Here's the Scoop on the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center at Cal Lutheran University

Located at California Lutheran University here in Thousand Oaks, the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center is home to the Kingsmen Men's Basketball, Regals Women's Basketball and Volleyball teams.

This $18 million, 96,000 sq ft facility that opened in August 2006 was named after its primary donors, John "Jack" Gilbert and his wife Carol. Jack passed away on August 2, 2012 at the age of 91. Gilbert was chairman of the board of Zero Corp. and, later, TOLD Corp., a former member of the CLU Board of Regents, a self-made, self-educated entrepreneur, and the owner of one of the first Social Security cards issued in 1936. He was the first recipient of the Hall of Fame Award presented by the Ventura County Economic Development Association in 1989 and, in 2010, was inducted into the Tri-County Business Hall of Fame. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from CLU in 1990.

In addition to CLU sporting events, the Gilbert Arena is also available for rentals. The facility has a capacity of 2,200 and can be rented for concerts, banquets, weddings, conferences, team practices and more. Visit awww.callutheran.edu/event_services/venues for more information.

To learn more about sports at CLU, the only college based in the Conejo Valley, visit www.clusports.com.

Breaking News: Gigantic Tarantula Seen Yesterday on Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks

Gigantic tarantula on Tarantula Hill (Photo Credit: Ivana Getoudaheer)

Yesterday, several readers reported sighting of an approximately 100 foot tall tarantula on Dawn's Peak (more popularly referred to as Tarantula Hill) off of West Gainsborough Road in Thousand Oaks, between Grand Oak Lane and Camino Manzanas. Standing at 1,057 feet at its peak, Tarantula Hill is perhaps the most well known mountain in the Conejo Valley.

Conejo Valley spider expert Arik Nafobia indicated that typically, tarantulas have leg spans of 3 to 12 inches. "I'm not sure what caused this tarantula to grow so large, but don't worry, there are no recorded instances of tarantulas preying on humans."

"It could be a coincidence," added Thousand Oaks Police spokesman Hugh Jarthrowpod, "but the entire beef supply of Bandits Grill was stolen on Monday night."

The massive tarantula was last seen attempting to navigate Highway 101 west of the 23, where traffic slowed to a crawl; which seemed fine to him (or her).

APRIL FOOLS'!

Happy April Fools' Day!

April Fools' fun in prior years

The First and Only Netball Court in Thousand Oaks at Oakbrook Neighborhood Park

On the recent Mother's Day Sunday I was out and about with the kids giving their mother the ultimate present - peace and quiet. We ate breakfast and explored, but of course, the Conejo Valley. One park I hadn't seen for some time was the recently renovated Oakbrook Neighborhood Park at the corner of Erbes and Pederson Roads in Thousand Oaks.

This 14 acre park more than doubled in usable size last year with the addition of a jogging/bike path, grassy areas, basketball court, expanded playground area, restroom and even several horseshoe pits. I was thoroughly impressed at the upgrades.

Then we noticed something odd. The backboards were missing on one of the basketball courts! Wait a second...how could this happen?? 

As my kids were laughing I noticed the large sign explaining the game of netball, a sport I'd never heard of in my nearly half century on this earth. Well, now I know a little bit about netball. With a little investigating on the Conejo Recreation & Park District website I learned that this is the first (and as of May 2013) the only netball court in Thousand Oaks.

CRPD has placed this sign explaining some netball basics to clueless folk like myself.

The seven minute video below proved extremely useful in providing the basics of netball, a sport consisting of two teams of seven players looking to score goals in the baskets while holding the ball for no more than three seconds at a time. Looks fun! Also visit www.wikihow.com/Play-Netball.

Original Posting Date: 5/22/13

Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley Has Brought Smiles to 118 Freeway Drivers Since 1998

Perhaps the most visible cultural icon in Simi Valley is "Happy Face Hill" seen by westbound drivers on the 118 freeway just west of Kuehner Drive.

Although Northridge gardener Sonny Klamerus does not own the land used to display his creation that has been there since 1998, apparently it is here to stay, even with 66 townhomes in development at the base of the hill.

They say the Happy Face is 150 feet wide, which is half the length of a football field!

I've driven by it dozens of times and was impressed at how nice it looked after the recent rains. The smiley face becomes a bit brown and barren looking, though still visible, for large stretches of the year.

According to this LA Times article, others in the community, including the Rotary Club and other citizens have made adjustments to the smiley face to tidy it up. Others have installed solar light

Perhaps every city needs a Happy Face Hill.

"Have a Nice Day" as you drive through Simi Valley westbound on the 118 Freeway!

Whales, Seals, Birds and Wildflowers on Display at Point Dume in Malibu

Suzy Demeter of Suzy Demeter Photography shared these photos of her recent outing at Point Dume Natural Preserve headlands and Westward Beach in Malibu. Whales, seals and flowering coreopsis are out in force. Learn more about local beaches ranging from Malibu through Oxnard at this link.

Breaching whales near Westward Beach

Seals sunning themselves at Point Dume State Beach

An egret without regret on this beautiful, sunny day

Iconic Ed Lawrence Photo on Display at the New Mendocino Farms Westlake Village

Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market opened on Monday, February 2nd in The Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Boulevard.

This is the 9th location of Mendocino Farms and its first in Ventura County. They have certainly made a special effort to capture the heart of the Conejo Valley crowd in several ways.

Photographer Ed Lawrence with his iconic 1965 photo of Moorpark Road at Thousand Oaks Blvd

A iconic photo taken by well known Conejo Valley photographer Ed Lawrence is prominently displayed on the back wall of the restaurant. Look up as you walk in the door and you can't miss this 1965 shot of a flock of sheep crossing Moorpark Road near Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Mendocino Farms is located in the former home of Jack's Deli, which opened in 1977 and operated for over 30 years before closing its doors on November 20, 2011. 

An oak tree that fell ill was used as a prominent table in the eatery, adding another nice localized touch.

The restaurant is open and airy, uniquely appointed and fun. There's a kids area that has a Foosball table (I lost the game to a 9 year old) and coloring table.  The kids menu had $3.95 pricing on it, which looked pretty good to me too. And, oh yes, the food that I sampled was outstanding. There's also a nice outdoor seating area.