrero Roads in Newbury Park. This morning you'd only know that by looking down and finding this sign on the ground. No visible clues as to how this happened. Something/somebody knocked it over during the last 24 hours. Kind of a bummer to see.

For more local hiking and trails in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas, CLICK HERE.

Will Hooters Hurt Home Prices in Thousand Oaks? CBS News Covers The Story!

Several hundred Thousand Oaks residents have written City Hall regarding the proposed Hooters at Janss Marketplace.  There are allegations that Hooters will impact the value of homes in Thousand Oaks in this interview.

CVG has done a survey of residents regarding the proposed Hooters. With 285 responses in, approximately 30% of residents are no go on Hooters, 55% for Hooters and the remaining 15% for the most part could give a hoot.

As a result of all this Hooters hubbub, the City will be holding a hearing to address these concerns. Stay tuned.

City of Westlake Village 30th Anniversary Photography Contest

City of Westlake Village 30th Anniversary
Photography Contest

Entries accepted from Jun 18 to Oct 24, 2011

Winners will be selected by October 31. Selected photographs will be put up on display at the City’s 30th Anniversary Winter Wonderland Event on December 11.

Amateur, professional and school-age photographers are invited to enter the City’s first Photography contest. Both digital images or scanned film images accepted.

Photos must be “recognizably Westlake Village” and taken within the city limits. All photos will be reviewed by the City’s Cultural Recreation Advisory Board. Winning photographs will be judged based upon use of color, quality and clarity, illustration of theme, evoking a sense of place, telling a story or depicting Westlake Village. For more information contact Brianne Anderson at 818-706-1613 or Brianne@wlv.org.

CATEGORIES

Capture the City of Westlake Village’s beautiful environment, active people, and vibrant community life, and submit your favorite photographs in these categories:

1. Environment—skylines, water, open spaces, parks & wildlife
2. Architecture—design, cityscapes, landmarks & infrastructure
3. People Portraits—of residents participating in city sponsored events & classes
4. Community Life—education, volunteer, street/nightlife, celebrations, arts & cultural scenes

Click THIS LINK for detailed information in pdf format or visit the City of Westlake Villge website at www.wlv.org for more information.

Ruby's Shake Shack at the Malibu Pier "Under Transition"

It had been awhile since I ate at Ruby's Shake Shack on the Malibu Pier and as I walked down the pier toward the diner today it surprised me how uncrowded it was. Sure enough, the place was empty. At 5 p.m. on a perfect summer Saturday.

I asked the clerk across the way at the the Malibu Beach Supply Co. (which by the why has some pretty cool stuff for sale and rents fishing poles for just $5 an hour on weekends and has bait).

And she said Ruby's has been closed since last September. The Ruby's Diner website indicates "Closed for the Winter Season and under transition. Reopening date is currently unavailable."

Stay tuned...

Seven Year Olds Injured in UPS Traffic Mishap in Thousand Oaks on July 26th

Posting this as a reminder of how kids can get themselves into strange situations. Thankfully these 7 year olds will be o.k.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department reports that on July 26th at 3:15 p.m. a UPS truck was delivering packages in the 2400 block of Springbrook Street in Thousand Oaks. While the driver was making a delivery, two seven-year old boys climbed onto the back step of the truck. The driver returned to the vehicle and was not aware that the children were still on the step.

The driver started the truck and drove off. The children fell off the back step and landed onto the asphalt.

Both kids were taken by ambulance to the hospital for head injuries. One was treated and released. The other was admitted and is expected to fully recover.

www.vcsd.org

Ventura County Star Reports That Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Ventura Closed This Week

The VC Star reported yesterday that Acapulco Mexican Restaurant at 725 S. Victoria Avenue closed its doors yesterday, August 5th. I called the restaurant to confirm today. Someone actually answered...and confirmed that yes, Acapulco is indeed closed. No indication of a successor tenant. Acapulco has no other restaurants in Ventura County...the closest locations are in Woodland Hills and Northridge. Hasta la vista, Acapulco :<

Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria La Cucina di Venti Signs Lease at Paraiso Town Center

Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria La Cucina di Venti Signs Lease at Paraiso Town Center
First New Tenant for Newbury Park Shopping Center Under New Ownership

La Cucina di Venti, a full-service version of the popular Pizzeria Venti “sliceria,” will open its newest restaurant at the Paraiso Town Center, a 50,000 square-foot lifestyle center in the Dos Vientos master planned community of Thousand Oaks, announced Peter Cohen, president of Paradise Capital Group.

“La Cucina di Venti is the evolution of Pizzeria Venti, a successful, small casual quick-service Trattoria-style restaurant with locations throughout the United States,” said Operations Partner Matthew Seerden.  “La Cucina di Venti builds upon that authentic Italian pizza-by-the-slice tradition ‘known as Pizza al taglio’ in Italy, to include table service dining in a family atmosphere with a menu featuring homemade Italian specialties and American favorites such as burgers and steaks,” said Seerden.

