Batting Cages and Paintball in Ventura County

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For you baseball/softball players, here is a summary of local batting cage options, with links to additional contact information:

Paintball? No particular correlation to batting cages, but here it is:

Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park in Moorpark

Twelve of My Favorite Things To Do in the City of Simi Valley

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The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, less than 3 months after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon. The City covers 42 square miles and as of 2013 was home to just over 126,000 people. Simi Valley is neighbors with Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley.

According to the City's website, the name of the Chumash Indian Village “Shimiji” is believed to be the origin of the City’s name and Ta’apu is the origin of the names of Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon.

But enough of that. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Simi Valley.

I love hiking the Long Canyon Trail, with its views of Wood Ranch, Bard Lake and the rest of Simi Valley (not to mention you can hike to Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks from here).

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a 220 seat theater at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue that hosts musicals, concerts, exhibits, children's theater and other events year-round.  The theater is a landmark Gothic structure built in the 1920s that was named Ventura County Historical Landmark #67 in July 1981. Visit www.simi-arts.org to learn more.

Views from the Long Canyon Trail

Views from the Long Canyon Trail

The magnificent Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a major draw to Simi Valley. This 243,000 sq ft museum at the top of 100 acres of land is a must see for its interactive displays, history, Air Force One and outstanding rotating exhibits. And the views, particularly on clear days, are quite memorable.

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Lazertag Extreme opened in the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley in 2013 and at over 5,000 sq ft is a great indoor, multi-level laser tag facility and arcade.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a historical and cultural landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on a residential lot that contains shrines, walkways, sculptures and buildings from recycled items and discards, built over a 25 year old period by Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey. An eyesore to some, a one-of-a-kind treasure to others. Open periodically to the public as the site is restored.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10049 and Simi Valley Town Center host an impressive display at the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. There are hundreds of military posters and historical artifacts on display that have been graciously provided by local veterans and collectors.

Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia in Simi Valley

Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia in Simi Valley

There are no bowling alleys in the Conejo Valley, which means we have to drive elsewhere for our bowling fix! The closest bowling alley to the center of Thousand Oaks is Harley's Simi Bowl, about 10 miles away off of Highway 23 and Madera Road. This is a 24 lane alley that gets the job done.

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The other bowling alley in Simi Valley is on the east end, about 20 miles from Thousand Oaks. Harley's Valley Bowl (formerly Brunswick Zone) has 40 lanes and a large arcade/game room area. Another great choice for fun in Simi Valley. Now why is it that Simi has 64 bowling lanes yet we still have none in the Conejo Valley? Sheesh.

The Mt. McCoy Trail is located on the west side of Simi Valley, just a short hop, skip and jump around the corner from the Reagan Library. You can't miss the hill because there's a large, white cross at the top. A bit over a mile of well-maintained switchbacks takes you to the top.

Views galore from Mt. McCoy Trail peak.

Views galore from Mt. McCoy Trail peak.

Simi Valley Days takes place in mid-September each year over a four day period. The event has a long history, going back to 1934. It is a community celebration with carnival rides, games, live music, vendors, food, a parade and much more. 

Visit a fully restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot circa 1903 with both freight and passenger trains rushing by day and night at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad. Open on weekends from 1-4 pm, the depot is also home to the Santa Susana Model Railroad Club’s large operating HO scale model railroad, in a layout that portrays Simi Valley during the mid 1950’s. This is a lot of fun to see. And outside, you and the kids will be treated to up close views of Amtrak and Metrolink passenger trains rolling by. Wave and they'll honk at you.

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The pristine Studio Movie Grill opened at the Simi Valley Town Center in October 2015. This 41,000 sq ft theater features 9 screens and over 950 seats. 

There is plenty more to see and do in Simi Valley that is not on this particular list. Check out:

Ventura County Area Crime Maps Online

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The Ventura County Sheriff's Office serves the County of Ventura and five contract cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks. There is a wealth of information on the VC Sheriff's website at www.venturasheriff.org, including phone numbers for patrol stations.

One tool available that shows recent crimes in these jurisdictions is located at CrimeMapping.com, a website that provides information, in map format about crimes committed on a rolling 180 day basis.

