Antonio Sabato Jr. Talks About His Acting Academy in Westlake Village, Planned Film Debut, and Living in the Conejo Valley

Antonio Sabato Jr. is an American actor, born in Rome, Italy, with over 70 film and TV appearances, including roles in General Hospital, Melrose Place, The Bold and the Beautiful. Early in his career Antonio modeled Calvin Klein underwear and was Janet Jackson's close acquaintance in her Love Will Never Do (Without You) music video.

He continues to perform frequently, including a 2012 Celebrity Wife Swap episoide and The Three Stooges movie and upcoming performances in an episode of ABC's Baby Daddy and as a celebrity judge on Fox's Hell's Kitchen.

Sabato has lived in the Thousand Oaks area for eight years! Antonio, his wife, Cheryl, and two year old son, Antonio III, love living in the Conejo Valley...but more on that a bit later. I had a chance to meet with the Sabatos recently to learn about his current initiatives.

Two years ago, the Sabatos opened the Antonio Sabato Jr's Acting Academy for Children and Young Adults in Westlake Village. Antonio enjoys teaching children and young adults all aspects of the trade, from acting fundamentals and techniques to working with agents, managers and finding gigs. He currently conducts weekly classes for kids in the 8 to 10 and 11 to 17 age ranges. Antonio also gives back to the community from time to time by conducting free workshops at The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley.

This June and July, Sabato's Acting Academy will be hosting several Summer Acting Camps for ages 8-10 (June 27-29), 11-13 (July 11-13) and 14-16 (July 18-20). Additionally, Sabato is hosting a special Celebrity Acting Camp for ages 12-16 on July 24-26. Featured guest speakers will include Virginia Madsen, Michael Dudikoff and Debbie Gibson (subject to availability). What better way to land professional work than to work with professionals! Visit www.myactingacademy.com for more information and to register.

I chatted with Antonio about another major undertaking. He is thrilled to be directing, starring in and co-producing his debut movie, Intikam. Intikam, Turkish for "Revenge," is a drama about an orphaned boy who is taken in by a man with a son his age, grow up, and have a falling out. Then comes betrayal...and Intikam. The screenplay, which was also co-written by Sabato, will be filmed in Istanbul, Turkey. Sabato indicates the film will have some elements of Papillon (1973) and Midnight Express (1978).

Sabato and co-executive producer Annemarie Davin have raised funds to produce the film and have cast Turkish actor Cemal Hunal and Australian actor Robert Rabiah for this unique undertaking. Sabato is particularly excited because he is auditioning students from his own academy for the female role of "Mina" in the film. Visit www.facebook.com/Intikamthemovie.

Antonio recently launched his own Antonio Sabato Jr. app for both Apple iOS and Android smartphones. Although his fans can also interact with him in Twitter and Facebook, this app connects you even closer to what is going on in his life. Sabato also recently became celebrity spokesperson for international dating site AnastasiaDate.com.

The last thing I asked Antonio and his wife Cheryl about is what they enjoy doing in the area. Antonio chimed in that Barton's Steakhouse in Simi Valley is one of their favorite dinner spots and that date nights at Cinepolis in Westlake Village are awesome. Other favorites around town include MB2 Raceway in Newbury Park, Carrara Pastries in Moorpark and Agoura, Farfalla Trattoria in Westlake Village, The Stonehaus in Westlake Village for coffee and outdoor ambience, and Paciugo Gelato at The Oaks Mall for a sweet treat.

And my favorite quote came from Cheryl, when asked what they use to find things to do around town: "Whenever we need to know of any upcoming events, camps, outdoor concerts or even updates on our community, we use Conejo Valley Guide. Anything that is family oriented we know that Conejo Valley Guide will always provide us with exactly what we are looking for." I LIKE IT!

