Meet Clarence the 85 Year Old Galapagos Tortoise at Moorpark College's America's Teaching Zoo

The Exotic Animal Training and Management Program was established at Moorpark College in 1974. Since then, hundreds of students have graduated from the program. Over 150 wild, exotic animals now live on a five acre site overlooking Moorpark College in what is called "America's Teaching Zoo."

The Zoo is open every weekend from 11 am to 5 pm and admission is only $8 for adults, $6 for kids 2 and up and seniors (as of September 2015). Some of the animals you'll encounter are a water buffalo, reptiles, exotic birds, monkeys, lemurs, bobcats, baboons, hyenas, lions and much more.  You'll enjoy the animal shows led by zookeepers in training and live carnivore feeding demonstrations.

One of my family's favorites is Clarence the Galapagos Tortoise. The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest living tortoise, originating from the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America. Clarence happily weighs in around 500 lbs and seems quite content living in Moorpark.  He is pretty friendly.

Here is an updated photo of Clarence at age 90 in 2015...looking good!

Clarence we discovered is about 85 years old and originally came to this country in 1928 on an expedition by C. H. Townsend, Director of the New York Aquarium, along with 107 of his buddies, in an effort to help save this critically endangered species. Clarence lived for awhile at the Houston Zoo and later moved to the L.A. Zoo. He has been on indefinite loan to America's Teaching Zoo since 2001. Amazingly, Clarence is expected to live another 100 years or so! (Must be his healthy vegan diet or something!)

So stop by and say hello to Clarence and his pals at America's Teaching Zoo. This is not a fancy zoo, but the students, faculty and staff of Ventura County's only zoo love what they do and you will enjoy checking it out, with or without the kids.

Find an American Red Cross Blood Drive In and Around Ventura County

The American Red Cross is the nation’s largest blood collection organization, supplying approximately 40 percent of the blood and blood products used in the United States.  

There is a constant need for blood in our society. Donated blood benefits accident victims, cancer patients, surgical candidates, children with blood disorders and many others. Consider donating blood if you are looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Facts about the blood supply (courtesy of the American Red Cross):

• Nearly 16 million blood donations are collected annually in the U.S.
• There are 9.2 million blood donors in the U.S. in a year.
• 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate; less than 10% actually do.
• Blood cannot be made; it must be donated.
• Type O-negative blood (red cells) is always in high demand (and short supply) as it can be transfused to patients of all blood types.
• Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types and thus is also usually in short supply.

So the most important question now is, how does one find a local blood drive in the Ventura County (as well as Greater Southern California) area? Easy! Simply visit www.redcrossblood.org/socal and enter your zip code to find a blood drive near you. You can find dozens of upcoming blood drives usually in the local area.

Stop By Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura to Cool Off During the Summer Months

A view of the Lake Casitas reservoir

Casitas Municipal Water District serves water to a population of 65,000 in western Ventura County. Lake Casitas was created in 1958 and encompasses 2,760 acres with a capacity of 254,000 acre-feet. While swimming is not allowed at Lake Casitas because it is a drinkable water supply, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides a host of other family activities, including over 400 campsites, picnic areas, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, special events, disc golf and the Casitas Water Adventure!

Casitas Water Adventure generally opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Children and adults can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. For the younger children, there's a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.

For the smallest of tots, there's a zero-depth pool that sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are also available. Shaded areas can be reserved for an extra fee. Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, turn left on Santa Ana Blvd, then right on Santa Ana Road to the park entrance. Visit www.casitaswater.org or call 805.649.2233 for more information.

California Department of Motor Vehicles Now Offers 1960s Legacy Plates

image is for illustration only. final design of the plate will differ. (Image courtesy of dmv)

State legislation introduced the California Legacy License Plate program offering car owners the chance to purchase replicas of California license plates similar to those issued in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Out of these three decades, only the 1960s plate reached the required 7,500 orders before January 1, 2015. As a result, California drivers can now relive the 1960s with a black and gold replica available for your motor vehicles.

The plates are available  at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/legacyplates/index or by mail or at your local DMV office or auto club.

The plate costs $50 for either a sequential or a personalized plate. Renewal fees are $40.

The plates will not look EXACTLY like plates issued in the 1960s because current law requires plates to be reflectorized, but I don't think most folks will really notice the difference!

Views From Boney Peak on a Sunny Summer Saturday, July 25, 2015

After several weeks of cooler than normal weather, including record July rainfall last weekend, temperatures are pretty much back to normal today in the Conejo Valley.  

Learn to hike up Boney Peak at this link. Other hikes in and around Ventura County here.

Tour Cities Throughout the U.S. in Scavenger Hunt Fashion with Urban Adventure Quest

Looking for an adventure!? Turn Southern California cities into a giant game board this summer with a fun scavenger hunt adventure from Urban Adventure Quest.  Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a two to three hour city tour.

Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. 

Play in Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Diego, Catalina Island, The Getty Center, Paso Robles or 30 other cities across the United States.  Available 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset.  Start when you want and play at your pace.

Interested in trying it out!? Save 20% by using Promotion Code: CVGUIDE at checkout. Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people (regular price is $49).

Sign up online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com. 

Urban Adventure Quest was created right here in Ventura County in 2011 by three local residents inspired by "The Amazing Race" combined with their love for travel.  Since then, over 62,000 people have played! Other cities include, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Washington DC, Portland, New Orleans and many more.

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks Operations Center Located Next to Civic Arts Plaza

NOTE: CMATO moved to a new location at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks in November 2018.

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) will provide a world-class cultural experience for visitors and locals alike. Artists, educators, lovers of art, tourists, students and the general public will appreciate the world-class exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, photography, music, drama and dance. CMATO will be located at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza west of City Hall and the Performing Arts Center.

Earlier in 2015, CMATO moved into 1948 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, an interim museum space in what was formerly a Taco Bell location (and more recently a wine store).  The space is being remodeled to create a small multi-purpose gallery in the front portion of the building and office space area in the back. 

The space will provide a place to plan and gain support for the permanent CMATO, which over the next three to five years is in pre-construction phase of development.

CMATO is constantly seeking new members and donors to as they work towards bringing a world-class art venue to the Conejo Valley and the entire region. To learn more, visit www.cmato.org.