To use CrimeMapping.com, simply go to the site and type in a location - address, landmark or zip code. From there, you’ll see a map of crimes reported over the most recent week, which is the default time frame. You can change this time frame using filters on the site, up to 180 days’ worth of data. Here’s what the map looked like over a 180 day period:

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You can learn more about individual crimes by clicking the icons on the map. Crimes include arson, assault, burglary, disturbing the peace, drug/alcohol violations, DUI, fraud, homicide, auto theft, robbery, sex crimes, theft/larceny, vandalism, vehicle break-in and weapons.

The number 3 in a red circle in the image above indicates multiple records. I clicked it and there were 2 possession of a controlled substance - one in the 300 block of Hillcrest Drive on July 17th at 1:30pm and the other in the 2400 block of Hillcrest Drive on July 17th at 12:30pm. The third violation was fraudulent use of access card on April 1st at midnight.. Note that exact addresses are not provided; they report as specific as block number.

The first icon at the bottom right side of the image was an assault (battery) in the 2200 block of E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard at 10:05am on August 7th.

You may also create alerts on the CrimeMapping site that are sent to you via email. Click “Receive Alerts,” choose location (city, landmark, address or zip) and search distance (ranges from 500 feet to 2 miles).

Century Lake at Malibu Creek State Park

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According to the Malibu Creek Docents, around 1903, the Crags Country Club constructed a 50 foot tall dam on its 2,000 acre property on what is now Malibu Creek State Park. The dam created a seven acre lake that club members used for fishing and duck hunting.

The Club closed in 1936, and 10 years later, 20th Century Fox Studios purchased the property to film movies and TV shows on what was renamed Century Ranch. The 1968 "Planet of the Apes" featured many prominent scenes shot here.

This is an awesome video showing Planet of the Apes (1968) film scenes at Malibu Creek State Park and local area beaches then and today.

As for the lake, it is now referred to as Century Lake, a hiking destination in Malibu Creek State Park. Only 1 1/2 miles from the parking area, Century Lake is in a secluded area, where you can eat your lunch at the picnic table and enjoy serenity (usually, depending on who else is there). I believe it is fine to wade in the water and even kayak in there if desired. although I've never seen anyone do so.

Century Lake is a left hand turn from the main Crags Road trail, after cresting the only significant hill going down the other side. The only indicator is this narrow sign.

Century Lake is a left hand turn from the main Crags Road trail, after cresting the only significant hill going down the other side. The only indicator is this narrow sign.

The hike has a moderately steep hill in it, but otherwise is quite flat and easy to do with kids and/or a stroller.

Malibu Creek State Park has something for everyone...camping, a visitor center, the "Rock Pool," the M*A*S*H set, the old Reagan Ranch, Century Lake, over 35 miles of trails, rock climbing (near the Rock Pool) and more.

The Century Dam is shown in this image. You don't wanna fall down that dam. Off limits.

The Century Dam is shown in this image. You don't wanna fall down that dam. Off limits.

Compilation of Happy Hours in the Conejo Valley

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Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “happy hour” as a period of time during which the price of drinks (as at a bar) is reduced or hors d’oeuvres are served free or at a discount. According to a Wikipedia article, as of July 2015, happy hour bans existed in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont.

The Massachusetts law was put into place in 1984. It prohibits discounted or free drinks at any time of day and prohibits sale of beer or other drinks by the pitcher except to two or more persons at a time. It does not prohibit offering free or discounted food or entertainment, however.

In any case, California does not have such law, so here’s a compilation of happy hours at established in the Conejo Valley - Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and part of Calabasas. CONTACT US with any updates, or additions to this list.

(Note that the information below is as of one point in time and subject to change at any time. Check directly with each restaurant to confirm.)

