Homeless Prevention Rental Help Available to Ventura County Residents

Through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Ventura County Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) makes federal funds available to local residents who are homeless or about to be evicted. County and city government have joined efforts to operate HPRP, ensuring that eligible County residents receive help when they need it most.

Basic eligibility criteria includes:

• Homeless or facing eviction within 21 days
• Household income limits based on family size
• You have no other options or resources to find or keep housing
• Financially able to maintain housing after rental assistance is received
• Ventura County resident and U.S. citizen or qualified resident alien

Eligible HPRP applicants may receive various types of assistance, including eviction prevention rental payment, rental deposit, short-term rental payment, credit counseling, utility deposit/payment, moving and storage costs and case management. Payments go directly to vendors.

Case managers work closely with clients to develop and implement a service plan to ensure that they receive full benefits.  Through HPRP, clients are stabilized in housing and assisted comprehensively to help ensure that they do not face homelessness again.

Visit www.vchsa.org/hprp or call 805.385.8585 for additional information.

Other resources for low income residents of Ventura County:

Free cell phone service from Assurance Wireless

Ventura County shelters and meal programs for those in need

Conejo Valley area shelter and meal programs

Ventura County 2-1-1 service

Looking for an Inexpensive Date in Ventura County? Here are Some Ideas!

"Perfect Match" by Local Artist Chuck Trunks

Yes, most of us know that, living in the Conejo Valley and it seems most of Ventura County, many places seem to close by 10 pm.  So why not get to bed early and check out some of these great daytime activities around the area!  Most of these make for a great "cheap" date!  Others are not so inexpensive but worth checking out!

Boats, Bikes, Biplanes and Other Speedy Activities

Landmarks and Local History

Theater, Music and Art Activities

Comedy and Improv

More Music as Well as Fine Arts and Dance Groups

Museums

Outdoor Fun

Bowling

A Grab Bag of Other Fun Activities (Indoor Rock Climbing, Fencing, Kayaking, etc.)

Local Movie Theaters

Go Running or Cycling

Have Fun With Some of These Local Hobby/Social Clubs

The of course there's all sorts of upcoming events in the area! Check the Events Calendar or check out upcoming events by "type" by CLICKING HERE.

HERE'S A COMPILATION OF LOCAL VENUES WITH LIVE MUSIC AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

This covers many, but not all things to do in Ventura County!  Explore the site for more ideas and LET US KNOW if we're missing something you think should be in here!  We're always adding new stuff to do!!  Now go out and HAVE SOME FUN!!

Budget-Friendly Summer Travel Tips

Budget-Friendly Summer Travel

by Mira Reverente

The New Year usually means a couple of things to me - put holiday decor away and start planning for summer vacation. Actually, even before the onset of the holidays, I usually have my eye on a couple of destinations or adventures already.

I have pretty straightforward criteria: budget-friendly and kid-friendly. A blog post on train travel planted the seed. Considering that his blog post has been shared 3.9 million times already I thought I must be onto something here.

So, I researched rail passes, which I found out you can purchase for 15, 30 or 45 days on amtrak.com, allowing you to make 8, 12 or 18 stops, respectively. I purchased the 15-day rail pass for $459 ($229.50 for children 12 and under), which my daughter and I are planning to use soon to tour the Midwest and the East Coast. You can’t beat that price for a seven-state tour we plan to do.

Lodging can get pretty pricey too. Fortunately, we’ll be staying with a college friend for the DC-Virginia-Maryland leg of our tour. For all the other stops, I have found good deals on Airbnb. Depending on your comfort level and privacy needs, you can choose from many options: anywhere from a parked RV to a couch, to a private room or even a villa.

I just keep an eye on extra fees like cleaning, security deposit, extra occupant, etc. because they do tend to sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. I have had great experiences on Airbnb over the years and have received good reviews from the hosts as well.

If you are the adventurous and outdoorsy type, summer and camping probably go hand-in-hand for you. With a few one-time basic investments - a tent, a sleeping bag and a small stove - you are good to go camping.

In the past, I have found affordable campsites on recreation.gov and reserveamerica.org. The main difference between the two is that the latter includes state and private parks. You can book popular campsites like the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park on recreation.gov. Last summer, our Glacier campsite was only $23 per night, while Yellowstone was $28 per night.

