There are Eight Subway Stores in Camarillo; Why Not Make It Nine?

At 389 Carmen Drive, Camarillo (in the Carmen Plaza...or perhaps better known at the Big Lots/Trader Joe's Plaza) there's a large "Subway Opening Soon" sign up. This spot was previously occupied by Polar Bears Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt and Yogreens. This would make 9 Subways in Camarillo. Previously a Quizno's was located in the adjacent space that is now occupied by GNC. Musical stores?

And next door I see a Sports Clips is coming, which will be the 2nd Sports Clips in Ventura County (the other one is in Newbury Park, on Wendy Drive near the Fresh & Easy).

Thrifty Ice Cream Brings Me Memories of My Childhood

I recently stopped by the Las Posas Car Wash, 100 South Las Posas Road, and noticed something new...Thrifty Ice Cream!

The last time I was there I believe they were serving up Haagen Dazs. Thrifty, which is also available at most Rite Aid Stores (and there are currently 16 of them in Ventura County and adjacent cities), is a local brand that goes back over 70 years. It was first produced in Hollywood in 1940 and since 1976 has been manufactured in El Monte. Mmmm...always loved Thrifty Ice Cream at Thrifty Drug Stores.

A single scoop at the car wash is $1.69, which is reasonable enough...though I seem to recall a scoop costing about a quarter or so back in the day. Am I getting old or what!

Sharky's Appears to Be Making Their Way to the Camarillo Town Center Shopping Center

Update 5/11: Now there are massive Sharky's Coming Soon signs up on the windows. So I'm upgrading this post from "appears to be" to "is" :>

The space previously occupied by Boston Market at the Camarillo Town Center Shopping Center has been vacant for nearly 3 years now. So it surprised me that out of the blue there was the following telltale sign of something going on...affixed to the door.

It appears that Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill is in process of obtaining a beer and wine license for that location. So I called the Sharky's corporate office in Westlake Village and confirmed that, yes, Sharky's is planning to brings its healthy, organic Mexican fare to Camarillo! No specific date known yet, but they are hoping for sometime in the next few months!

There are other local Ventura County and adjacent area Sharky's locations in Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Ventura and Calabasas. Visit www.sharkys.com for more information.

The soon-to-be Sharky's Camarillo is next to Panda Express where Boston Market used to reside.

The French Bulldog Bistro & Lounge in Camarillo Opening Thursday, March 15th

JJ Brewsky's in Old Town Camarillo is currently in renovation to re-open as The French Bulldog Bistro & Lounge next weekend! Specifically, the new owner indicates they will be opening on Thursday, March 15th and reservations are currently being taken via email. (See The French Bulldog Facebook page for details.) The French Bulldog is a gastro-tavern serving a new selection of martinis, specialty drinks, beers and food by Chef Gael Lecolley! Their website is www.thefrenchbulldogbistro.com and phone is (same as JJ's) 805.482.5249. Should be fun to check it out!

Anyone else noticing the clear trend in gastro pubs and taverns around town!? Brendan's Pub in Camarillo and more recently in Agoura Hills, The Tipsy Goat and The Mermaid Tavern in Thousand Oaks, Ladyface Alehouse and The Lab Brewing Company in Agoura, the new Cronies location in Newbury Park (also in Simi, Ventura and Camarillo), The Kitchen in Downtown Oxnard and more. Bottom line: Beer is recession-proof!

Is a Walmart Store Coming to Camarillo?

Hmm, perhaps we'll be seeing Walmart in Camarillo. Not certain, but there's a sign, literally, that might indicate something is in the works.

This sign is posted on the window of the long-vacant Linens and Things that was located in the Camarillo Town Shopping Center at 275 W. Ventura Boulevard.

According to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website, Walmart Stores Inc. applied for a license to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption off premises. This could indicate Walmart may be interested in opening a store at that location.

