Sculpture in Honor of Beloved Thousand Oaks Veterinarian at Civic Arts Plaza

Many of you may have seen the large bronze sculpture adjacent to the parking lot at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza featuring a man, a boy and a dog.

The man is Dr. Robert E. Kind and the sculpture is a memorial to the doctor, who passed away in 1998 after practicing veterinary medicine in Thousand Oaks for over 40 years. 

"A Kind Touch" is the name of the sculpture. Dr. Kind, a native of Herington, Kansas, dedicated his life to the care and love of his patients. These patients included the zoo animals at Jungleland, which resided at the land now occupied by the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, until it closed in October 1969.

The sculpture, the work of artist David L. Spellerberg, was presented by colleagues, family and friends of Dr. Kind to the City of Thousand Oaks in his memory on May 21, 2000. Inscribed on a plaque accompanying the sculpture is "His manner was modest, His touch was gentle, And his laugh was legendary."

Dr. Kind's son, Dr. Steven Kind, MD, is a practicing gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks. 

Natural Gas Flame North of La Conchita in Ventura County

Here are some views of the flame burning just north of the 101 near La Conchita. Taken from La Conchita Beach. You can often see the flame while approaching La Conchita from the southbound 101. The flame is derived from natural gas waste matter from oil drilling in the area. La Conchita Beach can be accessed via an undercrossing under the 101 from La Conchita or from Mussel Shoals on the rough or Rincon Point (via the La Conchita Bike Path).

Local area beaches in Ventura to Carpinteria

("Eternal Flame" cover by Eraina Joy.)

Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in Thousand Oaks and Ventura for Local Bird Fans

Wild Birds Unlimited Thousand Oaks is located in the Whole Foods Market plaza at Moorpark and Wilbur Roads. The store offers bird foods of all types, bird feeders and an assortment of other items for backyard bird fans. Owners Richard and Catherine are knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Open 7 days a week. Consider stopping by this fun little store. There's also a location in Ventura at 4020 E. Main Street near Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Thousand Oaks location thousandoaks.wbu.com. (805) 379-3901

Ventura location ventura.wbu.com (805) 765-4594

A Look Back at The Rock House in Thousand Oaks

Here's a photo of an entry in the 1966 Conejo Valley Days parade featuring The Rock House

The Rock House was located at 983 Thousand Oaks Blvd., which today is the overpass where State Route 23 transitions to the 101 north.

"Drink Fire Water and Eat Fine Food at the Rock House."

This second photo of The Rock House in 1961 is from the Thousand Oaks Library Conejo Through the Lens collection. How cool it would have been to keep this very unique place standing through all these years.

Moreton Bay Fig Tree at Plaza Park in Downtown Ventura Planted in 1874

Moreton Bay Fig Tree at Plaza Park in Ventura

If you're ever out and about in Downtown Ventura, you may want to stop by Plaza Park and admire the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree thriving at the northwest corner of the park at E. Santa Clara Street and S. Chestnut Street - just one block down from Main Street, near The Majestic Ventura Theater.

This tree, formally called Ficus macrophylla, was planted by someone in 1874 and now stands at over 73.5 feet tall, with a branch spread of 139 feet and root spread of 87 feet. That is one heck of a tree, only slightly smaller than its slightly younger and more famous brother in Santa Paula.

For other things to do in Ventura, visit THIS PAGE.

Jungleland Tiger Trainer Mable Stark of Thousand Oaks on What's My Line, August 27, 1961

Mable Stark was a world famous tiger trainer who began her long career in the 1920s and finished her career at Jungleland in Thousand Oaks until 1968. She was severely mauled numerous times by lions and tigers over the years but bravely continued on in her 50+ year career.

Here’s an August 27, 1961 episode of What’s My Line, with a panel that included Jerry Lewis. The panel was completely stumped as to Mable’s line of work.

Wonderful Messages in Sidewalk Chart Art Posted by Thousand Oaks Resident

Now how cool would it be to be neighbors with sidewalk chart artist Dawn Wagner in Thousand Oaks. She tagged us on Instagram with these photos of her fantastic chalk work in Thousand Oaks.

Words of wisdom:

"Enjoy the little things in life."

"Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day."

"Don't underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering."

Really strikes a chord today as we enter our third week of statewide “Stay at Home” orders.

Dawn’s work really resonated with folks on Facebook today at THIS LINK. Refreshing to see such positivity!