Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is City Historical Landmark #5

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area is located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks, south of the intersection of Avenida de los Arboles and Westlake Boulevard.

This 428 acre park is a designated historical landmark by the City of Thousand Oaks and County of Ventura. The Chumash inhabited this area going back as far as 12,000 years ago through the late 1800's. 

The park grounds are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are flat hiking trails and a Chumash village reproduction available to explore. The oak trees provide a beautiful canopy for hikers. It is a peaceful place worth exploring. Note that dogs are prohibited from the property.

Located on the property is the Chumash Indian Museum, which contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.

Hiking and Exploring in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Entrance to Rancho Sierra VistaSatwiwa at Lynn Road and Via Goleta in Newbury Park

Located on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is accessible in Newbury Park at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. This area spans from Potrero Road on the north and connects to Point Mugu State Park on the south.

Ranching in the area dates back to the early 1800s, when Spanish soldiers were granted 48,672 acres of land, "Rancho El Conejo," which through the years was subdivided and sold to other landowners. One of these ranchers was Carl Beal, who in 1937 named the area Rancho Sierra Vista "Mountain View Ranch." The last private landowner in the area was Richard Danielson, whose family farmed and ranched the area for 32 years. Danielson donated 5,585 acres of the ranch to the State of California, which became part of Point Mugu State Park, and sold 850 acres, including the horse ranch, to the National Park Service in 1980.

Sign at Danielson Monument accessible via Danielson Road/Old Boney Trail.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area is a bike/horse free area within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa of roughly 60 acres. Located on the northwest corner of this area, just a short walk from visitor parking, is the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center.

The Culture Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends with a park ranger or other staff. It is a small building that also hosts a variety of educational Chumash and wildlife items. NPS BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP

Learn more about RSV at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm.

The area is a popular destination for hikers with a variety of well maintained trails. Note, however, that bicycles and horses are not allowed in the "Satwiwa Natural Area" section (see map below).

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy, 2 mile trail that starts at the Culture Center through grasslands, past the old windmill and back around, with several extensions for those looking to do a little more.

There's the Lower Loop Trail and the Upper Loop Trail that is a bit of a zig-zaggy trail with wooden footings placed by volunteers to help hikers navigate. The Upper Loop Trail runs past the "Old Windmill" pictured below.

Satwiwa Lower Loop sign at intersection of Danielson Road trail.

The old windmill at the northeast corner of the Satwiwa Loop Trail (Upper Loop). (Windmill was knocked down by high winds in December 2016 and is still down as of MAY 2024).

You can also park at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead and walk to the Culture Center via the Wendy Trail, about a mile each way.

Wendy Trail trailhead at the intersection of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park

It is pretty dry in here most of the year but after the winter/spring rains, the green stages a comeback.

Another trail to explore is the 1 mile Ranch Overlook Trail that takes you from just west of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, up a hill (where you can indeed look down toward the old ranch area, parking area and restrooms) to the main entrance and to the Palomino Trail in the Rancho Potrero Open Space.

Ranch Overlook Trail

One of my favorite trails in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail. This challenging, fairly steep trail branches off from the Satwiwa Loop Trail on the southeast, past the bench at the Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook, via the Boney Mountain Trail/Danielson Road.

The popular bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook. Photo taken April 4, 2014, approximately 11 months after the devasting Springs Fire of 2013.

Roughly 700 feet past the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench is a juncture where you can either veer right into Point Mugu State Park and the Boney Mountain Wilderness, where you can walk down, over a stream (or a dry stream bed as the case may be), towards the popular "waterfall" (which in recent years has been not much more than a trickle) and the Danielson Monument. CLICK HERE for details.

If you veer left at the juncture, you'll see the Hidden Valley Overlook trail sign.

The trail is steep and rocky and reaches an end point in about half a mile. If you are up to the challenge, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Newbury Park, the Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon and Boney Mountain.

