Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Updates from City Hall | Business News | Local Economic Trends | Support & Resources

City Council Meeting Agendas

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City recognizes Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.

On Tuesday, January 10th, Mayor McNamee and City Council recognized Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. as the City’s newest Business Recognition Program award recipient.

Tarantula Hill first opened its doors at 244 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in 2019. The brainchild of some of our very own homegrown entrepreneurs (and Thousand Oaks High School graduates), Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. Has become a local favorite, as well as a destination for visitors.

Council recognized them for their visionary prowess. For bringing vibrance and unlocking important economic potential along Thousand Oaks Blvd; commitment to community enrichment; and its agility and adaptability to meet the challenges of operating a small business during the pandemic.

“As local owners, you exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents... We are honored to have you as part of our Thousand Oaks business community,” Mayor McNamee said.

To read the full story and to learn more about our Business Recognition Program and/or to nominate a business, click here .

City taking steps to update permanent outdoor dining standards

In May 2020, the City established a no-cost temporary outdoor dining permit process to enable restaurants to meet state and county Covid-19 public health regulations and continue operating.

On January 24, 2023, City Council unanimously voted to authorize city staff to begin a process to review current outdoor dining standards, continue engaging stakeholders, and propose updates to permanent outdoor dining standards by way of Municipal Code Amendment (MCA). Council authorized retention of permitted temporary outdoor dining while this effort is underway. Ultimately, the anticipated MCA will bring an end to the temporary outdoor dining permits.

The City does currently have standards and a process for permanent outdoor dining permits. Establishments interested in permanent outdoor dining permits are encouraged to check out this helpful guidance document to see if the existing standards already meet your needs. In addition, city staff will be seeking input from property owners and businesses to inform proposed updates to outdoor dining standards in the coming months. Stayed tuned!

Wastewater system maintenance underway

Our Public Works team is back at it. Every year, Public Works rehabilitates various wastewater lines and maintenance holes throughout the City with annual pipe relining and maintenance hole relining technologies. It’s work we can sometimes take for granted, but it’s incredibly important work that keep Thousand Oaks humming along. The majority of the work will take place at night from 9PM to 7AM, to take advantage of lower flows in the wastewater lines during those off-hours, and also to reduce impact to businesses. For more information, please visit the project website here here.

Civic Leaders Breakfast

On Friday, February 3rd, our partners at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Civic Leaders Breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriot in Agoura Hills from 7:30am-9:00am. The event provides an opportunity for local businesses to get to know some of their elected county and city representatives share thoughts on issues pertinent to the local business community. More information is available here.

Rotary Club and CLU to host 31st Annual Economic Forecast

On Friday, February 10th, the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks and California Lutheran University (CLU) will be hosting the 31st Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast at the Lundring Event Center on the CLU campus. See more information here.

New Businesses

El Sancho Loco Taqueria

Restaurant opening 2nd location in the City to spread taco cheer.

North Ranch Mall

3845 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

External Link

Freda's Pizza and Woodfire Kitchen

This regional favorite opens its first Thousand Oaks location.

North Ranch Mall

3835 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

External Link

To see the City's latest monthly Development Activity and Permits Issued reports click here.

Unemployment Rates & Jobs by Industry

Tracking labor force and employment trends helps the City better understand supply and demand shifts as they relate to local workforce and land use needs to inform decision-making.

City of Thousand Oaks

According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks December 2022 unemployment rate is 2.4% (down from 2.5% in November 2022 revised figures).

The City has a total of 63,100 in the labor force with 61,500 who are employed. Labor force participation within the City is up about 2.1% compared to December 2021.

Ventura County

The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s preliminary December 2022 unemployment rate at 3.2% (down from a revised 3.7% in November 2022). Countywide labor force participation is up about 1.8% year-over-year. Statewide it's up almost 1.5% year-over-year (not seasonally adjusted).

A total of 900 non-farm jobs were added in December 2022. However, a total of 700 jobs were lost; amounting to a net increase of 200 jobs over the previous month. Job gains consisted of: 500 in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; 300 in Leisure and Hospitality; and 100 in Manufacturing. Job losses consisted of: 300 in Education and Health Services; 200 in Financial Activities; and 200 in Government.

The chart above illustrates year-over-year jobs by industry sector across the Ventura County region against a February 2020 benchmark. December 2022 data is a preliminary estimate. It shows estimated gains in most industries compared to December 2021. (Financial Activities is down slightly year-over-year. Trade, Transportation and Utilities and Mining categories remain flat during this period. More than half of these industry sectors have employee numbers equal to or greater than their February 2020 benchmarks.)

See more employment-related data on the state's Employment Development Department website here.

Auto Sales

Automobiles sold in the City contribute significantly to the total sales tax revenue the City uses to support programs and services that continue to make Thousand Oaks an attractive place to live and do business.

A total of 1,196 new vehicles were sold in December 2022; up 21.9% from November 2022, and up 6.7% year-over-year.

In addition,874 pre-owned vehicles were sold in December; up 13.1% year-over-year.

Many organizations and programs exist to provide financial and/or technical assistance support to help businesses navigate an ever-evolving economic climate, technological advancement, and policy landscape. We encourage our local businesses to tap into these resources to stay competitive and thrive!

Highlighted Resource

California Employment Law 2023 Webinar

Our partners at the Economic Development Collaborative are hosting a no-cost webinar on Thursday, February 2nd at 9am to help our local employers better understand recent changes in California employment law. Learn more here.

Ventura County Digital Upskilling Program

The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program is a FREE short-term program that increases the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small businesses. Workers will gain highly transferable digital literacy and technical skills to help them move into better paying jobs in multiple industries. Small business owners will gain technical skills that allow them to modernize and improve their business. Employers will have access to training programs to upskill and advance their existing employees. Learn more here.

Trainings and Other Resources

Economic Development Collaborative

See the latest schedule of upcoming no-cost education and training opportunities here.

SCORE - Ventura County

In addition to its no-cost mentoring services, SCORE is offering a variety of workshops this month on accounting, business formation, digital and social media marketing, and more. See here.

Women's Economic Ventures

Check out the great business training, advisory services, loan opportunities and more over at WEV. More here.

Ventura County Workforce Development Board

Employers can take advantage of free employment services and recruiting, on-the-job-training, skills enhancement, and customized training. See the Workforce Resource Guide here.

CA Employment Development Department

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has a webpage with resources specifically for employers. See resources focused on hiring and training, work sharing, and more here.

Learn more about Support and Resources available to Thousand Oaks businesses here.

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[CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS] [2100 E. THOUSAND OAKS BLVD 91362] [www.toaks.org]