2024 Thousand Oaks Reads: One City, One Book Selection is "The Henna Artist"

The 2024 Thousand Oaks Reads: One City, One Book (OCOB) selection is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi! OCOB is a citywide literary event that encourages community members to collectively read and discuss the same book.

Alka Joshi’s debut novel, The Henna Artist, is set in post-Raj 1950s Jaipur and follows Lakshmi — a skilled henna artist and confidante to the upper class — as she navigates the delicate balance between her dreams of independence and the shadows of her past. Books are available in paperback, large print, eBook, and eAudiobook, and are now available at both libraries.

An Afternoon with Alka Joshi is the culminating author talk, discussion, and book signing. This program will be held on Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 pm in the Bank of America Performing Arts Center - Fred Kavli Theatre. FREE TICKETS are required for this event. Digital tickets are now available via Ticketmaster. Paper tickets will be available starting April 1 at both libraries. Friends of the Library members will enjoy priority entry 30 minutes before the event. For membership information, visit the library information desks. For more details, visit www.tolibrary.org/ocob. One City, One Book is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library.

OCOB Kick off with Chili Beatz & Beautiful Henna with Suchita

Kick off this year’s One City, One Book with Southern California's top Bollywood band, Chili Beatz. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of live Bollywood music. Additionally, Suchita, an experienced henna artist with more than 20 years of skill, will be offering small henna designs during the Chili Beatz concert. This program will be held on Saturday, March 30 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library.

Henna 101 with Henna Me Beautiful

Learn about the history of henna, and the basics of how to create simple and beautiful design elements. Henna Me Beautiful's lead artist, Afshan Khan, is certified through ICNHA (International Certification of Natural Henna Arts). With her guidance you will learn how to create beautiful henna designs. Best suited for teens and adults. Materials and supplies provided. This program will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tea Tasting with Alaya Tea

Join us to try a variety of teas! Alaya is an Indian, women-owned tea company. Their name comes from “Himalaya,” a region where some of the finest teas grow and thus, inspired the founders Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani to build a tea company. This program will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Space is limited. Registration required.

Dot Mandala Crafternoon

Transform a compact mirror into a vibrant mandala masterpiece. This program will be held from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 13 in the Newbury Park Library Art Gallery, and on Sunday, April 21 in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room. Registration required.

Kathak Dance Demo & Follow Along with Sona Lewis

Indian classical “Kathak” dance artiste and performer Sona Lewis will present Kathak dance. There will be a “follow-along” segment for anyone who wants to learn more about Kathak. No prior dance knowledge is needed. Sona Lewis is a Kathak Indian Classical Dance Instructor, Choreographer and Artiste. Sona was professionally trained in Kathak under renowned Guru Pandit Munna Shukla ji, New Delhi, India for over 15 years. For ages 11-adult. This program will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Cal Lutheran Faculty Panel Discussion

Professors explore unique perspectives and offer thoughtful responses to many of the themes and issues presented in The Henna Artist. Sponsored by University Relations. This program will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Story Slam: Inspired by The Henna Artist

Calling for submissions! Writers of all ages are invited to submit a story based on the themes of family, found family, culture, tradition, new starts, unexpected change, or independence. Eight selected stories will be read on stage by the authors on Friday, April 26th at 7:00 pm. Audience favorite will win a $50 gift card.  Submission guidelines: Stories must be able to be read in under seven minutes and be between 1,000-2000 words. Story content must be library appropriate. Email to info@tolibrary.org with the subject heading “Story Slam.” Print: Submit entry in-person at the Information Desk. Entries must include your name and contact information. Submission Deadline: April 12, 2024. Selected authors will be notified on April 19, 2024. This program will be held on Friday, April 26 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Grant R. Brimhall Library Community Room.

Paint & Sip: Elephant Art Class

Paint, snack, and socialize as you are taught step by step how to create this painting inspired by the Munnar Tea Plantations in Kerala, India. Painting will be done on a 16”x20” canvas using acrylic paints. Painting can sometimes be messy, so we recommend that you keep that in mind when selecting your outfit for the afternoon. Light refreshments will be served. This program will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Newbury Park Library Art Gallery. Space is limited. Registration required.

Tea Kit

Experience the rich flavors of India! Each kit includes a tea bag and one of the following loose-leaf teas: Darjeeling First Flush, Darjeeling Second Flush, Masala Chai, or CTC Assam. Tea sources from The Healing Tree, a local small business with a vast selection of over 1,000 bulk exotic teas and traditional herbs from around the globe. Please check the ingredients if you have any dietary restrictions or concerns. Kits are available at both libraries starting March 30. While supplies last. 

