Author: Community Contributor

Oct. 6 — Works of Protest, Resistance at Cal Lutheran

THOUSAND OAKS — On Oct. 6, California Lutheran University’s William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art opens “Print+: Sameness & Otherness in Contemporary Print Media,” a show that presents works of protest and resistance by 22 artists from different backgrounds who use the tools and techniques of printmaking in novel ways. The opening corresponds with Cal Lutheran’s annual homecoming weekend and will be on display through Feb 1.

Multidisciplinary artist Sheila Goloborotko, the curator for “Print+,” said in her curatorial statement that the exhibit “focuses on the importance of showcasing artwork where diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion create an essential and fertile ecology.”

Oct. 6 — Sacred Arts Festival in Goleta explores ‘Wonder as Worship in Orthodox Christian Art’

Beginning October 6, St. Athanasius Orthodox Christian Church is reviving its Sacred Arts Festival, first inaugurated back in 2011 when the community was worshipping in an interim building on Calle Real in Goleta.  The plan was to host an Arts Festival every two years, but the global pandemic interrupted that flow.  In 2014, the church moved into a new building on its 20-plus acres of land just down the street from Goleta Cottage Hospital.  This will be the third festival in that building.

Oct. 7 — Bilingual report — Celebrate Diversity at Free Multicultural Festival

OXNARD — Join the community in celebrating Oxnard’s cultural diversity at the 26th Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plaza Park (500 S. C St.). The event is free and open to the public.

The Multicultural Festival features a variety of fun, educational activities, entertainment and exhibits for all ages. Activities include:

Musical performances by Caliente805 Band, Heart and Soul Band, Oxnard College Ballet Folklórico Mestizo, Premier Dance Studio, and more!
A chance to learn more about the areas of the world represented in the Oxnard community. Grab a Multicultural Festival passport and receive stamps by visiting the booths representing Bolivia, Scotland, Cambodia, Chile, China, India, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, Italy, Oaxaca and Colombia.
Attendees who submit a fully stamped passport will receive a prize and be entered into the hourly raffle.
Enjoy various activities for kids including the adrenaline-pumping fun in the jolly jumpers, City Corps Wagon Train and the Rad Hatter for a chance to create their very own silly hats and more!
Indulge in cuisine and treats for sale including Masarap Lumpia (Filipino Fusion), House of Tacos Grill Food Truck, Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales, Passion Empanadas Food Truck, Magic Hot Dogs & Churros, JK Catering Food Truck, Bell Catering Food Truck, Pan de Elote and many others!

Oct. 7 — Bilingual report — Camarillo Animal Shelter to hold ‘Playgroup Rock Star Adoption Event’

Watch our dogs run, jump, and play as we participate in the nationwide, “Playgroup Rock Star Adoption Event”  on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 1PM-3PM at the Camarillo Animal Shelter.  Come watch our dogs play, see who stands out to you, have private play time with them, and adopt them if a match is made!  We are waiving adoption fees for all shelter dogs one (1) year or older on this day only!

As always, promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet.  All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license, if applicable.

Oct. 8 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Nickel Creek at the Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Nickel Creek with special guest Hawktail on Sunday, October 8 at 7 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. Nickel Creek is the platinum-selling, internationally renowned roots trio featuring mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins. The Grammy Award-winning band has revolutionized bluegrass and roots music since they captured the world’s attention with their self-titled LP, which showcased their instrumental virtuosity and songwriting prowess. All solo artists in their own right, the beloved trio’s 2023 album Celebrants represents a triumphant return to form after a nine-year break from recording and touring together. Special guest Hawktail are an acoustic instrumental quartet featuring Punch Brothers bassist Paul Kowert, fiddler Brittany Haas, guitarist Jordan Tice and mandolinist Dominick Leslie.

Oct. 8 — 21st Anniversary Party for the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

~You are Invited~ Music Performance by Royal Garden Swing Orchestra Performance by Cal Poly Ballroom Dance Team Silent Auction and Raffle Baskets Exhibit Honoring Local WWII Veterans & History BBQ Dinner, Beer and Wine, Photo Booth, and more! It’s our 21st Anniversary…

Oct. 8 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Inside Stories/Outside Tales ‘Inwardly Defiant: Yunte Huang and Celine Shimizu’

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Inside Stories/Outside Tales “Inwardly Defiant: Yunte Huang and Celine Shimizu.”

