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Category: Cultural
UCSB — The Current — ‘Grackle research reveals behavioral flexibility and adaptation in action’
With the Grackle Project, researcher Corina Logan is trying to understand how the highly social birds adapt to a variety of human-made environments.
Read more about grackles
Bilingual report — City of Ventura launches Small Business Week with events supporting local businesses
VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is celebrating Small Business Week, May 4-8, with a series of events and opportunities designed to support and connect the local business community.
“Small businesses are a vital part of Ventura’s economy and what makes our community unique,” said Meredith Hart, Economic Development Manager for the City of Ventura. “We’re committed to providing the resources, connections, and tools they need to succeed.”
Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks seeks volunteer engagement advisor to strengthen community impact
THOUSAND OAKS — Senior Concerns is seeking an experienced business or community leader to serve as a Volunteer Engagement Advisor, in pro bono leadership role designed to support and strengthen its network of more than 440 volunteers.
The organization invites retired or semi-retired professionals looking to give back in a meaningful way to contribute approximately 10 hours per week in a flexible, collaborative environment.
Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) e-newsletter April 2026
Earlier this month, the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft made history, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. It was special to follow Pilot Victor Glover among them, as the fourth Cal Poly SLO fellow alumni who studied in our organization’s headquarters home town, and went on to become an astronaut. Like many others, I had the privilege of listening live to the transmissions between the astronauts 252,760 miles from home and the science team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The technology enabling that achievement was extraordinary of course, but what struck me most was not the machinery – it was the communication.
Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is pleased to announce auditions for its upcoming Summer 2026 production of the classic Oscar Wilde comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. Preliminary auditions will be held Tuesday, May 12, from 3:30–6 p.m. and Wednesday, May 13, from 6–10 p.m., with callbacks on Thursday, May 14, from 6–10 p.m. in the Studio Theatre, Room PA-100, of the Performing Arts Center on the Moorpark College campus.
Anyone interested in auditioning should be prepared to read from the script from audition sides posted on the Moorpark College Theatre Arts website at:moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/theatre-arts/auditions-and-rehearsals.
Ventura College celebrates with ‘Onward!’ event this Thursday, April 30 — Honoring legendary comic artists The Brothers Hernandez
VENTURA — Ventura College invites the community to Onward! A Legacy of Heritage and Hope, a centennial celebration on Thursday, April 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wright Event Center at Ventura College.
The evening will launch a printed anthology featuring creative work from alumni, students, and community members — and will honor five outstanding Ventura College alumni with the inaugural VC Heritage & Hope Award.
The City of Ventura highlights Bicycle Safety Month with coordinated safety efforts
UCSB — The Current — ‘Sociologist Waverly Duck tapped to lead prominent journal’ and more news, events
For the first time in the journal’s history, a UCSB professor sits at the helm of Sociology of Race & Ethnicity, a flagship publication and the most widely read outside the discipline.
Read more about Duck’s work
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
HOW TO IMPORT COFFEE INTO THE UNITED STATES
May 1 @ 9:00 am
This session focuses on the operational and regulatory aspects of starting a coffee business that sources and imports its own coffee. Participants will learn how coffee moves from origin to the U.S., what is required to import legally, and how to structure their supply chain efficiently. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Pueblo & Co × Pipiripau announces Tickets Running LOW! for ‘The Mexican Standoff’ on May 1 in Oxnard
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presenting FREE Webinar Series for small businesses ‘Work Smarter, Grow Stronger with AI’ May 21 through June 30
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) will present a FREE Webinar Series for small businesses ‘Work Smarter, Grow Stronger with AI’ May 21 through June 30 including AI 101 for Small Business; Google AI Tools for Growth and Scale: The Small Business AI Toolkit; more…
Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Alumni Performance Awardee Sun-Ly Pierce
SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West continues its commitment to supporting its alumni as they advance their careers and proudly announces mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as the recipient of the 2026 Alumni Performance Award, sponsored by Kandy Budgor and the Luria/Budgor Family Foundation. As part of the award, the Music Academy will present Pierce’s professional debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2027, featuring the world premiere of a Music Academy commission by Carlos Simon.
Bilingual report — Update regarding sewage discharge affecting Port Hueneme and Oxnard beaches
OXNARD —The Ventura County Environmental Health Division has collected ocean water samples from the public beaches affected by the sewage release that occurred on April 21, 2026. The samples collected on April 23, 2026, indicate that the beaches from Port Hueneme Beach Park south to the Point Mugu Naval Base meet State ocean water quality standards and are now open. All beaches previously closed due to the sewage release have been re-opened, and warning signs have been removed.
