14th Annual Wag 'n Walk in Simi Valley on Saturday, September 28, 2019

The 14th Annual Wag 'n Walk takes place at Rancho Simi Community Duck Park amphitheater, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 8-11am.

Wag 'n Walk is a three-mile fundraising walk for you and your dog. Vendors, music, prizes, dog adoptions, and silent auction/raffle items. Event T-shirt and goodie bag for walkers that raise at least $100. Registration is FREE.

Schedule:
7:00 AM ALL Walkers check-in or register at the event.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Secret roving dog judging
8:00 AM Opening ceremony. Event walk to follow
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Enjoy DJ question and answer prizes, announcement and awards for the Secret Roving Judge's categories, Vendors, Dog adoptions, Raffles, and Silent auction

Wag 'n Walk benefits Animal Rescue Volunteers, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of homeless and abused pets in the Simi Valley and surrounding communities. For more information and to register, visit arvsimi.org/wag-n-walk-info

Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Programs in Ventura County

Free events and programs at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas are highlighted below! (updated periodically to remove past activities). For additional details and other event locations, visit samofund.org/calendar.

Most activities subject to cancellation if there's significant rain.

Sat 10/26, 11/24, 12/28 - Welcome Walk at Malibu Creek State Park 10am to 12:30pm - Join a docent for a refreshing walk along Malibu Creek, through a wooded valley. Learn about fire restoration, plus the park’s animals, plants, early inhabitants, and movies filmed on location. Meet at the Main Trailhead parking lot (second, lower lot) by the restrooms.

Sun 8/18, 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19/20, 2/16, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21, 7/19 8am to 11:30am - San Fernando Valley Audubon Bird Walk at Malibu Creek State Park - Considered the recreational crown jewel of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park has over 8,000 acres of rolling tall grass plains, oak savannahs and dramatic peaks. It’s no wonder many call it “The Yosemite of Southern California.” Seasoned birders and beginners alike will enjoy good bird watching and a beautiful, easy hike. Meet at the second (lower) day-use parking lot. Entrance to the park is on the west side of Las Virgenes Rd., just south of Mulholland Hwy. Entrance fee is $12 per car.

Sat 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7, 1/4/20, 2/1 8:30-10am - Birds of the Santa Monica Mountains Walk at King Gillette Ranch - Bring your binoculars, bird guide, and/or camera and join us for an easy bird walk around the grounds of King Gillette Ranch. This area attracts many songbirds, water birds, woodpeckers, and raptors and we are always treated to something interesting. Kids are welcome and the walk is less than a mile at a very easy pace as we stop often to observe the birds. We leave promptly at 8:30 from the flagpole. Heavy rain cancels (but I will be there for anyone who wants to walk in it!). See you there!

Sun 8/18 2-3:30PM - Who Lives Here? Jr. Ranger Program at King Gillette Ranch - Join a ranger and learn something cool about the many different owls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Practice your scientific exploration skills with an owl pellet dissection activity. Earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get sworn in by a ranger! Family friendly fun for all ages.

Sun 8/18 9:30-11:30AM - Secrets of Solstice: A History Hike to the Roberts Ruins at Solstice Canyon - If you’ve ever wondered these questions or are just curious about the history of Solstice Canyon, join Ranger Aaron as he hikes and chats his way up towards the Roberts Ruins near the waterfall at Solstice Canyon! We will meet at the main/upper parking lot at 9:30am.

It is an easy 1-mile hike (one direction) where we will make a few stops to look at the historic features that Solstice Canyon offers. The hike will conclude at the Roberts Ruins with a room-by-room tour of the house along with images of how it looked before it burned down.

It is advised that attendees carpool if possible and try to show up early to grab a parking spot. Parking lot can fill up very quickly!

The hike and tour should last around 2 hours at most but there will be plenty of time afterwards for any questions! Please bring shoes appropriate for hiking, water, hat, and sunblock. Rain cancels.

