Qdoba Mexican Grill to Open in Simi Valley on Tuesday, May 29th

Qdoba Mexican Grill is celebrating the grand opening of its first location in Simi Valley, at 2091 Madera Road, Suite A, on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.

To celebrate the new location, the first 100 guests who visit on Tuesday will receive one free entrée. Guests can enjoy Qdoba’s signature flavors, like its Mexican Gumbo™, 3-Cheese Queso or Ancho Chile BBQ burrito, or Qdoba’s Craft 2™ menu, which lets guests mix and match perfect portions of popular items, including a Naked Burrito®, Naked Taco Salad™, Mexican Gumbo™, 3-cheese nachos, two tacos, quesadilla or tortilla soup.

Continuing the grand-opening festivities into the weekend, the first 15 guests to dine at the restaurant on Saturday, June 2 and on Sunday, June 3 will receive burritos for a year (52 free entrees)!

Also, throughout the day on Sunday, Qdoba will be hosting a “Lil’ Foodies” event, where kids under 12 years old will receive one free Kid’s Meal, with purchase of a regular entrée. A balloon twister and face painter will also be at the Simi Valley Qdoba from noon until 3 p.m. that day to visit with the Lil’ Foodies.

This is the 14^th Qdoba location in Southern California, with another location scheduled to open in Temecula in early June. Guests can visit the Qdoba Southern California Facebook page to keep apprised of all of the promotions, events, etc. for the new Simi Valley and other SoCal Qdoba locations.

Qdoba Mexican Grill Simi Valley's phone is 805.955.0350. Hours are 10:30am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 10pm on Sunday.

Ventura Superior Court Plans to Suspend Services at East County Courthouse in Simi Valley Effective June 25, 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Government Code §68106)

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

RESPONDING TO THE FISCAL CRISIS THE VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT IS PLANNING TO SUSPEND SERVICES AT THE EAST COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND RELOCATE SERVICES TO THE HALL OF JUSTICE IN VENTURA

The Ventura Superior Court is planning on suspending all court operations, except for Traffic payments and Collection payments at the East County Courthouse branch located at 3855–F Alamo Street, Simi Valley on June 25, 2012.

All operations related to Family Law, Unlawful Detainer, Small Claims and Criminal/Traffic Court (except for making criminal/traffic payments) will be relocated to the main courthouse located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

The Ventura Superior Court is facing a $10.5 million dollar deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 2012, which is projected to increase to $12.7 million if the Governor’s proposed tax initiatives are not passed by the voters in the November general election.

In addressing the continuing growing deficit the court must implement additional cost reduction measures including additional layoffs. Family Law, Unlawful Detainer, Small Claims and Criminal/Traffic are case types that are currently also filed and heard at the main courthouse located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue. Relocating these cases to the main courthouse will allow for greater efficiencies by processing all the above listed case types in one court location with further reduced staff.

While the court regrets that inadequate funding is reducing access to the courts for the citizens of this county, it cannot maintain the current level of services.

Anyone wishing to comment on this plan may do so, either by regular mail or e-mail, by June 22, 2012. Please direct your response to: Michael D. Planet, Court Executive Officer, P.O. Box 6489, Ventura, CA 93006-6489 simiresponse@ventura.courts.ca.gov.

(Source: Ventura Superior Court website www.ventura.courts.ca.gov)

One Habit Burger is Not Enough for Simi Valley; 2nd Location Opening This Weekend

A second location of The Habit Burger is coming to Simi Valley this weekend at 2091 Madera Road next to Target. The other Habit is located on Tapo Canyon Road, just 5.5 miles away.

The official grand opening is next Wednesday, May 9th. But this Sunday, May 6th from noon to 2pm, the store will be open and all proceeds will benefit the Simi Valley YMCA!

This is the 8th Ventura County location for this fast-growing burger chain that originated in Santa Barbara in 1969. Other nearby locations are in Camarillo, Ventura (2), Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Oxnard.

I like The Habit for their very consistent quality and taste. And they have decent veggie burgers there too for those so inclined.

Visit www.habitburger.com for more information.

