SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (calnatureartmuseum.org) in Solvang will hold its annual free-admission, End-of-Summer Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. This event invites visitors to bring the whole family and enjoy free admission to the Museum and participate in a variety of art-and-nature inspired activities.
Author: Community Contributor
Aug. 13 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police host community presentation on military equipment use
“We recognize the value of keeping communication open and want to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism by providing this information to our community,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “Our goal is to ensure residents are well-informed about how these resources are utilized to protect public safety.”
Aug. 14 — Cottage Health to Host Blood Drive in August
SANTA BARBARA — To bolster local blood supply and contribute to the community’s well-being, Cottage Health, in partnership with Vitalant, is hosting a blood drive in August.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
10a.m.-1p.m.
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be parked at the hospital main entrance at Castillo and Pueblo.
Register at cottagehealth.org/sbblooddrive
Appointments are recommended. Please visit the provided links to secure your appointment.
Aug. 15 — Ventura County Fire Dept. to dedicate new headquarters in Thousand Oaks
THOUSAND OAKS — The Ventura County Fire Department will dedicate its new headquarters at 2400 Conejo Spectrum Street in Thousand Oaks on Aug. 15, starting at 10 a.m.
Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the event, which will include remarks from Fire Chief Dustin Gardner and elected officials from Ventura County and the City of Thousand Oaks, followed by a ribbon-cutting and tour of the facility.
Aug. 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mamma Mia! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with the smash hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 16 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy pre-screening festivities with KLITE’s Catherine Remak, enter to win raffle prizes, and more. Costumes are encouraged.
Aug. 17 — Bilingual report — Join SBCC’s School of Extended Learning for an OPEN HOUSE!
SANTA BARBARA — Join SBCC’s School of Extended Learning for an OPEN HOUSE! from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at SBCC Extended Learning Wake Campus at 300 N. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara.
Get help with registration while enjoying free giveaways, food, face painting and more!
The event is free and open to all.
Aug. 18 — Ventura Harbor Village Welcomes Back Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s Pooch Parade
VENTURA — Get ready to bring your best four-legged friends to the 24th Annual Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) Pooch Parade. This year’s theme, “Fun, Sun, Sand, and Supporting Rescue Dogs!” invites registered walkers to walk with their dogs individually or as part of a team while wearing beach attire. Join us at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event Details.
Aug. 18 — Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc to host ‘Pinot & Polo’ at La Herradura Polo Club
LOMPOC — Join Flying Goat Cellars, located in Lompoc, California’s Wine Ghetto for “Pinot & Polo” at La Herradura Polo Club on Sunday, August 18, from 9:30 AM -Noon at La Herradura Polo Club.
For the grand finale of Wine & Fire Weekend, all are welcome to experience Club Chukkers with Pinot & Bubbles poured field side by winemaker Norm Yost under the shade of tents. Flying Goat Cellars is La Herradura Polo Club MVP Sponsor this season. Co-owners Norm and Kate invite wine enthusiasts to be their guest at La Herradura Polo Club, located at 3720 Baseline Ave. in Santa Ynez.
Aug. 19 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘Green Border’
In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so-called “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa are lured by government propaganda promising easy passage to the European Union. Unable to cross into Europe and unable to turn back, they find themselves trapped in a rapidly escalating geopolitical stand-off. An unflinching depiction of the migrant crisis captured in stark black-and-white, this riveting film explores the intractable issue from multiple perspectives: a Syrian family fleeing ISIS caught between cruel border guards in both countries; young guards instructed to brutalize and reject the migrants; and activists who aid the refugees at great personal risk.
Aug. 21 — CSUCI’s ‘AI Basecamp’ to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on education and regional workforce
“We’re calling it a base camp (as opposed to a summit) because as far as AI has come in such a brief period of time, it still feels like a moment where we’re just beginning,” said Assistant Vice President of Digital Learning Lorna Gonzalez. “An event like this is meant to bring our community together to hear about what’s happening regionally and to have a shared experience about something that has been highly disruptive and will continue to be.”
Through Aug. 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present Sun, Surf and Cinema, FREE Summer Films at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the FREE outdoor summer film series, Sun, Surf and Cinema, seven classic flicks celebrating the thrills and delights of beach and ocean life, Friday evenings under the stars through Fri. Aug 23 at 8:30 p.m. at the County Courthouse Sunken Garden. This year’s totally tubular lineup includes: Jaws, Point Break, 50 First Dates, Blue Crush, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Mamma Mia! and Crazy Rich Asians. Bring breathable blankets, low chairs, a picnic and your friends!
Aug. 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program concludes with the 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 pm. Arrive early for pre-screening festivities, giveaways and a playlist curated by DJ Darla Bea.