Views from halfway up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail towards the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area

At the end of the trail is the Hidden Valley overlook, where you will be able to peek into the not-so-hidden-anymore Hidden Valley and its peaceful ranches. As a final reward for your effort, it's all downhill the way back. Be sure to wear solid hiking shoes as the trails are a bit technical.

Peek at Hidden Valley at the end of the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail.

View of Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, from Hidden Valley Overlook trail

To learn more, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or visit www.nps.gov/samo or call 805.370.2301.

Dogs are allowed in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. But please, pick up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the Point Mugu State Park / Boney Mountain Wilderness back country trails, though they are allowed on paved roads, such as the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail road.

New Year's Eve Options in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

The year 2024 is coming to a close and for the New Year's Eve procrastinators out there, your time is running short. Here is a compilation of New Year's Eve party and activity options in and around the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. To add an activity, contact us!

(For more information about the events highlighted below, click the links. We attempted to link to websites and Facebook pages that will provide you with additional details. Also note that this list is limited to places that have entertainment, a party, midnight toast, etc.)

New Year's Celebration at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley

Jason Love’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash at Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks

Louie’s New Year’s Eve Disco Ball Drop in Westlake Village (8PM)

Phil Medina at Levity Live in Oxnard (7PM and 10:30PM)

New Year's Eve Party with Phil Collins/Genesis Tribute at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills

Cosmic New Year’s Eve Parties at Harley’s Camarillo, Simi and Valley Bowl

New Year's Eve Spectacular at the Ojai Valley Museum (6:30-9:30PM)

Family New Year’s Eve Party at Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks (4-7PM)

New Year’s Eve Celebration (18+) at Dave & Buster’s Thousand Oaks (9PM-1AM)

NYE Comedy Bash at Strey Cellars Winery in Oxnard (6-9PM)

New Year’s Eve Gala at Nonna Westlake Village (5PM-1AM)

New Year’s Eve Gala at The Manhattan in Camarillo (9PM-12:30AM)

New Year’s Eve Improv at the Rubicon in Ventura (8-10:30PM) SOLD OUT

East Coast New Year’s Eve Party at Poseidon Brewing Co. Ventura (5-9PM)

New Year Eve at The Greek at the Ventura Harbor (8PM-2AM)

DJ Sammy New Year’s Bash at Copper Blues in Oxnard

New Year’s Eve Bash at Tarantula Hill Brewing Company (10PM-1:30AM)

New Year’s Eve Daytime Celebration at Pedals & Pints Thousand Oaks

NYE Great Gatsby Party at Twisted Oak Tavern in Camarillo

New Year's Eve Party at Crowne Plaza Hotel at Ventura Beach (8:30-12:30)

New Year’s Eve Party at the Bamboo Room in Westlake Village (8-11PM)

New Year’s Eve Party at Selvin’s Restaurant in Newbury Park

New Year’s Eve Celebration with The Pharcyde at Ventura Music Hall

New Year’s Eve Bash at Winchesters Grill & Saloon in Ventura (9PM-2AM)

Midnight Masquerade New Year’s Eve at Azar’s Newbury Park (7PM)

New Year’s Eve Party at Naughty Pine Brewing Westlake Village (4-10PM)

New Year’s Eve Party at Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas (8PM-2AM)

New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Bombay Bar & Grill Ventura (8-11:30PM)

New Year’s Party at The Twist on Main in Ventura (9PM)

New Year’s Eve East Coast Party at Leashless Brewing Ventura (6-9PM)

New Year’s Eve Party at Paddy’s Ventura

New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at The Arena in Simi Valley

Lookout Bar & Grill New Year’s Eve Karaoke Night CI Harbor (9PM-12:30AM)

New Year’s Party at the Q Club Oxnard (9PM-2AM)

New Year’s Eve Party at Onyx Bistro Camarillo (4-9:30PM)

New Year’s Eve Party at The Shores Bar & Restaurant Oxnard

Eateries That Opened or Closed in 2024 or are Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

Another year is nearly behind us, so let’s take a moment to reflect on new local area eateries that opened in 2024, eateries that are anticipated to open in the coming months, and eateries that became dearly departed in 2024.

