Laker Girls Appear at the Newbury Park Arco Am Pm Grand Opening April 6-7

For those of you who regularly check out Conejo Valley Guide, you know that our primary focus is covering events, activities and things to do in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County area. As such, most of what you see on this site relates to the future, not the past, which is best covered by our great local newspapers.

However, sometimes we make exceptions, particularly here in the Local Buzz blog where we like to periodically report random goings on that we find interesting and/or amusing. Such was the case yesterday and today in Newbury Park, where we learned that the brand new Arco Am Pm at 2305 Borchard Road (at Michael) was hosting a grand opening celebration that, among other things, featured an appearance by THE LAKER GIRLS!

It's not every day that we get to see Laker Girls in our neck of the woods...in fact, this is the first and only time I can recall this happening in my nearly 20 years in the Conejo Valley. So given the significance I just HAD to stop by several times. Never have I seen so many SMILES at a gas station! Thanks to the owners of this station. Good times were had by all. :>

Ventura County Star: The Edge Grill in Westlake Village to Close Friday, April 6th

The Edge Grill in Westlake Village mentioned on its Facebook page today that it will be closing its doors this Friday after it serves its last customers. In this Ventura County Star article referenced by The Edge, owners acknowledged that the restaurant's concept wasn't working and they are seeking new ideas for something that works well with the community.

Located at 30970 Russell Ranch Road, The Edge was opened about a year ago. Prior to that, it was a Fox Sports Grill and originally a Dakota's Steakhouse in May 2007.

What else would work in that location? Hmm, another HOOTERS!? :>

Joking aside, we wish the best for the employees of The Edge and that they quickly find new jobs...perhaps at some of these new restaurants around town.

Hometown Buffet in Simi Valley is Closed

I've never been to the Simi Valley Hometown Buffet nor will I or you in the future as it has closed its doors. The other Hometown Buffet in Ventura County is located at 1901 Lockwood Street, Oxnard, off of Rose Avenue near Best Buy. Been there a few times. Not something I go outta my way for but they get the job done, inexpensively. And there you have it.

Grand Opening of SweetXO Candy, Frozen Yogurt and Bakeshop in Agoura on April 1st

This sounds pretty interesting! SweetXO is a combination frozen yogurt bar, candy store, cupcake bakeshop and lifestyle/gift shop all in one location. SweetXO also has a "Coke FreeStyle fountain" where you can choose from over 120 flavors.

If you haven't seen the new Coke FreeStyle fountain, you're in for a real treat. Get your creative juices flowing with your choice of over 120 different flavors. You can choose from all major flavors and types of soda.

Grand opening on Sunday, April 1st at 5825 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, at the corner of Kanan and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, next to Starbucks. This used to be a Blockbuster Video location.

More information at www.sweetxo.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SweetXOs.

New Gymboree Play & Music Location at The Oaks Mall Opened This Month

Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries. This month a new Gymboree location opened in the outdoor shops section of The Oaks mall. Looks really nice! This is the first Conejo Valley Gymboree P&M location since the Westlake Village location closed a few years ago.

CLICK HERE for more information about this location.

New Channel Islands (formerly Ventura County) Maritime Museum to Open in July

Executive Director Announces Channel Islands Maritime Museum Changes

Bill Conroy, the Executive Director of the Ventura County Maritime Museum, announced last month that  the museum is changing its name to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. The museum will celebrate its opening early in July 2012 at its new site overlooking the Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard.

The colorful patio entrance and newly designed façade welcome visitors to this harbor retreat. Once inside, families will be able to stroll leisurely through art galleries with panoramic views of the Channel Islands Harbor. They will be able to see newly designed exhibits illustrating the pageantry and drama of our maritime past.

The museum’s collection of seascapes by 17th century Dutch painters will be colorfully exhibited in an elegant and intimate gallery. Children will be awed by the epic story of the dragon-headed Turtle Boat heroically created by the tiny Chosen Dynasty navy of Admiral Y Sun Shin to defend against foreign invading forces.

Museum volunteers continue their efforts to raise funds to build out the new museum by selling pavers inscribed with a donor’s name. These are still available for a donation of $200. In addition, naming opportunities for individual galleries and major donations are welcome to support and preserve this cultural resource for the entire community.

The museum is also recruiting volunteers for training as docents in the expanded facility.

For information please call (805) 984-6260 or visit cimmvc.org.

Wienerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard Is History as Chick-fil-A Paves the Way

As previously reported, the anticipated demolition of the Wienerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard next to Do It Center has taken place. Anyone driving down Thousand Oaks Boulevard near the auto mall will quickly notice the empty space. No hot dogs in sight. Chick-fil-A is anticipated to have a drive-thru location (with a few outdoor tables) here by the summer.

View of the former location of Wienerschnitzel from Thousand Oaks Boulevard

View of the former Wienerschnitzel from the Do It Center parking lot

Yes indeed, we are now Wienerschnitzel-less in Thousand Oaks, though they did mention the possibility of finding another location in town. Looking for a good hot dog? I like Lucky's Dog House at Janss Marketplace.

Hooters of Thousand Oaks Starts Making Its Presence Known

Some temporary Hooters signage on display at the future Hooters of Thousand Oaks today. The inside of the place still appears to need a lot of work but I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the opening date at www.janssmarketplace.net. Hooters hiring fair this coming weekend.

Reports of Hail Around Ventura County on This Cold, Rainy St. Patrick's Day 2012

Today was/is a cold, rainy, windy and now....HAILY day. Yes, with late afternoon temperatures in the low to mid 40s here in usually sunny Ventura County, I've seen reports from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Oxnard of hail falling from the skies. We don't see a lot of that in these parts so let's check out the Oxnard hail that Patty shared this on this brisk St. Patty's Day!

Yes, after such a dry, sunny winter in Ventura county, we are FINALLY experiencing a real winter thunderstorm on the very last weekend of winter. The 24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ventura was cancelled today due to the rain.