Celebrated author, Guggenheim Fellow and UCSB professor Yunte Huang reads from his latest book, Daughter of the Dragon, an in-depth exploration of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star who both encouraged and defied the Hollywood industry’s efforts to categorize her.

Oct. 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon

SANTA BARBARA —  UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano, Lisa Batiashvili, violin and Gautier Capuçon, cello, on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m. at the Granada Theatre.Three friends and award-winning classical stars come together for an evening of chamber music at the highest level of cohesion and artistic insight. Gautier Capuçon’s powerful cello blends with the warm, brilliant tone of violinist Lisa Batiashvili and the finesse of Jean-Yves Thibaudet in a program of masterpieces that showcases their individual and collaborative gifts. “When you have the possibility to play incredible music with great friends onstage, this is just pure luxury,” Capuçon says. “There is nothing better than that.”

Oct. 10 — CLU School of Management — DEIJ in the Workplace Presents… Overcoming Barriers & Navigating Success

Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation…
with Hub101 and MPPA
Thursday, October 5   |   5:00 – 6:00 pm   |   Hub101
Robert Pieroni is a dynamic and accomplished professional, currently serving as the director of Italian business development for gener8tor, a renowned venture capital firm, and accelerator. With a strong background in fostering innovation ecosystems, Pieroni plays a pivotal role in spearheading gener8tor’s expansion into Italy.

Oct. 11 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘Tonight We’re Going to Party Like It’s (Almost) 2024 — An Employer’s Top HR Resolutions For Every Year’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Tonight We’re Going to Party Like It’s (Almost) 2024–An Employer’s Top HR Resolutions For Every Year.” The webinar is Wednesday, October 11 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Oct. 12 — VCCDC to present 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony

Join VCCDC for the 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony, “Leading People Home” on Thursday, October 12 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. This special celebration at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo will honor five important leaders who have inspired our work and five award winners who are making significant contributions in our community. Together with our friends and supporters, we will enjoy an evening of delicious food, heart-warming stories and inspirational award presentations. We hope to celebrate with you!

Oct. 12 — Cottage to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor: Advances in Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Treatment

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Heart and Vascular Center will present a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event with Dr. Kevin M. Casey on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4 – 5 p.m., on Advances in Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Treatment.

An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, has a bulge in its wall. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Dr. Casey will discuss causes, symptoms and strategies for prevention and treatment. There will be time for questions after the presentation.

Oct. 13, 14, 15 — Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Three Free Performances of Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles

SANTA BARBARA — The nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, will hold three free public performances in Santa Barbara County October 13-15, 2023. The performances are a part of ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva), a program dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County students and community members. 

Oct. 13 — OPAC presents “TALKING NARDCORE”: 40 years of punk music in Ventura County

OXNARD — To celebrate the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary, OPAC is honored to present “Talking Nardcore” on Friday, October 13 at 6 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. 

This rare storytelling event will chronicle 40 years of punk music in our community through a legendary panel of guest speakers. Guests will also enjoy a live DJ set prior to the panel, which will be followed by a performance by Out of Trust.

Panelists include representatives from:

Aggression • Ill Repute • Dr. Know • Stalag 13 • Dead Heat • The Missing 23rd
Burning Dog • In Control Annihilation Time • Omega Point • It’s Alive Fanzine
BYO Records • 185 Miles South Podcast • Salzer’s Records

Oct. 14 — Pipiripau presenting ‘El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square

OXNARD — Pipiripau will present the inaugural “El Panteón — Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos’ at Oxnard Heritage Square from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at 715 S A St, Oxnard.

Pipiripau, an apparel brand, will present Aztec Danzantes, a Day of the Play, live music, community altars, face painting vendors, food trucks and more events.

Oct. 14 — Halloween Fun At Simi Valley YMCA’s ‘Trunk or Treat’

SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA,  in partnership with Tri-Counties Regional Center, is hosting its annual Trunk-or-Treat & Fall Festival on Saturday, October 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. YMCA Child Care staff decorate their car trunks with fun themes and pass out candy. The event is free and open to the public. The Simi Y is at 3200 Cochran St.

In addition to more than 15 decorated cars, there will be a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, carnival games and crafts, glitter tattoos, haunted laboratory, inflatables, petting zoo and magician.  A haunted hallway is from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (kid-friendly version) and 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (spookier version). Visitors are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes.

