Thousand Oaks Acorn

Planning commission approves of Costco plan

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

All five members of the Thousand Oaks planning commission voted unanimously in favor of a Costco warehouse store at 915 Estates Drive in Newbury Park that's targeted for completion by January 2010. With the planning commission recommending approval, the proposed project's requests are now expected to be heard by the City Council in January.

Service clubs scramble to help charities

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Organizers at service clubs in Thousand Oaks are making plans to help local charities fill the fundraising gap left by the cancellation of Conejo Valley Days for 2009. The Kiwanis Club is in the process of planning a parade, and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club will host the chili cook-off.

It's a magical, wonderful time of the year

11/26/2008

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers SNOW IN CALIFORNIA— Children delight as sudsy-like "snow" falls from the sky during last Friday night's Christmas tree lighting ceremony at The Promenade in Westlake Village. Holiday shoppers will hitting the malls in droves this holiday weekend. See related photo on page 18.

Secretary of the treasury calls government intervention on the economy a necessity

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson defended the government's intervention in the nation's financial crisis and discussed what's needed for a turnaround when he spoke at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley Nov. 20. The audience of about 1,000 included former California Gov. Pete Wilson.

Brace yourselves: Water is becoming more expensive

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The City Council unanimously approved a water rate increase for 16,500 customers in the center of town who are served by a city-run utility that serves about 37 percent of the population. The increase is due to higher costs from Calleguas Municipal Water District, the source of the city's water. The increase is $2.75 per month or 3.

Church to host free Thanksgiving dinner

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

There will be plenty of volunteers at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church's Community Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Church volunteer Jack Light says that's because those who helped feed those in need last year enjoyed it so much they're coming back for more.

Council on Aging will learn about elder abuse next week

11/26/2008

The city of Thousand Oaks Council on Aging will present Julia Wysong speaking at the council meeting at 1 p.m. Wed., Dec. 3 in the board room, third level, Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

What's up with that?

11/26/2008

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers PUBLIC SAFETY A PRIORITY- At Rancho Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard is a field where a gasoline station used to be. The site is surrounded by a fence with metal boxes that are connected by a pipe system. According to senior planner Haider Alawami, the devices comprise a soil and water contamination monitoring system. If you see something you want to know about, send a "What's up with that?" inquiry to the address on page 4 or to steve@theacorn.com and we'll look into it.

Winter shelter program opens Dec. 1 in Conejo Valley

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Don't give money if you see someone on a street in Thousand Oaks with a sign saying they're homeless and hungry; that's the advice of homeless advocate Diana Ortuno. "Money goes to something else, not food," Ortuno said.

Motorist pleads guilty in death of T.O. jogger

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Nicholas LaGrotta has pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI in the death of a woman jogger who was killed while running along Thousand Oaks' Lindero Canyon Road in August. The 23-year-old Santa Rosa Valley man reversed a not guilty plea he made during his September arraignment. Sentencing will take place at 3 p.m. on Jan. 30.

Council agrees on several items

11/26/2008

The five members of the T.O. City Council unanimously agreed on every item they voted on during their Nov. 18 meeting. That meeting was the first time the council has met since the election on Nov. 4, when Mayor Jacqui Irwin and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Glancy seem to have won reelection after most of the votes have been counted.

Photo book on Ronald Reagan's life uses Acorn award-winning picture

By Sophia Fischer and Joann Groff sfischer@theacorn.com joann@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

After spending months researching the photo archives at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, a local author has completed a book which uses photos to detail the life of President Ronald Reagan.

A great time to think of others

11/26/2008

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers TOY DRIVE KICKS OFF—Conejo Valley Association of Realtors president Patti Hepple and Toys for Tots fundraiser chair Brent Davis are joined by Port Hueneme Marines, Sgt. Israel Perez, left, and Staff Sgt. Gabriel Lopez, right, as the annual Toys forTots toy collection recently began in Thousand Oaks. Realtor offices are collection sites for new, unwrapped toys.

Shopping center plans holiday fun event

11/26/2008

Paraiso at Dos Vientos Ranch will host two Winter Wonderland holiday events at the ranch, 360 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park. Paraiso's second annual open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6. The event will include horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, visits with Santa and his elves, carolers and a snow play area.

Youngest survivor saved by Schindler speaks in Westlake

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The youngest survivor of the Schindler Jews spoke at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza last week. Leon Leyson of Orange County described how he survived World War II thanks to businessman Oskar Schindler, whose story was told in the 1993 Academy Award winning film, "Schindler's List.