Grand Opening of Habitat for Humanity ReStore Outlet in Simi Valley on April 22

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County Opening Second ReStore in Simi Valley

On Sunday, April 22nd, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will be hosting the grand opening of its second Habitat ReStore, a Discount Home Improvement Center. This 19,000 sq. ft. retail outlet is located 1293-A E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley (corner of First Street; between RiteAid and 99¢ Only Store).  The ReStore will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with grand opening activities running throughout the day.

The Habitat ReStore in Simi Valley – an ideal location for East County residents and businesses – will be open to the public six days a week for donations, shopping, and volunteer opportunities. The new store will provide new and used merchandise that is 100 percent donated – from furniture, appliances, and hardware to home goods and building materials.  

“Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is thrilled to open a new Habitat ReStore in East Ventura County location,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director. “Our second ReStore in Simi Valley will enhance the sustainable funding stream already in place with our st

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Hometown Buffet in Simi Valley is Closed

I've never been to the Simi Valley Hometown Buffet nor will I or you in the future as it has closed its doors. The other Hometown Buffet in Ventura County is located at 1901 Lockwood Street, Oxnard, off of Rose Avenue near Best Buy. Been there a few times. Not something I go outta my way for but they get the job done, inexpensively. And there you have it.

Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Stores at Simi Valley Town Center to Close in March

Last month Abercrombie and Fitch contacted the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to announce they will be shuttering their stores at the Simi Valley Town Center by the end of March. Never good news to hear of local stores closing, but this is part of a wider plan announced by Abercrombie this past Wednesday that it plans to close 180 of its 1,014 U.S. stores over the next 3 years (following the closure of 71 stores in 2011). This will eliminate 117 jobs in Simi Valley, though hopefully new jobs will come when they find new tenants for these spaces. A&F generated $4.2 billion in 2011, with net income of about $128 million.

There are California laws that require employers with 75 or more employees to give at least 60 days' notice to employees and local officials when they plan to terminate 50 or more employees in a mass layoff.

Other notifications submitted to the Board of Supervisors last month included Zodiac Pool Systems, which is closing its Moorpark facility (125 impacted local jobs) and EDO Communications and Countermeasure Systems, which is closing its plant on Willow Lane in Thousand Oaks, thus impacting 147 jobs.

Let's hope to see a reversal of this trend.  In the meantime CLICK HERE for links to over 200 employers in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Discover the Real George Washington Exhibit at Reagan Library Feb 22 to May 18

Approximately 100 original objects associated with George Washington – including the only surviving complete set of his famous dentures – will be on display for the Reagan Library’s special exhibit, Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon.

The exhibition, which runs from February 22, 2012 to May 18, 2012, goes beyond the iconic image on the dollar bill to reveal the real George Washington as not only a general and president but as a young land surveyor, experimental farmer, and savvy entrepreneur. Washington’s views on religion and slavery, and the influence of his wife, Martha, are also explored in this exhibition which features life-size figures of Washington developed through a cutting-edge forensic investigation, engaging videos, original artifacts, intricate three-dimensional architectural models, and interactive displays.  

In addition to Washington’s dentures, paintings, books, maps, and objects such as surveying equipment, Revolutionary War armaments, tools used by slaves, and presidential table settings are among the artifacts featured in the exhibition. Mrs. Washington is represented by original jewelry, pieces of her china, silver, and glassware, and reproductions of her gold wedding dress and purple satin slippers.  The exhibit also includes three life-size models of George Washington - as a teenaged surveyor, as the commander-in-chief sitting atop a horse, and as the first president taking the oath of office.

Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon was organized by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. The exhibition was designed by MFM Design, Inc. and fabricated by Explus, Inc. The forensic figures of George Washington were created by StudioEIS.

2 New Freebirds World Burritos Opening in Agoura Hills and Simi Valley in December

Freebirds World Burrito is opening has opened two new local locations at 29125 Canwood St, Agoura Hills (Shoppes at Oak Creek - you can see it off the 101 freeway) and at 2490 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley (Sycamore Square).

Freebirds opened it first Ventura County location in Ventura back in June 2011.

More information about the grand openings at freebirds.com/locations/. I suspect there will be some grand opening events announced, so stay tuned.