Oct. 14 — Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day to Provide Free Housing Resources to Santa Barbara County Residents

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to attend Housing Santa Barbara Day 2023 on Saturday, October 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza.  Housing Santa Barbara Day (HSBD) is a free annual event hosted by 2nd Story Associates, the nonprofit affiliate of Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB). The event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers that are able to provide resources and guidance in the search for affordable housing. 

Attendees will be able to participate in informative housing workshops covering a range of topics including Tenant & Landlord Resources, Down Payment Home Buying Assistance, Workforce Housing Information, and more. There will also be music, local food vendors, and activities for kids and families. 

Through Oct. 16 — ‘Sedgwick Reserve: A Conservation Story’ Coming to the Wildling

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce Sedgwick Reserve: A Conservation Story, on view through October 16, 2023 in the Valley Oak Gallery. The public is invited to attend a reception with the artists on Sunday, April 16th from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Wildling.

Unknown to many visitors, and even some local residents, Sedgwick Nature Reserve is an important gem nestled in the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains in the Santa Ynez Valley. One of seven reserves managed by the University of California Santa Barbara Natural Reserve System, Sedgwick is among the largest and most diverse reserves of its kind in the country. Comprised of just under 6,000 acres, or about 9 square miles, Sedgwick hosts several different kinds of habitats: oak savannah, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, gray pine forest, vernal pools, and two different watersheds. Managed by UCSB, Sedgwick has become a world-class research, conservation, and education facility.

Oct. 17 — Camarillo Mayor Susan Santangelo to Deliver 2023 State of the City

CAMARILLO — Camarillo Mayor Susan Santangelo will deliver the 2023 State of the City on Tuesday, October 17 at the Camarillo Ranch (201 Camarillo Ranch Rd.).

Mayor Santangelo will share highlights of significant development in the city, with a review of the city’s budget, prioritization of public safety, and a special emphasis on economic development.

The newly reimagined State of the City will feature a relaxed late afternoon indoor/outdoor reception with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and carving stations. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with elected officials, community leaders, property owners, developers, real estate experts, investors, and business owners.

The event is being presented in partnership by the City of Camarillo and the West Ventura County Business Alliance.

Through Oct. 18 — Santa Barbara City College presents Atkinson Gallery exhibition Xicana/o/x Time and Space

This exhibition presents a timeline through various forms of Chicana/o/x rhetoric (painting, text, film, photography and performance) with an overview of Mesoamerican and Chicana/o cultural traditions. Working at the intersections of rhetoric, literature and Chicana/o Studies, this multimedia, exhibit/performance will explore and present how Chicana/o concepts of time and culture can be read through a Chicana/o lens in ways to nurture and create a historical consciousness.

Oct. 18 — Bilingual report – Celebrate recent food policy wins and connect with peers at this year’s farmer gathering in Santa Ynez2023 Central Coast Farmer Gathering

Looking for ways to make your voice heard and effect change in our food system? Join us at the 2023 Central Coast Farmer Gathering to contribute thought leadership on food policies for 2024 and beyond. Learn about available program resources and opportunities available to food producers at the county and state levels. Connect with other farmers, ranchers, and food producers during the networking dinner prepared by Chef Melissa of Clean Slate Wine Bar.  The menu will feature, as we continuously commit to, locally sourced ingredients.

Oct. 20 — Unite to Light The Night Art Exhibition and Fundraiser Promises Dazzling Experience of Light and Impact

SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light, headquartered in Santa Barbara, is on a mission to extend the power of light to the darkest corners of the globe, where electricity remains a distant dream. Recognizing light’s pivotal role in enhancing health, education, and prosperity, this non-profit organization champions the cause of providing accessible and affordable solar light and energy.

Mark your calendars for a  double-feature event that promises to ignite your senses and spark the flames of change: Unite to Light the Night Art Exhibition and Fundraiser. Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural year, this event returns to The Community Arts Workshop in Santa Barbara on October 20th and 21st, 2023.

Oct. 20 — Ventura College Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Gala – Tickets On Sale, Sponsorships Available

VENTURA — Tickets are on sale for Ventura College Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Gala, Friday, October 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County (100 East Main Street, Ventura). The gala will celebrate the successes of Ventura College students and the decades of board leadership and dedicated donors.

The VC Foundation began in 1983 to help remove the financial barriers that often prohibit students from reaching their education goals. According to Ventura College data, 52 percent of the college’s current 10,000-student population is classified as extremely low-income or low-income.

Oct. 21 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites the Community to Join Together for a ‘Santa Paula Beautiful Day’ Volunteer Event

SANTA PAULA — As summer gracefully transitions into autumn and the season of decorating our homes begins, the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to announce “Santa Paula Beautiful Day.” This community volunteer event aims to unite residents of all ages once again in a collective effort to engage in civic beautification.

Join us on this special day as we embark on a project to prepare Santa Paula for thousands of Ventura County residents who will be visiting Santa Paula on October 21, 2023, for the County’s “Mountains to Sea Jubilee & Music Festival” to celebrate the County’s 150th Anniversary.

Oct. 21 — Bilingual report — Mountains to Sea Jubilee to celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary

VENTURA COUNTY — Join us at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee in the city of Santa Paula! The event kicks off with a FREE family-friendly festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agricultural Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula.

The Mountains to Sea Jubilee is the culmination of the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary celebration and will feature performances and participation from community partners and organizations from across the County. Through a collaborative partnership, the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County have commemorated the sesquicentennial anniversary of the County with a series of public events.  

Through Oct. 22 — Teatro de las Américas presents Romantic comedy ‘Stage Kiss’

Theatrikos brings the romantic comedy Stage Kiss to the Flagstaff stage. A kiss is not just a kiss in this whirlwind knockabout farce. When two actors with a history are thrown together as leads in a 1930s romantic comedy, they quickly lose touch with reality.

“This play is so much fun for the cast, as they get to play both real-life actors and characters in a play-within-a-play. When the actors really enjoy doing a play, the audience enjoys it, too. You can expect to have a rollicking good time at the theatre,” said director Stan Sutherland.

Through Oct. 22 — Moorpark College Piques Audience Curiosity with ‘The Curious Savage’

MOORPARK — The Curious Savage is coming to The Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Mainstage Oct. 12-22. This uproarious 1950s comedy set in The Cloisters Sanitorium in Massachusetts follows the story of a flamboyant widow who is forcibly admitted to the sanatorium by her greedy stepchildren when she refuses to hand over her sizable inheritance.

“This play was very ahead of its time in terms of its message and structure,” said director and Theatre Arts faculty Suzanne Fagan. “It’s hysterical, and yet, by the end of the play, you’re blown away by the social commentary surrounding mental health, stigma, and family that’s been woven in throughout the story.”

Oct. 22 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Día de los Muertos’ Free Family Day

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present a “Día de los Muertos” Free Family Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

For the 34th year, the Museum honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s outreach programs and community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered on the Front Terrace and in the Family Resource Center. New this year, end the event at 3:45 pm with a procession down State Street to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) with Latinx Indigenous immigrant community members and traditional dances and music from the Mixtec and Zapotec region of Oaxaca.

For the procession, costumed participation (Catarinas, Calaveras, and skull or skeleton and human and animal inspired designs) is encouraged.

Through Oct. 22 — Student-Directed Play Opens at Cal Lutheran ‘The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza’

THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran University Theatre and Dance Department presents “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza,”written by Don Zolidis, in the Cal Lutheran Black Box Studio Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA, from Oct. 18 to 22. Theatre Arts student Brayden Galante is the director of this all-student production.

“The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” tells the story of two bickering narrators who attempt to share the most famous stories of Greek mythology. As the play progresses the narrators try their best to remain reliable. They re-create the story of Pandora’s box and put their own twist on Cronus and the Titans. Other famous myths in the play include Icarus, and Jason and the Argonauts. The play culminates in a heart-pounding, five-minute, two-actor version of “The Iliad.” “Greek Mythology Olympiaganza,” which includes audience participation, is funny and absurd.

Oct. 23 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice to present Comprehensive Bereavement Training Class

CAMARILLO — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice to present Comprehensive Bereavement Training Class from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. on Oct. 16 23 in Camarillo.

This class is designed to provide information on healthy grieving and how we can best companion someone who is mourning the death of a loved one.