Five families open holiday decorated homes of community to tour

11/26/2008

The community is invited to tour the homes of five families on The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura's 17th annual Holiday Homes Tour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun., Dec. 6 and 7.

Jewish genealogy group meets

11/26/2008

The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8 at Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. The subject will be "One-Step Webpages: A Potpurri of Genealogical Search Tools.

Academy hosts duplicate bridge

11/26/2008

The Bridge Academy hosts a duplicate bridge game for beginning players with less than 100 points on Sundays at 77 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks. A short lecture begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by a game at 5 p.m. A light supper is served, and partners are arranged if needed.

Acorn readers suggest ways to save holiday cash

11/26/2008

I buy gift cards from my local high school, everything from gas and grocery shopping cards, to restaurants and gift stores. That way when I make my entertaining/travel budget, I make sure I don't do any impulse buying and only spend what I have budgeted for. I also send them as gifts—a card and a stamp is much less than gift wrap and shipping.

Giving during the season of gratitude

11/26/2008

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers CONTRIBUTING TO THE FEAST—Assemblymember Audra Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) distributes certificates for turkeys to local charities. Recipients Jeanette McCarthy, left, and Eleanor Redfield were on hand to receive their certificates from Strickland on Monday at Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks.

'Turkey day' is tomorrow

11/26/2008

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers TURKEY TIME—Manna food bank 10-year volunteer Marvin Kraft of Thousand Oaks shows donated frozen turkeys. Manna was to distribute them today and earlier for Thanksgiving.

Santa Comes to Agoura needs donations

11/26/2008

Several sites are accepting tems for the Santa Comes to Agoura and Beyond food drive. You can make donations in Calabasas in the main lobby of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, 4232 Las Virgenes Road; in Agoura Hills at the Doit Center, 28750 Roadside Drive, or at First Federal Bank, 5701 Kanan Road; in Oak Park at Beanscene,

Conejo single seniors meet

11/26/2008

Conejo Senior Singles meets 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at the United Methodist Church of Westlake Village, 1049 Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. The group is for unmarried persons ages 55 and up, and is not church affiliated.

Looking for a bargain or two

11/26/2008

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers WORTHY CAUSE—Westlake Village residents, from left Katie O'Connell, her daughter Annie O'Connell, 9, and friend, Bobbi Jo Dallas, 10, shop for shirts at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Holiday Boutique at Calvary Community Church. Last Saturday's event featured more than 50 vendors and activities for kids.

Boys & Girls Club gets new sports director

11/26/2008

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo & Las Virgenes recently welcomed new staff member David DeMaio as the fitness and sports director for its clubs on the campuses of Los Cerritos, Colina, Redwood and Sequoia middle schools in Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park.

Garden is dedicated

11/26/2008

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers MEMORIAL GARDEN- Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks MemoriaPark staff members, guests and dignitaries wander through the recently dedicated Garden of Reflections. The garden wilprovide a place for families to remember loved ones who chose to be cremated.

College planners give free workshop at library

11/26/2008

National College Planners will hold a free workshop on getting money for college education from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4 at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library; 10:30 a.m. to noon Sat., Dec. 6 at the Newbury Park Library, and 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8 at the Simi Valley Library.

Walk-ins welcome at blood drive

11/26/2008

St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church will host a blood drive in the church parking lot from 3 to 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 1 at 2475 Borchard Road, Newbury Park. Walk-ins are welcome.

GOP women host gala

11/26/2008

The Thousand Oaks Republican Women Federated will host the annual Christmas and Holiday Gala on Wed., Dec. 10 at the Sherwood Country Club, 320 W. Stafford Road, Thousand Oaks. Reception and boutiques start at 10:45 a.m., with the holiday luncheon program at noon.

Hospice, Macy's to light tree

11/26/2008

Hospice of the Conejo will host two Christmas tree lightings in December. A lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4 in the court outside Macy's Women's store at The Oaks mall on Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Take Your Thousand Oaks Acorn on Vacation

11/26/2008

ANOTHER CULTURE—Local residents Cindy Vodraska and Susan Schwaiger admire the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, during a mission trip with IMPACT through the Santa Barbara Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church.

Thoughts on Marriage

11/26/2008

My husband and I are coming up on 25 years of marriage. My parents have been together more than 50 years. Surprisingly, according to statistics, it is not highly probable that children of parents who remained married will have successful marriages.

