Premiere of "Westlake Village Rocks" Group

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A Westlake Village Rocks group has been launched by CReATE STUDIO and Girls Club Strong to spread the joy of painting, hiding and finding cheerful rocks in the City of Westlake Village. And of course, you are encouraged to post photos of the inspirational, comical and/or beautiful rocks you have discovered, and perhaps re-hid, on the Westlake Village Rocks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westlakevillagerocks.

There is also a Newbury Park Rocks group and others around Ventura County.

Neptune's Net and County Line Beach in Malibu are Local-Area "Must Do's"

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Neptune's Net is a Malibu icon, located across from County Line Beach in Malibu at 42505 Pacific Coast Highway. Everyone who lives in the local area just has to experience this favorite eatery overlooking the Pacific. 

Originally built in 1956, the location of the fryer and grill have not changed. However, it was originally a gas station, real estate office and restaurant called "Panorama Pacific at Solimar" but locals called it Jake's Diner (after Eastman "Jake" Jacobs, its owner). In 1974 it was sold and the new owners renamed it Neptune's Net. The current owners purchased it in 1991.

Some of our favorites at Neptune's Net are everything fried (fish & chips, shrimp, scallops, clam strips and calamari), fresh seafood (lobster, crab, shrimp and oysters), burgers and more. Quite a popular biker hangout but at the same time, family friendly.

If you're newbie, check out the menu and then find the back of the ordering line, which often stretches back to the refrigerated drinks area. Grab your drink first as you wait in line. Order. Grab a seat, either in the front patio overlooking PCH, the side patio adjacent to the parking lot or the indoor seating area. Learn more at neptunesnet.com.

After (or before) you've dined, park or re-park (it's nice to clear your spot at Neptune's Net for other folks) your car across the street at County Line Beach, a casual, perhaps 1/3 mile stretch of beach surrounded by residences on each side.

There are no facilities at this beach other than three porta-johns in the parking area. No parking fees. 

County Line Beach is popular with surfers and folks generally hanging out and jumping into the water. There are some rocks to explore on the west side of the beach too. And well-behaved dogs can often be seen at this beach.

Rocks about on the west side of the beach, which stretches around to residences.

Rocks about on the west side of the beach, which stretches around to residences.

Compilation of Great Trails and Hikes In and Around Ventura County

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Looking for a good hike around Ventura County and nearby areas? We've highlighted a number of our favorite hikes in the Do Something section of Conejo Valley Guide.

HIKE TO A CONEJO VALLEY BENCH WITH A VIEW

HIKE TO AUTOMOTIVE RELICS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY OPEN SPACE

SEVEN FLAT, STROLLER FRIENDLY TRAILS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY

DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

Lone Oak at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

Lone Oak at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

View from Rosewood Trail in Newbury Park

View from Rosewood Trail in Newbury Park

Lynnmere Open Space views to the west.

Lynnmere Open Space views to the west.

Views from the Ray Miller Trail in Malibu

Views from the Ray Miller Trail in Malibu

Danielson Road trail in the Boney Mountain Wilderness

Danielson Road trail in the Boney Mountain Wilderness

Views of Simi Valley from the peak of Mt. McCoy in Simi Valley

Views of Simi Valley from the peak of Mt. McCoy in Simi Valley

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Tree encampment along Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Tree encampment along Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Craft Breweries with Onsite Tasting Rooms In and Around Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

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According to the Brewers Association, there are 5,005 breweries in the United States as of November 30, 2016, and nearly all (99%) of them are small and independent craft breweries. 

A craft brewer is defined as being small (annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less), independent and traditional (flavors derived mostly from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients).

There has been tremendous growth in U.S. craft breweries in recent years, growing from just over 500 in 1994 to 1,400 in 2004 to nearly 3,600 in 2014 to over 5,000 microbreweries, brewpubs and regional breweries in late 2016.

We've seen and experienced this growth in and around Ventura County too, so how about we summarize them right here! This list includes local craft breweries with onsite tasting rooms ranging from the Conejo Valley out just past Ventura County into Carpinteria.