Opened in 2024

• Neighborly Curated Food Hall Opening December 20th (updated) at The Promenade at Westlake

• Blue Agave Tacos & Beer Opening at Agoura Hills City Mall on Dec 15th

• Creole Kings Opened This Fall at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

• Basta Thousand Oaks Opened on December 6

• Go Fish Sushi Thousand Oaks Opened on November 15

• American Pie Coffee House in Camarillo Opened in October

• The Loose Cannon Bar and Restaurant Opened at Ventura Harbor Village

• La La Land Kind Cafe Opened September 28 at The Promenade at Westlake

• Tilted Kilt Reopened as Oaks Local Craft Kitchen & Bar Thousand Oaks

• Da Hickory House Opened This Summer at the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• The Galloping Hen Opened November 1 in Thousand Oaks

• Plata Cocina Mexicana Opened August 24 at The Oaks Mall

• Rolling Pin Donuts Opened Ventura Location on August 28

• Isaki Sushi Opened in Newbury Park in July

• Shrimp vs Chef Opened in Thousand Oaks in July

• O-R Thai Cuisine Opened New Location in Agoura Hills

• Buster’s OG BBQ & Grill Opened in Thousand Oaks in June

• Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge Opened June 21 in Newbury Park

• The Curry Leaf Re-Opened in Camarillo in Early June

• Former Thousand Wok Thousand Oaks Became Ling Long Asian Bistro

• Lola Betty’s Kitchen Filipino Cuisine Opened August 10 in Camarillo

• Decker Kitchen Re-Opened at the Lake Lindero Country Club

• Michoacan a Pedir de Boca Ice Cream Shop in Thousand Oaks Opened April 27

• Cafe Ficelle Opened April 10 in Thousand Oaks

• The Pan Kitchen Opened at Former Exotic Thai Westlake Village in March

• La Poblana Mexican Grill Opened in August in Thousand Oaks

• Juice & Boba Opened in Thousand Oaks in January

• Cedro Italian Restaurant Newbury Park Opened on January 18

• Mikey’s Restaurant Newbury Park Opened in January

• Bacio di Latte Gelato Puro Opened November 23 at The Promenade at Westlake

• The Cookie Cafe “Soft” Opened December 13 in Agoura Hills

• Charming Ice Bar Opened November 8 in Thousand Oaks

• Che Gelato in Moorpark Opened in July

• Moby’s on Main Opened in Ventura in June

Coming in the near future

• Bear House Acai Coming Soon to The Oaks in Thousand Oaks

• Le Macaron French Pastries Coming to Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

• Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos Coming Soon to Agoura Hills

• TRU Bowl Superfood Bar Coming Soon to Westlake Village

• Purrrlandia Cat Lounge and Cafe Coming Soon to Thousand Oaks

• Carrara Pastries Coming Soon to Old Town Camarillo

• Fishbone Seafood Opening Soon in Thousand Oaks

• Pure Green Juice Bar Coming to Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

• Superba Food + Bread Coming to The Commons at Calabasas

• Sonic Drive-In Plans a Fillmore Location

• Zinque Coming to the Westlake Commons in Westlake Village (UPDATE: Anticipated to open 12/23 or 12/24)

• Red O Taste of Mexico is Looking at Early 2025 Opening in Westlake Village

• Luau Grill Coming to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Coming to The Oaks Mall in Early 2025 (Handel’s is also coming to Oxnard.)