Aug. 23 — Bilingual report — Residents Invited to National Night Out Friday at Veterans Memorial Park
SANTA PAULA — Residents from neighborhoods throughout Santa Paula are invited to join in the National Night Out Event Friday, August 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park located at 114 S. 10th St. in Santa Paula. The event is sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Officers Association and the Santa Paula Police & K9 Foundation. The event is free and residents from the City of Santa Paula are welcome to attend.
Aug. 24 — District 216 to present Torkom Ji’s “Hypnosonic Frequency Transmission”
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Networking
Meet District216 members and guests while enjoying snacks and beverages.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live Frequency Transmission
Featuring Torkom Ji of Quantum Harmonix!
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Integrate + Hangout
Chat about what you just experienced and integrate a bit.
District216 Members: $45
Guest Tickets: $65
Facilitator: Torkom Ji of Quantum Harmonic
Aug. 24 — Torkom Ji’s ‘Hypnosonic Frequency Transmission’ More events Aug. 28
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Networking
Meet District216 members and guests while enjoying snacks and beverages.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live Frequency Transmission
Featuring Torkom Ji of Quantum Harmonix!
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Integrate + Hangout
Chat about what you just experienced and integrate a bit.
District216 Members: $45 (Available to Newsletter Subscribers too!)
Guest Tickets: $65
Facilitator: Torkom Ji of Quantum Harmonic
Aug. 25 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art Presents A Day of Music in the Galleries
Featured musicians Jessica Guideri (violin), concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony, and Amy Tatum, principal flute for the Santa Barbara Symphony, will play a combination of solo pieces and duets. Each piece will be roughly 20 minutes in length, each responding to a different work in the exhibition. Performances are at 1 pm, 1:15 pm, 1:45 pm, and 2:15 pm.
Through Aug. 25 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art Presents Made by Hand/Born Digital
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s (SBMA) exhibition Made by Hand/Born Digital features 12 artworks and 9 artistswho use brushes, AI, paint, 3D printers, scissors, magazines printed on paper, digital looms, potter’s wheels, Photoshop and Apple Photo. By continuing to craft ceramics, paintings, and textiles by hand and also using the latest digital tools, many of the artists in the exhibition blur a distinction between the handmade and digital.
Aug. 26 — Oxnard Film Society to present screening of ‘Touch’
Aug. 27 — Port of Hueneme — 10-Year Strategic Plan Review – JOIN US!
Your voice is important and your port wants to hear it!
Join us next Tuesday, August 27 at the Port of Hueneme 333 Ponoma St. from 9AM – 6PM for the Port’s final draft presentation for feedback before adoption of the plan.
Presentations will take place at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
To comment and review the draft visit: https://www.portofhueneme.org/10-year-strategic-plan/
Aug. 28 — District 216 to present Dr. Allie Melendez’s ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll’
Topic: “Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll”
When: Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker at 6:30pm)
Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)
Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.
Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.
Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.
Aug. 29 — Cottage to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor — ‘Shoulder Pain: Common Causes and Treatment’
Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of a thorough shoulder exam, what to expect during the exam, and various treatments available for shoulder issues.
The event will include a Q&A session, during which attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by Dr. Bailey.
Aug. 29 — Free LightGabler LLP Employment Law Webinar: ‘Don’t Get ‘ICED’: Conducting Effective I-9 Audits’
CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler LLP is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Don’t Get ‘ICED”: Conducting Effective I-9 Audits.” The webinar is Thursday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m..
It is critical for employers to properly fill out immigration I-9 forms for employees. Failing to fill out forms correctly may result in civil and criminal penalties. It is important to know how to conduct I-9 audits to ensure that current I-9s are maintained and old I-9s are timely purged. In this informative 30-minute webinar, LightGabler employment attorney Bree Cortes discusses how to conduct an I-9 audit and how to correct I-9 forms.
Aug. 31 — Chubby Checker and the Wildcats are Twisting for Good at the Lobero Theatre
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this Grammy Award-winning American icon at a price everyone can afford,” said Earl Minnis of Earl Minnis Presents who is producing the event. “We decided to take a different approach with this event and allow ticket purchasers the opportunity to purchase an affordable ticket with the option of making a larger contribution.” Donations are tax-deductible.
Sept. 2 — Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum to present 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Through Sept. 2 — California Nature Art Museum in Solvang to present ‘The Birds and the Bees and More: Pollinators’
SOLVANG — California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum) is excited to bring the important topic of pollinators to their gallery for the first time with the exhibit The Birds and the Bees and More: Pollinators. Featuring original art by Ava Roth, Susan McDonnell, Elizabeth Weber, and Cynthia James, each artist brings a unique perspective to their pollinating subjects.
