Compilation of Italian Eateries in the Conejo Valley

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Where can you sit down and be served a plate of pasta and other delicious Italian food in the Conejo Valley (including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and portions of Calabasas)? Here goes, in alphabetical order, starting with M, for manicotti.

Made in Italy Bistro, 3825 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Unit F, Westlake Village (in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza) opened its doors on March 4, 2019 by chef Antonio Sessa. www.madeinitalybistro.com 805-370-8667

Marcello Ristorante at 140 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks has served fine Italian food in the Conejo Valley for well over 30 years. www.marcelloristorante.com 805-371-4367

Maria’s Italian Kitchen, 29035 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills originated in the Los Angeles area in 1968 and now operates in eight locations, including this one in the Conejo Valley. www.mariasitaliankitchen.com/agoura-hills 818-865-8999

Noi Due Trattoria and Pizzeria is located in the Agoura Village Center, 29020 Agoura Road and opened in February 2019. No website. 818-852-7090 Noi Due means “the two of us.”

Nonna Ristorante, 951 S. Westlake Blvd., #102, Westlake Village nonna.restaurant 805-497-8482

Novo Cafe, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village opened at The Shoppes at Westlake in June 2019. Novo also serves its authentic regional Italian cuisine at its original location in Burbank. www.novocafe.com 818-318-1466

Rustico Ristorante, 1125 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste A1, Westlake Village serves the cuisine of central Italy. tuscany-restaurant.com/rustico/index.html 818-899-0191

Spumoni Italian Cafe, Pizzeria & Bar, 1714 Newbury Road, Ste E, Newbury Park has served delicious Italian cuisine since 2007. www.spumoninewburypark.com 805-499-6200

The Original Pizza Cookery, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, has been operating since 1975 - it relocated from Woodland Hills to the Conejo Valley in June 2019. www.pizzacookery.com 818-887-4770

Tuscany il Ristorante is located in the Westlake Plaza at 968 S. Westlake Blvd, Suite 4, Westlake Village, where it has operated since 1987. tuscany-restaurant.com 805-495-2768

Vincitore Italian Restaurant is located in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5869 Kanan Road. The name Vincitore means “winner” in Italian. www.vincitorerestaurant.com 818-706-2200

WeVINO Restaurant & Wine Lounge opened April 15, 2025 at 31149 Via Colinas, #601, Westlake Village, serving modern, refined interpretations of Italian classics, along with a selection of over 5,000 wines in its cellar. Learn more at www.we-vino.com.

Basta is located in the Whizin Market Square at 28863 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills and at 299 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.eatatbasta.com 818-865-2019

Boccaccio’s Restaurant is located at The Landing at Westlake Lake, 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, #110, Westlake Village, operating since 1968. www.boccacciosrestaurant.com 818-889-8300

Buca di Beppo Thousand Oaks is located in the Janss Marketplace, 205 N. Moorpark Road. www.bucadibeppo.com/locations/thousand-oaks 805-449-3688

Casa Nostra Ristorante, 717 Lakefield Road, Ste H, Westlake Village is located in an industrial park but has a beautiful indoor/outdoor seating arrangement. casanostrala.com/westlake-village 805-495-0053

Cedro Italian Restaurant, 2385 Michael Drive, Newbury Park opened in January 2024 but announced on November 5, 2025 that it will be closing its doors on November 23rd and re-opening at a new location in East Los Angeles. www.cedrorestaurant.com 805-498-7035

Farfalla Trattoria is located at The Promenade at Westlake, 160 Promenade Way, Westlake Village. It opened in 2008, serving authentic dishes by chef/co-owner Santino Coccia, who is originally from Milan. www.trattoriafarfalla.com/location/westlake-village 805-497-2283

Mexican Restaurants In the Conejo Valley

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According to Pew Research Center analysis published in 2024, approximately 11% of restaurants in the United States serve Mexican food. Though Mexican restaurants are present in 85% of U.S. counties overall, nearly 40% of all Mexican restaurants in the country are in California (22%) and Texas (17%). Based on data from March 2023, Los Angeles County had 5,484 Mexican eateries; imagine, it would take you over 15 years to try one of these eateries every day.

So, here we have compiled a list of Mexican eateries in the Conejo Valley, which stretches over portions of both Ventura and Los Angeles counties and includes Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas, west of the Calabasas Grade. Eateries are categorized by full service (sit down and be served), order at the counter (and be served, or pick up your food), and fast serve.