CSUCI to confer honorary doctorates on regional leaders Javier Gomez and Cynthia Herrera
CAMARILLO — California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) will honor two distinguished leaders whose contributions have advanced education, culture, and community impact across Ventura County. Mr. Javier Gomez and Dr. Cynthia Herrera will receive honorary doctorates at CSUCI’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 23.
“It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Javier Gomez and Dr. Cynthia Herrera, whose lifelong dedication to education, culture, and community has uplifted countless individuals across our region,” said CSUCI Interim President Susan Andrzejewski. “Their work reflects the heart of CSU Channel Islands, and their stories will inspire our graduates to lead with purpose and compassion.”
Bilingual commentary — The Blessings and Burdens of a Home
We often hear of the plight of young people who are despairing of ever owning a home. We can’t blame them. It is not because they “don’t work hard enough.” Many of them, I’m sure, work longer hours than some of us in the boomer generation ever did. But we boomers grew up in very different economic times. We were riding the winds of a post-war boom that formed a very favorable backdrop for our economic lives.
The keys of a first home represent “adulthood” and the ultimate fulfillment of the American Dream. The milestone is celebrated with parties and social media high-fives. But what many younger people may not thoroughly understand is that a home is both a blessing and a burden.
TOArts launches Junior Creators Conservatory for middle school artists
THOUSAND OAKS — TOArts is launching the Junior Creators Conservatory, its first program designed specifically for middle school students, creating a new entry point for young artists to explore and develop their creativity.
The new program expands TOArts’ commitment to building a continuous arts pathway, from early exposure to pre-professional training, by offering students earlier access to mentorship, skill-building, and creative exploration. Designed for students not yet eligible for the high school-focused Creators Conservatory, the Junior Conservatory fills a critical gap in arts education at a formative stage.
40th Annual California Strawberry Festival offers strawberry treats and family fun
VENTURA — The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival is the ultimate experience for strawberry lovers. It is filled with tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides, an artisan and crafters area, and other activities, all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Last Lotus Bloom Circle Series Session this Friday!
As we are halfway through the week I just want to hop on here an remind you all of the closing session of the Lotus Bloom Circle Series facilitated by wellness artist Khaatia Vantiger.
Session 4: The Blossoms – Legacy/Community
UCSB — The Current — ‘Clean’ beauty products for textured hair often contain hidden hazards’ and more news, events
New research suggests that for consumers with textured hair, the “clean” label may not always equal “chemical-free.”
Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Speak Out (April 21) to protect families’ Housing
Time is running out. The deadline to weigh in on a major federal housing proposal is tomorrow – and what happens next could determine whether thousands of families can stay in their homes. The Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant families are spreading to impact affordable housing for children and others living in mixed-status homes.
Right now, federal policy allows families with mixed immigration status to stay together and receive housing assistance for members of the family who are eligible. The new proposed policy would end that.
If finalized, it would shift to an “all-or-nothing” rule: If even one person in a household isn’t eligible, the entire family could lose housing assistance.
UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB’s David Gross wins Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics’ and more news, events
Popularly known as the “Oscars® of Science,” the award honors scientists whose discoveries are significantly driving growth of human knowledge.
Read more about the prize
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule
IN-PERSON: STOP GUESSING: UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS NUMBERS WITH QUICKBOOKS REPORTS
April 21 @ 8:30 am
QuickBooks Online can generate dozens of reports, but which ones truly matter for running and growing your business? Join SCORE Ventura, City of Ventura, Accelerate CA and Economic Development Collaborative in this practical workshop, business owners will learn how to create and interpret the most important financial reports on QuickBooks Online. Whether you are new to QuickBooks or have been using it for years, understanding your financial reports is essential for making informed decisions and managing your business with confidence. Participants will explore a few of the most critical reports every business owner should review regularly and learn how to interpret the numbers behind them. Check-in: 8:00 am – Coffee and Pastries Provided; Event starts at 8:30 am. Address: Ventura City Hall | 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001 | Community Room. #202. Price: FREE.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bilingual report — Former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera to visit Allan Hancock College for reading and workshop
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College will welcome acclaimed poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera for a special poetry reading and community zine workshop April 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus.
The free event, which is open to the public, will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s most influential literary voices and participate in a collaborative, hands-on creative workshop.
