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Agoura HillsMajor 101 upgrade in the works
If you drive the 101 between Thousand Oaks and Ventura, you already know the drill: leave early, pray for a break in the backup, and still roll into work late. Well, there's finally some real movement on a fix. Amanda Fagan from the Ventura County Transportation Commission briefed the Thousand Oaks City Council on Sept. 15 about options for overhauling a 27-mile stretch of the 101. As The Acorn (Agoura Hills) reported, this is a decades-long project, so don't expect relief next month. But the conversation is happening, and "time reliability" is driving it. For those of us in the 805 who treat the 101 like a second home, this matters. It's the spine of the region, and it's been choking for years. Stay tuned, neighbors, and maybe, just maybe, we'll get our evenings back.
Agoura HillsProminent Old Agoura entryway signs get much needed makeover
If you've driven into Old Agoura lately, you may have noticed those rustic entryway signs looking sharper than they have in years. Back in 1989, Ron Troncatty — then president of the Old Agoura Homeowners group — dreamed up a way to put the neighborhood's character into physical form. Now 77, he still sums it up perfectly: "We're a rustic, eclectic, rural community that is first and foremost equestrian. We love our dirt, hate concrete." That's Old Agoura in a nutshell — one of the oldest residential pockets in Agoura Hills, where horse trails outrank sidewalks and nobody's in a hurry to pave paradise. The signs at the neighborhood's entrances have always been more than markers; they're a handshake, a promise that you're entering someplace that refuses to lose its soul. So when The Acorn reports those signs got a much-needed makeover, it's worth a nod. Small fix, big meaning. Here's to the dirt, the horses, and the neighbors who keep Old Agoura exactly the way it was meant to be.
Agoura HillsChild suffers medical emergency at local elementary school, later dies
Word reached our corner of the 805 this week that a young child died after a medical emergency at Westlake Elementary in Thousand Oaks. Our hearts go out to that family, and to everyone on the campus who witnessed or responded to something no school community ever wants to face. It's a heavy reminder of how quickly an ordinary Tuesday can turn. Deputies say the child wasn't a student at the school, which only deepens the questions so many of us are holding. The Acorn first reported the news, and we'll keep following as officials share more. If you're a parent in Agoura Hills or anywhere nearby, hold your kids a little closer tonight. And if you see a first responder or school staffer this week, a simple thank-you goes a long way.
Agoura HillsYMCA, Las Virgenes School District part ways over childcare
Big changes are coming to mornings and afternoons for a lot of Las Virgenes families. The school district has ended its nearly 40-year partnership with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, which ran before- and after-school care at several elementary campuses. The Acorn (Agoura Hills) reports this follows the district's earlier decision to cut on-campus enrichment programs, so it's part of a larger shift in how care is offered locally. For working parents in Agoura Hills, Calabasas and the surrounding communities, this isn't just bureaucratic news — it's about who watches your kids between the final bell and dinnertime. Nearly four decades of trust don't unwind overnight, and families will want clear answers about what replaces the Y's programs and when. Keep an eye on district communications and your school's front office. This is one of those quiet decisions that ripples through the whole 805 routine, so let's stay informed and look out for one another.
Agoura HillsBeat the Valley Heat: Why Agoura Hills Heatwaves Stress Your Whole House (and How to Prepare)
If you live in Agoura Hills, you know the drill: the moment summer settles in, the Conejo Valley turns into a radiant heat bubble, and the Santa Monica Mountains seem to trap every degree. It's not just uncomfortable—it's a workout for your whole house. Your AC works overtime, your roof absorbs the sun's punishment, and even your windows let in more heat than you'd think. That's why preparing now isn't just about comfort; it's about protecting your biggest investment and keeping your energy bills from skyrocketing. This isn't just a passing heatwave—it's the new normal. With excessive heat advisories becoming more frequent across Southern California, local residents need to think beyond the thermostat. Simple steps like checking your insulation, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and servicing your AC before the peak hits can make a world of difference. And don't forget your attic—it's often the hidden culprit, baking your home from above. The Acorn (Agoura Hills) has been covering these heat trends, and the message is clear: a little prep now means a cooler, safer home all summer long.
Agoura HillsWildlife bridge dedication set for Dec. 2
Mark your calendars, Agoura Hills — the moment we've been waiting for is almost here. On Dec. 2, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will be officially dedicated with a public celebration at King Gillette Ranch and a ribbon-cutting over the 101. It's been more than three decades in the making, and seeing it finally come to life is something every local should be proud of. This isn't just a bridge — it's a lifeline for our mountain lions and other wildlife, and a symbol of how our community can come together for the land we love. The ceremony will be broadcast live for those who can't make it in person, but if you can, come out and be part of history. It's a chance to thank everyone who pushed this project forward, from the National Wildlife Federation to our own neighbors who never stopped advocating. The Acorn (Agoura Hills) has followed every step of this journey, and this dedication feels like a new chapter for our corner of the 805. Let's show up, celebrate, and take a moment to appreciate the wild heart of our community.
