Steve's un-Original Pizza Opened at MB2 Raceway Newbury Park in January

Steve's un-Original Pizza opened in the MB2 Raceway facility at 1475 Lawrence Drive, Newbury Park back in January. I've heard nothing but great things so far about their thin crust pizza. Hours vary but generally the same time frame that MB2 is open. Cash only. Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stevesunoriginal or call 805.498.7499 for more information.

Allison I. of Newbury Park provided this image of, in her words, "the best pizza around!"

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks Indicates Lassens Will Open "This Summer"

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks Rolls Out the Green Carpet for Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins

(An update to a previous post about Lassens coming to The Lakes)

As it continues to evolve as a shopping and dining destination in Thousand Oaks, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is preparing to roll out the green carpet for Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins, the top purveyor of natural and organic foods. Set to open this summer, Lassens has earned a reputation over more than four decades as a family-run destination for organic produce, natural and organic groceries, a full service deli, juice bar, and an extensive selection of supplements, vitamins and natural body care products.

Lassens brings another high-quality tenant to The Lakes, a property of Caruso Affiliated, one of the largest and most successful privately held real estate development companies in the U.S.  Its opening this summer will strengthen the appeal of the Thousand Oaks community hub to upscale and sophisticated consumers, joining established tenants such as P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Sunlife Organics, Umami Burger, California Pizza Kitchen and 9021Pho (to open in late Spring 2014).

“We are thrilled to have Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins join The Lakes at Thousand Oaks and look forward to offering our guests a community staple where they can shop for fresh, natural and organic groceries, vitamins and much more,” offered Jackie Levy, Executive Vice President of Operations for Caruso Affiliated.

Relocating its current 7,500-sq. ft. Thousand Oaks store to The Lakes, where it will nearly double in size to 13,500 square feet, Lassens will be able to significantly expand its product offerings.  Because it is independently owned, Lassens is already distinguished for carrying a wide selection of unique, lesser-known specialty brands, for its organic salad bar, full service deli including hot case items, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and made to order juices, and for its commitment to 100% organic produce and natural products.  Since 1971, when Hilmar and Oda Lassen opened the doors of their first store in Camarillo, Lassens has become a trusted community destination and a conscientious supporter of local farms. To date, Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins has grown to ten locations, with its opening at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.lassens.com.

Nestled against the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is perhaps the most pristine and beautiful of Caruso Affiliated’s properties, featuring two magnificent lakes, waterfalls, a children’s playground, rose gardens and public spaces spread across 7.5 acres. For more information, visit www.shoplakes.com. Follow The Lakes on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shoplakes and Twitter at twitter.com/shoplakes.

About Caruso Affiliated

Caruso Affiliated is one of the largest privately held real estate development companies in the United States. They develop, own and manage a portfolio of highly specialized retail and residential properties that command sales per square foot 75% above the industry average.  Average consumer expenditures nearly double that of regional malls and sales growth is nearly three times that of traditional malls. Its portfolio encompasses a world-class collection of properties that attract millions of people annually, including one of its premier developments, The Grove, which attracts more guests per year than Disneyland. Caruso Affiliated properties are designed to make them more than retail and residential sites, they are central gathering places for the communities they serve, as well as premier tourist destinations. In 2012, two of Caruso Affiliated’s properties – The Grove and The Americana at Brand – ranked in Shopping Center Today’s list of the top 15 shopper centers in the world based on sales per square foot. Caruso Affiliated is currently spearheading one of the largest retail development programs in the nation, which is expected to generate $80 million annually in new taxes for state and local governments as well as 11,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent jobs.

Social Media Reunites Stray Dog in Camarillo with Owners From Quebec, Canada

The power of social media recently helped a small gray dog named Gizmo find his way home. On Wednesday, February 26th, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) received a call from a concerned citizen who reported a scared stray dog wandering around Camarillo’s Sports Park. When VCAS officer Kelli Hipple arrived, she found a small frightened dog running in circles. With clouds gathering overhead, she called for back-up and spent nearly two hours working with fellow VCAS officer Randy Chong to calm and catch the frightened pup.

