Conejo Valley Meal and Shelter Program Providers

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Conejo Valley WINTER SHELTER ACTIVITIES ended 2020-2021. Instead of nightly sit-down meals and shelters, Harbor House hosts a daily lunch/meal program at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 W. Avenida de los Arboles, between 4:45-5:30 pm. www.harborhouseto.org/daily-meal-program

Harbor House also provides rental assistance, case management, gas and electric assistance, showers and laundry service, and more.

Learn how you can volunteer, including preparing sack lunches, hot meals and other support for Harbor House at www.harborhouseto.org/volunteer

Make donations at www.harborhouseto.org/donate

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Serving Jury Duty in Ventura County

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Jury duty in Ventura County is not so bad! Ventura County Jury service consists of one jury trial or one day of service in Ventura County. If you are not assigned to a courtroom at the end of your first day of appearance, you will have completed your service. Jury service is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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If you are summoned for duty, the night before your service you will be instructed to check online or to call after 4 p.m. for reporting instructions for the next day. If the "group number" you were assigned is called, you show up the next day.

If your group number has not been called by the end of your summoned week, your service will automatically be completed without having to appear. If this "call in" process is inconvenient, Ventura County Superior Court will allow you to schedule a firm date of appearance.

If you cannot perform jury service during the week you are summoned, you may reschedule for another time up to 90 days in the future. There’s one catch - if you reschedule, you will be required to appear on that rescheduled date. You will no longer be on call.

Hall of Justice Building

Hall of Justice Building

Jury trials in Ventura County average four days in length. The trial judge will advise jurors of the expected duration and may excuse prospective jurors from serving on a particular case if the service would amount to an extreme hardship.

Ventura County is one judicial district so all jurors are summoned to the county seat at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura for jury service. 

Get there early if you can. There is plenty of free parking but sometimes you have to walk a ways to get to the building. When entering the building you will be screened through a security device. Do not bring knives, scissors, handwork needles, metal fingernail files, tools, wallet chains, handcuff keys or any items that may possibly be used as a weapon.

The Jury Assembly Room has plenty of chairs, with some tables, electric plugs, etc. I highly recommend that you bring things to keep yourself busy...phone, laptop, magazines, newspaper, book, iPad, etc. They do have a TV available in one room but you'll want to bring something else to do too. There's also wireless internet access. For lunch and snacks, there is an in-house cafeteria as well as a variety of restaurants nearby.

No fees or mileage are paid for the first day of service. $15 per day and 34¢ per mile, one way from the juror’s home to the courthouse are paid for your second and additional days of service (as of November 2024; which is unchanged from the first time I checked in 2014).

[Jury duty fees are set by the California State Legislature, which consists of the 80 member California State Assembly and the 40 member California State Senate. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 215 sets the fees and mileage rate. Well guess what…it has been the same fee and mileage rate since July 2000. Cumulative inflation from 2000 to 2023 is 76%, which means the $15 would have grown to over $26. The IRS mileage rate for 2024 is 67¢ per mile, nearly double 34¢ per mile.. Might be time to write your local Assemblymember to address the issue.]

When I last served, the judge in my courtroom called us back the next day. We showed up and he subsequently cancelled the trial and we were excused to go home (or back to work). Two weeks later I received a check for $15 in jury fees and $7.82 in mileage from the Conejo Valley. YIPPEE!

Courtyard area in front of Hall of Justice building

Courtyard area in front of Hall of Justice building

Jury service is not voluntary, and there is no permanent excuse to serving. Any request for excuse must be submitted in writing. Any request to be excused from serving on a jury trial due to loss of income and/or business closure must be directed to a trial judge, only after you have appeared and have served one day as summoned. Unless notified in writing that your request for excuse is granted, you may assume it has been denied. If the date of appearance is not satisfactory, you may request a postponement to a future date within 90 days. When listing reasons such as medical, job, or dependent care issues, be prepared to receive a postponement and not an excuse.

For more information about Jury Service in Ventura County, visit www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/JuryService.

Bench Yourself in the Conejo Valley

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There are over 150 miles of public multi-use trails surrounding the Conejo Valley managed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency and hundreds of miles more in the neighboring Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Learn more about these great trails here on Conejo Valley Guide.

All of this hiking, biking and running can make one tired. Not to worry...there are benches in strategic spots all throughout the area, all with great views! Here we highlight some of them. Click the images for more information about the trails that lead to these benches.

Views from Angel Vista Peak bench in Newbury Park.

Views from Angel Vista Peak bench in Newbury Park.

Bench at top of peak just east of Angel Vista Peak.

Bench at top of peak just east of Angel Vista Peak.

Bench at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail West.

Bench at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail West.

Bench with perfect sunset view off of the Autumn Ridge Trail in the Lang Ranch Open Space.

Bench with perfect sunset view off of the Autumn Ridge Trail in the Lang Ranch Open Space.

A bench on a hilltop overlooking the Conejo Valley on Los Robles Trail East Scenic Loop.

A bench on a hilltop overlooking the Conejo Valley on Los Robles Trail East Scenic Loop.

Bench on Los Robles Loop East Scenic Loop looking towards the south.

Bench on Los Robles Loop East Scenic Loop looking towards the south.

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road in Point Mugu State Park (adjacent to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park).

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road in Point Mugu State Park (adjacent to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park).

Another bench that overlooks Sycamore Canyon from the Boney Mountain Trail.

Another bench that overlooks Sycamore Canyon from the Boney Mountain Trail.

Image of the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench after the Rancho Sierra Vista area in Newbury Park was ravaged by the Springs Fire of 2013.

Image of the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench after the Rancho Sierra Vista area in Newbury Park was ravaged by the Springs Fire of 2013.

Upper Sycamore Canyon bench was subsequently replaced. Here it is in April 2014.

Upper Sycamore Canyon bench was subsequently replaced. Here it is in April 2014.

Bench on the west side of Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks.

Bench on the west side of Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks.

Another view of the Tarantula Hill bench before sundown in June 2022.

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and the Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley. Nice view towards Simi Valley.

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and the Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley. Nice view towards Simi Valley.

Bench on Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park.

Bench on Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park.

Bench overlooking Bard Reservoir on the Sunset Hills Loop.

Bench overlooking Bard Reservoir on the Sunset Hills Loop.

Sunset Hills Trail bench in early spring 2023.

One of two benches in the hills above CLU overlooking Thousand Oaks.

One of two benches in the hills above CLU overlooking Thousand Oaks.

Oakbrook Vista Trail bench off of Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks

Oakbrook Vista Trail bench off of Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks

This bench on a hill connected to the Rancho Potrero trail in Newbury Park faces the west and gets you some nice views of several of the Channel Islands on clear days.

This bench on a hill connected to the Rancho Potrero trail in Newbury Park faces the west and gets you some nice views of several of the Channel Islands on clear days.

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Bench off the Lizard Rock Loop trail on the west side of Wildwood Park.

Bench off the Lizard Rock Loop trail on the west side of Wildwood Park.

Bench with a view of Boney Peak from the Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park.

Bench with a view of Boney Peak from the Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park.

There are dozens of benches facing all directions in the beautiful hilltop Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in the heart of Thousand Oaks

There are dozens of benches facing all directions in the beautiful hilltop Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in the heart of Thousand Oaks

Another bench on the west side of top of the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

Another bench on the west side of top of the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

Bench overlooking the Potrero Grade from the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park.

Bench overlooking the Potrero Grade from the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park.

This is a new bench on the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park that made its premiere in 2023.

Bench on the El Encanto Trail in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Panaromic view towards Boney Mountain while catching the sunset.

Bench on the El Encanto Trail in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Panaromic view towards Boney Mountain while catching the sunset.

Bench with panoramic views at the top of the Triunfo Canyon Trail (part of the Los Robles trail system) in Westlake Village.

