Toppers Pizza Tops the List of CVG Facebook Followers in Recent Drawing

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In a recent drawing on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page, we asked folks to comment on their favorite local pizza place in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas. 

Over 50 pizza places were mentioned in 380 responses to the half-day drawing. There was a clear top choice - Topper's Pizza Place. 

Operating for over 20 years, with Ventura County locations in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard (3), Camarillo, Simi Valley and Ventura, Toppers clearly has a huge fan base. It received 143 votes, nearly 38% of all votes cast.

Toppers all the way! Love their combination pizza and salad bar! Plus their turkey and bacon sandwich is pretty darn good too. - Maria D.

But the beauty of this survey was to learn about other local places to expand our collective pizzeria universe. I for one have not tried all of the 50+ pizzerias called out.

Rounding out the top 10 most mentioned pizzas:

Fresh Brothers in Westlake Village! Pepperoni, pineapple and jalapeno! Their pizza is cut into smaller squares so I don't feel so guilty eating more squares ;) -Meredith J.

This next group of a dozen local pizza places had a solid showing, receiving between five and seven mentions.

After consuming all this pizza, you might think about training for an upcoming 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon around town at THIS LINK.!

But there were dozens of other pizzerias mentioned that may be worth a look. Or taste.

Receiving 2 to 4 mentions: BJ's (deep dish pizza), Custom Pie (Moorpark), Butler's Pizza (Thousand Oaks), Tony's (Oak Park), Al Mulino Eatalian (Westlake Village), Draughts (Thousand Oaks), Farfalla (Westlake Village), Papa Johns (various), Jax (Moorpark), Pizza Man Dan's (various). Allegro Pizza (Thousand Oaks), Pizza Nosh (Agoura Hills)

I love the gluten-free pizza at Pizza Man Dan's in Moorpark. So good! -Chelsee D.

Other mentions included Spumoni (Newbury Park), Roma Deli (Newbury Park), Tonino's Place (Westlake Village), Palermo (Simi Valley), Little Caesar's (various), Tony's (Camarillo), Marcello (Thousand Oaks), Valentino's (Camarillo), Santino's (Ventura), Whole Foods, Stonehaus (Westlake Village), Guido's (Simi Valley), Boney Mountain Tavern (Newbury Park), Chuck E. Cheese's, Blaze Pizza (Oxnard), Pizzeria Bianca Russo (Camarillo), Blue Table (Thousand Oaks), Pizzeria La Piccola (Thousand Oaks), Brick Oven Pizza (Moorpark) and Domino's.

Titanic Exhibit at the Reagan Library May 27, 2017 to January 7, 2018

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Original deck chair from the Titanic

Original deck chair from the Titanic

Titanic at the Reagan Library is a fascinating look at Titanic, combining real artifacts with the real stories of the people on board the ill-fated ship. This new exhibit tells the story of the unsinkable ship in a way no museum has done before. Artifacts from passengers, dispersed over time, will be reunited in this exhibit for the first time in over 100 years.

This brand-new 10,000 square foot exhibition, reuniting hundreds of Titanic artifacts that have not been together since the ship’s fateful night in 1912 with material and artifacts from the 1984-1985 discovery of the Titanic as well as with items from the 1997 movie, is a first-of-its-kind exhibition not seen anywhere else before. The exhibition was made possible through the generous support and assistance of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Cedar Bay Entertainment, parent company of The Titanic Museums of Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO, and Lightstorm Entertainment/20th Century Fox.

Found in 1985 during President Reagan’s administration, the Titanic quickly became a dive site for many different companies and explorers trying to get a piece of her history.  To protect the historic site and preserve it for generations, President Reagan issued the 1986 RMS Titanic Memorial Act to designate the wreck as an international maritime memorial.

None of the artifacts displayed in this exhibition were salvaged from the wreck itself – a sacred final resting place.

A historic collection of real artifacts from the Titanic alongside items used in the discovery of the famed ship, Titanic at the Reagan Library combines real stories and real artifacts from the real people onboard the ship. Dramatically set with props, sets and costumes from the blockbuster movie about the RMS Titanic, it is a must-see collaboration of secrets, cinema and artifacts!

Highlights include:

  • “Alvin” – the titanium submersible sphere that brought Dr. Bob Ballard down to the wreckage of Titanic; the first such submersible to do so
  • Sheet music for “Narcissus” which was found on the body of Wallace Hartley, the Titanic’s bandleader who refused to stop playing, even as the ship began to sink
  • A deck chair from the Titanic, one of only eight known to exist, as well as the only known “widow’s seat” deck chair from the Carpathia
  • The only known complete set of boarding documents and tickets from the Titanic
  • John Jacob Astor IV’s pocket watch, found on his body days after the Titanic sank, and his wife’s life vest she wore to her safety
  • The claim form from Margaret Brown (otherwise known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown”) and the Egyptian Talisman she carried off the ship
  • Marion Wright Woolcott’s wool coat; the one she wore when she escaped in lifeboat 9, then later wore to her wedding; then later cut strips of fabric from to make Bible covers for her three sons as they served overseas
  • Pocket watch and pocket knife recovered from the body of Oscar Woody, one of the five mail clerks onboard the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic
  • Original film footage of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and the Mackay-Bennett’s recovery mission
  • Movie sets, props and costumes from the blockbuster movie about the RMS Titanic, including a full-size life boat and Rose and Cal’s Suite
  • And so much more

This is not a traveling exhibition.  To see the story of the Titanic told in such a unique way, visitors must come to the Reagan Library.  Whether you are a fan of genuine history or larger-than-life Hollywood, this is truly an once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that sheds light on the Titanic in a first-ever way no museum has attempted before!

