Compilation of Happy Hours in the Conejo Valley

/

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

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

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

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

101 North Eatery & Bar at The Village at Westlake Village offers happy hour specials from 4-6PM Tuesday through Saturday. Tap beers and well cocktails $7, other drink specials and an assortment of food specials. www.101northeateryandbar.com/menu 805-852-1588

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 1714-A Newbury Road in Newbury Park offers happy hour specials from 4-6PM Tuesday through Sunday, including some $5 draft beers, $3 Corona and Coors Light and numerous other wine and cocktail specials as well as delicious appetizers like French Dip Sliders ($12), Steak Bites ($13) and much more. www.holdrens.com/np/menus/happy_hour 805-498-1314

The Cliffdiver at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks offers happy hour 3-6PM and 8PM-Close Wednesday to Sunday and Taco Tuesdays ($3 select tacos, $5 select beers). www.thecliffdiver.com 805-370-1585

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen in the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village offers happy hour drink specials such as draft beer for $5, wine and cocktails and appetizers from 3-5PM Monday through Friday. www.finneyscrafthouse.com/westlake-village (805) 230-9950 (updated May 2024) 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 now offers happy hour specials from 2-5PM Monday through Thursday. Enjoy bites like the Calabrian Meatballs ($5), Roman Style Pizzas ($10) or the Crawford’s Burger Jr. Combo, served with fries + choice of soda or any happy hour beer or wine for under $20. Drink specials too. www.crawfordssocial.com/happyhour 805-510-0105

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 (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

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

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

Marmalade Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake Village offers a happy hour menu Sunday through Thursday 3-6PM. All happy hour food and drink offerings just $7. marmaladecafe.com/locations/westlake-village/happy-hour-menu

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

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

Novo Cafe at The Shoppes at Westlake Village hosts happy hour Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6PM and Friday to Sunday 4-5:30PM, featuring 40% off entire dinner menu. www.novocafe.com/westlake-menu#menu=happy-hour-westlake 818.318.1466

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

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

The Tipsy Goat at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks announced a new happy hour menu from 4-7PM Tuesday to Sunday, including $4 beers and other drinks on its Facebook page on 11/3/23 at THIS LINK. No website as of May 2024, so contact them for updates.

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 Friday. www.tavern101agoura.com/menus

Outside the Conejo Valley

Twisted Oak Tavern at 2433 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo offers happy hour drinks and bites from 3-6pm daily. All draft beers $2 off. House wine, well drinks, margaritas and Moscow Mules $7. Variety of starters and flatbreads available. www.twistedoaktavern.pub/menuhappy-hour 805-586-4005

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 Over TV screens and a big dance floor too. 805-915-1528

The Twist on Main at 454 E. Main Street in Ventura offers happy hour libations Wednesday through Friday from 4-7pm, including $5 draft beers, house wine and well drinks. thetwistonmain.com 805-641-0053

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 805-652-1799

Beach House Fish 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 7-9PM. Discounted drinks and select appetizers. www.beachhousefish.com/happy-hour-1 805-643-4783

Chapala Mexican Restaurant at 245 South 10th Street, Santa Paula offers happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday from 3-6PM. chapalamexicanfood.com/happy-hour (805) 525-2813

Latitude 34 at 660 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo offers happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3-6PM. l34camarillo.com/menus/HappyHour.pdf

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 through Friday from 4-6:30PM. www.winchestersgrill.com/food#menu=happy-hour (805) 653-7446

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

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

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 May 2024)

Bellringer Brewing Co at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura offers happy hour specials from 4-6pm Monday through Friday. bellringerbrewco.com/menus/food

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

Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. on the Ventura Pier at 668 Harbor Blvd in Ventura offers happy hour specials Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM and Friday ‘reverse” happy hour specials from 6-9PM. Discount beers, wine and well cocktails and appetizers available. ericericssonsfishco.com/happy-hour-1

Volunteer Opportunities in Ventura County

/
iStock_Volunteer.jpg

Looking for a job? Why not help yourself by filling in the gaps in your resume with new experiences while helping others! Or if you are just looking to give back to the local community, there are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer throughout Ventura County. Here's where to find volunteer opportunities:

The United Way of Ventura County hosts www.VolunteerVenturaCounty.org, which lists numerous upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Since 1998, VolunteerMatch.org has helped volunteers find over 4 million volunteer matches at over 60,000 non-profits across the country.

