Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks is a Perennial Family Favorite

Conejo Creek Park North is one of the nicest, widest appealing parks throughout Ventura County. You get almost everything at this park. This 44 acre park has two ponds with a stream connecting them, two separate play areas, beach-style volleyball courts, a NEOS game, multiple large, shaded picnic areas. a fitness trail about 2/3rds of a mile that circles the park, plenty of shade trees and multiple large, grassy areas. Something for everyone.

Topping it off is the fact that the park is adjacent to the beautiful Grant R. Brimhall Library, Goebel Senior Center and Thousand Oaks Teen Center. We often park at the library, check out some books, then walk, scooter or ride across a bridge to the park. It is a great way to spend the day.

Conejo Creek Park North is extremely popular for larger events on the upper grass area adjacent to the largest picnic structure. There is plenty of parking available. And in the middle of the park is a jungle-like trail area that I enjoy exploring with the kids. We also see birthday party celebrations all the time.

To learn more about Conejo Creek Park North, visit the Conejo Recreation and Park District website at www.crpd.org. To learn about other parks we enjoy in and around Ventura County, click THIS LINK.

Ten Popular Local Things To Do Based on Traffic Here on Conejo Valley Guide

With over 50,000 monthly visitors to Conejo Valley Guide, we have the opportunity to see some of the most popular things to do around Ventura County. Here are 10 of the most perennially popular things to do around town based on traffic activity.

MB2 Raceway Indoor Go-Kart Facility in Newbury Park has been popular ever since opening in September 2008. We've been to plenty of birthday parties here and the kids love it. 

Farmers' Markets throughout Ventura County are popular year-round thanks to our great weather. In addition to over 15 local farmers' markets, there are numerous organic produce stores and local delivery programs available.

Sky High Sports - The Trampoline Place in Camarillo opened in October 2010 but closed in summer 2018. Sky Zone Trampoline Park opened in east Ventura in January 2016 and Defy (formerly DojoBoom) Extreme Air Sports at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks in November 2017.

Another obvious benefit to living in Ventura County is our direct access to nearby beaches. This compiliation of beaches stretching north from Carpinteria, across Ventura County, down through Malibu, is a popular destination on CVG.

The Kids' World indoor play facility in Oak Park is a regular popular destination for kids ages 2 to 12.

This compilation of Seven Flat, Stroller and Family Friendly Hikes in the Conejo Valley sees plenty of eyeballs from local families looking for a nice, easy hike with the kids.

The Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard opened in early 2010 and has one of the finest collections of French art deco cars in the world. These cars are so pristine I would eat my dinner off of them.

For years, my kids begged me to go to Chuck E Cheese's in Thousand Oaks (also in Ventura). Now I'm more interested in going there as I know they will be entertained while I hang out, enjoy a sandwich and a beer, shoot a few hoops and catch up on my newspapers.

There are 19 movie theaters in Ventura County, including 2012 additions, Century Riverpark 16 in Oxnard and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Westlake Village, 2015 addition Studio Movie Grill in Simi Valley and the newly remodeled in Regal Janss Marketplace in 2016.

Rounding out the top 10 is the Ventura Flea Market at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This R.G. Canning event is nowhere near the size of the popular Rose Bowl Flea Market, but with over 500 vendors, is a popular destination for CVG visitors about 6 times per year.

This is just a small fraction of the thousands of things to do throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas. And of course, the Events Calendar and Local Events and Community Messages sections of the site highlight events that are organized throughout the year. Now go have some fun!

Sick With the Flu? Know What To Do!

Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with others except to get medical care.

Know the symptoms of Flu

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Take Antiviral Drugs if your doctor prescribes them!

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They also can prevent serious flu complications.

CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with the flu and people who get flu symptoms who are at high risk of serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition.

Stay Home When Sick

When you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible. Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw tissues in the trash after you use them. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.

*Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine before resuming normal activities.