Learn more at www.reaganfoundation.org.

The Pond at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens in Santa Barbara

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Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens is located within the entire city block of Santa Barbara, Micheltorena, Garden and Arrellaga Streets in Santa Barbara, adjacent to the two city block Alameda Park (which has a great kids' play area).

Formerly at this spot was the El Mirasol Hotel, which was purchased by an anonymous donor and donated to the city in 1975. The donor was subsequently revealed as Alice Keck Park, daughter of William Myron Keck, the founder of Superior Oil Company (now part of ExxonMobil).

The Memorial Gardens is a beautiful botanic garden with over 75 tree and plant species. There's also a large pond with ducks and turtles, picnic area, gazebo and walking paths.

Visit the City of Santa Barbara website at www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/horticulture/alicekeck.asp or call 805.564.5418 to make reservations.

Cisco's, 3 Amigos and Los Agaves Top List of CVG Followers' Favorite Local Mexican Eateries

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A random, delicious looking burrito combo plate from an unnamed Mexican eatery (from the Conejo Valley Guide archives).

A random, delicious looking burrito combo plate from an unnamed Mexican eatery (from the Conejo Valley Guide archives).

In a recent drawing on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page, followers commented on their favorite Mexican eatery in the Conejo Valley and nearby Ventura County areas. There were nearly 300 responses in less than a day.

We tabulated the responses and it was quite a horse race. But in the end, Cisco's, with restaurants on Westlake Boulevard in Westlake Village and Avenida de los Arboles (at the 23 freeway) in Thousand Oaks, was mentioned the most, a total of 32 times.

Close behind with 30 mentions was 3 Amigos, with locations on Avenida de los Arboles (at Moorpark Road) in Thousand Oaks and on Reino Road (at Borchard) in Newbury Park.

In third place was Los Agaves at The Shoppes at Westlake, with 29 mentions...oh so close to 3 Amigos. Coming in at #4 was The Alamo in Newbury Park, with 24 mentions. And, amazingly, but not surprisingly, Lupe's Restaurant, which closed its doors on August 29, 2016, garnered a 5th place sentimental vote with 20 mentions.

Here is a rundown of all of eateries mentioned by Facebook followers in order of number of mentions (when more than one eatery was listed, we tabulated only the eatery mentioned first).

  • Cisco's (33 votes)
  • 3 Amigos (30)
  • Los Agaves (29)
  • The Alamo (24)
  • Lupe's (20) (closed in August 2016)
  • Yolanda's (Camarillo/Simi Valley) (12)
  • Sabor (Westlake Village) (12)
  • Latigo Kid (Agoura) (11)
  • Los Dos Amigos (Thousand Oaks) (10)
  • Habanero Mexican Grill (Newbury Park) (8)
  • Bad Ass Tacos (Thousand Oaks) (8)
  • Don Cuco's (Simi Valley) (8)
  • El Sancho Loco (Newbury Park) (8)
  • Money Pancho (Camarillo) (6)
  • Sea Casa (Westlake Village) (6)
  • Plata Taqueria (Agoura) (5)
  • Margaritas Mexican Grill (Oak Park) (4)
  • Taqueria Jalisco (Moorpark/Simi Valley) (4)
  • Lalo's Mexican Food (Moorpark) (5)
  • Manny's Mexican Grill (Thousand Oaks) (4)
  • Patron Mexican Bar & Grill (Newbury Park) (4)
  • Snapper Jack's (Camarillo) (4)
  • Others mentioned 3 times: El Tecolote (Camarillo), Mariscos Cancun (Thousand Oaks)(closed in Feb 2018), Establos Meat Market (Thousand Oaks), El Tapatio (Moorpark) and Tacos de Mexico (Simi Valley)
  • Mentioned 2 times: Adobe Cantina (Agoura), Burger Express and Mexican Grill (Simi Valley) and Chipotle
  • Also mentioned: Somis Market, Antonio's Mexican Food (Port Hueneme), Taqueria Tlaquepaque (Santa Paula), Rosabella's (Ventura), Baja Fresh, Rubio's, El Pollo Loco, Cinqo, Ay Chihuahua (Fillmore), Tito's Mexican Food (Simi Valley), Mercado Guadalajara (Newbury Park), Campos Famous Burritos (Simi Valley), Luna Llena (Simi Valley), Los Toros (Chatsworth), Vallarta Restaurant (Fillmore), La Fiesta Mexican Grill (Moorpark), Sharky's and Los Arroyos (Camarillo)

Enjoy exploring this list of nearly 50 popular Mexican eateries in Thousand Oaks and neighboring cities.

