Conejo Valley Days 2003 comes to an end

In the wake of monsoons that forced closure of Conejo Valley Days 2003 for a week and the demobilization of the annual grand finale parade, the huge, community fundraiser finally found some success and blue skies when it reopened at the end of last week.. Thousands flocked to the carnival grounds on Conejo Creek Park South, on Janss Road near the 23 Fwy.

In addition to the normal rides and games on the midway, two booths were operated in memory of Westlake High School sophomore Nicole Johnson, 17, who lost her life in a recent traffic accident.

Johnson was stopped at a red light at Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Lakeview Canyon Road when a BMW driven by 31-year-old Diane Shakhov failed to stop and slammed into her, police said. Johnson’s Volkswagen Jetta was hurled into a utility pole.

In lieu of flowers, donors were asked to contribute to the Westlake High School Scholarship Foundation. Saturday, Westlake High students volunteered to man a deep-fried Twinkie and a game booth.

In the picture on the top of the page, middle, Jimmy Miller, back left, and Travis Weidner play "Roll the Ball" in one of the booths dedicated to the fund in memory of Johnson.

During the day, as the sun continued to shine, kids of all ages were seen laughing and enjoying the carnival.

Top right, Kalani Campbell, left, Nicole Rheingold and Claudia Zamora take a ride on the Jump’in Star.

In the middle, left, Alison Canton, 3, and Reagan Sanders, 5, take a ride on the Blue Angels.

To the right, Jessie Hofius, with ball, NPHS freshman, tries to dunk Samantha La Mar, NPHS Sophomore into the dunk tank.

On the bottom, left, Chris Margott, left, and brother Mickey, walk around with the stuffed animals they won on the midway.