Cronies Sports Grill Opening Its Doors in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th

The long-awaited opening of another Cronies has come to an end. Cronies will be opening it doors at Stagecoach Plaza in Newbury Park on Monday, February 28th!

Two beers or not two beers? That is the question. But usually one cold, frosty beer at Cronies does the trick for me! www.Cronies.com

The New and Improved Waypoint Cafe at the Camarillo Airport

I don't write about a lot of restaurants, namely because the primary focus of Conejo Valley Guide is "events and activities" throughout Ventura County. But from time to time I find the motivation to share a special find, like the Waypoint Cafe in Camarillo.

The Waypoint Cafe was always a great place to eat. Good food adjacent to the Camarillo Airport landing strip. The close proximity to aircraft made this a fun dining choice from time to time. But about a year ago the Waypoint was remodeled and suddenly it has become a destination restaurant!

It had been 4 or 5 years since I was last there, and this place looked nothing like it used to, starting at the entrance that I hardly recognized.

Everything has been upgraded...the floors, booths, chairs, outdoor areas and decor. Very impressive! And the place was completely hopping at 11:45 a.m. on a Thursday. This shot is a bit blurry...but it provides the color scheme at least.

We were seated immediately and service was cheerful and attentive. We were near the window and here's what we were treated to outside.

Soon my iced tea came in this large, metal ice cream shake type glass. Kind of unique. Worked for me. The tea was good.

Then out came our food. my cohort had the french dip with fries that he said were notably good. My veggie burger wasn't the "best" that I've had but I did enjoy it. My sweet potato fries were delicious. And the large pickle slice, which I usually don't eat, was outstanding.

I don't hesitate recommending Waypoint Cafe as a fun local destination restaurant.  I caught a lot of people eating delicious looking breakfasts for lunch too. Open 7 days a week until 4 p.m. at 325 Durley Avenue. Visit www.thewaypointcafe.com or call 805.388.2535.

The Tipsy Goat to Open in Thousand Oaks on March 17th

I WENT TO THE TIPSY GOAT! MORE ON THAT HERE

In what used to be Enrique's Mexican Restaurant at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, a new place with the interesting name "The Tipsy Goat" will be opening on Thursday, March 17th. At least that's what The Tipsy Goat website says at www.thetipsygoat.net. "Hoovin a good time" is the only thing it says on the site at this point. One thing for sure, they will definitely serve beer! The Tipsy Goat is directly adjacent to Outback Steakhouse.

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The Santa Susana Cantina Has Been Closed Now For Over 4 Years

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On a recent trip to the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad off of Kuehner Drive in Simi Valley, I came across the vacant Santa Susana Cantina. Living in the Conejo Valley, it is not often that I get out that direction, other than the rare occasion I need to take the 118 Freeway to the San Fernando Valley.

But it is definitely worth a periodic drive to explore this northeastern tip of Ventura County. Corriganville Park is also a worthwhile place to explore over there.

The Santa Susana Cantina closed its doors in October 2006 after 73 years in business. It's great to see history like this on display.

Spanish Speaking Community Robbery Scam in Newbury Park on January 25th

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Nature of Incident: Robbery scam in Spanish speaking community

Location: 600 Block of Avenida Del Platino, Newbury Park

Date & Time: January 25, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m.

Victim: Female adult / Hispanic Newbury Park 56
Suspect 1 (S-1): Hispanic male Unknown 60-65 years
Suspect 2 (S-2): Hispanic female Unknown 60-65 years

A Newbury Park woman was the victim of a robbery once the suspects talked their way into her home. The female Hispanic victim answered a knock at her front door and was greeted by an older Hispanic couple. The man asked in Spanish if they could have some water, while both suspects acted like they were in need of water. The victim felt sorry for the couple and said in Spanish she would get them some water. The victim left the door open and walked to her kitchen to get some water.

When the victim turned around, both the suspects were already in her home. The victim gave some water to the female suspect as the male suspect walked into the victim’s bedroom. The victim followed after the male suspect and asked what he was doing. The male suspect turned and approached the victim in an intimidating manner. The male suspect got angry and yelled at the victim to “be quiet.”

The victim became very afraid of the suspects and feared for her safety because she was home alone. Both suspects went through the residence looking for items to take. The suspects took items of gold jewelry, a flat screen television, an Apple iPod touch, a black PSP Play Station, victim’s cell phone, U.S. Currency, U.S. Immigration card and Social Security Card.

The suspects loaded the items into an older light gray van (possibly a Chrysler), and locked the victim out of her home before driving away.

(S-1) is described as a Hispanic male in his early to mid sixties, 5’-4” to 5’-7” in height, 155 to 165 pounds, well dressed, and spoke only Spanish in a loud intimidating voice. (S-2) is described as an Hispanic female in her early to mid sixties, 5’-6” to 5’-8” in height, 200 to 230 pounds, long straight black hair worn in a pony tail that reached her lower back, wearing a black sweater over a long black dress with black flat shoes, brown purse, and only spoke Spanish. Neither suspect had any unique traits, scars, marks, or tattoos. Based on the victim only speaking Spanish and living in a predominantly Spanish neighborhood, I believe the suspects will continue to prey upon other Hispanic victims.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).