East County Sheriff Watch Alert Re: Catalytic Converter Thefts

Here is the latest "East County Sheriff Watch" alert from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. This program is designed to target unincorporated neighborhoods in the area, such as Oak Park, Bell Canyon, Lynn Ranch, Casa Conejo and Lake Sherwood. If you would like these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

A catalytic converter is part of the emission system on a vehicle.  It is located underneath, near the muffler.  Over the last month, there have been several thefts of catalytic converters in the Thousand Oaks area.   Thieves have primarily targeted Toyota trucks and Toyota SUV type vehicles.  These thefts have occurred in both residential and business areas, during the late night to early morning hours. 

The unincorporated area has also been affected by this trend.  During the early morning hours of 5/26/12, thieves stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the Casa Conejo neighborhood of Newbury Park.  

Be aware that it only takes minutes for this type of theft to occur.  It is possible the thieves work in pairs, having one act as the look out.  Investigators believe the catalytic converters are most likely being sold to recycling centers.

Crime Prevention Tips

Park your vehicle in the garage.  If your car is going to be parked for an extended period of time, for instance at a shopping center or commuter transit parking lot, park your car in a well-lit area.  Also, try to park near the entrance of the building or near an access road that is heavily traveled. 

Crime Stoppers

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

Great Clips Hair Salon Coming to Newbury Park on Saturday, June 2nd

In what used to be Unicuts, a new Great Clips hair salon is opening next to the Starbucks at 421 S Reino Road in Newbury Park on Saturday, June 2nd.

A web search for more information turned up a Thousand Oaks Acorn article that indicated the new store will be offering $4.99 haircuts for the entire month of June! Nice! No appointments taken. Call 805.498.9222 for more information. Open 7 days per week. www.GreatClips.com

Palm Garden Hotel Newbury Park Sold: Will Become The Palm Hotel and Spa

PALM GARDEN HOTEL PURCHASED BY LOCAL BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST HARRY SELVIN

It might simply be a coincidence that commercial real estate businessman, Harry Selvin closed escrow on his latest property on April fool’s day.  With so many vacancies in the market, and hotels closing every day, it seems a bit of folly that Mr. Selvin has purchased the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park.  But then again, maybe not. Located just off the 101 freeway at the Ventu Park exit, the venue will be renamed The Palm Hotel and Spa and will undergo a renovation that will exceed $1.5 million. 

Enhancements will be reflected throughout the public spaces, including the front entrance and lobby, pool area and signature courtyard as well as the grand ballroom, flexible meeting spaces and each of the guest rooms and suites.

The Hotel and Spa’s restaurant will be under the management of Brendan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, dedicated to delicious food and excellent service and featuring a full wine selection and flexible menu for any occasion.  From seafood and steaks, to American Breakfast, to special and unique event catering, Brendan’s staff looks forward to fulfilling every need of the Hotel’s guests.

The Palm Hotel and Spa is perfect for weddings, fundraisers and any event large or small, housing a spacious ballroom with lovely views of the signature courtyard.  A Gazebo surrounded by roses and a rolling lawn that accommodates up to 175 guests provides a romantic and picturesque setting for exchanging vows, followed by a fully-catered reception in the grand ballroom.

"The most exciting edition to the venue is the new spa,” says owner Harry Selvin.  “Massage, steam room and other amenities will be provided within the spa, and the feeling of being pampered will spill over into our newly-renovated rooms and even into the lobby areas.” 

As a businessman, Mr. Selvin has specific plans for the renovation of the hotel’s meeting and event space, enhancing them with an engaging new look and making the Hotel and Spa ideal for board meetings, corporate events and social occasions. A b

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Brendan's Irish Pub to Open Newbury Park Location This Summer

The popular Brendan's Irish Pub & Restaurant has announced that it will be opening a third location this summer in Newbury Park where Eric's Restaurant currently resides (495 N. Ventu Park Road at the Palm Garden Hotel). The grand opening is anticipated in the latter part of summer 2012 (Brendan's implies July is a realistic time frame in a recent Facebook post).

