New "Raw Bar" at Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Westlake Village on Friday Nights

Lobby Lounge Gets Crackin’ with a New Raw Bar on Friday Nights at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Chefs shuck and serve fresh oysters, shrimp, king crab legs and more on a Pacific-to-platter style menu.

Chefs serve fresh seafood from the center of the Lobby Lounge, where heaping presentations of west and east coast oysters, jumbo white prawns, ceviche and king crab claws chill atop shaved ice. Guests can take a front row seat at the Raw Bar itself to oversee the chefs’ shucking abilities. The Raw Bar menu is also available from any seat in the restaurant.

The Raw Bar menu lets guests pick and choose from a la carte options, such as their choice of a half dozen or dozen oysters such as Kumamoto, Fanny Bay, or Malpeques. A ceviche duo teams a spicy Peruvian pink snapper variation with a halibut and rock shrimp ceviche verde. Jumbo white prawns and Alaskan king crab legs are available by the pound or half-pound. Can’t decide? Choose a combination platter from the “I Want it All” section of the restaurant menu.

The Raw Bar is offered exclusively on Friday nights from 5:30 to 9:30 pm in Westlake Village. The Lobby Lounge dinner menu is available in addition to the Raw Bar selections. Reservations are recommended by calling 818.575.3000.

Updated Ventura County / Conejo Valley Election Results as of November 9th

The Ventura County Clerk & Recorder updated results from the November 6th general election at recorder.countyofventura.org/elections as of 12:12 pm today.

The number of votes cast and counted increased by 13,924, from 256,927 to 270,851. Voter turnout as a result grew from the initially reported 60.18% to 63.44%. The County Clerk's office indicates this as "Semi Official Update #1" which infers we may be seeing another update.

No changes were noted in the placement of candidates based on this update.

Here are some updated and still "unofficial" Ventura County only results:

President (268,873 votes - previously 255,107)

  • Barack Obama (Dem) 51.37% (138,119 votes)
  • Mitt Romney (Rep) 46.09% (123,919 votes)
  • Gary Johnson (Lib) 1.1% (2,946 votes)

U.S Senator (259,189 votes)

  • Dianne Feinstein (Dem) 53.77% (139,363 votes)
  • Elizabeth Emken (Rep) 46.23% (119,826 votes)

Overall preliminary vote in California Feinstein 61.5%,  Emken 38.5%.

26th Congressional District

  • Julia Brownley (Dem) 52% (110,715 votes)
  • Tony Strickland (Rep) 48% (102,219 votes)

State Senator District 27 (Ventura County only)

  • Todd Zink (Rep) 56.4% (66,552 votes)
  • Fran Pavley (Dem) 43.6% (51,456 votes)

Districtwide (Ventura/LA counties, Pavley 52.5%, Zink's 47.5%).

Member of the Assembly 44th District

  • Jeff Gorrell (Rep) 53.34% (70,191 votes)
  • Eileen Macenery (Dem) 46.66% (61,405 votes)

Conejo Valley USD Board Member (Vote for 2)

  • Betsy Connolly 37.86% (25,417 votes)
  • Peggy Buckles 32.88% (22,074 votes)
  • Tony Dolz 29.05% (19,506 votes)

Thousand Oaks City Council (Vote for 2)

  • Jacqui Irwin 24.21% (18,964 votes)
  • Al Adam 15.77% (12,351 votes)
  • Ed Jones 14.39% (11,271 votes)
  • Jim Bruno 13.70% (10,727 votes)
  • Mic Farris 12.32% (9,652 votes)
  • Deborah Birenbaum 9.01% (7,053 votes)
  • Others 7,903 votes

Conejo Recreation and Park District (Vote for 2)

  • George Lange 44.33% (28,300 votes)
  • Charles B. Huffer 25.00% (15,959 votes)
  • Dennis Anderson 18.06% (11,526 votes)
  • Clint R. Matkovich 12.36% (7,888 vote)

For results of other local races, visit recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.

There's a "Sign" That A Baskin-Robbins Will Be Opening in Thousand Oaks

Update 11/9/12: This newest Conejo Valley Baskins Robbins opened about a week and a half ago! 1769 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.409.7431)

Posted 8/17/12: There are Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors in Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura, Simi Valley, Moorpark and other Ventura County locations but at this moment in time there is no Baskin-Robbins within Thousand Oaks. By the looks of the sign at the Oakbrook Plaza on Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks, it appears another ice cream shop will be gracing our presence. It is perhaps strategically located next door to Cardio Barre to provide additional incentive for a good workout.

No details or word on open date currently available. Check baskinrobbins.com and let us know so we can add yet another ice creamery to this list of over 80 such places around Ventura County.

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Will the City of Camarillo be Seeing Its First Vietnamese Restaurant? (Actually 2nd!)

Update 11/8/12: Grand opening of Basil & Mint Vietnamese Pho Restaurant is Saturday, November 10th. Free soft drinks that day! Call 805.482.9993 for more information. Hours are 10:30 am to 9pm.