Or visit the Local Charities section of Conejo Valley Guide and you'll find over 100 Ventura County area non-profit organizations, most of which could use your help. I clicked a few and found plenty of volunteer needs publicized on each entity's website, like MANNA Food Bank, L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue in Agoura, Hospice of the Conejo, Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library, and CareGivers - Volunteers Assisting the Elderly.

You could also join one of over 80 service organizations in the Service Clubs section of CVG. The Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, Assistance League, Lions Club and other organizations provide needed services to others in need. 

ActionVC is a non-profit that seeks volunteers to serve the vulnerable in our local community. www.actionvc.org/volunteer

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County seeks volunteers at www.habitatventura.org/volunteer.

The Ventura County Resource Conservation District seeks volunteers to further its mission to conserve the natural resources of Ventura County at www.vcrcd.org/volunteer.

The Ventura County Medical Reserve Corps is a volunteer network that provides support for public health, emergency response, first aid services for local events and other local needs. www.venturacountymrc.org

Volunteer opportunities in Thousand Oaks: toaks.org/departments/human-resources/volunteer

Volunteer opportunities in Simi Valley: www.simivalley.org/index.aspx?page=355

Volunteer opportunities in Camarillo: www.cityofcamarillo.org/departments/city_manager/volunteers.php

Volunteer opportunities in Moorpark: moorparkca.gov/389/Volunteering-in-Moorpark

Volunteering in the City of Westlake Village: www.wlv.org/index.aspx?nid=320

Volunteering for the County of Ventura: hr.ventura.org/volunteer

How about the National Park Service? Check the local Santa Monica Mountains volunteer opportunities and Channel Islands National Park volunteer opportunities.

Also check out the volunteer opportunities with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. mrca.ca.gov/educational-outreach-programs/volunteer-2

And more links to volunteering opportunities:

Conejo Recreation and Park District www.crpd.org/support/volunteer

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District www.pvrpd.org/volunteer

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District www.rsrpd.org/recreation/volunteers.php

Los Robles Hospital volunteer opportunities for adults and high school students www.losrobleshospitalvolunteers.com

Thousand Oaks Library www.tolibrary.org/services/get-involved/library-volunteers

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley www.bgcconejo.org/get-involved/volunteer

Food Share of Ventura County foodshare.com/volunteer

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo and Port Hueneme) www.oxnard.org/recreation/senior-services/rsvp-volunteer

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo www.dignityhealth.org/central-coast/locations/pleasantvalley/about-us/volunteering

Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship in Newbury Park www.rideon.org/volunteer.php

Shelter Hope Pet Shop in Thousand Oaks shelterhopepetshop.org/help

Conejo Players Theatre in Thousand Oaks conejoplayers.org/volunteer

Rancho St. Francis in Newbury Park www.ranchostfrancis.org/Volunteers.htm

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers in Policing Program www.venturasheriff.org/volunteers/volunteers-in-policing

New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks newwestsymphony.org/volunteer

Conejo Free Clinic www.conejofreeclinic.org/volunteers

Interface Children & Family Services www.icfs.org/volunteer

Boys and Girls Clubs of Conejo Valley www.bgcconejo.org/get-involved/volunteer

Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks seeks volunteers for its Adult Day Care Center, Meals on Wheels and other programs. www.seniorconcerns.org/volunteer

James Storehouse in Newbury Park seeks volunteers for its work supporting children in need. Visit www.jamesstorehouse.org/volunteer to apply.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara seeks volunteers cancersupportvvsb.org/about-us/volunteer-opportunities

Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency seeks volunteers for trail watch, trail work days, Adopt-a-Trail and more. conejo-openspace.org/about/volunteer-opportunities

The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program provides opportunities for adults age 55+ to use their life experience and skills to meet local community needs. www.crpd.org/programs-sports/conejo-senior-volunteer-program

School on Wheels seeks volunteers to tutor children experiencing homelessness. schoolonwheels.org/apply-to-be-a-volunteer

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary seeks volunteers ages 17 and up to join its local Channel Islands flotilla. Bring the USCG AUX your skills or join to develop your leadership skills through numerous free classes and workshops offered. The USCG AUX was established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Volunteers assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security, vessel safety checks, public safe boating classes and watchstanding. Visit www.d11s.org to learn more.

Non-profit Step Up Tutoring seeks volunteers ages 16+ to tutor students online in underserved communities. Learn more at www.stepuptutoring.org/volunteer-tutor.