Antonio Sabato Jr displaying a really cool cap

Cheryl Sabato (also known as Cheryl Moana Marie), is also quite a celebrity. Originally from Kauai, she is a former NFL Oakland Raiderette, Miss Kauai America, Miss Asia USA, and has appeared in over 15 national commercials for Heineken, Federal Express, General Motors, Miller Genuine Draft,  Mervyn's and others. She is also a singer, spokesmodel and interviewer. Learn more at www.cherylmoanamarie.com. Here she is in a 2011 IHOP commercial.

May 2013 Thousand Oaks Police Department City Watch Update

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

The end of the school year brings much happiness to youth in the community but parents can be overwhelmed with the stress of graduations and other end of year celebrations. 

The positive outlook for parents will be no more school lunches, schedules to follow, homework to stress over, running back and forth to the school and morning wake up routines. The drawback is now balancing your work and home schedules, as the children will be home.

If you are hosting a party for your graduate, know the risks involved, especially if the party is going to include alcohol. These risks may include lawsuits, arrest or fines. Alcohol does not have to become a rite of passage to adulthood. Parents can always provide safe and fun alternative parties that are drug and alcohol free.

If your child is attending a graduation party, it’s a good idea for parents to set guidelines for a fun and safe graduation celebration. Set clear rules about not using drugs or alcohol. Have a back-up plan with your teen if they need to avoid a bad situation.  Stay up until your teen returns home and do not rent hotel rooms for your teens. 

Ask questions of your teen; know whom they will be with, where they will be and what time you expect them home. Find out who is driving. If it is a limo, check the company's policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle. Insist on seatbelt use.

There are numerous statistics put out each year relating to alcohol releated deaths, but nothing is more alarming then finding out most deaths occur during prom and graduation season. Each year over 1000 youth under the age of 21 are killed in alcohol-related fatalities, making May and June a deadly time of year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It takes just one drink to impair driving and decision-making.

Parents are the number one influence in a child’s life. Therefore, it is your responsibility to model the behavior you expect from your child. Zero alcohol is the safe and legal choice this graduation season to ensure each child has a long successful future.

VACATIONS

Summer vacations are around the corner for most of us, which takes us away from our homes for an extended period of time.  As a reminder,  the Thousand Oaks P

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Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks is a Perennial Family Favorite

On a recent visit to Conejo Creek Park North, located at 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, we were surprised when we found dozens and dozens of koi in the lower pond area, cohabitating with the ducks.

Where did they come from? We don't know, but there are sure fun to watch.

Conejo Creek Park North is one of the nicest, widest appealing parks throughout Ventura County. You get almost everything at this park. This 44 acre park has two ponds with a stream connecting them, two separate play areas, a beach-style volleyball courts, a NEOS game, multiple large, shaded picnic areas. a fitness trail about 2/3rds of a mile that circles the park, plenty of shade trees and multiple large, grassy areas. Something for everyone.

Topping it off is the fact that the park is adjacent to the beautiful Thousand Oaks Library, Goebel Senior Center and Thousand Oaks Teen Center. We often park at the library, check out some books, then walk, scooter or ride across a bridge to the park. It is a great way to spend the day.

Conejo Creek Park North is extremely popular for larger events on the upper grass area adjacent to the largest picnic structure. There is plenty of parking available. And in the middle of the park is a jungle-like trail area that I enjoy exploring with the kids. We also see birthday party celebrations here pretty much every weekend that we visit.

To learn more about Conejo Creek Park North, visit the Conejo Recreation and Park District website at www.crpd.org. To learn about other parks we enjoy in and around Ventura County, click THIS LINK.

At the End of a Hot Weekend, the Clouds Roll In to the Conejo Valley

Last night at sunset was a fun time to watch the cloud cover make its way into the Conejo Valley. One great viewing spot was from the Conejo Mountain Edison Power Line Road accessible via trails in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. The clouds and setting sun made for an eerie feeling as daylight turned to darkness in Ventura County.

Views towards Boney MountainViews towards the power linesThe fog rolling in to Dos VientosThe sun setting over the cloud covering the Oxnard plainThe fog creeping up into Newbury ParkAnd another view of the fog making its way past the power lines

Click this link for descriptions of other local trails and hikes in and around Ventura County!

