UC Cooperative Extension Response Regarding Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch

The following is from the University of California Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County issued last month in response to the Santa Paula Rotary announcement that the 2014 Faulker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Santa Paula has been cancelled. Learn more about UCCE Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County at ceventura.ucanr.edu.

10 Facts about UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (UC HAREC) and the Pumpkin Patch at Faulkner Farm

What is UC Hansen Agriculture Research and Extension Center?

Established in 1997 through an endowment set up by Thelma Hansen, UC HAREC is one of the University of California’s nine Research and Extension Centers. UC HAREC performs agricultural research and has crop and tree demonstration areas. Crops are also grown for farm field trips through which students learn where their food comes from, and there are demonstration gardens for students and visitors.

What is UC’s relationship to the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch?

Since purchasing the property in 1997, UC allowed the Ayers’ (original owners) pumpkin patch to continue operation during its first year and then worked with Litchfield Farms from 1998 through 2005 on a pumpkin patch that included educational programs during the week for school children. In 2006, Litchfield Farms did not renew their lease and in the winter of 2007 the Rotary Club of Santa Paula submitted a proposal to run the pumpkin patch.

Will there be a Rotary Club of Santa Paula pumpkin patch at HAREC this year?

We are still waiting to hear from the Rotary Club of Santa Paula on whether or not they want to use HAREC for their pumpkin patch. They have until May 30 to decide if our facility meets their requirements and let us know.

Have we limited the pumpkin patch to one acre?

No. We are currently expanding our agricultural research and educational offerings including new partnerships with the Ventura Unified School District/Food Corps program and additional countywide academic-year school field trips, which require more acreage. This expansion limits the amount of land available to the pumpkin patch. The UC HAREC is in the process of finalizing the long-term research project requests. Once projects are awarded we may be in a position to offer additional space.

Is this the first year a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) has been requested for the pumpkin patch?

No. The University of California made Santa Paula Rotary Club aware of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement when they assumed control of the pumpkin patch in 2007 as a fundraising event for their club. The University of California reiterated the need for the club to obtain a CUP for the Rotary Club’s pumpkin patch from the County in 2010 and in 2012. We simply cannot assume all liability for their event.

What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

A conditional use permit (CUP) allows a city or county to consider special uses that may be essential or desirable to a particular community, but which are not allowed as a matter of right within a zoning district. A conditional use permit can provide flexibility within a zoning ordinance.

Are there other pumpkin patches in the county?

Yes! While we understand that many community members have long memories of the Faulkner Farm pumpkin patch, over the years Ventura County has been fortunate to add a wide variety of pumpkin patches throughout the county. Here is a 2013 list from the Conejo Valley Guide of a variety of pumpkin patches offered by our local Ventura County farmers. 2013 Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County www.conejovalleyguide.com/welcome/pumpkin-patches-in-ventura-county-and-adjacent-areas.html

Agritourism can be a real boon to small farmers and can even help keep them in business during hard times, like the drought that we are currently experiencing.

My family/kids enjoyed visiting the Faulkner Farm, may we still do so?

Absolutely. In fact, on Thursday, May 8^th , HAREC opened to the public all day for the CE 100 Year Celebration - Day of Science and Service. ceventura.ucanr.edu/ANR_Centennial_/

What other events/activities are typically held at HAREC?

Check out our calendar of events for more information at ceventura.ucanr.edu/?calendar=yes&g=63579

A sampling of typical events, programs and/or activities at HAREC include 4-H Youth Field Trips every Tuesday and Thursday, FoodCorps Student Farm Project, Master Gardener Workshops, Sustainability Camp for Youth and many more.

More on UC HAREC at ucanr.edu/sites/hansenagcenter.

New Eateries Anticipated at the Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village

The Westlake Plaza, located at 980 South Westlake Boulevard, between Townsgate and Agoura Roads, has been in the public eye quite a bit recently as a result of tree removals.