Full Service (Sit Down and Be Served) Mexican Eateries

Adobe Cantina first opened in 1997 in a rustic setting at 29100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating available. Feels “off the beaten path” yet really isn’t. www.adobecantina.com (818) 991-3474

Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant at 1712 E. Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks opened in 1999, serving authentic Mexican food indoors and outdoors. The first Cisco’s opened on Westlake Boulevard in 1974, making Cisco’s the longest-operating Mexican eatery in the Conejo Valley. ciscosthousandoaks.com (805) 493-0533

El Sancho Loco Cantina opened in the North Ranch Shopping Center at 3845 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Unit B, Thousand Oaks in June 2023. This cousin to El Sancho Loco Taqueria is a full service, sit down eatery, serving Mexican food, along with a full bar, serving signature cocktails. www.sancholococantina.com (805) 795-0922

Habanero Mexican Grill operates at 520 N. Ventu Park Road in Newbury Park (Walmart/Walgreens Center), where it opened in February 2017, offering a full selection of Mexican specialties. habaneromexicangrills.com (805) 375-0755

Hacienda Tapatio Mexican Restaurant and Bar opened on November 3, 2025 in the former La Paz location at 4505 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas. 818-880-8076 www.haciendatapatio.com

Los Dos Amigos operates at 1421 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, where it offers Mexican specialties for lunch and dinner in a sit down and be served environment. www.los2amigos.com (805) 373-0087

Norita’s Bar & Grill Cocina Mexicana opened at 702 Lindero Canyon Road (at Kanan) in the former Margarita’s Mexican Grill in April 2025.. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No website. Call (805) 206-3500.

Patron Mexican Bar & Grill offers traditional sit-down service at its locations at 1620 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 498-3188 and 3709 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Westlake Village (805) 418-7717. Taco Tuesday 4pm to close and happy hour from 3-6:30pm daily. patronmex.com

Plata Taqueria & Cantina is located in the Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Drive #110, Agoura Hills. This family owned eatery opened in January 2015 and over the years became so popular that it expanded to a second location at The Oaks mall in August 2024. This is a sit down and be served eatery. www.eatplata.com (818) 735-9982

Plata Cocina Mexicana opened at The Oaks mall, across from the AMC theatres, in August 2024. This former Red Robin location was completely remodeled, with nearly 300 seats, large patio area, and a large, beautiful bar. This is a sit down and be served style eatery. www.eatplata.com (805) 750-5957

Red O Taste of Mexico restaurant is anticipated to open in the winter of 2025 at The Promenade at Westlake in the former The Grill on The Alley location. RED O serves Baja-inspired seafood, unique Mexican plates, and craft cocktails. www.redorestaurant.com

The Alamo Mexican Grill and Cantina at 2311 Borchard Road in Newbury Park was established in 1976. In addition to the traditional sit down and be served eatery, The Alamo has a popular take out window out front. www.alamo-rest.com (805) 498-3115

The Cliffdiver Restaurant serves primarily Mexican cuisine at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, where it opened in June 2022. Burritos, fajitas, taco platters, and more. www.thecliffdiver.com (805) 370-1585

The Latigo Kid at 5617 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served authentic Mexican food in a sit-down setting since 1987. www.facebook.com/TheLatigoKidMexicanRestaurant (818) 889-1195

The Latigo Kid in Agoura Hills (with the “old” sign)

Order at the Counter Mexican Eateries

Bad Ass Street Tacos operates at 2951 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, serving up its street tacos and other specialties. Small indoor area and decent sized outdoor patio area. www.badassstreettacos.com (805) 370-TACO (8226)

Blue Agave Tacos and Beer opened in March 2025 in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5879 Kanan Road offers Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. Plenty of indoor seating. Limited outdoor seating. blueagavetacosandbeer.com (818) 575-7038

Cafe Rio opened in the spring of 2020 at 595 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks, serving made-to-order Mexican favorites. www.caferio.com (805) 329-4111

El Sanchito is located behind El Sancho Loco Cantina at 3845 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where you can order at the counter for takeout or eat at tables onsite. www.elsanchito.com

El Sancho Loco Taqueria opened at 2271 Michael Drive in Newbury Park in the summer of 2010 in what was previously Taco Bell, offering authentic Mexican fare in a casual atmosphere. Order at the counter and they will call your name - there are plenty of tables inside and outside. www.elsancholocotaqueria.com (805) 376-8226

El Taco Chico opened at 640 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park in early 2020. No website www.instagram.com/eltacochico (818) 532-7363

Establos Meat Market & Taqueria at 140 Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks offers a full range of Mexican food specialties, such as tacos, burritos, tostadas, tortas and more. (805) 370-0124

Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos is opening October 12th at the Roadside Plaza, 28708 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills. They plan to serve breakfast burritos, bowls and more when they open.

