Proposed Merger of Kroger and Albertsons Could Change Ownership of Four Local Grocery Stores

Vons at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills

A number of folks have messaged us regarding the list of local grocery stores that would be divested if Kroger's proposed acquisition of Albertsons is approved by federal regulators. The list of 579 stores includes 63 in California.

The merger was first announced in October 2022. It would combine Kroger (which owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less, among others) with Albertsons (which owns Pavilions, Safeway and Vons, among others). Kroger/Albertsons say the merger would better help them compete with Amazon, Walmart and Costco. The fate of the merger will be decided in a trial set to start in Portland, Oregon on August 26th. The trial may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Local stores that would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers include Vons stores at 5671 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills, 820 Arneill Road in Camarillo, and 6040 Telegraph Road in Ventura, and Albertsons at 541 S. Reino Road in Newbury Park.

As part of the acquisition, C&S retains the Albertsons brand name in California. Does that mean these stores will retain their existing Vons/Albertsons names if the acquisition goes through? Perhaps, but we shall see.

Handel's Ice Cream Coming Soon to The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

Handel's Ice Cream is coming soon to The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks. The Oaks directory currently shows it will be located in the space adjacent to the former Menchies space. Timing TBA.

Alice Handel created her first ice cream in Youngstown, Ohio in 1945 and their stores continue to make fresh ice cream in-house. Local area locations in Calabasas, Northridge, and Santa Monica, as well as others. Learn more at handelsicecream.com.

FROZEN TREATS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Pho & Tea at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks Has Closed Its Doors

The Pho & Tea eatery in the food court area at The Oaks mall has closed its doors. Pho & Tea opened its doors in December 2017 in the space previously occupied by Tacone Wraps (which I have delicious memories of).

Pho & Tea indicated via its Facebook page that it is relocating and will be reopening for to go and delivery for online orders via Doordash/Uber Eats on Monday, July 15th.

Makenna Koffee Coming Soon to North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village

Makenna Koffee, with locations in Simi Valley and Valencia, is opening a 3rd location in Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Center at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in the former Veggie Grill location (that closed in May 2023). Timing TBA. Learn more about Makenna at makennakoffee.com.

CONEJO VALLEY COFFEE PLACES

House of Bamboo Tiki Lounge Coming Soon to Old Town Camarillo

House of Bamboo tiki lounge is in process of being built at 2227 Ventura Blvd in Old Town Camarillo, between Elm and Fir, across from the Studio Channel Islands Art Center. No other details or timing at this time, other than this looks to be quite a unique place. Follow @hobtiki on Instagram for updates.

2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard July 25 to August 21

2024 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp presented by American Airlines will be open for fans to attend practice sessions in Oxnard from July 25th through August 21st. Fans can attend all practice sessions open to the public, starting with the first workout on Thursday, July 25th until the final open practice on Wednesday, August 21st. Location is the River Ridge Playing Fields next to the Residence Inn at River Ridge at 2501 West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard.

Training Camp in Oxnard will be highlighted by the annual camp opening ceremony – Cowboys Back Together Weekend presented by American Airlines – as the team welcomes fans back to training camp on Saturday, July 27th. The Cowboys Back Together Weekend event will begin at 9 am PT as fans enjoy live entertainment, appearances by Cowboys Alumni, Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders autograph signing, exclusive merchandise, prizes, giveaways and more! The opening ceremony will take place at 10 am PT which will include a performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and remarks from Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones before the open practice session at 10:30 am PT.

On Wednesday, July 31st, the team will host Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA to show their gratitude towards military personnel and first responders. The Team will host 200 local active Military members to take part in a VIP experience and watch practice.

Admission is FREE, no tickets needed. There will be autograph opportunities, Dallas Cowboys cheerleader appearances, live weekend entertainment, Cowboys merchandise for sale, food and drinks available for purchase, field access and more.

Fans will have the option to purchase VIP or Sideline Access to the training camp. Tickets go on sale July 16th. Sideline Access / Early Entrance is $20. VIP YAAMAVA’ Platform Early Entrance is $250. More information at www.dallascowboys.com/training-camp..

2024 Schedule

Thursday, July 25 - 11:30 am Open Practice. Gates open at 9:30 am.

Friday, July 26 - 11:30 am Open Practice. Gates open at 9:30 am.

Friday, July 26 - 4:00-6:00 pm - Oxnard Fan Night hosted by Visit Oxnard at The Collection at RiverPark featuring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and an appearance from Cowboys Mascot Rowdy, with opportunities for photos and autographs. This event will also include Dallas Cowboys trivia, contests, giveaways, and more. Event will also feature host ZEALE of rap duo Blackillac, plus performances by local dance crews, an appearance by a Cowboys legend and more.

Saturday, July 27 – Cowboys Back Together Weekend & Opening Ceremony - 9:00 am Doors Open. 10:00 am Opening Ceremony. 10:30 am Open Practice

Sunday, July 28 – Cowboys Back Together Weekend - 11:30 am Open Practice. Doors open 9:30 am.

Tuesday, July 30 - 11:30 am Open Practice. Doors open 9:30 am.

Wednesday, July 31 – Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open 9 am.

Friday, August 2 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open 9 am.

Saturday, August 3 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open 9 am.

Monday, August 5 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open 9 am.

Tuesday, August 6 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open 9 am.

Thursday, August 8 - 2:00 pm Scrimmage vs. Los Angeles Rams

Friday, August 9 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Sunday, August 11 – PRESEASON GAME 1 @ LOS ANGELES RAMS 1:25 pm SoFi Stadium

Tuesday, August 13 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Thursday, August 15 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Saturday, August 17 – PRESEASON GAME 2 @ LAS VEGAS RAIDERS - 7:00 pm Allegiant Stadium

Monday, August 19 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Tuesday, August 20 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Wednesday, August 21 - 11:00 am Open Practice. Doors open at 9 am.

Driving Directions

Northbound on the 101 freeway from Los Angeles: Exit Oxnard Boulevard. Turn RIGHT. Make your first LEFT onto Town Center Drive. Make a LEFT onto Ventura Road. Travel 1 mile and it will be on your RIGHT before Vineyard Ave. (watch for traffic lines at the entrance to the parking lot).

Parking at River Ridge Playing Field opens at 8 am on weekdays and 7:30 am on weekends and the cost is $10 weekdays for small vehicles (cars/trucks) and $20 for large vehicles. Weekends are $20 for small vehicles and $40 for large vehicles. Cash only.

No bicycles, backpacks (small diaper bag ok), coolers, ice chests, outside food and pets. No strollers in the bleacher area. No tailgating or alcohol allowed.

Historical Note: The Cowboys have been training in Oxnard in the majority of years since 2001 (the years they were elsewhere were 2002-2003, 2007, 2009-2011 and 2020). They also trained at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks from 1963 to 1989.

Lola Betty's Kitchen Filipino Cuisine Coming Soon to Camarillo (UPDATE: Opening Saturday, August 10th)

UPDATE: Lola Betty’s Kitchen will be opening on Saturday, August 10th,from noon to 6pm. www.facebook.com/lolabettyskitchen

Lola Betty's Kitchen Filipino Cuisine is coming soon to 2071 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. This spot was previously occupied by drive-through market Quik & Ezy, which closed in early 2020. lolabettyskitchen.com

O-R Thai Cuisine to Re-Open Soon in Agoura Hills (NOW OPEN)

O-R Thai Cuisine, which closed last month at The Oaks mall, plans to re-open soon at 5653 Kanan Road, next to Italia Deli, in the space previously occupied by Cuckoo Rooster. Check for updates at www.facebook.com/orauthenticthaicuisine.