Surf Brewery was the first packaging craft brewery in Ventura County when it opened in June 2011. It is located in an industrial park at 4561 Market Street in Ventura and has a large tasting room with seating for 75. Food is not served, but you can bring your own or purchase from a local gourmet food truck in the parking lot on Tuesdays through Sundays. Learn more at surfbrewery.com 805.644.2739

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie, the Conejo Valley's first microbrewery and brewpub, opened in November 2009 at 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Offering a full selection of craft brews and full lunch/dinner menus daily. ladyfaceale.com 818.477.4566

Institution Ale Company is a microbrewery founded in 2013 that that recently moved to a brand new, larger location and tasting room at 3841 Mission Oaks Boulevard in Camarillo (visible from the 101 next to the Camarillo Ranch House). Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

Topa Topa Brewing Company is a microbrewery that opened on June 6, 2015 and is located at 104 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura, offering up a variety of microbrews in a small tasting room area. www.facebook.com/topatopabrewingco 805.628.9255

Five Threads Brewing Company at 31133 Via Colinas, Suite 109, Westlake Village opened its doors in October 2015. Offers fresh brewed craft beers in its tasting room Wednesday through Sunday. www.fivethreadsbrewing.com 805.457.5990

Enegren Brewing Company opened in July 2011 in Moorpark and is now located at 444 Zachary Street, #120 (a newer, 15 barrel brewery opened in January 2015). Quite a large tasting room at Energen. Limited food choices but bring your own. Food trucks periodically on hand. www.enegrenbrewing.com 805.552.0602

MadeWest Brewing Company opened its doors in January 2016 and is located at 1744 Donlon Street, Ventura, offering a variety of craft beers, plenty of indoor/outdoor seating, food trucks and more. www.madewest.com 805.947.5002

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company opened its Westlake Village taproom at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, in December 2015. Offers up craft beers brewed onsite as well as at other locations in Santa Barbara. Also a full-service restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating open daily. www.figmtnbrew.com 818.874.1305

Poseidon Brewing Company opened its tasting room on August 11, 2014 at 5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q, Ventura and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Ooh, they offer up a free pint on your birthday if you present Valid ID with birthdate! www.poseidonbrewingco.com 805.477.0239

Anacapa Brewing Company opened its doors back in 2000 with a seasonal rotation of over 25 beers in this full service restaurant/brewery in the heart of Downtown Ventura at 472 E. Main Street. anacapabrewing.com 805.643.BEER (2337) (gotta love that phone number)

Twisted Oak Tavern opened in 2015 at 30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, offering a full gastropub experience with a full lunch/dinner menu and over 30 craft beers on tap made onsite. Open daily. www.twistedoaktavern.pub

Leashless Brewing opened in early July 2017 at 585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, offering organic, Belgian style ales. www.leashlessbrewing.com

The Ojai Valley Brewery Tap Room is located at Azu Restaurant and Bar at 457 E. Ojai Avenue. The brewery is located 3 blocks away. The taproom is open noon to close 7 days a week. ojaivalleybrewery.com/the-tap-room 805.640.7987

Rincon Brewery at 5065 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria is a craft brewery and restaurant open 7 days a week. rinconbrewery.com 805.684.6044

Casa Agria Specialty Ales is a small brewery located at 701 N. Del Norte Boulevard, Suite 310 in Oxnard, brewing up a handful of specialty beers since February 2015. There is now a small onsite tasting room open to the public Thursday through Sunday. www.casaagria.com 805.485.1454

Red Tandem Brewery is a nanobrewery featuring 7 high quality ales brewed onsite to customers at its tasting room at 109 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Shores at Channel Islands Harbor. It was founded in September 2014 and opened to the public in May 2016. Open Wednesday through Sunday. www.redtandembrewery.com 805.236.2105

Westlake Brewing Company opened its small volume brewery in early 2016 at 31111 Via Colinas #200, Westlake Village. Offers craft beers and craft soda in an industrial feel.  The taproom, open Wednesday through Sunday, has old school pinball machines, shuffleboard table and live entertainment. westlakebrewingcompany.com 818.851.9052