La Esquina Mexican Grill is located at 2397 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, next to Slice Pizza. Order at the counter for takeout, or eat at tables under the covered patio outside. www.thecornermexicangrill.com (805) 371-5333

La Katrina Tacos & Beer is opening on Monday, October 6th at 2751 E. Hillcrest Drive in Newbury Park, in the PetSmart/Boot Barn/Ross plaza. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner Mexican specialties. No website as of 10/4/25.

La Poblana Mexican Grill opened at 540 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks in August 2024. Owned by the same folks who operate the La Poblanita Taco Truck at 420 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.lapoblanamexicangrillca.com (805) 261-4389

Latino Market & Grill has offered authentic Mexican specialties since 1991 in the Oaks Plaza strip mall at 711 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.latinomeatmarket.com (805) 244-6498

Los Agaves de Luna Restaurant is located at The Shoppes at Westlake, 20750 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, where it opened in July 2015. It is a family-owned and operated restaurant that originated in Santa Barbara in 2008. You order at the counter and are served your delicious, authentic Mexican food indoors and outdoors. https://los-agaves.com (818) 874-0779

Manny’s Mexican Grill is a quick-serve eatery located at 1038 Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, serving traditional Mexican food. (805) 492-4709

Reynalda Cucina & Amor opened in January 2023 at 2865 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, serving Mexican specialties and offering hand-made tortillas. Order at the counter and take your food to go or eat one one of tables inside. www.instagram.com/reynalda_cucina_amor (805) 852-8116

Ruperto’s Kitchen Mexican Food opened at 3321-B Kimber Drive in Newbury Park in July 2019, serving Mexican specialties. www.rupertoskitchenca.com (805) 668-7999

Sharky’s, a popular, Mexican fast-serve eatery, has locations at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village, and 1930 Newbury Road in Newbury Park. A long-time local favorite. www.sharkys.com

Snapper Jack’s Taco House is a fast-serve “Cal-Mex” eatery located at 604 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. www.snapperjackstacoshack.com (805) 494-9777

The Sea Casa is a fast-serve Mexican eatery that has served the Conejo Valley at the Westlake Plaza, 1014 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village for as long as I can remember. www.theseacasa.com (805) 374-1921

3 Amigos Fresh Mexican Grill is a quick-serve Mexican favorite, located at 365 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-1033 and 139 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (805) 499-7200.

Chain Mexican Eateries

Baja Fresh, which originated in Newbury Park in 1990, has one remaining location in the Conejo Valley, at 30861 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village. www.bajafresh.com (818) 889-1347

Chipotle Mexican Grill has locations in Newbury Park (935 Broadbeck Drive), Thousand Oaks (Oaks Mall near the AMC Theaters) and Westlake Village (5754 Lindero Canyon Road), offering popular Mexican fare. www.chipotle.com

Del Taco operated one location in the Conejo Valley, at 591 North Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park (805.499.4439). www.deltaco.com The first Del Taco opened in Yermo, CA on September 16, 1964, under the name “Casa Del Taco.” Publicly-traded company Jack in the Box (Nasdaq: JACK) acquired Del Taco in March 2022.

El Pollo Loco (Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken”) operates locations at 591 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 2750 Camino Dos Rios, Newbury Park, and 5050 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. El Pollo Loco U.S. is traded publicly under stock symbol LOCO, serving Mexican-style grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, and more. www.elpolloloco.com

Taco Bell locations in the Conejo Valley include 1928 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, 25 Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks, 5589 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, and 791 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park. A little Taco Bell history. Glen Bell opened his first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, CA in 1962, serving what his customers called “Tay-Kohs.” Before creating Taco Bell, Bell started Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia in the San Bernardino area. Bell passed away in 2010. www.tacobell.com Taco Bell is owned by Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), which also operated KFC, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger.

Source: “About 1 in 10 restaurants in the U.S. serve Mexican Food,” Pew Research Center (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/11/about-1-in-10-restaurants-in-the-us-serve-mexican-food)

Adios Burritos (Mexican Eateries That Have Closed Over the Years

The historic Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant in Thousand Oaks closed its doors on August 29, 2016, after serving the Conejo Valley for 69 years.

Two historic Mexican eateries operated at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd (now The Tipsy Goat), including Casita Valdez from 1961 to 1979 and Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant from 1979 to 2009.