Treating the flu: www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/index.html

26.2 Miles or Bust: Marathons Within a One Hour Range of Ventura County

The marathon has an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards). Most of us marathoners refer to it as a 26.2 mile race. Let's put some perspective on that. We're talking roughly the distance from the Muvico Theater in Thousand Oaks to Downtown Ventura (Main St at California St).

FindMyMarathon.com shows that there have been over 500,000 marathon finishers annually in the United States in recent years. That’s a lot of mileage!

Until fairly recently, there were no marathons run on Ventura County soil. When I began running in the mid 1990s, the closest marathons to us were in Los Angeles, Santa Clarita and Culver City. Now there are marathons in Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo.

While it's fun to travel to faraway lands to run a marathon, there's something to be said for sleeping in your own bed, waking up early, and driving out to run a local marathon. So how about a rundown of local marathons within a one hour range of Ventura County!

Los Angeles Marathon (www.lamarathon.com)

• Time of Year: A Sunday usually in March

• Course Description: The course route has changed a number of times over the years, but most recently the point to point "Stadium to the Sea" route from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier has proved extraordinarily popular. The course takes you through sections of Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, West Los Angeles and Santa Monica. There are race day shuttles that take runners from Santa Monica to the start.

• Other Events: 5K

• Pricing: Registration starts at $175 for the 2020 event on March 7, 2020.

• Other: On a personal note, I set my personal best time on this course back in 1997. This is THE race to do if you enjoy lots of crowd support along the course.

Mountains to Beach Marathon (www.mountains2beachmarathon.com)

• Time of Year: Late May; generally last Sunday of May.

• Course Description: Point to point course that starts with a 10K loop in Ojai, then 10 miles of bike path to the Ventura oceanfront, down the Ventura Keys to Marina Park and back to the Ventura Pier. Net downhill of 700 feet makes this a fast course.

• Other Events: Half Marathon, 5K

• Pricing: 2019 event pricing ranged from $99 (early bird) to $134.

Camarillo Marathon (www.camarillomarathon.com)

• Time of Year: The Camarillo Marathon is now in the mid-August time frame.

• Course: Starts at Pleasant Valley Fields, goes along the Camarillo Bike Path and nearby roads. New course.

• Other Events: Half Marathon, 5K, 10K

• Pricing: $130 for the August 11, 2019 event.

Lexus Ventura Marathon (www.venturamarathon.com)

• Time of Year: The inaugural event was Sunday, September 8, 2013. The event now takes place in mid to late October on a Sunday.

• Course Description: The course starts in Ojai down the bike path to finish at the Ventura Pier. There were 687 finishers in the 2018 event

• Other Events: Half marathon, 5K, kids fun run, bike rides.

• Pricing: Pricing for 2019 event currently $120 to $130.

Finish line of the Inaugural Ventura Marathon on September 8, 2013.

Santa Clarita Marathon (www.scmarathon.org)

• Time of Year: Generally runs on the 1st Sunday in November

• Course Description: The course starts and finishes at the Valencia Town Center and has a number of out and back turns, mostly along bike paths. One of the more low key marathons in the area, with around 350 to 400 finishers.

• Other Events: Half marathon, 5K, Kid K

• Pricing: Usually in the $80 to $100 range. Registration opens July 1st for 2019 event on Nov 3rd

Seaside Marathon (www.seasidemarathon.com )

• Time of Year: Mid-February

• Course Description: Two out and back runs along the boardwalk and bike path and shoulder of Highway 1 in Ventura. (Same course as Surfer's Point Marathon.)

• Other Events: Half marathon, 5K

• Pricing: Pricing for the 2020 event ranges up to $130 depending on timing.

Surfer's Point Marathon (www.surferspointmarathon.com)

• Time of Year: Sunday in mid-November

• Course Description: Course is along the ocean/Highway 101, starting at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground in Ventura.

