VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced on April 9 that its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, a private nonprofit organization created by the State Legislature in 1988 to help provide housing that is sustainable and affordable for working families, homeless, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals.
The book is essential reading from an expert voice: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better.
A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrants.
OXNARD — Tickets on sale for Gipsy Kings Generation Tour at Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.
Tickets available here
Doors 6pm. Show 8:00pm.
$58 / $68 / $78 / $98 + applicable fees
Under 18 Must Be Accompanied by a Paying Adult.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Bruce Liu on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hahn Hall, Music Academy. Following his win at the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu experienced a star-is-born moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall in March of 2022. Summoned at the last moment to join the Philharmonia Orchestra for an all-Tchaikovsky program, Liu called for the notoriously difficult Concerto No. 2 as a substitute for the more commonly played Concerto No. 1. After an astounding performance and glowing reviews, Liu found himself shifted to an even higher level of demand.
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
Community Update
Uplift Central Coast is having a Community Update available in both English and Spanish on Zoom on May 17 at 12:00 pm!
During the session, Uplift Central Coast will cover:
Updates on ongoing community engagement efforts
Input and information learned from Roundtables and Listening Sessions across the region
Progress and plans on strategy Regional Plan Part II
Opportunities for discussion and input from community members
Register for the community update HERE!
VENTURA — Strawberry nachos, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry kabobs are just some of the tasty treats offered at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival also features over 150 artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake and more.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks.
In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.
Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.
Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered.
“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”
Artists today struggle with the question of what kind of art to make in light of contemporary issues. A century ago, artists faced similar questions. This exhibition looks at how artists negotiated the extraordinary changes and tragedies of the early 20th century: the mass casualties in the First World War, economic despair because of worldwide depressions, colonized people struggling for freedom, and the rise of communism, fascism, and totalitarian dictatorships.
VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department, in collaboration with Finney’s Crafthouse, is excited to announce the return of the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, supporting the inspiring athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The public is invited to join officers for this community event on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Finney’s Crafthouse, located at 494 E. Main Street in Downtown Ventura.
VENTURA — “Latina Characters & Women’s Voices” featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Timbre Books, 1910 E. Main St., Ventura.
The exhibition showcases the vibrant creativity and talent of artists ages 60 and older within our community through an open call. While there is no specific theme, artwork is encouraged that explores the sharing of experiences, traditions, customs, and stories across generations.
After the death of the love of his life, English archaeologist Arthur (Josh O’Connor) is desperate to find the mythical door to the afterlife — but to do so, he must team up with a network of tomb raiders who break into ancient tombs in search of archaeological wonders to sell on the black market.
The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, which may include adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.
Created by the founders of Mujeres Makers Market, Mujeres Summit 2024 helps existing and potential small business owners learn from entrepreneurs’ experiences and challenges and share valuable and practical resources.
Get a Chance to Meet EDC Director of Strategic Relations Alondra Gaytán!
EDC Director of Strategic Relations Alondra Gaytán, will speak about insights on forging pathways to inclusive economic development.
Click Alondra’s image below to read her bio!
VENTURA — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovator.
Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection
(June 8, 2024 -January 5, 2025)
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InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch
(June 8, 2024 – May 11, 2025)
North Macedonia’s Submission to the Academy Awards for Best International Film.
After the death of the love of his life, English aFrom acclaimed filmmaker Goran Stolevski comes a story exploring the universal truths of family, both the ones we’re born into and the ones we find for ourselves. Dita never wanted to be a mother, but circumstances force her to raise her girlfriend’s two daughters, tiny troublemaker Mia and rebellious teen Vanesa. A battle of wills ensues as the three continue to butt heads and become an unlikely family that must fight to stay together. NYTimes Critic’s Pick
THOUSAND OAKS — The 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days is set hrough June 30 (dark, June 24 and 25) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.
Festival goers can enjoy carnival rides from Kastl Amusements plus midway games for all ages along with traditional fair foods. CVD features live rock and country bands including the Colette Lovejoy Band, 805 Social Club, The Tin Drum Family Band and Double Wide.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the War Department moved to mobilize Filipino men living in the United States who had been barred from service by law, despite a forty year history of Philippine Scout service in the Army. On December 21, 1941, the United States Congress passed the Filipino Naturalization Bill, allowing a Filipino combat unit to be formed.
Join us for an afternoon of cultural enrichment and culinary exploration as we delve into traditional and modern fusion Chumash recipes using native plant ingredients. This hands-on class will be a unique opportunity to learn from Chumash chefs hi ho stoqos?lo?q hi xus about the rich heritage and sustainable practices of the Chumash people. The event is free and open to all ages. A Spanish Interpreter will be present to interpret live.
