Come join us for some fun and laughs while miniature golfing. Afterwards we will be stopping at Chapala Mexican Restaurant in Santa Paula for an early dinner. Depart noon, miniature golf at 1pm, early dinner ~ 4pm
Golf N’ Stuff Family Fun Park
5555 Walker Street
Ventura, CA 93003
Chapala Mexican Restaurant
245 S 10th St.
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Contact Karen Jewett for more info at davnkrn@socal.rr.com or 661.753.6226
Late on a warm Sunday morning, we gathered in the shade of the Walmart parking lot trees, where we met for a little social time before heading off to Ventura for our miniature golf adventure.
We cruised down Highway 126, into the only slightly cooler weather along the coast, where we were welcomed with plenty of easily accessible parking at the Ventura Golf n’ Stuff amusement park.
After checking-in with the staff, we met our golf pro, and were promptly fitted with our club and individually colored golf balls that would be ours for the rest of the day – providing we could find them. Then, dividing into teams of mixed doubles, we headed off to the first carpet covered tee box.
Because the groups quickly stretched out along the links, it was difficult to keep track of how everyone was doing. But hearing the crowd murmurs ahead of us, followed by the energetic, but restrained applause of the spectators, it was evident that some of the teams were doing quite well.
Although, I can attest to the fact that the afternoon was certainly a lot of fun, it was clear early-on that our approach to the holes was proving somewhat troublesome. Even after a bomber off the first tee where we all seemed destined for Augusta, the windmill obstacle swept away any hopes for a career in the pint-sized PGA.
Undaunted, we followed the teams of T-Mac and Woodings through the course where our team experienced a couple of back-to-back super-bogeys on the second six that put us way behind, adding more time to the ever-increasing obstacles. On the bright side, we only encountered one water trap, and that turned out to be at the snack bar where they charged $5 a bottle!
Anyway, with a few birdies being left by the gulls along the handrails, and a few wayward drives on the mineshaft-dog-leg, our eight-teen over final round sealed our fate from ever receiving a coveted green jacket.
However, the talk around the clubhouse was that Tom Tomlinson had topped the leaderboard, and was last seen running around waving his golf towel in the air, and high-fiving with the spectators, although this could not be confirmed.
Regrouping back at the cars, we headed down the 126 again to meet in Santa Paula, this time at the Chapala Mexican Restaurant for a well-deserved dinner. Here, the private backroom provided a warm, but private sanctuary to enjoy cold drinks and cocktails while we had plenty of time to share extraordinary tales of fairway fables.
But the chatter soon subsided as everyone turned their attention to the appetizingly colorful dishes of tortillas, tamales, and tapas that proved to be a great ending to another terrific SCVCC event!
Fourteen Corvettes gathered early on a Saturday morning at our pre-launch site in the parking lot of the Copperhill Walmart in preparation for what turned out to be a beautiful day for the drive north to Buellton, CA.
The trip up was great, and as usual it required some experienced coordination between Mark Ware in the lead car and the tail gunners, Tom and Elke Couples, to keep everyone in formation as we made our way through some coastal traffic along the Ventura and Santa Barbara stretch of the 101. But once we cleared the traffic it was time to set the cruise control and enjoy the ride.
The museum, for those that have never there, is an amazing private petroliana collection of gas pumps, signs, and racing related memorabilia, much of it from the central California region. It is also home the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame.
The museum was gracious enough to let us park inside, where we spent the next couple of hours getting a private tour by our hostess, Misty, the daughter of the owners, Mark and Vicki Mendenhall. She was not only very knowledgeable about the collections on display, but she shared many family memories related to growing up around the museum that was originally started by her grandfather, a Buellton gas station owner, and himself a land speed record holder.
After our visit to the museum, we took the short drive to Morrell’s Farm Fresh Dining where twenty-seven of us descended on the restaurant for brunch. Parking had been pre-arranged in front of the restaurant, and our tables were ready and waiting.
The relaxed brunch was excellent and offered a wide range of menu choices from traditional breakfast items to locally selected specialties – either way, we could not go wrong.
After brunch some of the group headed off to the casino to try their luck, which I understand went well, while others went shopping in Solvang, and a few of us caravanned home along the Chumash route through Ojai, bringing a close to another great run.
It was quite a gathering early on February 24th in the Walmart lot as twenty-two beautiful Corvettes assembled along with their drivers and co-drivers. All were eager to once again head out to parts already known, but great to revisit just the same.
Following our headcount and drivers meeting, engines were fired-up and our caravan was formed. Your writer somehow once again was designated as the leader of the pack after all was said previously about how much fun YOU can have as road captain, but it’s all good.
The caravan extended far behind in my rearview mirror as we headed west toward our destination in Ojai and really looked great. The only downside was the driver of a dirty black pickup yelling undiscernible complaints at me at the light in Piru. You can’t please everyone I suppose, and experienced road captains can handle it.
