2nd Annual Pet Fair in Camarillo on Saturday, April 14th

Behind the Scenes of the Journal of Ventura County History Free Presentation in Ventura on Thursday, March 1st

How An Early Homestead Family Endured Against the Odds In Our Santa Monica Mountains

Free Presentation with Special Guests: March 1st at 5:30 at Museum

From Malibu to the Ventura County line, the Santa Monica Mountains bring to mind beautiful hiking trails and amazing coastal view homes. But in 1917, when homesteaders Lauretta and John Spurgeon Houston arrived in what is still a remote corner of Ventura County, life was much tougher. Rediscover their story on Thursday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m., when the Museum of Ventura County presents the free lecture The Story Within The Story: Behind the Scenes of the Journal of Ventura County History.

Yerba Buena School 1929: Santa Monica Mountains Photo Courtesy E P Foster Library

The museum’s Research Librarian Charles Johnson takes the audience behind the scenes of the newest publication of the “Journal of Ventura County History,” which focuses on the s

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Bestselling Quilt Author Jennifer Chiaverini at Thousand Oaks Library on March 3rd

Jennifer Neidenbach Chiaverini returns to her hometown on Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road.  She is the author of the New York Times bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series, as well as five collections of quilt patterns inspired by her novels. She has taught writing at Penn State and Edgewood College and designs the Elm Creek Quilts fabric lines from Red Rooster Fabrics. A graduate of Thousand Oaks High School, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin.

Ms. Chiaverini will read excerpts from her latest novel in the Elm Creek Quilt Series - Sonoma Rose - set in the days of Prohibition in Southern California.   Copies of her books will also be for sale and she will be signing copies following her program which begins at 2:00 p.m.  Learn more about Ms. Chiaverini at www.elmcreek.net.

A Quilt Show will begin at 1:00 p.m. with local residents sharing some of their unique patterns and designs.
This program is free and is a Thousand Oaks Library 30th Anniversary event! For more information call the library at 805-449-2660 ext. 7358 or visit www.toaks.org/library .

2nd Annual Ojai WordFest Eight Day Literary Festival Set For March 24-31

Ojai WordFest: Local Literary Legends Honored March 24-31

The 2nd Annual Ojai WordFest is thrilled to announce its annual awards to local Ojai literary legends: Caroline Thompson (Screenwriter: Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, etc.); Gay Hendricks, Ph.D (The First Rule Of Ten, a Dharma Detective Trilogy, Founder of The Spiritual Cinema Circle which distributes inspirational movies in 70+ countries around the world, etc.) and Larry Chambers, author of 50+ traditionally published books in the "true combat story" genre and recipient of a Purple Heart for his heroic service in Vietnam.

Ojai Wordfest - an eight day literary festival with a nexus of more than 100+ "word" events - will be held March 24-31 all over Ojai. Ojai WordFest is a festival of words, ideas and stories unfolding in one of the most beautiful settings in California: the majestic Ojai Valley. The literary nexus encourages readers and writers of all genres, skill level, and ages to partake in an extravaganza of  individually-hosted events around Ojai.

For more information, visit www.OjaiWordFest.com or call 805-669-7373.

Some event highlights as of 2/11/12 (check WordFest website for updates):

Saturday, March 24
- 21st Anniversary Screening of Edward Scissorhands—with introduction and post-film Q&A with creator and screenwriter Caroline Thompson, Tickets $5-10 suggested donation to Ojai WordFest
- Kick off Party at Bart's Books including Open Mic-Poetry Slam hosted

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1st Annual Conejo Valley Cupcake Camp Event at Westlake Village Inn on February 26

The 1st Annual Conejo Valley Cupcake Camp, presented by Cupcakes for Cancer, takes place on Sunday, February 26th from 1-4PM at the Westlake Village Inn. Event benefits The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura. $20 admission gets you 4 delicious cupcake tastings and milk/coffee to wash them down. Visit www.cupcakecampconejovalley.com to learn more!

Founder of FBI's Art Crime Team to Speak at Thousand Oaks Library on Feb 28th

Founder of the FBI's Art Crime Team, Robert K. Wittman, will share some of his exploits and adventures in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.  Mr. Wittman's presentation will be held in the Smith Room, 6:30pm, at the Grant R. Brimhall Thousand Oaks Library.

During his 20-year FBI career, Robert Wittman went deep undercover to infiltrate the d

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Brighter Horizons Math, Science & Technology Conference for Teens in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, March 10th

In 1993, the Thousand Oaks Branch of AAUW invited girls in grades 6-10 to participate in a career exploration day. Women scientists in a wide variety of careers prepared workshops with hands-on activities related to their fields to encourage the girls to take the subject courses that careers in math, science, or technology require.

Over the years, this career day became know as BRIGHTER HORIZONS and was open to girls and boys, grades 5 to 9, from all over Ventura County. Now held at California Lutheran University (CLU) in March of even-numbered years, the half-day event attracts over 700 students.

