State Route 23 Between the 101 and 118 is Dedicated to Japanese American World War II Soldiers

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Moorpark Freeway section of SR 23 taken from Marview Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Moorpark Freeway section of SR 23 taken from Marview Trail in Thousand Oaks.

State Route 23 stretches from Malibu to Fillmore in three sections. The south section is the winding, hilly Decker Canyon Road that connects Pacific Coast Highway to Westlake Village and Hidden Valley. This section is approximately 10 miles from PCH to the Potrero Road intersection, but generally takes 20 to 25 minutes to drive.

SR 23 continues as Westlake Boulevard to the Ventura Freeway (U.S. Route 101), where it runs concurrent with the 101 north a couple miles until you reach the Moorpark Freeway overpass. This is another 4 to 4 1/2 miles.

The most visible section of SR 23 in Thousand Oaks is the Moorpark Freeway, which stretches from the 101 to the Los Angeles Avenue exit in Moorpark; about 8 miles. This middle section of the 23 was named the Military Intelligence Service Memorial Highway in 1994 by the California State Assembly. The renaming was made in honor of Nisei, or Japanese American, Soldiers of World War II who served in units of the U.S. Armed Forces comprising the 100/442/MIS triad (Military Intelligence Service, 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team). **

Military Intelligence Service Memorial Highway sign

Military Intelligence Service Memorial Highway sign

The northern section of SR 23 begins at Los Angeles Avenue (SR 118) in Moorpark and goes north as Grimes Canyon Road, ending at SR 126 in Fillmore. This is about a 12 mile stretch includes some eye opening, hilly twists and turns in the Grimes Canyon Road area.

The total length of SR 23 is about 32 miles.

** Some additional clarification from the 1994 legislation: Segments of State Highway Routes 23 and 99 are officially designated as follows: (a) State Highway Route 23, from Highway 101 to Highway 118, as the Military Intelligence Service Memorial Highway. (b) State Highway Route 99, between the Cities of Fresno and Madera, as the 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Highway. (c) State Highway Route 99, between the Cities of Salida and Manteca, as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Memorial Highway. Each of the signs to also include "A unit of the 100/422/MIS triad.

The Story of Jungleland in Thousand Oaks

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The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is located on historic land in many respects. The land was originally part of "Rancho El Conejo," a Spanish land grant. Egbert Starr Newbury purchased 2,259 acres of this land in 1874 and built a home here (more on Newbury and his local legacy at THIS LINK).

After a drought in 1876-1877 bankrupted the Newbury family, the land was foreclosed and sold to the Crowley family in 1887, who built a successful ranch on the land. In 1910, Frank Crowley's parents built him a five bedroom, two story home on the land that is located at 2522 Pleasant Way. The Crowley family lived on the ranch until 1922.

The "Crowley House" went through several ownership changes through the years but is now maintained by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and is considered a Ventura County Historical Landmark.

One of the subsequent owners of the Crowley House was Louis and Kathleen Goebel. In 1925, Goebel purchased former Newbury/Crowley land where the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza currently stands.  It cost him $50. Louis Goebel soon opened Goebel's Lion Farm, where he trained lions and rented them to movie studios.

"Home of Goebel's African Lions" circa 1929 (Courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library)

"Home of Goebel's African Lions" circa 1929 (Courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library)

As travelers passed through town, they wanted to see the animals. Goebel capitalized on this in 1929, when the site became "Goebel's Wild Animal Farm," a theme park that became very popular in the 1940s and 1950s. The 170 acre site housed all sorts of animals...elephants, tigers, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees and more. Additionally, many TV shows and movies were filmed there, such as Tarzan, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Birth of a Nation.

Goebel's Wild Animal Farm was home to Leo the Lion, of MGM Pictures fame. Over the years, other animal celebrity residents included Mr. Ed, the talking horse, Bimbo, the elephant from Circus Boy and Tamba, the chimpanzee in Tarzan films and "Bedtime with Bonzo" starring Ronald Reagan and Diana Lynn.