Photo of VCAS Officer Kelli Hipple and Gizmo that appeared on Facebook.What happened next was truly amazing. VCAS posted a photo of Officer Hipple holding Gizmo on Facebook and within hours, the post was viewed by more than 11,000 people and shared more than 162 times.  Within two hours, a VCAS Facebook fan noticed a resemblance between the dog and a photo posted on the Oxnard Missing Pets Facebook page and two days later, Gizmo was back in the arms of his extremely grateful owners, Nat and Kathy Gaudet.

The Gaudets, long-distance truck drivers from Quebec, Canada, had stopped in Oxnard when Gizmo jumped out of the cab of their truck and ran away. They searched high and low for him but couldn’t locate him.  Although they had to leave town for their next stop in Fresno, Nat Gaudet continued to scour the internet for any sign of his fluffy best friend.

Because Gizmo’s story and photo went viral, his story had a happy ending.  Upon hearing that Gizmo was found and being cared for the VCAS Adoption Center, the French-speaking Gaudets turned their truck around and raced back to Camarillo. The next day, amid smiles, wagging tails and many “Merci Beacoups,” the Gaudets were reunited with their beloved Gizmo.

Before sending Gizmo on his way, VCAS staff placed a microchip in Gizmo. VCAS encourages all pet owners to microchip their pets so if they become lost, they can be easily identified and their owners can be quickly notified.

“We are grateful to the thousands of VCAS supporters who shared Gizmo’s photo on social media and helped us find his owners,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “Gizmo’s story highlights the power of social media and also shows how it truly takes a village to find loving homes for every homeless animal in our County.”

VCAS is currently participating in the 2014 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge, a competition between fifty animal shelters across the country to save the most lives. To help them win, VCAS needs the public's help to expand their presence on social media and to participate in adoption events so they can save more lives than ever before.

As seen by Gizmo, social media can be highly effective at helping owners reunite with lost pets. In addition, social media is an effective tool for promoting homeless animals in desperate need of adoption. The public can support VCAS and meet adoptable animals by following VCAS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VCAnimalServices and Twitter at twitter.com/VCAnimalService or by becoming a VCAS volunteer.

For more information, visit www.vcas.us.

Southbound 23 to Southbound 101 Freeway Restriping During Widening of 101

Update 3/10/14:

Last week, the SR-23 connector to the 101 south was reduced to one lane as part of initial work for the project. This change resulted in significant traffic impacts, leading Caltrans and City staff to pursue potential alternatives. Those conversations also resulted in the following:

1. Beginning with Tuesday morning's commute, the south 23 connector to the south 101 will be restored to two lanes, while work continues on the project.  
2. The project team is working together to explore alternatives regarding future construction activities on the connector.

Other updates 3/7/14:

• Northbound US 101 Connector to Northbound SR-23 reduced to one lane (in effect 24/7)
• Southbound SR-23 Connector to Southbound US 101 reduced to one lane (in effect 24/7). *Caltrans is working with the project contractor to minimize the duration of this connector lane reduction.
• Northbound Hampshire Road to Northbound US 101 on-ramp has been reduced to one left turn lane (in effect 24/7)
• Conejo School Road at US 101 undercrossing has been reduced to one lane only between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; flaggers on site to direct traffic
• US 101 Southbound off-ramp at Moorpark Road closed nightly between
  9 p.m. and 6 a.m. (ongoing utility relocation work)
• Northbound Moorpark Road at US 101 undercrossing lane reduction nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Dates and times subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather.

An update from the 101/23 Freeway Interchange Improvement Project team:

On Thursday, March 6 commuters experienced significant delays traveling on the southbound SR-23 transition to the southbound US 101 freeway as a result of striping modifications made recently on the connector. As part of the US 101 / SR-23 Interchange Improvement project, the southbound SR-23 connector to the southbound US 101 freeway will be reduced to one lane during construction, in order to accommodate for the widening of the US 101 freeway mainline. The project team is currently exploring all options to improve the striping delineation to help motorists navigate the new reduced lane configuration. In addition, the team will be exploring opportunities to add additional signage in the area to provide advanced notification to alert motorists traveling through the interchange. 

