Panic! Productions Presents Comedy "Lucky Stiff" June 1-17 in Thousand Oaks

PANIC! PRODUCTIONS WRAPS ITS INAUGURAL SEASON WITH ‘LUCKY STIFF’   

Panic! Productions, Ventura County’s newest theatre company, continues its inaugural season with the musical comedy Lucky Stiff, June 1 through 17, at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks.

The rarely-done first musical by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (creators of Ragtime, Seussical, and Once on This Island), Lucky Stiff is a comic romp about $6 million dollars in stolen diamonds, homeless dogs, a myopic killer and one demanding corpse.

This new production is directed by Celeste Russi, with music direction by Diann Alexander and choreography by Mona King.

Lucky Stiff is the story of a mild-mannered English shoe salesman who must take his uncle’s corpse to Monte Carlo in order to inherit his estate—or it will literally go to the dogs: The Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. But Harry Witherspoon is not the only one after the fortune, as a cast of quirky, even unsavory, characters swoop down on Monte Carlo in pursuit of the money.

When it premiered in New York in 1988, Lucky Stiff was called, “A much needed antidote to the gloom and gargantuan extravagance of so much of our current musical theatre” by Frank Rich of the New York Times. Associated Press called it “outlandish and entertaining.”

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Conejo Recreation and Park District is Finalist in National Gold Medal Program

Conejo Recreation and Park District chosen as a finalist for prestigious National Gold Medal Award

GREAT JOB CRPD! THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has selected the Conejo Recreation and Park District as a finalist in its 2012 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.  The District is one of four finalists in the population category of 100,000 – 250,000 people. Other finalists in this category include: The City of Round Rock (TX) Parks and Recreation Department; Rockford (IL) Park District; and South Suburban Park and Recreation District, Centennial, CO.  

NRPA’s Gold Medal program honors agencies throughout the United States which demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, professional development, program development, and agency recognition.   Chosen for their considerable knowledge and experience in parks and recreation on both local and national levels, a panel of five park and recreation professionals from throughout the country review and judge the comprehensive applications. 

Jim Friedl, General Manager of the Conejo Recreation and Park District said, “To be selected as a Gold Medal finalist is recognition on a national level that we share a place with the best recreation and park agencies in the nation.  We are fortunate to have a solid board, great staff, supportive and active residents, and outstanding community partnerships.” 

The next step in the National Gold Medal process is submission of a brief video highlighting the District’s achievements and commitment to community service in the region.  Grand Plaque Award-winning agencies will be announced at the 2012 NRPA conference, held in October in Anaheim.

For further information about CRPD’s selection as a National Gold Medal finalist, please contact the District at (805) 495-6471. www.crpd.org

Conejo Players Presents "The Man Who Came to Dinner" in Thousand Oaks 5/11-6/2

"The Man Who Came to Dinner" is set during the 1930s -- in the small town of Mesalia, Ohio -- during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside of New York City has been invited to dine at the house of wealthy factory owner Ernest W. Stanley and his family. However, before Whiteside enters the house, he slips on a patch of ice outside the front door and injures his hip -- necessitating a tumultuous six weeks of confinement. Join the Stanleys as convicts are invited to their meals, transatlantic calls bring a $784 phone bill, penguins take residence in the library, a radio show is broadcast from the living room on Christmas Eve, and 10,000 cockroaches take over the kitchen!

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, May 11th through June 2nd, 2012 at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM at Conejo Players Theater in Thousand Oaks. Visit www.conejoplayers.org for more information.

Smashburger to Open in Thousand Oaks at Old Chuy's Location on Moorpark Road

No details yet on opening date, but Smashburger is in process of renovating the space previously occupied by Chuy's Mesquite Broiler at 650 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (just north of Wilbur Road). I love the diversity of businesses in this plaza. Across the parking lot you've got a nicely appointed Whole Foods Market and next door you have Stan's Doughnuts (they've got some doughnuts to die for there...no, not literally).

Burger and a doughnut! Next door to Stan's Doughnuts...though grab some veggies across the parking lot at Whole Foods.

Smashburger was founded in 2007 and is based out of Denver.  According to a Smashburger job listing:

Smashburger was born to carry the torch for the modern burger lover. Where smash. sizzle. savor means a dedication to creating the best-tasting "smashed-to-order" burger. We start with 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on

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New Hooters Location Opens in Thousand Oaks on Mother's Day! Moms Eat Free!

Here is a follow-up press release to our previous post on April 30th regarding the Hooters of Thousand Oaks Grand Opening on Mother's Day 2012.

Thousand Oaks will become a little more attractive and a lot more fun when the Hooters of Thousand Oaks opens its doors May 13^th.  Be one of the first residents of Thousand Oaks to experience the Hooters concept of great food and world renowned atmosphere.