Mejico Grill & Tequila Lounge opened at 29008 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills in September 2018 but closed in February 2021 after a fire. Still closed as of June 2025.

Loteria Grill at The Promenade at Westlake opened in April 2012 and closed in February 2017.

Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant Westlake Village closed its doors in February 2018.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from August 2010 to March 2020.

Casa Escobar closed its doors at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village on September 10, 2016 after six years at that location.

Julio’s Agave Grill operated at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, in the former Casa Escobar location, from November 19, 2018 to July 1, 2023.

Margaritas Mexican Grill in Oak Park opened in April 2015 and closed in late summer 2024 for a nine year run.

La Paz Mexican Seafood operated in Calabasas at 4505 Las Virgenes Road from 1989 to early 2025, serving Yucatan style Mexican food. www.lapazmexicanfood.com

Rubio’s Newbury Park served its last fish taco in January 2019, after over eight years in operation. It also had a location at Janss Marketplace at one point.

Letty’s Mexican Food at 2454 Hillcrest Drive in Newbury Park was a local favorite for over 20 years, until it closed in April 2015.

Casita Valdez operated 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks from 1961 to 1979, when it changed ownership and became Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant until 2009.

El Torito closed its Thousand Oaks location on Moorpark Road on January 24, 2012, a sad day in history.

Freebirds World Burrito operated in Agoura Hills from 2011 to 2016.

Chuy’s previously operated in Thousand Oaks on Moorpark Road (Whole Foods Plaza) but closed in 2011. It also had a location in Agoura Hills at Kanan and Agoura Road.

The Taco Bell at 4955 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas closed in January 2025.

Tiki Taco opened in the Best Buy Plaza Thousand Oaks in April 2023, closed in 2025 and is now called Breakers Sports Bar & Grill.

Compilation of Arcades in Ventura County and Neighboring Areas

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Looking to extract yourself from your phone and experience a good, old-fashioned arcade, where you can find video games, pinball machines, redemption games, claw machines, ride machines, air hockey machines, and the like? Well here’s a compilation of such places in and around Ventura County and the Conejo Valley.

The Mighty Axe at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks is well known for axe-throwing fun but it also has an arcade featuring 11 pinball machines as well as a Wednesday night IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) Pinball League. Learn more at themightyaxe.com/thousand-oaks or call 805-557-8686.

Moby’s on Main is located at 369 E. Main Street in Ventura, between North Palm Street and North Oak Street. Moby’s is a family-friendly arcade and bar, offering a collection of vintage arcade games, pinball machines, classic Thrifty ice cream, snacks and more. Visit www.mobysonmain.com to learn more.

Kids World Family Fun Center at 618 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park is geared towards kids with its large, indoor play structure, slides, and ball pit, but also contains a large arcade with over 30 video games, claw machines, skill machines, and rides. kidsworldla.com 818-338-8888

Pastime Legends, located at 2040 E. Main St, Suite A, in Ventura, has a retro arcade with approximately 40 retro video games, such as Galaga, Asteroids, Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and much more, as well as air hockey. There is a $5 minimum token purchase. www.facebook.com/PastimeLegendsWest 805-667-9190

Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks at 145 W. Hillcrest Drive in Janss Marketplace has a massive arcade with over 120 games, including redemption games, claw machines, racing simulators, virtual reality games, classic and modern video games, high-tech darts, and digital shuffleboard. www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/thousand-oaks 805-857-7800

K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting Thousand Oaks at 770 Lawrence Drive has an arcade with over 30 games, prize redemption machines, classic video games, pool tables, air hockey, and more. www.k1speed.com/thousand-oaks-location.html 805-321-8258

Arcade area at K1 Speed in Thousand Oaks

Chuck E. Cheese Thousand Oaks at 130 W. Hillcrest Drive is obviously geared towards kids but the arcade contains over 50 games that are also fun for adults, including console games, hoops, alley bowling, puzzle games, redemption games, and classic arcade games. www.chuckecheese.com/thousand-oaks-ca/arcade 805-497-2522

Chuck E. Cheese also has a location at 4714 Telephone Road in Ventura. www.chuckecheese.com/ventura-ca 805-644-9777

Bowlero at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard has a large arcade with video games, skill machines, redemption games, claw machines, and more. www.bowlero.com/location/bowlero-oxnard 805-288-8953

Arcade at Bowlero at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Kawaii Klaws is located on the bottom floor at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura, featuring over 30 claw machines with plush toys, anime figures, and other prizes. I don’t think you’ll find another place with more claw machines than this place locally. www.kawaiiklawsco.com/ventura 820-202-1839