Bench with panoramic views at the top of the Triunfo Canyon Trail (part of the Los Robles trail system) in Westlake Village.

Enjoy views towards Newbury Park, Wildwood Park and so on from this bench on the Lynnmere Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Enjoy views towards Newbury Park, Wildwood Park and so on from this bench on the Lynnmere Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench at Box Canyon Overlook in Wildwood Park.

Bench at Box Canyon Overlook in Wildwood Park.

Bench #1 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #1 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #2 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #2 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench off the Western Plateau Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space near the Hill Canyon Trail.

Bench off the Western Plateau Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space near the Hill Canyon Trail.

Another bench off the Western Plateau Trail. This one is marked by a “Vista Point” sign and is across from the Outlaw Trail juncture in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

Another bench off the Western Plateau Trail. This one is marked by a “Vista Point” sign and is across from the Outlaw Trail juncture in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is near Elliot Peak in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is near Elliot Peak in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is off the Outlaw Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, not far from Elliot Peak.

This bench is off the Outlaw Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, not far from Elliot Peak.

Another view from the bench atop Tarantula Hill….at sunset.

Another view from the bench atop Tarantula Hill….at sunset.

Bench off of the Santa Rosa Trail in Wildwood Park, overlooking Santa Rosa Valley

The Story Behind Those Historic El Camino Real Bell Markers on the 101 Freeway

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Like me, perhaps you've wondered about those unique bell markers seen frequently on the 101 Freeway with the sign that says "Historic El Camino Real."

One of those ubiquitous Historic El Camino Real bell markers we see along the 101 Freeway.

One of those ubiquitous Historic El Camino Real bell markers we see along the 101 Freeway.

El Camino Real is Spanish for "The Royal Road" and in California is the name for the 700 mile historic California Mission Trail that connects 21 missions, 4 presidios (military forts) and several pueblos (towns) from Mission San Diego de Alcala in the south to Mission San Francisco Solano in Northern California. El Camino Real is designated as California Historical Landmark #784.

California State Assembly Bill 1707 defined the El Camino Real route, which includes portions of Routes 280, 82, 238, 101, 5, 72, 12, 37, 121, 87, 162, 185, 92, and 123 and connecting city streets and county roads in a continuous route from Sonoma southerly to the international border.

So what's up with those bell markers on the 101? According to the California Department of Transportation, the Mission Bell Marker system has existed on the historic El Camino Real route since 1906. The original marker system called for installation of bells one mile apart along the entire length of the El Camino Real. By 1913, over 450 markers were in place, but over the years the bells were removed due to damage, vandalism and theft. In 1959, the Division of Highways was legislatively mandated to maintain the marker system. Legislation in 1974 reiterated that responsibility.

Caltrans initiated a plan to maintain the system beginning in 1974, when less than 100 of the original Mission Bell Markers remained. The bells are exact copies of the original 1906 bells; in fact, the original bell molds were used to fabricate the new bells. Mission Bell Marker locations were chosen based on safety, constructability, visibility and scenic quality of the site. Spacing between marker locations varied based on existing site conditions and limitations. An average spacing of 1 to 2 miles was sought when identifying the locations.

The Caltrans Landscape Architecture Program began in 1996 to fulfill its vision to restore the historic El Camino Real Mission Bell Marker system from San Diego to Sonoma. The portion of the system from San Diego to Los Angeles was not addressed by the restoration project because those bells are mostly located on local streets outside of the State’s jurisdiction. The first phase of the restoration project, between Los Angeles to San Francisco, was completed in early 2005. The second and final phase of the restoration project was completed between San Francisco and Sonoma in late 2012. The Mission Bell Marker system as originally envisioned in the earlier part of the last century has finally been realized!

Caltrans received nearly $2 million in Transportation Enhancement grants to fund restoration of the Mission Bell Marker system on the El Camino Real from Orange County to Sonoma. Funding was received for the manufacture and placement of 585 Mission Bell Markers, placed approximately one to two miles apart along the roadside in the northbound and southbound directions of State Routes 101, 82, 37, 121, and 12. Mission Bell Markers located within the roadside of a state route are maintained by Caltrans. Maintenance of Markers located on local streets are the responsibility of the local entity.

