Another Fantastic Sunset From the Conejo Valley Looking Towards the Channel Islands

Two days into November 2018 and the sunsets continue bringing orange to our local skies. Just hike to any of our local peaks in the Conejo Valley to catch the nightly show.

Harold's House of Omelettes Has Served the Conejo Valley Since 1961 (Now Bo's House of Omelettes & Waffles)

UPDATE: Harold’s closed its doors on May 7, 2021, but was subsequently acquired and reopened in February 2022 as Bo’s House of Omelettes & Waffles. Open 7 days a week, 7 am to 3 pm. houseofomelettesto.com

Harold's House of Omelettes opened its doors to the hungry citizens of Thousand Oaks, before Thousand Oaks was even a city of its own, on January 19, 1961. Harold's has the distinction as the oldest restaurant in the Conejo Valley - a distinction previously held by Lupe's Mexican Restaurant, which originated in 1947 and closed in August 2016.

Harold's is located at 2440 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in the Camelot Plaza, directly across from Thousand Oaks Toyota, and has been there for some time.

The eatery was originated by its namesake, Harold Warner, who was born in Green Bay, moved to the west coast in 1949, where he became a chef at Du-pars restaurant at Hollywood and Vine. He moved to Thousand Oaks to work at the new Du-par's Thousand Oaks. Instead of that, he opened Harold's House of Omelettes and was the chef until the late 1990s.

Here's a photo from the Thousand Oaks Library "Conejo Through the Lens" collection of Harold's at its original location next to the Green Lantern Tavern at 1938 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (now occupied by Enhanced Landscape Management).

Harold's House of Omelettes and the Green Lantern Tavern at 1938 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (just west of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza) in 1962. Photo Credit: Pat Allen via the Conejo Through the Lens collection maintained by the Grans R. Brimhall Library.

Harold's, also known as Herold's Restaurant, serves much more than omelettes (though there are 51 omelette varieties on its menu). Its menu includes hot cakes, crepes, waffles, Mexican breakfast and lunch specialties, breakfast burritos, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

To learn more, visit www.eatatharolds.com. Open daily from 6am to 3pm.

Throwback to 1987 When May Co., The Broadway and Robinson's Anchored The Oaks Mall

Throwback to 1987 and this Thousand Oaks postcard, when May Co., The Broadway and Robinson's anchored The Oaks mall.

May Co. was founded by David May in 1877. JW Robinson's was founded in 1883 by Joseph Winchester Robinson. May Co. merged with Robinson's in 1993 to form Robinsons-May. In 2005, Robinsons-May was acquired by Federated Department Stores and became Macy's, which still has two anchor stores at The Oaks.

The Broadway was founded in 1896 by Arthur Lettis, Sr. In 1996, 100 years later, The Broadway was acquired by Federated.

The Oaks mall turned 40 in April 2018. Happy birthday! Anchor stores when it opened in 1978 were The Broadway, May Co., J.W. Robinsons and J.C. Penney. Bullocks opened in 1980.

Anchor stores today are Macy's/Women, Macy's/Men's/Home/Children's, J.C. Penney and Nordstrom.

Speaking of malls, HERE'S A COMPILATION of kids' activities at shopping malls throughout Ventura County.

Rolling Pin Donuts in Camarillo Captured in Oil Painting by Local Artist

Rolling Pin Donuts in Camarillo (Artist: Linda Dark)

Long-time Camarillo resident and artist Linda Dark enjoys capturing local scenes in oil paint. Rolling Pin Donuts has operated at 2153 Las Posas Road since 1992 and has quite a loyal following at this stand-alone location. Dark has lived in Camarillo since 1978 and recalls it was previously called Donna Lee Donuts.

Have a donut craving? Rolling Pin is open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. You'll want to stop by for sure after checking out their creations at www.facebook.com/RollingPinCamarillo.

Rolling Pin Donuts on Rainy Day (Artist: Linda Dark)

Conejo Valley Rabbit Montage and Some Local Area History

Here's a fun montage of conejo photos and footage from the ring of trails surround the Conejo Valley. If you're looking to take your own rabbit photos on the trails of the Conejo Valley, check out this compilation of over 50 local hiking and trail areas at THIS LINK. 

TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT NEWBURY PARK

California Quail Perched on MB2 Raceway Sign in Newbury Park

It's the little things. 

Late this afternoon I was on a casual run on the streets of Newbury Park in the industrial area along Lawrence Drive. It was a beautiful day today and there was a cool breeze in the air.

As I cruised along, I noticed a bird perched on the MB2 Raceway sign west of the Rancho Conejo Boulevard intersection. This bird, a California quail, stopped me in my tracks.

I've seen quail out and about, but never as prominent as this one, with the comma-shaped crest on its head. This is a male California quail.

So I pulled out my camera and took a few photos before moving along on my way. He was o.k. with it, posing for me. Staying put on the MB2 sign.

Speaking of MB2, this Thousand Oaks location turns 10 years old this September. 

Beach Views at Mussel Shoals in Ventura

Driving the 101 through Ventura towards Santa Barbara, we all pass through Mussel Shoals and see the man-made Rincon Island off in the distance, but we're usually either rushing through to get to our destination and stuck in traffic! So we decided to stop by and actually check out the beach in person.

Mussel Shoals is a small beach community with around 50 homes. There are about a dozen public parking spots along Old Pacific Coast Highway, paralleling the 101, The Cliff House Inn is a quaint hotel with spectacular ocean views. Dine at their Shoals restaurant and relax with the waves breaking on the rocks below.

Rincon Island was built in 1958 for well drilling and oil and gas production, so it's not open to the public. But the kids and I fantasize about having our own island like that, with palm trees growing. Here's a closer look, thanks to the person who shared it at Wikipedia. Looks like an electric guitar to me.

DIRECTIONS TO DOZENS OF LOCAL VENTURA COUNTY AREA BEACHES