Goebel sold Jungleland in 1946 and the park was renamed the "World Jungle Compound." Ten years later it was sold again to executives from 20th Century Fox and was renamed "Jungleland." After five years, the business slid and Goebel was able to purchase it back in 1961. 

In between Goebel's Lion Farm and Jungleland, from 1946 to 1955 the tourist destination was called the "World Jungle Compound" (Courtesy of CONEJO THROUGH THE LENS, THOUSAND OAKS LIBRARY.)

In between Goebel's Lion Farm and Jungleland, from 1946 to 1955 the tourist destination was called the "World Jungle Compound" (Courtesy of CONEJO THROUGH THE LENS, THOUSAND OAKS LIBRARY.)

Five elephants at Goebel's Lion Farm (from the Ethel Nixon Collection (via Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library.)

Five elephants at Goebel's Lion Farm (from the Ethel Nixon Collection (via Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library.)

At its peak popularity, the 170 acre Jungleland compound had all sorts of activities - shows by tiger trainer Mabel Stark, and others, elephant rides, tortoise rides, ducky boat rides, train rides, safari tram buses and even a sky tram. Animals included elephants, lions, tigers, hippos, camels, llamas, giraffes, orangutans, chimpanzees and a variety of others.

Jungleland closed in October 1969 after its popularity continued to drop - a combination of increased competition (Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, etc.) and the fact that Highway 101 diverted drivers around the theme park. The park operated for 43 years and its 1,800 animal occupants were sold at auction. 

So...when you stroll through the grounds of the Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, close your eyes and see if you can envision all the animal excitement that took place here just a few generations ago in the heart of Thousand Oaks.

Jungleland sign after the theme park closed in 1969. (Image courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library.)

Jungleland sign after the theme park closed in 1969. (Image courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library.)

Louis Goebel and Jungleland plaque outside the Civic Arts Plaza.

Louis Goebel and Jungleland plaque outside the Civic Arts Plaza.

More on Jungleland on the Stagecoach Inn Museum website at stagecoachinnmuseum.com/jungleland.

Some photos from around 1965 (from a private collection):

Fireworks Hill in Thousand Oaks Has Hosted the City's Fireworks Show for Decades

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So called "Fireworks Hill" is located in the center of Thousand Oaks, enveloped by McCloud Avenue on the northwest, St. Charles Drive on the northeast, Wilbur Road on the east, Marin Street on the south and Hillcrest Drive on the southeast.

The hill is passed by tens of thousands of commuters each day as it can clearly be seen from the 101. 

For decades, the annual City of Thousand Oaks 4th of July Fireworks have been launched from this hill, a 27 acre parcel that was acquired by the City of Thousand Oaks in 1994. According to an April 7, 1994 Los Angeles Times article, the top of the hill was graded three decades prior.

According to minutes from the April 5, 1994 City Council meeting, city council voted by a 3 to 2 vote to acquire the property from the Robert A. Franklyn Estate for $540,000, plus $5,000 in estimated escrow closing costs.

The fireworks launched from this site can be seen from quite a large radius in the surrounding area. Here's to a great Independence Day!

Independence Day events and activities throughout Ventura County

Fireworks Hill shown here in early January 2016, when three were snow capped peaks in the background.

Fireworks Hill shown here in early January 2016, when three were snow capped peaks in the background.

The Story Behind Those Historic El Camino Real Bell Markers on the 101 Freeway

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Like me, perhaps you've wondered about those unique bell markers seen frequently on the 101 Freeway with the sign that says "Historic El Camino Real."

One of those ubiquitous Historic El Camino Real bell markers we see along the 101 Freeway.

One of those ubiquitous Historic El Camino Real bell markers we see along the 101 Freeway.

El Camino Real is Spanish for "The Royal Road" and in California is the name for the 700 mile historic California Mission Trail that connects 21 missions, 4 presidios (military forts) and several pueblos (towns) from Mission San Diego de Alcala in the south to Mission San Francisco Solano in Northern California. El Camino Real is designated as California Historical Landmark #784.

California State Assembly Bill 1707 defined the El Camino Real route, which includes portions of Routes 280, 82, 238, 101, 5, 72, 12, 37, 121, 87, 162, 185, 92, and 123 and connecting city streets and county roads in a continuous route from Sonoma southerly to the international border.

