Ventura County Sheriff Seeks Suspects: Thefts From Vehicles in Oak Park on April 23

 Special Alert Bulletin - Oak Park

 Ecsheriff.watch@ventura.org

On Monday (04/23/12), between 10am to 10:30am, there were several thefts from vehicles in the parking lot of Oak Park High School.  In each case, the suspects broke vehicle windows in order to steal valuables that had been left in view.

The vehicle pictured below was related to the crimes.  It has been described as a black Ford Expedition SUV.  The SUV appears to have different rims on both front wheels.  Both rear wheels appear to have matching factory rims.  The rear windows also appear to have dark tint.

There were two suspects involved in the crimes.  They both appear to be Hispanic males in there 30’s to 40’s, with dark hair and slender to medium builds.

If anyone has any information regard

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Cal Lutheran University Students Launch New Student-Run iCLU Radio Station

University students launch iCLU radio

Programming includes music, news and sports

California Lutheran University’s new student-run radio station is live.

Hay Mun Win, "Louie" DeMetre and Ashley Messersmith in the iCLU studio (Photo by Leanne Blackwell/The Echo)At a time when other universities are closing student stations for financial reasons, Internet station iCLU has begun streaming from a studio located in the year-old center housing KCLU National Public Radio on campus.

Created by students for students, iCLU is webcasting a mix of music, live shows and pre-recorded content produced by student staff and volunteers 24/7 at www.icluradio.com. Live shows are currently streamed from 7 to 8 p.m. weekdays.

With the slogan “Your Life on Air,” the station’s goal is to provide educational and entertaining content that is an alternative to commercial radio. iCLU is a training ground for future broadcasters as well as a venue to showcase student talent.

Students are covering campus events and conducting interviews. Talk director Kat McConnell, a freshman communication major from Lake Elsinore, covers what’s hot on campus and beyond on “Gossip Girls.” Sports Director Kyle Dzurko, a sophomore communication major from Monte Sereno, hosts a weekly sports scoreboard and interview show featuring athletes and CLU and professional team news.

The station has an eclectic collection of music shows. “Blast Off” is a Top 10 countdown show covering a wide range of genres. “Kyle’s Do It Live” and “DJ French Wolf’s Electro Show” feature dance and techno music, and “Kassidy’s Radioactive Rock” plays current hits with a sprinkling of classics. Other programs include “Chad’s Country Show” and the all-encompassing “DJ Louie’s Trail Mix.”

As the staff and volunteer corps grow, the students plan to expand programming.

“We can’t wait to see how it evolves and takes on its own personality,” said General Manager Ashley Messersmith, a senior communication major from Woodland Hills.

Katherine “Louie” DeMetre, a freshman business major from Westlak

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Freshii in Westlake Village is Closed

It appears the 6 month old Freshii eatery at The Promenade at Westlake closed within the last week or two. I attempted to eat there several times over the last 6 months but each time I tried, it wasn't open. Hmm. Well at least we have the new Loteria Grill now open and coming soon, the new Cinepolis upscale movie theater!

Visit freshii.com for other Freshii locations in the Los Angeles area.

T.G.I. Fridays to Close, DISH Restaurant to Open at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

On April 1st, a CVG Facebook follower filled us in that TGI Fridays at the Janss Marketplace would be closing soon. Since then, others made mention and TGI Fridays employees confirmed the anticipated closure. We were awaiting "official" word from TGI Fridays but yesterday the Ventura County Star reported that TGI Fridays will indeed be closing and in the September time frame, DISH Restaurant will be taking over that space.

No official word yet as to the actual closing date...but it sounds like it will be really soon. The closure of TGI Fridays' Thousand Oaks location leaves us with 2 Ventura County locations - Simi Valley and Oxnard. Visit www.tgifridays.com for more information.

DISH Restaurant has operated for the last 10 years in La Canada (north of Glendale) and this will be its first new location. From its website at dishbreakfastlunchanddinner.com:

People who love a great breakfast restaurant will appreciate the things we do at DISH, like roasting bone-in hams every morning and offering applewood-smoked bacon and hand-crafted sausages. Our apple oatcakes are made with fresh diced green apples, and our cornmeal jonnycakes are made with real corn.

We serve simple family-style food, yet we concentrate on quality. So something as simple as a BLT sandwich can be a pleasant surprise when it’s made with applewood-smoked bacon, carefully toasted whole wheat bread and French fries cut from fresh Kennebec potatoes.

Sounds like a great place to me! They appear to be fairly priced, nominated as a great breakfast place and well received by food critics. Stay tuned.

