Indoor Closures for Businesses in Ventura County and Other Counties Announced Today, July 13th

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health today expanded statewide its indoor closures for businesses that encourage mixing of individuals beyond immediate households and make physical distancing and wearing face coverings difficult.

The state is similarly expanding statewide its order for brewpubs, breweries, bars, and pubs to close, both indoors and outdoors, unless they are offering sit down meals outdoors and comply with guidance issued on June 28. These businesses must remain closed in Ventura County unless they have a restaurant permit issued by Ventura County Environmental Health.

Today’s order is effective immediately and the closures will remain in effect until the State Public Health Officer determines it is appropriate to modify the order based on public health conditions.

Counties on the County Monitoring List for three or more consecutive days – currently 29 counties, including Ventura County, accounting for 80 percent of the state’s population – must close indoor operations for the following activities:

Gyms and Fitness Centers
Places of Worship
Indoor Protests
Offices for Non-Critical Infrastructure Sectors as identified at covid19.ca.gov
Personal Care Services (including nail salons, massage parlors, and tattoo parlors)
Hair Salons and Barbershops
Malls

Sectors included in today’s announcement are all at higher risk of transmission because they promote mixing with others outside of one’s household. In addition, some of these sectors are centered on eating and drinking, compliance with face coverings is not possible for the full duration of time someone spends in these establishments. All industry or sector guidance documents that have been issued to date, including all infectious control measures outlined in those guidance documents, apply in outdoor settings, and must be adhered to. The state will work closely with counties to ensure businesses are complying with guidance and are modifying operations to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

More information at covid19.ca.gov.

Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools is Released

Yesterday, the Ventura County Office of Education released a document intended to help local public schools prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools was prepared by the Ventura County Office of Education in consultation with Ventura County Public Health and the county’s school districts and charter schools.

The document includes requirements and guidelines based on the latest information from state and local public health officials. It aims to provide schools with maximum flexibility on how they will function during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic while keeping the health and safety of students and employees a top priority.

“The coming school year is going to be unlike any other we have experienced before,” said Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth. “Our school leaders and teachers have done a tremendous job adapting to continually changing circumstances. I am confident they will make the decisions that are best for their communities with the Framework serving as a guide.”

The Framework was created by a task force led by Dr. Antonio Castro, VCOE’s Associate Superintendent for Educational Services. The task force included representatives from the Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County Public Health and local school districts. It provides extensive information about safety protocols on school campuses and how to respond to the potential for confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students and staff.

Each school district and charter school in Ventura County is deciding independently what combination of in-class and distance learning they plan to offer for the new school year. They are each developing their own reopening plans that will be submitted to the Ventura County Office of Education for review.

The Framework is a ‘living document’ that will be updated as conditions change. The latest version of the Framework is attached and updated versions will be posted at www.vcoe.org/coronavirus.

LINK TO PDF COPY OF JULY 10 DOCUMENT

Emil's Bake House in Agoura Hills is a Fantastic Addition to the Conejo Valley

Emil’s Bake House opened at the Shops at Kanan Village, 5005 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (at Agoura Road), south of the 101, in December 2019.

Emil's carries a fantastic, freshly-baked assortment of pastries, breads, desserts, fruit tarts, cakes, muffins and more, not to mention fresh quiche, They bake everything right here! Lavazza coffee, fresh juices and Pinkberry frozen yogurt too.

I tried. I liked. Bought an assortment of pastries and other baked goodies. There’s a huge selection. Run 20 miles before you go here to burn off the calories needed to consume more.

Emil's has been in operation since 1962 with its location in West Los Angeles. Learn more at emilsbakehouse.com or call 818-532-7664. Open Tues-Sat 8am to 6pm and Sun 9am to 3pm. Closed Mondays.

The Open Book Store at The Oaks Mall Closed March 1st But Anticipates Reopening Elsewhere

Former home of The Open Book Store at The Oaks shopping mall.

The Open Book Store on the 2nd floor of The Oaks mall closed its doors on March 1st, but they indicate they will be relocating elsewhere, possibly in the mall, or possibly elsewhere (one CVG Facebook commenter said he heard they will be reopening near Trader Joe’s on Moorpark Road).

