Great News From Thousand Oaks Police Department Regarding Burglary Arrests

Recently, the city of Thousand Oaks has experienced an increase in residential and vehicle burglaries.  During this investigation, the Thousand Oaks Police Department engaged in a public awareness campaign, asking residents to call and report suspicious activity.  With the help of tips from our community members, several burglary suspects have been arrested over the past month.  These suspects are unknown to one another, and their crimes are not related.

On April 10th, 2013, Detectives and School Resource Officers from the Thousand Oaks Police Station arrested two juveniles for a rash of burglaries to storage lockers in the Thousand Oaks area.

On April 15th, 2013, a tip from the public led patrol officers to Madison McConnell (age 23).  McConnell was found in possession of stolen property and has been connected to at least one residential burglary in the city of Thousand Oaks.  Detectives are continuing to investigate the possibility he has been involved in more.

On April 26th, 2013, investigators from the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit arrested Sean Torbert (age 26) for residential burglaries that occurred in the city of Los Angeles.  Torbert is suspected of committing similar residential burglaries in Thousand Oaks, and investigators are investigating his connection to those crimes.

The identification and arrest of these suspects is the direct result of the partnership the Thousand Oaks Police Department has with our community, and the willingness of our community members to provide essential information regarding crime in our neighborhoods.  The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind our community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  

Report suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhoods at (805) 654-9511.

Source: Thousand Oaks Police Department www.toaks.org/government/depts/police/default.asp

PizzaSalad Closes and Mulberry Street Pizzeria Opens in Thousand Oaks

Update Nov 2015: Mulberry Street Pizzeria changed ownership in the Fall of 2015 and became Butler's Pizza.

Original Post Below

PizzaSalad closed early last month after doing business for five years at 1655 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. We will miss their organic ingredients and tasty food!

But where one slice of pizza is down to its crust, another one may be in the oven...which is the case here as Beverly Hills based Mulberry Street Pizzeria opened at this location last weekend. This is their 5th location.

According to a recent Mulberry Street Pizzeria press release:

One of the most well-known and highly rated pizzerias in the world, Mulberry Street was opened in 1991 by Richie Palmer, whose original and authentic New-York- style pizza proved a recipe for success.

With a cult following among local residents, tourists from around the world, and Hollywood's elite -- including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frankie Vallie, Mickey Rourke, Jon Lovitz, and others -- Richie quickly expanded his operation to include three additional locations -- one in Encino, one in Sherman Oaks, and a second store in Beverly Hills.

Richie has also spread his success by taking his famous sauces mainstream. Mulberry Street Pizza Marinara, Vinaigrette, Hot Oil, and BBQ Sauces have hit shelves around the area and are available online.

The Thousand Oaks pizzeria will be open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm. For takeout or delivery, call (805) 379-1121, or experience Mulberry Street Pizza and order online at www.mulberrypizzeria.com.

We stopped by Mulberry Street Pizzeria Thousand Oaks and sampled different slices. Delish!

A CVG Facebook follower mentioned the Eggplant Parmesan pizza was a standout...she was absolutely correct. I tried it and yes indeed, it was good.

About Mulberry Street Pizza

Founded in 1991 when Richie Palmer opened the first Beverly Hills location, Mulberry Street Pizza is one of the most well-known and highly rated pizzerias across the globe. The New York style pizzeria is a cherished Beverly Hills' icon and has also operates famed locations in Encino, Sherman Oaks, and Thousand Oaks. Celebrated for the perfect pie with the perfect flavors, Richie Palmer is spreading his success as he takes their famous pizza sauces mainstream. Mulberry Street Pizza Marinara, Vinaigrette, Hot Oil and BBQ Sauces have hit shelves. To order online or experience Mulberry Street Pizza, visit www.mulberrypizzeria.com.

Simply Healthy, Donuts or Better Yet, Simply Healthy Donuts in Newbury Park!

In the space previously occupied by the Newbury Park Golden Spoon, a new sign came up yesterday called Simply Healthy.  In a rush, I snapped a shot of this new business to share. Though I have a guess as to what the business is, I will keep that to myself until it is confirmed.

But in taking another look at the photo, the irony became apparent. Simply Healthy...Donuts. Yes, people were amused when it was posted to the CVG Facebook Page: "Finally! I've been waiting for a simply healthy donut!" "I'll take a dozen" "Dream come true!" "I'm off to get my healthy donuts!"

If anyone is reading this and knows how to make healthy donuts, consider a location in the Conejo Valley. There appears to be high demand for them!

Ventura County Star Reports Jake's Wayback Burgers Opening in Ventura in the Spring

In January 2012 the VC Star reported that the east coast based Jake's Wayback Burgers would be opening its first California location in Newbury Park. Well that didn't materialize and now the Star reports that Jake's IS indeed opening in Ventura County, at the Gateway Plaza in Ventura, 4960 Telephone Road. It has since opened in early April 2013.

Jake's is currently hiring and you can apply at waybackburgers.com/apply.

According to their recent craiglist ad, "Wayback Burgers began in 1991 as Jake's Hamburgers with a single restaurant in Newark, DE. Jake's Hamburgers had always served big, juicy hand-made burgers and real milkshakes, crafted to order by a friendly staff. Delivering the freshest, most delicious food possible was and is Jake's Wayback Burgers only philosophy."

Speaking of burgers, here's a compilation of other burger joints that have opened up in town in recent years.