Brent’s Bar at Brent’s Deli Westlake Village, 2799 Townsgate Road offers a happy hour menu daily from 3PM to 6PM Tuesday through Sunday. $10 signature cocktails, $7 well drinks, $2 off draft beers and wine and happy hour menu. www.brentsdeli.com/happy-hour 805-557-1882 (updated February 2025)

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, offers “Hoppy Hour” Monday through Thursday from 3-6PM. $2 off draft pints, $20 select pitchers and more. www.figmtnbrew.com/westlake-village 818-874-1305 (updated February 2025)

Azar’s Sports Bar at 2215 Michael Drive, Newbury Park offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm, $1 off all beer, wine and mixed drinks and discounted prices on appetizers. azarsportsbar.com 805-498-2365 (updated February 2025)

Sunset Terrace at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks has happy hour specials Monday through Thursday sunsetterracerestaurant.com/daily-specials 805-497-4847 (updated February 2025)

Lazy Dog Cafe at The Oaks mall hosts happy hour from 3-6PM Monday through Friday and 9PM to close Sunday through Thursday. lazydogrestaurantsdinein.olo.com/menu/thousand-oaks#happy-hour---food 805-449-5206 (updated February 2025) Also at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard.

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 1714-A Newbury Road in Newbury Park offers happy hour specials from 4-6PM Tuesday through Sunday. www.holdrens.com/menus/np 805-498-1314

The Cliffdiver at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks offers happy hour 3-6PM and 8PM-Close (bar only) Wednesday to Sunday and Taco Tuesdays ($3 select tacos, $8 margaritas). www.thecliffdiver.com 805-370-1585 (updated February 2025)

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen in the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village offers happy hour specials from 3-5PM Monday through Friday. www.finneyscrafthouse.com/westlake-village (805) 230-9950 (updated February 2025) Other locations at 494 E. Main St, Ventura (805) 628-3312 and 580 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (805) 702-0010.

Crawford’s Social at 974 South Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village offers happy hour specials from 2-5PM Monday through Friday. www.crawfordssocial.com/happyhour 805-510-0105 (updated February 2025)

Patron Mexican Bar & Grill at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park and 3709 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, offers happy hour drink and food specials daily from 3-6:30PM (NP) and 3PM-Close Mon-Tue and 3-6:30PM Wed-Sun (Westlake). Domestic beer $4.99, imported beer $5.99, draft beer $5.99, 3 street tacos for $8.99 and more. patronmex.com/happy-hour (updated February 2025)

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse at 3955 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village offers happy hour in the bar and patio area Monday through Friday 3-6PM and Sunday through Thursday 9PM to close. $4 domestic bottles, $6 margaritas and well drinks, $7 appetizers and more. www.bjsrestaurants.com/happyhour 805-497-9393 (updated February 2025)

Q Sushi at The Shoppes at Westlake Village offers happy hour specials 4-6PM daily on the patio, at the bar, sushi bar and community table. See details at www.qsushi.com/menus/happy-hour 818-540-3231 (updated February 2025)

Mikey’s Restaurant at 579 N. Ventura Park Road in Newbury Park offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM Monday through Friday, including 50% off appetizers and drink specials. mikeysrestaurants.com/happy-hour 805-262-2153 (updated February 2025)

Marmalade Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake Village offers a happy hour menu daily from 3-6PM. All happy hour food and drink offerings just $7. www.marmaladecafe.com/menus (updated February 2025)

Paul Martin’s American Grill at The Promenade at Westlake offers happy hour specials Sunday through Thursday 3-6PM and Friday/Saturday 2-5PM in the bar. Happy hour menu is at paulmartinsamericangrill.com/menus/happy-hour 805-373-9300 (updated February 2025)

Plata Taqueria & Cantina offers happy hour specials from 2-6PM at both of its locations - Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills (818-735-9982) and The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks (805-750-5957) www.eatplata.com

Wood Ranch BBQ at 5050 Cornell Road in Agoura Hills and at The Oaks mall offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM weekdays in the bar area only. www.woodranch.com (updated February 2025)

Novo Cafe at The Shoppes at Westlake Village hosts happy hour Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6PM and Friday to Sunday 4-5:30PM. www.novocafe.com/westlake-menu#menu=happy-hour-westlake 818.318.1466 (updated February 2025)

Phil’s at 3316 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM Monday through Friday. Menu at www.phils1000oaks.com/menu-1 805-371-7773 (updated February 2025)

Cronies, with Conejo Valley locations at 1620 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805-498-7888) and 5687 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818-889-0889) offers happy hour specials on weekdays. Call to confirm times/specials. cronies.com