• House of Bamboo Tiki Lounge Coming to Old Town Camarillo

• Old Oaks Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks on the Cusp of Opening

• Szechuwan Garden Chinese Cuisine Coming to Newbury Park

• Chick-fil-A coming to the Camarillo Premium Outlets

• Makenna Koffee Coming to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

• Texas Roadhouse to Open at Camarillo Premium Outlets in Mid-2025

• Hibye Coffee Coming to The Shoppes at Westlake Village

• Honey Cup Coffeehouse Opening Thousand Oaks Location Soon

• Gelato Boutique Coming Soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center

• Diablos Sushi Cantina Coming to Simi Valley

• Dunkin’ Donuts Coming to Newbury Park

• Salsa & Beer Calabasas has been anticipated for four years now

Closed in 2024

• 101 BBQ Hut Closed in Westlake Village and Now Located at Tavern 101

• Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery to Close on December 22

• Five Guys Burgers and Fries Thousand Oaks Closed in November

• All Fired Up Mongolian Grill Thousand Oaks Closed on November 27

• TGI Fridays Simi Valley Closed Its Doors on October 24

• Hummus Lali at The Shoppes at Westlake Village Closed in October

• Fatburger Thousand Oaks Closed in October

• Ma Dukes by L.A. Roots Artisan Pizzas in Agoura Hills Closed September 22

• Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village Closed in September

• Johnny Rockets at the Camarillo Premium Outlets Closed

• Social Monk Closed - to Become Neighborly Food Hall

• Black Bear Diner Simi Valley Closed on August 7

• Pho & Tea at The Oaks Mall Closed in July

• MOD Pizza Newbury Park Closed in May

• Modern Kitchen at The Shoppes at Westlake Village Closed in April

• Karma Baker in Oak Park Closed on March 30

• Cuckoo Rooster Agoura Hills Closed in February

• Mama’s Hummus Newbury Park Closed on February 28

• Amy’s Drive Thru Thousand Oaks Closed in February

• JOiBIRDS Cafe in Thousand Oaks Closed October 6

• Mediterranean Santour Kabobery Simi Valley

• Michael’s Pizza in Agoura Hills

• Barone’s Pizza in Thousand Oaks Closed on May 28

• Ben & Jerry’s Ventura

• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Thousand Oaks

• The Raven Tavern in Oxnard Closed in November

The Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is on the National Register of Historic Places

Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot seen from Alelia Ave

The Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is located in the unincorporated community of Saticoy at 11220 Azahar Street.

The depot, built in 1887, was designated Ventura County Historic Landmark no. 176 in May 2016. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

The depot was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad along the line that was being constructed from Los Angeles to Ventura in 1887. The original town of Saticoy was laid out near the new depot. Its name comes from the Chumash village of Sa’aqtik’oy. 

The Saticoy Depot served rail that traveled through the Santa Clara Valley between Saugus to Ventura County. It was one of 14 Southern Pacific Railroad Depots in Ventura County - the others were Oxnard, Santa Susana, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Sespe, Camulos, Somis, Montalvo and downtown Ventura. Only six of these remain today.

Saticoy Depot in 1956 (Museum of Ventura County)

Scene From The Oaks Mall at Christmastime in December 1982

Here’s a scene from The Oaks shopping mall, courtesy of the Thousand Oaks Library’s Conejo Through the Lens collection, from December 1982.

The view is from the upper level of the east end of the mall. Looking west on the right you can see House of Fabrics and Hot Dog on a Stick and below, Wallpapers to Go.

And below is a more current view of The Oaks, albeit from a different vantage point in the mall.

The Macerich Company, which owns 47 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 44 regional town centers. announced in its 3rd quarter financial report last month "We are under contract to sell The Oaks for $157 million, and expect to close** during the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions." Real estate news site "The Real Deal" indicates the buyer is Stockdale Capital Partners. So perhaps we'll see some changes in the future. Macerich has owned the mall since 2002. The mall originally opened in 1978.

Ventura County Area Listings in the National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America's historic and archaeological resources.

There are over 80,000 listings in the National Register in five general categories: building, structure, site, district and object.

To be considered eligible for the Register, a property must meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. This involves examining the property’s age (generally at least 50 years old), integrity and significance.