Island Brewing Company has been brewing in Carpinteria since July 2001 at 5049 Sixth Street (Linden at the railroad tracks). Its open redwood beam tasting room was originally built as a packing house for lemons and citrus. Located right next to Carpinteria State Beach too! Open 7 days a week. www.islandbrewingcompany.com 805.745.8272

BrewLAB is an artisinal nano-brewery located at 4191-8 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. www.brewlabcraft.com 949.922.9152

Ventura Coast Brewing Co. opened in October 2016 at 76 S. Oak Street in Downtown Ventura. Offers indoor/outdoor patio seating, flights, 4 and 16 ounce pours of its creations. Open 7 days a week. www.facebook.com/vcbcbeer

Coming Soon: Fluid State Beer Garden, 692 E. Main Street, Ventura. Currently (February 2017) under construction, they will provide craft beer and sourdough pizza to the hungry and thirsty masses to this former home of Ragsdale Kitchen & Bar.

Other Options on Tap

Some additional craft beer tasting options in the area are highlighted below. These ones serve up tap beers from other craft breweries and/or produce the beer elsewhere. We have included on this list bars/taverns serving up at least a dozen craft beers on tap.

McGregor's Craft Beer and Wine is a new tasting room/bottle shop at 144 W. Los Angeles Avenue #105 in Moorpark, with 16 rotating taps and an expanding library of wine. Patrons are encouraged to bring food from home or from neighboring eateries or can indulge in a custom made cheese platter and various in-house snack items. 21+ only. Open Mon-Sat noon to 10pm and Sun 1-8pm. 805.553.9818 www.mcgregorscraftbeer.com

The Dudes' Brewing Company Tasting Room opened at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks on July 15, 2016. Although the beers and are not brewed on site (this is done in Torrance), they have 20 tap handles for your imbibing pleasure. www.thedudesbrew.com

Barrelhouse 101 at 545 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura has an insane number of craft and micro beers on tap...over 100. Open daily with full menu. www.barrelhouse101.com 805.643.0906

Bottle & Pint is a specialty craft beer store and taproom at 1714 Newbury Road, Suite G, Newbury Park. Open seven days a week, they have a revolving list with 12 tap beers on tapl. Food is not served but you can bring your own in or have it delivered. 805.480.9500 www.bottleandpint.com

Darryl's Couch is a craft beer bar located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo, with 11 rotating taps and a selection of over 30 bottled craft beers. Bring your own food and enjoy the pool table. 805.389.8947 or www.darrylscouch.com

Draughts Restaurant & Bar at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks has 45 craft beers on tap as well as a full restaurant menu the includes pizzas, pastas and much more. They also have over 20 TVs in every direction. 805.777.7883 www.draughtsrestaurant.com

The Crown and Anchor at 2891 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks has 17 draft beers and ciders on tap, serves food, lots of TVs and periodic live entertainment. Open 7 days a week. www.crownnanchor.com 805.497.0070

Boney Mountain Tavern, located at the former Magoo's at 722 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, has 32 beers on tap, including a variety of craft beers. boneymtntavern.com 805.498.6511

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen just opened at the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village, in the former home of Galletto. They serve up 30 craft beers on tap. www.facebook.com/Finneyscrafthouse 805.230-9950

The Dugout Sports Grill serves about 22 taps of beer along with cocktails, food and 32 TVs at 109 W. Cochran Street, Simi Valley. www.thedugoutsimi.com 805.955.9200

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main Street in Ventura has over 30 beers on tap, mostly craft types. They also have a full menu and full bar. www.winchestersgrill.com 805.653.7446

Yard House at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has well over 100 beers on tap of all varieties...Cider, Fruit/Lambic/Sour, Malty/Balanced, Hoppy/Floral, Strong/Dark, Light/Easy, Wheat/Wit/Weiss, Dark/Roasted and Strong/Spiced. www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/oxnard/oxnard-the-collection-at-riverpark 805.981.8707

Cask Alehouse opened at 5952 Telegraph Road in Ventura (at Victoria) in December 2016. offering a rotating selection of 32 beers on draft, many of which are brewed here in Ventura County (such as Surf Brewing, Made West, Topa Topa, Poseidon and Five Threads). www.facebook.com/caskalehouse 805.765.4201

LOOKING FOR WINE? CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL WINE TASTING OPTIONS!

NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Other:

Two Trees Brewing Co. in Ventura is a "non-commercial nanobrewery" that brews very small batches and gives the beer away to friends, family and others at local beer festivals and private parties. www.twotreesbrewing.com

Ventura County 2-1-1 for Human Service Programs

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Ventura County 2-1-1 provides a quick, easy, free and confidential way to obtain information and local referrals for these types of services:

  • Basic human needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and other support
  • Physical and mental health resources, including intervention services, crisis counseling, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and health insurance programs
  • Employment support, including unemployment assistance, job training, education assistance, transportation help, etc.
  • Support for elderly and disabled individuals, such as convalescent care, home health care, meal services and transportation services
  • Children, youth and family support, including childcare, after school programs, family resource centers, mentoring, recreation, tutoring, protective services, etc.
  • Volunteer opportunities and donations

Ventura County was the first county in California to launch 2-1-1 service on February 11, 2005.  The Ventura County 2-1-1 service is staffed 24 hours a day and is managed by Interface Children & Family Services with the support of the Ventura County United Way and First 5 Ventura County. Additional support is received from the County of Ventura, the County of Ventura Health Care Agency, the County of Ventura Human Services Agency, and the cities of Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, Ojai and Thousand Oaks.

In addition to calling the 2-1-1 number, residents are encourage to search the 2-1-1 Ventura County Resource Database online at www.icfs.org/211_database_search.html.

For more information about 2-1-1, visit www.icfs.org/2-1-1-information-referral.html.

"Newbury Park Rocks" Group Proves to Be Quite Popular on CVG Facebook Page

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I didn't think much of it when a Facebook Page called "Newbury Park Rocks" contacted us to share a little about but what they do. 

So what do they do? Well, apparently this is becoming "a thing" throughout the country. The group paints, hides and finds decorative, painted rocks in the Newbury Park area.

Grab a rock and paint something whimsical, funny, inspirational and/or uplifting on it. After it dries, place it somewhere, partially hidden, such that someone will discover and enjoy that rock.

Well that certainly is a fun idea! So I thought, OK, I'll make mention of it on a Monday late morning, on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page and I'm sure a few folks will find it interesting.

Well on one count, I was right. Some folks did indeed find it interesting. But I was wrong on "a few," as over 160 people have clicked the "Like" button and the interest has been very strong. I'm certain other rock hiding groups will pop up throughout Ventura County.

Cute idea!

Stay Cool in the Pool! Community Swimming Throughout Ventura County

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Stay cool this summer and year-round at some of these community swimming pools, water parks and splash pads in Ventura County and surrounding areas. For updates and additions, contact us!

Conejo Valley (Conejo Recreation & Park District)

Community Pool at Cal Lutheran University Samuelson Aquatics Center is a year-round facility, offering recreational and lap swimming 7 days a week. Call 805.241.0894 or visit www.crpd.org. Admission is $3 ($2 for 62+). Current schedule at www.crpd.org/parkfac/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp. Water is heated up to 82 degrees year round.

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Newbury Park High School Community Swimming Pool is at 456 Reino Road and offers recreational swimming 5 days/week from mid-June to Mid-August (and Saturdays thru mid-July). Only $3 ($2 for 62+). Call 805.498.6906 or visit www.crpd.org/parkfac/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp.

Thousand Oaks High School Community Swimming Pool is at 2323 N. Moorpark Road and offers recreational swimming Mon to Thr from mid-June to mid-August. Only $3 ($2 for 62+). Call 805.496.8564 or visit www.crpd.org/parkfac/aquatics/hoursnfees.asp.

Free open swim at all of the above CRPD pools from noon to 4pm on the 4th of July!

Conejo Valley/Agoura - Other

Childrens' Splash Pad/Water Area at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park. Hours of operation are generally Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. 10am to 7pm free of charge 818.865.9304

Kids love the Interactive Fountain at Janss Marketplace.

Moorpark/Simi Valley

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District offers a large community swimming pool at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue. Open 7 days a week; summer swim hours 1-4PM every day. Admission age 3 and up is $3 ($1 for 65+). Visit www.rsrpd.org/recreation/aquatics.php or call 805.584.4436.