All of those unending February rain events paid many dividends with the fresh green that was evident along the entire route. Even with the several storms, the roadway was clear of debris and the curves on CA 150 were delightful in our worthy Corvettes.
Once in Ojai, we took over the city lot on the east side of “downtown” and took a 3-block hike to Farmers Market for a look-see for items of interest. Being a little early in the season, the strawberries were bright red, but tasteless. I passed on them and opted for the terrific blackberry pie which is my usual purchase and “Boss Lady” found some great olive oil to use in her home cooking. You will have to ask the rest of the 44 attendees what they bought.
Then, it was off to lunch at the nearby Sea-Fresh restaurant. The name might suggest it would be at the Ventura Pier, but there were plenty of other choices on their extensive menu. The spot was new to most of us, but it is now another place I may visit again on another trip to Ojai. Overall, the staff did a good job taking care of a party of 44 in my opinion.
Following lunch, your board members took the opportunity of all being together to discuss an urgent matter of interest concerning our monthly meeting location. The discussion will continue at our next general meeting and I encourage all to attend with your input.
The day was still young and our tanks were still full so it was off to other nearby destinations or hurry home to watch all of the Oscar coverage on the tube. I made it to Carpinteria and still had time for the awards show and didn’t suffer from a lack of a host. Having seen all of the nominated movies, The Green Book was a good pick and will be welcome in my collection of all Best Picture DVDs from 1928 to present.
Some say we are a drive and eat club, but I say no. It’s about the driving, the caravan, the beauty of our surroundings, the camaraderie, and maybe some food too! My vote is “yes”, we had a great day. Thanks to our Activities Committee and especially Karen Jewett for the planning and a final thanks to Al Aird for performing tail gunner duties.
With a rainy January almost behind us, it was finally time for our first club run for 2019 and our Activities Crew had a much-anticipated Mystery Breakfast Run arranged for us. Nobody but the planners had a clue about the destination, not even your writer.
January 27th gave us a gloriously beautiful morning with jackets only optional wear. As I pulled into the Chuy’s lot, well early of the start time, I found over a dozen Corvettes already assembled with nearly that many arriving soon thereafter. The SCVCC was eager to hit the road for parts unknown. Was it “drive to eat” or “eat after the drive”? I say the latter, with everyone ready to roll.
The headcount totaled 42, with 22 Corvettes, as Donna Webster briefed us on our route, but not giving a clue about our destination. We followed our instructions and the four taillights in front and drove south on I-5 and then transitioned to I-210 into Pasadena, then east on the 210 until we exited at Myrtle to turn north. The route was familiar and many of us figured Jake’s Roadhouse in Monrovia was where we were going.
Jake’s is a great destination, famous for their lemon raspberry pancakes, but also specializing in barbecue foods and sandwiches along with a friendly staff and never-ending buckets of peanuts.
Jake’s was new to many of our group , but for those of us who have eaten there before it was a treat. Living in Awesometown, Monrovia has an old-town flavor we don’t often experience. Our early arrival afforded us plenty of seating for a leisurely time together and as we completed our breakfast time, the confirmation about Jake’s being a great choice was seen in the waiting room and outside with scores of people waiting to be seated.
Thanks to our Activities Committee for the trip back to Jake’s and a big thank you to Jim and Donna Webster for their first run as caravan leaders, well done. Also, thanks to Ed Hoffman for handling the tail-gunner position and not losing anyone.
Suppose if you will, Highway 126 was closed or worse, didn’t exist. How would we get to Santa Paula or Ventura or points beyond? Where would we caravan as a Corvette Club? Would our well-shined ‘Vettes just stay parked in our garages remaining low mileage for the next buyer? NO, I say! We have to Drive. We Have to Caravan. And, we HAVE to EAT! 
And so it was on August 26th. No, Highway 126 wasn’t closed, but we found there is plenty for the Santa Clarita Valley Corvette Club to do right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.
It doesn’t matter if it is Saturday morning, Thursday night or in this case Sunday evening. Our well-shined Corvettes are ready to go and are NOT going to remain parked for the lucky next buyer!
We have lots to do right here in the area without having to pay Sacramento those crazy taxes any more than we have to. After all, we live in Los Angeles County’s third largest community and have plenty of roads to travel and along the way, plenty of places to EAT. 
So, I and 40 others were all in agreement on August 26th. Our Activities had a local caravan and destination planned. 
None of us knew the details but were all willing to forego an evening of summer re-runs to put the tops down on our Corvettes for a Cruise Night through our own backyard.
We still had Walmart as our gathering place, and gather we did. Corvette after Corvette rolled in at the appointed time.
Even Russ Obarski came out with his spanking new black/black 2019 Stingray. 
