National Nutrition Month Spotlight at Thousand Oaks Farmers' Market

The spotlight is on nutrition in March during National Nutrition Month.  The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market will have information available during the month of March for the community to learn about the benefits of sound nutrition.

Representatives from the Coastal Tri-County Dietetic Association will visit the Thousand Oaks Market on Thursday, March 24 during regular Market hours.  The Association will provide nutritional information and answer questions.

The theme for the 2011 National Nutrition Month is “Eat Right with Color,” which is presented by the American Dietetic Association.  The recently-released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended an increased focus on a plant-based diet.  Growing research indicates that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health.  Studies have also shown that fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help protect individuals from chronic diseases.

“We are pleased to partner with area representatives who are committed to helping people realize the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association.  “We invite the community to come and learn about good nutrition while enjoying the Farmers’ Market experience,” she added.

The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end Parking Lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association, call 805-529-6266 or visit the website at www.vccfarmersmarket.com. Follow the Farmers’ Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vccfm.

California Health & Longevity Institute Shares Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Diet

Nutrition Director of California Health & Longevity Institute at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Offers 10 Ways to Improve Your Diet (March is National Nutrition Month)

In honor of National Nutrition Month in March, Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE and director of nutrition at California Health & Longevity Institute located within Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, offers 10 easy ways individuals can improve their diet for optimum health.    “These simple strategies can promote weight control, optimum nutrition intake, longevity and even reduce our impact on the environment,” said Ms. Lambert, a registered dietitian and certified diabetic educator.  

Her recommendations include:

1. Eat 7-10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.  Two cups of cooked vegetables, two cups salad (excluding iceberg lettuce) and two to three pieces of fruit ensure adequate antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber to lower risk for chronic disease.

2. Consume less animal protein.  Too much causes increased risk for CHD and cancer.  Limit to 9-10 oz. per day for men, 6-8 oz. per day for women and children.

3. Limit sugary “treats” to one to two per week.  

4. Avoid all sugar drinks including juices.  Limit calories in drinks to no more than 10 calories/8 oz.

5. Eat evenly throughout the day to avoid a high glycemic overload.  Three meals and one or two snacks are adequate for most of us.

6. Decrease condiments to one or two tablespoons to lower sodium intake, thereby reducing the risk for hypertension.   Even those with low blood pressure now should keep this in mind as it increases with age.  Studies show a high the sodium intake in younger years increases risk for hypertension at earlier ages.

7. Focus on real, whole food -- the less processed the better.  Look for foods with few ingredients.  For example, choose a cereal that has two to five ingredients, not 25!

8. Eat vegetarian protein three to five times per week to lower risk for chronic disease as well as reducing the impact of a high protein diet on the environment.

9. Spend food dollars on quality meats and poultry, not quantity. Cleaner, sustainable meats cost more, but are healthier for both you and the environment sure and the environment

10. Buy organic dairy when possible to avoid antibiotics and hormones that are added to factory livestock production.

To help guests and local residents learn out to these strategies into action, California Health & Longevity Institute offers the Wellness Kitchen hands-on cooking class and dining experience taught by registered dietitian-chefs.    In March, Wellness Kitchen class themes include “Family Meals in Minutes” and “Simple Healthy Cooking” where guests learn to make recipes such as Southwest turkey chilli and curried butternut squash and lentil.  Wellness Kitchen special events include “Meals that Heal,” where participants learn how to lower cholesterol and treat and prevent heart disease by preparing foods that maximize vitality and health. Young chefs ages 10 to 16 bake up fun in a “Junior Bread Bakers” class focusing on recipes for whole grain muffins, breads, biscuits and rolls.

Cronies Sports Grill Opening Its Doors in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th

The long-awaited opening of another Cronies has come to an end. Cronies will be opening it doors at Stagecoach Plaza in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th!

Two beers or not two beers? That is the question. But usually one cold, frosty beer at Cronies does the trick for me! www.Cronies.com

The New and Improved Waypoint Cafe at the Camarillo Airport

I don't write about a lot of restaurants, namely because the primary focus of Conejo Valley Guide is "events and activities" throughout Ventura County. But from time to time I find the motivation to share a special find, like the Waypoint Cafe in Camarillo.

The Waypoint Cafe was always a great place to eat. Good food adjacent to the Camarillo Airport landing strip. The close proximity to aircraft made this a fun dining choice from time to time. But about a year ago the Waypoint was remodeled and suddenly it has become a destination restaurant!

It had been 4 or 5 years since I was last there, and this place looked nothing like it used to, starting at the entrance that I hardly recognized.

Everything has been upgraded...the floors, booths, chairs, outdoor areas and decor. Very impressive! And the place was completely hopping at 11:45 a.m. on a Thursday. This shot is a bit blurry...but it provides the color scheme at least.

We were seated immediately and service was cheerful and attentive. We were near the window and here's what we were treated to outside.

Soon my iced tea came in this large, metal ice cream shake type glass. Kind of unique. Worked for me. The tea was good.

Then out came our food. my cohort had the french dip with fries that he said were notably good. My veggie burger wasn't the "best" that I've had but I did enjoy it. My sweet potato fries were delicious. And the large pickle slice, which I usually don't eat, was outstanding.

I don't hesitate recommending Waypoint Cafe as a fun local destination restaurant.  I caught a lot of people eating delicious looking breakfasts for lunch too. Open 7 days a week until 4 p.m. at 325 Durley Avenue. Visit www.thewaypointcafe.com or call 805.388.2535.

The Tipsy Goat to Open in Thousand Oaks on March 17th

I WENT TO THE TIPSY GOAT! MORE ON THAT HERE

In what used to be Enrique's Mexican Restaurant at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, a new place with the interesting name "The Tipsy Goat" will be opening on Thursday, March 17th. At least that's what The Tipsy Goat website says at www.thetipsygoat.net. "Hoovin a good time" is the only thing it says on the site at this point. One thing for sure, they will definitely serve beer! The Tipsy Goat is directly adjacent to Outback Steakhouse.

The Santa Susana Cantina Has Been Closed Now For Over 4 Years

On a recent trip to the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad off of Kuehner Drive in Simi Valley, I came across the vacant Santa Susana Cantina. Living in the Conejo Valley, it is not often that I get out that direction, other than the rare occasion I need to take the 118 Freeway to the San Fernando Valley.

But it is definitely worth a periodic drive to explore this northeastern tip of Ventura County. Corriganville Park is also a worthwhile place to explore over there.

The Santa Susana Cantina closed its doors in October 2006 after 73 years in business. It's great to see history like this on display.

Spanish Speaking Community Robbery Scam in Newbury Park on January 25th

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Nature of Incident: Robbery scam in Spanish speaking community

Location: 600 Block of Avenida Del Platino, Newbury Park

Date & Time: January 25, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m.

Victim: Female adult / Hispanic Newbury Park 56
Suspect 1 (S-1): Hispanic male Unknown 60-65 years
Suspect 2 (S-2): Hispanic female Unknown 60-65 years

A Newbury Park woman was the victim of a robbery once the suspects talked their way into her home. The female Hispanic victim answered a knock at her front door and was greeted by an older Hispanic couple. The man asked in Spanish if they could have some water, while both suspects acted like they were in need of water. The victim felt sorry for the couple and said in Spanish she would get them some water. The victim left the door open and walked to her kitchen to get some water.

When the victim turned around, both the suspects were already in her home. The victim gave some water to the female suspect as the male suspect walked into the victim’s bedroom. The victim followed after the male suspect and asked what he was doing. The male suspect turned and approached the victim in an intimidating manner. The male suspect got angry and yelled at the victim to “be quiet.”

The victim became very afraid of the suspects and feared for her safety because she was home alone. Both suspects went through the residence looking for items to take. The suspects took items of gold jewelry, a flat screen television, an Apple iPod touch, a black PSP Play Station, victim’s cell phone, U.S. Currency, U.S. Immigration card and Social Security Card.

The suspects loaded the items into an older light gray van (possibly a Chrysler), and locked the victim out of her home before driving away.