Update 10/9/12: Looks like we will soon be seeing the Basil & Mint Vietnamese Cafe at 350 North Lantana Street in Camarillo. This sign was seen there today.

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Originally posted 7/18/12:

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Quick Update: Reader Jason has pointed out that this would not be the "first" Vietnamese restaurant in Camarillo as there is Love Phò N' Mor in the Smart and Final Plaza in Camarillo at 341 Arneil Road. Their phone is 805.484.1881. Good stuff! (NOTE: I've subsequently been to Love Pho N' Mor numerous times and love it!)

Hmm, we shall see. But from the looks of this Public Notice of Application to Sell Alcoholic Beverages at 350 North Lantana Street in Camarillo (same plaza as Cronies, Peking Inn, Bobbies, Jersey Mikes) there appears to be a distinct possibility. I am not aware of any other Vietnamese restaurants in Camarillo proper.

The name on the notice is Basil & Mint Vietnamese Cafe. Already sounds pretty good to me.  Their license to sell on-site beer and wine is pending. Let's hope they are successful and open a new restaurant in this space previously occupied for many, many years by The Crab House, which closed its doors in 2009, followed for a short stint by Chevere.

Home Invasion Robbery in Thousand Oaks the Morning of Tuesday, October 30th (2nd Burglary on November 2nd)

Update 11/7/12 from Thousand Oaks PD City Watch Update:

Thousand Oaks Police Detectives are working hard at solving these cases. We are trying to identify and stop the suspects from further burglaries. We are asking for the public's help in reporting any suspicious vehicles or persons in your neighborhood.

Things to look for:

  • Vehicles driving slow on your street
  • Parked vehicles which are occupied
  • Unknown vehicles parked in front of neighbors homes
  • Suspicious subjects or unknown people walking through your neighborhood.
  • Suspicious subjects walking toward or away from your neighbor’s homes that you cannot identify as your neighbors.

If you are on a walk or run I encourage you to carry your cell phone so you can call in suspicious persons or vehicles while you are out. If you have a camera feature on your phone take photographs of vehicles or suspicious persons if possible and without detection. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND OR INTERFERE WITH THE SUSPECTS.

If you see anyone who appears suspicious or suspicious vehicles in your neighborhood you are asked to call sheriff’s dispatch immediately at (805) 654 9511 or 911.

Update 11/5/12 from TOPD: At about 2:50 p.m. on November 2, 2012, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received a call of a burglary in progress in the 3900 block of Cloverleaf Street in Thousand Oaks Upon arrival, officers discovered that several suspects entered the victim’s residence while they were away and stole property.  Police officers, assisted by a Ventura County Sheriff’s helicopter and two canine units, thoroughly searched the area and determined the suspects had fled prior to officers’ arrival. 

Witnesses described three of the suspects as black males in their 20’s to 30’s.  The suspects were also believed to be associated with two vehicles.  They were described as a dark sedan and a light colored sport utility vehicle.  At this point, investigators are considering the possibility that this crime may be associated with the recent home invasion robbery that occurred on Skelton Canyon Circle on October 30, 2012 (discussed below).

The Thousand Oaks Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in solving these crimes.  We request that anyone with information contact investigators at (805) 494-8201.  We also request that you keep a watchful eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity by calling (805) 654-9511.  Or if you believe it may be an emergency, call 911.

Posted 10/31/12: The Thousand Oaks Police Department reports that three unidentified men confronted a woman at gunpoint inside her residence Tuesday morning, October 30th, during a home invasion robbery in the 3900 block of Skelton Canyon Circle, Thousand Oaks (just a mile north of the intersection of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Boulevards).

The victim’s husband had left for work just minutes before the suspects entered the home and confronted the woman, who was home alone.

The suspects wore ski masks and hooded sweatshirts. At least one of the men displayed a handgun during the robbery. The men left with jewelry and cash after tying up the victim. The woman was able to free herself after several minutes and call 9-1-1.

The victim was not injured during the robbery, and there is little known about the suspects at this time. They were described as black males, with no further details given, other than they drove away in a sedan in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact investigators at (805) 494-8201.

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).

Thousand Police Dept City Watch Update - Research Your Moving Company

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

On October 23, 2012, a victim hired Flat Rate Movers, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, to move property from the victim’s former residence in Georgia to the victim’s new residence in Thousand Oaks, California.  After the company took possession of the victim’s property, company personnel notified the victim of a delay in the transportation of her property and thousands of dollars in additional charges that had not been included in the original contract.  Fearing she would not receive her property, the victim paid the additional money. 

On November 4, 2012, a driver for Flat Rate Movers, (S) Jack Romanski, spoke with the victim by telephone.  Romanski advised that several thousand more dollars were required or he would not deliver the victim’s property.  Romanski told the victim that failure to pay the money would result in the victim never seeing the property again.  He also warned the victim not to call the police.  Investigation also led to the discovery that Flat Rate Movers LLC has a long history of customer complaints. 

On November 4, 2012, Thousand Oaks Police Officers located Romanski and arrested him.  The victim’s property was also recovered.