We’re thrilled to announce our 2024 virtual conference for homebuyers across Central and Southern California is almost here!
Spring into action and mark your calendars for our workshops this month! From in-person workshops to webinars, we make it convenient for you to access the information you need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Join the City of Oxnard to learn how to take your business to the next level with a digital presence and by marketing on social media! Learn the tips of the trade with two expert presenters, Steve James and EDC Small Business Development Center advisor Wangari Njathi.
Attendance is at NO-COST, but registration is requested
Date: Wednesday, June 26 at 9:00 am
Address: Oxnard Public Library, 251 S. A Street – Room B
CLICK HERE to register
This performance marks the grand finale of their highly successful tour following the release of their critically acclaimed album, Notebook Fantasy, which the LA Times called “the arrival of what Chicano Batman was always meant to sound like.” It’s a huge full-circle moment for the guys, who grew up right here in LA. Check out their performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and their interview about the Forum on KTLA. Can you join us that night?
THOUSAND OAKS — The 68th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will feature 10 days of carnival rides, food and live entertainment. Dates are through June 30 (dark, June 24 and 25) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.
Kastl Amusements will operate over 15 rides plus midway games for all ages at CVD as well as offer traditional fair and specialty foods. The Thousand Oaks Elks Club will be serving tri-tip sandwiches and other favorites.
This year, CVD is bringing back its “Whiskeroo Contest” Sunday, June 23 at 3:00 p.m. on the CVD Carnival Stage. To enter, call or text Steve Comstock, Whiskeroo Contest organizer, at 805-908-2248. Contestants will have an opportunity to show off their beards in one of five categories: Longest Beard, Softest Beard, Best Moustache, Best Goatee and Best Overall Beard.
Set in France in 1889, the film follows the life of Dodin Bouffant as a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her.
Speaker: Danny Lewin, PhD, D.ABSM, CBSM
Board Sleep Doctor, Sleep Health & Wellness CenterDanny Lewin, Ph.D., D.ABSM, CBSM is a licensed clinical psychologist, sleep medicine researcher, clinician and pediatric psychologist. He was the founding director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Behavioral Medicine Program at Children’s National Hospital and an associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Danny served as the Director of Clinical Sleep Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, National Center on Sleep Research. He has published more than 50 articles and chapters. Danny is particularly honored to have served as a mentor and supervisor of hundreds of pre-and post-doctoral fellows in psychology, medicine, nursing and dentistry. He is passionate about educating providers and the public about sleep health.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Ventura’s Downtown District.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and continue into the Street Fair in Downtown Ventura. No registration is required.
This year’s Street Fair features artisan vendors, a car exhibit, live entertainment, a kids’ activity area, a corn hole zone, and more. Attendees can also enjoy Downtown’s local shops and outdoor dining as part of Main Street Moves.
SANTA BARBARA — Celebrate Independence Day with Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation’s free outdoor concert featuring Santa Barbara’s 75+ member Prime Time Band. The concert is on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens (1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).
Delight in an hour of patriotic and inspiring music! The musical lineup includes tributes to the Olympics and John Williams, as well as celebrations of the 100th anniversaries of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta celebration, and the Granada Theatre. Special guest vocalist Anikka Abbott, TV News Personality, will perform.
“Each year we look forward to gathering with the community to celebrate 4th of July and also reflect on those who have bravely fought and continue to fight for our cherished freedom,” said VFW Lifetime Member and PCVF co-founder Lt. John Blankenship (USN, former).
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, 2024 Summer Music Festival, which kicked off June 12 and runs through August 3 at the Music Academy’s idyllic campus — and throughout the stunning setting of the American Riviera in Santa Barbara, California — features nearly 130 live events including special performances by Lawrence Brownlee, Sasha Cooke, Jeremy Denk, Steven Isserlis, Leila Josefowicz, Richard O’Neill, as well as Bizet’s Carmen and a stunning Teaching Artists Showcase.
Enjoy an afternoon sipping on an assortment of Margaritas and eating delicious tacos, all while listening to a great lineup of live music!
Saturday, July 13, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Join us for the premiere of “Douglas Shively and Friends” at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, July 13! The exhibit features over 50 original artworks by historic Santa Paula artist Douglas Shively and friends, a group of painters who epitomize the Southern California fine art scene of the 1920s and ’30s, including Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, John Cotton, Lawrence Hinckley, Ralph Holmes, George Demont Otis, Paul Sample, F. Grayson Sayre, and Nell Walker Warner.
