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

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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

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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

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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.

Ventura County Transportation Commission to Remove Call Boxes Along Ventura County Highways

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The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) recently announced the end of its emergency call box program, marking a significant shift in how roadside assistance will be provided across the county’s highways. Since 2004, over 58,000 calls have been made from the 427 call boxes maintained by VCTC, but usage has dropped dramatically due to the widespread adoption of personal cell phones. In 2005, the system handled more than 5,800 calls, but by 2024, that number had plummeted to just 849. Faced with declining demand and mounting maintenance challenges, VCTC voted in May to decommission the program and begin removing the call boxes, with full removal expected by September 1, 2025.

The call boxes, which operate on AT&T’s 4G network and connect directly to California Highway Patrol dispatch, have become increasingly difficult to maintain. The state’s only maintenance contractor suspended its regular inspections, and VCTC’s contract for upkeep expired in June 2025. With no viable alternatives that meet state guidelines for call box technology, VCTC decided not to renew the contract. The system’s annual operating costs—between $350,000 and $400,000—are funded by a $1 vehicle registration fee collected from Ventura County residents.

In place of the call box system, VCTC is exploring several alternative motorist aid services. These include expanding the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP), which has offered free roadside assistance since 2021 along segments of Highways 101, 118, and 23 during peak hours. Other options under review include increasing signage for the SoCal 511 emergency phone system and enhancing traffic enforcement through extended agreements with the CHP. These initiatives aim to maintain and improve emergency support for motorists while making more efficient use of public funds.

More details about the FSP and SoCal 511 programs can be found at goventura.org/fsp and go511.com, respectively.

kidSTREAM Children's Museum "Pathway to Play" Brick & Legacy Campaign

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kidSTREAM Children’s Museum is an emerging, hands-on destination dedicated to inspiring children through meaningful play-based learning. Designed especially for kids under 12 years old, kidSTREAM offers opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STREAM) through interactive exhibits and programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. kidSTREAM’s mission is to provide a vibrant, engaging environment where young children can discover, imagine, and learn through play, fostering a lifelong love of exploration and learning. Once open, admission will be comparable to other children’s museums in Southern California, ensuring accessibility for families throughout the region.

At completion, the museum, located at 3100 Ponderosa Drive in Camarillo (the former Camarillo Public Library site), will feature over 30,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. A grand opening of Phase 1 of the Museum is anticipated by the end of 2025 and will feature 21,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor exhibit space. Outdoor exhibits will highlight local and regional themes (agriculture, Channel Islands, camping, pygmy mammoth dig pit, etc.). Phase 1 indoor exhibits will include an early childhood microbiology area, creative studio and maker space, sensory room, and more.

Currently in its pre-opening phase, kidSTREAM is working towards creating a world-class children’s museum that serves families throughout Ventura County and beyond. As part of this effort, the museum has launched its Brick Legacy Campaign, a public initiative allowing individuals and organizations to leave a lasting mark on kidSTREAM’s future home. By purchasing a personalized brick, bench, or log seat, supporters can help fund immersive exhibits, innovative programming, and expanded access for all children while creating a permanent pathway to play. This campaign invites the community to join us in shaping a place where every child can experience the joy of discovery for generations to come.

Learn more at kidstream.org/brick-legacy-campaign and www.kidstream.org.

Inca Kingdom Peruvian Cafe Now Open in Thousand Oaks

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The Inca Kingdom Cafe recently opened in the Sun Plaza at 670 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, serving Peruvian dishes such as Lomo Saltado, Arroz con Pollo, and specialty dishes from the Andes. Adjoining the cafe is the Little Sedona Market, which has an assortment of crystals, jewelry, gifts, and some Peruvian grocery items. This location was previously occupied by Garden India Restaurant & Grocery. Learn more and see their menu at littlesedona.com.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Le Macaron French Pastries of Thousand Oaks on August 8th

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Le Macaron French Pastries, a boutique-style French pâtisserie concept known for their French delicacies, announces the grand opening of its newest location in Thousand Oaks. The celebration will take place on Friday, August 8, at Janss Marketplace, 205 N Moorpark Road, Suite E. (next to the children’s playground).

Elizabeth (Liz) Carpenter, owner of Le Macaron French Pastries of Thousand Oaks, has called California home for over 25 years, and after many years of experience in customer service, was ready for a new challenge and opportunity. As a wife and mother of two, Liz was drawn to Le Macaron’s family-operated organization, elegant European aesthetic, and variety of products.

The café features authentic French macarons in over 20 flavors, including bestsellers and bold varieties like Sicilian Pistachio and Lavender White Chocolate. The macarons served are made from authentic ingredients, with each flavor offering a unique pastry experience. Hand-crafted using a traditional French recipe and authentic French patisserie chef, they provide a sweet indulgence at only 80 calories per macaron.

In addition to macarons, customers can enjoy artisan gelato, rich European style coffee and signature pastries, such as éclairs, tarts, and meringues. The cozy boutique also offers curated gift boxes and luxury packaging, perfect for celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, and weddings.

For more information, visit www.lemacaron-us.com or www.facebook.com/lemacaronthousandoaks.