Oct. 24 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jill Lepore delivering a lecture titled Amend: Rewriting the Constitution

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jill Lepore delivering a public lecture titled Amend: Rewriting the Constitution on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Award-winning historian and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Jill Lepore brings her panoptic range and razor-sharp style to a discussion of the Supreme Court’s role in the U.S. Constitution’s unamendability. The U.S. Constitution was always meant to be added to and improved – amending is what makes the Constitution everyone’s, says Lepore. How has the U.S. Constitution become one of the most difficult in the world to change? And what are the consequences for a society whose constitution is frozen in time?

Through Oct. 24 — World-Renowned Voyaging Canoe Hokule’a Heads To Ventura As Part of Southern California Planned Visits

MONTEREY — Legendary Hawaiian canoe H?k?le?a, revered for reviving the lost art of Polynesian voyaging and navigation, is currently docked in the picturesque coastal city of Monterey, California. The traditional double-hulled canoe has been sailing from Southeast Alaska down the Pacific Coast since June, 2023, when the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) launched the Moananui?kea Voyage and began its four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific.  H?k?le?a is set to make several stops in Southern California as part of this historic journey including Ventura, Marina Del Rey, Newport, Dana Point, and San Diego where the public will have an opportunity to learn about the storied history of this canoe and the environmental and cultural mission of this voyage. 

Oct. 24 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Self-Portrait En La Cherry: In Conversation with Artist Narsiso Martinez’

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Self-Portrait En La Cherry: In Conversation with Artist Narsiso Martinez” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

In conjunction with the exhibition Inside/Outside, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is pleased to welcome back Narsiso Martinez for a public presentation. Martinez takes the produce boxes from grocery stores and paints portraits of the agricultural laborers many of whom are undocumented and subjected to terrible working conditions. These poignant images bring to the fore all the unseen labor that supports agribusiness and come from his experience as a worker in the fields up and down the West Coast.

Oct. 25 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends’

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Turn it Out with Tiler Peck & Friends on Wednesday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Award-winning New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck embraces the role of director for Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends, turning up the heat with an innovative, handpicked repertoire by some of today’s most exciting choreographers. The virtuosic program includes Thousandth Orange, set to live music composed by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw; an electric pas de deux choreographed by Alonzo King; a collaboration with tap star and Santa Barbara favorite Michelle Dorrance; and a dynamic finale reflecting Peck’s creative partnership with choreographer William Forsythe, set to music by James Blake. 

Oct. 26 — Plática with Manuel Unzueta at Santa Barbara City College

SANTA BARBARA — A Plática with Maestro Manuel Unzueta hosted by ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Santa Barbara City College.

Internationally acclaimed artist Manuel Unzueta will discuss his career as a muralist, educator, and community activist by highlighting the “Metamorphosis of Reality” mural he painted on Santa Barbara City College’s East Campus Center building in 1976 with SBCC students.

Oct. 26 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Walter Isaacson in conversation with Pico Iyer

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Walter Isaacson in conversation with Pico Iyer on Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Walter Isaacson occupies a unique position in contemporary American culture. His many bestselling works include biographies of CRISPR’s Jennifer Doudna, Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs. His new book on Elon Musk is the astonishingly intimate story of one of the most fascinating and controversial innovators of our era. An immediate bestseller upon its release in September of 2023, Isaacson’s Elon Musk takes its place alongside his other monumental biographies as an essential document of the complex factors that come together in men and women of rare genius. 

Walter Isaacson talks about his new biography of Elon Musk on the Today Show

Oct. 27 — 5th Annual Witches Paddle Brings Together Witches & Warlocks At Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Calling all witches and warlocks to glide on your broomsticks along the waters of Ventura Harbor Village for this festive annual Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle on Friday, October 27 starting at 4 pm.  Bring your own paddle board or kayak or rent from Ventura Boat Rentals (while supplies last) in Ventura Harbor Village, dress in witchiest garb and float in the Halloween spirit!

Now in its fifth year, the Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle attracts people from miles around to partake in the festive spooktacular paddle.  It was the vision of two ladies, Susan Stuart and Christie Moorhouse, to gather friends to dress up and paddle as Halloween witches along the water.  What started as a smaller group, now attracts upwards of 60-80 witches and warlocks and many more spectators and photographers to capture the witches in flight. 

Through Oct. 27 — Ventura County Area Agency Tai Chi Classes Start Up Again

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition’s award-winning Fall Prevention Program has a new set of Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes starting up in August.