So what's up with those bell markers on the 101? According to the California Department of Transportation, the Mission Bell Marker system has existed on the historic El Camino Real route since 1906. The original marker system called for installation of bells one mile apart along the entire length of the El Camino Real. By 1913, over 450 markers were in place, but over the years the bells were removed due to damage, vandalism and theft. In 1959, the Division of Highways was legislatively mandated to maintain the marker system. Legislation in 1974 reiterated that responsibility.

Caltrans initiated a plan to maintain the system beginning in 1974, when less than 100 of the original Mission Bell Markers remained. The bells are exact copies of the original 1906 bells; in fact, the original bell molds were used to fabricate the new bells. Mission Bell Marker locations were chosen based on safety, constructability, visibility and scenic quality of the site. Spacing between marker locations varied based on existing site conditions and limitations. An average spacing of 1 to 2 miles was sought when identifying the locations.

The Caltrans Landscape Architecture Program began in 1996 to fulfill its vision to restore the historic El Camino Real Mission Bell Marker system from San Diego to Sonoma. The portion of the system from San Diego to Los Angeles was not addressed by the restoration project because those bells are mostly located on local streets outside of the State’s jurisdiction. The first phase of the restoration project, between Los Angeles to San Francisco, was completed in early 2005. The second and final phase of the restoration project was completed between San Francisco and Sonoma in late 2012. The Mission Bell Marker system as originally envisioned in the earlier part of the last century has finally been realized!

Caltrans received nearly $2 million in Transportation Enhancement grants to fund restoration of the Mission Bell Marker system on the El Camino Real from Orange County to Sonoma. Funding was received for the manufacture and placement of 585 Mission Bell Markers, placed approximately one to two miles apart along the roadside in the northbound and southbound directions of State Routes 101, 82, 37, 121, and 12. Mission Bell Markers located within the roadside of a state route are maintained by Caltrans. Maintenance of Markers located on local streets are the responsibility of the local entity.

So that explains why you see all of those interesting bell markers on the 101 Freeway! How would you like to have one of these authentic California El Camino Real Bell Markers in your own yard!? Visit the California Mission Bell company website at www.californiabell.com.

Older El Camino Real bell marker on display at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Older El Camino Real bell marker on display at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Eateries in the Conejo Valley Where You Can Eat Past 9:30PM

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You’re hungry. It’s past 9pm. Driving through the Conejo Valley - the communities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills and Oak Park - and you can’t seem to find a place to grab a bite to eat. Well, we can help you out with this list of eateries in the Conejo Valley that serve food on some or all nights until 10pm and beyond.

(The information below can change at any time. Links to websites and phone numbers are provided so you can confirm directly with the eatery. Also note that we only list the nights that are open until 10pm; click the link to each website for hours on other nights.)

Eateries Open Past 9:30pm 3 or More Nights a Week

Anarbagh Westlake Village at 30853 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. is open nightly until 10pm (as of May 2025) www.anarbaghwestlakevillage.com (818) 991-2128

Angry Chickz at 593 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 11pm nightly (as of May2025) www.angrychickz.com/locations/thousand-oaks-ca (805) 373-0037

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse at 3955 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village is open until midnight nightly (as of Feb 2025). www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/ca/westlake-village (805) 497-9393

Boney Mountain Pizza Co. at 722 Wendy Drive in Newbury Park is open until 10pm Tuesday through Saturday (as of Feb 2025). www.boneymountainpizzaco.com (805) 498-6511

Cafe Rio at 595 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly (as of Feb 2025). www.caferio.com/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 329-4111

Chili’s at 1700 Newbury Road, Newbury Park, is open until 10pm Sun through Thur and 11pm Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.chilis.com/locations/us/california/thousand-oaks/newbury-park (805) 214-9947

Crawford’s Social in the Westlake Plaza at the corner of Westlake Blvd and Agoura Road, is open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025) www.crawfordssocial.com (805) 510-0105

Cronies Newbury Park is open until 10pm nightly (as of Feb 2025). cronies.com/locations