Farmers' Markets and Farm Fresh Produce Around Ventura County

/
farmersmarket.jpg

Looking for fresh produce in Ventura County? Lettuce help you! There are over a dozen farmers' markets in and around Ventura County each week, not to mention another dozen or so stores and Community Supported Agriculture programs that sell organic produce.

Times, dates and places subject to change. Let us know of any updates!

FARMERS' MARKETS (In "day of the week" order)

VENTURA: Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm at Pacific View Mall in the west parking lot, near Red Robin and the former Sears. Call 805.529.6266. www.vccfm.org/midtown-ventura

OXNARD: Thursdays 9 am to 1:30 pm at Plaza Park, 5th and C Streets. Call 805.247.0197. downtownoxnard.org/farmers-market

THOUSAND OAKS: Thursdays 11 am to 4 pm (NEW HOURS AS OF 11/14/24; previously noon to 5pm) at the The Oaks Mall east parking lot. Produce, flowers, food and more! www.vccfm.org/thousand-oaks

OJAI: Thursdays 3 to 7 pm at the Ojai Unified School District courtyard at 414 E. Ojai Avenue (at Montgomery). Produce, fish, crafts, food and more. www.ojaicommunityfarmersmarket.com

SIMI VALLEY: Fridays 11 am to 3:30 pm at Simi Valley Civic Center Plaza, 2757 Tapo Canyon Rd..(at Alamo Street) www.facebook.com/simivalleymarket or 805.643.6458

DOWNTOWN VENTURA: Saturdays 8:30 am to noon 200 block of Main Street, from Palm Street to Mission Park. Call 805.529.6266 or visit www.vccfm.org/downtown-ventura

CAMARILLO: Saturdays 8 am to noon 2220 Ventura Boulevard camarillofarmersmarket.com. Proceeds benefit Camarillo Hospice. Call 805.386.3584.

NEWBURY PARK: Plans are in the works for a Saturday farmers’ market in the Conejo Gateway Plaza at the corner of Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road. Stay tuned. dhholdings.com/index.php/project/conejo-gateway-plaza

CALABASAS: Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm in Old Town Calabasas on Calabasas Road west of El Canon Avenue (across from Sagebrush Cantina). Call 818.591.8161. ccfm.com/calabasas-farmers-market

SANTA PAULA: Saturdays 10am to 2pm at Anna’s Cider, 801 E. Main St. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094783585689

VENTURA: The Ventura College Foundation Weekend Marketplace at Ventura College takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm, in the east parking lot, 4667 Telegraph Road. Fresh produce, nursery plants, flowers and more offered. venturacollegefoundation.org/weekend-marketplace-2

WESTLAKE VILLAGE: Sundays 10 am to 2 pm at 2797 Agoura Road (at the Westlake Commons) Call 818.591.8161. www.facebook.com/WestlakeVillageFM

OJAI: Sundays 9 am to 1 pm at 300 E. Matilija Street year-round, rain or shine. Produce, flowers and gourmet food. Call 805.698.5555. www.ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com.

OXNARD/CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR: Sundays 10 am to 2 pm at 2805 South Harbor Boulevard year-round. www.channelislandsharbor.org/listing/farmers-market

MALIBU: Sundays 10 am to 3 pm at Legacy Park, 23500 Civic Center Way. www.facebook.com/malibufarmersmarket

LOCAL STORES WITH FRESH PRODUCE:

Underwood Family Farms Market at 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark has farm fresh produce, pickled items, honey, nuts, juices, dried beans, farm fresh eggs and fresh cut flowers. Open year-round.. Call 805.529.3690. underwoodfamilyfarms.com/farm-market

Underwood Family Farms Market at 5696 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Somis is open every day year-round 9am to 6pm (5pm after DST) with the exception of some holidays. Call 805.386.4660. underwoodfamilyfarms.com/somis

Underwood Family Farms - Somis Location

Underwood Family Farms Market in Moorpark.

Underwood Family Farms Market in Moorpark.

McGrath Family Farm at 1012 West Ventura Blvd, Camarillo is open March through December Tuesday through Sunday and offers organic fruits, flowers and vegetables.  Freeway convenient off the Central Avenue offramp of the 101. Call 805.983.0333.

Lassen's Natural Foods, with locations in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura and Simi Valley, has offered fresh produce since 1971.