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Cal Lutheran University Summer Vocal Institute to Host Scholarship Auditions

Vocal camp holds scholarship auditions

CLU summer institute returns for fifth year

Master teachers Angela Rasmussen HicksThe California Lutheran University Summer Vocal Institute is returning for its fifth year and scholarship auditions will be held Saturday, May 19.

The academic summer camp for aspiring singers aged 12 to 18 is scheduled from Saturday, July 7, through Saturday, July 14. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day. For the first time this year, room and board is also available.

The program covers vocal technique, solo repertoire and performance. Students will explore their voice and artistry through one-on-one coaching, daily master classes and course work in technique, sight singing, performance etiquette,interpretation, movement, and classical and musical theater repertoire.

The institute is open to youths of all levels, whether they just started singing in a choir or have been studying voice for several years. Enrollment is limited to preserve the individualized nature of the program.

The program will include a mix of choral and solo singing. Master teache

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Umami Burger Thousand Oaks to Open on Thursday, May 3, 2012

UMAMI BURGER THOUSAND OAKS OPENS MAY 3rd

Opening at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks Marks Debut of First Umami Kids Menu

Umami Restaurant Group, creators of Umami Burger, named “Burger of the Year” by GQ magazine, today announced that Umami Burger will open at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks on Thursday, May 3^rd at Noon. Umami Burger Founder Adam Fleischman will be joined by Thousand Oaks Mayor, Jacqui V. Irwin for an informal ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening.

Umami Burger Thousand Oaks also marks the debut of the first Umami Kids Menu, which was created specifically for the local community.  The kids menu features kids sized entrees, including Tempura Chicken Tenders, U-mini Cheese Burger and the All U-Merican Grilled Cheese, served with a choice of Umami Fries, Sweet Potato Fries or Apple Slices and a mini cookie.

Umami Burger Thousand Oaks is the tenth Umami Burger location and will be open daily at 11 AM.  Umami Burger Thousand Oaks is located at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks at 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Umami Burger at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks will join other outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment options, just steps from the Civic Arts Plaza.

For more information on Umami Burger, visit umami.com.   For more information on The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, visit shoplakes.com.

About Umami Restaurant Group

Umami Restaurant Group is a Los Angeles-based restaurant group founded by Adam Fleischman, a self-taught chef and successful food and wine entrepre

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Thousand Oaks Police Chief Launches Community Outreach Program

In an effort to become more accessible to the citizens served by the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Police Chief Randy Pentis has started a new community outreach program that will bring the Police Department directly to the community.    

The mobile police program will occur monthly at various locations across the City. Residents and local business owners will have the opportunity to meet the Chief in-person and ask questions about the department. Each event location will include the mobile command post staffed with the on-duty patrol deputy for that particular area, Volunteers in Policing (VIPs), a variety of police personnel and services, and upon availability, a K-9 unit.

"I want the public to know the area deputy that responds to calls for service in the area and give the public opportunities to problem solve face-to-face," explained Pentis.  

The program will run through the end of 2012 with the first event scheduled for Thursday, May 31, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Farmers Market in The Oaks Shopping Center parking lot.

Visit www.toaks.org for more information.

Tom Petty Autographed Items to Be Auctioned Off at Conejo Valley Days

Regenerate Films is a Thousand Oaks based nonprofit organization with a mission of amplifying voices for human rights, public health, the environment and the expansion of art. Learn more at www.facebook.com/regeneratefilms.

Regenerate will be prominent at Conejo Valley Days 2012 "Open Borders 2012" lineup of musical talent at the event. Visit www.ConejoValleyDays.us for entertainment details. Also on stage at 5PM on Friday, May 4th will be Automatik Slim, a local band that includes Dylan Petty, Tom Petty's stepson!

Speaking of Tom Petty, he has donated a number of autographed items to Regenerate's cause that will be auctioned off at the Regenerate tent! Posters from Bill Graham Presents Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers at The Fillmore in San Francisco dated Jan 1997 as well as an autographed drum head. Also a drawing! Don't miss it!

Join the cause and make a difference at this year’s membership drive by signing up at the Regenerate Films Open Borders Pavilion at Conejo Valley Days 2012. 

$10 “Crew” - Become a member of Regenerate Films. Regenerate Films has two Film Projects in pre-production, be on the “First to notify”

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Hooters of Thousand Oaks "Moms Eat Free" Grand Opening Celebration on May 13th

We have received word that the new Hooters of Thousand Oaks will be making its premiere on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13th. And in conjunction with that, they will be offering a Moms Eat Free deal that day. The flyer sent to me today indicates the Moms Eat Free deal is all day and applies to any menu item up to $9.99.