CAMPGROUNDS AND RV FACILITIES IN VENTURA COUNTY AND NEARBY AREAS

From my hiking buddies, I have heard that campendium.com is also a good resource for a listing of free campsites in eight states including CA. Just remember that although there may be no nightly rate for camping, there may be permits needed and they may not always be free. Another site, hipcamp.com, though not free, has an enticing listing of camping deals and new destinations.

More budget-friendly summer travel tips:

1. First rule of summer travel, avoid it if you can (just kidding). Some child-free friends of mine avoid it by traveling during “shoulder season” like early May or mid-late September when the kids are still or back in school. Prices also drop as soon as summer break is over.
2. Set a budget and stick to it. We all get carried away by dreamy pictures of the sand, sea and sangrias, but they all come with a price. Get on the same page with your spouse, significant other and family members as to how much you can afford to spend, so there are no surprises long after the vacation thrill has worn off.
3. Research. Use social media to find good deals and tips. Ask friends if they’ve been to your intended destination/s.
4. Plan well. If you are planning to visit NYC for three days, for example, and would like to hit the museums and popular landmarks, you can save money by buying discounted passes such as CityPass.
5. Stay in places which have basic kitchen facilities. Those restaurant meals out do add up quickly. Look for lodging with a kitchenette or a microwave at the very least, for heating up leftovers and preparing basic meals.

Happy summer traveling!

Conejo Valley resident Mira Reverente a.k.a. The Money Savvy Mommy, loves finding and sharing money saving strategies just as much as the next person. Her first book on money and thriving post-divorce is available on Amazon. Get your money savviness fill on themoneysavvymommy.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers Share Their Favorite Desserts at Local Eateries

As part of a one day ticket drawing on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page, we asked folks to tell us their favorite desserts at any restaurant in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas. Boy oh boy did we get the best compilation of great sounding desserts EVER! 

We are going to share these comments with you but be sure to keep in mind, eat desserts only after finishing your dinner. To quote a Pink Floyd lyric "If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?!" ("Another Brick in the Wall" 1979)

And here they are, in no particular order:

• Pastries from Champagne Bakery
• Strawberry Shortcake at Boccali's in Ojai
• Butter cake at Mastro's Steakhouse Thousand Oaks (mentioned 27 times)
• Pizookie at BJ's Restaurant in Thousand Oaks (mentioned 44 times)
• Cinnamon Puffs from Pizza Nosh in Agoura Hills
• Creme Brulee at Aroha Restaurant in Westlake Village
• Richie's Magic Bar at Pearl District (mentioned 2 times)
• Warm peach cobbler at Lazy Dog Restaurant
• Cheesecake Factory (mentioned 42 times - banana, Oreo, strawberry, chocolate fudge, key lime, tiramisu, Limoncello, banana cream, red velvet, Snickers, peanut butter, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Linda's Fudge Cake, Dulce de Leche Caramel, Godiva, Peanut Butter)
• Apple fritters at Best Donuts
• Chocolate cake at Bandits' BBQ
• Banana cream pudding in Mason jar at Public School 805
• Carrot cake at Boney Mountain Tavern (mentioned 2 times)
• White chocolate pretzel cheesecake at Lazy Dog Restaurant
• Creme brulee or cobbler at Blue Stove in The Oaks Mall (mentioned 2 times)
• Donuts and cupcakes at Karma Baker (mentioned 3 times)
• Carmelized almond bowl with white chocolate laced chantilly cream and fresh berries at Mediterraneo in Westlake Village
• Creme brulee at Lazy Dog Restaurant (mentioned 2 times)
• Cheesecake with blueberries at Stonefire Grill 
• Creme brulee or pecan pie at Mastro's
• Cannoli at Roma Deli in Newbury Park (mentioned 2 times)
• Blackberry crumble at Lure Fish House
• Salted chocolate chip cookie at Urbane Cafe
• Banana cream pie at Paul Martin's (mentioned 3 times)
• Sprinkles Cupcakes (mentioned 4 times)
• Fudge brownie sundae at Bandits BBQ
• Key lime pie at Mastro's
• Green tea ice cream at Kabuki
• The Wonderbar at Pearl District (mentioned 2 times)
• Apple strudel at Jeanette's Edelweiss in Newbury Park (mentioned 2 times)
• Mountain High Mud Pie at Red Robin
• Chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot (mentioned 7 times)
• Ice cream sundae at Stacked
• S'Mores at Holdren's in Newbury Park
• Menchies Frozen Yogurt
• Kona Pie at Islands
• Butter cake with vanilla ice cream at California Pizza Kitchen (mentioned 3 times)
• Fried cheesecake at Sutter's Mill in Simi Valley
• Tiramisu at Marcello Ristorante in Thousand Oaks
• Brownie ice cream sundae at Pickles Deli in Newbury Park
• Brownie at Stonefire Grill (mentioned 3 times)
• Bread pudding at Twenty88 in Camarillo
• Donuts at Dunkin' Donuts
• Deep fried ice cream at Cisco's
• Chocolate Dome at PF Chang's
• Caramel apples from Newberry Candies in Thousand Oaks
• The gooey center of a Cinnabon
• Black and white cookie at Brent's Deli (mentioned 2 times)
• Chocolatine French Cafe
• Salted caramel cheesecake at Blue Stove
• The Melting Pot - any dessert
• Sweet quinoa cake from Grabbagreen in Thousand Oaks
• Cinnamon chips at Snapper Jack's Taco Shack in Camarillo
• Ice cream at Lure Fish House
• Dessert sampler at Holdren's in Newbury Park
• Chocolate cake at Brent's Deli (mentioned 2 times)
• Apple pie at Stella's in Newbury Park
• Banana spring rolls at PF Chang's
• Baklava at Mama's Hummus
• Spotted dick at Crown and Anchor in Thousand Oaks
• Pavlova at Aroha Cuisine
• Shave It (mentioned 4 times)
• Gelato at Urban Pizza
• Banana pudding bread at Cafe Firenze in Moorpark
• Carrot cake at Stonefire Grill (mentioned 6 times)
• Shakes at In-N-Out Burger
• Apple fritters at Rolling Pin Donuts in Camarillo
• Little Calf Creamery in Thousand Oaks (mentioned 26 times)
• McDonald's strawberry and cream pies
• Molten chocolate cake at Lure Fish House
• Lava cake at Chili's in Newbury Park (mentioned 2 times)
• Macaroons from Lemonade
• Ice cream at Rite Aid (mentioned 2 times)
• Creme Brulee at Tuscany in Westlake Village (mentioned 2 times)
• Cotton candy at Zin Bistro in Westlake Village
• Fried ice cream at Yolanda's in Camarillo (mentioned 2 times)
• Molten Chocolate Cake at Marmalade Cafe in Westlake Village
• Salted caramel pudding from California Pizza Kitchen
• Fruit cobbler at Lazy Dog Cafe
• Chocolate mousse cake at Blue Stove (mentioned 2 times)
• Eclairs at Brent's Deli
• Carrot cake at Old New York Deli in Newbury Park
• Mud Pie at Holdren's
• Ice cream sandwiches at Stacked
• Raised chocolate donut at Foster's Donuts
• Nutella and Biscotti Semifreddo at Cafe Firenze
• Frozen yogurt at Tutti Frutti
• Nutella cheesecake at Lemonade in Westlake Village
• Chocolate chip brownie sundae at Lazy Dog Cafe (mentioned 2 times)
• Chocolate cake at Paul Martin's
• Chocolate souffle at Mastro's
• Berry cobbler at Lure Fish House
• Chocolate lasagna at Olive Garden
• Brownie sundae from Sunset Terrace
• Florentine art dessert at Mediterraneo
• Churros (Nutella filled) at Sabor (mentioned 2 times)
• Baskin Robbins (mentioned 10 times)
• Cannoli at Italia Deli & Bakery
• Baklava at Baba's Kitchen
• Nothing Bundt Cakes (mentioned 14 times)
• Black Forest Cake at Paul Martin's
• Strawberry cake at Jeannette's Edelweiss
• Sticky rice at Sawadee Thai in Camarillo
• Neapolitan Shake from In N Out Burger
• Pastries and tiramisu at Al Mulino Eataliano
• Hot fudge sundae at McDonald's
• Sticky coconut rice and mango at Bangkok Avenue
• Strawberry shortcake at Country Harvest in Newbury Park
• Pizza cookie at Topper's Pizza
• Peruvian cookies at Mouthful Eatery
• Baklava at Mediterranean Pita Grill
• Flan at Don Cucos
• Fruit tart at Viktor Benes
• Butter cake at Lazy Dog Cafe
• Ras Malai and Gulab Jamun at Anarbagh in Westlake Village
• Cold Stone Creamery (mentioned 3 times)
• Wild Cherry Yogurt
• Carrera's Bakery (mentioned 15 times for items like triolgia, fritelle, gelato, cannoli)
• Tifa Gelato (mentioned 6 times)
• Sweet Arlene's (mentioned 6 times)