There are six options at four different sites in Ojai, Oxnard and Ventura:

HELP of Ojai (108 S. Montgomery Street) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Oxnard Performing Arts Center (800 Hobson Way) – Tuesdays & Thursdays – August 8 through October 26 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
County of Ventura California Room (669 County Square Drive) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 9 a.m to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Ventura Church of Christ (5401 N. Bryn Mawr Street) – Wednesdays & Fridays – August 9 through October 27 – 10:45 a.m to 12:15 p.m.

Oct. 28 — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) would like to cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, for an evening where we honor our ancestors through the ancient indigenous Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos that celebrates death as part of the cycle of life. The evening will feature performances by Ópera Mixe and Ballet Folklórico Nueva Antequera, as well as a selection of artisanal vendors, free community altars, and more!

Oct. 28-29 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces Halloween Bunny Adoption Promotion

We’re celebrating Halloween with a FEE-WAIVED bunny adoption promo, this weekend from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Camarillo Shelter. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. Visit www.vcas.us/rabbits to view rabbits, submit an application, and schedule an appointment.

Rabbits leave VCAS spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Each adoption comes with a FREE bag of hay, grass mat and complimentary vet visit. All other items needed can be purchased at our on-site Bunny Boutique!

Looking to add a second rabbit to your home? Email the Bunny Brigade to schedule a bunny date! Questions? Contact us at VCASBunnyBrigade@gmail.com or call (805) 388-4341.

Oct. 28 — Theatre of Shadows postponed, but a haunted wharf prevals

OXNARD — OPAC and The Elite Theatre Company encountered several obstacles over the last few weeks that made producing a professional, terrifying and visionary event a challenge. In lieu of a substandard experience, the organizations have decided to postpone their haunted house, dubbed the Theatre of Shadows, until 2024. This year, however, Halloween aficionados can enjoy an “Outdoor Haunted Experience and Trunk-or-Treat” on Saturday, October 28th from 4-7 pm at Fisherman’s Wharf at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Oct. 28 – Bilingual report — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

OXNARD — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) invites the public to attend its Day of the Dead concert celebration in collaboration with Oxnard College on October 28, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. We are incredibly honored to be able to host this fantastic event in person for the first time in a few years! Joining us tonight is the incredibly talented Ópera Mixe, an ensemble made up of María Reyna and Joaquín Garzón, as we commemorate the indigenous celebration of death as part of the cycle of life. 

Oct. 28 — SBMA Parallel Stories/Reading and Discussion with Award-Winning Author Eileen Myles

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present “Parallel Stories/Reading and Discussion with Award-Winning Author Eileen Myles” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

“A kick-ass counter-cultural icon.” —The New Yorker

Oct. 30 — Julieta Venegas to peform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

OXNARD — Julieta Venegas to peform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center on Monday, Oct. 30, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m.

Venegas is one of the greatest exponents of Latin pop music. Composer, singer and Mexican musician, she has established herself as a Latin reference worldwide.

Her great versatility and talent have led her to perform in biggest stages and festivals worldwide, obtaining the recognition of Gold and Platinum Disc in countries such as Mexico, USA, Italy, Argentina, Brazil and Spain.

Nov. 1 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Manderling Quartet

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present the Manderling Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

The Mandelring Quartet, founded in 1983, is the winner of major competitions, including ARD’s International Music Competition and the Premio Paolo Borciani. They are frequent performers at international musical centers and leading festivals such as the Schwarzenberg and Hohensems Schubertiades, the Lower Rhine Music Festival, and the Ludwigsburg Castle Festival. The ensemble was Quartet-in-Residence for the 2020/21 season in the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid.

Nov. 1 — Ventura County Civic Alliance — 2023 State of the Region Report

Every two years, the State of the Region Report provides a trusted and unique perspective on Ventura County life.

Plan to join us at our launch event to hear analysis, highlights and insights from the report’s author and our panel of community leaders.

Registration info coming soon!

Nov. 1 — Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and Garcia Mortuary to present 42nd annual ‘Dia de Los Muertos Monarch Butterfly Celebration’ in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and Garcia Mortuary will present the 42nd annual “Dia de Los Muertos Monarch Butterfly Celebration” from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Cemetery, 2242 E. Pleasant Valley, Oxnard.

