Bike Thefts on the Increase in Northern Portion of Thousand Oaks

There has been an increase in the thefts of high-end bicycles in the northern portion of Thousand Oaks during the months of July and August of this year. The suspects have entered the victims’ open patios and garages. They have used bolt cutters to remove the cable locks to steal the bicycles. Thefts have occurred during the night hours, late morning and into midday hours.

On 8-15-2011, a witness saw two Hispanic males attempt to steal a bicycle.

Suspect 1 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-10”, 160 lbs, slender build, medium complexion with no facial hair. He was wearing a gray baseball cap.

Suspect 2 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-8”, 180 lbs, medium build, medium complexion, and short dark hair.

Both suspects were wearing royal blue T-shirts with “We Will Floor You” written in white letters on the back of the shirt. There were other words written on the shirt, but the victim could not see what they were.

If you have any information about these crimes, please contact Detective Mike Ferguson of the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Two Recent Zumba Flash Mobs in Ventura County with Amanda Welti

Flash mobs are all the rage around the world. Haven't heard of many local ones, but Thousand Oaks fitness instructor Amanda Welti has made her mark with two recent Zumba flash mobs at the Ventura County Fair and Janss Marketplace. Planning a flash mob somewhere in Ventura County? Contact us so we can get the scoop! WE LOVE FLASH MOBS!

Belated News: Enoteca Toscana Wine Bistro in Camarillo Closed May 1st

Enoteca Toscana Wine Bistro in Old Town Camarillo closed on May 1st of this year. Somehow I never got wind of this one. The food was very good there in my opinion. My only beef with the place was that it was a bit on the pricey side. In fact, I specifically recall dining there several years back. We ordered something light, like a panini, along with a cup of minestrone soup. The soup was delicious. But when we received the bill, we discovered the soup was like $10. For a cup, not even a bowl. We kind of looked at each other in shock, thinking it had to be a mistake. But it wasn't. We asked. That was the price. That delicious $10 bowl of soup prevented me from other going back I hate to say...though if anyone offered to buy me lunch there, I'd certainly have gone. In any case, I know Enoteca will be missed.

Fallen Sign at Wendy Drive and Potrero Road in Newbury Park

There's a popular trailhead to Sycamore Canyon/Rancho Sierra Vista at the corner of Wendy and Potrero Roads in Newbury Park. This morning you'd only know that by looking down and finding this sign on the ground. No visible clues as to how this happened. Something/somebody knocked it over during the last 24 hours. Kind of a bummer to see.

For more local hiking and trails in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas, CLICK HERE.

Will Hooters Hurt Home Prices in Thousand Oaks? CBS News Covers The Story!

Several hundred Thousand Oaks residents have written City Hall regarding the proposed Hooters at Janss Marketplace.  There are allegations that Hooters will impact the value of homes in Thousand Oaks in this interview.

CVG has done a survey of residents regarding the proposed Hooters. With 285 responses in, approximately 30% of residents are no go on Hooters, 55% for Hooters and the remaining 15% for the most part could give a hoot.

As a result of all this Hooters hubbub, the City will be holding a hearing to address these concerns. Stay tuned.

City of Westlake Village 30th Anniversary Photography Contest

City of Westlake Village 30th Anniversary
Photography Contest

Entries accepted from Jun 18 to Oct 24, 2011

Winners will be selected by October 31. Selected photographs will be put up on display at the City’s 30th Anniversary Winter Wonderland Event on December 11.

Amateur, professional and school-age photographers are invited to enter the City’s first Photography contest. Both digital images or scanned film images accepted.

Photos must be “recognizably Westlake Village” and taken within the city limits. All photos will be reviewed by the City’s Cultural Recreation Advisory Board. Winning photographs will be judged based upon use of color, quality and clarity, illustration of theme, evoking a sense of place, telling a story or depicting Westlake Village. For more information contact Brianne Anderson at 818-706-1613 or Brianne@wlv.org.

CATEGORIES

Capture the City of Westlake Village’s beautiful environment, active people, and vibrant community life, and submit your favorite photographs in these categories:

1. Environment—skylines, water, open spaces, parks & wildlife
2. Architecture—design, cityscapes, landmarks & infrastructure
3. People Portraits—of residents participating in city sponsored events & classes
4. Community Life—education, volunteer, street/nightlife, celebrations, arts & cultural scenes

Click THIS LINK for detailed information in pdf format or visit the City of Westlake Villge website at www.wlv.org for more information.

Ruby's Shake Shack at the Malibu Pier "Under Transition"

UPDATE: Ruby's never made a return. It became the Malibu Farm Cafe.

It had been awhile since I ate at Ruby's Shake Shack on the Malibu Pier and as I walked down the pier toward the diner today it surprised me how uncrowded it was. Sure enough, the place was empty. At 5 p.m. on a perfect summer Saturday.

I asked the clerk across the way at the the Malibu Beach Supply Co. (which by the why has some pretty cool stuff for sale and rents fishing poles for just $5 an hour on weekends and has bait).

And she said Ruby's has been closed since last September. The Ruby's Diner website indicates "Closed for the Winter Season and under transition. Reopening date is currently unavailable."

Stay tuned...