So that explains why you see all of those interesting bell markers on the 101 Freeway! How would you like to have one of these authentic California El Camino Real Bell Markers in your own yard!? Visit the California Mission Bell company website at www.californiabell.com.

Older El Camino Real bell marker on display at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Older El Camino Real bell marker on display at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Cycling Clubs and Groups In and Around Ventura County

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Any given Sunday morning I come across hundreds of bicyclists on my morning runs in the Thousand Oaks area and throughout Ventura County.

Here are some local cycling groups:

CLICK HERE for some family-friendly friendly bike path options around Ventura County.

And for some local BMX track options, Freedom Park BMX Raceway in Camarillo

Bike shops in the local area:

EBike shops:

Historical and Cultural Landmark Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village in Simi Valley

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Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village in Simi Valley is a California Historical Landmark, Ventura County Cultural Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bottle Village is a .3 acre lot located at 4595 Cochran Street that contains shrines, walkways, sculptures and buildings made from recycled items and discards from local landfills. All of these structures were built by hand over a 25 year old period by Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey, beginning at age 60 in 1956 until 1972. Thirteen buildings and 22 sculptures in total.

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A non-profit organization, Preserve Bottle Village (PBV), was formed in 1979. The 1994 Northridge Earthquake caused extensive damage to the Bottle Village site. PBV has embarked on a campaign to develop a master plan for the restoration of significant site components. Learn how you can help at bottlevillage.weebly.com. There’s also a more recent website, with link to social media and periodic tours, at www.bottlevillage.org.

Grandma Prisbrey sold the property in 1972 to care for an ailing son, but came back several years later to continue building and to give tours.  She died in 1988 at the age of 92.

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Halloween Events and Activities In and Around Ventura County

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Halloween season is upon us again! Halloween 2024 looks to be a fun time with this compilation of Halloween events taking place in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Dates/times subject to change; contact event organizers to confirm. This list will be updated regularly. For calendar view, click here.

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

EVENTS COMING UP

Thu, Oct 31: SHINE Homeschool, Century Acadamy Trunk or Treat (12:30-2:30PM RSVP)

Thu, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Oak Park (3:30-6:30PM RSVP)

Thu, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Simi Valley (4-7PM RSVP)

Thu, Oct 31: Haunted High Street Event in Moorpark (4-7PM)

Thu, Oct 31: Trick or Treat at the Camarillo Premium Outlets (4-6PM)

Thu, Oct 31: Trick or Treat at The Oaks Mall (4-6PM)

Thu, Oct 31: Halloween in the Park in Camarillo (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 31: Trick or Treat Haunted House in Thousand Oaks (5:30-9PM)

Fri, Nov 1: Festival de los Muertos Event in Newbury Park (4-9PM)

Sat, Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at the Newbury Park Library (10:15AM-4PM)

Sat, Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos Event at Santa Paula Art Museum (Noon-3PM)

Sat, Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos Event at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula (11AM-5PM)

Sat, Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at the Oxnard Performing Art Center (4-9PM)

ONGOING EVENTS

Sep 28 to Oct 31: Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest on the Farm in Moorpark

Sept 27 to Nov 2: Reign of Terror Haunted House at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

Sept 27 to Nov 3: Nights of the Jack Halloween Experience at King Gillette Ranch

Oct 11-13, 18-20, 25-27: Santa Paula Theater Center “Ghostwalk” Event

Oct 18-20, 25-27: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Sept 13 thru Oct 28: Ghost Hunter’s Experience at the Simi Valley Town Center

Oct 3 to 27: Nightmare at Santa Town (Child-Friendly Haunt) at Simi Valley Town Center

Daily: Interactive Walkthrough at “The Best Halloween Store Ever” Thousand Oaks

Cool Residential Displays (Click links for footage and more info)

