Author: Community Contributor

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.

Nov. 5 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Crossing Cultures, Crossing Artforms: Suzanne Jill Levine, Aldon Nielsen, and Jeanne Heuving’

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present “Crossing Cultures, Crossing Artforms: Suzanne Jill Levine, Aldon Nielsen, and Jeanne Heuving” AT 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at SBMA’s Ridley-Tree Education Center at McCormick House, 1600 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara.

Inside Stories/Outside Tales
Three writers read and discuss their works. Distinguished scholars and creative writers discuss how their work has involved them in intensive explorations of cultures and arts apart from their immediate backgrounds.

Nov. 5 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kristin Chenoweth’s For the Girls at The Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth on Sunday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. In this rollicking cabaret-style revue, Chenoweth presents an evening of unforgettable songs made famous by her heroes and friends. The Tony and Emmy award-winning actress pays tribute to the great women singers who have inspired her with classics like Doris Day’s “When I Fall In Love,” Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” Peggy Lee’s “I’m a Woman” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” With her charming and conspiratorial style, Chenoweth cultivates a warm and intimate atmosphere, telling stories and joking with her band and backup singers. “For the Girls… exudes the snuggly promise of a slumber party” (The New York Times).

Nov. 5 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Sketching Ideas’: Writing’s Visuality in Chinese Flower-and-Bird Painting

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Sketching Ideas’: Writing’s Visuality in Chinese Flower-and-Bird Painting Lecture by Peter Sturman, Professor, Department of History of Art and Architecture, UC Santa Barbara at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Xieyi, “the writing or sketching of ideas,” refers to a particularly free-form mode of painting in China that showcases the artist’s virtuosity wielding a quick-moving brush to capture vibrant and seemingly spontaneous images. Forefronting the dynamic potential of the brush, the technique naturally calls to mind the art of calligraphy, especially the dynamic cursive script, but Xiyu’s association with the art of writing goes far deeper than surface appearances. Spontaneity implies naturalness and authenticity, even spiritual transcendence. Moreover, for scholar-official painters, Xiyu’s linkage to calligraphy offered an essential bridge between image-making and literary expression.

Nov. 7 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘An Artist Talk — Whitney Bedford’s Landscapes’

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present “An Artist Talk — Whitney Bedford’s Landscapes” AT 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Atkinson Gallery, Humanities Building, H-202, Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara.

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art have co-organized an artist’s talk with Whitney Bedford, a California artist who looks to art history, especially Impressionist painters, to make startlingly colored and brilliantly graphic images. Even though Bedford is a thoroughly contemporary artist, her work exists in a deep dialog with 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century artists.

Nov. 8 — Western Ventura County Employer Advisory Council Presents ‘Active Shooter Preparedness for the Workplace’

OXNARD — The Western Ventura County Employer Advisory Council Presents “Active Shooter Preparedness for the Workplace”  from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Courtyard Marriott, 600 E. Esplanade, Oxnard.

In partnership with EDD. Earn HRCL and SHRM-CP Credits.

Nov. 8 — Standing Together: A Night of Community at Temple Etz Chaim, Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS — In a time when unity and solidarity are needed more than ever, Temple Etz Chaim is proud to host “Standing Together: A Night of Community” on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to all who stand with Temple Etz Chaim in support of the endurance, resilience and compassion of its community.

The evening will feature an inspiring program that includes a collection of poems, readings and songs, all focused on the theme of unity and strength in the face of challenges. Rabbi Averbach, a respected leader in the community, will provide the opening remarks and deliver the keynote speech, emphasizing the values of togetherness and solidarity that have always defined Temple Etz Chaim.

Through Nov. 8 — Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang announces the return of its Annual Fall Online Auction

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature (www.wildlingmuseum.org) announces the return of its Annual Fall Online Auction. Online bidding goes live on Oct. 30th and closes on November 8th at 4 p.m. 

Featuring more than 60 remarkable items, all proceeds will raise needed funds in support of the Wildling’s programs and exhibitions. With relaxing getaways, unique fine jewelry and art, local wines, and dining experiences, it’s the perfect way to shop and support the Wildling’s many exhibits and offerings.

Nov. 9 — The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market Veterans’ Day Celebration

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) will be present along with other vendors at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market Veterans’ Day Celebration. 