Burgers are Booming in the Conejo Valley and Adjacent Areas!

Yelp indicates there are 29 eateries in the Conejo Valley cities of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills that specialize in BURGERS! If you live in the Conejo Valley and enjoy a great burger, your options are better than ever. Burgers blossomed in 2012 with the addition of the following burger joints. Let's take a look at some of our local options.

Umami Burger opened at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks in May 2012. Umami is a Japanese word describing the pleasant and savory taste of their burgers. Quite unique and delicious. On the pricey side but worth it if you want something different! My wife ranks Umami and The Counter neck and neck as her favorite burgers in town.The deceiving simplicity of the Umami Burger

BurgerWerks Charbroil Grill opened in Westlake Village on February 13, 2013. They indicate their burgers feature locally raised, prime, corn-fed beef.....all natural, no hormones, no antibiotics from Brandt beef.

The popular Smashburger opened in Thousand Oaks in July 2012. Every time I've been there it has been packed with happy b

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Great Views From Boney Peak Today

After a brief late-February heatwave, today it is noticeably cooler, with the clouds coming in. Was a great morning to make my way to Boney Peak.

Looking down on Newbury Park from Boney PeakClear view of the Channel Islands from Boney PeakI was joined by these experienced hikers on Boney PeakHidden Valley is not so hidden when you're looking down from Boney Peak

Click this link to find out how to get up there!

The Conejo Free Clinic Provides Medical and Legal Services to Those in Need

The Conejo Free Clinic (CFC) is 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1976 that provides medical and legal services to those who may have no access to care. The CFC provides services to over 5,000 people annually in our community.

Medical services provided by CFC include primary and preventative general medical services, pediatric clinics, including childhood and school-required immunizations, women's health services such as health exams, mammograms and other tests as well as patient advocacy services when necessary. Legal service clinics take place the first four Tuesday nights of each month.

All CFC providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, RN's, medical assistants, receptionists, etc.) are volunteers. The office is managed by a staff of four employees, supported by a 15 member Board of Directors from the community.

CFC helps those who don't have adequate access to medical car

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Celebrate Conejo Recreation & Park District's 50th in 2013 with the Play Conejo Challenge!

The Conejo Recreation & Park District turns 50 in 2013! To celebrate, CRPD presents the Play Conejo Challenge! The Play Conejo Challenge entails completing activities and attending events throughout the year, accumulating at least 50 points and receiving a cool "PLAY CONEJO CHALLENGE CHAMPION - 50 FOR THE 50TH" t-shirt for your efforts!

Visit www.crpd.org/playlist to download the Play Conejo Challenge activity list, find things to do, and start accumulating points. Then either have a CRPD staff member write in the completion date or keep track yourself by writing down an observation. You have the entire year to acccumulate points!

This is about more than getting a free t-shirt! This is about having fun and celebrating along with CRPD! There are over 100 activities to choose from and as many as 151 points achievable. Activities and events on the list include the following CRPD locations and available points:

• Conejo Valley parks (up to 5 points)
• Borchard Community Center (up to 11 points)
• Conejo Community Center (up to 11 points)
• Thousand Oaks Community Center (up to 14 points)
• Dos Vientos Community Center (up to 7 points)
• Goebel Senior Adult Center (up to 12 points)
• Alex Fiore Teen Center (up to 13 points)
• Hillcrest Center for the Arts (up to 14 points)
• Therapeutic Recreation Unit (up to 8 points)
• Aquatics (up to 7 points)
• Districtwide/General Activities (up to 33 points)
• CRPD Partner Events (up to 16 points)

Have fun with the Play Conejo Challenge!