FREEBIRDS is about awesome burritos and freedom of choice.   As guests join the queue, they are partnered with a team member, known as a "Roller," who helps them choose from four sizes of burrito made from four possible flavors of tortilla then hand-rolled with the guest's personal selection from more than forty freshly prepared ingredients including grass fed beef, hormone-free chicken, or all natural pork carnitas topped with hand-cut veggies and hot peppers plus house made salsas, queso and guacamole to create their perfect burrito.  Burritos range in size from the generously-sized Hybird starting at $5.29 to the legendary Super Monster which can weigh in at seven pounds. 

Each FREEBIRDS restaurant features the concept's signature Statue of Liberty – affectionately known as 'Libby' – riding a custom-built motorcycle while breaking through the Freedom Wall. Libby was designed to serve as a reminder that each of us can break through walls and truly change the world.  The restaurant has a free-spirited ambience with a rockin' soundtrack, reminiscent of a late-'60s rock 'n' roll roadhouse.

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.

Simi Valley Marie Callender's Location Shuttered on Sunday, June 12th

As reported by the L.A. Times and other news sources, Marie Callender's parent company filed for bankruptcy protection and has shut down 31 locations nationwide. This impacted the Simi Valley Marie Callender's location at 20 W. Cochran Street.  It did not impact the locations in Ventura and Camarillo.

It seems to me that as part of the bankruptcy reorganization plan, MC's should change its name. The name Callender's is so frustratingly difficult to spell correctly without looking at the name several times that it should be changed IMHO! :> Come on, for most of us, not just in school, but for our entire lives, we struggle to correctly spell the word "calendar" with an "a" at the end rather than an "e" (i.e. calender) but I still see this word misspelled ALL THE TIME!

So there's good ole' Marie Callender's, who not only spells it counter to our decades of schooling and corrections, with an "e," but then continues to confound our brains by adding an additional "l" to the name.

If nothing else, change the name to Marie Calendar's and make it easier for us to spell it without getting brain freeze.

Yah, yah, I know the place was founded in Long Beach in 1948 by people with the last name Callender. Don Callender named it after his mom, Marie. What a great son! But the chain was sold in 1986, so 25 years and a bankruptcy filing later, maybe it's time to reinvigorate the name. Whatever it takes to make it easier to spell.

That is all. Conejo Joe's brilliant idea of the day for a company in bankruptcy.

Market Broiler Opened at Simi Valley Town Center Today, May 24, 2011

Thanks to a CVG Facebook visitor I've learned that Market Broiler opened TODAY, May 24, 2011. This one wasn't on my radar for some reason, even though I was at the Simi Valley Town Center just a few weeks ago! It is located in what used to be Johnny Carino's Italian Restaurant. Their phone is 805.210.7640. Odd that the Simi Valley TC website did not even have them on their website tonight, but Market Broiler is indeed open and ready for business.

Some background on Market Broiler from www.marketbroiler.com is below. This is the only location in the Ventura and Los Angeles County area at this point. Other Market Broilers are currently located in Riverside, Ontario, Huntington Beach, Orange and Fremont. Fresh fish always sounds good to me!

Market Broiler rose from the tradition of California seafood landmarks dating back to the 1950's. It's a casual, comfortable, moderately-priced, full-service, restaurant where fresh fish and seafood are prepared over mesquite charcoal flames.

Key to its presentation is the fresh fish market, where all fish being served is on display. In addition to 18 fresh fish offered daily, entrees of fresh chicken or aged beef as well as salads and pasta are offered.

The food is flavorful and portions are generous. The homestyle theme is borne out by the fact that the chowders, sauces, and dressings are made from scratch in each restaurant. Our popular sourdough bread is served warm at your table as a part of the meal.

Easy Come, Easy Go, FroYo - Hello Luna Blu, Goodbye Blizz

And now for a FroYo breaking news update. As some of you may know, my kids and I are voracious consumers of Frozen Yogurt (and click here for a list of 80 or so FroYo joints around Ventura County).

I've discovered that the long-awaited Luna Blu frozen yogurt cafe opened its doors at the Simi Valley Town Center last week. I walked by the storefront late last year as it was under construction and it looks like a cool place. Good luck, Luna Blu!