A FREE Family Event.

The event includes ofrendas / altars honoring the dead, guest speakers, entertainment by Luzma Espinoza, Danza Tonantzin and California State University Channel Islands’ Teatro Dept.’s “El Gran Fandango de la Muerte.”

Call 805-469-9303 for more information.

Nov. 1 — District 216 in Santa Barbara to present Timo Brind’Amour, Dr. Samantha Morse, Camino Brillante ‘How to Hold a Personal Medicine Ceremony’

Topic: “How to Hold a Personal Medicine Ceremony”

When: Wednesday, November 1st; 5:00pm Networking, 6:30pm Interview, Music & Presentation

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.)

FREE for Members.
Guests Welcome to purchase $50 tickets to The District House evenings.

N?OTE: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided.

Nov. 1 — SBCC College Transfer Fair to help students turn transfer goals into realities

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) will host more than 70 colleges and universities on its West Campus Great Meadow on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., for its annual College Transfer Fair — a large scale example of the many ways the college has championed transfer success for its students, especially in recent years.

Students who are just starting their college education, plan to transfer to a four-year college in Fall 2024, or are somewhere in between, can explore their higher education possibilities with representatives from the University of California; California State University; and California private/independent, out-of-state, and international institutions. The Transfer Fair is a community event and all are welcome to attend.

Nov. 2 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Eddie Ndopu delivering a public lecture titled Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents disability rights advocate Eddie Ndopu delivering a FREE public lecture titled Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever on Thursday, November 2 at UCSB Campbell Hall. Called “one of the most powerful disabled people on the planet” by TIME magazine, Eddie Ndopu is an award-winning global humanitarian and disability justice advocate. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at age 2 and given only five years to live, he has gone on to become a beacon of hope and possibility for people with disabilities around the world. His debut memoir, Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw, captures his effervescent, indefatigable spirit. As a UN Global Changemaker, Ndopu actively demands equity for the most marginalized segments of global society and is a vital voice at the intersection of disability, sustainability and how we can best work together to make meaningful change for our planet’s future. Attend the event and receive a free copy of Ndopu’s new book.

Nov. 2 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘The Interior Sublime: Wilhelm Hammershøi and the Painting of Silence’

In the last thirty years, the Danish painter Wilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916) has regained the critical recognition that he enjoyed during his lifetime as “the Danish Vermeer.” His route to the uncanny and the sublime was unique, in that he chose to focus on domestic interiors, typically populated by a lone figure, often seen from behind, and in his most memorable compositions, entirely empty. This lecture seeks to locate his art in the European tradition, while describing his unique strategies towards a kind of interior sublime accessed through mundane experience of everyday life.

Nov. 2 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Welcome Back! Bienvenidos de vuelta!’

Featured in the MCASB exhibition This Basic Asymmetry
Strongly influenced by growing up in LA’s San Fernando Valley to immigrant parents from Mexico, Ruiz’s practice is a reflection of the DIY work ethic she was raised under, the vibrancy of Mexican cultural and artistic traditions, and her exposure to subculture and fantasy at a young age as a means to escape the realities of daily life.

Nov. 2 — Oxnard College to present Día de los Muertos celebration

OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a Día de los Muertos celebration from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.

A FREE Family Event!

Sponsored by The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard College, the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, Vida Newspaper and the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Nov. 2 — County of Ventura to present ‘State of the County 2023’

on’t miss the 2023 State of the County celebrating the County’s 150th Anniversary! Keynote speaker and County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson will share an update and unforgettable message followed by a networking reception under Air Force One.

Thank you to our presenting partners who made this year’s event possible. Proceeds will benefit the Museum of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative’s work empowering social, cultural, and economic opportunities for all residents in our County.

The 2023 State of the County will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, November 2.

Nov. 4 — The 42nd annual ‘Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte’ to be held in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The 42nd annual “Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

The event is FREE to the public.

Presented by Conejo Mountain and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard, the event will feature, 50 vendors, ofrendas-altar- art exhibitions, lowrider car showcase, art workshops for the community, Prizes for the best depiction of the spirit of the dead, and cultural performances by performing artists, including Caliente 805, In Stone, and the Inlakech singers. CSUCI students will be performing a theatrical production called “El Gran Fandango de La Muerte.”