To learn more about the National Register of Historic Places and to search its database, visit www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm.

Now let's highlight Ventura County area properties listed in the Register as of November 2024. Most of these you can visit (links provided where applicable):

• Anacapa Island Archeological District (listed 9/12/1979)

• Anacapa Island Light Station (9/3/1991)

• Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital, 121 N. Fir St, Ventura (11/11/1977)

• Bardsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, 1418 Bardsdale Ave, Fillmore (8/28/1986)

• Berylwood (Estate of Thomas R. Bard family owned by U.S. Navy and located at U.S. Naval Station Battalion Center in Port Hueneme) (9/15/1977)

• Burro Flats Painted Cave, Bell Canyon (address restricted) (5/5/1976)

• Calleguas Creek Site, Oxnard (address restricted) (5/19/1976)

• Camarillo Ranch House (2/20/2003)

• Case Study House No. 28, 91 Inverness Road, Thousand Oaks (Case Study Houses were experiments in American residential architecture from 1945 to 1966). (7/24/2013)

• Colony House, 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (9/18/1978)

• Dudley House, 4085 Telegraph Road, Ventura (5/17/1977)

• Ebell Club of Santa Paula, 125 S. Seventh St (7/20/1989)

• George Washington Faulkner House, 14292 W. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula (4/25/1991)

• Feraud General Merchandise Store, 2 and 12 W. Main St, Ventura (1/23/1986)

• First Baptist Church of Ventura, 101 S. Laurel St (7/3/2009)

• Emmanuel Franz House, 31 N. Oak St, Ventura (6/25/1982)

• Glen Tavern Hotel, 134 N. Mill St, Santa Paula (7/26/1984)

• Thomas Gould, Jr. House, 402 Lynn Drive, Ventura (12/23/2005)

• Grand Union Hotel (now Stagecoach Inn Museum), 51 Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park (12/30/1975)

• Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village, 4595 Cochran St, Simi Valley (10/25/1996)

• Joel McCrea Ranch, 4500 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks (4/18/1997)

• Mission San Buenaventura, 211 E. Main St, Ventura (4/10/1975)

• Olivas Adobe in Ventura (7/24/1979)

• Carnegie Art Museum (formerly Oxnard Public Library), 424 S. C Street (7/27/1971)

• Henry T. Oxnard Historic District, F & G Streets, between Palm & 5th (2/5/1999)

• Charles M. Pratt House, 1330 Foothill Road, Ojai (6/14/2002)

• Rancho Camulos, 5164 E. Telegraph Road, Piru (11/1/1996)

• San Buenaventura Mission Aqueduct, 234 Canada Larga Rd., Ventura (3/7/1975)

• San Miguel Chapel Site (address restricted), Ventura (7/20/1978)

• Santa Paula Hardware Company Block--Union Oil Company (now California Oil Museum) 1003 E. Main St. (8/14/1986)

• Saticoy Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, 11220 Azahar Street, Saticoy (7/23/2018)

• Simi Adobe-Strathearn House,137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (5/19/1978)

• SS Winfield Scott (Steamship shipwreck at Anacapa Island) (9/12/1988)

• St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel (now Ojai Valley Museum), 130 W. Ojai Ave, Ojai (6/29/1995)

• Thacher School Historic District, 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai Valley (4/4/2019)

• Ventura County Courthouse (now Ventura City Hall), 501 Poli St, Ventura (8/19/1971)

• Ventura Theater, 26 S. Chestnut, Ventura (12/29/1986)

• Women's Improvement Club of Hueneme, 239 E. Scott St (8/21/1989)

Other nearby historic places:

• Adamson House, 23200 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (10/28/1977)

• Humaliwo (address restricted) (9/1/1976)

• Saddle Rock Ranch Pictograph Site (address restricted) (2/12/1982)

• Stevens House, 23524 Malibu Colony Road, Malibu (10/9/2009)

• Leonis Adobe, 23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas (5/29/1975)