3rd Annual Conejo Valley Restaurant Week Planned for April 21-25, 2013

Conejo Valley Restaurant Week is back for a 3rd helping this year from April 21st to 25th! Participing restaurants in the Conejo Valley and adjacent cities will offer special prix fixe (that means "fixed price" to English as Only Language types like me), 2 course lunch (NEW this year) and/or 3-course dinner menus to hungry people like you and me!

Meals will be offered at a minimum of 30% off the regular menu price. Gotta love that!

Lunch: two for $10; $10 and $15 pricing. Dinner: two for $15; and $15, $25 and $35 (tax, beverages and gratuity are not included). Participating restaurants include fast-casual and fine dining establishments.

Visit a favorite restaurant, try a new one or dine out every night of the week with family and friends. Prices do not include beverages, tax and tip. Visit www.conejorestaurantweek.com for more details and links to restaurant websites. The list will grow as we get closer to the dates of the event.

Several new local restaurants are participating, including Paul Martin's, Cinepolis, Burgerwerkz, DISH and Mulberry Street Pizzeria.

Bon appetit! (That means...ENJOY YOUR MEAL!)

Restaurants interested in participating can contact Danielle Borja at the Chamber: 805.370.0035 or dborja@conejochamber.org.

Myron Freedman Named New Executive Director of Museum of Ventura County

Myron Freedman Named New Executive Director of Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Richard Pidduck, has announced the appointment of Myron Freedman as its new Executive Director. Freedman joins the Museum from Hayward, California, where he served as Executive Director of the Hayward Area Historical Society since 2008. Freedman will be overseeing both the downtown Ventura location and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.

Freedman is a southern California native who grew up in Reno, Nevada. He relocated to Chicago, where he began his museum career at the Chicago History Museum. With a background in theater, his stagecraft and design skills quickly led to his appointment as the Museum’s Director of Exhibit Design. From there, Freedman moved to St. Louis, where he oversaw a major expansion of exhibition galleries as Director of Exhibitions at the Missouri Historical Society. Later, he was named the Exhibits Curator for Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a national park best known for its Gateway Arch.

Among the exhibits Freedman developed while with the Jefferson National Expansion was a commemoration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial. During this time, he also taught Museum Studies at Webster University. Freedman’s exhibition work has received national recognition by the American Association of Museums, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, as well as the commercial film industry.

Freedman says the Museum of Ventura County’s focus on history and art, along with its proximity to the coast, has motivated him to seek the Executive Director position. He and his wife are thrilled to be calling Ventura County their home.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, in historic Santa Paula. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission to each Museum is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. Paid events include free admission to the galleries, and the first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more Museum information, please visit www.venturamuseum.org.

Did You Know...That the City of Westlake Village Has Leaf Blower Guidelines

Yes indeed, the City of Westlake Village has detailed guidelines in place for the operation of leaf blowers. So don't blow it...or perhaps I should say, sure, blow it, but per these guidelines. If not, someone may call the Poleafs.

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION OF LEAF BLOWERS

The Westlake Village City Council has approved the following guidelines for the operation of leaf blowers which are intended to reduce the noise, dust, fumes and lake pollution generated by the machines. FAILURE TO ABIDE by these guidelines could result in legal prohibitions against the use of leaf blowers.

1. Hours of Operation: Use leaf blowers only between the following hours --

a. 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday (during early morning hours use of power equipment should be deferred as long as possible).

b. Do not use gas powered leaf blowers on Sundays and legal holidays.

c. Check with property owners and/or Homeowners Associations for hours of operation in certain neighborhoods which may be different from the above-mentioned City hours

2. To Reduce Noise:

a. Operate at lowest speed possible. If it is absolutely necessary to operate at higher speeds, do so only for a maximum duration of two minutes.

b. Always use a muffler. Muffler should be serviced and cleaned periodically to remove carbon build up.

c. Always use an air filter. Service filter frequently to keep clean.

d. Use proper hose extensions and nozzles with swivels because less power is required when leaf blower hose is positioned close to debris.

e. Fan Impellers behind back pad should be serviced on a regular basis to insure removal of debris clogging smooth air flow.

f. As situations permit, update equipment to models which meet the ANSI B.175.2 noise standard of 65dB(A) or less. Newer model leaf blowers are much more quiet, and are much more fuel efficient, saving money on fuel costs and generating fewer pollutants from the engine.

g. Follow guidelines of the South Coast Air Quality Management District with regard to maintenance and operation of small internal combustion engines

3. Dust, Fumes, and Lake Pollution:

a. Form small piles of debris. Pick up debris and properly dispose by placing in bag or container.

b. Use mist attachments or lightly sprinkle area when possible to minimize dust created by blowing of debris.

c. Do not blow debris on to neighboring property or into City streets and gutters. All debris must be cleaned from City streets and gutters immediately.

d. Direct blower away from lake. Do not blow debris into lake under any circumstances.

e. Observe wind direction when operating blower. Blow in same direction of wind.

f. Operate blowers at manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture to reduce smoking and fumes.

4. DO NOT Use Leaf Blowers:

a. When other gasoline powered machines are being used on the property or in the adjoining area.

b. When there are excessive winds.

c. When any doors or windows are open.

d. When area to be cleaned is small; sweeping and raking is recommended.

Source: City of Westlake Village website: www.wlv.org