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):

• 12/18 - A Christmas Story

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

• 12/17: Four Christmases (2008 PG-13, 88 min)

• 1/14: Crazy Rich Asians

• 1/28: Puzzle (2018, R, 103 min)

Adult Programs

Weekly on Friday 1/4/19 to 2/1/19, 2/15, 2/22 10-11am -Yoga for Beginners at T.O. Library Community Room - Join us for a safety-conscious, lighthearted yoga class which will help you improve balance and create space in both mind and body. No flexibility or experience needed!  Great for people brand new to yoga or who want to avoid strenuous practice. All levels welcome.

Weekly on Tuesdays, 1/8/19 to 2/12/19 1-2pm - Beginning Tai Chi at T.O. Library Community Room - Join instructor Ron Hickman to discover how Tai Chi can help to improve your balance, increase your range of motion and lower blood pressure. Must be able to stand unassisted for an hour. (6 week series)

1/9/19 6-8PM NP Library - Open Mic Poetry Night - Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with Phil Taggart, Ventura County Poet Laureate, and host Ken Jones. 

Ventura County Master Gardeners Series 6:30-8PM at T.O. Library:

• 1/14/19: All About Roses

• 2/11/19: Create a Water Wise Garden

• 3/11/19: Garden Design 101 for a Water Wise Garden

• 4/8/19: Lawn Alternatives, Removal and Composting

• 5/13/19: Water Wise Plant Selection and Maintenance

Saturday 1/19 2:30-4PM - Create a Vision Board at NP Library - Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? A Vision Board that you create is a collage of pictures and words to be a source of inspiration and motivation. Visualize your future to help you reach life goals. All supplies provided.

Sunday 1/20 2-3PM - On Stage: Petrella & Mixed Influence at T.O. Library - Petrella, The First Lady of Country Soul, and her band "Mixed Influence" will play their blend of R&B, Blues, Country with a Rock edge featuring songs from her 25th year Anniversary CD entitled “Shine on Me” as well as other tunes including her hit “I Found Somebody” written by Glen Frey (Eagles) and and cover songs such as Etta James “Lovin Arms” and Tony Joe White’s “Ain’t Going Down this Time.”  She has released fourteen albums.

1/23/19 6-8PM - Open Mic Poetry Night at TO Library - Join a diverse local poetry community to read, listen, encourage, and inspire. In partnership with Phil Taggart, Ventura County Poet Laureate, and host Ken Jones.

Sat 1/26 11am to noon - Home Organization Program - TO Library - Start the new year by turning your home into the retreat you know you want, by designing with a purpose. Cynthia Montoya of Urban Gypsy Styled gives insights into design functionality along with beauty to allow you creatively organizing and paint the canvas where your memories will be made for years to come.

1/28/19 1-2PM at TO Library - Healthy Habits for a Healthy You - One hour workshop for individuals of any age who are looking for information on ways to age as well as possible. At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also keep our brains healthy as we age and possible delay the onset of cognitive decline. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association California Central Coast Chapter

Teen Programs

Kids' Programs

1/19/19 Billy Bonkers Magic Show for ages 4+ 11am at NP Library, 2pm at TO Library

Upcoming Events and Activities at the Camarillo Public Library

The City of Camarillo Public Library is located at 4101 Las Posas Road and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm and Friday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. It can be reached at 805.388.5222. The library hosts year-round free activities and programs for the general public, many of which will be highlighted right here (for a complete rundown, visit the library's website at www.camarillolibrary.org.

Upcoming Programs (prior events periodically removed):

Must See Movies (Thursdays at 6:30PM; doors open at 6:15PM)

• 12/20 - The Man Who Invented Christmas (PG-13)

• 12/27 - Ocean’s 8 (PG-13)

• 1/3 - Searching (PG-13)

• 1/10 - A Simple Favor (PG-13)

• 1/17 - Solo (PG-13)

• 1/24 - Puzzle (R)

• 1/31 - The Children Act (R)

• 2/7 - Equalizer 2 (R)

• 2/14 - Juliet, Naked (R)

• 2/21 - Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)

• 2/28 - The Wife (R)

Special Events / Programs for Adults

Mon 12/17 7pm - Managing Holiday Stress Using Meditation with Stephanie Lee, M.D.

Sun 1/6/19 2-4pm - Performance by Jay Leach & Los Steel - Come enjoy your Sunday afternoon with music by guitarist Jay Leach & Los Steel, whose musical styles include rock, boogie-woogie, jazz, and even a little country. Jay’s credits include 10 years as principle Pedal Steel Guitarist and utility musician for the TV show American Idol and The Voice.

Mon 1/7/19 6:30-8PM - Grief Recovery Workshop - 4 Easy Tools in Traversing Life's Toughest Moments. Join Birgitte Tan in this supportive workshop, focusing on understanding and navigating grief; transitioning from panic to peace; mastering your own circumstance; and rediscovering hope.

Tue 1/8/19 6:30-7:30PM - Intro to Mindfulness - Learn to stress-less in 2019! Discover Mindfulness with Audrey Walzer, who has taught thousands of Ventura County residents how to live with greater calm, even in difficult, busy times.

Children's Programs

Tue 12/18 2pm - Holiday Art with Gaby in the Children’s Area - crafts using recycled materials.

Teen Programs (ages 12-17)

Winter LEGO Robotics Camp at LeXT Robo Academy in Agoura Hills 12/21/18 to 1/7/19

WINTER CAMP at LeXT Robo Academyin Agourra Hills FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 – JANUARY 7, 2019 (weekdays only) CALL OR TEXT TODAY! 818-699-2388 Space is limited 9:00am-3:00pm Earlycare and Aftercare 8:00am-5:30am ($10/hour) Cost: $40/Half Day; $65/Full Day LeXT Robo Academy 29039 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Agoura Hills Please note: there are no classes on Tuesday, December 25, 2018, and Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Monday, December 24, 2018 will only be a half-day camp 9:30am-12:30pm.

www.facebook.com/lextroboacademy

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.