Kawaii Klaws at the Pacific View Mall

Lazertag Extreme at 591 Country Club Drive in Simi Valley has over 35 arcade and redemption games, including Lane Master, air hockey, claw machines, and much more, not to mention laser tag of course and its 300 sq ft Pixel interactive light arena. www.lazertagextreme.com 805-577-8400

Golf N’ Stuff Ventura at 5555 Walker Street boasts a large arcade with nearly 100 games, including plenty of redemption games, video games, air hockey, claw machines, skeeball, and more. Always a favorite with the kids, and of course they have two 18-hole mini golf courses, go karts, bumper cars, and bumper boats. www.golfnstuff.com/ventura 805-644-7131

Arcade Palace on the second level (near Target) of the Pacific View Mall in Ventura contains around 30 games, include video games, bowling, a pool table, and air hockey. www.shoppacificview.com/Directory/Details/865936 805-982-0218

Arcade Palace at the Pacific View Mall

Round1 Bowling & Arcade is coming soon to the Pacific View Mall, 3301 E. Main Street, Ventura. Stay tuned. www.round1usa.com

Harley’s Bowl locations in East Simi Valley, West Simi Valley and Camarillo have arcades with 30 to 40 games, including redemption games, air hockey, retro games, and more. Visit www.harleysbowl.com for more information.

Big Z Family Fun Center at 2425 Stearns Street in Simi Valley has an arcade with redemption games, rides for little ones, classic and modern video games, hoops, and skee ball. www.bigzsimi.com 805-526-3000

Buena Lanes at 1788 Mesa Verde Avenue in Ventura has an arcade with newer video games, claw machines, shooting games, and air hockey. The sports bar has a pool table and dart machines. www.buenalanes.com 805-677-7770

The Loose Cannon at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura is a waterfront bar, arcade and eatery that hosts over 20 classic and modern arcade games, claw machines and virtual reality games. www.theloosecannonventura.com 805-350-2728

Skating Plus at 1720 Mesa Verde Ave in Ventura has an arcade with video games and redemption games. skatingplus.com 805-644-2121

Lucky Strike Moorpark bowling lanes at 706 East Los Angeles Avenue offers a large arcade with over 60 video games, redemption games, claw machines, ride games, air hockey, and more. www.luckystrikeent.com/location/lucky-strike-moorpark 805-222-3757

999 Pizza at 1980 Ventura Blvd in Camarillo opened in 2025 that also has an arcade with video games, redemption games, and more. In addition to pizza, you’ll find a tiki bar here! 999pizza.com 626-999-2535

Sky Zone locations at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks and 2825 Johnson Drive in Ventura both have arcades. www.skyzone.com

Joystick Arcade at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks is located on the first level, near JC Penney. Video games, skill games, claw machines, and more. joystickarcades.com

Several Dozen Things to See and Do in the City of Oxnard

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OxnardSign.JPG

The City of Oxnard was incorporated on June 30, 1903. Covering an area of just over 39 miles, of which 70% is land, Oxnard is the most populous city in Ventura County, with nearly 208,000 residents in 2016.

Oxnard's namesake is Harry T. Oxnard, who opened a beet factory in 1899 and taught local farmers the ins and outs of growing sugar beets. The land for the factory was purchased from Thomas S. Rice (of Rice Avenue fame) and the first plant manager was Major J. A. Driffill, who later became mayor.

There's plenty to see and do in Oxnard, and we've summed up some of our favorite activities below.

Great beaches in Oxnard include Mandalay Shores, Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand Beach, which are highlighted at THIS LINK.

Speaking of beaches, ‘ololkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) is a nice park with a pirate-themed, accessible playground area, large grassy area, restrooms and quick access to the beach.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum located at the Channel Islands Harbor is home to world class maritime art, ship models and other maritime items. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 4pm.

Channel Islands Harbor is a great place to beat the heat with the family, offering a variety of activities, such as fishing trips, boat cruises, eateries, water sports, shopping and special events year-round.

Oxnard Beach Park

Oxnard Beach Park

There's a nice bike path in Oxnard that takes you from Oxnard Beach Park to Channel Islands Harbor that we enjoy from time to time.

The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District is located on F and G Streets, between Palm and 5th Streets. The area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Most of the 144 historic homes and buildings in the area were built before 1925 and includes Mission/Spanish revival, bungalow/craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture.

A great time to check out the Historic Oxnard District is during the two weeks preceding Christmas each year, when dozens and dozens of residents decorate their homes in lights and holiday decor for Christmas Tree Lane.