Sun 8/18 2-3pm - Bird Beak Buffet Jr. Ranger Program at Rancho Sierra Vista - How do birds eat their food? Why are beaks so many different shapes and sizes? Earn a junior ranger pin by joining a park ranger in an fun activity to discover how different beaks help birds eat many kinds of foods! Drop in any time between 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM for this 15 minute activity!

Sat 8/24 2-3:30PM - Who Lives Here? Jr. Ranger Program at King Gillette Ranch - Join a ranger and learn something cool about the many different owls in the Santa Monica Mountains. Practice your scientific exploration skills with an owl pellet dissection activity. Earn a Jr. Ranger badge and get sworn in by a ranger! Family friendly fun for all ages.

Sun 8/25 6-8pm - Park After Dark: The Stars of Paramount Ranch - Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Sat 9/7 8:30am-12:30pm - Intro to Mountain Bike Skills at Malibu Creek State Park - Learn basic mountain biking skills from professional mountain bike coach Mark Langton (mountainbikeskills.com). Skills covered are proper posture (body position) for balance, cornering, climbing, descending, and braking.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas

King Gillette Ranch - View from near Inspiration Point

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park

Directions to various locations

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons: Ventura Fwy (101) to Chesebro Rd exit. Turn north on Palo Comado Canyon Rd then right on Chesebro Rd. Go north 1 mile to park entrance. Turn right and follow road to parking lot.

Circle X Ranch: Pacific Coast Hwy to Yerba Buena Rd. Turn inland; go 5.4 miles to Circle X Ranch contact station.

Sandstone Peak Trailhead: 1 mile north of Circle X Ranch contact station on Yerba Buena Rd. Parking lot is on left.

Mishe Mokwa Trailhead: 1.75 miles north of the Circle X contact station along Yerba Buena Road. Parking lot is on right.

King Gillette Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Malibu Creek State Park: Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Park entrance is 0.25 mile south of the intersection on Las Virgenes Rd. From Pacific Coast Hwy: north on Malibu Canyon Rd to park entrance on left.

Paramount Ranch: Ventura Fwy (101) to Kanan Rd exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road.

Peter Strauss Ranch is located at 30000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills.

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa: Ventura Fwy (101) to Lynn Rd exit. South on Lynn Rd 5.25 miles to Via Goleta. Park entrance is on the left at Via Goleta. Continue all the way to a parking lot where the road ends. To get to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, walk 0.3 mile up gravel road from the parking area to brown wooden building. 

Wendy Trailhead: Ventura Fwy (101) to Wendy Dr. exit. South on Wendy Dr to dirt pullout at intersection with Potrero Rd.

Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch: From Ventura Fwy (101): Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Go 0.1 mile and turn right into entrance of King Gillette Ranch. The visitor center is the first building on your right. 26867 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

10th Annual Taste of Conejo Event in Westlake Village on Friday, October 11, 2019

The tenth annual Taste of Conejo, presented by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, returns Friday, October 11, 6-9 p.m. (VIP Hour 5-6 p.m.), to the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.

Food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy an all-inclusive evening of exceptional food, wine, beer and spirit tastings from over 60 local restaurants, breweries and wineries. New local establishments “tasting” at the event this year include: craft cocktail bar Oak & Iron, Social Monk Asian Kitchen at The Promenade at Westlake, Made in Italy by Chef Antonio Sessa and 101 North Eatery & Bar at The Shoppes at Westlake.

After guests have their wine glass and tasting tray in hand, they will be greeted with martini tastings via an ice luge from Partysserie. In the center of the Grand Ballroom, flair bartenders from The Flair Project out of Santa Barbara, will be handcrafting cocktails while entertaining guests throughout the evening.

Pre-sale tickets are available online at TasteofConejo.com through September 15th; $65 per person for general admission and $90 for VIP tickets that include complimentary valet parking and 1-hour early entry into the event from 5-6p.m. Chamber members receive $15 off either ticket with their discount code. From September 16th – October 11th, general admission tickets will be available for $75, VIP tickets for $110 and a limited amount of tickets will be sold at the door. Only guests over the age of 21 will be allowed admittance.

