Ventura County Animal Services Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe 4th of July Weekend

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is bracing for what is sure to be one of their busiest weekends of the year. Each year, during the days surrounding 4^th of July, hundreds of pets become frightened by fireworks and run away from their homes and yards. These pets, lost and confused, often end up at VCAS’ animal adoption centers in Camarillo and Simi Valley.

“The sights, sounds and smells of fireworks can be terrifying for some pets,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “By following some very simple safety tips, people can keep their animals safe and secure while they enjoy 4^th of July festivities.”

Pet Safety Tips:

1. Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
2. Do not leave your pet alone in the car - Pets can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes when left in a hot car. Unfortunately, partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they can provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3. Make sure your pets are properly licensed and wearing identification tags, so that if they become lost, they can be returned promptly. Make sure that tags have current phone numbers and VCAS has current owner contact information on file.
4. Get your pet microchipped or, if it already is, make sure the microchip company has your current contact information.
5. Animals found running at-large should be taken to a VCAS animal adoption center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
6. Keep your pets in a comfortable and quiet area during Fourth of July festivities. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice.
7. Be sure that you remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company if you won't be home.
8. If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space, let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, leave them there.
9. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
10. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder or fireworks, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

Those who do lose a pet can search for it on VCAS’ website at www.vcas.us or by using their free iPhone/Android mobile pet adoption apps at  bit.ly/1nXm3jK (Apple iTunes) or http://bit.ly/V3LEAz (Google Play).

In addition, VCAS posts photos of all lost animals brought into their adoption centers on the VCLostPets Twitter account at twitter.com/VCLostPets.

Mediterranean Pita Grill to Open June 30, 2014 in Westlake Village

In January, Conejo Valley Guide Facebook follower Lauren R tipped us off that Mediterranean Pita Grill would be opening soon in Westlake Village, next to Tikka Grill at 5790 Lindero Canyon Road (near the corner of E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.).

Today we heard that the eatery will be opening on Monday, June 30th.

Mediterranean Pita Grill has been in business nearly three years at 26527 Agoura Road in Calabasas, serving up shawerma, falafel, kabob and other fine Mediterranean delicacies. Based on its Yelp reviews, it looks to be a great addition to Westlake Village.

Learn more at www.mediterraneanpitagrill.com.

Mother's Day Visit to The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village

A guest post about a visit to The Grill on the Alley at The Promenade at Westlake.

Last month I took my mom out for a Mother's Day dinner experience at The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village. 

The Grill is a classic steakhouse. Had it been here in the 1960s, I envision the Rat Pack stopping by, enjoying The Grill's "hand crafted" martinis or classic highballs.

The Red Velvet Martini, Side Car Martini and other cocktails sounded great, but mom and I chose a glass of wine and a Bloody Mary to start our evening. Both drinks were perfect.

Next came the appetizers. I had the special, the Tuna Steak Tartare, and mom had a beautiful, crisp fresh salad. Again, nothing short of perfect.

My main course was the Filet Mignon with truffle butter, along with a side of braised brussels sprouts to share.  Mom had one of The Grill's specials - calf's liver with onions and bacon. Everything melted in our mouths; it was so tender our knives were rarely needed.

For dessert we enjoyed coffee, creme brûlée and the best key lime pie I can ever remember. Ever.

We enjoyed the evening from start to finish. The service was impecabble, with waiters donning white coats like it was a special event (which it was, but of course).

We are looking forward to our next visit, and are determined not to wait until next Mother's Day to do so. Next time I may try the oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce, crab cocktail and the filet steak salad, or the pan seared salmon with shittake mushroom beurre blanc sauce and the grilled asparagus, along with the Ruby Red Lemon Drop Martini!

And perhaps if I bring my boys, they will opt for the American Kobe Burger with black and white truffle mayonnaise, served with jumbo onion rings. My husband, who is not a big red meat eater, will undoubtedly enjoy the pan-seared salmon and will splurge on the Lobster Mashed Potatoes.

The Grill, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, offers catering, meeting and conference space, wireless internet, indoor/outdoor seating and valet parking.  There is a traditional prime rib dinner offered Sundays after 5 pm.  Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm,  Friday open until 11 pm, Saturday 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 9:30 pm.  For reservations, call (805) 418-1760 or book your table online at thegrill.com/locations/the-grill-westlake-village-california.

Some recent additions to The Grill's menu includes Seared Ahi Sashimi, Braised Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Gratin. Looking forward to our next visit.

UCAAN Founder Rachel Shur Receives National Gold Presidential Service Award

Local resident Rachel Shur was recently presented with the National Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service by Senior Chaplain Dan Regan, United States Chaplain Service. He also presented her with a signed letter from President Obama and a Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award Pin.

Shur is a two time cancer warrior who beat terminal leukemia in 2006 and again in 2007. She is the founder of the United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN), a 501(c)3 all volunteer run organization in Thousand Oaks.

Over the past five years, Shur has dedicated her time and energy into UCAAN and the people it serves: 2,575 cancer warriors, patients, survivors and their families have been helped by UCAAN and its team of dedicated volunteers.

Before Shur founded UCAAN, she volunteered her time to help other organizations and shared her cancer story at health fairs, local high schools and colleges. Eventually, it wasn’t enough for Shur and she saw what really needed to be her focus, the start of an organization unlike any other, a one-stop resource organization that would help cancer patients locally and nationwide.

UCAAN continues to grow as Rachel tirelessly does all that she can to help those struggling in our communities and beyond to find the help they need when they need it. UCAAN’s focus is “Finding Solutions for Cancer Patients in Need Locally & Nationwide.”  UCAAN has an extensive database of over 1,800 organizations nationwide that offer an array of support for those affected by cancer. UCAAN also has a personal fundraising program, in addition to two local financial assistance programs: Gas Cards to local patients to help them get to their treatment appointments, and fluoride trays to prevent dental deterioration caused by most cancer treatments. Additional services are planned for the future.

UCAAN helps anyone, any age with any form of cancer, nationwide. To find out more information about UCAAN or to make a donation visit www.UCAAN.org or contact the UCAAN office at 805-796-6090. To speak with Rachel Shur directly, call 805-479-1032 or email her at UCAANorg@yahoo.com.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The program continues as an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

See's Candies Coming Soon to The Promenade at Westlake in Westlake Village

UPDATE 6/23/14: See's Candies at The Promenade at Westlake is now open! Store hours and info at ca.thousandoaks.sees.com/chocolate_shops_thousand-oaks_ca_1ca045.html or call 805.497.6263.

Posted in April 2014:

This is pretty sweet, both literally and figuratively! Today The Promenade at Westlake announced that See's Candies will be opening soon, adding to the sugar mix that includes Sprinkles Cupcakes that opened on October 30, 2013 and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.

Specific date not available as of yet. See's Candies Westlake Village will join other local See's locations at The Oaks Mall, Pacific View Mall in Ventura and Sycamore Square Shopping Center here in the Ventura County area.

From the See's website at www.sees.com:

See's Candies chocolate shops were founded 90+ years ago upon Mary See's basic principle of Quality without Compromise. To this day, we stand by this motto. Our chocolates and candies are made in our own factories located in both Los Angeles and South San Francisco. From these chocolate factories, we send our delicious candies to the rest of our See's chocolate shops throughout the country.

See's Candies has 200+ chocolate shops. Our great reputation is founded upon our delicious candies and chocolates, our free chocolate and candy samples, and our friendly customer service. To produce the best possible boxed chocolates, we follow in Mary See's footsteps and insist on using only the best ingredients (and we never add preservatives).

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill to Open at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard (Closed in 2015)

UPDATE MAY 2015: Well that didn’t last long…Toby Keith’s Oxnard closed less than a year after it opened.

