Local Buzz covers new businesses, restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
Local Buzz covers new restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
Post other items directly to the Community Announcements section of the site.
The new O'Reilly Auto Parts store opened its doors today at the Conejo Gateway Plaza at Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park.
This is the former Dollar Tree location that relocated to a larger location next door.
Update 5/15: The main purpose of the hearing was to obtain Planning Commission approval for live entertainment e.g. DJ, karaoke, small bands, guitar, etc. for private parties held at the restaurant. Approval was not sought for selling tickets to live band at the venue. The Planning Commission approved the request.
Other tidbits from the meeting:
On a side note, Dave & Buster's is opening a location in Northridge at the Northridge Fashion Center in July.
Originally posted 5/6: The Thousand Oaks Planning Commission is hosting a public hearing at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 14th to discuss Dave & Buster's of California, Inc.'s application to request the following:
To allow restaurant use of the former Sports Authority at 145 West Hillcrest Drive, Suite 130, including live entertainment, onsite sale and consumption of alcohol, additional signage and extended hours of operation, as well as exterior modifications.
The public is welcome to attend. www.toaks.org
The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division (EHD) protects public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.
The EHD publishes food facility closures at vcrma.org/food-facilities-closure-report-inspector-initiated.
The following facility closures (exclusive of mobile facilities) were noted in March 2018. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.
Taqueria 3 Estrellas, 125 Dean Drive, Santa Paula;
Cockroach/rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed – 03/29/2018; Date reopened - 03/30/18
Best Bar-B-Que., 915 E. Harvard Boulevard, Santa Paula;
Serious and repeated violations, failure to adhere to a compliance agreement;
Date Closed - 03/27/18; Date reopened - 03/28/18
Ray's Donuts & Bakery, 3734 Saviers Road, Oxnard;
Inoperable hand washing sink, evidence of rodent activity, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/26/18; Date reopened - 03/27/18
Subway, 11420 N. Ventura Ave., Ojai;
Overflowing sewage, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/23/18; Date reopened - 03/27/18
Oralia's Bakery, 430 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;
Roof leaking into facility resulting in the contamination of food products, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/22/18; Date reopened - 03/23/18
Holiday Inn Express, 350 E. Hueneme Rd., Port Hueneme;
Inoperable plumbing, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/20/18; Date reopened - 03/20/18
IHOP, 715 Ventura Street, Fillmore;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/20/18; Date reopenend - 03/21/18
El Taco de Guadalajara, 3845 Telegraph Road, Ventura;
Serious and repeated violations, failure to adhere to a compliance agreement, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/19/18; Date reopened - 03/20/18
McDonald's, 2375 Tapo Street, Simi Valley;
No approved restrooms available, unsanitary conditions due to construction dust;
Date closed - 03/19/18; Date reopened - 03/21/18
Janchi Korean BBQ, 165 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks;
No hot water for hand washing and utensil washing;
Date closed - 03/19/18; Date reopened - 03/19/18
Bella's Teas & Treats, 275 Central Avenue, Fillmore;
No valid permit to operate;
Date Closed - 03/14/18; No reopen date
Panaderia Las Palmas, 2155 E. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard;
Inoperable plumbing for hand washing, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/13/18; Date reopened - 03/16/18
Subway, 353 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard;
Inoperable equipment resulting in contamination of food product, inadequate refrigeration;
Date Closed - 03/12/18; Date reopened - 03/13/18
Namaste Spiceland, 2707 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks;
No hot water for utensil and hand washing;
Date Closed - 03/12/18; Date reopened - 03/15/18
Henny Penny, 200 Ventura Road, Oxnard;
Operating without a valid permit, no plans submitted;
Date Closed - 03/08/18; No reopen date
La Central Bakery, 600 Meta Street, Oxnard;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/07/18; Date reopened - 03/08/18
El Pollo Loco, 1722 S. Victoria Avenue, #A, Ventura;
Plumbing is inoperable and resulting in sewage discharge outside of facility;
Date Closed - 03/05/18; Date reopened - 03/06/18
IHOP, 715 Ventura Street, Fillmore;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date Closed - 03/05/18; Date reopened - 03/06/18
UPDATE: Rave Organics closed its doors permanently in December 2018.