2019 tasting participants to date include:

8th Devil Distributing, 14 Cannons Brewing, 101 North Eatery & Bar, Baja Fresh Westlake Village, Barone’s Pizzeria, Black Bart Navy Rum, Bolt To Wines, Celebrate Sweetly, Culter’s Artisan Spirits, Dusty Nabor Wines, Five Threads Brewing Company, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Hatch Café and Market, Hyatt Regency Westlake, Jill’s Gourmet Cotton Candy, Made in Italy, Millesime Cellars, Newberry Candy, Oak & Iron, Partysserie, Pitfire Artisan Pizza, Smokin Steve’s Catering, Social Monk Asian Kitchen, Sunland Vintage Winery, Twisted Oak Tavern, Vinemark Cellars and Zin Bistro Americana.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

• Lead Sponsors: Express Employment Professionals, The Acorn Newspapers

• Premier Sponsors: Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, GTK Analytics, Inc.

• Entertainment Sponsors: California Water Service, Invesco Championship, La Quinta, U.S. Bank, Union Bank

• Major Sponsors: Hillcrest Financial Group of Thrivent Financial, Logix, Pepperdine University, Rosemary Allison

• Supporting Sponsors: Amgen, Atara Biotherapeutics, Bank of America, Best Western Thousand Oaks Inn, California State University Channel Islands, KMPG, Richard Ross Associates, Salem Los Angeles, SPARK Networking Group, Takeda, TechAhead, Veterinary Angels Medical Center & The Little Angels Project

Visit www.TasteofConejo.com or call 805.370.0035 for more information.

Upcoming Events and Free Programs at the Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park Branch Libraries

Thousand Oaks (Grant R. Brimhall) Library.

There are two great Thousand Oaks libraries; the Grant R. Brimhall (GRB) Library at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks (805.449.2660) and the local Newbury Park Branch (NPB) is at 2331 Borchard Road (805.498.2139).  These libraries provide year-round free events, activities and programs for all ages. Selected events from time to time will be covered here.

Visit the library website at www.toaks.org/library to learn more. 

(The programs below are updated periodically to remove past events)

Programs and Special Events

Free Tuesday Night Movie Screenings at NP Library (6:30pm):

• 8/13: Whiplash (2014, R, 107 min)

• 8/20: Green Book (2018, PG-13, 130 min)

• 8/27: O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000, PG-13, 108 min) - In the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.

Monday Movie Matinees at T.O. Library at 1pm:

• 8/26: Alpha (2018, PG-13, 96 min) - In the prehistoric past, a young man struggles to return home after being separated from his tribe during a buffalo hunt. He finds a similarly lost wolf companion and starts a friendship that would change humanity.

• 9/9: The Public (2018, PG-13, 122 min) - An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.

• 9/23: All is True (2019, PG-13, 101 min) - A look at the final days in the life of renowned playwright William Shakespeare.

Adult and Family Programs

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on August 14, 2019 and September 11, 2019 (second Wednesday of each month) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Crafternoon: Crochet Hats

Come to the library for a fun evening spent learning how to make an adorable hat for the babies in your life. Patterns and yarn provided, please bring your own 5.00 mm/H hook. For advanced beginners. Program will be on August 15, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Technical Training Room. *

Story Slam

Eight selected autobiographical stories will be read on stage by the authors on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. at the Thousand Oaks Library. Audience favorite will win a prize.