Hooters of Thousand Oaks will be open from 11am to 1am with the kitchen closing at midnight.

We've seen plenty of Kids Eat Free deals around town but this is the first Moms Eat Free special we've encountered! :>

City of Thousand Oaks to Release One Million Ladybugs

On April 18, the City of Thousand Oaks released 375,000 Ladybugs in the Newbury Park and Westlake areas of the City. An additional 750,000 are scheduled to be released in May and the release sites will vary depending on locations and populations of pest insects. The release of Ladybugs is part of the City's Integrated Pest Management Program. The Program releases bugs that are beneficial to the environment annually.

The release of Ladybugs provides a natural method of protecting plant life. During its lifecycle, a single Ladybug can eat up to 5,000 insects that harm plants such as Aphids, Thrips, White Flies, and Scale. By utilizing Ladybugs as a means of biological control, the City is able to substantially reduce the need for chemical insecticides.

Additional information on the City’s Beneficial Bugs Program will be available at this year’s Public Works Week Open House on May 22 and 23 at the City’s Municipal Service Center. 

www.toaks.org

T.G.I. Fridays to Close, DISH Restaurant to Open at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

On April 1st, a CVG Facebook follower filled us in that TGI Fridays at the Janss Marketplace would be closing soon. Since then, others made mention and TGI Fridays employees confirmed the anticipated closure. We were awaiting "official" word from TGI Fridays but yesterday the Ventura County Star reported that TGI Fridays will indeed be closing and in the September time frame, DISH Restaurant will be taking over that space.

No official word yet as to the actual closing date...but it sounds like it will be really soon. The closure of TGI Fridays' Thousand Oaks location leaves us with 2 Ventura County locations - Simi Valley and Oxnard. Visit www.tgifridays.com for more information.

DISH Restaurant has operated for the last 10 years in La Canada (north of Glendale) and this will be its first new location. From its website at dishbreakfastlunchanddinner.com:

People who love a great breakfast restaurant will appreciate the things we do at DISH, like roasting bone-in hams every morning and offering applewood-smoked bacon and hand-crafted sausages. Our apple oatcakes are made with fresh diced green apples, and our cornmeal jonnycakes are made with real corn.

We serve simple family-style food, yet we concentrate on quality. So something as simple as a BLT sandwich can be a pleasant surprise when it’s made with applewood-smoked bacon, carefully toasted whole wheat bread and French fries cut from fresh Kennebec potatoes.

Sounds like a great place to me! They appear to be fairly priced, nominated as a great breakfast place and well received by food critics. Stay tuned.

Hooters is Hiring in Thousand Oaks!

Update 4/17/12: In a new Craigslist post yesterday they indicated one last casting call this Thursday/Friday for high energy, friendly Hooters Girls...the final "guaranteed" in-person interview prior before the grand opening (Date still TBA).

"Wear Orange -- Make Green! Hooters is Hiring! (Thousand Oaks)

The all new Hooters of Thousand Oaks is having an open casting call for the perfect Hooters Girls! We are looking for fun loving, high energy, friendly girls who would love to join our team.

If you feel you have what it takes we will be conducting on-the spot interviews at our two day hiring event, so apply in person Thursday - Friday, April 19 & 20, from 1-6pm:

Hooters of Thousand Oaks (corner of Moorpark & Brazil St.)
401 N. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

This is your last chance for a guaranteed in-person interview before the grand opening!

Hooters Restaurant offers more than just a job, we provide a fun work environment, great income potential, meal discounts & flexible schedules! We also give back to our community and participate in a ton of great events!

No previous experience is necessary, because being a Hooters Girl is like nothing else!

Come find out why we say "Hooters makes you Happy!" It'll be the most fun you've ever had."

Original Post 3/15/12: Well it has been nearly a year now since the Ventura County Star broke the news that about a Hooters opening at t

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Musical Hot Dogs in Thousand Oaks! Weinerschnitzel Gone, Garage Dogs Coming!

UPDATE 4/16/12: Garage Dogs has announced it will be opening its doors on Monday, April 23rd!

Recently we announced that Conejo Valley hot dog consumption would be taking a dive as the long-standing Weinerschnitzel next to the Do It Center on Thousand Oaks was completely demolished to the ground to make way for a Chick-fil-A.

Well hold on to your buns as there's a new dog coming to town (and thanks to CVG reader Richie for pointing this out)! Garage Dogs is setting up shop at 2626 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, just 1 mile west of dearly demolished Weinerschnitzel. This is literally across the street from 24 Hour Fitness! Very convenient for rewarding yourself after the treadmills!

There is no word as of yet on their website www.garagedogsto.com or their Facebook Page about an opening date, but they are currently hiring.