This year's event is on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at CLU. To learn more and register, visit http://aauw-brighterhorizons.org. Registration is only $10!

Students choose three of about 40 workshops in math, science and technology offered during the Saturday morning event at a very reasonable fee. Materials are provided for the students during the workshops.

While waiting for their children to complete their workshops, parents can attend a series of free sessions on topics relating to parenting creatively, choosing a college and STEM careers. Parents do not need to register for these sessions.

Early student registration is suggested as workshops are limited in size.

Sweetheart Sunday at The Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park on February 12

Sweetheart Sunday at The Stagecoach Inn Museum on February 12, 2012 from 1 pm to 4 pm

•       Antique Valentines on display throu

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2012 Thousand Oaks 5K and 10K on Sunday, April 22nd in Dos Vientos (Newbury Park)njnjnnnunhytij

The 2012 Thousand Oaks 5K and 10K is a beautiful one loop course over rolling hills will give the 5k runners a fun challenge. Two loops for all you 10k distance lovers. Most of the course will have the bike path and one entire lane of the road closed to traffic for runner safety. Start and finish is at Dos Vientos Community Park in Newbury Park. Starts at 8 a.m.

Post race swag, food and finisher medals for all athletes. All levels of athlete are welcome, walkers, joggers, beginners, and advanced athletes alike. Register by February 15th and save 20% off regular season pricing. Visit www.to5k10k.com to register. No race day registration.

Two Day Civil War Encampment at Strathearn Park Simi Valley on February 18-19

Two Day Civil War Encampment at Strathearn Park on February 18th and 19th

Strathearn Historical Park & Museum is hosting a Presidents’ Day weekend Civil War encampment. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the sights and sounds as re-enactors show the soldiers’ way of life throughout a typical encampment day with Union, Confederate and civilian re-enactors.

On both February 18^th and 19^th, there will be “Living History” presentations throughout each day which provide insight into the daily activities of Americans on both sides who served in America’s greatest trial by fire.

The re-enactors will be actually living the soldiers’ way of life for the entire weekend – pitching tents, cooking, cleaning, firing muskets and pistols and telling their stories in a non-battle environment. Both men and women had roles in this important period in our country’s history.

Highly regarded Lincoln impersonator, William Peck, will be delivering the “Gettysburg Address” both Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to encampment activities, all buildings within the park will be open for touring, with docents available for historical information.

The public is invited on Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Daily admission is $5 for anyone over age twelve - $3 for children five to twelve years old. Children under five are free

Strathearn Historical Park & Museum is at 137 Strathearn Place in Simi Valley (the street behind Target off Madera Road)

More Information: 805-526-6453 or www.simihistory.com

Ventura Police Officers' Association Bunko Tournament on Saturday, February 25th

On February 25, 2012, the Ventura Police Officers’ Association will hold the first VPOA Bunko Tournament at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura starting at 1pm.  Monies raised will help fund scholarships for deserving college students in honor of Sergeant Dee Dowell, the first Ventura Police Officer killed in the line of duty.

The Ventura Police Officers Association has been providing college level scholarships since 2003.  Each year our  we have been able to increase the monies we put toward scholarships.  Since the inception of the scholarship fund, we have raised over $50,000 and provided 66 students with scholarships.  All of those monies have been used to award past scholarships as well as upcoming this year, 2012, when we will award over $6000 in financial assistance to college bound students for the 2012/2013 school year.

Support the future of law enforcement while playing the popular dice game Bunko.  Easy to play, easy to learn and lunch will be served.  Raffle and silent auction as well as cash grand prize!  Entry fee is $75 per person, 2 people $65 per person. For further details please visit www.vpoa.org or call 805.277.9703.

Art Auction to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships on Thursday, March 29th

Art Auction to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships

Greater Conejo Valley Community FoundationThe Greater Conejo Valley Community Foundation will host an art auction to raise scholarship funds for graduating high school seniors from the Conejo Valley on Thursday, March 29, 2012, 6 – 8 p.m., at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 West Thousand Oaks Boulevard. There is no charge to attend the event, which will feature both live and silent auction formats.

Artwork donations are accepted every Friday at the foundation office until March 23, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 202, Westlake Village. The goal is to collect 100 to 150 pieces of sellable art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, posters and more. Donors should supply a suggested resale value for each work and will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

The foundation, a 501(c)3 entity, is the charitable arm of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships of $1,000 are bestowed to qualified area high school seniors who are employed in the community while they attend school. A scholarship winner from each school is selected by the Foundation based on their application and essay.

Event sponsors include Community West Bank, Pacific Oaks Federal Credit Union, BEST WESTERN PLUS Thousand Oaks Inn and TOI Tapas Bar, and SoCal Self Storage–Westlake Village. Additional sponsorships are still available.

For further information, visit www.conejochamber.org, email Jan Smith at jsmith@conejochamber.org or call 805.370.0035.