More information at www.tolibrary.org/ocob.

Calabasas Community Center Grand Reopening Event on Saturday, March 16, 2024

The grand reopening of the Calabasas Community Center is planned for Saturday, March 16th from 8am to 6pm. Event will feature facility tours, food trucks, DJ, science and reptile tours, free classes and more. Visit www.cityofcalabasas.com/ccc for more information about this 30,000 sq ft community center. Located at 27040 Malibu Hills Road.

Five07 Turkey Day Dash Thanksgiving 5K Returns to Thousand Oaks on November 23, 2023

One of the Conejo Valley’s most popular running events has found new life.

For 15 years, the YMCA-led Turkey Day Dash was among the preeminent Thanksgiving traditions in Ventura/Los Angeles counties, regularly attracting 3,000-plus attendees to run the streets of Thousand Oaks on the morning before the big meal. That tradition came to a halt in 2020 when the spread of the coronavirus forced the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to cancel the event out of an abundance of caution.

When the Dash did not return in 2021 and 2022, a group of community members led by Five07 Coffee Bar owners Sean and Amber Rendineo approached the Y about forging a partnership that would allow the tradition to resume.

“I never thought I’d be one of those people who wakes up early on their rare day off from work to run three miles, but the Dash ended up being something that Sean and I found great joy in,” Amber said. “It’s a beautiful opportunity for us all to do something active with our neighbors on a day that centers around gratitude.”

Y president and CEO Ronnie Stone welcomed the effort, providing Five07 a roadmap to repeat the Dash’s past success and offering his team to help.

“Since the pandemic, the Y has had to significantly reduce our workforce. It is great that we are able to partner with Five07 to bring back this popular event,” Stone said. “This is just another great example of our incredible community coming together for each other. The Turkey Day Dash will always be a wonderful Y event for all our communities to enjoy.”

Under the new arrangement, Five07 will serve as host with support from three groups that will share the event’s profits: the YMCA, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks and Conejo Valley Boy Scouts.

Incoming Kiwanis Club President Paul Lopez said his organization is thrilled to be part of the Dash’s comeback tour. Lopez and his family are longtime race participants.

“The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks is always looking for an opportunity to make an impact on the children and families in our community,” Lopez said. “Being involved in bringing back the Turkey Day Dash and working in partnership with Five07 is such a thrill. We share the goals of providing a brighter tomorrow for the city of Thousand Oaks.”

New this year will be the inaugural Zack Zernik Mile, an untimed run/walk that will begin at 8 a.m. on race day before the main event. It is named for a Conejo Valley native and lifelong “Dasher” who lost his life in January 2023 at the age of 22. Zachary Zernik, a graduate of Thousand Oaks High School, was climbing near Mount Boney outside Newbury Park when he lost his footing and fell.

Zack’s parents, Fred and Elizabeth, felt the Dash was the right venue to honor Zack because the event has meant so much to their family over the years.

“We have great family memories of the Conejo Valley Turkey Day Dash, going back to the very first one at Dos Vientos,” Elizabeth said.

Each year, Zack would collect a different Dash T-shirt he would proudly wear around town and to sports practices.

“We have these and many other happy memories of ‘Fitness before the Feast,’ including running and cheering on grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, so we thought helping bring back the Dash to the Conejo Valley was a way to honor Zack’s adventurous spirit and pay tribute to the community that he had the opportunity to grow up in,” the Zerniks said.

The 2023 Five07 Turkey Day Dash will start at 7 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 23 at Cal Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. To register, go to www.five07turkeydaydash.org. Early sign-up and family discounts available.

For information on becoming a sponsor, email race organizer Kyle Jorrey at dash@thefive07.com or call (805) 244-1731. Among the first to sign on as sponsors: Athens Services, Road Runner Sports, Negley Law, Newbury Park Adventist Academy, Candu Graphics and Open Wall Systems.

ABOUT FIVE07

FIVE07 exists to support creativity and community, representing the intersection of civic engagement, art, music, food and drink. The name symbolizes the five steps to creating something of importance–1) inspiration, 2) build-up, 3) resistance, 4) overcoming and 5) collaboration–happening seven days a week. Learn more or shop at www.TheFive07.com.