But on a not so happy note, I recently was informed by a fellow Twitterer via this Tweet that Blizz Frozen Yogurt at The Lakes is no longer there. I have independently confirmed this fact. :>

So consider yourself up to speed and let us know, Yo, of any other additions, changes or deletions to the master list of FroYo on the down low in Ventura County, you know.

You Never Go Wrong With a Costco Hot Dog

For $1.50 I enjoy the simple enjoyment of a Costco hot dog and a soft drink. It is always a bargain, and for another $1, I love the huge churros that they offer, washed down with a $1.50 berry smoothie. Since I usually eat pretty healthy, this occasional splurge causes me no feelings of guilt.

This is one big hot dog, and the buns are always fresh, wrapped the same way they serve them at Dodger Stadium. And around the corner there is mustard, ketchup (ycchh, I'm hoping the ketchup is limited to kids' hot dogs under age 10), relish and onions.  I love the onion machine...you know, the one where you turn a crank and the chopped onions barrel out on top of the hot dog.

Ah yes, to live life to its fullest, one must stop by and dine on one of those $1.50 hot dog/soda combos at Costco.

The Santa Susana Cantina Has Been Closed Now For Over 4 Years

On a recent trip to the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad off of Kuehner Drive in Simi Valley, I came across the vacant Santa Susana Cantina. Living in the Conejo Valley, it is not often that I get out that direction, other than the rare occasion I need to take the 118 Freeway to the San Fernando Valley.

But it is definitely worth a periodic drive to explore this northeastern tip of Ventura County. Corriganville Park is also a worthwhile place to explore over there.

The Santa Susana Cantina closed its doors in October 2006 after 73 years in business. It's great to see history like this on display.

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Farmers Market at Simi Valley Town Center on Fridays From 3pm to 8pm

I had the opportunity to stop by the Simi Valley Farmers Market last Friday. Not particularly large but it had enough selection and fresh fruits and veggies and other items. Was a nice way to start the weekend. There are over a dozen local farmers markets that run Friday through Sunday in and around Ventura County listed HERE.

Groundbreaking of "Simi at the Garden" on Tuesday, February 15th

The Simi Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church has allocated over 2 acres of their land for the betterment of our community! The land will be transformed into Simi Valley’s first community garden! We need you, the community, to come out and support this community building endeavor!

The 2 acres that will soon be transformed!

This is projected to be a big success given that this is the first community garden in Simi Valley. Our surrounding communities (ie.: Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Chatsworth, etc.) have these types of gardens, and are filled with a waiting list! Community gardens are in demand, and the fact that the SDA church has given their land for the betterment of the community shows a lot. We, as the community can show our gratitude through volunteering, sponsorships, donations, or merely lending a hand at whatever talent or resource we may possess.  It will take a big effort by all of us to get this project off the ground.

In conjunction with the garden, we will be establishing what we call a wellness program which will involve so much more than the garden itself! Emphasis will be put on public health education involving healthy lifestyle choices such as cooking classes, healthy lifestyle seminars, and community outreach.

We have many exciting things planned for this garden for both young and old.  Not only will the community members be able to come together and enjoy a healthy environment, but it will provide an outlet for community networking, health education, physical activity, and just good clean (or dirty) fun. The benefits are endless and we believe that everyone should take advantage of this opportunity to give back to your community.  It’s time we get our hands dirty, literally!

The ground breaking is scheduled for February 15 at 4pm at 1636 Sinaloa Road, at the Simi Valley Seventh Day Adventist School. Please come out and “Simi at the Garden” to show your support for your community. Call Salina Perry at 310-617-3863 for more information.

Check us out at communitygarden.org to view upcoming events, contact information, and to see the progress.  We are now a proud member of the American Community Garden Association.

Grand Opening of Howie's Grill & Bar in Simi Valley on Monday, January 17th

Thanks to Sue of Simi Valley for informing us of the grand opening of Howie's Grill & Bar, located at 109 West Cochran Street (that's just a couple blocks away from the Simi Costco for those in the know), on Monday, Martin Luther King Day, January 17, 2011. This was previously the location of Applebee's.

Howie's is a sports-themed grill and bar with "An eclectic menu full of items including a melt-in-your-mouth Fried Mac N Cheese, a creamy home-made Mac n cheese tossed in panko and fried crisp with ranch and Louisana hot sauce sides and the flavorful Pulled Pork Sliders, a slow roasted hand shredded pork sandwich adorned with cole slaw, BBQ sauce, pickles amidst a sweet Hawaiian roll score an outright homerun. For those with a sweet tooth, an assortment of sweets such as the heavenly Strawberry Shortcake with a gusto of vanilla,strawberry and buttermilk flavors and the luscious Red Velvet Cake, a delightful mix of moist crimson-colored cake layered with smooth cream cheese filling is an absolute hole-in-one."

These Kobe Beef sliders at Howie's Grill & Bar look pretty darn tasty to me. There goes my 2011 resolution to go vegetarian.

Howie's also has 23 high-def TVs, including 2 65 inch screens. More info at www.howiesgrillandbar.com or call 805.520.3000.

Reagan Centennial Update and the Year Ahead! A Message From the Executive Director of the Reagan Centennial

The Ronald Reagan Centennial is quickly approaching! These past few months have been exciting as a number of partnerships and programs have taken shape. Meanwhile, through the generosity of Centennial presenting sponsor, GE, throughout 2010 the "Traveling Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum Exhibit" brought artifacts and stories from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to cities across America including Long Beach, Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, Boston and Houston.

President Reagan often said, "America's best days lie ahead." As representatives of America's next generation of great leaders, the Ronald Reagan Centennial National Youth Leadership Committee embodies that same optimism, representing the future with anticipation and promise. If you haven't done so yet, visit our website to read the profiles from the National Youth Leadership Committee. Some members participated in a podcast series with Reagan Centennial partner, and non-profit promoter of free markets,  Sam Adams Alliance. These podcasts can be found here, or on iTunes. Additionally, in January of 2011 many of the student leaders on the Committee will be featured in their college or university newspaper.

Visit the Centennial website ( www.reagancentennial.com) for the most recent Calendar of Events and other Centennial updates. In particular, here are upcoming dates to keep in mind in 2011:

• January 1: Ronald Reagan Centennial float in the Tournament of Roses Parade
• January: Ronald Reagan civics based curriculum announced for use by schools nationally
• February 5 & 6: Live webcasts of President Reagan's Centennial birthday celebration
• February 7: Grand re-opening to the public of the greatly enhanced and renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
• February 10: Ronald Reagan Centennial Postage Stamp issued by the United States Postal Service
• February: Academic Symposia with University of Southern California, University of Virginia, University of Notre Dame, followed by the United States Naval Academy next fall
• March 12: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Wall Street Journal, and Manhattan Institute conference in New Your City titled, "Supply Side Economics: Reagan's Leadership Then and Now"
• March 27: Partnership with the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana for the NASCAR Auto Club 500
• May: Select Major League Baseball teams will honor the Reagan Centennial during a home game

For the third year in row, the Rose Parade Viewers' Choice Award will allow Rose Parade fans to choose their favorite float by voting online and via text message. On January 1st be sure to vote for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation float #52 and ensure Ronald Reagan's place in Rose Parade history!

Two Ventura County Pick Up Stix Locations Recently Closed

Don't have the specifics, but recently Pick Up Stix locations in Newbury Park (Albertson's Plaza on Reino Road) and Simi Valley (1366 Madera Road) closed.

Not to worry...there are still other locations in Simi Valley, Westlake Village (The Promenade), Oxnard and Calabasas (The Commons).

The former location of Pick Up Stix in Newbury Park, adjacent to Subway.

Grand Opening of Sliders Bar & Grill at Simi Valley Town Center on Thursday, November 18th

Sliders Bar & Grill, located on the west end of Simi Valley Town Center, is opening on Thursday, November 18th. Phone is 805.823.4756. Sliders is located where Spark Woodfire Grill used to be. They feature 20 beers on tap, 18 large TVs and over 70 menu items. Opens at 11 a.m.

Looking for autographs!? Come and get em:

Saturday, November 20th: Jim Harrick, Jamaal Wilkes and Rollie Fingers (if you guys don't know these names, you're either way too young or not sports fans :>)

Sunday, November 21st: Willie Gault, Willie McGinnest and Eddie Murray

According to Sliders, these sports celebs will be there sometime between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

www.slidersbargrill.com