Local Buzz covers new businesses, restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
Local Buzz covers new restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
Post other items directly to the Community Announcements section of the site.
Michael K. pointed out that Vintage Grocers at The Promenade at Westlake has closed its doors. It opened on October 1, 2016. Previously this was Bristol Farms, which closed its doors on March 15, 2016.
Vintage Grocers signage already down day after store closed.
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 vcrma.org/food-facilities-closure-report-inspector-initiated.
The following facility closures (exclusive of mobile facilities) were noted in February 2019. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.
KFC, 351 E. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme;
No warm water for hand washing in the kitchen;
Date closed - 02/28/19; Date reopened - 02/28/19
Donut Queen, 2650 E. Ventura Blvd. #105, Camarillo;
Sewage discharge onto the ground outside the food facility, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/28/19; Date reopened - 03/01/19
Taqueria Potrillos, 2650 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo;
Sewage discharge onto the ground outside the food facility, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/28/19; Date reopened - 03/01/19
Wendy's, 307 Arneill Road, Camarillo;
Inoperable plumbing, resulting in inability to wash utensils;
Date closed - 02/27/19; Date reopened - 02/27/19
Marisco El Campeon, 1175 Harvard Boulevard, Santa Paula;
Inoperable plumbing, resulting in inability to wash utensils;
Date closed - 02/27/19; Date reopened - 02/28/19
Mrs. Olson's Coffee Hut, 2800 S. Harbor Blvd. #A, Oxnard;
No three-compartment sink/hand sink avaialbe at the bar area (were removed without approval);
Date closed - 02/25/19; Date reopened - 02/27/19
New Asia Market located, 3823 Saviers Rd., Oxnard;
Inoperable restroom (no restroom available for employees/customers);
Date closed - 02/25/19; Date reopened - 03/01/19
Amigo Market, 431 North Ojai Road, Santa Paula;
Sewage back-up inside the facility, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/20/19; Date reopened - 02/21/19
Waba Grill, 1351 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard;
No hot water available for utensil washing/cleaning, or warm water for hand washing;
Date closed - 02/20/19; Date reopened - 02/20/19
La Gloria Market, 430 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;
Leaky roof & repeated violations;
Date closed - 02/14/19; Date reopened - 02/15/19
Panaderia Oralia, 430 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;
Leaky roof in food prep and utensil washing areas;
Date closed - 02/14/19; Date reopened - 02/15/19
Chinese Dumpling House, 575 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/11/19; Date reopened - 02/12/19
Breakfast Cafe, 317 Carmen Drive, Camarillo;
Unsanitary conditions as a result of construction taking place during operating hours;
Date closed - 02/06/19; Out of Business as of 2/8/2019
Henny Penny Fish & Chips, 200 S. Ventura Rd., Oxnard;
Rodent infestation, repeated violations & unsanitary conditions
Date closed - 02/05/19; Date reopened - 02/08/19
Tortillas Grill & Cantina, 45 Rincon Dr. #C, Camarillo;
Sewage backup & unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/05/19; Date reopened - 02/05/19
Blimpie Subs & Salads of Camarillo, 4035 Adolfo Rd. #D, Camarillo;
Inoperable plumbing resulting in sewage backup & unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 02/01/19; Date reopened - 02/04/19
UPDATE 3/26/19: NEVER MIND! Due to traffic control and safety concerns from fire officials, the market has been moved back to the east parking lot as of 3/28/19 (at least for the time being).
The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market held at the The Oaks Shopping Center will soon have a new location and new market hours. The Thousand Oaks market, operated by the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA), will move from its existing site at the east end parking lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard to the West Side Delivery Lane between The Oaks parking structure and the main food court entrance. The move will take place starting on Thursday, March 21 and the new hours will run from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
“We are looking forward to moving into a more convenient location for our customers,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the VCCFMA. “Shoppers will have access to ample parking within the parking structure and the nearby lower level parking lots, allowing for easier access to the market,” continued Schott. “In addition, we hope to introduce the market to a new audience with the Children’s Area and Food Court immediately adjacent to this new location,” she added.