Astronomy for Everyone: Size and Scale of the Universe

Take a journey into the cosmos to look at the very small and the very large. Astronomer Kevin Manning will present an inspiring and uplifting presentation that will give a deeper understanding of the workings of the universe. View the rings of Saturn and the craters of the moon through a hand-crafted telescope, weather permitting. Enjoyable for both adult and children 8 years and older. Program will be on August 22, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. *

Crafternoon: Tassel Wine Charms

Make a set of four tassel wine charms or pendants, while supplies last. These make a unique gift, or a fun conversation starter. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own jewelry making tools if you have them. Program is intended for teens and adults only. Program will be on August 23, 2019 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. *

Dungeons & Dragons

Adventurers old and new take part in the classic role-playing game. Sign up is required to play. Register at Information Desk or call (805) 449-2660, option #5. Grouped by age 10 to 14 and 15+. The game will take place on August 24, 2019 (fourth Saturday of each month) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on August 28, 2019 and September 25, 2019 (fourth Wednesday of each month) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Book Club in a Box

Book Club in a Box gets great literature into the hands of your book club members quickly. Each box contains 10 copies of a single title, and discussion questions. Browse our 55 title boxes located next to the Friends Book Sale.

ESL Conversation Group

Practice speaking English with other adults and meet new people in an informal & friendly group setting. Laubach Literacy trained staff and ESL trained volunteers provide tutoring to adults seeking to learn English on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Conference Room.

Monday Movie Matinee

Enjoy a free movie screening every other Monday afternoon at the Thousand Oaks Library at 1:00 p.m. Visit the Library website for monthly movie titles.

Tuesday Movie Night

Enjoy a free movie screening every Tuesday evening at the Newbury Park Library at 6:30 p.m. Visit the Library website for monthly movie titles.

Dungeons & Dragons

Adventurers old and new take part in the classic role-playing game. Sign up is required to play. Register at Information Desk or call (805) 449-2660, option #5. Grouped by age 10 to 14 and 15+. The game will take place on September 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room and September 28, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

On Stage: Rupert Wates

Rupert Wates was born in London and has been based in the US since 2007. He is the recipient of well over 40 songwriting and performing awards, and his songs have been recorded by other performers in Los Angeles, Nashville, Colorado, Canada and the UK. His material is acoustic melodic art/folk and he will be performing at the Thousand Oaks Library on September 8, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room. www.rupertwatesmusic.com'

Open Mic Poetry Night

Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with the Ventura County Art Council and hosted by Ken Jones on September 11, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Newbury Park Library. Featured reader Holaday Mason will be reading on September 25, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Library.

Adult Coloring: Animal Theme

Relax with friends and other coloring enthusiasts the second Friday of each month. Materials provided. Event will take place on September 13, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room. Program is intended for Teens and Adults only. *

Adult Crafternoon: Collage

Use various types of paper to create a collage on September 20, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Newbury Park Library. Let your imagination run wild! All supplies are provided. Program is intended for Teens and Adults only. *

9/21 9am-Noon - WriteFest ‘19 - Two of Ventura County’s wordsmithing powerhouses have joined together for WriteFest ’19. The Ventura County Writers Club and the Thousand Oaks Library invite anyone interested in writing to attend this inspiring event. Advance registration is required. The conference will feature speakers Rebecca Langston-George and Bruce Hale. Langston-George will demonstrate how to amp your draft through purposeful revision. She is the author of 12 books including The Right to Learn: Malala Yousafizai’s Story. Hale will speak on sinking the depth charge of suspense in all genres. He has written and /or illustrated more than 50 books for kids.

Teen Programs

The Ultimate Scholarship Search Workshop

Learn the best strategies for winning scholarships in this valuable workshop on August 17, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Teen Thursday Movie: Shazam!

Start off school with a bang by coming to the Library for a free fun movie on August 22, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Newbury Park Library Meeting Room.

Finding the Right Fit College

A workshop designed to help you create your potential college list. Learn about the college search process on August 24, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Community Room.

Button Making

Come make buttons and relax in the new Teen Space on August 29, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Program is intended for teens only.

Back to School Crafts @ the Library

Personalize your planner and school supplies with special pens, washi tape, and stickers on September 5, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Library Teen Space.

