Public Tours at the Camarillo Bird Museum

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology (WFVZ) (aka Camarillo Bird Museum), a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation, is both a natural history collection specializing in eggs and nests of birds from around the world, and a research and education institution dedicated to bird conservation. The Foundation's collections are the largest in the world, and its mission is to contribute to the conservation of the world’s wild bird species through the accessibility of the collections and their data to researchers, educators, students, and the public. 

The Museum both guided and unguided tours on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon and 2pm. A two hour guided tour for two is a $20 donation. A self-guided one hour tour is $7.

Visit www.wfvz.org for more information.

Mother's Day Event at the Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023

The Simi Valley Town Center is hosting a Mother’s Day event from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Here’s the lineup of activities:

  • 10am to 10pm - Bounce houses in the Center Court

  • 2pm to 3pm - Dancers in the Center Court

  • 3pm to 4pm - Fashion Show

  • 4pm to 8pm - Sip and Shop

  • 6pm to 8:30pm: Rod Stewart tribute band Forever Rod performs

simivalleytowncenter.com/user/event-detail/154

Safe Boating Open House at Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday, May 20, 2023

In conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands will host its Annual Safe Boating Open House on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday May 20, 2023 at the Coast Guard Station, located at 4201 S. Victoria Ave. in Oxnard. Admission and parking are free.

USCG Boat Tours & Helicopter Rescue

Multiple public safety agencies will be present to demonstrate and provide an opportunity for the public to learn about recreational safe boating. Active duty members of the Coast Guard will conduct informative tours of their rescue boats and the USCG Cutter “Blacktip.”

Highlights include USCG Helicopter rescue demonstration over Channel Islands Harbor. Boaters may receive free life jacket exchange, drop-off expired flare disposal collected by the Ventura County Sheriff Office – Bomb Squad, Touch a Truck with Ventura County Fire Department, and much more.

Families and Children are welcome. Kids will delight with the antics of the talking Coastie Safety Boat robot! There are several information booths with safety brochures, boating safety class registration, vessel safety check RSVP, and all things to help adults and children learn about safe boating.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the members of the active duty Coasties will be on hand to answer your questions and make your visit to the station enjoyable.

www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2023-u-s-coast-guard-safe-boating-open-house

Father's Day Event at the Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday, June 17, 2023

The Simi Valley Town Center is hosting a Father’s Day event from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Here’s the lineup of activities:

10am to 10pm - Bounce houses in the Center Court

2pm to 10pm - Beer Garden in the Center Court (for the dads, not the kids :))

4pm to 9pm - Coachmen Car Show in the parking lot

5pm to 7pm - Dancers in the Center Court

6pm: A-Boxing in the Center Court

7pm: Neil Diamond tribute band Fantastic Diamond performs

simivalleytowncenter.com/user/event-detail/168

2023 Point Mugu Air Show Planned for March 18-19 at Naval Base Ventura County

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will be joined by the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, as co-headliners for the 2023 Point Mugu Air Show March 18-19, at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), 311 Main Road, Point Mugu.

For 77 years, the Blue Angels have showcased the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country for nearly 500 million fans. The Blues showcase the mainstay of modern Naval air power operating off U.S. aircraft carriers, the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet, along with the Marine Corps' premiere logistics support aircraft, the C-130J.

The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision, and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The Point Mugu Air Show will be the third time America’s premiere demonstration squadrons have performed at the same public event, and the first time at Point Mugu.

The Point Mugu Air Show, Ventura County’s largest public event, is open to the public on March 18, 19, 2023. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. Honors/national anthem at 10 a.m. Performances begin at noon.

Parking, admission, and blanket seating are free. Upgraded preferred seating options will be available.

NBVC is a strategically located Navy installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

To learn more, visit www.pointmuguairshow.com.

EVENT CANCELLED Civil War Days at Strathearn Historical Park Simi Valley April 1-2, 2023

EVENT CANCELLED

Strathearn Historical Park will transform itself into a small town in rural America in the 1860’s for the 11th Annual Civil War Days Encampment on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10am-4pm and Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 10am-3pm.

Step back to another place and time, when President Lincoln could take a break from his Washington duties to give a speech on the steps of our Strathearn House.  Here, costumed civilians, as well as soldiers from the north and south stand ready in their camps, eager to tell their stories to the passing visitors. Sergeants drill groups of local boys and girls curious to experience military life. Skirmishes, as well as artillery, infantry and cavalry demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend.