Wow! I'm impressed at Brendan's growth! Brendan's Newbury Park will be located just 9 miles from the Camarillo location and9 miles from the Agoura Hills location.

Visit the Brendan's Newbury Park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/brendansnewbury for updates.

Beer continues to be on a growth spurt in Ventura County.

Eric's will continue to be open for dinner and drinks in the meantime! Call the hotel at 805.716.4200 or Eric's directly at 805.716.4100.

Laker Girls Appear at the Newbury Park Arco Am Pm Grand Opening April 6-7

For those of you who regularly check out Conejo Valley Guide, you know that our primary focus is covering events, activities and things to do in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County area. As such, most of what you see on this site relates to the future, not the past, which is best covered by our great local newspapers.

However, sometimes we make exceptions, particularly here in the Local Buzz blog where we like to periodically report random goings on that we find interesting and/or amusing. Such was the case yesterday and today in Newbury Park, where we learned that the brand new Arco Am Pm at 2305 Borchard Road (at Michael) was hosting a grand opening celebration that, among other things, featured an appearance by THE LAKER GIRLS!

It's not every day that we get to see Laker Girls in our neck of the woods...in fact, this is the first and only time I can recall this happening in my nearly 20 years in the Conejo Valley. So given the significance I just HAD to stop by several times. Never have I seen so many SMILES at a gas station! Thanks to the owners of this station. Good times were had by all. :>

N' Awlinz Bistro Opening in Newbury Park this Month!

UPDATE: They are now open!!

Now this sounds good! A brand new restaurant is in the works at the Wendy Kimber Plaza in Newbury Park. N' Awlinz Bistro will serve contemporary New Orleans French-Creole style cooking created by chef and owner, Marcus Webster. 

Check out their menu at www.nawlinzbistro.com. Fried catfish, Po' Boys, Bourbon Street Seafood Jambalaya (oooh, my wife will love this), Seafood Gumbo, Blackened Red Snapper and more. This sounds like some mighty fine Cajun cooking. I can't wait.

Their address is 3321-C Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. Call 805.499.7400 for more information.

Jake's Wayback Burgers is Coming to Newbury Park in 2012

On Monday the Ventura County Star reported that Jake's Wayback Burgers will be opening a Newbury Park location "in two to four months."

Jake's opened its first location in Delaware in 1991 and has expanded to 42 location in 12 states, none of which is anywhere close to California. However, QSR Magazine announced on December 31st that Jake's is expanding this year by franchising into a handful of new states, including 2 locations in Oregon and as well as the Newbury Park location.

Since I don't get out much to the east coast, I've never been to Jake's. Here's what they say on their Facebook page:

Jake's Wayback Burgers serves the best burgers under the bun, hand pattied from 100% fresh, never frozen ground beef and grilled to order. Jake's Wayback offers amazing shakes that are made from real milk and ice cream, served in a frosty metal shaker. Jake's Wayback has also added new items to our menu, such as marinated grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, and house-made chips, as well as the famous Burger and Shake of the Month.

Sounds pretty good to me! Seems like a new burger joint is popping up every other month (Tommy's in Ventura, Umami Burger in Thousand Oaks, Red Robin in Thousand Oaks, Five Guys in Thousand Oaks, Sliders in Simi Valley...the list goes on) but hey, everyone likes a good burger, beef, veggie or otherwise.

Location to be announced at a later date...visit waybackburgers.com for more information.

Baja Fresh Newbury Park Location Closed as of Tuesday, January 10th

Several CVG Facebook followers indicated last night that Baja Fresh located at The Village at Newbury Park on Broadbeck Drive had an eviction notice on the door.  I'm sad to say that Baja Fresh Newbury Park is now Buh Bye Fresh effective yesterday, January 10th.

We hope and trust that the employees of this location quickly find jobs elsewhere. In fact, I noticed there was a "we're hiring" sign at Presto Pasta a few doors away.