The new 4,299 square-foot restaurant at Paraiso Town Center also will include a full service bar, alfresco dining, corporate catering and delivery service.   The first La Cucina di Venti opened in Mountain View, CA in 2007 and is the highest grossing location

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Grand Opening of Red Robin at The Oaks Thousand Oaks on Monday, August 8th

The brand new Red Robin at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks, located between The Lazy Dog Cafe and Muvico Theater, is set for Monday, August 8th. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. 7 days a week.

Call 805.230.1188 for information.

DQ Grill & Chill Coming to Camarillo Premium Outlets in Late May

DQ Grill & Chill is now open!

ORIGINALLY POSTED IN MARCH: According to the Camarillo Premium Outlet website, a new DQ (Dairy Queen) Grill & Chill restaurant is opening May 29th (est). What is a DQ Grill & Chill? I dunno...never been to one...but here's what the DQ website says about them:

The DQ Grill & Chill® restaurant is our flagship concept, offering a total program that includes the full line of our famous DQ treats and a fresh food menu designed to excite and satisfy guests. These restaurants strike the perfect balance between yesterday and today, featuring on-trend food favorites while preserving our legendary DQ treat heritage. The interior décor is warm, welcoming and stylish – easily differentiating your establishment from the typical quick-service restaurant.

They also have a Facebook page up and running, with the latest (and only) status update so far dated January 30th "opening at camarillo premium outlet very soon."

The location of this DQ Grill & Chill is at the very back of the Fashion Court section of the outlets, behind the main outlets, in what I believe used to be where TCBY used to be located.

There are other Dairy Queens and Orange Julius places around the county, but this will be the first DQ Grill & Chill in town. I'm sure we'll hear more real soon!

Ventura County Star Reports That Chuy's Thousand Oaks Has Closed

The Chuy's located in the plaza where Whole Foods Market is located (northeast corner of Moorpark Road and Wilbur in Thousand Oaks) closed effective June 30th. Well there's still the Chuy's in Simi Valley and Camarillo. Not to mention the brand new Qdoba that opened down the street at Janss Marketplace.

See pictures of the vacated Chuy's at the VCS Eats Facebook page at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150249402481561.326363.141616711560&type=1, including the eviction notice. RIP.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks to Close July 18th

Thanks to a tip from a friend via Facebook I learned that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is closing as of tomorrow, Monday, July 18th. Bummer. This is the location next to California Pizza Kitchen. Coffee Bean joins Ben & Jerry's and Blizz Frozen Yogurt as The Lakes Alumni.

But the good news is that there are other 4 other CBTL locations in town, including the The Oaks mall. Also locations in Simi Valley, Camarillo and Calabasas. For specifics, visit http://coffeebean.com/location.aspx.

Lesley Leighton Promoted to Associate Conductor of Los Angeles Master Chorale

Lesley Leighton, an established choral conductor and long-time singer with the Los Angeles Master Chorale who was appointed assistant conductor of the chorus a year ago, has been promoted to the newly-created post of Associate Conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) it was announced by LAMC Chair Mark Foster. Her three-year term begins July 2011 and continues through the 2013-14 Season.

In this capacity Leighton will continue to work closely with the Chorale’s Music Director, Grant Gershon, to provide increased input on artistic programming and educational outreach projects, provide assistance at rehearsals and support Gershon’s leadership. In addition, during the 2011-12 Season, she will ascend the podium twice: on opening night, October 16, 2011, she will conduct Tarik O’Regan’s Tal vez tenemos tiempo, and on the season’s penultimate concert, “Andes to the Sea,” on April 29, 2012, she will also be featured. Leighton will conduct the Chorale in subsequent seasons as well.

“Lesley has been an invaluable asset to the Los Angeles Master Chorale,” says Foster. “By promoting her to Associate Conductor, we are acknowledging her significant artistic role in our organization.”

“Lesley is a tremendous musical talent with keen sensibilities and wonderful conducting skills,” states Gershon. “It has been a pleasure to work with her over the past year. A consummate musician with a deep knowledge of and passion for choral music, Lesley has been an amazing resource for both the Chorale and me. Her promotion is well deserved, and I look forward to continuing to build upon our successful artistic partnership.”