Sept. 4 — District 216 to present Kathryn LaRoe-Higgs & Lisa McJunkin ‘Psychedelics & Harm Reduction in Trauma Populations’
Kathryn LaRoe, (Katie) is a licensed therapist, graduating from USC with her Masters in Social Work with a focus on military and mental health. She previously held the position as Lead Therapist for The Mission Within, and now is now the Therapeutic Lead of Illuminating Warriors (previously Heroic Path To Light).
Sept. 4 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Chapter of SCORE Announces Bilingual In-Person Workshops for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
The first workshop, entitled “Digital Marketing Guide: What, When and How to Post Content” will be held on September 4 at the Oxnard Public Library, Meeting Room B at 10:00AM. The workshop will be presented by Luisa Arzate who has more than 15 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. In addition to owning and operating her own local business, Luisa is a Marketing Business Advisor with the Economic Development Collaborative.
Sept. 4 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present NO-COST Partner Event: Digital Marketing Guide: What, When and How to Post Content
Join SCORE Ventura County and the City of Oxnard!
Wednesday, September 4 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am at the Oxnard Public Library
251 South A Street., Meeting Room B, Oxnard, CA
Many small businesses need help with marketing. They often need help with what, how and when to post. While they understand the importance of marketing and promotion for their business, they are still determining how to implement it daily. This workshop offers practical and straightforward solutions to address these issues.
Presented in English With Simultaneous Interpretation in Spanish …
Sept. 4 — Camarillo Mayor Tony Trembley to Deliver 2024 State of the City
Mayor Trembley will focus on five key themes during the address: investment in infrastructure, sustainability, economic development, transparency and engagement, and community well-being.
An outdoor networking reception on the Camarillo Ranch House Lawn will be accompanied by live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, carving stations and desserts. The reception will facilitate connections amongst elected officials, community leaders, developers, business owners and others involved in making Camarillo a coveted place to work, live, and do business.
Sept. 4 — Santa Barbara City College hosts Blue Economy Symposium to foster sustainable ocean careers and Santa Barbara Ocean Collective
The event — the first of its kind in Santa Barbara — is designed to foster greater awareness and engagement with the Blue Economy, a vital sector that encompasses sustainable fishing, aquaculture, coastal conservation, renewable ocean energy and blue tech. The symposium will also mark the launch of the Santa Barbara Ocean Collective, a unique partnership between SBCC, the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB), SBCC Foundation, the City of Santa Barbara and the Economic Development Collaborative. This collaboration aims to build robust ocean career pathways and support the necessary infrastructure for sustainable ocean industries on the SBCC campus.
Sept. 7 — Ventura County Animal Services to present ‘Free Adoptions at Clear the Shelters’ event
Through Sept. 8 — Santa Paula Art Museum presents Christopher Noxon’s ‘Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness’
Born in Los Angeles to a family of filmmakers and writers, Christopher Noxon began his career as a journalist and illustrator. His writing and illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, New York Times Magazine, and several of his own books.
In 2020, Noxon moved out of L.A. to Ojai. He also became steward to a large collection of paintings and drawings by his late grandmother, Betty Lane (1907-1996). Looking to Betty’s art and the work of other artists, including Huichol yarn paintings and Fauve painters like Henri Matisse, Noxon taught himself to paint.
Sept. 9 — Farm Bureau of Ventura County — 33rd Annual Golf Tournament ‘In Memory of Richard Pidduck Class 21’
Sept. 10 — Farm Bureau of Ventura County announces registration open for 2024 Agri-Tech Fair
Sept. 11 — District 216 to present Conscious Connections Roundtable ‘Psychedelic Ceremonies: What to Expect,’ other upcoming events
“Psychedelic Ceremonies: What to Expect”
Unearth the uncharted territories of the mind, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and connect with a community of kindred spirits. An evening of intellectual stimulation, introspection, and connection that lasts.
Prepare to have your perceptions expanded as we dive into the potential insights and transformations that psychedelics offer. Through personal anecdotes, scientific breakthroughs, and philosophical pondering, we’ll uncover new horizons and perspectives on the role of psychedelics in the realms of creativity, spirituality, mental health, and beyond.
Sept. 12 — Museum of Ventura County — Journey Back in Time and Savor a Taste of History
This evening of refined taste and unexpected histories will lead guests on a journey back in time to the early mid-century. This decadent evening will begin with a cocktail hour featuring classic specialty drinks, a red carpet, keepsake polaroids, and live jazz music. Guests will enjoy a live cooking demonstration by Chef Adam Hart of Oxnard College and an artifact gallery with objects from MVC’s historic collection. The open-air dinner will transport diners to an elegant mid-century supper club, with each dish paired with wine chosen by local restaurateurs. Entertainment will continue in the form of a jazz quartet and an oral history of Olivas Adobe’s historic caretaker Iva Reeder performed by MVC’s Executive Director Elena Brokaw.
