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 This picturesque and wonderful community is ranked safest in the Nation for this size of population. There are approximately 150,000 residents currently living here. Thousand Oaks is Located within twenty minutes from San Fernando Valley, 40 minutes from Los Angeles, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 60 minutes from the resort town of Santa Barbara.
This may shock some to know that years ago Thousand Oaks also known as Conejo Valley was deep underwater with fire spitting volcanoes rising above the water's surface. Lucky for us a few earthquakes and natural forces moved us up above the chilling oceans to become a (at first glance) lovely and beautiful sleeping City.
 Around 1800 give or take a few years, the land that we call Conejo Valley was granted by the Spanish Governor to several soldiers for their participation in early California domestication. The land was used as large cattle ranches and the area became more populated with a post office and the land being divided into smaller ranches.
Thousands of years ago, the first people to inhabit our area were called the Oak Grove people. Thereafter, the next natives to populate here were the Chumash Indians. Their source of foods were from harvesting grains, acorns and hunting small game. After discovery by the Spaniards somewhere in the 1500's California was claimed for the King of Spain. For a few hundred years the land was visited by Spanish Explorers and missionaries.
In the early 1900's the Janss family purchased approximately 10,000 acres for subdividing and development. Finally when the King's Highway came through to the Conejo Valley the area became ripe for a total community. Tourists arrived to see a local lion farm that later became the famous Jungleland. Almost overnight two shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, schools, busines ,churches and industrial centers developed.
The City was incorporated in 1964 and named Thousand Oaks after the many, many oak trees in the area. Today, Thousand Oaks has been recognized as one of the top ten communities for statewide academic achievement.
Historical Landmarks and Points of Interest in Thousand Oaks include the Stagecoach Inn. Originally it was used as a stop off for travelers going up and down the coast of California. It burnt down in 1970 and moved to the Ventu Park off ramp of our 101 Freeway. Thereafter it was a church, school, post office, eatery and movie set.
Further locations include the Sycamore Tree, Pederson House and Water Tower, Hunt Olive Tree, Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area, Dos Vientos Ranch Buildings, Crowley House, Janss House, Baning Dam, Hillcrest Center and Joes McCrea Ranch.
The Conejo Valley is within the Ventura County with several other towns. Newbury Park, zip code 91320, Oak Park, zip code 91377 and parts of Agoura, zip code 91321 and Westlake Village, zip code 91361. Thousand Oaks City has zip codes of 91360 and 91362.
 
Janss Family being the developer of Thousand Oaks had another side passion that included thoroughbred race horses. In the 1950's, Thoroughbred horses were the life blood of Ed Janss. He turned the ranch into a breeding farm. It became world famous for standing top stallions like Imbros and Determine. Native Diver, the first California-bred runner to earn $1 million dollars, sired by the ranch stallion Imbros was broken and trained at the Ranch.
My dad was best friends with Gene Cleveland who was hired by the Janss family to train and care for the horses at the ranch. The Conejo Ranch was located where the now famous and remodeled Thousand Oaks Mall is now City centerpiece. Gene for many years took the thoroughbreds to the track. The most shocking event was in 1968 when the California bred Most Host who was trained by Gene stunned the racing world by defeating the reigning horse of the year, Damascus in the Charles H. Strub Stakes at Santa Anita. Most Host, at odds of 12-1, nailed the 1-5 favorite Damascus by a head before the wire.
The Lakes is another Caruso development that incorporates the town center concept. Restaurants, retail stores and fun for the kids include Winter time ice skating and Summer time live music and outdoor movies.
 
Performing Arts include dance, opera, music and theater. The Civic Arts Plaza is our most cherished center for these activities with many famous orchestras, musicians, artists, actors, dancers and plays being scheduled throughout the year.
The Scherr Forum Theatre is in attendance by many of the local populace. There are concerts in the parks with popular entertainers. There is the Conejo Valley Annual five Day Fair. The Ronald Reagan Library.
Close by the area enjoys going to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Raging Waters.
Local Industry
There are many upscale pharmaceutical, bio-med companies in the area such as Amgen, Inc and Baxter Corp. Many other companies are high tech types. Dole Industries is Located nearby in Westlake Village. CA.
The Oaks Mall having been completely remodeled and expanded includes Nordstrom Retail store, many fine restaurants and the Muvico Theatre with it's own restaurant. There are hundreds of fine other retail stores with incredible ambience.
 
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