• Other Events: Half marathon, 5K, 10K

• Pricing: Ranges from $95 to $130 for the 2019 event on November 10th

Just a little farther but still possible to commute to if you are an early riser:

jetBlue Long Beach Marathon (www.motivrunning.com/run-longbeach)

• Time of Year: Early to mid-October range on a Sunday

• Course Description: I've run the Long Beach Marathon several times and it is probably the most twisty, turny course I've ever run, yet it is still a reasonably flat and fast course. It starts and finishers in the heart of downtown Long Beach near Shoreline Village. There are sections along the beach, then it turns inland, up and around Cal State Long Beach, and back to the finish. Generally over 2,000 finishers.

• Other Events: Half marathon is hugely popular

• Pricing: $129 for the 2019 race

Surf City Marathon (formerly Pacific Shoreline Marathon) (www.runsurfcity.com)

• Time of Year: Generally run on the 1st Sunday of February

• Course Description: Much of course runs on PCH, streets and bike paths in and around the Huntington Beach Pier with views of the Pacific Ocean. This race generally sells out each year with between 2,000 and 2,500 participants.

• Other Events: Half marathon

• Pricing: $100 for 2019 race

OC Marathon (www.ocmarathon.com)

• Time of Year: Generally takes place the first Sunday of May

• Course Description: The marathon starts in Newport Beach, runs past Balboa Island in kind of a figure eight-ish pattern in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and adjacent cities. The race generally has around 2,000 participants. The race finishes at the OC Fair and Event Center.

• Other Events: Half marathon and 5K

• Pricing: 2019 event starts at just $80!

Marathons No More

There was a Pasadena Marathon in recent years but organizers announced it has been cancelled.

Malibu Marathon was cancelled in 2014, though the half marathon and 5K continue on (www.malibuintmarathon.com).

The Santa Barbara International Marathon also ran its final event in 2014, though a Veterans Day Half Marathon continues. www.sbmarathon.com

Looking for marathons around the world? My favorite place to find them is www.MarathonGuide.com. They do a great job of compiling a massive amount of information strictly about marathons.

CLICK HERE for other local races...5K, 10K, half marathon, etc.

I've run over 30 marathons or so through the years and periodically babble on about my training, experiences and other random running and training related items THIS LINK.

And last but not least, here are 26.2 training tips for running your first marathon.

On the Hunt For Wildflowers in the Conejo Canyons Open Space in Thousand Oaks

As of today, March 9, 2019, rain totals in Thousand Oaks for the 2018-2019 rain season stand at 14.64 inches. This is 22.7% higher than “normal” rainfall to date, driven largely by 6.2 inches of rain in the month of February. Rainfall in October through December 2018 was only half of normal rainfall totals for that time frame. (1)

With all that recent rain soaked into the ground, we’ll be on the lookout for wildflowers in the local mountains. The Conejo Canyons Open Space, also referred to as the Western Plateau, represents 1,430 acres of open space and trails in the northwest portion of Thousand Oaks.

To get to the area from Newbury Park, the trailhead to the Western Plateau Trail is located on Conejo Center Drive, to the left of the City of Thousand Oaks Hazardous Waste Facility south of Rancho Conejo Boulevard.

There’s plenty of parking in a dirt lot at the trailhead. This first mile to mile and a half is hilly and generally not the most interesting part of the trail, but during this Ireland-like green time frame, its not so bad. About .6 mile down is, or for the time being I should say was, the turnoff for the Hawk Canyon Trail - the trail was closed due to the Woolsey Fire and now is overrun by water. But at some point I’m sure the trail will be back.

The Hawk Canyon Trail marks the low point of the initial section of the hike, and it is uphill another .7 mile to the main Conejo Canyons area. Here, you can either turn off to the right to walk through the upper canyon or continue west towards an overlook with views towards the Conejo Grade, Oxnard Plain and Channel Islands.

You can also take the fire road up, and up, and up, another mile or so , to a peak where you’ll find the entry sign to the Lichen Trail. From here, you can continue down the other direction down the Lichen Trail or head back the way you came.

These trails can also usually be accessed from the Santa Rosa Road/Hill Canyon area via the Conejo Canyons Bridge - but the bridge was severely damaged in the Woolsey Fire and needs to be repaired. More details and maps on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/conejo-canyons.

