Discovery Center for Science and Technology Announces New Executive Director

The Discovery Center for Science and Technology Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Vicki Holloway has been named Executive Director of The Discovery Center as of November 16, 2016, following a six-month assignment as a consultant to the organization.

Vicki brings over 20 years of experience in the fields of life and environmental science with professional expertise in strategy development, organizational design and efficiency, operations, communications and partner management. She has been an active volunteer in other nonprofit organizations in the community for 15 years.

As Executive Director, Vicki will be responsible for fundraising and grant management; volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition; program development and management; and community relations and outreach.

Serving residents of the Conejo, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties for over 20 years, The Discovery Center encourages curiosity, critical thinking and creativity through the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). To date, volunteers of The Discovery Center have served over 200,000 children and adults with educational programs and events. For additional information concerning The Discovery Center please go to www.discoverycntr.org.

The Discovery Center for Science and Technology is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Market Broiler Simi Valley is Now MB Grille

Former Market Broiler Simi Valley is now MB Grille

A couple weeks ago what used to be Market Broiler at 1161 Simi Town Center Way in Simi Valley became MB Grille. According to the Market Broiler website at www.marketbroiler.com/mb-grille, MB Grille has a new upgraded "dock-to-dish" menu, extended bar area, 16 additional draft beers, expanded wine and cocktail list and an enclosed "Private VIP Dining Room" area for large parties and special events. And there you have it. 

Pokistop Poke & Roll Appears to be Opening Soon in Simi Valley

Update: Pokistop is now open as of late December.

All signs indicate a new eatery, Pokistop Poke & Roll,  1263 Simi Town Center Way, Suite H-5, in the space previously (and quite briefly) occupied by Cre8 Pizza. The signs are up though and a "doing business as" filing was published on October 26th. So stay tuned.

Habanero Mexican Grill Coming to Thousand Oaks Marketplace

Update: Habanero Mexican Grill opened in mid-February.

Sign indicating a transfer of a alcoholic beverage serving license has been applied for. It is definitely a must to have a cold beer or margarita with your fajitas.

A new Mexican eatery called Habanero Mexican Grill is coming in the near future to the Thousand Oaks Marketplace, 520 N. Ventu Park Road, near Walmart Neighborhood Market, Walgreens and the Drive-Thru Starbucks. This new eatery will occupy a space of approximately 2,800 sq ft. Stay tuned for more information.

Janchi Korean BBQ and Bar Now Open at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

Janchi is now open. With 35 booths and tables, Janchi is a self-grill restaurant with individual grills where diners can select and cook from marinated beef short ribs, brisket, beef tongue, shrimp, scallops and other items.  There's also a grilled in the kitchen menus featuring marinated meats and seafood.

Update 11/19/16: Was told at 10:45am today that grand opening has been pushed to this coming Wednesday but a portion of the restaurant will be open for a "soft opening" until then

Update 11/17/16: An email came in at 1:41 PM today from Kevin L of Janchi Korean BBQ and Bar. He indicate that Janchi will be having its grand opening on Saturday, November 19th (yes, that's just two days from today) with limited seating. Hours of operation are 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10:30pm. He indicates the bar is currently beer and wine only. Their phone is 805-370-1777. 

Update 10/9/16: Still no specifics on timing but they have the permanent Janchi Korean BBQ signs up!

Originally posted 6/5/16:

A public notice of application to sell alcoholic beverages has been made at the former homes of TGI Fridays and the short-lived DISH Restaurant (that vacated the space on November 14, 2013 after a 14 month stint). The name of the business is Janchi Korean BBQ and Bar. No other information at this time, but stay tuned.

What does janchi (잔치) mean in English? "Feast" or "banquet." And there ya have it. For now, at least.

Thanks to Hilary A for the heads up on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page today. 

Cici's Cafe Westlake Village Looks to Open in the Coming Months

Update 12/28/16: CVG Facebook Page follower Sara T. informed us that she ate at the newly opened Westlake Village Cici's today at its soft opening. She confirmed the long awaited restaurant was open to the general public.

Update 11/16/16: I'm told "real soon" for the grand opening. Possibly within the week but a specific date was not known. 818.881.6704

Update 10/6/16: Lots of construction progress and it looks like Cici's Cafe may open within the next month or two, according to someone working at the site. But we shall see. The sign is up... "Cici's Salt & Pepper...Sugar & Cream." 

Posted 12/31/15: There's a sign on the door of the former The Counter eatery at 30990 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village (sandwiched between Barone's Pizzeria and Aroha New Zealand Cuisine) stating that Cici's is now hiring all positions. 

What is Cici's? Well, the phone number given is the Cici's Cafe located on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana. The Cici's Facebook page indicates the eatery opened in 2006 and serves breakfast and lunch with "scrumptious" (I love that word) pancakes, french toast, omelettes, salads and wraps.  

There are over 1,800 reviews of Cici's on Yelp, with an average rating a solid 4 1/2. Sounds promising! No other information currently available on timing, but stay tuned...

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in October 2016

The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division (EHD) protects public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following facility closures were noted in October 2016. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

Ben & Jerry's @ The Collection, 2752 Seaglass Way, Oxnard;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/31/16; Date reopened - 11/2/16

City Buffet, 1600 Ives Avenue, Oxnard;

Cockroach Infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/28/16; Date reopened - 11/4/16

Corrigan's Steak House, 556 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/28/16; Date reopened - 11/03/16

Bad Ass Tacos, 2951 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks;

No valid Permit to Operate, no plans submitted;

Date closed - 10/27/16; No reopen date

Gandolfo's NY Deli, 2790 Seaglass Way, Oxnard;

Operating without a valid permit

Date closed - 10/27/16; Date reopened - 10/27/16

Palermo, 321 E. Main St., Ventura;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/19/16; Date reopened - 10/21/16

Del Taco, 4393 E. Main St., Ventura;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/18/16; Date reopened - 10/19/16

Danielle's Donuts, 4577 Pleasant Valley Rd., Camarillo;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/17/16; Date reopened - 10/19/16

Mandarin House #4, 4585 Pleasant Valley Rd., Camarillo;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/14/16; Date reopened - 10/17/16

Firehouse Cafe, 1244 Sycamore Ave., Simi Valley;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/07/16; Date reopened - 10/08/16

Ray's Donuts, 3734 Saviers Rd., Oxnard;

No valid Permit to operate;

Date closed - 10/06/16; Date reopened - 10/06/16

Romano's Macaroni Grill, 4880 Telephone Road, Ventura;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/06/16; Date reopened - 10/08/16

Lolita's Lunch (4R74223), 2985 Sturgis Rd., Oxnard;

Inoperoble equipment resulting in food temperature violations;

Date closed - 10/06/16; Date reopened - 10/07/16

Hunan Garden, 1621 N. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

Unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/06/16;Date reopened - 10/07/16

IHOP, 718 Ventura Street, Fillmore;

Sewage overflowing inside the facility, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/05/16; Date reopened - 10/05/16

El Pollo Loco #57, 399 Las Posas Road, Camarillo

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/03/16; Date reopened - 10/04/16 

CSU Channel Islands to Host Grand Opening of Santa Rosa Village and Islands Café

CSU Channel Islands (CI) will formally unveil Santa Rosa Village and the newly-expanded Islands Café with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7.

CI President Erika D. Beck will host the ceremony for the newest student residence hall on campus and the renovated Islands Café.

Santa Rosa Village was constructed using CI’s distinctive California Mission-style architecture while including 21st century amenities such as suites with inviting living rooms and communal kitchens. Common areas have flat screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, Keurig machines, kitchen tables, chairs and a sink.

Santa Rosa stands four stories high and can accommodate 600 students. An outdoor courtyard connects living areas and a common laundry area. The building is energy-efficient and meets CAL Green standards.

For a virtual tour and how to apply for housing, visit www.csuci.edu/housing.

Islands Café expanded its menu to include a broad variety of healthy, tasty offerings such as Asian dishes; artisan pizzas; local produce, sushi and breakfast all day. There are also gluten-free options for pizza, pasta, bread and cookies.

The café’s service has doubled and it offers both indoor and outdoor seating. For a one-time $5 fee, diners get a reusable take-out container. Each time they return, they can exchange their dirty container for a clean container.

Executive Chef and Director of Food Services Peter Maher said the public is welcome at the café, which is open seven days a week. An all-you-can-eat lunch is $9.25 and an all-you-can-eat dinner is $11.25. For weekly menus and hours, visit uas.csuci.edu/hospitality/hospitality-locations.htm.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus.  Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org. 

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.