Caltrans Announces Thousands of Native Plants to Bloom on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills

Beth Pratt prepares the first plant for planting atop the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

Caltrans announced last week that a major addition has started on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing – the world’s largest of its kind that will connect open space on both sides of US 101 in Agoura Hills. Approximately 5,000 native plants will be installed atop the bridge, scheduled for completion in fall 2026.

The collection of native plants includes coastal sage scrub species such as California aster, a source of pollen and nectar for bees; purple sage, which attracts hummingbirds; hoaryleaf ceanothus, which acts as a shelter for small wildlife; narrowleaf milkweed that is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies; bush sunflowers and scarlet bugler. The new habitat will support the movement of native species like mountain lions, bobcats, deer, foxes and pollinators while reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and the genetic isolation caused by freeways.

This progress is the result of years of preparation by a team of biologists, horticulturists, soil scientists, engineers, and indigenous species experts. Since 2021, a dedicated native plant nursery collected more than 1.1 million seeds representing over 50 local plant varieties, all sourced from within five miles of the bridge site. These seeds will sustain a resilient, drought-tolerant ecosystem atop the crossing, carefully designed to support native wildlife and restore connectivity to critical habitats.

In total, the surrounding 13-acre project area will be revitalized with approximately 50,000 native plants and trees, including coast live oak, valley oak, ceanothus, sage species, California buckwheat, and milkweed to support pollinators like monarch butterflies. Irrigation systems integrated into the bridge design will ensure plant survival while reducing fire risk.

The project is led by a coalition of partners, including Caltrans, the National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the National Wildlife Federation, the SAMO Fund and Rock Design Associates.

The public is invited to follow construction on the bridge in real-time through its dedicated webcam and learn more about the Save LA Cougar’s #P22Legacy Campaign phase at savelacougars.org and the Wildlife Crossing Fund at wildlifecrossingfund.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.

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

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

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.

2025 City of Thousand Oaks Summer Beach Bus Service June 16 to August 9

City of Thousand Oaks Summer Beach Bus Service Returns For 2025

The City of Thousand Oaks will once again offer the Summer Beach Bus: a regular scheduled public transit service traveling weekdays between Thousand Oaks and Zuma Beach in Malibu and, again this year, Saturday service to Ventura Harbor beaches. This is the 12th year the service is being offered by Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT). The service runs Monday through Saturday from June 16 through August 9, except for July 4.

Two round trips will be available daily. The fare is $4.00 round trip ($1.00 for seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities) cash only and is collected in person at the time of boarding. Students from kindergarten through college can ride the beach bus for free.

The Beach Bus departs from two locations -- Borchard Community Center parking lot and the Thousand Oaks Teen Center bus stop. The beach bus drops off and picks up at Zuma Beach Monday through Friday and picks up and drops off at Harbor Village and Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura.   

For exact departure times, refer to the timetable posted at each stop or for more information about the Summer Beach Bus, visit the Thousand Oaks Transit website at toaks.co/beachbus. Seating is limited and riders will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival, at least 15 minutes in advance, is encouraged.

Parents and riders may track the bus location in real-time by visiting www.govcbus.com/map.

2025 Summer Beach Buses in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks

The City of Agoura Hills Summer Beach Bus is back for 2025. Runs June 18 to August 8 (except July 4) Monday through Friday from three designated locations to/from Zuma Beach. Service is $2 each way. Exact change required. Open to anyone (not just Agoura Hills residents). www.agourahillscity.gov/business_detail_T4_R106.php

The City of Thousand Oaks is offering Summer Beach Bus Service in 2025 from June 16 to August 9 (except July 4) to Zuma Beach and Ventura Harbor Beach. Two round trips will be available daily Monday through Friday. to Zuma and Saturday to Ventura Cove Beach. The fare is $4.00 round trip ($1.00 for seniors ages 65+ and persons with disabilities) cash only and is collected in person at the time of boarding. Students from kindergarten through college can ride the Beach Bus for free. toaks.gov/beachbus

2025 #TBT Food Truck Thursdays at Camarillo Ranch House on June 26, July 31

Throwback Thursday Food Truck Fest at the Camarillo Ranch is planned from 5-8PM on Thursday, June 26th and Thursday, July 31st, 2025. Events feature food trucks, including beer and wine, family activities, artisan market, live music, house tours, and more. Free admission. Located at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road.