But wait, this location is about 36,000 sq ft, a small fraction of the size of a typical Walmart Discount Store or Supercenter. Hmm, well Walmart does have nearly 170 Walmart Neighborhood Markets that according to Walmart "offer a quick and convenient shopping experience for customers who need groceries, pharmaceuticals, and general merchandise all at our famous Every Day Low Prices." The typical store size is 42,000 sq ft.

Would be great to see that space filled with something permanent! Let's wait and see. In the meantime, there are still Walmart stores in Oxnard (2001 N. Rose Avenue) and Simi Valley (255 Cochran Street).

This is the old "Linens and Things" site in question, sandwiched between Ross and Target on the east and Staples and Sports Authority on the west.

City of Camarillo Seeks Proposals For Re-Use of its Former Library

The City of Camarillo has issued a Request for Proposals for its former library property, located at 3100 Ponderosa Drive. It is a single story 16,570 sq ft building located on 2 acres in a residential area off Camarillo, adjacent to the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club and Bob Kildee Park.

The building was constructed in 1974 and has been vacant since 2007, when the new Camarillo Library was opened on Las Posas Road.

The City seeks proposals from interested parties for re-use of the building. Proposals are due by 2/15/12.

The City's preference is for a use that complements the surrounding area and takes into consideration the residential and recreational use of the area. The ideal use will serve residents on a city-wide basis as well as those living in the surrounding areas. Permitted uses in the R-1 Zone can include (subject to a conditional use permit): churches; day care facilities; elementary school; junior high; high school; boarding school; tennis clubs; swim clubs; governmental facilities; libraries and museums; philanthropic and charitable institutions; and public utility buildings.

Hmm, so it looks like this is not the most appropriate location for, say, a nightclub. :>

Proposals should include a budget with a cost element for either purchase or lease of the facility.

For more information, visit www.ci.camarillo.ca.us or for a pdf of the actual RFP, click www.ci.camarillo.ca.us/docs/Former%20Library%20RFP.pdf

Four Tailgate Thefts Reported to Camarillo Police Department Yesterday

Last night (12/6/11), the Camarillo Police Department received calls from 4 victims who reported the tailgates on their trucks had been stolen. One of the trucks was a GMC and the other 3 were Dodges. The thefts occurred in the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo.

 

Stealing a tailgate can be done very quickly, especially if the tailigate is left down. A quick search of the internet can show anyone how to remove a tailgate in less than 15 seconds.

 

Tailgate thefts are a not a new crime, however with internet sites such as Craigslist and ebay, it is easier for thieves to sell the tailgates they steal.

 

If you are a truck owner, there are various companies that sell devices that can assist you in securing your taiigate. It can cost $1000 or more to replace a tailgate so making sure your tailigate is secure should be something for you to consider as a truck owner.

Camarillo Drive-Thru Chick-fil-A Decision to Be Appealed at City Council Meeting Tonight

Update 11/3/11: City Council upheld the Planning Commission's denial of a Chick-fil-A drive-thru at the Camarillo Premium Outlets. Hey Chick-fil-A, we love ya! How about another location? Maybe Thousand Oaks!? :>

At a September 6, 2011 Camarillo Planning Commission meeting, Chick-fil-A was denied the approval to build a 4,670 sq ft drive-through location at The Promenade section of the Camarillo Premium Outlets. Although a number of attendees supported the Chick-fil-a at the meeting, including representatives from the Camarillo and Oxnard Chambers of Commerce and others in the community, the Planning Commission voted against the proposal by a 3 to 2 margin.

The primary reason for rejecting the application was that a The Promenade is not consistent with the specific plan for the area and is not a good fit for the location. Representatives from the adjacent Johnny Rockets were not in favor for the drive-thru because of concerns of auto exhaust fumes impacting diners in the outdoor patio area of their restaurant as well as potential traffic issues.