Residential display synchronized to music at 1455 Valley High, Thousand Oaks

“Blackwood Cemetery” annual display at home on Blackwood Street in Newbury Park

Golden Crest Avenue in Newbury Park (Cross Street Antelope Place)

Annual awesome display at this home on Yew Drive in Newbury Park

Camino Dos Rios west of Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks

Flaming Star and Shenandoah in Thousand Oaks

Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park

Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive in Newbury Park

Mapleleaf Ave west of Madrid Ave in Newbury Park

Orangewood and Felton in Newbury Park

507 Yarrow Drive in Simi Valley

Feather Ave near Hendrix in Thousand Oaks

Calle Pecos, west of Calle Yucca, in Lynn Ranch section of Thousand Oaks

Carob Drive, south of Borchard in Newbury Park

Lakota Loop Family-Friendly Walkthrough Halloween Experience in Simi Valley on October 26, 27 and 31 from 6:30-9PM.

Past Events

Thu, Oct 17: VC Dept of CSS 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat in Camarillo (4-6PM)

Sat, Oct 19: Trail or Treat at Camarillo Grove Park (10AM-1PM; $5 hike requires RSVP)

Sat, Oct 19: Free Pumpkin Patch at the Simi Valley Town Center (10AM)

Sat, Oct 19: Spooks by the Sea at Portside Ventura (Noon-5PM)

Sat, Oct 19: Harvest Festival at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 19: Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick or Treat Street in Thousand Oaks (6-9PM)

Sat, Oct 19: Rancho Simi Heritage Halloween and Magic in the Park (4-8:30PM)

Sat, Oct 19: Simi Valley YMCA Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat (3-6PM) (RSVP)

Oct 19-20: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 20: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (10AM-5PM)

Mon, Oct 21: “Pick Your Own” Pumpkin Patch at Mizel Estate Wines (4-6PM)

Mon, Oct 21: Oxnard Police Department Halloween Spooktacular (5:30-7:30PM)

Wed, Oct 23: Halloween Celebration in Port Hueneme (5-8PM)

Wed, Oct 23: Trick-or-Treat at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard (5PM) (RSVP)

Thu, Oct 24: “Pick Your Own” Pumpkin Patch at Mizel Estate Wines (4-6PM)

Fri, Oct 25: Spooky Swim at Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center in Camarillo (5:30PM) (RSVP)

Fri, Oct 25: City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival (Ages 2-10) (2PM-Sunset)

Fri, Oct 25: Frankenstein Ball at Camarillo Community Center (5-7PM Age 50+)

Fri, Oct 25: Spooky Town at the Simi Valley Town Center (5-9PM)

Fri, Oct 25: Spooky Swim at the Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center (5:30-8:30PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Dia De Los Muertos Festival at Conejo Mountain in Camarillo (10AM-5PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo (10AM-3PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest in Camarillo (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Camarillo Old Town BooFest Trick or Treating (Noon-4PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon)

Sat, Oct 26: Pumpkin Party at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Pumpkin Festival at Christ the King Newbury Park (2-6PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Parade of Freights Marketplace at Harbor View Park, CI Harbor (2-9PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating (3-7PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Spooktacular “Trunk or Treat” at Inside Car Guys Newbury Park (4-6PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Halloween Haunt in the Park at Plaza Park in Oxnard (4-7PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Fright Maze at Christ the King Newbury Park (5:30-9:30PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Songs, S’mores & Pumpkins at UMC of Thousand Oaks (6-8PM)

Sat, Oct 26: Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights (7PM)

Oct 26-27: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 27: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Strathearn Historical Park (11AM-5PM)

Sun, Oct 27: Seaside Trick or Treat at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon-2PM)

Sun, Oct 27: Trunk or Treat at Iceoplex Simi Valley (2:15-6PM)

Mon, Oct 28: Camarillo Police Department Trunk or Treat (6-8PM)

Tue, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat at Thousand Oaks Post Acute (5:30-7:30PM)