There are 10 other Baja Fresh locations in and around the Ventura County, including Camarillo (2), Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard, Ventura and Calabasas. Visit www.bajafresh.com for more information.

But what makes this particularly sad from a nostalgia perspective because the very first Baja Fresh location opened in Newbury Park in 1990, at the corner of Wendy and Kimber. Ultimately that location moved over to Broadbeck Drive. So this marks the first time in 22 years that Newbury Park is without a Baja Fresh.

It is not surprising to me that this location is closed, given it is across the parking lot from a newer Chipotle and a Rubios, El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell are all within a few blocks of this location, not to mention a Sharky's in Newbury Park. Lots of competition for Mexican food.

New Italian Restaurant, La Cucina di Venti, Coming to Paraiso Town Center in Dos Vientos this November

Update 12/10/11: La Cucina di Venti is slated to open on Monday, December 12, according to the restaurant's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaCucinadiVentinp.

Originally posted 8/2/11: Under new ownership, the beautiful Paraiso Town Center in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park recently announced that a new restaurant is planned to open this Fall. La Cucina di Venti is a family owned Italian/American Grill. They will serve Italian food and pizza. No additional details at this point but follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/La-Cucina-di-Venti/124312997662911?sk=wall for the latest updates. And of course while you're at it follow CVG's page for daily updates, contests and other tidbits

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Lamppost Pizza Newbury Park Closing Its Doors December 4th

Well this is sad news. One of the more popular venues for hanging out after kids' sports games will be closing its doors permanently on Sunday, December 4, 2011. Lamppost Pizza has been a Newbury Park mainstay for as long as I can recall (and I've been in the Conejo Valley for 18 years) but apparently the economy has taken its toll as they announced their closing on their Facebook page 2 days ago. I always enjoy(ed) Lamppost, even when I have to deal with kids nagging me for quarters for the little toy machines.

Lamppost Newbury Park will close its doors for good at 10PM that night, according to a worker there. Their address is 2160 Newbury Road. Phone is 805.499.0303.

But the owners said that the Oak Park location (corner of Lindero and Kanan) will remain open. I actually like that location better. Their number is 818.879.2195. 

There are now actually 28, well, soon to be 27, Lamppost locations in California and Reno, Nevada. Other Ventura County locations managed by other owners include Moorpark and Simi Valley.

City of Thousand Oaks Awards 61 Grants to Local Organizations for FY 2011-12

On November 1st, the Thousand Oaks City Council awarded $275,000 to 61 local groups and organizations for the fiscal 2011-2012 year in support of local events and activities (and here at Conejo Valley Guide we LOVE covering local events and activities!).  City Council received recommendations from the Cultural Affairs Commission and Community Funding Review Committee in support of the following:

Community Events Endowment Fund Grant Awards - Arts Events

• Adopt a Future at Tropical Daze 2011 - $1,000
• Cabrillo Music Theatre 30 2010-11 Shows  - $7,500
• California Shakespeare Company Shows Mar-May 2012 - $2,000
• Conejo Chinese Cultural Association Performance 2/18/12 $1,000
• Conejo Civic Ballet - The Nutcracker 12/11/11 $3,000
• Conejo Schools Foundation - 2012 Choir/Band Festivals - $2,000
• Conejo Valley Historical Society - Tales of Old Conejo - $1,000

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Billy D'z Backyard BBQ Coming to Newbury Park This Fall

Update 11/17/11: The owners of Billy D'z say that their grand opening will be Monday, November 28th! Looking pretty nice in there. Situated in between Tomodachi and Subway across the parking lot from Fresh and Easy.

Originally posted 10/3/11: For those of you driving in the vicinity of Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park, you may have noticed this sign facing Wendy at the Conejo Gateway shopping c

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Miller Family YMCA to Host Indoor Cycle-A-Thon and Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive on Saturday, November 12th

Miller YMCA To Host Indoor Cycle-A-Thon and Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive

The Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park will be holding its first indoor Cycle-A-Thon, Saturday, November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Y (320 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park). The event will raise money for the Y's Healthy Living Program. During the cycle-a-thon, 150 Thanksgiving Day food baskets will be assembled for distribution to residents in the community.

Teams of riders will be cycling nonstop on stationary bikes during the cycle-a-thon. The cyclists will be entertained throughout the day with music and live entertainment. Everyone who participates will receive a continental breakfast and lunch and goody bag. Prizes will be awarded in categories including the team raising the most money, the rider who pedaled the longest and the team with the most spirit.

"We're asking teams to collect donations of at least $200 per team," says Katie Beck, the Miller Y executive director. "We're hoping to raise $5,000 that day--through the cycle-a-thon, a raffle, a silent auction and direct donations."

Volunteers are also needed to assemble the food baskets during the cycle-a-thon. "Many of our neighbors need a little extra help this holiday season. As part of the Y's ongoing Healthy Living Program, we want to make sure these families have everything they need for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner," says Beck.

Community members can donate nonperishable items to the food basket drive from November 1 through November 10 or donate $35, which provides a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four.

Only 15 cycling teams can participate in the cycle-a-thon. For more information including how to form a team, join an existing team or to volunteer, contact Katie Beck at kbeck@millerymca.org or call the Y at 805-480-0309.

Paraiso Town Center in Newbury Park to Be Renamed The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch

Paraiso Town Center to Be Renamed The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch

Paraiso Town Center in the Thousand Oaks master planned community of Dos Vientos Ranch will be renamed The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch, announced Peter Cohen, president of Paradise Capital Group, which acquired the 50,000 square-foot mixed-used retail and office complex in June 2010.

A new name was very important in our efforts to rebrand and market the property, said Cohen.   We wanted to give the center a fresh start with a new name that was easy to pronounce and remember. While Paraiso (Spanish for "Paradise") was a beautiful and obviously very distinctive name, four out of five people would pronounce it incorrectly, and that is not good from a marketing perspective.

Immediately after acquiring the center, Paradise Capital Group conducted an informal poll and learned that the community was largely in favor of a name change.   There has been a lot of negative stigma associated with the center for some time and getting a new owner and new name for this beautiful center is great for Dos Vientos Ranch and all of Thousand Oaks, said Dan Bonfiglio, a local resident and president of the Dos Vientos Ranch Community Association.  It's exciting to see the positive changes taking place and it's obviously working  as we are seeing leasing activity for the first time in years.
Since acquiring the center, approximately 7,500 square feet of retail and office leases have been signed nearly doubling the existing occupancy.

There has been a lot of interest in the center since the ownership change, said CB Richard Ellis Vice President Lawrence Tanji, who leads the retail marketing on behalf of Paradise Capital Group. The new name is yet another example of the positive changes taking place there and local retailers and business are taking notice.

Built in 2008, The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch includes 40,000 square feet of ground level retail and restaurant space with outdoor dining, and 10,000 square feet of office space.  The Mediterranean style complex also features a children's playground and landscaped common areas with fountains.  The centerpiece is an outdoor amphitheater with a performance stage and movie screen.

Retail tenants include La Cucina di Venti, Boney Mountain Coffee, Red Coral Sushi Restaurant, Fitness Together, The Art Box and Paraiso Cleaners.  Office tenants include ETF Portfolio Management, Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics, Team Resources, McQueen & Associates and Worldwide Supply.

Mandarin Bistro to Open in Newbury Park at the Old Pick Up Stix Location

9/12/11 Update: Mandarin Bistro will be open for business on Monday, September 19th.

Cool menu - get to see what you're ordering! :>

Original post 7/11/11: Thanks to a tip from fellow Facebooker Kimberly G, I've discovered that what used to be Pick Up Stix at 501 S. Reino Road in Newbury Park will soon be Mandarin Bistro. I have no additional information at this point but it looks like it will be opening soon.