Scenes From Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at Dodger Stadium on November 17

Dodger Stadium is 40 miles from the Conejo Valley and we had the opportunity to enjoy the first of three final concerts by Elton John and his fantastic band as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road The Final Tour on Thursday, November 17, 2022. So we had to go! Elton John is the 4th best-selling music artist of all time. Here are some brief scenes from the 2 1/2+ hour show.

Groundbreaking of Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills on Friday, April 22nd

Press release from the National Park Service is below. The groundbreaking event at 10am on Friday can be viewed via livestream at savelacougars.org/groundbreaking as well as at King Gillette Ranch. 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. Additionally, a Crossing Celebration will take place after the livestream from 11:30 a.m. to 2: 30 p.m. at King Gillette Ranch, including food and carnival games.

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Twenty-five years of research by National Park Service (NPS) biologists and collaborators have documented the effects of habitat fragmentation and pointed to the importance of connectivity in the region, culminating in the wildlife overpass that is breaking ground this week in Liberty Canyon. Mountain lion study photo and video album here.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Friday, April 22. The new crossing will re-connect an entire ecosystem that has long been fragmented by an almost impenetrable barrier for wildlife – the 101 Freeway's 10 lanes and more than 300,000 vehicles a day.

Organizations and institutions like the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Caltrans, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, among many others, were instrumental in discovering a solution to remedy this conservation crisis.

"Our partners have taken our science and worked to change this corner of the world," said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA), a unit of the NPS. "They have bought critical lands, designed and built public works, raised funds, and developed the protections that give wildlife a chance of surviving into the future."

Since 1996, NPS biologists have researched carnivores and other local wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. The project began right in the Liberty Canyon area, with the tracking of bobcats and coyotes, and it expanded to include mountain lions in 2002.Overall, the research has focused on urbanization and habitat fragmentation in wildlife communities.

"It's super exciting to see the science that we've worked so hard on for many years result in concrete action to benefit wildlife," said Seth Riley, wildlife branch chief for SMMNRA. "This is a pivotal moment for conservation and for our park."

From the beginning, it was clear that the 101 Freeway was a major barrier to movement, even for wide-ranging species like carnivores. Later, National Park Service and UCLA studies found that the barrier effect extended to gene flow. They found genetic differentiation because of urban development and roads for bobcats and coyotes, smaller, more abundant species such as western fence lizards, and even for a bird, the wrentit.

Thus far, the most significant genetic effects have been seen in mountain lions.

The population in the Santa Monica Mountains has one of the lowest levels of genetic diversity in the state or across the west. More recently, biologists have begun to see the physical effects of that low genetic diversity, specifically kinks at the end of tails, a male with only one descended testicle, and poor sperm quality, documented through research conducted by scientists at UCLA. These were all common characteristics linked with inbreeding depression in mountain lions in Florida that nearly went extinct in the early 1990s.

"This crossing is timely, considering our recent discovery of the first physical signs of inbreeding depression occurring in our isolated mountain lion population in the Santa Monica Mountains," said Jeff Sikich, the lead field researcher on the mountain lion study. "Habitat fragmentation is the key challenge wildlife is facing here."

Sikich added that mountain lions may be the first affected and most at risk of being lost, "but the wildlife crossing will also benefit other species whose movements are blocked by this massive freeway."

This crossing will increase connectivity over the most significant barrier to connecting the Santa Monica Mountains to other large natural areas. Still, it is crucial to better understand and ultimately improve connectivity in other areas.

For instance, the 118 Freeway separates the Simi Hills, north of the 101 Freeway, from the Santa Susana Mountains. A recently initiated study by NPS and Caltrans is evaluating wildlife movement, survival, and potential road-crossing there.

Other critical locations include the Conejo Grade in the western Santa Monica Mountains, also along the 101 Freeway, and along the 5 Freeway in the Santa Clarita area where the freeway separates natural areas to the east and west.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park Service, it comprises a seamless network of local, state and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

Conejo Valley Restaurant Week Scheduled for February 18-27, 2022

Conejo Valley is gearing up to host its annual Conejo Valley Restaurant Week scheduled from February 18-27, 2022. This week-long dining event, hosted by Visit Conejo Valley, will feature excellent deals on existing menu items and special offerings while stimulating tourism and driving traffic to the local restaurants in the Conejo Valley area.

From local flavors and craft brews to an inspired wine scene, Conejo Valley is the perfect foodie destination with a unique assortment of delicious restaurants, unique breweries, bakeries and more.

“We are excited to host another restaurant week to encourage locals to celebrate and support our local culinary community,” said President/CEO of Visit Conejo Valley, Danielle Borja. “This is the perfect time for residents and visitors to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture of Conejo Valley.”

