Reagan Library Announces "Cowboys: History & Hollywood" Exhibit to Open on October 18th

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) today announced its new exhibition, “Cowboys: History & Hollywood,” will open on October 18, 2025, and run through April 19, 2026. The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the reality and the cinematic allure of the American cowboy—an enduring symbol of strength, self-reliance, and freedom.

Blending true Western history with Hollywood mythmaking, the 10,000-square-foot exhibition will feature authentic gear, rare photographs, historic artifacts, and memorabilia from classic Western films that shaped the cowboy image we know today. Visitors will discover how the cowboy became a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the open range.

The upcoming exhibition explores how the work of cowboys has changed, from riders on horseback to today’s modern animal management. Visitors will see how herding methods have advanced from dusty trails to helicopters and ATVs, culminating in a showstopping centerpiece: a Robinson R22 helicopter used to round up cattle. This aircraft will make its arrival on the Reagan Library’s South Lawn next Tuesday, September 23, before taking its place in “Cowboys: History & Hollywood” as a striking example of the modern cowboy’s tools of the trade.

“While many view Robinson helicopters as personal transportation, a large percentage of the nearly 15,000 aircraft we've produced are tools for tough jobs,” said Robyn Eagles, vice president of global marketing and communications at Robinson Helicopter Company.  “Across the world, our R22s are the horsepower of the 21st century, equipping modern cowboys in mustering sheep, cattle, and other animals. We are honored to share the stories of our owners and operators and be a part of this exhibit with a Retro Ronald Reagan-branded R22.”

Additional highlights of “Cowboys: History & Hollywood” include:

  • Dozens of historic saddles, cowboy hats, firearms, and other cowboy equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries;

  • Roy Rogers’ Trigger and Bullet, the beloved horse and dog that became television legends, along with Rogers’ wife Dale Evans’ horse, Buttermilk;

  • Iconic Hollywood costumes, objects and artifacts from Yellowstone, Gunsmoke, Back to the Future Part III, Nope, and, Annie Get Your Gun;

  • Items belonging to John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and President Ronald Reagan, showcasing their connection to the cowboy image; 

  • President Reagan’s 1953 Willys Jeep CJ-6, which he drove at Rancho del Cielo;

  • An NSYNC tour cowboy costume; 

  • Autographed guitar of Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the USA” singer; 

President Ronald Reagan once said, “I seem to remember a famous country and western song warning mothers not to let their babies grow up to be cowboys… The song forgot that cowboys can sometimes grow up and be President.” To learn more about the cowboy way of life and how President Reagan himself embraced the cowboy persona, purchase tickets to this upcoming exhibit on the Reagan Library website

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. 

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew on as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

Borchard Skatepark Expansion and Renovation Project in Newbury Park

The Conejo Recreation & Park District voted to approve the expansion and renovation of the Borchard Skatepark in April 2025. The Skatepark is located at Borchard Community Park, 190 Reino Road in Newbury Park, at the corner of Reino and Borchard.

The project will entail demolishing the existing 10,000 sq ft facility and existing parking area to construct a new 20,000 sq ft multi-use facility. Improvements include enhanced lighting, four shade structures, a covered picnic area, spectator seating, and more. The larger facility will offer additional amenities, while providing inclusivity and accessibility to patrons of all abilities.

Total project cost is $4.5 million. Construction is anticipated to begin late this year after final permits are secured.

Learn more at www.crpd.org/planning.

Sora Handroll Bar is Coming Soon to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

Sora Handroll Bar is coming soon to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. According to The Lakes, "Sora is a modern handroll sushi bar that blends Japanese tradition with a fresh, contemporary dining experience. Focused on simplicity, quality and craftsmanship, Sora serves made-to-order handrolls using the finest fish, warm seasoned rice and crisp nori. Guests enjoy an interactive counter-style experience where rolls are prepared right in front of them, highlighting both freshness and hospitality."

Sora operates at a rooftop location at The Grove in Los Angeles - "LA's first rooftop temaki experience." Learn more at www.sorarestaurant.com or check them out on IG at @soralosangeles

Whole Foods Market Coming Soon to The Promenade at Westlake in Thousand Oaks

Today, The Promenade at Westlake announced that Whole Foods Market is coming soon to the space previously vacated by Amazon Fresh that closed its doors this past April.

Founded in 1980, Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer, with more than 530 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. This will be Whole Foods’ 3rd Ventura County location - others on Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks and at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard.

www.wholefoodsmarket.com

City of Thousand Oaks Public Hearing on August 25th to Consider Application from Raising Cane's

The City of Thousand Oaks Planning Commission will host a public hearing on Monday, August 25th, to consider an application from Raising Cane's to make some changes to the former Amy's Drive-Thru eatery space in the Best Buy Plaza at 400 N. Moorpark Road. The proposal is for a 12% reduction in parking spaces, landscape changes, and other matters. For more info on this and other public hearing notices, visit the city's website at toaktoaks.org..org.

RED O Taste of Mexico Opens August 18 in Westlake Village

RED O Taste of Mexico, the acclaimed upscale Mexican restaurant known for its bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere, will open its fourth location at The Promenade at Westlake on August 18, with limited hours and reservations. Merging elevated cuisine, immersive design, and warm hospitality, RED O offers more than a meal—it delivers an experience.

Designed by internationally renowned designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the space channels the relaxed sophistication of a bohemian beach town, using caba cloth, woven rattan, rope-wrapped elements, and antique Oaxacan textiles to create a setting that’s both exotic and inviting. Guests enter through a dramatic tequila tunnel lined with glowing bottles, emerging into a space that features a rope-wrapped bar, lush greenery by The Living Canvas, a custom lantern-lit plaster tree, original Mexican artwork, and a bespoke boho mural.

The kitchen, helmed by Corporate Executive Chef Armando Martinez and Executive Chef John Pigott, takes the same elevated approach. The menu starts with Oaxacan-style cooking, and brings in flavors and techniques from all over Mexico.

Signature dishes include:

  • Surf & Turf Tablita – 32oz tomahawk steak, 1 lb lobster tail, house guacamole, red rice, beans, and fresh-pressed tortillas

  • Branzino Zarandeado – Whole grilled branzino with chile-citrus soy butter and heirloom tomato

  • The Cocorita – A tropical margarita served in a fresh young coconut

  • Alacrán Margarita – Featuring housemade serrano chile agave

Beyond the plate, RED O Westlake Village will feature lunch, dinner, happy hour, Taco Tuesdays, and weekend brunch, all delivered with the brand’s signature hospitality and elegance. Guests can look forward to live music, exclusive pop-up dinners, seasonal specials, and a rotating calendar of curated events that cater to modern diners' craving for experience as much as flavor.

Details for the official Grand Opening celebration will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more at www.redorestaurant.com.

Fishbone Seafood Restaurant Grand Opening in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, August 16th

Fishbone Seafood Restaurant is opening August 16th in the Palm Plaza, 2709 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Fishbone Seafood offers southern style seafood specialties, such as grilled or fried red snapper, filet of sole, catfish filet, salmon, oysters, jumbo shrimp, and more. From noon to 3pm on the 16th, they will be giving out free samples and there will be a DJ on hand. Learn more at fishboneseafood.com.