Eye on the Conejo




A wonderful place to live, work or raise a family

Local citizens are praised for their volunteerism. I’d like to think that our community has one of the highest rates nationwide with regard to the public giving their time to worthy causes and nonprofit organizations.

As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, I’ve learned that the biggest reward in serving others is an “inside deal.” In simple terms, you feel better about yourself when you give to others.

You know that you’re making a difference in your community and in the world.

Several weeks ago I helped at the American Youth Soccer Organization Region 9 tournament at Conejo Creek Park South. Teams from as far away as the Antelope Valley (Palmdale and Lancaster) and the Inland Empire competed.

It was exciting to watch. Young people gave 100 percent of their effort in team play and sportsmanship.

I felt guilty when I asked to leave early the second day so I could watch the Lakers play the Clippers at Staples Center but, as a sports fan, you have to have priorities.

If you’re interested in donating your time to worthy causes, just Google “ Conejo Valley volunteerism.”

Changing topics, but sticking with positivism about the local area, have you ever pondered the geographic advantages of living here?

We’re close to Los Angeles, a major metropolitan area that delivers all of the benefits of a large city (entertainment and cultural events and amenities, major league sports, educational opportunities, ethnic diversity, shopping and dining venues, and everything else).

And yet we’re far enough away from L.A. to be spared the disadvantages (crime, pollution and traffic.)

We are within a day’s drive to some of the most spectacular national parks, including Yosemite (my personal favorite), Sequoia, Zion, Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

We’re less than five hours from Las Vegas.

Not everyone agrees with me, but I’ve never had a bad time in Vegas. Maybe it’s because I control my wagering and avoid overindulging. Occasionally, I even win.

While it’s totally different from the joy of seeing Half Dome or trees so big you can drive through their trunks, the lights of Las Vegas are also something to behold.

I’m also a fan of Santa Ynez and its nearby wine country, Solvang, the Hearst Castle in San Simeon and Morro Bay.

Closer to home is Santa Barbara.

And if you haven’t done it, take a drive north on Highway 395 through Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. If you have the time, go north all the way to Reno.

And for heaven’s sake, if you’ve not been to San Francisco, you’ve got to go there. Few things are more impressive than looking at the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz while taking a cruise around the bay or gazing upon the downtown skyline at night.

All of these things are within a day’s drive of Conejo Valley.

And no matter how spectacular the sights are, it’s always nice to return to our own little piece of the world that we call home.

Life is good in Conejo Valley.

If I could live anywhere else in the world, I wouldn’t.

Holt, a former Acorn editor, can be reached at stevencholt@gmail.com.



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