For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit www.vccfarmersmarkets.com.
About the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association
The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association serves the community of Ventura with two Markets -- Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall, front west parking lot on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays in Downtown Ventura on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end parking lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Santa Clarita Farmers’ Market is held on Sundays at the College of the Canyons, parking lot 5 on Valencia Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market held at the Oaks Shopping Center will soon have a new location and new market hours. The Thousand Oaks market, operated by the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA), will move from its former site at the east end parking lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard to the West Side Delivery Lane between the Oaks Parking Structure and the Main Food Court Entrance. The move will take place starting on Thursday, March 21 and the new hours will run from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
“We are looking forward to moving into a more convenient location for our customers,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the VCCFMA. “Shoppers will have access to ample parking within the parking structure and the nearby lower level parking lots, allowing for easier access to the market,” continued Schott. “In addition, we hope to introduce the market to a new audience with the Children’s Area and Food Court immediately adjacent to this new location,” she added.
For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfarmersmarkets.com.
About the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association
The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association serves the community of Ventura with two Markets -- Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall, front west parking lot on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays in Downtown Ventura on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end parking lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Santa Clarita Farmers’ Market is held on Sundays at the College of the Canyons, parking lot 5 on Valencia Boulevard from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Simi Valley Town Center announced today that Feel Good Bakery and Sandwich Shop will be opening at the Town Center around May 1st, serving gluten-free baked goods and vegan foods.
As you may have already heard, the long-anticipated Dave & Buster’s at 145 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks is set to open on Monday, March 4, 2019. Here are some details about the place:
Chicken Waffle Sliders at D&B’s
This 32,000 square foot facility is the 15th location in California and 123rd location overall.
There is a sports bar with dozens of HDTVs with plenty of seating.
A huge portion of the space is dedicated towards arcade games. Additionally, guests can play the multiplayer virtual reality attraction featuring “Dragonfrost,” where guests will embark on the ultimate winter quest to save the kingdom, and Jurassic World VR Expedition, an interactive cinematic experience that transports players to the jungles of Isla Nubar on an epic rescue inspired by the Jurassic World film series.
Private event space available for any occasion, size and budget.
Some of the newer menu items include Ancho Caesar Lettuce Wraps, The Super Stack Burger and BBBacon Burger (featuring 3 types of bacon), Philly Cheesesteak Sliders & Goldfingers (hand-breaded chicken fingers), Green Chile Chicken Tacos, Avocado Toast with Mexican Street Corn and the 100% plant-based Impossible Burger.
Weekly Specials
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm and Late Night Happy Hour Sun-Thurs 10pm-close) offers half priced cocktails, $2.50 domestic pints and other specials.
2 for Tuesday: $2 beers, $2 tacos & 2 free game plays (with $10 Power Card purchase)
Wed: Half price games all day
Thurs: All You Can Eat Wings + Unlimited Video Game Play for $19.99 (All Day)
Hours of operation are Sun-Thu 11am to 1am and Fri-Sat 11am to 2am.
Angie E. reported via the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page that Vegan Thyme is “coming soon” to the Park Plaza Shopping Center at 2205 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, between Azar’s and the liquor store. Well I stopped by today, Saturday, March 2nd, and they are now open. In fact, today was their soft open.
Previous occupants of this spots were Sushi Plant and Exotic Flame. I was told that everything on their menu is dairy and meat free - noodles, Pad Thai, non-meat chicken dishes and much more.
Their phone number is 805-716-3088. Partial menu at this link.
Noi Due Trattoria and Pizzeria opened two weeks ago in the Agoura Village Center, 29020 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills. Owner Antonio De Cicco has been involved in the restaurant industry since 1986, most recently managing Toscanova at The Commons at Calabasas.