Apricot Lane Farms at 10700 Broadway Road in Moorpark opens its Farmstand on Saturdays and Sundays from May to October. Hours are 10am to 3:30pm. Guests are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the regenerative market garden, enjoy the children’s playground, and have a picnic on the beautiful garden lawn. www.apricotlanefarms.com/where-to-buy

Sprouts Farmers Market sells local farm fresh produce as well as a full range of other grocery items, with local area locations at:

Whole Foods Market organic fresh produce and a full range of grocery items, with local locations in Thousand Oaks (740 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks) 805.777.4730 and Oxnard at The Collection (650 Town Center Drive) 805.751.4300

Green Acres Farm Market (2918 Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley) opened in 1968 and offers farm fresh produce, meat, fine wines and gourmet groceries. Call 805.526.1312. www.simigreenacres.com

Rodela Produce and Flowers (formerly A & F Country Market) is at 4550 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura (at Telephone Road). From Thousand Oaks, take Victoria offramp from 101 south to Olivas Park and make a right. Store is on your left. Nice stop on your way to/from the Olivas Adobe and Ventura Harbor Village. 805.644.5470.

santiagos produce.JPG

Santiago’s Produce is located on the northwest corner of Olivas Park Drive and Telephone Road at 4551 Olivas Park Drive.

The Berry Best stand at 3030 Dodge Road (at Pleasant Valley Road, just east of Rice Avenue) is strawberry, fruit and vegetable stand. Call 805.271.4490.

prancers farm1.jpg

Prancer’s Farm is a family owned farm and produce stand located at 18540 E. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

The Gerry Ranch offers freshly picked blueberries at its farm in the Santa Rosa Valley. Visit www.gerryranchberries.com for more information.

Francisco's Fruits is located at 1782 E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore. Fruits, nuts, snacks, and more. Great place to buy citrus! www.facebook.com/FranciscosFruit 805.524.4616

Lil Red Barn is located at 100 S. Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, with seasonable produce like strawberries, avocados, vegetables and more. 805.382.0799

Paty’s Farm at 3260 Somis Road in Somis is a produce stand that offers fresh fruit and vegetables. 805.947.6764

CSA (COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE) AND LOCAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS

Local Harvest Delivery is based in Santa Barbara and delivers harvest boxes to homes as far as Ventura and Ojai.

Farm Cart Organics provides local delivery service. Visit www.farmcartorganics.com.

Farmivore offers farm to door delivery throughout Ventura County, plus Agoura Hills and Calabasas. https://farmivore.localfoodmarketplace.com

Farm Fresh to You delivers organic fruits and vegetables to your home. www.farmfreshtoyou.com

Farmers' Market Websites:

Farm Bureau of Ventura County: www.farmbureauvc.com/farm-to-table

Ventura County Certified Farmers Markets: www.vccfm.org

Retired Farmers' Markets:

NEWBURY PARK: Fridays 2pm to 7pm (The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch). Announced on 12/9/13 that market is closed.

SIMI VALLEY: The Simi Valley Town Center Market was discontinued effective 11/26/14 after running for a year and a half.

AGOURA HILLS: Sundays 9 am to 2 pm at 5835 Kanan Road (Agoura's Famous Deli parking lot) closed 6/28/15.

CAMARILLO: Wednesdays 3-7pm Pleasant Valley Certified Farmers' Market at the Camarillo Community Center parking lot closed 9/30/15.

NEWBURY PARK: Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm at the Newbury Park Library parking lot (Borchard Road and Michael Drive) closed Feb 2017

OXNARD: Thursdays 4 pm to 8 pm at The Collection at RiverPark short-lived

OXNARD: Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm at The Collection at RiverPark located -short-lived in 2022

MOORPARK: Sundays - to be relocating - check for updates at www.facebook.com/moorparkcfm

Veterans Day Services in Ventura County

/
VetsDay.jpg

Veterans Day is celebrated as a Federal holiday on the 11th day of November in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Armistice with Germany took effect.

VetsDay1984.jpg

Vietnam veteran David Stull stands guard while supporting a flagpole carrying the American flag at the Garden of Valor at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. This was one of three 30 minute shifts he stood guard. November 1984 photo by Scott Harrison/The News Chronicle

Back in the 1980s, Conejo Valley residents would observe a 24-hour vigil during the Veterans Day holiday. I took photos several times, but this 1984 photo at dusk remains my favorite. The current full name of Valley Oaks is Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. The flame is still burning at the Garden of Valor.