The decision was appealed and is being presented to the Camarillo City Council tonight. City Council will be asked to reaffirm the Planning Commission's denial by the city's Community Planning Department. Stop by if you are "hungering" for action. Most people I know love Chick-fil-A, including my family, and would love more locations other than the existing one in Oxnard. But I can see the potential concern for a drive-thru in that particular location.

New Self Service Frozen Yogurt Place, Yogreens, Opened in Camarillo on Sept 24th

UPDATE: Yogreens closed on 12/2/2011.

Yogreens is a new self service frozen yogurt place located at the Carmen Plaza Shopping Center, corner of Carmen and Daily in Camarillo (the one with Big Lots and Trader Joe's). It just opened on Saturday, September 24th. Haven't been there yet but plan to. This is where Polar Bears Ice Cream/Yogurt used to be located.  As evidenced by their name, they will serve frozen yogurt and have a salad bar (the latter will be coming soon). I'm not real thrilled with the name Yogreens but at least I understand why they named it that.!

Visit their Facebook page for more information. Their number is 805.445.0054. And of course for the most comprehensive list of Frozen Yogurt and other cool treats around Ventura County, CLICK HERE.

Jeff Gorrell Sidewalk Office While on Deployment to Afghanistan

Today I drove by Marie Callender's in Camarillo and did a double-take when I saw a large Jeff Gorrell sign and card table. Recalling he has been deployed in Afghanistan, I thought, wow, guess he's back! So I parked and met up with his District Director and Field Representative at the booth and discovered that Jeff is still on deployment, perhaps until early 2012, and that his team holds these table-top offices around the county to listen to and exchange ideas with constituents. Was great to see them out there!

Jeff was voted to the California State Assembly in 2010 in the 37th District that covers Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Ojai, Thousand Oaks and about one third of Simi Valley, as well as some other outlying areas (frankly, the district boundary map confuses the hell outta me http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/37/?p=districtMap). His website is http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/37/.

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.

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!

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.

Rudy's Mexican Restaurant Coming to Camarillo Village Square

Luna's Mexican used to be located there but has been closed awhile at the Camarillo Village Square (corner of Los Posas and Arneill). But there are new signs showing Rudy's Mexican Restaurant is coming soon. No website to be found but it appears this is the same Rudy's that has multiple locations in Santa Barbara.

Applebee's is Returning to Camarillo

Applebees is open as of Monday, June 20th. Plenty of cars in the parking lot!

Original post 5/31/11: Same place as before in the Camarillo Town Center Shopping Center at 291 West Ventura Boulevard, Applebee's is staging a Camarillo comeback. As some of you may recall, all 4 Ventura County Applebee's locations closed in January 2009. While I didn't get a photo of the sign on my way to Souplantation, I can say that they had "We're Hiring" signs up and people on hand to conduct interviews. This was confirmed by the following posting to Ventura County craigslist:

Discover Applebee's Grand Opening Hiring Event!
-Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Camarillo is currently seeking experienced individuals to work in a fun fast-paced work environment for the following positions: Host, Server, Bartender, Carside Togo specialist, Food Expediter, Line Cook, Dishwasher/General Utility.
-Qualified Servers and Line Cooks should have at least one year of experience in a similar position in a casual dining restaurant.
-Professional appearance and attire required.
-For more information, visit our website: appleamerican.com
-Apply in person between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Friday at

Applebee's Camarillo
291 W. Ventura Blvd.
Camarillo, CA 93010

Off Leash Dog Park Pilot Program at Two Camarillo Parks Starts on June 13th

The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District Board of Directors recently approved an off-leash pilot program at two parks beginning Monday, June 13. A designated area of each park is available for off-leash use Monday - Friday from 6am - 9am and 5pm - 7pm.

Mission Oaks Park: See map for designated off-leash area

Springville Park: See map for designated off-leash area

Please be considerate of others and do not allow your dog to be off-leash outside the designated times and locations. This is a pilot program and off-leash hours will be in effect until September.