Update: Rave Organics Cafe is now open. www.facebook.com/RaveOrganics
Originally posted 9/9/17:
The sign is up at the Walgreens/Walmart Neighborhood Market shopping center (aka Thousand Oaks Marketplace) at 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Suite 140, Newbury Park. The Rave Organics Cafe appears to be coming soon.
When it opens, this new eatery will be serving up organic pizza, self-serve frozen yogurt, sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, sandwiches and more. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee.
For updates, visit www.raveorganics.com.
UPDATE: Now open in June 2018.
Paciugo Gelato closed its doors earlier this year at The Oaks Mall. Opening soon at this location, across from Dick's Sporting Goods in the outdoor shops section of the mall, is Go Greek Yogurteria.
Go Greek's menu includes Fresco (fresh Greek yogurt creations), Kyro (self-serve Greek frozen yogurt), Parfaits and coffee.
They are currently hiring at gogreekyogurtcareers.com.
Learn more at www.gogreekyogurt.com.
Poke U & Me opened at 455 Carmen Drive, Camarillo in late March. Pictured above on February 10th. This space formerly was a Shave It and prior to that it was Cucina Isabella.
Two furry, eucalyptus-loving marsupials will soon take up residence at the Santa Barbara Zoo for a one-year visit to increase awareness of the challenges facing them and other native Australian species.
Koala “ambassadors” Edmund and Thackory go on view in a special outdoor exhibit near the Zoo Train station beginning Saturday, April 28, 2018 during regular Zoo hours.
“Koalas are iconic animals for Australia, as it’s the only place they are found in the wild,” says Dr. Julie Barnes, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health and Care, who was born and received her veterinary degree in Australia. “But there are major challenges there that threaten koalas and other native animals and plants in Australia. Having Edmund and Thackory in Santa Barbara for a year allows our guests not only to appreciate these two little guys, but also to discover the changes affecting their native habitat.”
Dr. Barnes names habitat destruction and fragmentation, prolonged drought and other extreme weather events, and predation by feral cats and dogs as major issues affecting koalas and other native species.
“But it’s not just on land. Animals in Australia’s oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef, also face the impacts of sea level rise, ocean warming, and increasing seawater acidity, among others,” she says.
About Edmund and Thackory
Edmund and Thackory are on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo (LAZ) and San Diego Zoo (SDZ), respectively. As with all koalas in American zoos, the pair officially “belong” to Australia. In addition to obtaining standard permits to bring them to Santa Barbara, the Zoo was required to make a formal request to the Australian government (which was approved) including details of their accommodations, plans for their dietary needs and any medical needs.
The Santa Barbara Zoo has committed $2,500 per month during the koalas’ residency to Australian koala habitat conservation as part of the SDZ’s Koala Loan Program. While LAZ does not have a loan program, they have a thriving koala population and need temporary housing for young male koalas, like Edmund, to mature before moving to another zoo.
Edmund was born on September 1, 2015, at LAZ. His sire, Lincoln, was born at the Taronga Zoo in Australia. Thackory was born June 15, 2011, at SDZ and his name is the Aboriginal word for “heavy,” as he was a particularly large joey when he first emerged from his mother’s pouch. He has represented the SDZ Koala Loan Program at Zoo New England in 2013 and Indianapolis Zoo in 2015.
“Koalas are solitary by nature, and adult male koalas are very territorial and don’t do well in groups when other males are present. So there are single males that need homes,” says Dr. Barnes. “Edmund and Thackory are part of a cooperative breeding program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), but not breeding at this time. So, our zoo provides a home for them, much like we have a bachelor troop of Western lowland gorillas.”
The two will be housed separately in adjacent outdoor covered enclosures, separated by a wall. They also have heaters, but the elements should not be a factor. “Santa Barbara’s climate is similar to that of the east coast of Australia, part of their native range,” notes Dr. Barnes.