This store opened its doors on August 29, 2014 with an eclectic mix of deeply discounted books, including vintage and out of print books. A unique store in this day and age that has been loved by many.

Its sister store, the $5 or Less Bookstore at 2880 Cochran St, Simi Valley, is still open. www.fivedollarbookstore.com

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to Reopen to the General Public on Friday, July 10th

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will officially open to the general public on Friday, July 10th after a two-month closure prompted by COVID-19 followed by a phased two-month opening to its membership.

“We’re excited that guests can once again explore, discover, and be inspired by the diversity of California’s native plant communities represented in our Garden,” said Dr. Steve Windhager, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. “A visit to the Garden is one of the critical ways that we foster a love of the incredible flora of California and inspire guests to join us in its conservation.”

The Botanic Garden has partnered with Cottage Health, who will serve as its official ‘health and wellness partner’ to advise on measures that ensure the safety of Garden visitors. Such measures will include mandatory masks while on the grounds, frequent sanitation of high-touch surfaces, hand sanitizing stations at all entrances and restrooms, and adherence to social distancing protocols. In addition, the Garden’s capacity has been reduced by two-thirds, from 300 total guests at one time to no more than 100.

Nestled into Santa Barbara’s foothills at the base of the Los Padres National Forest, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden boasts over 1,000 taxa of exclusively California native plants, 5.5 miles of trails, and 78 acres in which to immerse one’s self in nature. During its initial summer re-opening, all indoor facilities as well as the Garden’s retail nursery will remain closed. And while on-site educational programming will also remain paused, visitors will have access to a robust digital library of educational resources.

“The pandemic provided an opportunity for us to take some of our educational efforts out of the classroom and into living rooms and backyards throughout the region,” said Dr. Windhager. “Between our nature journaling club, online book club, and Summer Sips Lecture Series, we have some great educational opportunities even after they leave the property.”

Admission to the Garden is $16/adult, $12/senior, $10/student with valid ID, and $8/child (2yo and under are free). Memberships to the Garden start at $75/year and provide free entry all year long! The Garden is open to visitors Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Garden Members may also visit during Members-only hours from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The Garden’s mission is to conserve California native plants and habitats for the health and well-being of people and the planet. For more information, visit www.sbbg.org.

PizzaRev Locations in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo are Permanently Closed

PizzaRev closed its locations at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks and at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in May. They originally opened in summer 2016 and November 2014, respectively. Previously, PizzaRev operated a location in Oxnard from August 2013 to December 2016.

If you’re still craving a PizzaRev pizza, you’ll have to drive to a location outside of Ventura County, the closest of which is currently 48 miles away, in Palmdale.

pizzarev.com

Ladyface Alehouse in Agoura Hills is Now Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery

Recently, Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie in Agoura Hills changed ownership and rebranded as Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery.

The new concept brings together contemporary Japanese small plates (grilled skewers, hot and cold tapas, etc.) and American gastropub fare (burgers, sandwiches, sliders, etc.) along with the Ladyface craft ales, cocktails and more that we've enjoyed since 2009.

Located at 29281 Agoura Road (at Kanan). Visit www.taverntomoko.com or call 818.477.4566.

Edelweiss German Bierhaus in Newbury Park Has Closed Its Doors

Edelweiss German Bierhaus (previously Julie's Alps and originally Jeanette's Edelweiss…and before that remember Brats Brothers and of course Lamppost Pizza) has closed its doors and sold its contents this past weekend. Jeanette's Edelweiss originally opened on March 27, 2015.

Sorry to see them go; we shall see what is next in this spot.

Urban Vejjie Now Open at The Shoppes at Westlake (Now Closed)

URBAN VEJJIE CLOSED ITS DOORS IN THE MARCH 2021 TIME FRAME. SORRY TO SEE THEM GO.

Urban Vejjie at The Shoppes at Westlake opened its doors yesterday, June 23rd, offering vegetarian/vegan specialties - salads, toasts, veggie/vegan burgers and sandwiches, bowls, soups and desserts. Visit www.urbanvejjie.com for the menu. Open 11am to 8pm Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. 818-699-6484