Effective Today, Conejo Valley Has Been Renamed Squirrel Valley!

Herbie the Squirrel smiling for the camera in Thousand OaksIt started with a little squirrel named Herbie. Herbie was known to munch on seeds and plants outside the National Park Service Visitor Center in Thousand Oaks. Herbie is pictured to the right. Cute little guy, isn't he.

Conejo Valley resident Rocky N. Bulwinckel took notice 2 years ago. Rocky, third cousin once removed of Carolyn Lawrence, the voice of Sandy Cheeks, well known squirrel character on  SpongeBob SquarePants, was impressed at Herbie the Squirrel's amicable behavior and ability to interact with humans.

Bulwinckel and his neighbors, the Rowe-Dent family of Thousand Oaks, also noticed the proliferation of friendly squirrels throughout the Conejo Valley. In fact, the squirrel population seems to have overtaken the rabbit population, namesake of the Conejo (Spanish for rabbit) Valley! Bulwinckel and the Rowe-Dents decided to pursue a change in light of this squirrely situation.

So, after two years petitioning local residents and numerous presentations to the city councils of the Conejo Valley communities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills,

Local squirrel in celebration mode. Name unknown. We call him Bubba.

Oak Park and Calabasas, it was proclaimed that, effective today, the Conejo Valley is officially renamed the Squirrel Valley!

Here at Conejo Valley Guide we enjoy and cherish bunnies. However, we have already made preparations for the transition to Squirrel Valley Guide.

Please join us by reviewing our new website at www.SquirrelValleyGuide.com!

City of Thousand Oaks Approves 35 Foot Tall Chuck E. Cheese Sign Along 101 Freeway

This morning, in an emergency session, the Thousand Oaks City Council approved immediate construction of a new Chuck E. Cheese sign along the 101 Freeway to replace the aging Auto Mall sign.

Mock up of 35 foot tall Chuck E. Cheese sign to be erected in place of Thousand Oaks Auto Mall sign.

"Thousand Oaks is a family-friendly city," indicated Mayor Andy Fox "and we want everyone who drives through the 101 artery to be made well aware of that through the magic of Chuck E. Cheese."

Though the sign is considered large by local standards at 35 feet high by nearly 37 feet wide, and will  flash bright neon lights from dusk until dawn, the sign is not expected to distract drivers. Ho

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Breaking News!! First Case of Rabbit Flu Discovered in the Conejo Valley!

One year ago, the H1N1 flu (often referred to as "swine" flu) virus was first detected.  Conejo Valley Guide has been compiling global swine flu updates since then.

Today, April 1, 2010, Conejo Valley public health officials reported their first confirmed case of a new form of influenza, the Bunny Flu, in a local Thousand Oaks resident.  Typical symptoms of Bunny Flu include fever, runny nose and unexplained displays of EGG (Excessive Grass Grazing).  Nausea is additional symptom of Bunny and Rabbit Flu (BARF).

According to Dr. Pete R. Wrabett, Human and Rabbit Expert (HARE) at South Dakota State University (Home of the Jackrabbits), "This is the first known case of Bunny Flu, but there is no cause fur immediate concern. However, due to the abundance of rabbits in the Conejo Valley, one must take a few precautions."

Wrabett's advice includes:

• Wash hands after coming into contact with Easter Bunny.
• Limit carrot consumption to one bunch per day.
• If one feels compelled to hop for extended periods of time, visit Jolly Jumps to get it out of your system.

In other news, it is reported that several wild rabbits in Sycamore Canyon are showing signs of Irritable Bunny Syndrome (IBS). Apparently between the months of rains we've had this winter, the winds and the ever-present coyotes, local rabbits are hopping mad.

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BREAKING NEWS! City of Thousand Oaks Changes Name to Nine Hundred Seventy Eight Oaks!

The City of Thousand Oaks announced today that effective immediately, the city's name has been changed to the City of Nine Hundred Seventy Eight Oaks!

Prompting the name change was an extensive review and inventory of trees in Thousand Oaks by the Ventura County Auditor-Controller's office.  Since the city's incorporation on October 7, 1964, there had been no formal assessment of the number of oak trees residing within city limits. 

The recent audit indicated that only 978 full grown oak trees are located in the city.  Lead auditor Mia Countdemup notes "I was shocked!  We looked in every nook and cranny and couldn't find those other 22 trees. Kind of bums me out!"

While numerous oak trees have been planted in city limits between 1964 and 2009, it can take up to 15 to 20 years for an oak tree to reach full size.  Growth of the city through the years to over 127,000 inhabitants has caused a number of oaks to be displaced, resulting in the shortfall of trees.

City spokesperson Ayn L. Retentive indicated that future tree counts will be performed annually in March and results will be announced on April 1st.

In related news, the City of Twentynine Palms in San Bernandino County announced that it has changed its name to A Dozen Palms after an exhaustive review for 17 missing palm trees.  City council member and palm counter Ivana Findemall stated "We kind of don't mind, as 29 is such an odd number anyhow. A dozen is much more memorable."

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS' DAY!!!