Then, onward we all rolled, taking over Newhall Ranch Parkway and then an unbroken file outbound on Bouquet Canyon Road.
A right on Vasquez Canyon Road took us through some curves and another right onto Sierra Highway and a left onto Sand Canyon got us Soledad Canyon Road and into our “Corvette Corral” at Route 66 Classic Grill for what else, food! 
The Route 66 staff must be applauded for their excellent service, taking great care of all of our dining needs. We appreciate it and are looking forward to our next big event coming up on September 29th, our All-Corvette Car Show.
The almost autumn evening air then called us for ice cream at the nearby Cold Stones and then some more hanging out with friends before heading to our nearby homes. It was a great call by our Activities people and by the way, a great caravan lead by Steve and Judy Turkheimer.
Story: Mike Woodings
Photos: Mike Woodings, Glenda Fulmer, Janene McDonald
May focused on the BIG runs north scheduled at the end of the month and into early June. Our club members elected to split directions to two destinations, some to Monterey and some to Sacramento and the Napa Valley. Read all about those trips in the June edition of the Gazette, next month.
We did have another Surprise Breakfast on the schedule for Sunday, May 27th. Initially, 56 folks signed up for the event and when the big day arrived, 58 showed up for the run to parts unknown. Excitement was in the air as we gathered in the Walmart lot for headcount and instructions.
Something definitely was up, as we were told to turn LEFT on Newhall Ranch Road as we exited instead of the usual outbound right. Being good caravanners, we followed instructions and the Corvette ahead, eastbound, giving our community a great parade of Corvettes to enjoy early on Sunday morning.
We reached Bouquet Canyon and proceeded right to Cinema Drive for another right and then into the lot of Mama’s Table at 23340 Cinema Drive. Our hosts at Mama’s were waiting as we descended on the location and filled the place, with big appetites from our 3.6-mile drive.
Reviews describe Mama’s Table as “Great little gem!”, “Nice and homey!”, “Great food and friendly server!”, “Huge plus is breakfast all day!!!”. We experienced all of the described pluses and were well taken care of, especially with five dozen customers all walking in at once.
Some of us waited a while to be served, but some were generally pleased at how quickly their orders came. Ask the Websters, they will tell you why they choose Mama’s Table over a particular restaurant in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
There was an added bonus as we waited and visited and ate. The Indianapolis 500 was televised on the nearby widescreen! We witnessed Chevrolet’s latest Corvette set the pace for this year’s race. The new 2019 Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette to ever set the race’s pace, and it’s the most powerful pace car to ever run at Indy with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 sending 755 hp to the rear wheels.
As our surprise breakfast run came to an end, with everyone well-fortified with Mama’s cooking, we headed out to the winds, with no leader, trusted to make our own way to our next destination. With $4.00 per gallon for gas, maybe a shorter caravan from time to time is the way to go. Be sure to let our Activities Committee know how you liked the run and drop some suggestions in the box at our meetings about an event you would like to help organize.
Gotta go now, time to get packed for Monterey!
Story: Mike Woodings and Glenda Fulmer
Photos: Jeff Hernandez and Glenda Fulmer
The final February event promised a beautiful sunny winter run to Agoura Hills for a well-earned meal. Food is one thing, but we all know the attraction really is a Corvette Caravan.
The attendees were instructed to assemble in the Wal-Mart lot at 10:30 AM for the required headcount and drivers’ meeting and assemble they did. It was a task to just count the Corvettes with the turnout for this one. The final count was 53 people in 27 Corvettes. Great turnout!
Corvettes of all colors and nearly all generations made up the assembly that yours truly witnessed heading out westbound toward their ultimate destination, Ladyface Ale Companie on Agoura Road in Agoura Hills. (see page 16 for my alibi).
Great patio seating under perfect weather complimented the fantastic food at Ladyface. The Alehouse & Brasserie was established by local residents from Agoura Hills in 2009 and was named L.A. Weekly’s 2013 Best Brewery in LA. Ladyface is known for their award-winning Belgian, French and American style ales and is one of Los Angeles County’s first revival craft breweries.
But wait, it appears there were more things in store. A good number added yet another destination to an already lovely run with a stop off for more Corvette camaraderie at another great destination, Rosenthal Winery in Malibu.
The majority of the group also elected to make it an ocean side run and continued down Kanan Road to PCH for a great drive along the beach. The ocean waters and views were outstanding.
Enroute home, a short detour to Santa Paula Chevrolet was in order for what was described as a photo-op. It looked like it might have been more than that with one of our couples getting the feel for a 2018 ZO6!
While many parts of the USA deal with winter in their own way with their Corvettes garaged until summer, things are different in these parts. Driving weather is at least one advantage we enjoy here in SoCal. What a fantastic day. Nothing but the finer things for a SCVCC run!