Sun 12/16 10am to noon - History Hike at Rancho Sierra Vista - Explore and learn! Join us for a short 1-mile guided hike at Rancho Sierra Vista, led by a Park Ranger who will speak on the ranching history of this site! This hike will feature occasional stops along the trail where we will learn about the different periods and people who helped shape Rancho Sierra Vista.

It is estimated that this hike should be approximately 1 hour in length to cover both the hike and the talk with plenty of time afterwards for any questions! We will be meeting and ending at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. Rain cancels.

Wed 1/9/19 8-10am - Beginner’s Birdwalk with Conejo Valley Audubon at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walks at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. These walks will be held on the second Wednesday of each month. We will meet at 8:00am at the main parking lot, which is accessible off Lynn Rd at Via Goleta in Newbury Park.

Rancho Sierra Vista is an excellent place to see many of the oak woodlands birds that are common in the Conejo Valley. We will take time to introduce beginning birders to these species and the best techniques for locating and identifying them.

If you have binoculars, please bring them. A few pairs of loaner binoculars will be available. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No sign-up is needed; just show up. Heavy rain will cancel the walk. The leader will be Richard Armerding and he can be reached at 310-701-3878

Sun 1/6/19 - Dream Catcher Art Exhibit at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa 10am to 3pm - Come experience the intricate Dream-catcher exhibit by Wichita tribal artist Michael Williams. This unique dream catcher display will be available from January 6, 2019 to March 24, 2019. The artist will be available only on Sunday January 6 from 10 am – 1 pm, to meet and greet visitors and answer any questions.

Tue 2/5/19 8:30am to 1pm - Hike to China Flat at Palo Comado Canyon (Sunnycrest Drive Trailhead) - Moderately paced 6 mile, appx. 1000 ft gain hike in scenic Simi Hills, through chaparral, grasslands and oaks, with great views, to the vernal pool at China Flat. Meet 8:30 AM at Sunnycrest trailhead. From 101 Fwy take Kanan Rd exit and go north 2.2 miles to Sunnycrest Dr. and turn right. Continue 0.8 miles to the “Public Recreation Trail” sign on right and park along curb. Bring water, snack, lugsoles, hat, sunscreen. Rain cancels.

Wed 2/13/19 8-10am - Beginner’s Birdwalk with Conejo Valley Audubon at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Conejo Valley Audubon invites birders of all experience levels to attend our monthly Beginner Bird Walks at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. These walks will be held on the second Wednesday of each month. We will meet at 8:00am at the main parking lot, which is accessible off Lynn Rd at Via Goleta in Newbury Park.

Rancho Sierra Vista is an excellent place to see many of the oak woodlands birds that are common in the Conejo Valley. We will take time to introduce beginning birders to these species and the best techniques for locating and identifying them.

If you have binoculars, please bring them. A few pairs of loaner binoculars will be available. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No sign-up is needed; just show up. Heavy rain will cancel the walk. The leader will be Richard Armerding and he can be reached at 310-701-3878

Sun 2/24 10am to 2pm - Screening KCET’s Tending the Wild at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center will be hosting a screening of KCET’s documentary, “Tending the Wild”. The film focuses on the environmental knowledge of California’s indigenous peoples by exploring how they have actively shaped and tended the land, in the process developing a deep respect and understanding of both plant and animal life. This documentary exemplifies how humans are necessary to live in balance with nature and how traditional practices can inspire a new generation of people to tend their current changing environment.

After the film screening a group discussion will follow- with foods to taste, and learn new ways to use gathering gardens.

Sun 3/10/19 - Tomol Crossing Journey at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa - 10am to noon and 1-3pm - Chumash elder Alan Salazar will present an in-depth lecture/discussion on the traditions of tomol crossings that he has been involved in the previous years. Learn about his first hand experiences of the tomol crossings and its importance to the Chumash culture.

There are two lecture sessions are available. The first session begins promptly at 10am. The second session begins at 1pm. Please be on time. All ages welcome. No reservations required.

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.

Santa Claus's Party at Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Bethlehem Experience in Westlake Village on December 14-15, 2018

The Bethlehem Experience is returning in 2018 on Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church Westlake Village. Drive through the First Christmas Eve!

For two magical nights, Bethlehem comes to Westlake Village as the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church (with support from Moorpark Presbyterian Church) transforms their church grounds into The Bethlehem Experience, an amazingly lifelike recreation of the 1st century village. Incredible sets, theatrical lighting, a wonderful collection of props, and over 100 members of the congregation in period costumes transport visitors back in time.

Visitors will drive past the Magi camped on the outskirts of the village, shepherds watching their sheep, Centurions and tax collectors at the gates to Bethlehem, villagers in the marketplace selling first century goods, the Inn that turned away Mary and Joseph and, of course, the Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, angels and baby Jesus.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at 32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village. FREE!

For more information, visit www.gotobethlehem.com or call 818.889.1491.

Looking to help? Sign up at THIS LINK.

Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning in Ventura on Saturdays

Free crafts for kids ages 3 and up at Lakeshore Learning in Ventura on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm (updated 12/14/18):

12/15 Hit the Slopes! Snowman

12/22 Trim-The-Tree Keepsake

12/29 New Year’s Mask

1/5/19: Penguin Pal

1/12: Snowy Scene

1/19: Live the Dream Dreamer

1/26: Everyone Fits In

The Ventura store is located at 4705 Telephone Road.  Phone 805.289.1550 or visit www.lakeshorelearning.com.

www.lakeshorelearning.com/stores/free-crafts