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Conejo Valley and the Jungleland days

By: Sher Hann

Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.

My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. It’s a photo from the 1960s that he took at the intersection for Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).

However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm. Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!

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There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.html

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Sher Hann on August 30th, 2010

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One easy way to help the environment

By: Irma Haldane

Sid Lerner is 79. Known for his successful Charmin toilet paper campaign, he is now focusing on a little different topic he calls, Meatless Monday’s. The cause is self explanatory – it aims to generate a following that abstains from eating meat on Monday. A health cause designed to reduce meat consumption by 15%, the cause is partnered with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The cause does not advocate for the elimination of meat but simply hopes to bring perspective on the strain meat places on the environment. Most people are surprised to know that producing 1 ton of beef requires 140,000 bathtubs full of water (many millions of gallons). Growing the needed crops to feed cows is extremely demanding in terms of natural resources. This is one way to help alleviate the demand.

You can join them on Facebook and they offer daily recipes to help.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Irma Haldane on August 9th, 2010

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Coming to Hyatt Westlake

By: Karen Crystal

With more than 60 exhibitors spanning from wedding exhibits to fashion shows, this Sunday Carmen Carter from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ will host a Bridal Premier at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza. From 11 a.m. to 3 pm., guests will enjoy viewing new bridal collections with the opportunity to win one of the headpieces. The exhibitors will answer questions, provide advice on pricing, and assist brides with all aspects of wedding planning.

Held from 12:30pm – 1:30pm, the two fashion shows will show the latest in bridal attire and evening wear from Alayana’s Bridal & Formal of Camarillo and The Bridal Collection and Friar Tux, both of Thousand Oaks.

Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 from the website www.bridalpremiere.com.

For more information, call (805) 376-3515 or (877) 994- 4321

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Karen Crystal on August 3rd, 2010

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Charity drive; bring your books

By: Karen Crystal

Head to the Thousand Oaks Mall on Mondays and Wednesday between 10am – 2pm to donate used books. Help raise funds for free programs that support education for cancer patients and effected families in the community. Go to the first floor between Banana Republic and Marciano to drop off the goods. If you have a large donations, call 805.379.4777 to schedule a pick up time.

For more information go to http://www.twcvv.org/

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Karen Crystal on July 13th, 2010

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What to do with unused medicine?

By: Sher Hann

Are unused medicines lurking in your medicine cabinet? If so, you are not alone. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 80% of our country’s waterways contain trace amounts of pharmaceutical wastes. The effect on humans is just now under the microscope, but we know there’s a negative impact on wildlife. We also know that 40% of drugs abused by kids come from the home of a friend or relative.

Now residents of Thousand Oaks have a remedy. They can take their unused meds to the Thousand Oaks Police Department and place them in a bin located in the lobby. Just remember to remove any personal information from the containers, and place liquid medicines in a sealed plastic bag to avoid leaks. For those unable to get to the Police Station, the City will provide envelopes at www.toaks.org/GoGreen. These envelopes can them be mailed to the Police Station:

City of Thousand Oaks

2101 E. Olsen Rd.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Note: The collection bin is not for needles! These should be placed in a the envelopes noted above and taken for disposal to Los Robles Hospital, to Los Robles Community Medical Group on Thousand Oaks Blvd. or to the City’s monthly Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Sher Hann on May 21st, 2010

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Bikram Yoga, commonly known as hot yoga is a system of yoga that Bikram Choudhury synthesized from traditional yoga techniques and popularized beginning in the early 1970’s

By: Kathy Bernal

Bikram Yoga is located at 31300 Via Colinas, Westlake Village, CA
91362 and is my favorite spot to practice Yoga. Bikram Yoga’s focuses
on creating an environment where you can reach your goals of physical
health and well-being, using proven methods that are safe and
effective. Bikram Yoga offers a great experience every time I go
there. The Staff at Bikram Yoga is very professional, the facilities
are clean, and the other patrons are very friendly.

Bikram Yoga is perfect for people of all fitness and experience
levels. If you are experienced, you will appreciate the manner in
which Bikram Yoga conducts their classes in a professional manner. If
you are a beginner, you will appreciate the level of commitment the
staff offers to get new patrons up to speed. Next time you are looking
to relax, increase fitness, or improve your overall well being through
Yoga, check out Bikram Yoga in Westlake Village.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Kathy Bernal on May 18th, 2010

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A great new cafe in Westlake Village

By: Sher Hann

To be sure, the Conejo Valley has its share of excellent French and Italian cuisine. But now, as the anemic economy nibbles into the everyday budget, comes some lighter fare with European flair: Europa.

Located in the North Ranch Shopping Center, in Westlake Village, Europa is owned by Jorge Gruener, a professional chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, NY. “Good coffee is my passion,” he explains. “I wanted a European-style coffee house where you could get a great cup of coffee with light, healthy food.”

Indeed, the coffee and teas (all loose leaf) are organic and certified fair trade. Gruener orders the coffee on one day, and the next morning it is roasted and delivered in the afternoon. Each cup of espresso is made with a Rancilio espresso machine – Italian and the best in the world, Gruener says – and served in a biodegradable cup. The panini is made on the premises with La Brea bread, and the pastries come from a boutique bakery.

Outdoor seating and soon-to-come wireless Internet service complete the café. Europa is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and perhaps later on weekends.

Europa Cafe, 3945 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A, Westlake Village 805.494.1089

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Sher Hann on May 10th, 2010

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Celebrity Nicole Johnson from Westlake Village

By: Karen Crystal

The 2010 nominee for Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson is in training. Since her nomination last November, the golden state representative has been on a strict regime. Eating 5 low calorie, high protein meals per day, Johnson is in great shape. She also works with coaches on hair, makeup and interview techniques.

“People think pageant girls are snotty, cutthroat, self absorbed,” she said. “Everybody I meet in the industry is so kind, giving and they are some of the most amazing women I’ve met.”

Johnson, who graduated from USC with an honors degree in communication, recently visited Medea Creek middle school in Oak Park, where her mother teaches seventh-grade science. She educated students in the library during lunch about motivation and focus in school.

Johnson’s dedication to philanthropy and children have gained her a strong reputation in our community. Good luck as you move forward Jessica. You have our support.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Karen Crystal on April 27th, 2010

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By: Kathy Bernal

There are a lot of yogurt places that have opened in Southern
California over the past few years but Pinkberry is by far my
favorite. The Pinkberry that I go to most frequently is located at
3835 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard Westlake Village, CA 91362.

There are a lot of choices and combinations that you can create when
eating at Pinkberry. I always get the original and pomegranate swirl
and then various fruit toppings. Every time I go to Pinkberry
Westlake, I am leave wanting more. Make sure to stop by Pinkberry in
Westlake and get your daily dose of swirly goodness.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Kathy Bernal on April 14th, 2010

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By: Karen Crystal

The Oaks Christian Annual Auction dinner entertained more than 900 people and earned more than $700,000 for their financial aid program. With the help of singer, songwriter and producer, Lionel Richie performed 5 of his most popular songs at the event. As a parent at Oaks Christian, Richie was generous enough to donate his time which generated funds that aid 40% of Oaks Christian students.

The evening’s live show kicked off with magician Jason Latimer as Fred Roggin of NBC sports acted as master of ceremonies. Bid items from Eric Clapton signed guitars and tickets to the Teen Choice Awards were sold at exceeding prices.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Karen Crystal on April 5th, 2010

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