Looking for another location to exercise your pooch? Check out Camarillo Grove Park.

Brendan's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Camarillo Will Be Opening January 28th

January 14th update: They changed it up on us and annonced a "soft opening" 5pm Saturday night, January 15th! Brendan's is officially open.

January 11th update: Brendan's set to open on Friday, January 28th!

See their video at www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150379456790302&oid=144953932207556&comments

I had the good fortune today of stopping by the nearly completed Brendan's Pub and Restaurant in Camarillo today (1755 E. Daily Drive) and was treated to a spectacular assortment of Irish paraphernalia shipped directly from Ireland. The owners (including Brendan himself) are sparing no expense in ensuring this pub is completely authentic, including the bartender (who today was helping put finishing touches in the restaurant section of the pub.

Curtis the general manager could not give us a specific date but they will be opening their doors within the next week or two. They will be serving Guinness beer by the pint, with the foam hanging over the rim of the glass. (I may have to start acquiring a taste for Guinness so as not to embarrass myself here.) Among other things, Curtis mentioned that the corned beef and cabbage here is the best he's EVER tasted! Other things we noticed were two professional grade dartboards and an entire dart area, a beautiful bar, cool booths in the restaurant area and a fireplace.

Visit www.brendans.com or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/brendansirish to learn more (and while you're in Facebook, you gotta check out www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide!

Fresh & Easy Camarillo at Las Posas and Arneill

As mentioned last week, Fresh & Easy is building a new location in Camarillo near the corner of Las Posas and Arneill. You can't miss it. It is on the north side of Las Posas, west of Arneill, next to Phelps Medical Center. I can't even remember what used to be there now. Here's physical evidence of the construction.

Chick-fil-A Plans in T.O., Camarillo Are Being Carefully Scrutinized by City Planners

Thousand Oaks City planners are still reviewing the design of the 2,200 square foot Chick-fil-A building proposed to replace Weinerschnitzel, 3771 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard. There will be no date set for it to go before the planning commission until issues of drainage and grading are settled. There's not a lot of flexibility on the site to make new building requirements work. For a while Chick-fil-A looked around at other sites in Thousand Oaks that would also offer a drive-thru, but came back to the Weinerschnitzel site, a city official said. Maybe some time next year fried chicken breast sandwiches will replace hot dogs, chili and cheeseburgers.

In Camarillo, city planners are suggesting Chick-fil-A take a look at other sites than where the company has applied to build. The Camarillo Promenade is a carefully designed environment that has been tirelessly developed to meet a standard that is pedestrian friendly. The drive-thru proposed conflicts with the village retail setting described in the area's specific plan. The retail center is at Ventura Blvd. East of Los Posas. The city's community development department has not accepted the restaurant's application, saying it's incomplete. Planners like the company, just not the drive-thru in the Promenade.

Update on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 05:02PM by Nancy Needham

Thousand Oaks City Planner Pam Leopold said a new application was filed with the city today that appears to overcome several obstacles slowing down the previous application from Chick-fil-A. Now, the chicken sandwich restaurant wants to build a 2,197 square foot building with only outdoor dining and a drive-thru. The parcel did not accommodate interior dining, Pam said. Watch out for the wrecking ball, little Weinerschnitzel guy.

New Fresh & Easy Stores Coming Soon in Camarillo and Ventura

I don't have the specific dates, but two new Fresh & Easy stores are coming soon at 2249 Las Posas Road (at Arneill) in Camarillo and 2260 E. Thompson (at Seaward) in Ventura. And there ya have it. Visit www.freshandeasy.com for more information. Personally I'm a Fresh & Easy fan as I can usually count on getting in and out of the store extremely quickly with the self serve approach. I enjoy buying snacks, bakery items and pre-packaged meals at F&E but also buy other things. Prices seem pretty reasonable. Don't get my wrong, I still stop by Trader Joes and other markets but there is something uniquely different about F&E that brings me back.