According to the City of Thousand Oaks, permits are in place for Regency Center to:

• Allow exterior renovations, parking, and landscaping changes;

• Allow the pruning of 36 trees, encroachment into the protected zone of 40 oak trees, and the removal of 26 oak trees;

• Allow the pruning of 26 and removal of 9 landmark trees, and encroachment into the protected zone of 35 landmark trees; and

• Allow a 900 SF addition to an existing building and the construction of two new buildings for a total of 9000 SF

City Council an Regency Centers are in process of addressing public concerns about the tree removals and working to improve public outreach. Permitting documents are located at ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/government/depts/community/westlake_plaza_regency_centers/default.asp and local newspaper are closely following the situation.

But let's talk about the new restaurants planned for the plaza. Right now, this 281,000 sq ft plaza is anchored by major tenants, Sprouts Farmers Market, Vons and Gelsons and is accompanied by a variety of eateries and businesses, including Natural Cafe, Galleto, Tuscany, Fins, East Coast Bagel, Sweet Arleen's, The Sea Casa, Jamba Juice, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks and Tomodachi Sushi, not to mention CVS, several banks and more.

What else is in store? Among other thngs, Pitfire Pizza, Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, Pressed Juicery and Le Pain Quotidien.

Mendocino Farms is slated to occupy the space previously occupied by Jack's Deli that closed November 2011.

The old Jack's Deli for you local nostalgia fans. Mendocino Farms Sandwich Shop is slated to open its 9th location at this spot.For updates, Westlake Plaza regularly posts new information on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestlakePlazaAndCenter.

The French Bulldog in Camarillo Closed on April 14th But to Re-Open with "New Look and Concept" on May 2nd

Update February 2015: Old Town Tavern closed the last weekend of January. Here's a comment from the eatery on its Facebook page "we lost our lease and moving to moorpark with a new concept called Kraftap stay tuned!"

Update 5/4/14: Old Town Tavern Camarillo is now open for business.

Today (4/17/14), The French Bulldog Bistro & Lounge announced on its Facebook page that it closed its doors this past Monday, April 14th, but will "be re-opening with a new look and concept on May 2nd." No other details at this point but the indicate the new concept will appeal to a wider audience.

The former The French Bulldog is located at 2433 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. It originally opened in March 2012. Prior to that, JJ Brewsky's was at this historic location.

There's a sign on the door that indicates "The Old Town Tavern" is coming soon. Stay tuned...

On a historic note, this building was established in 1916 by Joseph F. Lewis & Sons, making it nearly 100 years old! The building originally housed a department store, confectionery store, barber shop, the Farmers Bank of Camarillo and the Knob Hill Garage.

Pizza Hut Opened in Agoura Hills at Former Home of Golden Spoon Last Year

This is not recent news but hey, we need to keep track of this important stuff...the former home of Golden Spoon Agoura Hills at 5891 Kanan Road was re-opened as a Pizza Hut I believe sometime late last year. Golden Spoon had closed its doors on January 1, 2013. Yes, not very exciting news, but hey, you may be craving a pizza someday and will thank me for this. (818) 991-7508 www.PizzaHut.com

Free Woodchips at the Thousand Oaks Library! Thank You Very Mulch!

Conejo Valley residents looking for some woodchips for your gardening needs might find some in the parking lot of the Thousand Oaks Library. There is a 10 minute "Woodchip Loading Zone" on the southwest side of the library, adjacent to the Goebel Senior Center.

The Grill Restaurant & Bar in Camarillo Closed Last Week

The Grill Restaurant & Bar, formerly known as California Grill, in the Las Posas Plaza at 67 Daily Drive in Camarillo for over two decades, has an eviction notice on its window dated April 25th. Sorry to see you go, The Grill, and best of luck to your staff.

Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar in Agoura Hills Grand Opening Party on May 10th

Although Blue Table Wine & Cheese Bar, located at Whizins Center in Agoura Hills, officially opened last November, the owners have decided to finally host an official Grand Opening Party on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 5PM to 10PM. There will be free samples from over 15 wineries, free food, live music and much more.

Blue Table is a European style cafe with sidewalk seating, communal tables, local art and an eclectic atmosphere. Food is prepared in-house with fresh local seasonal produce.  Blue Table also offers culinary treats on it shelvess, from imported pastas and sauces to dressings and preserves. They also offer corporate catering, wine and cheese parties and all other special occasions.

Whizins Center is located at 28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills. Visit www.bluetable.net or www.facebook.com/wineandcheesebar to learn more. Or call 818.587.2583.