Leighton, a native Angeleno who attended Westchester High School, was appointed Assistant Conductor in July 2010 and will begin serving as Associate Conductor in July 2011. She sang with the LAMC from 1991 to 1997, before moving to New York City to continue her professional freelance music career and to serve as Director of Development for the Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She rejoined the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 2007. Since 2008, Leighton has served as Artistic Director of the 100-voice Los Robles Master Chorale and its Consort Singers for which she also established, in 2010, its annual High School and College Choir Festival. In addition, she directs the newly established New West Symphony Chorus, which debuted in May 2011. Among other professional highlights, in June 2011, she prepped a choir for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 for the Japan Relief concert held at Disney Hall and has performed with some of the world's most eminent conductors, including Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Loren Maazel, Simon Rattle, and Esa-Pekka Salonen. Her opera credits include principal appearances with New York City Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Köln Opera, and Glyndebourne.

Leighton studied with LAMC Music Director Emeritus Paul Salamunovich at Loyola Marymount University, where she earned her BA in choral conducting. She obtained a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of Southern California, where she is currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral music with her mentor and nationally recognized choral conductor, Jo-Michael Scheibe. The recipient of a two-year teaching assistantship from the Thornton School of Music at USC, Leighton was also honored in 2009 through the university's “Remarkable Women Awards” program in recognition of her "outstanding accomplishments and endless dedication" in the area of choral music.

New Sprouts Farmers Market to Open in Westlake Village in May

Here is what the beautiful new Sprouts in Westlake Village now looks like. Located at 1012 S. Westlake Boulevard (at Agoura Road). Phone 805.917.4200.

Originally posted in March 2011: Sprouts Farmers Market cannot tell me the exact date yet, but tells me that the new Westlake Village store is slated to open sometime in mid-May 2011. That's not too far away. That would be the 2nd mid-May opening in a row for Sprouts, which opened its first Conejo Valley (or Ventura County, for that matter) Sprouts in the old Circuit City building at Hillcrest and Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks on May 12, 2010.

This new Sprouts as you can see below is work in process and I'm sure it'll be looking might nice for opening day. This is great news for the other businesses surrounding Sprouts, which should benefit from the added traffic.

Click to read more ...

Free Pet Pantry for Needy Cats and Dogs in Ventura County

A free "Pet Pantry" program is open every Sunday in the east county due to the generous outpouring of donations that Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received from private residents, and regular contributions by local merchants including Wal-Mart and Do It Center.

The Simi Valley VCAS Pet Pantry is located at: 670 W. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. or when supplies run out.

The Camarillo VCAS Pet Pantry is located at: 600 Aviation Avenue, Camarillo, Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon or when supplies run out.

VCAS is accepting donations for this program, including cash, pet food, accessories and supplies.

Volunteers are needed to run the Pet Pantry Program, particularly at the Simi Valley location.  Interested individuals can contact the Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator at VCAS.Volunteer@ventura.org or call 805.388.4341.

For updates, visit www.vcas.us.

Ventura County Star Reports That Roxy's Deli in Thousand Oaks is Closing but Seeks Another Location

The post-mortem: Here is what used to be Roxy's as of June 28, 2011 :< Not a single remnant of Roxy's is left. We do hope they find another local home.

Originally reported June 24, 2011: Yikes! After 20 years, Roxy's Deli is closing its doors**, reports the Ventura County Star in this article. A fixture in Thousand Oaks, Roxy's has definitely been encountering increased competition over the last 5 to 10 years with the addition of Brent's Deli, Pickles Deli and Nate N Al Deli among others. Apparently a new restaurant is on its way. In the meantime, Roxy's owner indicates they are seeking another location in the area. So all is not lost...perhaps we will retain Roxy's and see another new restaurant in town...

**The VC Star article indicates TONIGHT (Friday) but Roxy's told me they are open through brunch this coming Sunday morning.

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken is Coming to Moorpark

I was passing through Moorpark today driving east on Los Angeles Avenue when I noticed a new Popeyes® Louisiana Chicken to the right of me. I was able to snap this quick shot as I sped by. While I'm personally not a big fried chicken fan, the rest of my family is. That's not to say that I won't eat some if it appears in my kitchen. This would make it the 5th Popeyes location within and in close proximity to Ventura County, with other locations in Westlake Village (on the cusp of Ventura County), Simi Valley and 2 in Oxnard. Find the specifics at http://popeyes.com/locator.php.

This Popeyes is located in the vicinity of Los Angeles Avenue near Spring Road.

And on a related note, I'm a stickler for appropriate use of apostrophes, and thus when I see the name Popeyes without the apostrophe gives me an unsettling feeling. Maybe I just have a mild case of OCD. Hmm. Hope my wife doesn't read this.

In any case, I've always made the mental assumption that this chain but of course is named after the famous cartoon character. But I looked at the menu and noticed spinach is nowhere to be found. Curious, I read about the chain's history on its website and discovered that it was named after Gene Hackman's character, James "Popeye" Doyle, in The French Connection.

Amazing how much you can learn from a quick drive through Moorpark. Just wish Popeyes would consider adding an apostrophe to their name.