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, musicals, speakers and other performances year-round. At over 1,600 seats, it is one of the largest venues in Ventura County.

The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits. The 650,000 sq ft center includes a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Activities at The Collection include Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio, Century RiverPark Movie Theater and Levity Live Comedy Club, Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center, Red Door Escape Room and Bowlero.

Swing for the fences at Who's on First Batting Cages in Oxnard. What's on second? I don't know's on third. Who? First base.

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach

River Ridge Golf Course is a public golf course offering two 18-hole courses as well as footgolf!

Skateboarders and in-line skaters are on a roll at the City of Oxnard Bedford Pinkard Skate Park near Channel Islands High School. Pinkard is a former City Council member who was a supporter of many youth and community programs.

The Elite Theatre Company, located at Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, is host to musicals, plays, comedies and more.

The Dallas Cowboys have held Summer Training Camp for a number of years at River Ridge Fields at Oxnard's Marriott Residence Inn. Practices and scrimmages taking place in August are open to the public and free of charge. Check for updates at www.dallascowboys.com/trainingcamp.

Halloween Events and Activities In and Around Ventura County

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Halloween season is upon us again! Halloween 2025 looks to be a fun time with this compilation of Halloween events taking place in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Dates/times subject to change; contact event organizers to confirm. This list will be updated regularly. For calendar view, click here.

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

Cool Residential Displays (Click links for footage and more info)

10 Carob Drive, south of Borchard in Newbury Park

Residential display synchronized to music at 1455 Valley High, Thousand Oaks

Golden Crest Avenue in Newbury Park (Cross Street Antelope Place) - Two homes

Lakota Loop Family-Friendly Walkthrough Halloween Experience at 1881 Lakota Street, Simi Valley on October 26, 30 and 31 from 6:30-9PM.

“Blackwood Cemetery” annual display at home on Blackwood Street in Newbury Park

Mapleleaf Ave west of Madrid Ave in Newbury Park

Camino Dos Rios west of Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks

Flaming Star and Shenandoah in Thousand Oaks

Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive in Newbury Park

Annual awesome display at this home on Yew Drive in Newbury Park

Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park

Orangewood and Felton in Newbury Park

Backwoods Massacre Haunted House at 2360 Bryson Place in Simi Valley (quite scary - not for all ages).

PAST EVENTS

Sun, Oct 5: Trunk or Treat at Iceoplex Simi Valley (2:15-6PM)

Sat/Sun Oct 11-12: Mizel Family Foundation Harvest Festival in Thousand Oaks (10AM-2PM)

Sat, Oct 12: California Joe Halloween Magic Show at Camarillo Library (11AM-Noon)

Sat, Oct 18: Free Pumpkin Patch at Simi Valley Town Center (10AM)

Sat, Oct 18: Simi Valley YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat (3-6PM) (RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Trail or Treat at Camarillo Grove Park (10AM-1PM; $10 hike requires RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick or Treat Street in Thousand Oaks (6-9PM)

Oct 17-19: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Oct 18-19: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 19: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (10AM-5PM)

Wed, Oct 22: VC Dept of CSS 4th Annual Trunk or Treat in Camarillo (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 22: Trick-or-Treat at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard (5PM) (RSVP)

Wed, Oct 22: 4th Annual Spook-Tacular Celebration in Port Hueneme (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 23: Oxnard Police Department Trunk or Treat Spooktacular (5-7PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle (4-5:30PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Swim at Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center in Camarillo (5:30PM) (RSVP)

Fri, Oct 24: City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival (Ages 2-10) (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooktacular Bash at Camarillo Community Center (5-7PM Age 50+)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Town at the Simi Valley Town Center (5-9PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Inaugural Pumpkin Paddle at Channel Islands Harbor (10AM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween “BooFest” Event in Old Town Camarillo (Noon-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Harvest Festival at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4PM)

Oct 25-26: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest in Camarillo (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo (10AM-3PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Trick or Treat Event at Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Party at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Eastside Little League Trunk or Treat in Oxnard (2-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Festival at Christ the King Newbury Park (3-6PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating (3-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween Haunt in the Park at Plaza Park in Oxnard (4-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Parade of Frights Marketplace at Channel Islands Harbor (2-8PM; Parade at 7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Ventura Family YMCA Trunk-or-Treat in Ventura (5-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Fall Festival at Conejo Valley Church of Christ (4-6PM)

Sat Oct 25: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Oct 24-26: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Strathearn Historical Park (11AM-5PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Seaside Trick or Treat at Ventura Harbor Village (1-3PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Thriller Zombie Dance at Ventura Harbor Village (2:45-3:15PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Trunk or Treat at Inside Car Guys Newbury Park (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat at Thousand Oaks Post Acute (5-7PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Halloween in the Park in Camarillo (5:30-8PM)

Compilation of Pizza Places in the Conejo Valley

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The first pizzeria in the United States opened in Little Italy, New York City, in 1905. Lombardi’s is recognized as that first pizzeria, specializing in Neapolitan pizza, which is made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Margherita pizza is a typical Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil.