The City of Thousand Oaks and Caltrans are aware of the delays caused as a result of this lane reduction. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused to motorists who were caught off guard. Delays are expected in the area as the team explores options to improve the striping and add additional signage in advance of the lane reduction. To minimize delays, use an alternate route if possible or allow extra time to reach your destination.

We are committed to providing proactive public outreach support to minimize impacts to the traveling public and to help commuters avoid delays due to unanticipated construction / maintenance activity. Additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available and the team is making every effort to ensure advanced notice is provided in the future.

Vom Fass Closed Its Westlake Village Location on February 21, 2014

Vom Foss Westlake Village closed its doors at 3815 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard on February 21, 2014 but owners indicate they will be opening a new location. Updates will be posted at westlakevillage.vomfassusa.com. Vom Foss opened here in 2010, offering gourmet culinary condiments, fruit vinegars, exquisite oils, exotic liqueurs & fine rare spirits.

That said, in a Facebook post on January 29th, Vom Foss noted "While we are excited about our pending relocation, we will unfortunately be moving out of the Conejo Valley."

NOTE: Subsequently. vomFOSS (that’s apparently how they spell it I’ve discovered) opened a location at 451 E. Main Street, Ventura. ventura.vomfassusa.com

Learn more about Vom Foss at vomfassusa.com.

Viva La Pasta in Moorpark Closed

Viva La Pasta's at 252 W. Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark recently closed its doors. However, the Simi Valley location in the Wood Ranch center at 525 Country Club Drive is still open. Visit www.vivalapastasimivalley.com.

Boar Dough Tasting Room Opened in Agoura Hills in February

Boar Dough Tasting Room recently opened at 5015 Cornell Road, Unit G, Agoura Hills, in the former home of Johnny Rockets, across from the Regency Theaters.

Boar Dough offers local & international wines, beers and ciders, flatbreads, local charcuterie (cooked cold meats) and cheeses, seasonal local produce, hand made sodas, gelato and chocolate from Tifa, gourmet coffee and teas, and more. Wine/beer/soda classes and speciality cooking classes are also offered.

Currently open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit www.boardoughtastingroom.com or call 818.889.2387.

California Crisp Cafe in Westlake Village Closes Its Doors

Lauren R tipped us off on the CVG Facebook page that the California Crisp Cafe, previously located at 5794 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village in the Albertson's/Michael's plaza, is closed. Hmm, I'd never even heard of the place. It actually looks (or I should looked) pretty good based on the menu at www.californiacrisp.com/westlake_wraps.htm. If they re-open somewhere else around town and I actually hear about them, I will definitely try them out!

CLU Receives $4.67 Million Scholarship Endowment From Estate of John R. Manken

CLU receives $4M scholarship endowment

Late donor got student aid, wanted to pay it forward

California Lutheran University has received its largest-ever donation for scholarships, a $4.67 million estate gift from a Pacific Palisades educator.

The endowment funded by John R. Manken’s bequest will provide about $240,000 each year in Manken Family Scholarships to students who are seeking teaching credentials or majoring in math, physics or religion. This will boost the university’s scholarship outlays from endowed funds by about 20 percent.

Manken died of a heart attack at the age of 89 on March 27, 2012, but CLU just received the funds. About $23,000 can be distributed in 2014 and the full awards will be available in 2015.

The child of a couple who ran a plumbing business, Manken received a scholarship to attend college and wanted to give others the same opportunity. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree and a doctorate in music from the University of Southern California, but after a year touring as a concert pianist he decided that wasn’t the life he wanted. He returned to USC and earned a doctorate in educational administration. He had a 40-year career as an elementary school teacher and principal and retired in 1993.

Manken, a Lutheran, first connected with CLU when he came to the Scandinavian Festival on campus in 1988 and met the university’s vice president of development. An only child who never married and had no descendants, he began working with Della Greenlee, the now retired director of scholarships and foundation relations, to establish the scholarships to be funded upon his death by the bulk of his estate. Prior to his passing, his only gifts to the university were two oak and glass display cases that hold a collection of Reformation-era Bibles and rare religious books that were donated by his friend.

Della Greenlee with the late John R. Manken (Photo Courtesy CLU)