Noi Due’s menu includes traditional Italian specialties - pasta, risotto, pizza, antipasto, salads, beef, fish and more.
Noi Due, eh? What does it mean? “The Two of Us.”
Learn more at noiduetrattoria.com or call 818.852.7090.
Previous occupants of this space have included Chianti Trattoria, Fabrocini’s, Reolution Speakeasy and Bistro 101.
Update 3/2/19: Carol Ames submitted the photo below, showing construction preparations at 2022 First Street.
Progress!? Carol Ames submitted this photo of some action 2022 First Street, Simi Valley recently.
UPDATE 2/17/19 - Well, it’s taking longer than originally anticipated and there’s no date, but Black Bear Diner still appears to be opening at some point in Simi Valley. blackbeardiner.com/locations-coming-soon
Originally posted 5/28/18:
Founded in 1995, Black Bear Diner is a fast-growing family restaurant serving home-style comfort food classics at over 110 locations. It will be opening a location at First Street and Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley this year. Nearest locations are currently in Tarzana and Santa Clarita.
Breakfast is served all day, including omelettes and scrambles, classic 2-egg combos like chicken fried steak and thick-cut smoked bacon, pancakes, waffles and French toast and other items. Lunch includes burgers, sandwiches, salads and other specialties. Dinner items include a number of down home favorites like Housemade Meatloaf and Slow-Cooked Pot Roast, steaks, chicken and waffle, etc.
Learn more at blackbeardiner.com.
The founders of Black Bear Diner tell their story.
A portion of the Backbone Trail managed by the National Park Service in Malibu reopened today, along with the popular Grotto Trail in the Circle X area.
The majority of the 67-mile Backbone Trail is now open, with the exception of a four-mile stretch from Yerba Buena Road to the Mishe Mokwa Trailhead and a six-mile stretch from the Kanan Trailhead east to the Corral Canyon Trailhead. Large portions of the trail have been closed since the Woolsey Fire destroyed 88% of federal parkland in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area last November.
Backbone Trail repair work (Photo Courtesy of National Park Service)
“Our small trails crew, assisted on some days by our valuable partners, which include members of the California Conservation Corps, Camp 13 and the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council, did a phenomenal job in restoring these trails,” said David Szymanski, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “An especially rainy season hindered the work and created a variety of additional hazards, but these folks really came through and made it happen.”
Other trails and areas in the park still closed include Solstice Canyon and trails in Zuma/Trancas Canyons.
All official trails in Circle X Ranch, one of the park’s most remote and scenic locations, are now open ,including the Mishe Mokwa Loop, Sandstone Peak Trail, and the Tri Peaks Trail. Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons, Paramount Ranch, Rancho Sierra Vista and the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch are also open.
Click here to see photos of the extensive post-fire work (including some before and after photos) that was done to mitigate safety issues caused by “hazard trees” (trees that were badly burned in the fire and are susceptible to falling), eroded trails and warped, burned culverts. Tasks included clearing trails of hazardous rocks, branches and sticks and reestablishing trail pads by spreading any slough that fell from the hillsides onto a trail and finding large rocks and dirt to fill deep ruts that cut directly across trails.
Although these areas are open, there is a closure order for all burned areas that restricts the public to the trails only. Visitors are being asked to stay on trails and be aware that numerous safety hazards still exist. Hikers going off trail can cause more damage to newly restored trails, trample new plants, and prevent the re-growth of fragile vegetation.
The NPS trail crew collaborated on multiple sections of the Backbone Trail with local members of the California Conservation Corps and Camp 13, the only all-female, Malibu-based fire camp in Los Angeles that occasionally assists with trail work. The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council also helped repair a portion of the Backbone Trail section along Kanan Road in Zuma Canyon.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area boasts a network of approximately 500 miles of trails.
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 Guide covers events, activities and things to do throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas.
