The 101/23 Interchange Improvement Project in Thousand Oaks Starting Soon

The City of Thousand Oaks, Caltrans and Ventura County Transportation Commission are initiating the US Highway 101/State Route 23 Interchange Improvement Project soon!

The 101/23 interchange is one of the most congested freeway segments in Ventura County during peak travel periods. The project will widen the freeway and some of the existing connectors and ramps. Specifically, the project will:

• Add a lane to the southbound 23 to northbound 101 connector and southbound 23 to southbound 101 connector.

• Add a lane to the northbound and southbound US 101 freeway at various locations between the Los Angeles/Ventura County line and Moorpark Road.

• Widen three bridges (northbound side only) at Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road. Construct soundwalls between Hampshire Road and Conejo School Road on  northbound side of 101 and between Manzanita Lane and Hampshire Road on the southbound side of the 101 freeway.

• Realign Moorpark Road northbound onramp and offramp. The 101 northbound onramp will be reconstructed to include an additional lane. The Moorpark Road undercrossing will be widened.

• The southbound Westlake Blvd onramp will be reconstructed to add an additional lane. The 101 will be restriped in the vicinity of Westlake Blvd to provide five mixed flow lanes.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2016 and is anticipated to relieve traffic issues at the interchange, improve traffic safety and operations at the interchange, improve local traffic flow and commutes and enhance air quality.

Projected closures of US 101/SR-23 connectors, surface streets and on/offramps will take place intermittently throughout the two-year project. Closures will take place during off-peak hours whenever possible.

To learn more about specific closures and project updates, visit the project website on the City of Thousand Oaks website at www.toaks.org/10123. You can also sign up for email updates at that link.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT!?

Residents are invited to attend a community meeting to learn about the upcoming improvements, general construction schedule and closures. Caltrans and City of Thousand Oaks staff as well as the project designer will be on hand to answer questions on Wednesday, February 5th from 6-8PM at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Founders Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks.

Highlights of 101/23 Interchange Project Improvements (Courtesy of Caltrans).

Angel Cafe Pizza & Pasta in Agoura Hills is Closed For Business

CVG Facebook follower Este K informed us of the bad news, that Angel Cafe Pizza & Pasta at the corner of Kanan Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Agoura Hills recently closed its doors at the end of an eight year lease. About four months ago, The Alamo Bar & Grill closed in the same shopping center (and The Latigo Kid is anticipated to move to that location in the next month or so). Best of luck to the former employees of Angel Cafe in quickly finding new jobs. I suspect this prime Agoura Hills spot will not be vacant for long.

Bright Child Indoor Play Center in Oak Park Closes But is Now Called Kids World

Well this is sad news. The Bright Child indoor play center at the corner of Lindero Canyon and Kanan in Oak Park announced that it closed its doors after 10 years in operation on Monday, January 20, 2014.

However, the location is now called Kids World. Same location, different name! More info at kidsworldla.com.  Located at 618 Lindero Canyon Road. 818.338.8888

Although my kids are a bit older now, we have fond memories of visiting Bright Child over the years. Sorry to see them close, but on a brighter note, they indicate in this Facebook post that "the Oak Park venue was 10 years old and Bright Child believes it will better serve our customers to open a brand-new facility with all new equipment."

Looking for other fun indoor play options in and around Ventura County? Check this link.

Ventura County Public Health Provides Advice - First Flu-Related Death of the 2013-2014 Flu Season

Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Health Officer, announced today that Ventura County’s first flu-related death has occurred. A resident, under 65 years of age, died after having been hospitalized with the complications related to the H1N1 virus. The victim had other underlying conditions which may have put him at risk for severe H1N1 illness.

 “Flu, including the H1N1 strain, is on the rise throughout the state and, over the past week, influenza-related deaths have increased by 50 in California,” said Dr. Robert Levin, VCPH Health Officer. So far this season, the California Dept. of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed 95 flu-related deaths statewide.

In Ventura County, there have been 23 flu-related hospitalizations so far this season with six patients requiring treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). With the exception of the one death, all other ICU patients have been released from the hospital. During the 2012 – 2013 flu season, Ventura County had three flu-related deaths.

“The peak of the flu season usually occurs in late January through February, so there is still time to benefit from a flu vaccine,” said Levin. According to the CDPH, influenza vaccine remains available and there is no widespread shortage of anti-virals for treatment of the flu.

An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. It is also important to practice the three “C’s” of illness prevention in an effort to prevent the spread of germs:

• Cover your cough
• Clean your hands
• Confine sick people at home

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call your healthcare provider:

• A fever higher than 100 degrees and a cough and/or sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Have had contacts with a confirmed influenza case
• Are in a high-risk setting for transmission (e.g. school, prison, camp or other residential institution)
• Are a part of a cluster of influenza-like illness or symptoms

People experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

For a list of Ventura County flu-shot clinics, visit the Ventura County Public Health’s website clinics page: bit.ly/1avFeAS. For more information about where to get a flu shot, call VCPH Clinics at: (805) 981-5221.

Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society Will Not Host Railfest 2014 Event

The Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society has announced at www.scrvrhs.com that it will not be hosting a 19th Annual Santa Clara River Valley "Railfest" event this Spring, primarily because of "the uncertain contractual relationship between the Fillmore & Western Railway and the Ventura County Transportation Commission, along with the related recent court decisions as published in the media."

The Society indicates that the Fillmore & Western Railway may undertake their own version of Railfest for 2014 and that it is in no way relinquishing our rights to the annual "Railfest Event." The Society is hopeful that by next year, VCTC and Fillmore & Western have an agreement in place for continued rail operations and that Railfest will be back.

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates 9 Year Anniversary with New 10 Year Lease

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates Nine-Year Anniversary with New Menu, New Ten-Year Lease and Planned Remodel

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks, a fondue restaurant located at 3685 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, reaffirms its commitment to serve the Conejo Valley as it celebrates its nine-year anniversary by signing a new ten-year lease.

The locally owned and operated restaurant plans to introduce a new customizable menu on March 25, 2014.  It will feature per person pricing, more unbundled and à la carte selections, some tasty new fondue options and premium dippers to provide more flexibility and variety for guests.  In addition to the revamped menu, the 4,900-square-foot  restaurant’s look will also be updated within the next few years for added comfort and convenience.

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks offers a unique fondue dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere with private tables and customizable menu options that allow guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.

For reservations or more information visit www.meltingpot.com or call 805-370-8802.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

With more than 135 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 35 states, Canada and Mexico and more than 25 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot continues to be a memorable dining experience. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts.