Stop By Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura to Cool Off During the Summer Months

A view of the Lake Casitas reservoir

Casitas Municipal Water District serves water to a population of 65,000 in western Ventura County. Lake Casitas was created in 1958 and encompasses 2,760 acres with a capacity of 254,000 acre-feet. While swimming is not allowed at Lake Casitas because it is a drinkable water supply, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides a host of other family activities, including over 400 campsites, picnic areas, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, special events, disc golf and the Casitas Water Adventure!

Casitas Water Adventure generally opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Children and adults can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. For the younger children, there's a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.

For the smallest of tots, there's a zero-depth pool that sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are also available. Shaded areas can be reserved for an extra fee. Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, turn left on Santa Ana Blvd, then right on Santa Ana Road to the park entrance. Visit www.casitaswater.org or call 805.649.2233 for more information.

Views From Boney Peak on a Sunny Summer Saturday, July 25, 2015

After several weeks of cooler than normal weather, including record July rainfall last weekend, temperatures are pretty much back to normal today in the Conejo Valley.  

Learn to hike up Boney Peak at this link. Other hikes in and around Ventura County here.

Scenes from the 2015 Thousand Oaks Independence Day Fireworks Show

For those who missed it, here's some footage from the annual Fireworks Extravaganza in Thousand Oaks last night. Fireworks are launched each year from "Fireworks Hill," located above the Conejo Recreation and Park District offices and bordered by Hillcrest Drive on the south and Wilbur Road on the east. This footage was taken from the north.

"Fireworks Hill" in Thousand Oaks, as viewed in greener days of January 2015.

Beach Scene in McFarland, U.S.A. Filmed at Sycamore Cove Beach, Point Mugu State Park

McFarland U.S.A. is a great "feel good" movie about a coach who leads the cross country team from McFarland High School to win the inaugural California state championship in 1987. The film, starring Kevin Costner as coach Jim White, is based on a true story. The film premiered on February 20th. My kids and I saw the movie today in Thousand Oaks and we unanimously agreed it was outstanding.

McFarland is a small town in Kern County, 25 miles north of Bakersfield (and 145 miles north of the Conejo Valley). There is a scene in the film where Coach White surprises the kids by diverting them to a beach after a successful cross country meet. This was a special moment for the kids, because none of them had ever seen the ocean. The first several minutes of the following video shows some behind the scenes footage from that scene.

If the beach scene looks familiar, it should be. It was filmed at Sycamore Cove Beach at Point Mugu State Park. The Sycamore Cove PCH bridge crossing seen in the background made this quite clear. Sycamore Cove is only an eight mile walk, ride or hike from Newbury Park via Sycamore Canyon. According to this website, the actual beach visited by the team was near Morro Bay.

Sycamore Cove Beach looking west towards PCH and the bridge

The PCH bridge that connects Sycamore Cove Beach with Sycamore Canyon Campground

The Pacific Ocean, seen from Sycamore Cove Beach

Learn more about McFarland, U.S.A. at movies.disney.com/mcfarland-usa.

Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley Has Brought Smiles to 118 Freeway Drivers Since 1998

Perhaps the most visible cultural icon in Simi Valley is "Happy Face Hill" seen by westbound drivers on the 118 freeway just west of Kuehner Drive.

Although Northridge gardener Sonny Klamerus does not own the land used to display his creation that has been there since 1998, apparently it is here to stay, even with 66 townhomes in development at the base of the hill.

They say the Happy Face is 150 feet wide, which is half the length of a football field!

I've driven by it dozens of times and was impressed at how nice it looked after the recent rains. The smiley face becomes a bit brown and barren looking, though still visible, for large stretches of the year.

According to this LA Times article, others in the community, including the Rotary Club and other citizens have made adjustments to the smiley face to tidy it up. Others have installed solar light

Perhaps every city needs a Happy Face Hill.

"Have a Nice Day" as you drive through Simi Valley westbound on the 118 Freeway!

Whales, Seals, Birds and Wildflowers on Display at Point Dume in Malibu

Suzy Demeter of Suzy Demeter Photography shared these photos of her recent outing at Point Dume Natural Preserve headlands and Westward Beach in Malibu. Whales, seals and flowering coreopsis are out in force. Learn more about local beaches ranging from Malibu through Oxnard at this link.

Breaching whales near Westward Beach

Seals sunning themselves at Point Dume State Beach

An egret without regret on this beautiful, sunny day

Iconic Ed Lawrence Photo on Display at the New Mendocino Farms Westlake Village

Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market opened on Monday, February 2nd in The Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Boulevard.

This is the 9th location of Mendocino Farms and its first in Ventura County. They have certainly made a special effort to capture the heart of the Conejo Valley crowd in several ways.

Photographer Ed Lawrence with his iconic 1965 photo of Moorpark Road at Thousand Oaks Blvd

A iconic photo taken by well known Conejo Valley photographer Ed Lawrence is prominently displayed on the back wall of the restaurant. Look up as you walk in the door and you can't miss this 1965 shot of a flock of sheep crossing Moorpark Road near Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Mendocino Farms is located in the former home of Jack's Deli, which opened in 1977 and operated for over 30 years before closing its doors on November 20, 2011. 

An oak tree that fell ill was used as a prominent table in the eatery, adding another nice localized touch.

The restaurant is open and airy, uniquely appointed and fun. There's a kids area that has a Foosball table (I lost the game to a 9 year old) and coloring table.  The kids menu had $3.95 pricing on it, which looked pretty good to me too. And, oh yes, the food that I sampled was outstanding. There's also a nice outdoor seating area.