Views in 1957 Looking East From Lynn and Gainsborough Roads in Thousand Oaks

Steve Dibblee provided this shot taken by his father, Walt Dibblee, from the mountain ridge at the northwest corner of what is now Lynn Road and Gainsborough Road in Thousand Oaks sometime in the year 1957, seven years before the city was incorporated. This ridge is just southwest of nearby Tarantula Hill and the shot is facing east. So how about comparing it to a few recent shots looking east from Tarantula Hill.

I see a lot of oak trees and clouds in all of the photos but...just a wee bit more other things, like houses, roads, cars and such in the more recent pictures. :)

See more of Dibblee's photographs from the mid 1950s to the late 1960s at VenturaViews.com where you also have the option of acquiring high-resolution prints of these blasts to the past. Thanks to Steve Dibblee for sharing some of his late father's work with us here on Conejo Valley Guide and at www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide.

California Lottery "Lucky Retailers" in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

The California Lottery was created by ballot measure Proposition 37, approved by 58% of voters on November 6, 1984. Current law (Assembly Bill 142, passed in 2010), limits administrative expenses of the Lottery to 13% of sales, with 87% of sales going back in the form of prized and contributions to education.

Since inception in 1985 through the California Lottery's most currently issued financial report as of June 30, 2015, the Lottery has sold $85.1 billion, contributed close to $29.4 billion to schools, paid $45.9 billion to Lottery winners and another $5.6 million as compensation to retailers.

What happens if you win a big Lottery prize? Your name is public record, as is the name and location of the retailer that sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and of course, the amount. For most Lottery draw games, you have 180 days to claim your prize; however, if you win the Powerball or Mega Millions, you have a year to claim your prize. You will receive your first (or in most cases, only) check with your prize winnings six to eight weeks from claiming your prize.

So how do you win "a big one?" I wish I had the answer. One idea to ponder is to pursue purchasing tickets at retailers that seem to have the winning touch.

The Lottery has a "Lucky Retailers" database that shows, of its 22,000 retail locations, over 4,000 retailers considered "lucky." Lucky is defined as, within the last calendar year, either 1) sold at least one winning ticket of $100,000 or more; 2) paid out an average of 400 or more winning tickets per week or 3) paid out an average of $4,000 or more of winning tickets each week. You can access this searchable list at https://www.calottery.com/Where-To-Play and search for “only Lucky Retailers.”

What most interests me is retailers in Ventura County that meet parameter #1; selling at least one $100,000+ ticket over the previous calendar year. So let's take a look at which local retailers meet that parameter as of late November 2016. It is actually quite a short list!

• Hi-Time Liquor, 140 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks

• 7-Eleven, 609 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks

• Mobil, 855 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park

• 7-Eleven, 1840 Cochran Street, Simi Valley

• Simi Valley Smoke Shop, 2902 Cochran Street, Simi Valley

• 76 Station, 2605 Stearns Street, Simi Valley

• Shell Station, 1604 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo

• Log Cabin Liquor, 2457 Alameda Avenue, Ventura

• Pat Holden Liquor, 860 South A Street, Oxnard

• Goode's Liquor, 1271 Saviers Road, Oxnard

• 7-Eleven, 2201 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard

• Superior Grocers, 2401 Saviers Road, Oxnard

That's it! Pretty short list!

Prior to the "Lucky Retailers" program, here are Ventura County area retail locations that sold at least two winning tickets of $1 MILLION or more from 1985 to 2013:

• Allan's Market Wine & Lotto, 2521 N. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme (This is the only retail location in the entire state of California during this time frame that sold SIX winning $1 million or more Lottery tickets!)

• 7-Eleven, 2201 E. Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard (3 winning tickets)

And there you have it! Learn more about the California Lottery at www.calottery.com.