El Tecolote opened its doors in 1948 and moved to its current Camarillo location in 1952.

El Tecolote opened its doors in 1948 and moved to its current Camarillo location in 1952.

Five of My Favorite Hikes with Great Views and Scenery in the Conejo Valley

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Roughly one third of the land in Thousand Oaks is designated as permanent public open space. This includes a ring of 15,000 acres of open space with over 150 miles of trails for public use surrounding the Conejo Valley. What a spectacular feature we have here in our backyards!

Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park

Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park

Three key organizations involved with the Conejo open space:

Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) holds and manages most of the Conejo open space to preserve its natural characteristics while providing opportunities for passive recreational enjoyment of the natural resources. Visit www.conejo-openspace.org to learn more.

Conejo Open Space Trails Advisory Committee (COSTAC) is composed of hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians appointed by the COSCA Board and advises the Board by reviewing issues and making recommendations regarding open space and trails. COSTAC also coordinates activities such as Trail Watch, Trail Patrol, Trail Work, Adopt-a-Trail, Non-Native Plant Removal/Resource Management, Trails Education Days, and Public Outreach.

Conejo Open Space Foundation (COSF) is a non-profit that promotes and maintains multi-use trail and open space and helps educate the public about our open space and the environment. COSF provides funding to support COSTAC programs and to create and publish open space trail maps. Visit www.cosf.org to learn more.

Now here are five of my favorite place to hike for views in the Conejo Open Space and other local areas:

Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park has arguably the most expansive views of the Conejo Valley, ranging from the Conejo Grade to Agoura Hills, as well as portions of Hidden Valley.

A bench with a view at Angel Peak.

A bench with a view at Angel Peak.

Boney Mountain in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is NOT part of the Conejo Open Space but is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Additionally, there is no "official" maintained trail to Boney Peak. That said, if you are courageous, energetic and have 4 to 6 hours to spare for a day hike, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Conejo Valley, Camarillo Grade and Channel Islands.

Views from near Boney Peak

Views from near Boney Peak

Tarantula Hill (also known as Dawn's Peak) in the heart of Thousand Oaks is easy to get to compared to more substantial hikes around town. A short walk up a fairly steep paved path off of Gainsborough Road gets you to a 1,056 foot peak with panoramic views of the Conejo Valley and beyond. Great place to catch a sunset.

Bench at the top of Tarantula Hill provides a nice spot for viewing the sunset.

Bench at the top of Tarantula Hill provides a nice spot for viewing the sunset.

Another great spot for views in the heart of the Conejo Valley is the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, a 33 acre retreat managed by a non-profit group. The only thing I don't like about this true retreat is that it closes at 5 p.m. and thus is not available for sunset views like at the adjacent Tarantula Hill. But there is so much to see in here that you must stop by.

One of dozens of benches atop the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

One of dozens of benches atop the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

Last but not least (and I've ignored some other incredible views like Wildwood Park and others) is the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space area in Thousand Oaks. You will find stunning views of the Conejo Valley to the Simi Hills from these 1,025 acres in northern Thousand Oaks.

Very picturesque views from the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space.

Very picturesque views from the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space.

For a sampling of other trails and hikes in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas, click THIS LINK!

Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail is Quite Colorful in Spring 2017

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The Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail is a nearly 1 mile trail between Ventura City Hall and Grant Park. The trail offers awesome views of Downtown Ventura and the coastline. And this time of year is a great time to go as there are still plenty of beautiful colors on the trail. More on the Gardens at www.venturabotanicalgardens.com.

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Fans Chime In On Favorite Staycation Options

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In a recent drawing on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page, folks were asked to comment on some of their favorite local area "staycation" alternatives this summer.  Here's a compilation of their responses.

LOCAL AREA HIKING AND TRAILS

LOCAL AREA CAMPING

LOCAL AREA BEACHES

Beach Options

  • Surfrider Beach in Malibu
  • Kanan to Malibu, lunch at Malibu Seafood, then El Matador Beach
  • Avila Beach
  • Leo Carrillo Beach
  • Silverstrand Beach
  • Pismo Beach

Hiking

Day Trips and Short Overnight Trips

  • Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai
  • Solvang and Chumash Casino
  • Visit Malibu, Ventura or Santa Barbara, take a walk and eat seafood by the shore
  • Disneyland
  • Santa Monica Pier / Pacific Park
  • Las Vegas
  • San Diego
  • Laguna Woods
  • Bike riding at Venice boardwalk
  • Universal Studios
  • Palm Springs / Rancho Mirage
  • Santa Barbara Pier - Stearns Wharf
  • Wine tasting in Los Olivos
  • Catalina Island

LOCAL AREA BIKE PATHS

COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOLS

Other Outdoor Activities

Other

  • Stay home but eat dinner out with friends
  • Local area beer and wine tasting
  • Catch a concert at the Canyon Club
  • Drive through Hidden Valley and lunch in Westlake Village
  • The spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village
  • Movie marathon at home
  • Dodger game
  • Westlake Village Inn
  • Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park
  • Reagan Library
  • Los Angeles Zoo with the kids