Sept. 13 — Bilingual report — Community invited to celebrate Ventura River Trail Improvements Project completion
VENTURA — The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community bike ride on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., as the City of Ventura celebrates the completion of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project.
The upgrades, funded by a nearly $5 million Caltrans Clean California grant, include new pavement, wayfinding signage, improved accessibility, solar lighting, urban greening, and a new public art mural. These enhancements revitalize 1.8 miles of the highly used trail connecting Ventura to Ojai.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable, vibrant community,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By enhancing Ventura’s active transportation with improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and incorporating public art, we’re not just beautifying our city—we’re fostering a healthier, more connected, and environmentally conscious Ventura.”
Sept. 14 — Bilingual report — Santa Paula Fiesta de Mariachi
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is happy to announce the much-anticipated return of the 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner, a captivating evening of cultural celebration, live music, and dining. Hosted by the City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department, this event promises a memorable experience for all attendees, young and old.
The 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner is an opportunity for the community to come together and revel in the joy of shared moments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Mariachi Quinto Sol, an exceptional Mariachi band, while savoring delicious traditional cuisine.
Sept. 14 — Allan Hancock College’s industrial technology program hosing annual All Ford Car Show
Sept. 14-15 — Ventura County Art Events, Inc. & Rotary Club of Ventura Present The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival 2024
VENTURA — The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a signature event in Ventura County, returns this September with more than 50 talented chalk artists and craftsmen transforming Ventura Harbor Village with vibrant color along the waterfront. Scheduled for September 14-15 from 10 AM to 5 PM, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of art, community, and philanthropy.
Sept. 14 — IchigoCon Expands to Camarillo in Second Year
OXNARD — OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is delighted to bring IchigoCon 2024 to Camarillo, CA on Saturday, September 14 from 11 am to 10 pm. It’s Ventura County’s only convention that combines together the worlds of gaming through a Smash Bros Tournament and anime! IchigoCon is a fan favorite event where gaming and anime enthusiasts of all ages can come together, reveling in the fandom of these captivating worlds. It all takes place at Studio Channel Islands Arts Center where every inch of the campus will be activated with 50+ anime-themed vendors and artists, activities, and entertainment.
Through Sept. 15 — Museum of Ventura County announces the George Stuart Historical Figures® Exhibition — ‘Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries’
VENTURA — The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce the opening of its newest George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibition, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 15, 2024, inviting visitors to delve into the multifaceted life of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his rise to power in the aftermath of the French Revolution to his entangled relationships with other global leaders.
Sept. 15 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) to present ‘Artist Talk — Elliott Hundley’
Sept. 15 — Hospice of Santa Barbara to Celebrate 50th Anniversary and Community Heroes at its Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon
HSB’s Heroes of Hospice luncheon honors the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. Hospice of Santa Barbara is deeply appreciative of the community’s support over the past 50 years and how that support continues to shine a light in the darkness for so many families. This year, HSB will honor many of the past Heroes of Hospice honorees.
Sept. 16 — Oxnard Film Society to present screening of ‘Crossing’
From acclaimed director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced), CROSSING is a moving and tender tale of identity, acceptance and unlikely connection that transcends borders and generations. Lia, a retired school teacher living in Georgia, hears from a young neighbor Achi that her long lost niece Tekla, a transgender woman, has crossed the border into Turkey. Hoping to bring Tekla home after a period of estrangement, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi to find her. Exploring the hidden depths of the city, they cross paths with a transgender lawyer called Evrim, who helps them in their search. Humanistic and compassionate, Akin’s third feature is a heartfelt portrayal of overcoming the degrees of separation that divide us.
Sept. 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces Attention all Tech Businesses: FATHOMWERX Summit Registration is now open!
FATHOMWERX Summit is an inclusive two-day event filled with tested technology expositions, demonstrations, tours, innovators, networking, a keynote speaker, industry and Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders. With participation from ANTX Coastal Trident and Venture Ventura, the two-day event explores the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy.
Sept. 18 — Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening!
Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units are designated for No Place Like Home households.
Sept. 19 — Museum of Ventura County to present Members-Only Private Reception for The Curse of the Vampire
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Registration is open to MVC Members only.
Sept. 19 — Bilingual report — Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder to deliver the annual State of the City Address
“Our State of the City Address is a great opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “I encourage everyone to join us and see firsthand how we’re driving meaningful progress and building a stronger, more resilient Ventura.”
Sept. 20 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.
Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.