(1) Ventura County Watershed Protection District

Hiking in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in Calabasas

Trailhead at northern end of Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas

The Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space is owned and maintained by the Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority. The 2,983 acres of open space was part of the Ahmanson Ranch in the Simi Hills of eastern Ventura County and western Los Angeles County, bordering the cities of Calabasas, Hidden Hills, West Hills, Bell Canyon, Simi Valley and Agoura Hills.  The land, purchased in 2003, is contiguous with the existing 2,650 acres of open space in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon.

This is a vast space of rolling hills, native perennial grasslands, oak trees and woodlands. Two plant communities, Southern Coast Live Oaks Riparian Forest and Southern Willow Scrub, make up over 20 miles of riparian corridors in the park.

The Victory Trailhead at the eastern end of Victory Boulevard is the main entrance into the Preserve, with a large gravel parking lot (there is a fee).

There are two main trailheads into the area. The Las Virgenes Canyon Road Trailhead is accessed at the northern terminus of Las Virgenes Road. Offstreet parking is available here; there is no official parking lot or facilities. The Victory Trailhead is the main trailhead for the preserve, located at the western terminus of Victory Boulevard in West Hills. There is a large gravel parking lot at the Victory Trailhead, where parking (as of February 2019) is $3.

Excerpt of map posted at the Victory Trailhead

If you are looking for a hike of roughly 4 to 5 miles round trip, take the East Las Virgenes Canyon Trail that links the Las Virgenes Road and Victory trailheads. To explore more within the Preserve, check out the Lasky Mesa area southwest of the Victory Trailhead via the Mary Weisbrock Loop Trail. Or from the Las Virgenes Road trailhead, instead of heading east, continue north, where you can veer off into to the adjacent Cheeseboro Canyon area or find a loop that connects you back to the main trail. (See map for details.)

Peaceful and serene back here, albeit a bit dry.

While it can be quite dry during much of the year - particularly during times of drought - it sure greens up nicely after the winter rains (shown here in February 2019).

From a historical perspective, the Preserve was part of the 113,000 acre Rancho San Jose de Gracias de Simi tract granted to Javier, Miguel and Particio Pico by the King of Spain in 1795, later transferred to Jose de la Guerra y Noriega and sold in the late 1800s to Thomas R. Bard. Bard divided the Rancho into tracts to build homes.

The property was later owned by a William Randolph Hearst company, which unsuccessfully drilled for oil in the 1930s and later sold it to George E. Barrett, Jr. Barrett built a ranch here in the late 1930s. R. E. Crummer bought the property in 1949. H. F. Ahmanson Company bought the land in 1963 and failed in the 1960s in its attempt to develop the land.

In 1986, Ahmanson initiated a new attempt at a master-planned community centered atop Lasky Mesa and stretching across the surrounding hills and valleys. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the project in 1992, but there were numerous opponents that ultimately led to the sale of the property to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy tin 2003. The public parkland was dedicated on April 10, 2004.

More information at mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/upper-las-virgenes-canyon-open-space-preserve-formerly-ahmanson-ranch.

Another shot after lots of rain in February 2019.

Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks

Veterans Memorial Fountain

The Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial is a fountain memorial with two ponds located at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. 

The inscription on the memorial says "We the people of the Conejo Valley proudly dedicate this memorial to our local veterans. Their courage and sacrifices serve as a shining example for future generations."

Conejo Creek Park is a local treasure. Completed in 1992, the park has a fitness trail, two playgrounds, a stream that meanders between two large ponds, three large picnic structures, over two dozen picnic tables and more. 

There is plenty of parking surrounding Conejo Creek Park, which is also a popular venue for community events and festivals.

Another great feature is the bridge that connects the park to three other community gathering spots - the Grant R. Brimhall Library, Thousand Oaks Teen Center and Goebel Senior Adult Center. When my kids were younger, we used to park at and visit the library, place our books in the car, then walk or scooter across the bridge to the park.

The bridge leading from the Thousand Oaks Library to Conejo Creek Park North.