Cold, Clear Saturday Makes For Wonderful Conejo Valley Views From Angel Vista

The temperatures have been particularly cold these last several days, with nighttime temps in the low 30s and highs only in the mid 50s in the Conejo Valley.  With barely a cloud in the sky, these conditions make for optimal hiking around town! This morning I took the Rosewood Trail up to Angel Vista in Newbury Park. Here are some of the views I took in.

Angel Vista has panoramic views stretching from Camarillo/Newbury Park to Thousand Oaks, Hidden Valley and beyond. And a bench and picnic table to boot. It can be accessed via the Rosewood Trail off of Lynn Road (just west of Regal Oak Ct) or the Los Robles Trail. The Conejo Open Space Foundation provides a useful map at www.cosf.org/website/html/los-robles-angel-vista.html. Other trails and hiking options at THIS LINK here on CVG.

Looking to do something fun around Ventura County and adjacent areas but don't like the cold weather outside? No worries...check out one of over 40 museums around town.

Cloudy and Cool Conejo Valley This First Sunday of 2013

Darts Promoter L. David Irete captured this neat photo of the Conejo Valley before sundown tonight on this cool, cloudy, slightly rainy first Sunday of 2013. Irete is the biggest darts enthusiast in town, so make sure to follow his Facebook page.

It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow, but the rain is expected back later in the week. No worries...check this list of things to do around Ventura County with the kids when it is WET outside (unless of course you enjoy jumping in puddles!).

Here's how it looked around 11 a.m. this morning while I was running (literally) around town.

Cool, Blustery New Year's Day 2013 in the Conejo Valley

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Today was a beautiful, dry New Year's Day in the Conejo Valley, with cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies and plenty of wind. We were out and about around town  and plenty of people were enjoying the outdoors, appropriately dressed!

If one of your new year's resolutions is to become more active, you are in the right place! Here are some great activities to look into in 2013:

Trails and hiking around Ventura County

Hiking groups around Ventura County

Hundreds of community parks around Ventura County

Fish and fishing options around Ventura County

Golf courses and tennis courts around Ventura County

Horseback riding options around Ventura County

Running and cycling groups throughout Ventura County

Tonight, Tuesday, December 4, 2012 is Quite a Foggy Night in the Conejo Valley

Darts Promoter L. David Irete provided this neat shot of the Conejo Valley engulfed in fog tonight. There's no fog indoors tonight, which makes it an optimal night for darts, so check out the Ventura County Darts Association website at www.vcda.org. Or how about some of these other unique and interesting local clubs in Ventura County you may not be aware of.

A Memorable Conejo Valley Sunset This First Night of November 2012

Beautiful sunset tonight in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County!

For things to do in the beautiful outdoors surrounding us, CLICK HERE.

Spectacular Conejo Valley Double Rainbow on This Stormy 10.11.12 Thursday

Today was quite an unusual day of clear skies, rain, thunder, lightning and....rainbows! Chris Rowell of Newbury Park captured this outstanding shot of the double rainbow hovering above the Conejo Valley late this afternoon. You don't see rainbows this clear that often!

It had been awhile since we had rain around here! But apparently the sun is coming back this weekend. That's a good thing because there are quite a number of pumpkin patches around town awaiting visitors. See you there! And for nearly 100 upcoming Halloween events from now through Halloween night, visit bit.ly/VCHalloween.

Great Labor Day Weekend Culminates in a Rainbow Above the Conejo Valley

The weather was seasonably warm this Labor Day weekend and under partly cloudy skies most of the day. To me the weather seemed picture perfect, and I believe this rainbow photo taken from the North Ranch section of Westlake Village sums up what a great weekend it was.

Photo courtesy of Ed Garnett. Speaking of Ed, he is a Board Member of the Conejo Free Clinic, which provides medical and legal services to local residents in need. I encourage you to take a look at this worthy local non-profit that helps our local community. Their biggest fundraiser of the year, the CFC 24th Annual Fall Golf Classic, is coming up on October 8th.

Here were some of those clouds a little earlier tonight above Conejo Mountain, seen from the 101 Freeway in Camarillo.