Conejo Valley has many things to discover and explore only 30 minutes from the beaches of Malibu and 45 minutes from Los Angeles. Visitors can extend their visit and enjoy all that Conejo Valley has to offer by staying at one of the 16 lodging options for all styles and budgets. Visitors that book minimum 2-night stay at one of the 16 participating hotels in the cities of Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks can sign up to receive a $100 Conejo Cash gift card upon hotel check-in.

Stay tuned for special Conejo Valley Restaurant Week 2022 offers by visiting: Restaurant Week 2022 - Conejo Valley. For visitors looking for lodging, visit: https://conejo.com/stay.

ABOUT VISIT CONEJO VALLEY
Created in 2013, Visit Conejo Valley is the official tourism marketing organization for the cities of Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills, Calif. With a mission to increase overnight visitation and improve the local economy, Visit Conejo Valley promotes the region’s diverse 16 lodging properties, unique outdoor recreation, bustling arts and culture scene, diverse dining and tasting experiences, providing visitors with helpful resources to make the best of their trip and “See Another Side of Southern California.” To learn more about accommodations, attractions, and things to do in Conejo Valley, visit conejo.com.

Farmers' Market at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard to Open Every Saturday Starting June 19th

Beginning on June 19th, The Collection at RiverPark will be hosting a farmers’ market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in partnership with California Certified Farmers Market and Raw Inspiration. Presented by Community Memorial Health System, the farmer’s market will be located on Collection Boulevard across from The Annex Food Hall.

On opening day, June 19, The Collection will kick off the farmers market with fun festivities for all ages, including live music, arts and crafts, photo opportunities and more.

The farmers market will be open weekly, rain or shine.

thecollectionrp.com/connect/events/detail/325/farmers-market

25th Anniversary Ventura Music Festival Lineup Announced for July 2019

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SILVER ANNIVERSARY LINEUP

25th Annual Festival to Feature World-Class Artists, including The Summit: Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6, Ranky Tanky, Calidore String Quartet and more this summer

Each year, the Ventura Music Festival fills venues across the city with top-tier music for two weekends of multi-genre music, dance performances and world-class culture. This summer, the festival is returning with a lineup that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Headlined by the one and only The Summit: Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 with support by world class acts such as classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening with extraordinary baritone Jubilant Sykes, the thrilling Rastrelli Cello Quartet and many others, the festival has something for every musical taste.

In the hands of renowned conductor and Ventura Music Festival Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta, the 2019 musical lineup consists of:

7/12: Festival headliners and acclaimed vocal groups are The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 as the renowned groups join forces to wow audiences at the Oxnard PACC

7/13: Celebrated guitarist Christopher Parkening joins renowned baritone Jubilant Sykes in a recital ranging from classical and jazz to American spirituals at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center

7/14: Calidore String Quartet brings “synergistic brilliance and ferocious commitment” to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center

7/19: Youth jazz pianist star-on-the-rise and “brightest light” Joey Alexander at the Ventura College Performing Arts center

7/20: Ranky Tanky brings Gullah culture and “soulful honey for the ears” through a prism of African, gospel and R&B music at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center

7/21: Rastrelli Cello Quartet’s “simply infectious” musical sizzle at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center

Additionally, the festival will host a “Tea & Trumpets” at the Ventura Pierpont Inn, where guests will enjoy a four-course English tea with the Festival Brass Quintet’s hallmark wit, humor and fanfare on 7/11, as well as a free public concert with high octane Latin guitar ensemble Incendio at Mission Park in Ventura on 7/18. For times, updates and more details in the coming months, follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The 25th annual Ventura Music Festival will take place on July 11-14 and July 18-21, 2019 at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, located at 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura unless otherwise noted above. Tickets will range in price from $25-$50 (special student rates excepted) and will be available for purchase in April.

For more information please visit www.venturamusicfestival.org or call (805) 648-3146.

For those who can’t wait until July, VMF’s silver anniversary celebration is starting sooner than ever: lauded piano duo Anderson & Roe played at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center on February 9th. On May 10th, Lithuanian “rock stars of chamber music” NICO (New Ideas Chamber Orchestra) will be lighting up the VCPAC’s stage. Tickets for both events are on-sale now.

ABOUT VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Since 1994, the mission of the Ventura Music Festival has been to bring world-class music to the community, foster audience-artist relationships, and enhance the joy of music through diverse programs for all ages. VMF seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming environment in which people both see and hear themselves reflected in the music.