Family Fun Day at Woodcrest Preschool in Agoura, Newbury Park on Saturday, Feb 4th

Community Wide FAMILY FUN DAY
at Woodcrest Preschool

www.woodcrestpreschool.com

This Saturday February 4, 2012
11:00am - 1:00pm
Food, Crafts & Fun for the Whole Family!
(Guided Tours at 11:30am & 12:30pm)

Little Hands. Big Smiles. Lifelong Learners.
* Providing the Highest Quality early childhood education,
toddler care, and preschool for more than 40 years!
* Talented preschool directors
* Experienced nurturing teachers

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3rd Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival in Agoura on April 27-28

The 3rd Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival, sponsored by the National Park Service in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, will take place on Friday, April 27, 7 pm to 10 pm and on Saturday, April 28, 2011, 11 am to 4 pm, at Paramount Ranch.

There are activities for people of all ages, including talks, hands-on demonstrations, nature walks, family activities, live animal displays, and a chance to meet and talk with the scientists. We invite you to come out and explore the natural and cultural resources within the Santa Monica Mountains and learn about the scientific research that helps us all better understand and protect those resources!

Paramount Ranch is located at 2813 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills Paramount Ranch Webpage 

Directions

From 101 Freeway, exit Kanan Rd. Go south towards the ocean (from 101 N, left turn, from 101 S, right turn). Make a left on Cornell Road. Continue for 2 miles. The entrance to Paramount Ranch is on the right.

More info at www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/curators-cupboard

From PCH, go north on Kanan Dume Rd towards Agoura Hills. Continue up Kanan for 12 miles. Make a right on Cornell Rd. Continue for 2 miles. The entrance to Paramount Ranch is on the right

Ojai Concert Series - Celtic, Folk and Roots Music!

The Ojai Concert Series is dedicated to bringing high quality live Celtic, Folk and Roots musicians to beautiful Ojai. Please join us, and help support community culture and the continuation of heart-felt live performances! Concerts take place at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club at 441 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai (unless otherwise noted)

The Ojai Concert Series is excited to kick off the season with a new summer series of shows at Dancing Oak Ranch. We invite you to join us in a beautiful park like setting at a private home in the hills near Lake Casitas. We have a large beautiful stage (that doubles as a gazebo the rest of the year) under the oaks in a lovely quiet canyon off HWY 150 (half way between Carpinteria and Ojai). The seating area is a large grassy gentle slope, so bring deck chairs and a blanket (we will also have chairs if needed).

Upcoming Concerts (updated 4/26/11)

Tues. May 17th at 7:00PM $15 in advance, $18 at the door “David Francey”  One of Canada's most revered folk poets and singers.

"Scottish born, Francey is a two-time Juno Award winner whose straightforward songs te

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Earth Day Celebration at Oxnard's Plaza Park on Saturday, April 14th

Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Oxnard on Saturday, April 14th at Downtown Plaza Park (500 S. C Street) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include Live Music, Community Displays, Childrens' Activities, Food and Fun! Call 805/385-7928 for more information or visit www.ci.oxnard.ca.us.

Physically Challenged & Special Needs "Day at the Park" at Oxnard Beach Park

Conejo Canyons Bridge Opening Celebration on Saturday, February 11th

The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) is hosting a public hike and opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Conejo Canyons Bridge on Saturday, February 11, 2012:   

• 9:30 a.m. - 1-hour guided hike will lead participant

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Oscar Contenders Movie Nights at the Camarillo Public Library in February

Oscar Contenders Movie Nights at the Camarillo Public Library

February 2, 9, 16, 23, at 6:30pm - Catch up on this years Oscar contenders by joining us for free movie nights each Thursday, from February 2 – February 23, at 6:30pm in the Community Room at the Camarillo Public Library. February 2, The Help Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer (PG-13). February 9, The Ides of March Starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling (R). February 16, Moneyball Starring Brad Pitt (PG-13). February 23, Rango Starring Johnny Depp (PG). Everyone is welcome to join in for FREE. The Camarillo Public Library is located at 4101 Las Posas Road in Camarillo. For more information, check the Camarillo Public Library website at camarillolibrary.org or call 805-388-5222.

Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine in Fillmore on April 20-22 and 27-29

Thomas the Tank Engine will be back at Fillmore & Western Railway in Fillmore on April 20th-22nd and 27th-29th! This is a can't miss event for your little Thomas fans, with a 25 minute train ride and Thomas themed activities galore, not to mention the Thomas store on site. Activities for the whole family include: arts & crafts, meet Sir Topham Hat, storytelling, video viewing, live music, inflatable bounce houses, model railway layout and carnival games. More info at www.fwry.com or call 866.468.7630. Cost is $18 per person for ages 2 and up.

When my kids were younger we went to this event and enjoyed it. This is DEFINITELY a can't miss event if your kid is into Thomas!  At $18/person I've received feedback that this is pricey, but remember that it includes a ride on a vintage train among other activities. Even if you don't do the train ride, there are plenty of activities at the event worth checking out.