Generic drugs are cheaper

11/26/2008

The expense of the daily dose of medicine is a bitter pill for many Americans. Yet more than half of those taking prescription drugs are not taking advantage of an economical option: generic drugs. The Food and Drug Administration said 52 percent of Americans could save money by choosing generics over brand name drugs.

Conejo Players to hold 'Willy Wonka' auditions

11/26/2008

Conejo Players Theatre wilhold auditions for "Willy WonkJunior" at 5:30 p.m. Sun., Nov30 through Tues., Dec. 2 at ththeater, 351 S. Moorpark RoadThousand Oaks. The play is based on "Charliand the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl.

The Movie Nut

11/26/2008

The holiday season's upon us with a plethora of upbeat cinematic offerings. One can usually gauge our economic woes by the deluge of lighthearted fare emanating from Hollywood.

Master Chorale to present 'Holiday Presence'

11/26/2008

Los Robles Master Chorale will present its "Holiday Presence" program at 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12 and Sat., Dec. 13 at the Church of Epiphany, 5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park.

Auditions being held for 'Mulan Jr.'

11/26/2008

The Young Artists Ensemble and Conejo Theatre for Everyone will hold auditions for the musical "Disney's Mulan Jr." at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Audition times are 9:45 and 11:45 a.m., and 11:15 and 3:15 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, and 11:45 a.m., and 1:15 and 2:45 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7.

Datebook

11/26/2008

THURS., NOV. 27 Thanksgiving Dinner Community Christian Church of Moorpark hosts free Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at church, 216 Moorpark Ave. For families, individuals unable to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or anyone who is alone. Free.

THURS., NOV. 27

11/26/2008

Community Thanksgiving Dinner Free dinner served noon to 3 p.m. at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks. Sponsored by Emmanuel, Manna food bank, Lutheran Social Services. Phone: 805.498.

High School Hi-lights

11/26/2008

All events (subject to change) are listed by name, location and time if provided. If calendars are modified, school sources are asked to contact us with updated information at this e-mail address: steve@theacorn.com.

Soccer girls are champions

11/26/2008

CVU STRIKES—The CVU Strikers G93 Soccer Team are all smiles after winning the Coast Soccer League Silver North Division. The team is made up of girls from Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Oak Park. Back row, from left: Jessi, Christine, Ashley, Noam, Lindsey, Rochelle and Nicki. Middle row: Kasey, Jordon, Nikko, Courtney, Nicole, Bree, Kat, Amanda and Laura. Front row: Paty and Selina.

La Reina falls just short in its title quest

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

With a two-games-to-one lead over La Canada High last Friday night, La Reina's volleyball squad was so close to winning a section championship that the Regents could almost taste it.

Westlake's win over Oxnard was all guts and guile

By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

What a game, and what a win for the Westlake High football program. Last weekend's exhilarating 3635 Warrior comefrombehind victory at previously unbeaten Oxnard in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division playoffs will forever be remembered as an alltime triumph—unless, of course, you are a Yellowjackets fan.

Regents, Lancers bring home section cross country titles

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The CIFSouthern Section Finals took place at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut last Saturday, and the event produced three local winners. In Division II, the Thousand Oaks High boys took home first place with 73 points.

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

11/26/2008

Company Name AMGEN BAXTER BEVERLY HILLS BANCORP CAMINOSOFT CORP. CHEESECAKE FACTORY DIODES, INC DTS, INC. ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY SENSOR INC. ESNR HOMESTORE.

Chamber hosts networking breakfast in T.O. next week

11/26/2008

The Thousand OaksWestlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Fri., Dec. 5 at Los Robles Greens Banquet Center, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. The breakfast will feature Leap Frog Referral.

New gym in T.O.

11/26/2008

M6 Fitness, a new gym in Thousand Oaks owned by professional dancer and workout instructor Michelle Vrakelos, offers high-energy day and evening workout classes. Vrakelos has trained with Shane Sparks, a featured choreographer on "So You Think You Can Dance," and worked for five years as an instructor with Tae Bo legend Billy Blanks.

Pet of the Week

11/26/2008

NEEDS A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS—Lexi, a 2-year-old female domestic shorthair tabby cat, needs to be adopted with another cat, Ginny. Lexi and Ginny can be adopted from the Agoura Animal Shelter at 29525 Agoura Road. To take Lexi and Ginny home, ask about identification No. A3898974. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so always call (818) 991-0071 first or visit animalcare.lacounty.gov/. JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers

Sheriff's Blotter

11/26/2008

Newbury Park Someone discharged a firearm at a vehicle, leaving 10 holes and causing $1,500 in damage. The crime occurred between 7 and 11:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the 2400 block of Hillcrest Drive.