Danza Azteca Tonantzin will lead a ceremonial procession honoring those buried at the cemetery with the public participating in the spiritual walk. Guest and relatives will be encouraged to adorn their burial plots with food, prayer and love.

Nov. 4 — UCSB physician to give keynote speech on women’s health equity at Savie Health luncheon

LOMPOC — Dr. Melissa Smith, the director of Health Equity Initiatives at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an international advocate on women’s health issues will be the keynote speaker at a Nov. 4 luncheon organized by Lompoc-based free medical clinic Savie Health.

A family medicine physician, Smith has worked in primary care clinics in low-income communities in the U.S. and Central America for three decades. She collaborated most recently on pandemic response and health equity initiatives with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s clinic in Santa Maria. In all these settings, she has also been involved in health and social justice efforts to complement her clinical work.

Smith’s keynote speech is titled “Taking action for women’s health equity: local and global grassroots strategies.” She will appear at Savie Health’s “Thanks for Giving” luncheon, to be held Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pico Los Alamos restaurant in Los Alamos. The luncheon is to honor individuals and organizations that have contributed to Savie Health’s successful first year providing free medical care to Santa Barbara County’s uninsured population.

Nov. 4 — Savie Health in Lompoc to honor healthcare heroes at ‘Thanks for Giving’ luncheon

LOMPOC — Savie Health, a non-profit medical clinic offering free care to the uninsured, will host a luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 4, to recognize the individuals and organizations that have contributed to the clinic’s successful first year in operation.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pico Los Alamos restaurant in Los Alamos, and feature a multi-course lunch with wine pairings, entertainment, and a raffle. The event will honor Savie Health’s supporters and sponsors including Executive Director of Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization Ashley Costa, and the Lompoc Valley Medical Center. Jon Clark, president of the Bower Foundation and also a Savie Health supporter, will emcee the celebration.

Nov. 4 — 4 de noviembre — Bilingual report — Free Citizenship Fair in Thousand Oaks / Feria de ciudadanía gratuita en Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS — Free Citizenship Fair, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, Hispanic Ministry of Saint Paschal Baylon, 155 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Free assistance on:

filling out your citizenship application (N-400)
DACA Renewal
Residency Renewal
Please RSVP at: (805) 395-6870, no walk-ins

Nov. 4 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents David Sedaris at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents David Sedarison Saturday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. One of today’s most observant writers addressing the human condition, satirist and bestselling author David Sedaris returns with his acerbic humor, social commentary and outlandish stories. Cutting through cultural euphemisms and political correctness, he delights audiences with twists of humor and perspicacity as he shares both published stories and works-in-progress. Stick around after the event for one of Sedaris’ legendary book signings.

David Sedaris on storytelling, humor and chatting with strangers (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

Nov. 4 — 5th Annual Southeast Ventura County YMCA Gala to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is hosting its 5th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The evening features gourmet cuisine, live entertainment and auction opportunities. The theme this year is “The Future is Bright.”

Proceeds from the evening go to a number of YMCA programs.

–Find My Genius is a five-week, no-cost achievement gap program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It is also offered year-round in the Moorpark and Simi Valley Unified School Districts.

Nov. 4 — 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day – ‘Meet The Hands That Feed You’

VENTURA — More than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Farm Day’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.”

The day includes behind-the-scenes tours, tractor-with-trailer rides, tastings, giveaways and kid-friendly activities. Farm Day allows the public to meet local farmers who grow the food we eat.

Nov. 4 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation to Host 26th Annual Veterans Day Gala to Honor Local Veterans and Active Duty Service Members

SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) will host its 26th Annual Veterans Day Gala to honor local veterans and active duty service members. The Veterans Day Gala will be November 4th from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at The Star Spangled Hall at the Elks Lodge (150 N Kellogg Ave, Santa Barbara, CA). The evening will be filled with live music, dancing, a wonderful meal, and patriotic presentations.

This year, PCVF is proud to present special guest, Don Nichols, formerly with NASA and Technical Director for the Space Shuttle program at Vandenberg Air Force Base (Now Vandenberg Space Force Base). Mr. Nichols has been on the leading edge of space technology and will share the exciting history of the U.S. space program.

“Our hope is to create a fun night of patriotism and celebration to show appreciation to the men and women in uniform who serve and protect our country,” said PCVF co-founding director John Blankenship.