On November 6, 2012, Romanski was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on one felony count of extortion.  He remains in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $10,000.00 bail.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to warn its citizens to use caution when choosing a moving company.  It is recommended that those preparing to hire a moving company go to www.protectyourmove.gov for helpful information.

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 these types of crimes.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Preliminary Ventura County / Conejo Valley Election Results as of Early This Morning

The Ventura County Clerk & Recorder website has a nicely organized election results section at recorder.countyofventura.org/elections that provides easy to access, up to date election results.

With all 630 Ventura County precincts reporting, there were 426,948 registered voters and 256,927 votes cast, or a 60.18% voter turnout. While these numbers reflect many of the Vote by Mail ballots received before election day, the numbers will certainly change to some degree to reflect Vote by Mail ballots received at polling locations on Election Day.

Here are some selected (with a focus towards Conejo Valley elections) unofficial Ventura County only results posted on that site updated just after 2 AM this morning.

President (255,107 votes)

  • Barack Obama (Dem) 51.16% (130,512 votes)
  • Mitt Romney (Rep) 46.32% (118,156 votes)
  • Gary Johnson (Lib) 1.09% (2,784 votes)
  • Others 1.43% (3,655 votes)

There were 1,820 ballots that did not place a vote for President.

U.S Senator (245,932 votes)

  • Dianne Feinstein (Dem) 53.57% (131,742 votes)
  • Elizabeth Emken (Rep) 46.43% (114,190 votes)

Overall preliminary vote in California is Feinstein 61.4% vs Emken 38.6%.

26th Congressional District

  • Julia Brownley (Dem) 51.85% (104,225 votes)
  • Tony Strickland (Rep) 48.15% (96,774 votes)

State Senator District 27 (Ventura County only)

  • Todd Zink (Rep) 56.45% (64,146 votes)
  • Fran Pavley (Dem) 43.55% (49,486 votes)

Districtwide (Ventura/LA counties, Pavley has 52.6% vs Zink's 47.4%).

Member of the Assembly 44th District

  • Jeff Gorrell (Rep) 53.53% (66,830 votes)
  • Eileen Macenery (Dem) 46.47% (58,009 votes)

Conejo Valley USD Board Member (Vote for 2)

  • Betsy Connolly 37.86% (24,120 votes)
  • Peggy Buckles 32.78% (20,886 votes)
  • Tony Dolz 29.15% (18,572 votes)

Thousand Oaks City Council (Vote for 2)

  • Jacqui Irwin 24.20% (18,044 votes)
  • Al Adam 15.83% (11,802 votes)
  • Ed Jones 14.34% (10,694 votes)
  • Jim Bruno 13.69% (10,206 votes)
  • Mic Farris 12.32% (9,187 votes)
  • Deborah Birenbaum 9.03% (6,737 votes)
  • Others 7,903 votes

Conejo Recreation and Park District (Vote for 2)

  • George Lange 44.22% (26,797 votes)
  • Charles B. Huffer 25.08% (15,199 votes)
  • Dennis Anderson 18.10% (10,970 votes)
  • Clint R. Matkovich 12.36% (7,488 vote)

For updates and results of other local races, visit recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.

Hilton Foundation Opens New Campus in Agoura Hills: Plans to Double in Size

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has formally moved into its new campus here in Agoura Hills! The structure has been carefully designed as a cutting-edge, environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient building to meet Platinum LEED-certified green standards.

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In 2007, the Foundation's board of directors decided in favor of building a permanent home for the organization to continue carrying out Conrad Hilton's legacy for generations to come. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation established in 1944 by the man who started Hilton Hotels, which provides funds to nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people throughout the world.

"This new home in Agoura Hills will prepare the Hilton Foundation for the time it will double in size and staff," said Hilton Foundation President and CEO, Steven M. Hilton. "My father, Barron Hilton, has pledged his intent to follow in the footsteps of his father, Conrad Hilton, and contribute 97% of his entire net worth at the time of his passing. This building is the first phase of a four-phase campus that will allow us to grow accordingly into the future."

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world's disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance abuse, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition-age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton's support for the work of Catholic Sisters. Following selection by an independent international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $1.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants, distributing $82 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2011. The Foundation's current assets are approximately $2 billion.

Visit www.hiltonfoundation.org to learn more.

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Burger Express in Newbury Park Closed Its Doors on Tuesday, October 30th

UPDATE: Burger Express Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 3200 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. www.burgerexpressfreshmex.com

Burger Express at 2140 Newbury Road in Newbury Park closed its doors on Tuesday, October 30th, after serving the local community for nearly 15 years. The owners did indicate on the Burger Express Facebook page that they are looking for a new location in the area, but they can't say where or when at this point. Burger Express served some of the best breakfast burritos in town, according to my sources. Rumor (unconfirmed) has it that we could be seeing BBQ cuisine at this location in the future. We shall see. Hoping for the best for the Burger Express team and to see them elsewhere in town at some point soon.

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