Crown and Anchor at 2891 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard is open until 11pm or later every night (as of Feb 2025)- check for updates at crownnanchor.com (805) 497-0070

Crumbl Cookies in Newbury Park is open until 10pm Mon-Sat (as of Feb 2025) and Westlake Village is also open until 10pm Mon-Sat (as of Feb 2025) for late night cookie cravings. crumblcookies.com

Dave & Buster’s at Janss Marketplace has a kitchen that is open late nightly. Check for hours at www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 857-7800

Farfalla Trattoria at The Promenade at Westlake Village is open until 10pm nightly (as of Feb 2025). www.trattoriafarfalla.com/location/westlake-village (805) 497-2283

Finney’s Crafthouse at 982 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm Thu-Sat (as of Feb 2025) www.finneyscrafthouse.com/westlake-village (805) 230-9950

Hot Motha Clucker Thousand Oaks at 1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until midnight Mon-Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.yelp.com/biz/hot-motha-clucker-thousand-oaks (805) 371-6888

IHOP is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 24 hours Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025) at its Agoura Hills location on Kanan Road at the 101. restaurants.ihop.com/en-us/ca/agoura/breakfast-5031-kanan-rd-735 (818) 991-4957

Janchi Korean BBQ at Janss Marketplace is open until 10pm Monday through Saturday (as of Feb 2025). janchibbq.com (805) 370-1777

La Esquina Mexican Grill next to Slice House at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. is open until 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). thecornermexicangrill.com (805) 371-5333

Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant at 5146 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills is open daily until 10pm (as of Feb 2025). lalmirchagourahills.com (818) 532-7532

Lazy Dog Cafe at The Oaks mall is open until 11pm Sun through Thu and midnight Fri/Sat (updated Feb 2025). www.lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/thousand-oaks-ca (805) 449-5206

Mastro’s at 2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Thursday through Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). www.mastrosrestaurants.com/location/mastros-steakhouse-thousand-oaks (805) 418-1811

Olive Garden at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.olivegarden.com/locations/ca/thousand-oaks/thousand-oaks/4402 (805) 777-1744

Pedals & Pints Brewing Co. at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Tue-Thu, 11pm Fri and midnight on Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com (805) 551-0547

Phil’s at 3316 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Sun-Mon and 11pm Tues-Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.phils1000oaks.com (805) 371-7773

Sunset Terrace Restaurant & Lounge in the Janss Marketplace at 235 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is open until 2am nightly (as of Feb 2025). sunsetterracerestaurant.com (805) 497-4847

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company at 244 Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and 1am Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025). www.tarantulahillbrewingco.com

The Cheesecake Factory at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11pm Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025). locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/ca/thousand-oaks-29.html (805) 371-9705

The Tipsy Goat at 159 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks is open until 2am Tuesday through Sunday nights (as of Feb 2025). tipsygoat.com (805) 494-9996

Toppers Pizza Place at 1416 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11pm Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025). www.topperspizzaplace.com (805) 495-4444

Twisted Meats in the Walmart Neighborhood Market center at 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, is open until midnight Monday through Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). www.twisted-meats.com (805) 558-7674

Ubatuba Acai at 1655 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly (as of Feb 2025). www.ubatubaacai.com/locations (805) 444-9525

Winners Pizza at 1805 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 9:30pm Sunday, 11pm Monday through Thursday, 11:30pm Friday and 11pm Saturday (as of Feb 2025). winnerspizza.com (805) 379-4212

Zinque Westlake at 2809 Agoura Road kitchen is open until 10pm Thursday (bar open until 11pm), 11pm (Friday/Saturday) (bar open until midnight). Also open Sunday to Wednesday until 11pm (kitchen closes at 9:30pm) (as of Feb 2025). www.lezinque.com/westlake (805) 418-7127

Eateries Open Past 9:30pm Only Friday/Saturday Nights

Basta Restaurant at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills as well as at 299 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks are open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.bastaagoura.com (818) 865-2019

Breakers Sports Bar & Grill in the Best Buy Plaza at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is open until midnight on Friday/Saturday nights (as of May 2025). breakerssportsbargrill.com (805) 494-8454