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is a restaurant chain founded by country music singer Toby Keith. Over his career, Keith has released over 20 albums, 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list (including 19 number one hits), and has sold over 40 million albums.

It opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on May 31st.

Huge guitar-shaped bar at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in OxnardGigantic American flag makes for great photo opps on the back outside wall of Toby Keith's

The chain is named after his hit song "I Love This Bar," recorded in 2003, and feature large bars in the shape of guitars and live music.

As one would expect, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill features American fare, including steaks, sandwiches, fresh fish, burgers, salads and more. Another feature is a 95 foot guitar-shaped bar.

This image of Smokehouse Nachos from Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is both eye opening and stomach grumbling!

For updates and information, visit countrybaroxnard.com and www.facebook.com/TobyKeithsOxnard.

Ventura County Public Health First in California to Receive National Accreditation

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) announced today that it has achieved 5-year national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). VCPH is the first public health department in California to earn this important distinction.

The national accreditation program, jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s more than 3,000 governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. To receive accreditation, VCPH underwent a voluntary rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets or exceeds a set of quality standards and measures.

"I couldn't be more proud of the VCPH team for helping us achieve this extraordinary accomplishment,” said Rigoberto Vargas, Ventura County Public Health Director.  “The accreditation process, which took more than two years to complete, is a testimony to our department’s hard work, dedication and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.”

Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. In cities, towns, and states across the nation, health departments provide a range of services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; creating safer neighborhoods; administering life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

“I want to congratulate Ventura County Public Health on receiving national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, California Department of Public Health director and state health officer.  “Accreditation is a distinction which means that the Ventura County Public Health department meets nationally accepted standards.  Many public health departments nationwide are preparing for accreditation but only a handful have actually achieved accreditation.  Ventura County is truly ahead of the pack.”

VCPH employs approximately 300 people, operates four clinics and seven Women, Infant & Children (WIC) centers and, frequently collaborates with medical providers, schools, businesses and community partners to mitigate health disparities and improve community access to care.

The national accreditation program was created collaboratively over a 10-year period by hundreds of public health practitioners working at the national, Tribal, state, and local levels. Since the program’s launch in September 2011, nearly 130 health departments have applied to PHAB for accreditation, and hundreds of public health practitioners from across the nation have been trained to serve as volunteer peer site visitors for the program.

To learn more Ventura County Public Health, visit www.vchca.org/public-health and to learn more about PHAB or sign up for the PHAB e-newsletter, visit www.phaboard.org.

The Wineyard in Thousand Oaks to Close Its Doors This Thursday, June 19th

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page follower Danielle forwarded an email sent by owners of The WineYard in Thousand Oaks, adjacent to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza:

"Friends of The WineYard, after 7 1/2 years -  we sadly say good bye. When we opened The WineYard we never expected to be here this long and we are so grateful to you for being our friends.  You and your support have meant so much to us that our decision was very difficult to make.  We have enjoyed meeting you, talking with you and sharing our lives together.

Our last day is this Thursday, June 19th. Baby's Bad Ass Burgers food truck will also be here. Come and see us this week if you can. We will miss you terribly, but the time has come to move on. We hope to see you again, but until then, CHEERS!

Club WineYard: if you have wines to pick up please come in before Friday otherwise get in touch with us for your wine pick up.  Thank you for your support!!!

With the closing, many WineYard bistro tables and chairs, furniture pieces, patio futniture, coolers, etc... will be for sale."

Kora Bistro & Sushi Bar Coming Soon to Westlake Village

Kora Bistro & Sushi Bar is "coming soon" to 30990 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, in the former home of 9021Pho (which will soon be re-opening at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks), directly adjacent to The Counter Burger.

I believe Kora will be serving up Japanese and Italian fusion cuisine. No other details at this point, so stay tuned.

UPDATE: Kora is no longer there. I don't know exactly when they opened or when they closed, but Barone's The Pizzeria Express is coming in early 2015 now!