Highlights include:

  • President Lincoln delivers his Gettysburg Address

  • General Ulysses S. Grant & General Robert E. Lee reenact the Surrender at Appomattox

  • Kids wanted as recruits – come early & enlist; interview a soldier

  • Food for sale from local food vendors

  • Experience Authentic Artillery & Infantry Demonstrations

  • Enjoy a 1860s Women’s Clothing Demonstration

  • Tour historic Simi houses & buildings

  • Historical Demonstrations: Civilian Encampment, School Room, Newspapers, Apothecary & more

  • Meet Harriet Tubman and listen as she shares her experiences on the Underground Railroad

  • Music daily performed by Orange Town Revival, Mountain Fife and Drums and Camp Carleton

Advance Adult Tickets: TBA

Tickets at the Gate:  TBA ages 13 and up; TBA ages 5 to 12 and free to 4 and under.

Strathearn Historical Park & Museum is located at 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley.  Information: (805) 526-6453, www.simihistory.com

Free Family Holiday Events at Malibu Country Mart on Saturdays, December 10, 17, 2022

On Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17 from noon to 4pm, Malibu Country Mart is hosting two days of celebrations. During both events, visitors can take photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, visit with live reindeer, listen to carolers, write letters to Santa and drop them off in our North Pole-bound mailbox and enjoy winter-ready treats, including s'mores and hot cocoa. All activities are free to experience.

Malibu Country Mart celebrates the holiday season throughout December by transforming the seaside shopping and dining destination into a winter wonderland. Trimmed with festive holiday décor, the shopping destination features a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a light-up menorah for Hanukkah and twinkling lights.

Malibu Country Mart is located at 3825 Cross Creek Road.

www.malibucountrymart.com/events

Olivas Adobe Holiday Candlelight Tours in Ventura on Sunday, December 11, 2022

The public is invited to experience what the holidays were like in late 19th century Ventura with a free Holiday Candlelight Tour of the City of Ventura’s historic Olivas Adobe, located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive – on Sunday, December 11, 2022. Tours take place from 5:30-7:30PM.

Tours are free, however, registration is required and space is filling fast. Call 805-658-4726 to make your reservation.

The Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, in historical costumes, will take you on a tour through the house, decorated in different holiday traditions, while performing historical skits.

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1935/Events-at-the-Olivas-Adobe-Historical-Pa

Barnes & Noble Book Reading of "The Boy From Mexico" (An Immigration Story of Bravery and Determination) in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, November 12th

Edward Dennis is a Chicano Author/Illustrator who is proud to be reading his debut Children's book at Barnes & Noble in Thousand Oaks with a reading of “The Boy From Mexico.” Edward has worked 10 years as a Special & Gifted Education teacher in inner city Phoenix. He was often asked about immigration from his students. His students were either immigrants themselves, 1st or 2nd generation or even 3rd generation like Edward himself. He never had a good answer to their questions because of how complex the topic is.

Edward sought to change this by creating his own book, something that could break down such a complex issue for children. Edward has worked with numerous companies such as Giant Bicycle group, Disney, Toyota USA, Shimano to name a few. One of his goals, is to get more Latinx children into the arts.

Schedule of events

11:00 AM PST: Event will start with a panel discussion between Edward and several special guests, hosted by media.

11:20 AM: Edward will read his book aloud in store and answer any questions.

11:35 AM: An art lesson for the children in attendance. Paper and drawing materials will be provided at the event.

11:50 AM: Book signing immediately following read aloud.

Location: Barnes & Noble at The Promenade at Westlake, 160 S Westlake Blvd, Thousand Oaks

Learn more about the book and the author at www.theboyfrommexico.com.

Simi Fall Festival & Carnival at the Simi Valley Town Center October 7 to 9, 2022

The Simi Fall Festival and Carnival is back at the Simi Valley Town Center on October 7 (5-11PM), October 8 (noon to 11PM) and October 9 (noon to 9pm). Free admission, free parking and free live music. There will also be a carnival, shopping, food and family entertainment.

Variety of carnival rides for all ages. Minimum height requirement 36 inches on many kiddie rides to ride alone. Other rides to include Ferris Wheel, Zipper, Yo Yo Swing Ride, Cliffhanger Fun House, Tea Cups, Super Slide and many more.

Rides require 3 to 8 tickets when purchased onsite. Save by purchasing 10 rides for $25 in advance, by Friday, October 7th at 5pm at kastl-amusements.ticketleap.com/sim-fall-festival--carnival/details