The event will be held at The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market on Broad Street between Higuera and Monterey from 6-8:30 p.m on Nov. 9, 2023. There will be several military organizations, County services, and other vendor booths. Vendors who will be present include financial, medical, employment, housing organizations, counseling, VA resources, senior, mental health and other general resources for Veterans and their families. Music will be provided by MarciJean & the Belmont Kings who specialize in Jump Blues, Swing, Rock n Roll and Rhythm & Blues.

Nov. 9 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present free film screening of ‘América Tropical: The Martyr Mural of Siqueiros’

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present free film screening of “América Tropical: The Martyr Mural of Siqueiros” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

This free screening of the documentary América Tropical: The Martyr Mural of Siqueiros, is followed by a discussion with Dignicraft filmmakers Omar Foglio, Paola Rodríguez, and José Luis Figueroa and moderated by Edgar Garcia, Assistant General Manager, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and James Glisson, SBMA Curator of Contemporary Art.

Nov. 9 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘American Railroad by Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens’ at The Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents American Railroad by Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens on Thursday, November 9 at 8:00 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Under the leadership of 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winner Rhiannon Giddens, the genre-defying Silkroad Ensemble embarks on a new initiative that amplifies the untold stories of African American, Chinese, Indigenous, Irish and other communities in the creation of North America’s railroads. Chinese traditional music on the suona and pipa is contrasted with the fiddle and banjo of Black musical traditions, and their Indigenous and Celtic counterparts. These cultural intersections reveal a thread of commonality despite their varied origins, and remind us of the intricately rich American story.

Nov. 9 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘New Hires…No Problem! Effective (and Lawful) Hiring and On-Boarding of Employees’

CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “New Hires…No Problem! Effective (and Lawful) Hiring and On-Boarding of Employees.” The webinar is Thursday, November 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Nov. 9 — Moorpark College and The Colleges of Law Present ‘How to Save Democracy with David Pepper’

MOORPARK — Moorpark College and The Colleges of Law welcome the community to attend a special event on November 9, 2023, in the EATM Auditorium at the Moorpark College campus. The event, “How to Save Democracy with David Pepper,” will feature a lecture by esteemed author David Pepper on election law and voting rights. Following the lecture, Dr. Jackie Gardina, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of The Colleges of Law, will engage in a conversation and Q&A session with Pepper.

Nov. 11 — Bilingual report — Oxnard Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony

OXNARD — The City of Oxnard, together with the Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 24; Salvation Army; Knights of Columbus Council 750; Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter; and the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 231—invite the community to attend this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony in downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park (500 South C St.) to honor all who have served our country, including those who are currently serving home and abroad.

“We are forever grateful to our veterans for their selfless service to our country,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “We look forward to our community joining us in celebration of our local heroes who have served in the US Armed Forces on this holiday.”

Nov. 11 — Lucid Therapeutics hosting Grand Opening

SANTA BARBARA — Lucid Therapeutics, a clinic dedicated to improving mental wellbeing through professionally guided use of psychedelics, will host a Grand Opening celebration for its new Santa Barbara location on Saturday, Nov. 11.Members of the public are encouraged to…

Nov. 11 — FSA’s First Annual Pickleball Tournament – Play for a Cause to be held in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA  — Family Service Agency is thrilled to announce the inaugural FSA Annual Pickleball Tournament, set to take place at the beautiful Montecito Club courts on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the agency’s senior programs and youth mental health, two crucial programs serving Santa Barbara County residents.

Tournament Director Natalie Collins-Smith, a Pickleball Pro at the Montecito Club and an expert in organizing successful pickleball events, guaranteeing an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.

Through Nov. 12 — Wildling Museum of Art and Nature partners with award-winning artist Mara Abboud for joint exhibition and fundraiser

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum is pleased to partner with award-winning artist Mara Abboud in presenting Mara Abboud: Visions of Beauty, an exhibition and fundraiser supporting the Wildling on view through Nov. 12, 2023 in the Valley Oak Gallery.

Abboud has been honored with the prestigious “Artist of the Year” award by the Academies Des Beaux Arts (New York, 1977), “Artist of the Year” by the Santa Barbara Arts Council (Santa Barbara Arts Festival, 1987), “International Artist of the Year” by the International Women’s Conference (Santa Barbara, 1998), and the AMAL “International Artist of the Year” (Washington, DC, 1998). 

Nov. 12 — Temple Etz Chaim to present Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb

Gottlieb is a masterful guide for helping us rewrite the narratives that keep us stuck. Her TED talk was one of the Top 10 Most Watched of the Year, her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone has sold over a million copies (and is currently being adapted for television), and she’s the author of The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” column.