Hopefully there will be good as I'm always hungry for Chinese food, and I'm always hungry soon after eating Chinese food. But that's another story.

But I digress. I wonder why they call it a bistro. Bistro is a French word that according to Webster's Dictionary means "small, unpretentious restaurant." Well OK, I guess this location is small and pretentious, so that works.

On a separate but kind of related note, CB Richard Ellis is marketing space 501-D in that plaza, 3 doors down, between the cleaners and the Hallmark store. That would be Pure Beauty. They say the 2,540 sq ft space will be available in October 2011 at $2.45 per sq ft, including fixtures, plus $.40 for triple net.

Here's where Mandarin Bistro will be located

Looks Like Ranch Hand BBQ is Relocating to Another Newbury Park Location

Since this original post on July 17th I've spoken with several people who say they can't live without their tri tip and ribs. They opened on September 1st. We've been there and my kids love it. Popular place already!

Ranch Hand BBQ currently is located at 3321-B Kimber Drive in Newbury Park. However, there's a brand spanking new Ranch Hand BBQ sign up next door to Tutti Frutti at 1015 Broadbeck Drive. Given these two locations are only 1.5 miles apart, one might presume that Ranch Hand BBQ will soon be moving to this new location.  I believe my wife and kids have eaten at Ranch Hand before and I heard no complaints. And that is all.

Visit http://ranch-hand-bbq.com/ or call 805.375.4252 to learn more about Ranch Hand BBQ.

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.

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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Cronies Sports Grill Opening Its Doors in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th

The long-awaited opening of another Cronies has come to an end. Cronies will be opening it doors at Stagecoach Plaza in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th!

Two beers or not two beers? That is the question. But usually one cold, frosty beer at Cronies does the trick for me! www.Cronies.com

Spanish Speaking Community Robbery Scam in Newbury Park on January 25th

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Nature of Incident: Robbery scam in Spanish speaking community

Location: 600 Block of Avenida Del Platino, Newbury Park

Date & Time: January 25, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m.

Victim: Female adult / Hispanic Newbury Park 56
Suspect 1 (S-1): Hispanic male Unknown 60-65 years
Suspect 2 (S-2): Hispanic female Unknown 60-65 years

A Newbury Park woman was the victim of a robbery once the suspects talked their way into her home. The female Hispanic victim answered a knock at her front door and was greeted by an older Hispanic couple. The man asked in Spanish if they could have some water, while both suspects acted like they were in need of water. The victim felt sorry for the couple and said in Spanish she would get them some water. The victim left the door open and walked to her kitchen to get some water.

When the victim turned around, both the suspects were already in her home. The victim gave some water to the female suspect as the male suspect walked into the victim’s bedroom. The victim followed after the male suspect and asked what he was doing. The male suspect turned and approached the victim in an intimidating manner. The male suspect got angry and yelled at the victim to “be quiet.”

The victim became very afraid of the suspects and feared for her safety because she was home alone. Both suspects went through the residence looking for items to take. The suspects took items of gold jewelry, a flat screen television, an Apple iPod touch, a black PSP Play Station, victim’s cell phone, U.S. Currency, U.S. Immigration card and Social Security Card.

The suspects loaded the items into an older light gray van (possibly a Chrysler), and locked the victim out of her home before driving away.

(S-1) is described as a Hispanic male in his early to mid sixties, 5’-4” to 5’-7” in height, 155 to 165 pounds, well dressed, and spoke only Spanish in a loud intimidating voice. (S-2) is described as an Hispanic female in her early to mid sixties, 5’-6” to 5’-8” in height, 200 to 230 pounds, long straight black hair worn in a pony tail that reached her lower back, wearing a black sweater over a long black dress with black flat shoes, brown purse, and only spoke Spanish. Neither suspect had any unique traits, scars, marks, or tattoos. Based on the victim only speaking Spanish and living in a predominantly Spanish neighborhood, I believe the suspects will continue to prey upon other Hispanic victims.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which 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).