Rare Snow Experienced in the Conejo Valley on Thursday, February 21, 2019

A rare appearance of snow was enjoyed in many sections of the Conejo Valley yesterday, fed very cold temperatures and a storm that migrated here from Canada. There were reports of brief snow encounters by folks in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Calabasas and other cities, including Malibu!

At my home, there was rain, there was sleet, and then there was snow. The snow appeared briefly before melting away.

Snow appeared on the mountain like magic, just a couple hours ago (facing Newbury Park, from Westlake Village) #socalsnow ❄️✨❄️✨ pic.twitter.com/MBVuYeWwyb

— Kristine Keller (@ScarletLark) February 22, 2019

According to the National Weather Services Forecast Office Los Angeles/Oxnard, “the last significant and widespread measurable snow in the Los Angeles and Ventura County valleys was on February 8, 1989, when up to five inches of snow fell in portions of the San Fernando Valley westward to Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.”

It was a wonderful, memorable sight.

Twelve Interesting Clubs in Ventura County That You May Not Be Aware Of

If you've clicked through this site you already know there are thousands of things to see and do throughout Ventura County, including over 100 local area clubs and organizations, service organizations, moms' clubs and charities of all types. Let's take a look at a dozen of local clubs that you may not have been aware of.

The Hawaii Club of Ventura County is comprised of members from Hawaii and people who want to perpetuate the spirit and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. The groups meets regularly. The next best thing to a trip to Hawaii.

Founded in 1992, the Camarillo White Horse Association records and maintains the lineage of the historic breed of famous Camarillo White Horses dating back to those bred and developed by Adolfo Camarillo.

Conejo Quiet Flyers is a club founded in 2008 for pilots of electric remote-controlled aircraft to get together and enjoy flying in the Thousand Oaks area.

The Conejo Valley Bonsai Society meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at Westlake Village City Hall. This is the only bonsai society in Ventura County.

The Marine Aquarium Society of Ventura County is a group of local reef hobbyists and enthusiasts who are dedicated to the support of reef keeping in the Ventura County area.

Stitch 'n Bitch Ventura County is for those who like to knit or crochet and live in Ventura County and nearby areas. Meetings in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

The Ventura County Chess Club meets Tuesdays in Ventura and is open to all skill levels. Check it out, mate!

The Indian Friends Association is a non-profit organization of Indian Americans and others dedicated to fostering grassroots development in India. Is based in Ventura County.

The Ventura County Writers Club was founded in 1933 by four writers in the Ojai area. Since then the club has grown to more than 150 members, meets regularly and hosts annual contests.

The Ventura County Go Club provides a place for people to learn, play, or just watch the game of Go. Meetings in Camarillo are FREE and open to the public.

The National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors has a Ventura County chapter that meets monthly at Ventura College.

The Ventura County Comets Radio Control Flying Club has been around since 1965. All members must also be members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

When There's Rain, There's Usually a Rainbow in the Conejo Valley

It’s been raining almost nonstop throughout Ventura County since last Thursday through today, Super Bowl Sunday and anticipated for another day or two. When there’s rain, there’s a rainbow awaiting. Here are some beauties.

Notable Records Set or Tied at Super Bowl 53

Rams practice facility at Cal Lutheran, seen from the hills above CLU.

Having been a Los Angeles Ram fan as a kid, until they left for St. Louis in 1995, then again when they returned in 2016, I was excited for today’s Super Bowl game. Making it even more exciting is that the Rams are headquartered right here in the Conejo Valley in Agoura Hills and have practiced at Cal Lutheran since 2017.

The Los Angeles Rams had played in only one other Super Bowl. They lost 31 to 19 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl 14 on January 20, 1920. The St. Louis Rams played in two Super Bowls with a 1-1 record. But otherwise, Super Bowl 53 was only the second time in history that the Los Angeles based Rams made it to this game.

And it was an utter disappointment. The Rams lost in Atlanta to the Patriots by a score of 13 to 3.

Some of the records set or tied at Super Bowl 53 included:

• Fewest points scored by both teams: 16 (previously 21 at Super Bowl VII in 1973)

• Fewest points by winning team: 13 (previously 14 by Miami at Super Bowl VII)

• Tied for fewest points by losing team: 3 (tying Miami’s score at Super Bowl VI in 1972)

• Longest punt - 65 yards by Johnny Hekker (probably the highlight of the game for Rams fans)

Next year’s Super Bowl 54 will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida on February 2, 2020. Crossing my fingers for the Rams to come back with a vengeance next year like Miami did in 1973.

Congratulations to the New England Patriots!

Camarillo Ranch House in Oil Paint by Artist Linda Dark

Long-time resident and artist Linda Dark enjoys capturing local Camarillo scenes in oil paint. 

Built in 1892, the Camarillo Ranch House is a grand, three-story, 15-room home built by Adolfo Camarillo in the Queen Anne Victorian style. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2003.  Dark captures this local icon on a partly cloudy day.

I had taken this photo of the Camarillo Ranch House, independent of Linda, on another, conveniently partially-cloudy day.

To reach Linda, contact us.

Roadrunners in the Conejo Valley

The roadrunner is a chaparral bird that is a member of the cuckoo (Cuculidae) family of birds. They are found in the southwest U.S. and Mexico. These non-migratory birds live in mountainous shrubland, which is why you may seen them from time to time here in the Conejo Valley. These are great birds to have around, dining on insects (including tarantulas), snails, lizards and even rattlesnakes (because of their quickness, roadrunners are one of the few animals that dine on rattlesnakes).

Seen above is some brief footage of a roadrunner seen yesterday on Tarantula Hill and some other footage from Rancho Sierra Vista from last year.

New U. S. Stamp Prices Take Effect January 27, 2019

The U.S. Postal Service announced last October that the following price changes will take effect on January 27, 2019:

First class letter postage increase from 50 cents to 55 cents.

Additional ounces on letters actually decreases from 21 cents to 15 cents.

The price of sending postcards remains at 35 cents.

Regular flat rate envelope increases from $6.70 to $7.35.

about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2018/pr18_086.htm