Today is the 50th Anniverary of The Release of "Hey Jude" by the Beatles

Fifty years ago today, August 26, 1968, the Beatles released the song "Hey Jude."

The song was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon and McCartney.

Originally "Hey Jules" in support of John Lennon's son Julian during his parents' divorce, "Hey Jude" was the first single released by the Beatles' record label, Apple Records.

Seven minutes, 11 seconds in length, Hey Jude was one of the longest singles ever released at that time. It spent 9 weeks at number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the longest of any Beatles song.

The single has sold over 8 million copies in the U.S. placing it in the top 50 selling songs of all time, topped by just one other Beatles song, "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks

Veterans Memorial Fountain

The Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial is a fountain memorial with two ponds located at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. 

The inscription on the memorial says "We the people of the Conejo Valley proudly dedicate this memorial to our local veterans. Their courage and sacrifices serve as a shining example for future generations."

Conejo Creek Park is a local treasure. Completed in 1992, the park has a fitness trail, two playgrounds, a stream that meanders between two large ponds, three large picnic structures, over two dozen picnic tables and more. 

There is plenty of parking surrounding Conejo Creek Park, which is also a popular venue for community events and festivals.

Another great feature is the bridge that connects the park to three other community gathering spots - the Grant R. Brimhall Library, Thousand Oaks Teen Center and Goebel Senior Adult Center. When my kids were younger, we used to park at and visit the library, place our books in the car, then walk or scooter across the bridge to the park.

The bridge leading from the Thousand Oaks Library to Conejo Creek Park North.

Scenes From the Conejo Recreation & Park District Fishing Frenzy Event in Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Recreation and Park District in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Fishing Frenzy event at Conejo Creek North Park (behind Thousand Oaks Library) on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Hundreds of magnetic fish are released into the creek and children were given magnetic poles to catch them. The event has taken place for many years and is quite popular with the young set.

One Dozen Physical Fitness Activities in the Conejo Valley That Cost Nothing

Conejo Valley Guide highlights thousands of things to do in the Conejo Valley, Greater Ventura County and surrounding areas, including carnivals, festivals, fairs, free concerts and movies and all sorts of places and things to see and do. Let's zero in on things to do that will help keep you fit right here in the Conejo Valley, at a total cost of $0.

The Conejo Recreation & Park District maintains the Rabbit Flats Disc Golf Course at Thousand Oaks Community Park. This 9 acre, 18 basket course has rolling hills and will keep you moving. The only cost to you is your flying disc!

Rabbit Flats Disc Golf Course in Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Group Sierra Club and other local hiking groups often host hikes in the area.

There are several dozen free tennis courts open to the public available throughout the Conejo Valley.

The 33 acre Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a peaceful, beautiful respite from the daily grind...and makes for a nice hike with panaromic views of the Conejo Valley as your reward.

Local hiking surrounds us. Check out Oakbrook Regional Park and dozens of other local Conejo Valley trails at Wildwood Park, Los Robles Trail, Dos Vientos such as the Conejo Mountain/Edison Road trail.

We love stopping by the Borchard Park Labyrinth and Fitness Equipment Area in Newbury Park from time to time and moving our way through the entire labyrinth (my kids still call it a maze).

Borchard Park Labyrinth in Newbury Park

The Oaks Mall at 1.3 million square feet is so huge that you can get a great workout in just walking from end to end or around the perimeter...though you may be tempted to consume the calories you burned off at some of the great eateries inside.

Roadrunner Sports in Newbury Park hosts Thursday Adventure Runs on the 3rd Thursday of each month in March through November! Sign up, show up, run and have fun.

There are over 4 dozen Thousand Oaks parks maintained by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and another 11 in Agoura/Westlake Village.

Try the Fitness Trail at Pepper Tree Park in Newbury Park; a .83 mile trail with fitness activities every 1/8th of a mile.

Westlake Lake is a great venue for walking, running and cycling year-round. There is roughly a 4 to 5 mile scenic loop around the lake and surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy.

Gardens of the World Thousand Oaks

Gardens of the World across from the Civic Arts Plaza is 4 1/2 acres of immaculate, serene gardens to walk through and enjoy Tuesday through Sunday. Perhaps not the place for a "power" walk and definitely not a run. You will enjoy it, regardless.

Last but not least, the National Park Service brings us over 154,000 acres of open space in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, including local Conejo Valley open space at Paramount Ranch, Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons in Agoura, Rancho Sierra Vista/Point Mugu State Park and more.

Meals on Wheels Westlake Village Serves Residents of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park

Founded in 1982, Westlake Village Meals on Wheels, Inc. is a non-profit community service providing weekday meals to the home-bound or temporarily/permanently incapacitated residents of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park. 

“Meals-on-Wheels” is seeking volunteer drivers in Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Westlake Village, to ensure home bound seniors receive nutritious meals and a bit of companionship. Meals on Wheels also provide human contact, conversations, and a connection to the outside world that many of our aged neighbors would lack without our daily visits.  Eating the right foods can make all the difference in staying mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, full of energy, and keeping a positive mental attitude and a healthy immune system.

Meals on Wheels serves approximately 30 meals a day to seniors in our community. Our clients are our mothers, fathers, grandparents and neighbors. They need your help.

Drivers use their vehicles to deliver meals to home bound seniors from eleven to noon, Monday through Saturday. A delivery route consists of 5-10 meals per route.

Volunteer drivers/riders may commit to once a week on a regular basis or be called on a substitute basis. Groups may adopt a route and rotate drivers to suit there schedule. All’s you need is a valid driver's license, insurance and a vehicle. 

For more information on how to become a volunteer, call Debbie at Meals on Wheels 1-805-370-4295 or visit www.mealsonwheels-wlv.org.

Conejo Valley Rabbit Montage and Some Local Area History

Here's a fun montage of conejo photos and footage from the ring of trails surround the Conejo Valley. If you're looking to take your own rabbit photos on the trails of the Conejo Valley, check out this compilation of over 50 local hiking and trail areas at THIS LINK. 

TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT NEWBURY PARK

California Quail Perched on MB2 Raceway Sign in Newbury Park

It's the little things. 

Late this afternoon I was on a casual run on the streets of Newbury Park in the industrial area along Lawrence Drive. It was a beautiful day today and there was a cool breeze in the air.

As I cruised along, I noticed a bird perched on the MB2 Raceway sign west of the Rancho Conejo Boulevard intersection. This bird, a California quail, stopped me in my tracks.

I've seen quail out and about, but never as prominent as this one, with the comma-shaped crest on its head. This is a male California quail.

So I pulled out my camera and took a few photos before moving along on my way. He was o.k. with it, posing for me. Staying put on the MB2 sign.

Speaking of MB2, this Thousand Oaks location turns 10 years old this September.