Dog Haus at 50 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, offers happy hour specials Mon-Thu from 3-6PM, such as $2 off draft beer and wine, $3 off wings and more. See doghaus.com/location/thousand-oaks (updated February 2025)

The Tipsy Goat at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks has happy hour specials from 4-7PM Monday through Friday. tipsygoat.com/thousand-oaks-the-tipsy-goat-happy-hours-specials 805-494-9996 (updated February 2025)

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House at 28434 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills hosts happy hour specials on cocktails, draft beer, wine and food from 3-6PM Monday through Thursday and 3-5PM Friday through Sunday. www.tavern101agoura.com/menus/#happy-hour-menu 818-991-7227 (updated February 2025)

The Local Table at 360 Via Las Brisas in Newbury Park has happy hour specials in the bar daily from 4:30-6:30PM. 220992416924726935.weebly.com 805-498-4013 (updated February 2025)

Zinqué at 2809 Agoura Road in Westlake Village offers happy hour prices 4-6pm Monday to Friday. www.lezinque.com/westlake (805) 418-7127 (updated February 2025)

Outside the Conejo Valley

Twisted Oak Tavern at 2433 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo offers happy hour drinks and bites from 4-6pm daily. Variety of starters and flatbreads available. www.twistedoaktavern.pub/menuhappy-hour 805-586-4005 (updated February 2025)

The Arena Grill & Lounge at 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley offers happy hour drink specials and 25% off appetizers from 4-7PM. Also, “Power Hour” is 9-10PM, with $4 well drinks and $2.50 street tacos. arenasimi.com 805-915-1528 (updated February 2025)

Aloha Steakhouse at 364 S. California Street in Ventura has happy hour pricing 3-6PM Monday to Friday on selected drinks and appetizers. www.alohasteakhouse.com/menus#menu=happy-hour 805-652-1799 (updated February 2025)

Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. is located on the Ventura Pier at 668 Harbor Blvd., offering happy hour Monday through Thursday 3-6PM and Reverse Happy Hour on Fridays from 6-9PM. Discounted drinks and select appetizers. ericericssonsfishco.com/happy-hour-1 805-643-4783 (updated February 2025)

Latitude 34 at 660 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo offers happy hour specials daily from 3-6PM. l34camarillo.com www.facebook.com/latitude34camarillo/posts/604004239055290 (updated January 2025)

Social Tap at 1105 S. Seaward Avenue, Ventura offers “Social Hour” Monday to Friday from 3-6PM, featuring discounted appetizers and drinks. socialtapventuraca.com/menu/#HHVentura (805) 667-8485

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main St in Ventura offers happy hour food and drink specials Tuesday-Wednesday 3PM to close and Thursday-Friday from 3-6:30PM. www.winchestersgrill.com/food#menu=happy-hour (805) 653-7446 (updated February 2025)

Lure Fish House locations at 60 California Street, Ventura, 30970 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village and 259 W. Ventura Blvd, Camarillo offer happy hour food and drink specials Monday through Friday from 3-6PM and Sunday from 11:30AM to 5PM. www.lurefishhouse.com (updated February 2025)

Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe in Camarillo (86 Daily Drive), Simi Valley (590 E. Los Angeles Ave) and Oxnard (1601 S. Victoria Ave, #190) offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM Monday through Friday. Bar and patio only. www.yolandasmexicancafe.com/happy-hour-menu (updated February 2025)

Casa Bella at 391 East Main St, Ventura offers happy hour specials Monday and Tuesday all night, Wednesday-Friday from 4-7PM, Saturday 4-6PM and Sunday 1-6PM. www.casabellaventura.com (805) 340-1118 (updated February 2025)

Bellringer Brewing Co at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura offers happy hour specials from 4-6pm Monday through Friday. bellringerbrewco.com/menus/food 805-643-2337 (updated February 2025)

Yard House at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard offers happy hour specials, including 1/2 off select apps and all pizzas and $2 off beer, wine, spirits and cocktails Monday-Friday 3-6PM and Sunday-Wednesday 10PM to close. www.yardhouse.com/happy-hour/ca/oxnard-restaurant/8349 805-981-8707 (updated February 2025)