Simi Community Christmas event coming in December

11/26/2008

The Simi Community Christmas event, featuring the international créche exhibit and musical performances, will take place on Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sinaloa Stake Center, 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley.

Community Thanksgiving dinner is coming tomorrow to a Thousand Oaks church

11/26/2008

The second annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner will be from noon to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 27 at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks. The community is invited and there is no charge.

Parenting workshop coming to Jewish center

11/26/2008

The Thousand Oaks Jewish Center will present a parenting workshop titled "Four Critical Habits to Prepare Your Child for Life" at 7:30 p.m. Mon., Dec. 1 at the Thousand Oaks Jewish Center, 2060 E. Avenida de Los Arboles.

Judaica gift shop

11/26/2008

Temple Adat Elohim Sister Judaica Gift Shop will hold its annual boutique from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 7 and 14 at the temple, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. The boutique will include menorahs, dreidels, home decorations, candles, paper goods, gift wrap, hostess and teacher gifts and jewelry.

Arts and crafts sale

11/26/2008

The Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will hold a holiday arts and crafts sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 in the church sanctuary, 3327 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park. Sales of some donated artwork will benefit the church.

Costco not sound environmentally for Thousand Oaks

11/26/2008

In response to Allyson Ranallo's Nov. 20 letter to the editor ("Don't close the book on Costco without listening"), citing previous reports indicating that another Costco would be bad for Conejo Valley, she says, "So what?

Proposition 8 is good for society

11/26/2008

All this protesting is making my convictions only stronger. I voted yes on Proposition 8, along with the majority of other Californians. There's very good reason, too. It's not that we hate gays or that we don't know any gays. It's not that our religion told us to or that we're not open-minded.

Opponents of Prop. 8 aren't exactly full of love

11/26/2008

I understand that Ms. Aschenbrenner and Ms. Jensen are disappointed with the passing of Proposition 8, which restored the traditional definition of marriage. However, I feel that the name-calling and accusations contained in their letters last week weren't the proper response and that a balanced view needs to be expressed.

Firepits a bad idea

11/26/2008

I know that most people are excited that The Oaks mall has expanded, upgraded and is about to reopen, but I'm disappointed in one design decision- - the firepit.

The mortgage crisis sits on the doorstep of the Democratic Party

11/26/2008

America is in crisis because of the virtual collapse of the financial backbone of our country. This financial collapse has been caused by the political hijacking of well-intended governmental programs intended to encourage home ownership.

Wishes the best for Obama and the American people

11/26/2008

Herbal tea settles the intrinsic mood and calms the senses. I often wonder if the president drank "sleepy time" tea, he might get a better night's sleep and develop some wellrounded heuristic decisions. The voters have spoken. President-elect Obama is here.

Ask The DMV

11/26/2008

Do you have questions about general driving related require ments? Are you unclear about the laws and restrictions related to driving?

We can all be thankful for generous people

11/26/2008

For nearly 30 years, George Annino has shared a simple but incredibly compassionate philosophy: People who have food should share it with people who don't. It's common sense. That's why it works. It all started when he was growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and more years ago than George would probably like to admit. George's parents lived by the same words.

Political Cartoon

11/26/2008

Located On A Corner Lot On A Cul-de-sac

11/26/2008

This house is on a corner lot on a double cul de sac. The downstairs living areas have Oak Wood and Travertine floors. The remodeled kitchen has Slab Granite and Stained Oak Cabinets. The family room includes a Marble fireplace. There is a French sliding door to the backyard. The downstairs Bedroom/office has a built in office desk.

Sabrina Simpson and Vita Schneider

11/26/2008

Sabrina Simpson and Vita Schneider won the award for Top Listing Agents from Prudential California Realty's Moorpark office in July 2008. The two have teamed up to provide clients with the best of their experience, Schneider with more than 48 years and Simpson with more than 10.

Features A Pebble Tec Pool And Spa

11/26/2008

Upgraded Meadowwood home, on one of the best streets in the area. Pebble tec pool and spa with waterfall surrounded by Arizona flagstone and palm trees. Large upper landscaped yard with views and room for play area. Three beds up, 1 down. Master has large balcony with view. Custom paints, tile and hardwood flooring.

Judy Dougherty

11/26/2008

Judy Dougherty took he honor for Top Pro ducer from Prudential California Realty's Camarillo office for September 2008. Dougherty's career in real estate has spanned three decades and she has garnered numerous accolades and honors at the national level.