Buca di Beppo at Janss Marketplace is open until 10:30pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). dineatbuca.com/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 449-3688

California Pizza Kitchen at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). www.cpk.com/locations/california-pizza-kitchen-lakes-at-thousand-oaks (805) 777-1778

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co at 30770 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.figmtnbrew.com/westlake-village (818) 874-1305

Freda’s Pizza at 3835 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.fredaspizza.com (805) 852-5260

Islands Restaurant Newbury Park at 935 Broadbeck Drive is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.islandsrestaurants.com/locations/newbury-park (805) 498-7481

Made in Italy Bistro at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.madeinitalybistro.com (805) 370-8667

Nick the Greek at 39558 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Friday through Sunday nights (as of Feb 2025). nickthegreek.orderexperience.net/locations (805) 551-0162

Paul Martin’s American Grill at The Promenade at Westlake is open Fri/Sat nights until 10pm (as of Feb 2025). paulmartinsamericangrill.com/locations/westlake-village-restaurant (805) 373-9300

Pieology Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace is open until 10pm Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025). pieology.com/pizza-near-me/?rest_id=pieology-thousand-oaks (805) 660-4527

Plata Taqueria & Cantina at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). www.eatplata.com (818) 735-9982

Plata Cocina Mexicana (sister eatery of Plata Taqueria & Cocina in Agoura Hills) opened at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks in August 2024 and is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025) www.eatplata.com

Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge, which opened in June 2024 at the Palm Garden Hotel, 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks, is open until 11pm on Friday/Saturday nights (as of Feb 2025). www.selvins.com (805) 864-1164

Shake Shack at The Promenade at Westlake is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights and 9:30pm other nights (as of Feb 2025). shakeshack.com/location/westlake-village-ca (805) 309-5941

Slice House Thousand Oaks at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). locations.slicehouse.com/us/california/thousand-oaks/3297-e-thousand-oaks-blvd (805) 888-8780

Spumoni Italian Cafe at 1714 Newbury Road, Newbury Park is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.spumoninewburypark.com (805) 499-6200

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House at 28434 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.tavern101agoura.com/location/tavern-101-grill (818) 991-7227

The Cliffdiver at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks is open until 11pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.thecliffdiver.com (805) 370-1585

The Latigo Kid at 5617 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills is open until 10:30pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.facebook.com/TheLatigoKidMexicanRestaurant (818) 889-1195

The Stand Westlake Village at 966 S. Westlake Blvd is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.thestand.com/location/westlake-village (805) 277-2772

The Stonehaus at 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights (as of Feb 2025). www.yelp.com/biz/the-stonehaus-westlake-village (818) 483-1152

Fast Food Places in the Conejo Valley Open Past 9:30pm

Chick-fil-A locations are open until 10pm Mon-Sat in Westlake Village and 11pm Mon-Sat in Thousand Oaks (as of Feb 2025). www.chick-fil-a.com/locations

Del Taco Newbury Park at 591 N. Ventu Park Road is open 24 hours (as of Feb 2025) locations.deltaco.com/us/ca/newbury-park/591-n-ventu-park-rd

Domino’s locations in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks (2), Westlake Village and Calabasas are open until 10pm and beyond daily. www.dominos.com

El Pollo Loco is open until 11pm nightly in Thousand Oaks, 10pm nightly in Newbury Park, and 10pm Monday to Saturday in Agoura Hills (as of Feb 2025). restaurants.elpolloloco.com/ca

Farmer Boys Newbury Park at 1057 Academy Drive is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.farmerboys.com/locations/thousand-oaks-academy-dr

In-N-Out Burger Newbury Park at 1550 Newbury Road is open until 1am Sunday through Thursday and 1:30am Friday/Saturday (as of Feb 2025) locations.in-n-out.com/58-Newbury-Park

In-N-Out Burger Westlake Village at 30780 Russell Ranch Road is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 12:30am Saturday/Sunday (as of Feb 2025). locations.in-n-out.com/297-Westlake-Village