Larson’s Grill at The Collection at Riverpark, 590 Town Center Drive, Oxnard (805-983-6600) as well as at the Simi Valley Town Center (805-522-4800) offers happy hour specials in the bar and patio only from 5-7PM daily (excluding holidays). 805-983-6600 www.larsensrestaurants.com (updated March 2025)

King & Queen Cantina at The Collection at Riverpark offers happy hour specials Sunday through Thursday from open to 6PM and 9PM to close and on Friday-Saturday from open to 6PM. kingandqueencantina.com/#weekly (updated February 2025)

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant at The Collection at Riverpark offers happy hour specials Monday to Friday 3-6PM, Saturday-Sunday 2-5PM and Sunday-Thursday 8:30PM-close and Friday-Saturday 9PM to close. www.kabukirestaurants.com/location/kabuki-restaurants-oxnard/#happy-hour-copy-1 805-981-2973 (updated February 2025)

Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, Gelato and Other Frozen Treats Around Ventura County

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Here's a handy list of frozen yogurt, ice cream and gelato places in and around Ventura County for your dining pleasure. There are over 80 such establishments in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

(Current as of 2/21/25. Let us know of any changes.)

Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Oak Park

Agoura/Calabasas/Malibu

Oxnard/Port Hueneme

Ventura/Ojai/Santa Paula

Thrifty Ice Cream, a brand that brings me visions of childhood joy, is still around at Rite Aid stores throughout Ventura County, as well as at the new (as of late May 2024) Moby’s on Main arcade/bar in Ventura.

FROZEN YOGURT AND ICE CREAM PLACES THAT HAVE CLOSED SINCE 2009

Daylight Saving Time is Back Again on the 2nd Sunday of March

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Daylight Saving** Time is coming back again! Yes, this will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025. When the clock strikes 2 a.m. that morning, you will lose one hour of beauty sleep. Daylight Saving Time begins in most of the U.S. on the 2nd Sunday of March.

So try to get to bed early that night or you may feel grumpy on Monday! Especially when you realize it feels a lot darker that morning. But the good thing is, it'll be a lot lighter out at dinnertime!

** Contrary to what many of us think, it is called Daylight Saving Time, not Savings Time. Make sure to correct anyone who says it wrong if you really want to get on their nerves. But the reality of it is that we're not saving any daylight, we're just shifting it around.

Before the adoption of standard time zones in the United States, cities, towns, and communities set their own local times based on the sun’s position. In 1883, railroad companies adopted a system of standard time to synchronize movement and trade across the nation. The U.S. adopted an official system of standard time in 1918.

The Standard Time Act of 1918 incorporated a DST mandate from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Congress repealed the DST mandate in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the repeal. Congress overrode his veto.

Beginning in 1920, DST was a local state/city option. Here’s the history of DST legislation in California:

1930: Prop 7 was but on the ballot to implement DST at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in April until 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in September. The initiative failed.

1940: Prop 5 was put on the ballot to implement DST. The initiative failed again.

1949: Third time’s a charm. This time it passed.

1962: Prop 6 was passed, which extended DST from the last Sunday in September to the last Sunday in October.

2018: Californians voted in favor of Proposition 7 by a margin of 59.75% to 40.25%. Voting in favor of the proposition allowed the California State Legislature to change the DST period by a 2/3rds vote and to establish permanent, year-round DST in California by a 2/3rds vote if federal law is changed to allow for permanent DST.

Why the holdup?

The holdup is at the federal level, not the state level: Voting yes on Prop 7 was just the first step in the process. California is one of 14 states that introduced legislation in 2019 to shift to permanent daylight saving time. States cannot move forward with permanent daylight saving time without authorization from the federal government. As of November 2019, there were 4 bills awaiting action in Congress that would allow California to be on permanent DST. These were:

H.R. 1556 “Sunshine Protection Act of 2019,” introduced to the House 3/6/19. The bill makes DST the new, permanent standard time. States with areas exempt from DST may choose the standard time for those areas. The bill was pending a hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. S.670 is an identical bill in the Senate, pending a hearing in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. These have gone nowhere.

H.R. 1601 “Daylight Act” and H.R. 2389 “To allow states to elect to observe year-round DST” both authorize states to shift to permanent daylight saving time and are pending hearings in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. These have also gone nowhere.