Other varieties of pizza include New York thin-crust style, Chicago style (deep dish, thick crust), Detroit style (rectangular, thick crust, sauce on top) and Sicilian (square cut) and others.

But without further ado, here’s a compilation of pizza places in and around the Conejo Valley (including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and portions of Calabasas).

This list includes places primarily known for pizza, and thus excludes eateries where pizza is on the menu, but not the primary offering. Listed in reverse alphabetical order.

Winners Pizza, 1805 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. winnerspizza.com (805) 379-4212. Regular pizza, heart shaped pizza, gluten-free option, cauliflower crust option.

Valentino’s Pizza, 2072 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. www.valentinosgourmet.com (805) 380-4969. Valentino’s offers freshly-made “take-n-bake” pizzas as well as pizzas baked on site. Gluten free crust available.

Two Doughs Pizza Co. is located in the Whizin Market Square at 28860 Roadside Road, Agoura Hills. www.twodoughs.com (818) 707-2121 Specializes in thin crust sourdough pizzas and Sicilian thick crust pizzas. Gluten-free options available.

Toppers Pizza Place is located at 1416 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. topperspizzaplace.com (805) 495-4444. Toppers is a Ventura County based success story, founded by the Jonkers in 1990 and growing to 10 locations.

Tony’s New York Pizza, 3333 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. (805) 499-0365 www.tonysnewyorkpizzamenu.com Tony’s has served the Newbury Park community for decades in the Kimber Plaza.

The Original Pizza Cookery, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.pizzacookery.com (818) 887-4770. Offers traditional pizzas, Margherita and whole wheat crust options. Gluten-free options available.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.slicehouse.com Slice House offers New York, Sicilian, Detroit and Grandma style pizzas.

Prince St. Pizza opened on July 10, 2025 at the Shoppes at Westlake Village, 30770 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village. They offer Sicilian squares and original Neapolitan pizzas by the slice or whole pie. Updates at www.princestreetpizza.com.

Pizza Hut has locations at 2705 Teller Road, Newbury Park (Pizza Hut Express inside Target) and 75 S. Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 371-3700. www.pizzahut.com. Offering various options, including Udi’s Gluten-Free Crust.

Pizza Nosh, 3013 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. (818) 991-3000 www.pizzanosh.com. Pizza Nosh is the only vegetarian, kosher pizza place in the Conejo Valley.

Pizza Twist opened in June 2023 at the Conejo Gateway Plaza, 711 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park. They offer traditional, gluten-free and vegan pizza options. pizzatwist.com (805) 467-8479

Prime Pizza is coming to Thousand Oaks in 2026 at 215 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, across the street from Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. They offer NY style pies in both round and square shapes. Learn more at primepizza.la.

Greco’s New York Pizzeria is located at Janss Marketplace, near the movie theater. www.grecosnewyorkpizzeriamenu.com (805) 777-7271. Offers various NewYork style pizzas, including a jumbo 28” party pizza.

Fresh Brothers at The Promenade at Westlake (805) 777-8448 www.freshbrothers.com/locations/westlake-village Offering traditional pizzas on various crusts - original, skinny, cauliflower, deep dish, gluten-free and keto.

Freda’s Pizza is located at 3835 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A2, Westlake Village (805) 852-5260. www.fredaswoodfiredkitchen.com Freda’s offers New York style and brick oven pizzas. Also located in Old Town Camarillo.

Domino’s Pizza has locations at 723 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (805) 435-8399), 2220 N. Moorpark Road, #104, Thousand Oaks (across from TOHS) (805) 496-6221, 2409 Michael Drive, Newbury Park (805) 499-0681 and 30867 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (818) 735-5400. www.dominos.com Domino’s offers hand-tossed, handmade pan, thin crust, gluten-free crust and Brooklyn style options.

D’Amore’s Pizza, 2869 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks www.damoresthousandoaks.com (805) 496-0030. Offers traditional New York style pizzas. Gluten-free and cauliflower crust is available.