Video Games & Oculus Virtual Reality

Just like books take you into new worlds, so can games and virtual reality. Come play at the Newbury Park Library on September 12, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Teen Space Grand Opening

Celebrate the grand opening of the new Teen Space at the Thousand Oaks Library. All are welcome to visit on September 12, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be special activities and giveaways just for Teens.

Pencil & Pen Pouches

Make a one of a kind pencil case out of old book & comic pages on September 19, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Library and September 26, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Newbury Park Library.

Kids' Programs

22nd Annual Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival, September 28 to October 31, 2019

Underwood Family Farms' 22nd Annual Fall Harvest Festival will take place September 28 to October 31, 2019.

Friends of the Farm Weekend is back September 28-29. There will be demonstrations including fire trucks, ambulances, tank type vehicle, bomb squad with their bomb robot, police car/motorcycle, search and rescue displays and much more. 

October 5-6 is Farm Country Weekend, complete with country and bluegrass music and a live-remote visit from local station KHAY. 

Antique Tractor Weekend is October 12-13 (10am-4pm) with antique tractors and a tractor parade!

October 19-20 is Western Weekend - from 11am - 3pm, there will be stunt ropers, a covered wagon, music, magic and much more! At 3:00, the cowboys ride off, but the festival continues until 6:00pm with music, games, rides, races and tons of family fun.

Saturday/Sunday October 26-27 is All About Pumpkins weekend, with live entertainment from 10:30-5:30. There will be demonstrations and displays of pumpkins, squash, and gourds as well as new and different ways to decorate them.
                                                                                                                                      
On the weekends, food vendors serve up Lions Club hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn on the cob, pie, Spencer MacKenzie's Mexican food, shave ice, kettle corn, cookies and much more. 

On hand for purchase will be varieties of gourds, winter squash, Indian corn, and other fall decorating accessories, as well as a large selection of pumpkin carving accessories. There will be acres and acres of pumpkins, country games and activities, pig races and great photo opportunities!

Festival hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Ticket prices as follows:

$16.00 - Sept 28-29, Oct 5-6
$22.00 - Oct 12-13, 19-20, 26-27

$8.00 Mon-Fri (non-festival admission). Ages 2 and under are free.

Online tickets available in September:
$12.00 - in September for 1st 2 weekends ONLY
$14.00 - in October for first 2 weekends ONLY

Weekend admission includes a tractor-drawn wagon ride, corn maze, hay pyramids, Animal Center with Fun Hill, Craig's Chicken Show, Kids' Corral & play area plus live bands including themed weekend entertainment, animal show, pig races and much more.

More info at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall_harvest_festival.html.

8th Annual Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme on Saturday, September 28, 2019

Bananas are tops at the 8th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival, Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Festival guests will enjoy a variety of delicious foods, including BBQ, empanadas, gourmet grilled cheese, sushi burritos, shaved ice, banana splits (of course!), banana beignets and more. Each food vendor will offer at least one unique banana dish.

The festival also features live bands, beer & margaritas, arts and crafts vendors, and kids’ crafts and activities. Free tours of the Port are available that highlight 80 years as Ventura County’s only working port. Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn more about the Port’s history, customers, imports/exports and environmental contributions at the Festival’s Port Pavilion. The Festival is located on the Port of Hueneme, with the entrance at the corner of Surfside Drive & Market Street. Free admission and parking at the beach lots.

For festival information, call 805-535-4060 or visit www.BananaPortFest.com.

Cowboys and Cabernet Country Music Festival in Simi Valley on Thursday, October 3, 2019

Join us for an everning of amazing wines, tasty micro brews, lip-smackin' grub, country Music and FUN at the beautiful Hummingbird Nest Ranch on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 430-8:30PM. Cowboys & Cabernet is Simi Valley's Premier Country Music Festival. Admission includes unlimited wine, brews and food tastings along with LIVE Country Music and games. Also on tap are a Wine Pull, Shopping and Much More!

Hummingbird Nest Ranch is located at 2940 Kuehner Drive, , Simi Valley. 

Visit www.cowboysandcabernet.com for more information.