Stars and Stripes Fireworks Festival in Simi Valley July 3rd and 4th, 2017

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NOTE: The VC Star reported in January 2018 that the Rotary Club of Simi Valley will no longer be hosting the annual fireworks show as it has done for the last 48 years.  The city and park district both contribute to the annual show and a new host is being sought.

The Rotary Club of Simi Valley and co-sponsors City of Simi Valley and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District are upping the ante this 2017 Independence Day by hosting a two day Stars and Stripes Festival on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

The festival opens on Monday, July 3rd from 3pm until 10pm with carnival rides and live music. Admission is $5 entry on Monday with ages 5 and under free. $20 carnival ride wristband is good for all day unlimited rides. Active military with ID free entry.

On Tuesday, July 4th, the festival continues from noon to 10pm and admission is free this day. $20 wristbands will be available for all day unlimited carnival rides. Pie eating contest at 1pm. Robert Singer's Performing Dogs at 2pm. Live music starts at 2:45pm. Flyover by vintage aircraft at 6pm. Fireworks at 9pm. Food vendors, food trucks, craft beers, wine garden and other vendors on hand.

Location: Rancho Santa Susana Community Park 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley

Bring blanket and chairs, then dance and enjoy!

Visit starsandstripesfireworksfestival.org for more information.

Humane Society of Ventura County Open House Birthday Bash in Ojai on June 10th

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We invite you to come celebrate 85 years of service to Ventura County at our upcoming Open House on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 10am to 3pm! Get a behind the scenes peek at the facility, interact with animals, tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff,  and learn about our different volunteer opportunities. 

A variety of local artists and crafts people will have one of a kind items available for sale. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, participate in our scavenger hunt and learn more about how YOU can make a difference in the lives of animals in need!

Humane Educator, Dawn Reily, will have her assortment of critters, and our Humane Officers will be on hand to give you a look at the responsibilities and duties of protecting animals throughout the county.   

Firefly Ceramics will have a booth and for or a $20 donation to benefit our new kennels, you can design your own tile to later become a permanent part of the structure. 

What would a visit to a shelter be without the main attraction—the animals! We have a full house of critters available for adoption; you never know when you are going to meet your new best friends! 

WHERE: Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant Street, Ojai

www.hsvc.org/85th_birthday_bash_open_house

Hanukkah Celebration at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks on Monday, December 5th

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Cal Lutheran hosts Hanukkah celebration

Hillel students organizing service activity, ceremony

California Lutheran University is hosting its annual Hanukkah celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5.

Organized by students in the university’s Hillel club, the event will be held in Lundring Events Center on the Thousand Oaks campus.

The ceremony will feature the lighting of the candles on the menorah. The community can also join faculty, staff and students in enjoying traditional food and activities.

For the first time this year, participants are invited to bring a toy and assemble holiday packages during the event for children served by Many Mansions. Hillel members are volunteering for the nonprofit throughout the year.

This year Hanukkah takes place from sundown on Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Every year, Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the army of the Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanies and won their religious freedom.

Hanukkah is referred to as the Festival of Lights because, according to tradition, a rekindled menorah burned for eight days although it only held enough oil to burn a single day. The holiday is a reminder to rekindle our spiritual lights and shine for the world.

Although Cal Lutheran has long hosted Hanukkah celebrations, the Hillel club in recent years has organized more events for the campus and the nearby community. In 2012, Rabbi Belle Michael took over as the adviser for Hillel and became the first Jewish member of the university’s Campus Ministry staff. The Oak Park resident also began helping to lead chapel services.

The number of Jewish students at Cal Lutheran is growing and currently stands at about 150. Hillel, led by president Briana Shneyder of Encino, provides a community for the Jewish students and opportunities to explore their identity with one another and community members. Celebrations draw students from many faiths and perspectives, and club members participate in the campus’s interfaith activities as well as social justice events. The club recently put together an advisory board made up of community leaders, parents, alumni, faculty and staff.

Lundring Events Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard.

Cal Lutheran’s Office of Campus Ministry is sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Shneyder at bshnede@callutheran.edu or Michael at bmichae@callutheran.edu.

Free Family Fun Day at Big Rock Nature Preserve in Ventura on Saturday, August 6th

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On Saturday, August 6, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host Family Fun Day at their Big Rock Nature Preserve from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. This free, family-friendly, open-to-the-public outdoor event will include nature-themed crafts, an environmental scavenger hunt and a biologist-led hike along the banks of the Ventura River.

“It has been several months since our generous volunteers helped us plant the 500 trees that are taking root at our Big Rock Preserve and we are eager to show off our work,” said Derek Poultney, VHC Executive Director. “We invite the public to explore our preserve, learn about the delicate habitat along the Ventura River and the importance of preserving it.”

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust that has operated in the Ventura region since 2003 and currently manages nearly 80 acres of the Ventura River. In addition to preserving and restoring natural areas, VHC provides outdoor education programs where school students and community residents can learn about important environmental issues in our community.

Family Fun Day is appropriate for people of all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees should wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Please note that the trails at Big Rock Preserve are not stroller friendly. There is no cost to attend but reservations are strongly encouraged. To RSVP, visit www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab.

VHC is seeking support for future outdoor educational programming. For more information, contact VHC Development Director, Adrienne Stephens at: (805) 643-8044 or adrienne@venturahillsides.org.

4th Annual Cars at the Rock Classic Car Show in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, September 27th

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The 4th annual CARS AT THE ROCK classic car show will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at The Rock Community Church and Hillcrest Christian School, 384 Erbes Road, (corner of Erbes and Hillcrest), Thousand Oaks.

Along with a variety of classic cars from pre-1980 and a special interest class, the show will boast a live DJ, children's game booths, face painting.  Visitors can also participate in the hour-long church service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Food trucks, including the popular Grilled Cheese Truck, will be available at this fun, family event.

For more information visit www.rockcarshow.com. Free admission!

6th Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival in Agoura on Saturday, April 25th

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The 6th Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival, sponsored by the National Park Service in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Children's Nature Institute, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, UCLA LA Kretz Center for CA Conservation Science, and NatureBridge. will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 10 am to 4 pm at Paramount Ranch.

There are activities for people of all ages, including talks, hands-on demonstrations, nature walks, family activities, live animal displays, and a chance to meet and talk with the scientists. Food vendors will be on site.

Come out and explore the natural and cultural resources within the Santa Monica Mountains and learn about the scientific research that helps us all better understand and protect those resources!

Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills

Directions

From 101 Freeway, exit Kanan Rd. Go south towards the ocean. Make a left on Cornell Road. Continue for 2 miles. The entrance to Paramount Ranch is on the right.

More info at www.nps.gov/samo/sciencefestival.htm