The Sanctuary at Thousand Oaks Luxury Apartments in Newbury Park Planned for Early 2026

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MBK Rental Living acquired the 7.1 acre site at 1872 Newbury Road (at NE Kelley Road), Thousand Oaks in 2023 and is developing it into a 218-unit luxury apartment community. The project will offer both market rate and affordable residences across multiple two and three story buildings and will offer studio, one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans. Twelve percent of the residences will be designated as affordable housing.

Located on the site is the historic Timber School House and auditorium. Established in 1888, the Timber School District was formed by early ranchers in the Conejo Valley. The original Timber School was a one room schoolhouse that was demolished to make way for the new Timber School House that was built in 1924. The auditorium was built in 1948. These buildings were designated as historic landmarks in 2004 by the City of Thousand Oaks and Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board. Most recently, Conejo Valley High School occupied the buildings until 2015. These buildings will be preserved, rehabilitated and repurposed as the community’s leasing office, co-working space, clubhouse, and children’s lounge.

Grading of the site is currently taking place as of October 2024 and the grand opening is slated for early 2026. Pre-leasing will begin in late 2025. Learn more at www.thesanctuarythousandoaks.com.

Site grading on october 11, 2024

Proposed Merger of Kroger and Albertsons Could Change Ownership of Four Local Grocery Stores

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Vons at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills

A number of folks have messaged us regarding the list of local grocery stores that would be divested if Kroger's proposed acquisition of Albertsons is approved by federal regulators. The list of 579 stores includes 63 in California.

The merger was first announced in October 2022. It would combine Kroger (which owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less, among others) with Albertsons (which owns Pavilions, Safeway and Vons, among others). Kroger/Albertsons say the merger would better help them compete with Amazon, Walmart and Costco. The fate of the merger will be decided in a trial set to start in Portland, Oregon on August 26th. The trial may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Local stores that would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers include Vons stores at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills, 820 Arneill Road in Camarillo, and 6040 Telegraph Road in Ventura, and Albertsons at 541 S. Reino Road in Newbury Park.

As part of the acquisition, C&S retains the Albertsons brand name in California. Does that mean these stores will retain their existing Vons/Albertsons names if the acquisition goes through? Perhaps, but we shall see.

Selvin's Restaurant + Lounge Grand Opening at The Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park on June 21st

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Selvin's Restaurant + Lounge is opening to the public on June 21st. Located at the Palm Garden Hotel on Ventu Park Road in Thousand Oaks, its founder is local entrepreneur and band leader, 97 year young Harry Selvin. Its menu includes entrees like Seared Scallop Risotto, Seared Pacific Halibut and Steak Frites, pizzas, salads, appetizers and more. Learn more at www.selvins.com..

Mama's Hummus to Close Newbury Park Location on February 28; Camarillo Still Open

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The owners of Mama’s Hummus have announced that they will be closing their original Newbury Park location in the Conejo Gateway Plaza (779 N. Wendy Drive) on Wednesday, February 28th. This location has served the Conejo Valley since February 20, 2014.

The good news is that the Camarillo location, which opened on August 9, 2015, is still in business and owners Naji and Suzanne would love to see you stop by. Located just five miles away, down the Conejo Grade, at 5021 Verdugo Way, near Camarillo High School. If you’re looking for delicious, homemade kabobs, shawarma, hummus and other Mediterranean specialties, Mama’s Hummus is worth going out of your way for.

Learn more and see their menu at www.mamashummus.com.

Cedro Italian Restaurant in Newbury Park is Now Open

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Temporary sign is up; I’m sure at some point we’ll see a permanent sign.

Cedro Italian Restaurant opened on January 18th at 2385 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, in the former home of Stella’s. Initially open for dinner nightly (closed Mondays), they indicate at some point there will be lunch service.

This new eatery was founded by three Italian friends, inspired by their shared heritage and their grandparents’ love for cedro plants. Check out their menu at www.cedrorestaurant.com.