Jack in the Box - Thousand Oaks (484 Moorpark Road) open until 3am Tue-Sat and 2am Sun), Newbury Park (917 Academy Drive) open until 12am Sun-Thu and 2am Fri/Sat, and Agoura Hills (5033 N. Kanan Road) is 24 hours daily (as of May 2025). locations.jackinthebox.com

Little Caesars Pizza at 1744 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025). littlecaesars.com/en-us/store/9070 (805) 230-2181

McDonald’s drive-thrus in Westlake Village (3805 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd) open until midnight daily, Thousand Oaks (1908 Avenida De Los Arboles) open until midnight Sun-Thu and 1am Fri/Sat, Thousand Oaks (1730 N. Moorpark Road) until midnight daily, Newbury Park (828 Wendy Drive) open 24 hours daily and Agoura Hills (29161 Canwood St) until 1am (Sat-Wed), 4am Thu and 24 hours on Fri. (hours updated as of Feb 2025) www.mcdonalds.com

Pizza Hut at 75 S. Rancho Road in Thousand Oaks is open until midnight Sun-Thu and 1am Fri/Sat (as of Feb 2025). www.pizzahut.com (805) 371-3700

Taco Bell locations in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks (2) and Agoura Hills are open until 1am daily (as of Feb 2025). www.tacobell.com/locations

Wendy’s locations in Newbury Park (2790 W. Hillcrest Drive) and Westlake Village (5788 Lindero Canyon Road) are open until midnight daily (as of Feb 2025). www.wendys.com

Wingstop at Janss Marketplace is open until 3:30am nightly (as of Feb 2025) for your late night/early morning chicken wing eating pleasure. www.wingstop.com (909) 762-0058

CONTACT US for additions, updates or corrections. Keep in mind days/hours can change at any time.

Bowling Alleys in Ventura County and Nearby Areas

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Archaeologists found ancient bowling balls and bowling pins in an Egyptian gravesite in the 1930s that date back to 3200 B.C., thus making bowling the world's oldest documented sport.  The first indoor bowling alley was Knickerbockers of New York City in 1840.

Bowling’s peak in popularity was in the 1960s, when there were over 12,000 bowling establishments in the United States. In 2024, there were approximately 2,600 bowling alleys in the U.S. But bowling seems to be growing in popularity, with companies like Bowlero expanding the market.

bowlingball_small.jpg

Here’s a compilation of local bowling alleys in Ventura County and adjacent areas.

Bowling in the Conejo Valley!? The four-lane Sunset Lanes opened in mid-January 2024 at the Sunset Terrace Restaurant & Lounge in Thousand Oaks. Prior to this, the last time we had bowling in Thousand Oaks was 1995, when the 40 lane Conejo Village Bowl closed. It was located where Borders was until January 2010 and various county medical services now reside. Conejo Village Bowl opened in July 1960, as did the short-lived Acorn Bowl, which was located at 3089 Ventura Boulevard (subsequently renamed Thousand Oaks Boulevard).

Acorn Bowl Thousand Oaks in the early 1960s (Photo Credit: City of Thousand Oaks Library, Pat Allen Slide Collection - Thousand Oaks Boulevard Survey)

Acorn Bowl Thousand Oaks in the early 1960s (Photo Credit: City of Thousand Oaks Library, Pat Allen Slide Collection - Thousand Oaks Boulevard Survey)

Bowled Over:

Kids Bowl Free at local area bowling alleys

Many years ago existed the Ojai Bowling Lanes at 345 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. This was a four lane establishment that operated in the 1940s-1950s. The Topa Topa Brewing Co. now operates at that address.

Memorial Day Weekend Events and Activities Around Ventura County

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Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971, but its beginnings go back to after the Civil War in 1868.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, cities in the North and South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. But in 1966, Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.

Traditionally, Memorial Day was May 30th each year. That was changed to the last Monday in May when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed into law in June 1968 and put into effect in 1971.

In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was enacted by Congress to ask Americans to pause in an act of national unity at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

Here is a compilation of activities and events this 2025 Memorial Day weekend around Ventura County and adjacent areas.