Agoura HillsWhere are all the candidates?
It's a strange feeling to look at the November ballot and see no races at all. For the first time in recent memory, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village will have zero contested city council elections. As The Acorn (Agoura Hills) reports, every seat up for grabs will be filled by an incumbent or an unopposed newcomer. That means the debates, the lawn signs, and the candidate forums we've come to expect are simply gone. While uncontested races often signal contentment, it's worth asking what this says about civic engagement in the Conejo Valley. When no one steps up to challenge the status quo, we lose the chance to hear fresh perspectives and hold our leaders accountable. If you've ever thought about serving your community, this is the moment to consider it. Our local councils shape everything from housing to parks, and their decisions affect our daily lives. Let's make sure the next election isn't so quiet.
Agoura HillsFormer Gorell campaign manager faces felony sign vandalism charge
If you've seen campaign signs around Ventura County lately, you know the political season is in full swing. But a recent arrest adds an unexpected twist: 25-year-old Blake Davis, the former campaign manager for District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell's 2026 reelection bid, was arrested on Aug. 3 on suspicion of felony vandalism. According to The Acorn (Agoura Hills), Davis admitted to damaging campaign signs belonging to Mark Perryman, Gorell's former opponent in the supervisor race. This story hits close to home for anyone who's ever volunteered for a local campaign or just cares about fair elections. Vandalizing signs isn't just a prank—it's a crime that can undermine trust in our democratic process. As the 805 community gears up for more election season, this serves as a reminder to keep our political debates respectful and lawful. We'll be watching how this case unfolds and what it means for the upcoming race.
Agoura HillsNew development means new customers for Whizin Market
If you’ve lived in Agoura Hills for any length of time, you know Whizin Market Square isn’t just a shopping center—it’s the closest thing we have to a town square. So when we heard from The Acorn (Agoura Hills) that big changes are coming right next door, it felt like the start of a new chapter for this historic spot. With new housing and park projects moving forward nearby, and the Regency Center rising across the street, Whizin is about to welcome a whole new wave of neighbors and visitors. That means more foot traffic for the local shops and restaurants we love, and a chance for our little downtown to grow and evolve—while hopefully keeping the character that’s made it a gathering place for decades. It’s a reminder that change is constant here, but some things—like the heart of a community—stay the same.
Agoura HillsOak Park man arrested in alleged knife attack on mom’s boyfriend
A quiet Oak Park neighborhood was shaken last week after deputies say a local man attacked his elderly mother and her boyfriend with a butcher knife inside their home on East Sunny Vista Avenue. The 80-year-old boyfriend was injured in the incident, which happened July 30. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded quickly to the reported assault, and the suspect was arrested at the scene. It’s a sobering reminder that domestic incidents can happen in any community, even in the close-knit, family-oriented neighborhoods we know in Agoura Hills and Oak Park. While details are still emerging about what led to the altercation, our thoughts are with the victims and their neighbors. This kind of violence is rare here, and it’s unsettling when it hits so close to home. We’ll keep an eye on updates from The Acorn and the sheriff’s office. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is dealing with family conflict or elder abuse, local resources like the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the sheriff’s non-emergency line are there to help. Stay safe, and check in on your neighbors—especially the older ones.
Agoura HillsTree for thee
Agoura Hills is known for its golden hills and winding canyons, but it's the trees that quietly hold our community together. From the oaks shading our creekbeds to the sycamores lining our medians, this urban forest isn't just pretty—it's our natural air conditioner, our stormwater filter, and our home for birds and critters. That's why the recent tree inventory, highlighted in The Acorn (Agoura Hills), is such a big deal. It gives us a clear picture of what we have, what's at risk, and where we need to focus our care. With wildfire season feeling longer and hotter every year, keeping our trees healthy isn't just about curb appeal—it's about safety. Dead or stressed trees can become fuel, while well-maintained ones can slow a fire's spread and protect our homes. So next time you walk your dog or drive down Roadside Drive, give a nod to our leafy neighbors. And if you want to help, check out the city's volunteer tree-planting days or simply water your own saplings. A little love goes a long way—for the trees, and for all of us.
Agoura HillsGrowth is coming, let’s stop pretending otherwise
Let’s be real: growth is coming to Agoura Hills, and pretending otherwise won’t make it stop. The Acorn’s recent piece cuts to the chase — we can’t ignore the state’s housing mandates or the wildfire evacuation nightmares still fresh from the Palisades. As a community that hugs open space, we have every right to demand better emergency planning. But we also have to face the fact that more homes are part of our future. This isn’t about surrendering to sprawl. It’s about being smart — pushing for well-designed development that doesn’t clog Kanan or turn our canyon roads into death traps during a fire. The state has spoken, and Agoura Hills must comply. The question isn’t if we grow, but how. Let’s stop pretending otherwise and start planning for the Agoura we want to pass on to our kids.
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