(S-1) is described as a Hispanic male in his early to mid sixties, 5’-4” to 5’-7” in height, 155 to 165 pounds, well dressed, and spoke only Spanish in a loud intimidating voice. (S-2) is described as an Hispanic female in her early to mid sixties, 5’-6” to 5’-8” in height, 200 to 230 pounds, long straight black hair worn in a pony tail that reached her lower back, wearing a black sweater over a long black dress with black flat shoes, brown purse, and only spoke Spanish. Neither suspect had any unique traits, scars, marks, or tattoos. Based on the victim only speaking Spanish and living in a predominantly Spanish neighborhood, I believe the suspects will continue to prey upon other Hispanic victims.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Thousand Oaks Police Department Homicide Investigation - Altercation on January 26th

VC Star update 1/28/11 at www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jan/27/sheriffs-department-investigating-homicides-at/

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Two male subjects became involved in a physical altercation near the intersection of Lindero Canyon Road and Bowfield Street. Both subjects were injured as a result of the altercation. One of the subjects succumbed to injuries as result of being stabbed. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The other male was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries.

On January 26, 2011, at about 9:43 p.m., Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a physical altercation at the intersection. At about 9:49 p.m., Sheriff’s patrol deputies arrived on scene and discovered two injured males on the sidewalk. Ventura County Fire arrived on scene and pronounced one of the subjects deceased at the scene. The other subject was treated for his injuries.

The investigation is continuing to determine what prompted the altercation and the relationship between the two subjects. The injured subject’s name has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Freeway Sign Community Meetings on Wed, January 26th and Thurs, February 10th

Courtesy of City of Thousand Oaks Website:

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Freeway Monument Sign - Community Meetings

Location: Los Robles Greens Golf Course – Banquet Center, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

Dates: 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 26th and 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 10th

The Thousand Oaks Auto Mall lies on 54 acres along Thousand Oaks Boulevard between Duesenberg Drive, Packard Circle, and the 101 Freeway. The Auto Mall employs approximately 1,000 people, consistently generating almost one-quarter of the City’s annual sales tax revenues. In the past four years, the Auto Mall has generated more than $28 Million in sales tax revenue to the City.

In recent years, the dealerships have been working with the City to improve the appearance and navigability of the Auto Mall. Along with pedestrian amenities and aged streetscaping, the primary concern is the lack of available parking for both customers and employees. In fact, as a Top Priority for FY 2007-2008, the Thousand Oaks City Council directed staff to develop a plan to mitigate parking issues at the Auto Mall.

On January 12, 2010, City Council authorized design for the Auto Mall project. Due to the significance of this undertaking, the City Council formed an Ad Hoc Citizens Auto Mall Advisory Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee met five times between February and June 2010 to review conceptual designs and make recommendations. The final report by the Citizen Ad Hoc Committee contained recommendations on the angled parking, landscaping, way-finder signage, and a new freeway monument sign.

At the December 14, 2010 meeting, City Council approved all the necessary plans and permits for the project to move forward, with the exception the freeway monument sign. At the request of the Auto Mall Association, the monument sign was not considered by City Council at the December 14th meeting, in order to receive additional community feedback and insight regarding the sign before making a decision. After completing additional public outreach and receiving community feedback, the Auto Mall Association will bring the item to City Council on February 22, 2011. 

Selected Q&As

Who is paying for the new Auto Mall sign? The costs to construct, operate, and maintain the monument sign will be paid entirely by the Auto Mall Association. No City funds are being used to construct the Auto Mall monument sign.Previously, City Council committed $2 Million towards the other components of the project, (parking improvements, landscaping, etc.) none of which is to be used to construct the monument sign, if approved. Since 2001, the Auto Mall has generated $8 million in incremental property tax revenues for the Redevelopment Agency (RDA), with an additional $1.3 million expected in fiscal year 2010-11. The majority of the parking and landscaping costs ($6 Million) will be paid by the formation of a Community Facilities District (CFD) for the Auto Mall area. The property owners within the CFD will impose a special tax on themselves to finance the improvements in the Auto Mall.

Will the sign be precedent-setting? If approved, the monument sign will not set a precedent for digital reader boards in the City of Thousand Oaks. The approval is specific to the Auto Mall zone only; any other similar sign would require separate approvals by the Planning Commission and City Council. The existing Auto Mall sign was constructed in 1994 through the application of a special use permit. In a similar fashion, the proposed monument sign has undergone numerous iterations within the Advisory Committee, opened to public hearings, considered by the Planning Commission, and will eventually be considered by the City Council. In each stage, the necessity and appropriateness of the sign is evaluated.

More information and Q&As at www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/current_projects/auto_mall_improvement_project/default.asp

Also see www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-buzz/huge-electronic-billboard-for-to-auto-mall-removed-from-city.html