Where to Play Pickleball in Ventura County

/
Pickleball court at Del Prado Playgrounds in Newbury Park.

Pickleball court at Del Prado Playgrounds in Newbury Park.

According to www.whatispickleball.com, pickleball is oversized ping pong played on a badminton sized court with a tennis sized net. Pickleball originated in Bainsbridge Island, Washington in 1965 when congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell created the game for their families to play.

Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball that weighs about an ounce and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping pong paddles. Pickleball is an indoor/outdoor sport that is easy to learn and, like tennis and ping pong, can be played singles or doubles. Learn more about pickleball at www.usapa.org.

Today, the sport of pickleball is governed in the U.S. by the USA Pickleball Association. which was founded in 2005 to promote the sport. There are over 8.9 million pickleball players in the United States over the age of six and over 44,000 pickleball courts across the country.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity here in the Ventura County area. Here is a list of pickleball courts in and around Ventura County as well as adjacent areas:

Thousand Oaks:

Westlake Village:

The City of Westlake Village is constructing four pickleball courts for public use at Westlake Village Community Park, 31107 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The courts will be located in the northeast corner of the existing parking lot, east of the Yarrow Family YMCA and south of the skate park. Courts will be open from sunrise to 9pm and have lights. Grand opening date is November 15th at 10am. www.wlv.org/pickleball.

Simi Valley:

Oak Park:

Pickleball courts at Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road

Port Hueneme:

Pickleball is available at Walter B. Moranda Park, 200 Moranda Parkway, Port Hueneme. There are 10 courts; 5 of them are reservable. www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/1169/Moranda-Park

Moorpark:

Pickleball courts at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail Street open 8am to sunset and dual tennis/pickleball courts at Miller Park, 4530 Miller Parkway open 7am to 10pm.

Camarillo:

Ventura www.cityofventura.ca.gov/pickleball

Ojai

Calabasas

The privately-owned Calabasas Pickleball Club opened on June 1, 2024, with 16 courts at 5155 Old Scandia Lane. It is a members only club. Visit calabasaspb.com for more information.

Pickleball is offered at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/tennis-swim-center/tennis-pickleball

Clubs:

Ventura County Pickleball Club venturacountypickleballclub.com

Ojai Valley Pickleball www.ojaivalleypickleball.com

Ventura County Pickleball League camarilloathletics.com/ventura-county-pickleball-league

Visit camarillopickleball.fun to connect with other pickleball players.

Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Freebies Around Ventura County

/
free_sign_med1.gif

It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards programs and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, gift card, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery Rewards: Sign up and get $5 off your first order, then receive 5 points for every $1 spent, to get various offer. Also, receive a free bakery sweet on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Rewards: Earn “pegs” for each dollar spent and redeem for rewards. Free birthday reward - a dessert.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Pita Points Rewards Club: Earn one point for each dollar spent; 100 points = $5 off any purchase. Plus another $5 credit on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley

Dave & Buster’s

D&B Rewards: $10 free game play with $20 game play purchase for joining. $10 free game play for every $100 spent.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Del Taco

Dell Yeah! Rewards: Get two free tacos for signing up, get a free birthday reward and free ice or hot coffee before 11am daily with purchase. Accumulate points and exchange for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley (3), Oxnard (2), Ventura, Santa Paula

Denny's

Denny's Rewards: Sign up and get 20% off your next visit.  Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Rewards - 1 order of $5 or more = 10 points. 60 points = a free pizza.

Locations: Various

El Pollo Loco

La Familia Rewards: Earn 100 points for each dollar spent. Redeem for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (3), Santa Paula, Ventura

Farmer Boys

VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Redeem points for rewards. www.farmerboys.com/vif

Location: Newbury Park

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Rewards App: Use their app and earn points towards free subs and more. Get free birthday sub too.

