Premiere of "Westlake Village Rocks" Group

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A Westlake Village Rocks group has been launched by CReATE STUDIO and Girls Club Strong to spread the joy of painting, hiding and finding cheerful rocks in the City of Westlake Village. And of course, you are encouraged to post photos of the inspirational, comical and/or beautiful rocks you have discovered, and perhaps re-hid, on the Westlake Village Rocks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westlakevillagerocks.

There is also a Newbury Park Rocks group and others around Ventura County.

"Newbury Park Rocks" Group Proves to Be Quite Popular on CVG Facebook Page

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I didn't think much of it when a Facebook Page called "Newbury Park Rocks" contacted us to share a little about but what they do. 

So what do they do? Well, apparently this is becoming "a thing" throughout the country. The group paints, hides and finds decorative, painted rocks in the Newbury Park area.

Grab a rock and paint something whimsical, funny, inspirational and/or uplifting on it. After it dries, place it somewhere, partially hidden, such that someone will discover and enjoy that rock.

Well that certainly is a fun idea! So I thought, OK, I'll make mention of it on a Monday late morning, on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page and I'm sure a few folks will find it interesting.

Well on one count, I was right. Some folks did indeed find it interesting. But I was wrong on "a few," as over 160 people have clicked the "Like" button and the interest has been very strong. I'm certain other rock hiding groups will pop up throughout Ventura County.

Cute idea!

Seat Belt Scare on Father's Day 2011 - Keep a Sharp Object in Your Car

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Note: This was originally posted on July 13, 2011 but since several commenters have experienced the same issue with seat belts that will not retract, I am moving this front and center once again. Please be extra cautious with kids and seat belts.

Father's Day was outstanding for me and my family. Family lunch in Ojai and bicyling in Ventura. But something happened that could have made this the worst day of my life.

 

After we finished riding bicycles and playing around at the beach we came back to the car. My wife asked if she could buy something with my older son as my 5 year old, teenage stepson and I waited in the car. We were pretty tired from the day's activities.

Within 15 minutes my 5 year old started doing what 5 year olds do. Goof off. Play aro

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Five of My Favorite Hikes with Great Views and Scenery in the Conejo Valley

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Roughly one third of the land in Thousand Oaks is designated as permanent public open space. This includes a ring of 15,000 acres of open space with over 150 miles of trails for public use surrounding the Conejo Valley. What a spectacular feature we have here in our backyards!

Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park

Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park

Three key organizations involved with the Conejo open space:

Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) holds and manages most of the Conejo open space to preserve its natural characteristics while providing opportunities for passive recreational enjoyment of the natural resources. Visit www.conejo-openspace.org to learn more.

Conejo Open Space Trails Advisory Committee (COSTAC) is composed of hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians appointed by the COSCA Board and advises the Board by reviewing issues and making recommendations regarding open space and trails. COSTAC also coordinates activities such as Trail Watch, Trail Patrol, Trail Work, Adopt-a-Trail, Non-Native Plant Removal/Resource Management, Trails Education Days, and Public Outreach.

Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF) is a non-profit that promotes and maintains multi-use trail and open space and helps educate the public about our open space and the environment. COSF provides funding to support COSTAC programs and to create and publish open space trail maps. Visit www.cosf.org to learn more.

Now here are five of my favorite place to hike for views in the Conejo Open Space and other local areas:

Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park has arguably the most expansive views of the Conejo Valley, ranging from the Conejo Grade to Agoura Hills, as well as portions of Hidden Valley.

A bench with a view at Angel Peak.

A bench with a view at Angel Peak.

Boney Mountain in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is NOT part of the Conejo Open Space but is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Additionally, there is no "official" maintained trail to Boney Peak. That said, if you are courageous, energetic and have 4 to 6 hours to spare for a day hike, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Conejo Valley, Camarillo Grade and Channel Islands.

Views from near Boney Peak

Views from near Boney Peak

Tarantula Hill (also known as Dawn's Peak) in the heart of Thousand Oaks is easy to get to compared to more substantial hikes around town. A short walk up a fairly steep paved path off of Gainsborough Road gets you to a 1,056 foot peak with panoramic views of the Conejo Valley and beyond. Great place to catch a sunset.

Bench at the top of Tarantula Hill provides a nice spot for viewing the sunset.

Bench at the top of Tarantula Hill provides a nice spot for viewing the sunset.

Another great spot for views in the heart of the Conejo Valley is the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, a 33 acre retreat managed by a non-profit group. The only thing I don't like about this true retreat is that it closes at 5 p.m. and thus is not available for sunset views like at the adjacent Tarantula Hill. But there is so much to see in here that you must stop by.

One of dozens of benches atop the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

One of dozens of benches atop the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

Last but not least (and I've ignored some other incredible views like Wildwood Park and others) is the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space area in Thousand Oaks. You will find stunning views of the Conejo Valley to the Simi Hills from these 1,025 acres in northern Thousand Oaks.

Very picturesque views from the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space.

Very picturesque views from the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space.

For a sampling of other trails and hikes in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas, click THIS LINK!

Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail is Quite Colorful in Spring 2017

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The Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail is a nearly 1 mile trail between Ventura City Hall and Grant Park. The trail offers awesome views of Downtown Ventura and the coastline. And this time of year is a great time to go as there are still plenty of beautiful colors on the trail. More on the Gardens at www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Fans Chime In On Favorite Staycation Options

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In a recent drawing on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page, folks were asked to comment on some of their favorite local area "staycation" alternatives this summer.  Here's a compilation of their responses.

LOCAL AREA HIKING AND TRAILS

LOCAL AREA CAMPING

LOCAL AREA BEACHES

Beach Options

  • Surfrider Beach in Malibu
  • Kanan to Malibu, lunch at Malibu Seafood, then El Matador Beach
  • Avila Beach
  • Leo Carrillo Beach
  • Silverstrand Beach
  • Pismo Beach

Hiking

Day Trips and Short Overnight Trips

  • Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai
  • Solvang and Chumash Casino
  • Visit Malibu, Ventura or Santa Barbara, take a walk and eat seafood by the shore
  • Disneyland
  • Santa Monica Pier / Pacific Park
  • Las Vegas
  • San Diego
  • Laguna Woods
  • Bike riding at Venice boardwalk
  • Universal Studios
  • Palm Springs / Rancho Mirage
  • Santa Barbara Pier - Stearns Wharf
  • Wine tasting in Los Olivos
  • Catalina Island

LOCAL AREA BIKE PATHS

COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOLS

Other Outdoor Activities

Other

  • Stay home but eat dinner out with friends
  • Local area beer and wine tasting
  • Catch a concert at the Canyon Club
  • Drive through Hidden Valley and lunch in Westlake Village
  • The spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village
  • Movie marathon at home
  • Dodger game
  • Westlake Village Inn
  • Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park
  • Reagan Library
  • Los Angeles Zoo with the kids

Tadpoles on Display at Seasonal Pond at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

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The seasonal pond next to the parking lot at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park is still looking good after several months of solid rainstorms this winter. We discovered there are tadpoles galore in the pond and the kids were just mesmerized by them. In the latter part of this footage, the kids decided to "save the tadpoles" that were stuck in mud pit cut off from the main pond. We also discovered tiny frogs, the same size as the tadpoles. 

GREAT TRAILS AND HIKING IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY