California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks to Relocate to The Oaks in November

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To accommodate its continued growth as one of Conejo Valley’s premier art museumsthe California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) has entered into a strategic partnership with The Oaks – a Macerich property. The museum will vacate its current location on Thousand Oaks Blvd. and move into a new 5,500 square-foot facility at The Oaks, located at 350 West Hillcrest Drive. The new location will feature expanded exhibit space, new resources for educational programming and special event space. The museum will be located on the second floor between Nordstrom and Macy’s, across from JCPenney, and will be easily accessible from the parking structure.

The grand opening of the museum will coincide with the exhibition of Kevin Sloan: A Collection of Rarities on November 8, 2018. Sloan, a Denver-based painter whose work is characterized by a deep reverence for the natural world, will take visitors on a surreal journey examining the precarious position facing wildlife today. The museum anticipates 15,000 visitors during the exhibition run and has developed accessible educational materials and public programs to complement the exhibition.

Since 2015, CMATO has exhibited acclaimed artists at the City’s property; welcomed thousands of visitors from throughout Southern California; and seen its membership, donors, and volunteer contributions steadily increase. During this time, CMATO received two substantial gifts: Shawn and Letal Skelton ($100,000) and Larry Janss ($100,000). Both donors are committed to providing the means for CMATO to be a cultural gathering place for generations to come and fully support the move to the Oaks.

As part of CMATO’s mission to be a place for authentic and meaningful engagement with art, the museum’s new location will accommodate larger exhibitions, provide more robust programming and feature dedicated areas for participatory and interpretive experiences. The space will also provide greater exposure opportunities for museum sponsors. Plans are currently underway for CMATO to collaborate with Macerich on major events throughout the year, including its School Cents program.

About CMATO:

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) is a cultural institution dedicated to engaging, educating and uplifting the human spirit through the palette of art. Established in 2008, the museum showcases established and emerging contemporary artists, with a unique focus on participatory art. As part of its mission to connect people to creativity, ideas and to each other, CMATO features rotating temporary exhibitions, artist lectures and educational programs that foster discussion, participation and an appreciation for the visual arts. To learn more or to become a museum member, visit www.cmato.org

About Macerich:

Macerich, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States.

Macerich currently owns 52 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 48 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country’s most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in the Pacific Rim, Arizona, Chicago and the Metro New York to Washington, DC corridor.

A recognized leader in sustainability, Macerich has earned NAREIT’s prestigious “Leader in the Light” award every year from 2014-2017. For the third straight year in 2017 Macerich achieved the #1 GRESB ranking in the North American Retail Sector, among many other environmental accomplishments. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

Dollar Tree in Westlake Village Opening Soon

Update 10/7/18: Dollar Tree Westlake Village is now open.

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Dollar Tree looks to be opening soon in the Westlake Village Marketplace, 5770 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. Dollar Tree is subleasing the 12,500 sq ft space from Smart & Final in a 10 year sublease. 

Other local area Dollar Tree stores are located in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Oxnard (2), Port Hueneme and Ventura. www.dollartree.com

Billy D'z Backyard BBQ in Newbury Park Has Closed Its Doors

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Sorry to hear the news today from Bill Dobner of Billy D'z Backyard BBQ in Newbury Park. 

"After almost seven years in business, Billy D’z Backyard BBQ has closed.  Opened in 2011 by Bill & Carey Dobner, our BBQ restaurant has served thousands of dine in, take out & catering guests.  We want to thank all our loyal guests, family & employees who have helped us achieve our dream of opening a BBQ restaurant that serves quality food & drink with backyard BBQ hospitality here in Ventura County. 

Unfortunately, we have to close our business to tend to some family members who are going through some tough health issues.  It is time for us to put family in front of everything else that is going on in our world.  The restaurant business is a tough business that takes lots of hard work & dedication.  We feel it is most important for us to take care of our family members who have helped us so much over the 30+ years we have been in the restaurant business.  

Thanks again to all our guests over the years! "

The Dobner family and Billy D'z Backyard BBQ will be greatly missed in our community. Best wishes to them in their future endeavors.

Billy D'z opened it doors on November 28, 2011.

Da Hickory House BBQ Opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on September 1st

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Da Hickory House BBQ opened at The Collection at RiverPark on September 1st., located in the former home of Gandolfo’s New York Deli on the far east side of the marketplace.

As one might expect, their menu includes items like pork ribs, beef ribs, chicken, tri-tip and links in on plates, sandwiches and salads. The place smells delicious.

www.facebook.com/DaHickoryHouseOxnardCollection

Cake Monkey Bakery Opening August 31st at The Village at Westlake

Update Fall 2019: Well after 13 months, the owners announced they are closing Cake Monkey Bakery.

Update 8/30/18: Anticipated grand opening on Friday, August 31st.

"Known for the ultimate in delicious desserts and pastries, we make everything from mini layer cakes to nostalgic favorites such as El Rollos, Cakewiches and Pop Pies."

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Posted 4/29/18:

Cake Monkey Bakery is located at 7807 Beverly Blvd in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, offering cakes, individually-sized treats and coffee.  Gluten-free items are available too.

Well guess what...Cake Monkey Bakery is soon opening a location at The Village at Westlake, Agoura Road and Village Glen, in the former home of Tonino's Place Pizzeria

Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean Now Open at The Promenade at Westlake

Update: Soom Soom opened in mid-September.

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Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean is coming soon to The Promenade at Westlake. Founded in November 2016 in Los Angeles, Soom Soom offers falafel, shawarma, hummus and other Mediterranean foods with fresh, organic ingredients.

Soom Soom will be located next to Fresh Brothers and Cinepolis in what was previously (and quite briefly), The Melt (and prior to that, Pick Up Stix, for you local history buffs).

More on Soom Soom at soomsoomfresh.com.

Sapwi Trails Community Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Thousand Oaks on September 22nd

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The Conejo Recreation and Park District announces its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Sapwi Trails Community Park on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 9 am to noon.

This 145 acre park is located in the open space between Erbes Road (at Scenicpark Street) on the west and Westlake Boulevard east, with Avenida de los Arboles on the north.

The park has numerous features, including disc golf course, trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, playground, bike park, terraced areas with picnic benches and more.

The park will not have irrigated turf.

More information at www.crpd.org/sapwi.