Childrens' Splash Pad Area at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi. Free. Opens Memorial Day weekend through September. Hours are 11am to 7pm daily.

Simi Valley Aquatics opened the first indoor swim school in Simi Valley in July 2016. Open for swim lessons and birthday parties only.

Simi Valley Family YMCA heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week.

Camarillo/Oxnard

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center offers an indoor swimming pool with a cool slide. Open Monday through Saturday. $3 for ages 4+, free to ages 3 and under and $2.50 ages 60+ and military. Visit www.pvrpd.org/recreation/aquatic/schedule.asp or call 805.987.8198.  Buy a 20-visit "Splash Pass" good thru 8/26/17 for just $32 (regular price $51) at bit.ly/PVAquatic (affiliate link). Additionally, recreational swim every Friday 6:30PM-8:30pm for only $1! Free recreational swim on July 4th from 1-4PM!

Camarillo Family YMCA heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week. Call 805.484.0423.

Oxnard Aquatic Center is located at Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzales Road and the Hueneme High School Pool is at 500 W. Bard Road. Summer recreational swim from 11 AM-1:45 PM at both Oxnard & Hueneme pools Monday – Friday and offers lap swimming, diving boards, and open swim. Visit www.ouhsd.k12.ca.us/divisions/educational-services/interscholastic-athletics/aquatics or call 805.278.0910 (Oxnard) and 805.385.7772 (Hueneme). $4 per session.

There's a "Pop Jet Fountain" at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard, on Town Center Drive in front of the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and adjacent to Larsen's Grill.

Ventura and Up the Coast

Ventura Community Park Aquatics Center has a competition pool, playground pool, two slides, fun, fun, fun! Open swim free for age 2 and under, $8* for ages 3 to 61 and $5* for 62+. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/612/Aquatics or call 805.654.7511 for details.  *Note price increases in 2017.

Casitas Water Adventure is open all summer with a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon in water only up to 18" deep for little kids and a lazy river with waterfalls, bridges and jet sprays with inner tubes for the whole family. Open Memorial Day weekend (5/27/17) through Labor Day weekend.  Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday/Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 805.649.2233 or visit www.casitaswater.org/lower.php?url=water-adventure for details. Cost is $12 per person all day on weekdays, $14 on weekends/holidays or just $6.50 if you come during the last 3 hours.

Ventura Family YMCA has 2 indoor heated swimming pools and is open 7 days/week.

Carpinteria Community Pool is located at 5305 Carpinteria Avenue. Day passes are $4 for kids, $6 for adults, $4.50 for seniors. Recreational swimming on weekends from 11am to 4pm and weekdays 1-3pm. Visit www.carp-pool.com or call 805.566.2417 for information.

The Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center at Marina Park in Ventura is a U.S. Sailing Association certified facility for lessons in sailing, kayaking and navigation for all ages.

Other Places Around Town

The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center located at 23400 Park Sorrento is open 7 days/week. Only $3 for adults, $2 for seniors $1 for kids under 13. Pool hours vary. Visit www.calabasastsc.com/aquatic.html or call 818.222.2782. Pools heated to 82 degrees year-round.

Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive. Outdoor pool heated to 82 degrees. $3 per person. Visit www.malibucity.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Malibu-Community-Pool-7 or call 310.589.1933 for details.

The Fillmore Aquatics Center at 575 1st Street opens Memorial Day through Labor Day each year for recreational swimming Monday through Friday from 11:30am-3:45pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. More information and fees at fillmoreca.com/fac.htm or 805.524.4902. 

The Ojai Recreation Department hosts public recreational swimming at Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 North Ventura Avenue.. Visit www.ojairec.com or call 805.646.5581 for information about hours and fees.

And let's not forget the incredible BEACHES close by! CLICK HERE for links to over 40 publicly accessible beaches throughout Ventura County, stretching north to Carpinteria and south to Malibu.

Water Parks Outside of Ventura County

Knott's Soak City in Buena Park (about 70 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Legoland Water Park in Carlsbad (135 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas (75 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia (50 miles from Thousand Oaks)