Selvin's Restaurant & Lounge Coming in 2024 to the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park

UPDATE 9/24/23: Selvin’s will be opening in 2024 - likely mid-June. JUNE 21ST Learn more at www.selvins.com.

UPDATE: Since this post in September 2021, the name of the eatery will now be called Selvin’s Restaurant & Lounge and is anticipated to open in early 2023. Visit selvins.com for updates.

Encore Kitchen & Bar is in process of being constructed in the former Brendan’s Pub at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park. Timing is TBA, though the hotel indicates sometime in 2021 at www.palmgardenhotel.com/dining. Encore will be serving California cuisine. Stay tuned…

National Park Service Urges Pet Owners to Rethink Hiking with Animals in the Summer Heat

The National Park Service (NPS) is urging pet owners to think twice before hiking with animals after at least three dogs have died on local trails since July of this year.The National Park Service (NPS) is urging pet owners to think twice before hiking with animals after at least three dogs have died on local trails since July of this year.

“Keeping canine companions safe during a hike requires planning and a heavy dose of realism,” said Ken Low, a National Park Service ranger at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “Hikers need to ask themselves, is my dog’s physical conditioning and age appropriate for this outing? If I decide to take them, am I leaving early enough and do I have enough water?"

The National Park Service and local search and rescue teams in Los Angeles and Ventura County together have reported about a half dozen canine rescues in 2021. Most of the dogs were suffering from a heat illness. Some did not have enough water.

"Wait for cooler weather before heading out on a hike with your four-legged friends," Low said. “We helped rescue two dogs from the Sandstone Peak area in the western part of our mountains on a recent weekend and it was over 90 degrees. People don’t realize that dogs can succumb to heatstroke in just 15 minutes.”

Hikers can check with their veterinarian to learn what their dog can handle. Some dog breeds make better hiking partners than others. The dog should also be evaluated to see if they are fit enough for the hike.

Young and old dogs might not be capable of keeping up on long, challenging hikes, and the burden on growing bones may be too much for puppies. Hiking in overly hot weather should be avoided, as dogs are more susceptible than humans to the dangers of excessive heat.

It's also essential that you take water for your dog. Dogs don't sweat the way humans do. Panting is their primary method for keeping cool, putting them at a higher risk of overheating than you when on the trail.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park Service, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit nps.gov/samo.

Grand Opening of Chakaa Tea Cafe in Newbury Park on Saturday, September 4th

Grand "soft opening" of Chakaa Tea Cafe in Newbury Park (Ventu Park in the Walmart/Walgreens center) took place on Saturday, September 4th at 2pm. They offer various teas...green tea. oolong tea, fruit tea, milk tea, boba tea, etc. Buy one, get one free during the soft opening says the sign.

Address: 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Suite 140.

The Disney Store at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks to Close on or Before September 15th

The Disney Store at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks will be closing by September 15th. Disney will be closing a number of its stores through year-end as it focuses on ecommerce and focuses on its Disney stores at Target stores.

Office Depot in Thousand Oaks to Close Its Doors; Grocery Outlet to Become New Tenant

Office Depot at Moorpark Road and Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks is closing its doors and has commenced a store closing sale. Sadly, this is of no big surprise, as Office Depot has closed hundreds of locations over the last five years as consumers migrate towards online shopping.

In its place will be a Grocery Outlet store. Date TBA.

Santa Paula to Debut Friday Farmers' Market on August 27th

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Enriched Farms, is excited to announce the installation of a new and unique certified farmers market experience beginning Friday, August 27. The inaugural event will kick off at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and opening remarks.

The new Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market, which will take place every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. along East Santa Barbara St. between North 10th St. (Hwy 150) and North Mill St. in front of our historic Train Depot, will showcase locally certified fruits and produce from growers such as Prancers Farm and Espinoza Farm along with shops and food from over thirty vendors. Santa Paulans and visitors alike are encouraged to come out and enjoy all that beautiful Santa Paula has to offer.

Looking for a tasty quick bite or a fun Friday night dinner? Look no further than Santa Paula’s Certified Farmer Market, which is set to feature many restaurants and food businesses. Try something new, such as:

• Brothers Products - various hummus flavors, pita bread and pita chips, mediterranean salads and dips

• Davilas Pupuseria - featuring delicious pupusas

• Keto Sweets LA - baked keto brownies and breads (gluten free and diabetic friendly)

• MeGusta Gourmet Tamales and Thai Chicken - award winning tamales

• Salsa Acapulco - fresh salsa of various kinds, guacamole and various ceviches

Alongside the delicious local food stalls, attendees will find local businesses and merchants selling their popular and skillfully crafted products. From locally grown flowers from Pattys Farm to 100% locally produced honey from BlueRidge Honey, the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market is sure to have something for everyone.

To top it all off, the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market is the only farmers market with a wine and beer tasting section in Ventura County for adults to enjoy! Visitors may shop around for their favorite local products, grab a meal or snack, and then end their Friday night with tastes from local wine, beer and cider makers. In addition, shoppers can enjoy local live musical entertainment from local musicians while winding down the week. The wine and beer tasting area, alongside the delicacies showcased at the market, ensures the Santa Paula Farmers Market will be the perfect place to spend Friday evenings and grab local produce for the weekend.

www.spcity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77

FARMERS’ MARKETS THROUGHOUT VENTURA COUNTY

Draughts Restaurant & Bar in Thousand Oaks Has Closed Its Doors

Draughts Restaurant and Bar at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, in the Best Buy Shopping Center next to Ross is permanently closed. Draughts operated here since 2010. Before that it was called Stuft Pizza.

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. Opening Soon in Westlake Village

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. will be opening soon (possibly September) at 766 Lakefield Road, Unit A in Westlake Village (between Hampshire and Townsgate).

Naughty Pine is a 2,200 sq ft microbrewery and tasting room with an outdoor seating area of 480 sq ft in the Westlake Village Business Park that will focus on classic and contemporary beers, with an emphasis on European-style lagers and ales.

Visit www.naughtypinebrewingco.com for updates.