For more information, visit camarilloranchfoundation.com/tbt-food-truck-festival..

2025 City of Agoura Hills Beach Bus June 18 to August 8

The City of Agoura Hills Summer Beach Bus is back for 2025. The bus runs June 16 to August 8 (except July 4), Monday through Friday from three designated locations to/from Zuma Beach, Parking Lot #8 - Lindero Canyon Middle School, Agoura High School and Agoura Road at Liberty Canyon Road. Service is $2 each way. Exact change required. Open to anyone - not just Agoura Hills residents, but must carry a form of ID. More details at www.agourahillscity.gov/business_detail_T4_R106.php

Topa Topa Brewing Co. Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary on June 14th

On June 14th, Topa Topa Brewing Co. invites fans for a carnival-themed party at their Ventura HQ & Brewery (4880 Colt Street), followed by a very special after-party concert at their downtown Ventura taproom (104 East Thompson Blvd) headlined by Vetiver and Sam Blasucci (of Mapache). The day and night parties each have their own special offerings, created in partnership with Tierra Sol Institute, the event’s 1% for the Planet nonprofit beneficiary.

Topa has grown from its humble beginnings at its original location in downtown Ventura into an expansive, state of the art production facility, packaging hall, taproom, event venue, and beer garden just a few miles south on Colt Street. Topa now has five locations in Ventura & Santa Barbara counties, and distribution across Southern California and the Bay Area.

Since 2015, Topa has packaged over 12 million cans of beer and donated nearly half a million dollars to 1% for the Planet partners. This, and other cumulative factoids, are featured on the can labels of their limited release 10th Anniversary IPA, named “Topa Is Ten” which will be available exclusively at the anniversary event.

The beer is the first of its kind for Topa, carefully blended with select hop-forward projects to make Topa is Ten a veritable brewmaster’s cuvée. Topa is Ten combines Chief Peak IPA, Blue Heaven IPA, Level Line Pale Ale, and Huckster Double IPA into one bold, celebratory, expressive IPA with layers of zesty grapefruit and tangerine up front, a floral mid-palate, and a dank, slightly tropical finish that lingers just long enough.

Anniversary attendees will have a chance to learn more about this beer during the Founders Session Tour & Tasting, a ticketed special activity within the anniversary celebration that includes a tour of the production facility with co-founder Jack Dyer, a guided tasting of rare archive beers with co-founder Casey Harris, and a take-home goodie bag that includes a 4 pack of the anniversary IPA.

Festivities will include:

• Food & dessert ranging from fair food to fancy, including funnel cake & frozen yogurt, oysters & dumplings, and family-friendly options

• Carnival-themed attractions & activities benefitting select 1% for the Planet partners - petting zoo, dunk tank, climbing wall, face painting

• Live music & DJs from noon til 5 PM at the Ventura HQ & Brewery outdoor garden

• An after-party benefit concert with Vetiver, Sam Blasucci (of Mapache), and Farmer Dave & the Wizards of the West - Doors 6P, Show 7P. Tickets $15 available at topatopa.beer/products/pre-sale-anniversary-after-party-at-thompson.

• Founders Session Tour & Tasting - a ticketed, behind-the-scenes experience led by Jack & Casey. Spots are limited and guarantee a 4-pack of Topa Is Ten anniversary IPA. Presale tickets now available at topatopa.beer/products/topa-is-ten-vip-ticket.

• Brand new Topa Taproom merchandise, including collectible glassware, regional hats, and customizable Father’s Day gift bundles

ABOUT TOPA TOPA BREWING CO.

Topa Topa® Brewing Co. was founded in 2015 in Ventura, nestled between the Topa Topa mountains in Ojai and the salty shores of the Pacific Ocean. With five taprooms along California’s southern central coast, Topa Topa is upheld by a trifecta of values: quality, craftsmanship, and community spirit. This means using the freshest ingredients, working with the most skilled brewers around, and thriving on uplifting and unifying our community. Topa Topa is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of annual sales to local, approved environmental partners.