“Douglas Shively and Friends” will be on view from July 13, 2024, to November 3, 2024.
VENTURA — Experience the artistry of Zapotec weaving firsthand in a dynamic showcase and demonstration presented in collaboration with MICOP.
The artist in charge of these weaving workshops is Eduardo Jiménez. Jiménez is from Teotitlán del Valle, a town of 5,000 inhabitants, twenty miles from the city of Oaxaca, famous for its ancestral weavings. Jiménez’s style of weaving is extremely popular in Teotitlán del Valle and is one that uses the pedal loom, which was incorporated by the Spanish kingdom during the conquest of the Americas to speed up its process.
From butterflies to bullfrogs to bobcats, Oak Woodland habitats support thousands of animal species all over California. Inhabitants might find shelter in the open grasslands between trees, scattered shrubs, fallen logs, streams, and tree canopies. The wonders of this important habitat – its creatures, colors, and lines of the land – all inspire Julia Laraway’s collection of fabric collages and quilts featuring flora and fauna of the coastal oak woodland.
Lola (Franka Potente) answers a call from her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtru), a small-time courier for a big-time gangster. He has a problem: His boss is coming to pick up 100,000 Deutsche Marks in twenty minutes, and he doesn’t have the money. With Manni’s life on the line, Lola runs through the streets of Berlin to reach him and somehow pick up 100,000 marks along the way, making split-second decisions and encountering acquaintances, family, and strangers. As the clock ticks down, the tinies choices become life-altering (or life-ending), and the fine line between fate and fortune begins to blur.
VENTURA — In honor of our 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts award winners (view awardees HERE) , this garden fête and award ceremony will feature live music, specialty mocktails, a silent auction, remarks from MVC’s Chief Curator, private after-hours tours of the galleries, and a chance to meet the artists of InnoVision, MVC’s newest exhibition.
Registration is free and open to MVC members and invited guests only. This is an all-ages event. Membership will be confirmed for all registrations. To purchase or renew your MVC membership, please visit: www.venturamuseum.org/membership. Dress to impress!
MVC Members Register Here
Made Possible in part by Aera Energy
You are invited to the opening celebration of the exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/In Conversation. New commissions and existing work from fiber artists Tanya Aguiñiga and Porfirio Gutiérrez will be featured alongside Oaxacan textiles from the Fowler collection.
In the spirit of Guelaguetza, the Zapotec word for offering or reciprocity, the evening celebration will include an Indigenous welcome, live performance by Filarmónica Maqueos Music, and exhibition preview.
“Our Gala’s theme is centered around Hope and the funds we raise will provide support to victims of trauma to help end cycles of abuse and introduce hope into their lives with resources, programs and community” said Vanessa Melendrez Jimenez, Executive Development Officer of Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites the community to enjoy ice cream, shakes, floats, and friendly conversation at ‘Cones with a Cop.’ This sweet summertime event will be hosted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.…
ANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting community members to see and hear the newest addition to the college’s Boyd Concert Hall: a world-class concert piano.
The instrument, a Steinway Model D concert piano, is the overwhelming choice of the world’s greatest pianists and will make its debut during a Festival Mozaic Midday Mini-Concert at Boyd Hall in the college’s Fine Arts Complex (bldg. F) on July 25 from 12-1 p.m.
Enjoy jazz composed and performed by students in SBCC’s Summer Jazz program in a collaborative workshop with Grammy Award-winning composer and musician Ted Nash.
Inspired by works in the current exhibition A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection and Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree’s love of music and support of education.
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CAMARILLO — The Meadowlark Service League is hosting A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival this year on Sunday, July 28, from Noon – 4:30 pm, at the Camarillo Ranch. Exhibitor & Vendor spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest-running Wine, Food, and Brew Festival.
THOUSAND OAKS — It’s “The Season of Love” this summer as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company performs two of William Shakespeare’s most beloved plays: “Romeo and Juliet” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” The comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” kicks off the 27th Annual Shakespeare Festival with performances through July 7; “Romeo and Juliet” follows from July 12–28. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
This is the first time since 2012 that the nonprofit, professional theatre company of California Lutheran University has produced these two plays.
Perla Batalla
Friday, August 2, 2024
7:00 PM
Ventura College PAC
A festival favorite returns! Singer-songwriter Perla Batalla earns critical acclaim for her distinctive voice, emotional honesty, and culture-merging compositions.
Women who sign up for this event will have the opportunity to work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.