Italian Trattoria Toscanova Opened at The Commons at Calabasas Tonight

Toscanova opened tonight at The Commons at Calabasas. This Italian trattoria offers up pasta dishes, seafood and steaks, Spaghetti allo Scoglio and Risotto Ai Funghi. The first Toscanova in Century City opened in January 2009. Visit www.toscanova.com to learn more. Don't look at the menu as it will quickly make you hungry!


Hooters is Hiring in Thousand Oaks!

Update 4/17/12: In a new Craigslist post yesterday they indicated one last casting call this Thursday/Friday for high energy, friendly Hooters Girls...the final "guaranteed" in-person interview prior before the grand opening (Date still TBA).

"Wear Orange -- Make Green! Hooters is Hiring! (Thousand Oaks)

The all new Hooters of Thousand Oaks is having an open casting call for the perfect Hooters Girls! We are looking for fun loving, high energy, friendly girls who would love to join our team.

If you feel you have what it takes we will be conducting on-the spot interviews at our two day hiring event, so apply in person Thursday - Friday, April 19 & 20, from 1-6pm:


Hooters of Thousand Oaks (corner of Moorpark & Brazil St.)

401 N. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

This is your last chance for a guaranteed in-person interview before the grand opening!


Hooters Restaurant offers more than just a job, we provide a fun work environment, great income potential, meal discounts & flexible schedules! We also give back to our community and participate in a ton of great events!


No previous experience is necessary, because being a Hooters Girl is like nothing else!


Come find out why we say "Hooters makes you Happy!" It'll be the most fun you've ever had.
"

Original Post 3/15/12: Well it has been nearly a year now since the Ventura County Star broke the news that about a Hooters opening at t

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Loteria Grill at The Promenade at Westlake...Coming When? Coming "Soon"

Update March 2017: Loteria closed its doors in March 2017.

Update 4/17/12: Loteria indicates on its Facebook page that they will be opening for business this Thursday, April 19th!

Update 3/25/12: In May 2011 I noticed the absence of La Salsa and "Coming Soon" sign for the new Loteria Grill Regional Mexican Cocina & Cantina at The Promenade at Westlake. Well it is nearly April 2012...10 months have passed and we have this beautiful Loteria sign but no Loteria just yet.

According to a response to a post to their Facebook wall on March 16th, the Westlake Village location will be opening "soon."

LoteriaWLV.jpg

Grand Opening of Habitat for Humanity ReStore Outlet in Simi Valley on April 22

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County Opening Second ReStore in Simi Valley

On Sunday, April 22nd, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will be hosting the grand opening of its second Habitat ReStore, a Discount Home Improvement Center. This 19,000 sq. ft. retail outlet is located 1293-A E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley (corner of First Street; between RiteAid and 99¢ Only Store).  The ReStore will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with grand opening activities running throughout the day.

The Habitat ReStore in Simi Valley – an ideal location for East County residents and businesses – will be open to the public six days a week for donations, shopping, and volunteer opportunities. The new store will provide new and used merchandise that is 100 percent donated – from furniture, appliances, and hardware to home goods and building materials.  

“Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is thrilled to open a new Habitat ReStore in East Ventura County location,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director. “Our second ReStore in Simi Valley will enhance the sustainable funding stream already in place with our st

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Musical Hot Dogs in Thousand Oaks! Wienerschnitzel Gone, Garage Dogs Coming!

Sept 2012 Update: Garage Dogs has closed.

UPDATE 4/16/12: Garage Dogs has announced it will be opening its doors on Monday, April 23rd!

Recently we announced that Conejo Valley hot dog consumption would be taking a dive as the long-standing Wienerschnitzel next to the Do It Center on Thousand Oaks was completely demolished to the ground to make way for a Chick-fil-A.

GarageDogs.jpg

Well hold on to your buns as there's a new dog coming to town (and thanks to CVG reader Richie for pointing this out)! Garage Dogs is setting up shop at 2626 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, just 1 mile west of dearly demolished Weinerschnitzel. This is literally across the street from 24 Hour Fitness! Very convenient for rewarding yourself after the treadmills!

Check out their menu at www.garagedogsto.com/menu.html. Hot dogs, sausages, rippers (I believe these are deep fried hot dogs), burgers and a nice variety of specials, like the Gran Torino ("Chicago Dog") all beef steamed dog with neon relish, onions, mustard, tomato, sport peppers, pickle spear, celery salt, poppy seed bun. I'm salivating on the keyboard.

They also have turkey dogs and veggie dogs, which is nice to see.