Their food will come from a eucalyptus plantation in Arizona, where it is grown specifically for koalas, is approved by the SDZ’s Koala Loan Program, and used by other zoos across the country. Their diet may be supplemented with local eucalyptus, if the proper species and sources are identified.
Though they appear cuddly, the public will not be allowed to hold these koalas. Dr. Barnes explains, “Even though Edmund and Thackory were both born in zoos, they are not trained to be held. Some koalas raised by humans become accustomed to being held, especially in Australia, including orphaned or rehabilitated wild koalas. It is dangerous for anyone other than a trained zoo professional to attempt to hold either of these two.”
Other “Aussie” Species at the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo already houses a number of Australian species. Birds include black swans at the Zoo’s entrance, laughing kookaburras and tawny frogmouths that share an enclosure in the courtyard, a blue-faced honeyeater in the Tropical Aviary, and sulphur-crested cockatoos only visible from the Zoo Train that regularly come out with keepers to meet guests.
Of the four Australian reptile and snake species at the Zoo, three also leave their holding areas in the Eewww! exhibit for meet-and-greets with guests: blue-tongued skink, bearded dragon, and woma python. A frilled dragon is on view in Eewww!, near the entrance to Tropical Aviary.
About the Santa Barbara Zoo
Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to nearly 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Asian elephant, California condor, Channel Island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others. A private nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements.
The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; general admission is $18 for adults, $13 for seniors aged 65+, $10 for children 2-12, and children under 2 are free. Parking is $8 weekdays and $11 on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.sbzoo.org.
NOW OPEN - Mid-May 2018
Ventura favorite Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co. is opening their long-anticipated second location in Camarillo in early May. The original eatery is noted for delicious, hand-crafted fish tacos, burritos, ‘sushi grade’ ahi tuna burgers and more.
The new location can be found at 311 Carmen Drive, Camarillo (former home of Chuy's). This new restaurant features a large outdoor patio.
Sporting the same beach-themed decor of the original, but with more square-footage than the Ventura location, the main dining room will feature a variety of seating arrangements. From family-style booths, to high-tops, to an expansive U-shaped bar with 4 built-in TV screens, there are comfortable options for individuals to small groups. Interior seating accommodates 85 and the outside patio seats 72. Additionally, the “Parker Room,” is a private dining area that sports a working miniature train that runs on tracks near the ceiling, around the room, out the wall, and then back in, on a continuous loop. Seating 12 – 14 comfortably, it is ideal for family get-togethers.
Spencer Makenzie’s entire line of sauces will be available for purchase at the Camarillo location, including Caribbean Blaze and Little Sweet, Lotta Heat. Fifty cents from the sale of each of its famous Sweet Chili Fire sauce will go to the family of fallen firefighter Cory Iverson, who lost his life fighting the Thomas Fire.
Spencer Makenzie’s is also nationally famous for its annual End of Summer Block Party and “Throw Down” cornhole tournament. The Throw Down – which is the nation’s largest cornhole tournament - is a California-classic, multi-day party that features the coast’s best food, cold drinks & craft beer, with a free concert on Saturday evening. Spencer Makenzie’s 9th annual End of Summer Throw Down will take place from Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26, 2018. The Throw Down Tournament is sanctioned by the California Cornhole Association. For details and tournament scheduling, visit THIS LINK. There is no charge to attend the all-ages End of Summer Block Party and Throw Down. The Throw Down will take place at Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co., located at 806 East Thompson Blvd, Ventura. For more information, please visit thethrowdowncornholetournament.com.
About Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company
Originally founded in 2007 by John Karayan and his wife Jennifer as a festival concession, the Karayan’s named their award-winning restaurant after two of their children – their son Spencer and their daughter Makenzie. With the goal of offering fresh, healthful food at consumer friendly prices, its reputation was quickly established at such popular Ventura events as the Ventura County Fair, the Aloha Festival and the C Street Long Board Classic.
During that time, they perfected such signature dishes as Giant Fish Tacos, Clam Chowder, and Shrimp & Fish Ceviche and into unique recipes that provide a tastier, healthier and delicious alternative to typical “Fast Food”. Everything is made to order, they only use sushi grade fish, produce is purchased from local vendors and 100% of their famous sauces are homemade.
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