Locations: Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks

Grabbagreen

Grabsomegreen Rewards: Earn 1 point for each full dollar spent and receive $5 reward for every 50 points earned (effectively a 10% discount). Receive $5 reward for your birthday. www.grabbagreen.com/rewards

Location: Thousand Oaks

IHOP

IHOP Bank of Pancakes: Earn one PanCoin for every $5 spent. Trade 3 PanCoin crypto-pancakes for a short stack of 3 pancakes and other items. www.ihop.com/en/rewards

Locations: Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Fillmore, Carpinteria

Islands

Islands Locals Program: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 150 points = $10 reward. Get a free chips, salsa and guacamole upon sign-up. www.islandsrestaurants.com/locals-program

Location: Newbury Park

Jack in the Box

The Jack Pack: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem for food. www.jackinthebox.com/account/signup

Locations: Various

Jamba Juice

My Jamba Rewards App: Earn points for each purchase good for discounts on future purchases. Spend $35, get 35 points, which is good for $3 off your next order. Effectively an 8.6% discount. You also get a free birthday smoothie.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at The Commons at Calabasas offers a free ice cream on your birthday. Birthday guests can order any single, standard, or trio size ice cream in a cup or cone of their choice, and get their order free of charge.  The birthday special is only applicable on a customer’s day of birth. Adults must show a valid ID, and kids must be accompanied by an adult who can vouch that the day is their real birthday.

Jersey Mike's Subs

myMike’s: Sign up and earn free subs with Shore Points and receive a free sub on your birthday.

Locations: Over a dozen locations...Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oxnard, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, etc.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Rewards App: Register and get a free Original Glazed doughnut. Earn points towards free doughnuts and drinks and get a free gift on your birthday.

Location: 220 Riverpark Road, Oxnard

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Email Club: Sign up and get free birthday and anniversary treats (dessert or appetizer)

Locations: The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks and The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Little Calf Creamery & Cafe

Follow Little Calf: Sign up for their email list and get a free scoop of ice cream and updates. Visit website for details.

Locations: Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Maria's Kitchen Club App: Free birthday dessert. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Cash in 200 points for a $10 award (effectively a 5% discount). Free medium cheese pizza at signup. Free birthday month dessert.

Location: Agoura Hills

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

My Smileage Club: Earn a Smile point for each dollar spent. Cash in 50 smiles for $5 towards a future purchase. That's a 10% rebate in my book!

Locations: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura.

Nick the Greek

Rewards App: Earn points from purchases and redeem for food and drinks.

Locations: Ventura, Westlake Village

Noah’s New York Bagels

Noah’s Rewards: Free bagel and shmear with purchase, free egg sandwich on your birthday and redeem rewards points for items.

Noahs App: Download the app and receive 2 points for every $1 spent to redeem for items. Order on the app and get a free hot or iced coffee reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura

Nothing Bundt Cakes

eClub: Sign up and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Old New York Deli

Deli Dough Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points  =  $7 in Deli Dough.

Location: Camarillo

Panera Bread

MyPanera: Sign up and receive a free "surprise" like a free pastry or sweet. Then receive other surprises as you accumulate points.

Locations: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Papa John's

PapaRewards: Earn 1 point for every $5 you order ONLINE (including tax and delivery). Accumulate points for food items.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Peet’s Coffee

Peetnik Rewards App: Earn points and exchange them for drinks and food. FREE drink or baked good on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Pickles Deli

Pickles Deli Rewards - Fill out a form or download the Royalty Rewards Member App to receive $10 off your next visit for signup, free birthday reward and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 100 points equals a $5 reward certificate.

Location: Newbury Park

Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards - Earn 2 points for each $1 spent. Use points for free pizza and other items.

Locations: Various

Pizza Man Dan's

Pizza Lover's Email Club: Free pizza on your birthday and much more.

Locations: Ventura (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark and Camarillo

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Caniac Club: Get a free box combo for signing up.

Location: Oxnard

RedBrick Pizza

RedBrick Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Receive a $10 reward for every 1000 points. Effectively a 10% discount. Receive a small gelato after registering.

Location: 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura

Red Lobster

My Red Lobster Rewards: Earn points for your purchases and redeem for food items. Receive something on your birthday too.

Location: Oxnard

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty: Free burger on your birthday and every 10th item free.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard

Regency Theatres

Regency Rewards: Earn points on purchases. 10 points for each adult ticket...100 points gets you a free companion ticket.

Locations throughout the area.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Rise Rewards: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem points for food and beverages.

Location: Thousand Oaks, near Topper’s Pizza.

Rita's Italian Ice of Newbury Park

Rita's Birthday Club: Sign up and receive free birthday treat.

Location: 2290 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Birthday Club: Sign up for Rori’s email list and get a free birthday scoop

Locations: Camarillo, Ventura

Sbarro

Sbarro Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food items.

