Annual Pepperdine University 9/11 Memorial Flag Display

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Once again this year, Pepperdine University will honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with nearly 3,000 flags. This stunning tribute will be located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road from September 9th through September 19th.

Pepperdine has planned additional 9/11 10th Anniversary Remembrance events this year as follows:

Pepperdine University is presenting a special 9/11 remembrance on Pepperdine's Malibu campus on Sunday, September 11, 2011 commemorating the 10th anniversary of the attacks on America. Amid a breathtaking display of 2,977 flags on the University's expansive lawn – honoring the victims and emergency responders who died on 9/11 – Pepperdine will present a reading of the victims' names beginning at 11:00 a.m. A total of 20 readers from service, charitable, religious, and professional organizations will join 15 individuals from the Pepperdine community in reading the names.

View of the flags at 6 p.m. on 9/10/11, the eve of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11:

Some photos of the flag display at the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page

At 4:00 p.m., Pepperdine will hold an hour-long memorial service commemorating the lives of our fallen heroes. The program will include remarks by Pepperdine President Andrew K. Benton, California Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, and Deena Burnett Bailey, whose husband, alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., was one of the heroes who perished on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

Also scheduled is a 1 p.m. viewing o

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"Thinking Dreams" This Summer by Local Camarillo Artist, Chuck Trunks

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This latest piece by Camarillo artist Chuck Trunks depicts a girl who appears to be thinking about what summer has in store for her. Or maybe it is deeper than that. Trunks calls it "Thinking Dreams." I know it was inspired by ocean views in Ventura looking towards the Channel Islands.  See Trunks' other work on Conejo Valley Guide here.

Speaking of Ventura and the Channel Islands:

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Hits the Jackpot in Latest Work of Chuck Trunks

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This latest piece by Camarillo artist Chuck Trunks is entitled "Chimp Jackpot." He didn't tell me what that means, but one could surmise he's referring to the success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which opened in theaters on August 5th and was the 4th highest grossing August movie opening in history. Chuck, who is one of the, well, no, THE most particular person I know, said this is a must-see movie. Very entertaining (the movie that is). The movie has grossed over $186 million worldwide in less than 2 weeks, which is kind of like hitting the jackpot I would say.  See Trunks' other work on Conejo Valley Guide here.

For movies in and around Ventura County, click here.

For upcoming movies around the community in Ventura County, click here.

Apes like to be in the outdoors, right? Here are local hiking trails.

There are several dozen farmers' markets in Ventura County and surrounding areas, many of which have fresh bananas, which I go ape for.

Kids like to monkey around? Here are some indoor play options for them.

Conejo Valley Namesake - The Rabbit

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Yes indeed, there are a LOT of rabbits in the Conejo Valley, or Valley of the Rabbits! This little guy was seen at Cheeseboro Canyon in Agoura Hills. Looking for some great hiking, running and cycling? You'll find plenty of it there!

Rabbits like to run. How about training for an upcoming 5K or 10K? Great way to stay fit while enjoying the camaraderie of a local group run. CLICK HERE for upcoming local races!

Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone - "Snow Daze" by Chuck Trunks

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The latest work of Camarillo artist Chuck Trunks entitled "Snow Daze" depicts a snow man looking frazzled over the transition from winter to summer. We all feel some degree of discomfort when moving out of our own comfort zones; and sometime all we need is a little push. See Trunks' other work on Conejo Valley Guide by clicking here.

Latest Work of Camarillo Artist Chuck Trunks: "Signs"

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The latest work of Camarillo abstract artist Chuck Trunks (previous work posted here) juxtoposes scenes and experiences from his life with components of texts and emails. I think. Well, that's my interpretation of this interesting and unique piece :>

Speaking of texts and tweets and such, make sure to follow CVG for updates at www.twitter.com/ConejoJoe and www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide.

Looking for a job in and around Ventura County? Check out THIS LIST of over 200 local company job websites.

Go take a hike at some of these local trails and hiking venues.

Get involved at one of these 70 or so local service organizations.

6th Annual Amgen Tour of California Final Stage Will Finish in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, May 22nd

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Route details have been announced for Stage 8! Race starts in Santa Clarita at McBean Parkway and Magic Mountain Parkway to the 126 West through Piru/Fillmore. Then it cuts south to the hilly Balcom Canyon Road to Stockton Road, then east on Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark. From there it goes south on Tierra Rejada Road on to Moorpark Road and the Norwegian Grade...ouch! Up and over the top of the grade to Olsen Road west, then boy is it gonna be a blistering pace down Lynn Road! The cyclists will turn left (east) on Hillcrest to what looks to be Old Conejo School Road (adjacent to The Lakes), and from there it will be another 5 lap, 4 mile per lap circuit that includes Thousand Oaks Boulevard and ends at the T.O. Civic Arts Plaza (Thousand Oaks Blvd and Conejo School Road). There will be miles and miles of great race coverage in Thousand Oaks!

Amgen Tour Street Closure Map in Thousand Oaks this Sunday

View 2011 Amgen Tour City of Thousand Oaks Route with Street Closu­­res/­R­oad Blocks in a larger map

The 6th Annual Amgen Tour of California will take place over 8 days, from May 15-22, 2011. This year's event starts in a new location, South Lake Tahoe, on May 15th. From there it goes to North Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Auburn, Modesto, Livermore, San Jose, Seaside, Paso Robles, Solvang, Claremont, Mount Baldy, Santa Clarita...and, finally...THOUSAND OAKS once again in the 8th Stage finale on Sunday, May 22nd. Over 800 miles of riding. The Thousand Oaks final stage will finish at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

Last year's final stage in Thousand Oaks had 128 cyclists and 63 finishers. Hopefully we will see many of the same from last year's top 5, winner Michael Rogers, 2nd place David Zabriskie, 3rd place Levi Leipheimer (winner of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 events), 4th place Christoper Horner and 5th place Ryder Hesjedal. Lance Armstrong rode in the 2010 event but had to bow out after a crash in Stage 5.

For more information, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or the City of Thousand Oaks Stage 8 website at www.amgentourconejo.org.