Check out their menu at www.garagedogsto.com/menu.html. Hot dogs, sausages, rippers (I believe these are deep fried hot dogs), burgers and a nice variety of specials, like the Gran Torino ("Chicago Dog") all beef steamed dog with neon relish, onions, mustard, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear, celery salt, poppy seed bun. I'm salivating on the keyboard.

They also have turkey dogs and veggie dogs, which is nice to see.

So Garage Dogs...TELL US when you're opening! Looking forward to it.

Young Artists Ensemble "The Neverending Story" in Thousand Oaks May 4-20

Young Artists Ensemble presents The Neverending Story directed by Georgeanne Lees, at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 West Hillcrest Drive.  Performances are May 4- 20, 2012, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Imagination drives this story of Bastian, a young boy who steals the book The Neverending Story from a curmudgeonly store owner and becomes drawn into the book and the dying land of Fantastica. Once there, Bastian finds himself on a quest to save Fantastica and ultimately himself. The Neverending Story walks the fine line between reality and imagination.

This production has presented several fun challenges.  There are 28 scenes and at least twelve scene changes in very limited space, so the production team chose an abstract look for the land of Fastastica.  This led to extremely creative costuming, bold lighting and minimal sets, using a great deal of fabric as part of the set pieces.

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Cal Lutheran Multimedia Students to Exhibit Work From Feb 1st to May 15th

CLU multimedia students to exhibit work
A day on campus, in TO and in LA is documented

California Lutheran University multimedia students will display some of their work from Wednesday, Feb. 1, through Tuesday, May 15, in Soiland Humanities Center.

“Project 24: One Day in the Life” features photography, documentary video and graphic design selections depicting 24-hour periods at CLU, in Thousand Oaks and in Los Angeles. The students documented intriguing stories on three separate days in a project that is repeated each year.

“Creative Concepts” features visual presentations by the sophomore multimedia class. The students created ideas for engaging stories along with logos and merchandise.

Soiland Humanities Center is on the south side of Memorial Parkway at Regent Avenue on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The Multimedia Department is sponsoring both free exhibits. For more information, contact Dan Restuccio at 805-493-3459.

New Gymboree Play & Music Location at The Oaks Mall Opened This Month

Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries. This month a new Gymboree location opened in the outdoor shops section of The Oaks mall. Looks really nice! This is the first Conejo Valley Gymboree P&M location since the Westlake Village location closed a few years ago.

CLICK HERE for more information about this and other Gymboree P&M locations in Simi Valley and Camarillo.

The Tinkering Zone in Thousand Oaks to Remain Open For a Limited Time

The Discovery Center Tinkering Zone remains open beyond expected closing date! Currently open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Located at 43 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

 

Bookings for group events made by calling The Discovery Center at 818 879-2021.

The Discovery Center will open during the week by appointment only for groups.

City of Thousand Oaks Hosts National Public Works Awareness Week Open House on Tuesday/Wednesday, May 22-23

The City of Thousand Oaks is celebrating National Public Works Awareness Week (NPWW) with a two-day open house, Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the City's Municipal Service Center, 1993 Rancho Conejo Blvd. Individual and group tours will be scheduled for the open house on both days between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., reservations are required by April 1, 2012; To reserve a tour, visit the City website at www.toaks.org/pww for online registration, or send an e-mail to PublicWorksMSC@toaks.org or call, 805.376.5098.

National Public Works Week is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as Public Works. To learn more about the history and why the City of Thousand Oaks celebrates NPWW, please visit the American Public Works Association (APWA) website at www.apwa.net/discover/National-Public-Works-Week. The City of Thousand Oaks is accredited with the APWA, one of only five accredited agencies in the State to earn this honor.

The open house will acquaint residents with City services, including tree and landscape maintenance, graffiti removal, maintenance of the City's vehicle fleet, street repair, recycling, and water and wastewater system operations. The tour features Thousand Oaks Transit buses that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and ride through a carwash using recycled water, tour mascot P.W. PAWS, and a child-sized crawl-through giant storm drain!

Weinerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard Is History as Chick-fil-A Paves the Way

As previously reported, the anticipated demolition of the Weinerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard next to Do It Center has taken place. Anyone driving down Thousand Oaks Boulevard near the auto mall will quickly notice the empty space. No hot dogs in sight. Chick-fil-A is anticipated to have a drive-thru location (with a few outdoor tables) here by the summer.

View of the former location of Weinerschnitzel from Thousand Oaks Boulevard

View of the former Weinerschnitzel from the Do It Center parking lot

Yes indeed, we are now Weinerschnitzel-less in Thousand Oaks, though they did mention the possibility of finding another location in Thousand Oaks. Looking for a good hot dog? I like Lucky's Dog House at Janss Marketplace (also in Moorpark).