Locations: Pacific View Mall in Ventura, The Oaks Mall

Subway

Subway MVP Rewards: Earn 4 tokens for every $1 spent on food and drinks. 200 tokens = $2 reward. Free cookie with sub purchase.

Locations: Everywhere

7 Eleven

7Rewards Loyalty Program: Download app on your smartphone, scan when you purchase coffee, Slurpees and other fountain drinks, and get 7th drink free. Not a bad deal!

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Sharky's Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points = $7 good toward future purchases. Effectively a 7% discount.

Locations: Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks: For every $1 spent, get 5 points. 300 points equals a free item (cupcake, cookie or brownie).

Location: The Promenade at Westlake

Starbucks

My Starbucks Rewards: Members receive a free birthday drink or treat. Free refills and other items based on number of Stars collected over designated periods.

Locations: Everywhere

Stonefire Grill

SFG Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Every 125 points equals a $10 reward. Free birthday dessert.

Locations: Thousand Oaks

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Rewards: Sign up and get a free reward, then earn 10 points for each $1 spent. Earn a new reward every 250 points.

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

eClub: Sign up and get $20 savings on two regular dinners combined and gifts on your birthday and other special occasions.

Location: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

Urbane Cafe

Urbane Cafe App: Download the app, use it to pay for your purchases, and receive $5 credit for every $100 you spend; a 5% discount. I also received a $3 birthday credit.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: Get a free chili dog for signing up and other stuff.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura

Wingstop

Email Club: Free birthday gift.

Locations: Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks

Yard House

E-Club: Register and receive a free appetizer

Location: Oxnard

Yogurtland

Real Rewards Program: Earn points for each ounce purchased and exchange points for free yogurt and birthday treats.

Locations: Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Arby's

Arby’s Email List: Get free Classic Roast Beef with purchase of full-price menu item after signing up.

Locations: Ventura, Simi Valley

Baja Fresh

Club Baja: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Every 100 points gets you a $10 reward. Special offer on your birthday.

Locations: Camarillo (2), Simi Valley (2), Calabasas, Oxnard, Westlake Village

Bandits Grill & Bar

Bandits' Roundup Club: Free birthday gift, specials and more.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Baskins-Robbins

Birthday Club: Free small scoop on your birthday!

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks (2), Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

BJ's Premier Rewards Plus: Earn 1 point for each $1 spent and redeem for discounts. For example, cash in 350 point for $25 off your meal, effectively about a 7% rebate. Free Pizookie at registration and on birthdays.

Locations: Westlake Village, Oxnard

Black Bear Diner

Bear Lovers E-Club: Sign up and get a free meal now and another on your birthday.

Location: Ventura

Buca di Beppo

Buca E-Club: Join and receive $10 gift.

Location: Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Blazin' Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food. Get 10 free boneless wings for signing up.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cafe Rio

My Rio Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Receive $10 reward for 100 points. Effectively 10% off.

Location: Thousand Oaks

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK Rewards: Free small plate when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 75 points equals a $5 reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks (The Lakes), Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura (Pacific View Mall)

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One App: Earn points with each purchase and redeem them for free food rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura

Chili's Grill & Bar

My Chili's Rewards: Get free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic beverage on every visit. Free dessert on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Chipotle

Chipotle Rewards: 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for free menu items, apparel, accessories or charitable donations. Get free guac at signup and on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cold Stone Creamery

My Cold Stone Club® Rewards: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. 50 points can be used as a $5 reward towards purchases of $5 or more. 25 points earned just for registering.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley

Non-Food Rewards

Ulta

Ultamate Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for discounts. Free birthday item.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Calabasas

Forty-Seven Things to Do In Thousand Oaks

/

The City of Thousand Oaks was incorporated on September 29, 1964. Most of Newbury Park was annexed by the city in the 1960s/1970s. Casa Conejo, Newbury Park's first planned community built in the early 1960s and the Lynn Ranch area of Thousand Oaks are unincorporated areas of Ventura County that technically are not annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks. The City of Thousand Oaks also annexed the Ventura County portions of Westlake Village in 1968 and 1972. That said, this list also includes a few things to do in the City of Westlake Village.

Enough history for now! Let's look at the future...like tomorrow or this coming weekend. Here are 47* things to do in the City of Thousand Oaks in random order.

*It started out as 47 things to do but we've lost count since originally posting this.

View of Boney Mountain from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

View of Boney Mountain from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

Older version of City of Thousand Oaks sign.

Older version of City of Thousand Oaks sign.