California Pizza Kitchen at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.cpk.com (805) 777-1778 Offers a variety of 10” specialty pizzas. Gluten-free cauliflower crust available.

Butler’s Pizza opened in October 2015 at 1655 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.butlersnypizza.com (805) 379-1121 Butler’s serves New York style pizza, including gluten-free options.

Boney Mountain Pizza Company, 722 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park www.boneymountainpizzaco.com (805) 498-6511. Boney Mountain is a sports bar with a particular focus on California style pizza.

Ameci Pizza and Pasta has locations at 1724 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-2914, 1560 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 499-8300 and 5776 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste C, Westlake Village (818) 889-7722 www.amecipizzaandpasta.com Offers New York style pizza at 40 California locations. They do have gluten-free options.

Allegro Pizza, 427 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 492-3571 www.allegropizzaca.com. Traditional pizza, including a gluten-free option.

Pizza Partings

MOD Pizza Newbury Park closed its doors in May 2024.

Barone’s Pizza Thousand Oaks closed its doors on May 28, 2024.

Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village closed its doors in September 2024 after 33 years serving the local community. Lamppost Newbury Park closed in December 2011.

Ma Dukes in Agoura Hills, which offered unique, artisan flatbread pizzas, closed its doors on September 22, 2024 to refocus on its growing catering business.

Michael’s Pizza Agoura Hills closed in the fall of 2024 but continues operating its Calabasas location. michaelspizzapasta.com

Pieology Pizzeria at Janss Marketplace closed in late September 2025.

Denino’s Pizzeria & Cafe, 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks closed in early 2025.

Round Table Pizza in the Oakbrook Plaza, 2060 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. closed as of August 2025.

Parma Pizzeria Napoletana, 796 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. parmaspizzeria.com (805) 370-1370 (CLOSED AS OF 10.5.25)

Parma’s Pizzeria, 5649 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. parmaspizzeria.com (818) 318-1079. (CLOSED AS OF 10.5.25)

Daylight Saving Time Ends on the First Sunday of November

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Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November each year in the U.S. (with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii). In 2025, that will be Sunday, November 2nd, at 2 a.m.

At 1:59:59 a.m. on that Sunday, your clocks will revert back to 1 a.m. Yes! FALL BACK!! An extra hour of sleep!

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave us an extra month of DST by starting DST 3 weeks earlier and ending it one week later.

For my more precise readers, it is officially called Daylight Saving (not Savings) Time. So if you want to annoy your friends, correct them any time they call it Daylight SavingS time.

Also as one website I found mentioned, Daylight Saving Time is technically inaccurate, since we don't really gain daylight. It would more appropriately be called Daylight Shifting Time but I don't see that being a high priority initiative.

Before the adoption of standard time zones in the United States, cities, towns, and communities set their own local times based on the sun’s position. In 1883, railroad companies adopted a system of standard time to synchronize movement and trade across the nation. The U.S. adopted an official system of standard time in 1918.

The Standard Time Act of 1918 incorporated a DST mandate from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Congress repealed the DST mandate in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the repeal. Congress overrode his veto.

Beginning in 1920, DST was a local state/city option. Here’s the history of DST legislation in California:

1930: Prop 7 was but on the ballot to implement DST at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in April until 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in September. The initiative failed.

1940: Prop 5 was put on the ballot to implement DST. The initiative failed again.

1949: Third time’s a charm. This time it passed.

1962: Prop 6 was passed, which extended DST from the last Sunday in September to the last Sunday in October.

2018: Californians voted in favor of Proposition 7 by a margin of 59.75% to 40.25%. Voting in favor of the proposition allowed the California State Legislature to change the DST period by a 2/3rds vote and to establish permanent, year-round DST in California by a 2/3rds vote if federal law is changed to allow for permanent DST.

Why the holdup?

The holdup is at the federal level, not the state level: Voting yes on Prop 7 was just the first step in the process. California is one of 14 states that introduced legislation in 2019 to shift to permanent daylight saving time. States cannot move forward with permanent daylight saving time without authorization from the federal government.

H.R. 1556 “Sunshine Protection Act of 2019,” was introduced to the House in 2018 and 2019 but failed. It was reintroduced in 2021 as SB 623 and H.R. 69 as the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021. The bill would make DST the new, permanent standard time. States with areas exempt from DST may choose the standard time for those areas. SB 623 was passed by the Senate but the House bill died in committee

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 (H.R. 1279, SB 582) was introduced March 1, 2023 but went nowhere.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 139, SB 29) was introduced in January 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. No updates as of September 2025.