Herrera, the son of farmworkers, was born in Fowler, California, and has spent more than five decades shaping American poetry through his writing, teaching, and community engagement. He served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2015 to 2017, becoming the first Mexican American to hold the position, and previously served as California’s Poet Laureate.
Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas 34th Anniversary / 34 Aniversario, more news
Teatro de las Américas
34th Anniversary
Dinner/Concert Fundraiser
Teatro de las Américas is celebrating its 34th anniversary as the only organization dedicated to Spanish-language theater on the Central Coast, and we invite friends, volunteers, and anyone interested in supporting the arts and culture in our community to join us for our annual benefit event.
Bilingual commentary — Modern Echoes of the Apollo Program
Watching Artemis II loop around the Moon and come home felt like I too had “come home.” Some of us in my generation used to get up at 3 a.m. to watch the electrifying launches of the missions with god-like names: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. We would watch with focused fascination the black-and-white images on our small TV screens, never imagining that our grandchildren some 50 years later would be seeing mesmerizing high-definition, full-color feeds of the lunar surface on large high-tech screens during their moonshot. It all felt like a powerful injection of déjà vu. It wasn’t just about the hardware or the physics; it was that energy of the thrill of returning to the Moon.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura employees mark milestones across decades of public impact
VENTURA — More than six centuries of public service were recognized this week as the County of Ventura honored 24 employees reaching career milestones of 25 to 35 years. Their combined 660 years of service reflect decades of experience supporting essential programs and services across the county. The recognition took place during the April 14 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Museum of Ventura County — Two exhibitions ending April 26
The Museum of Ventura County extends beyond its galleries. Through community events, school tours, and outreach programs, we connect with people across Ventura County in ways that spark curiosity.
Over the past 12 months, we have reached more than 10,000 people through these experiences. Communities come together to share and reflect. Students see their local history in a new way. Families engage with one another through hands-on activities.
This is what the Museum does. We connect people through the shared stories of Ventura County.
Bilingual report — Election observation schedule released for June 2, 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Elections Division released its Election Observation Schedule, outlining the dates, times, and descriptions of observable activities, for the upcoming June 2nd election.
13th annual Ventura County Farm Day draws large crowds
VENTURA — The 13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day drew over 7,300 visitors to 18 local farms, ranches and agricultural venues across Ventura County. The number of visitors for the April 11 event was the largest since the annual event began.
Almost 10,000 vegetable seedlings donated by Plantel Nurseries were distributed at Duda Farms and Petty Ranch, two participating farms.
California Nature Art Museum welcomes Jessica Tade as new executive director
SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) is pleased to welcome Jessica Tade as the organization’s new executive director. In this role, Tade will provide strategic leadership as she guides the museum through its next phase of growth and impact.
“We are thrilled that Jessica will be bringing her vast experience and leadership to the California Nature Art Museum as we begin the next chapter of our storied history,” said CalNAM Board President Kevin Patterson. “Her vision and creativity will continue to grow the museum’s impact, deepen our connection with the community, and inspire greater appreciation for the intersection of art and the natural world. We are confident that under her leadership, CalNAM will reach new heights and build on its legacy as a vibrant cultural and educational resource.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘How information disorder shapes global politics’ and more news, events
n a media environment where creating content and spreading false or misleading material is easy, perception is everything. Political scientist Julia Morse examines how these dynamics play out in the international arena.
Bilingual report — 805 UNCOCUFund — Urgent: Stop the $460M Jail Expansion – Protect Our Immigrant Community
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is currently considering a massive $460 million proposal (including long-term financing and staffing) to expand the North Branch Jail by 1½ housing units, adding 384 beds. We are calling on the Board to reject this overreach and limit the addition to just one housing unit (256 beds).
The Board’s current plan would more than double the capacity of the Santa Maria jail, locking our County into decades of crushing debt and soaring operational costs. Our County is facing $23 million in cuts to social and safety-net programs next fiscal year and a $66 million deficit over the next 5 years.
The Human Cost: A Devastating Blow to Our Immigrant Community
Beyond the fiscal irresponsibility, this expansion poses a direct threat to our immigrant neighbors. Our jails already hold many non-violent residents, including those struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, who do not need to be incarcerated to ensure public safety.
Meet the Development Team at the Museum of Ventura County
Hi, I’m Heather Williams, Chief Development Officer at the Museum of Ventura County.
First and foremost, thank you for your support of the Museum. It’s people like you who help keep our mission, vision, and purpose alive.
I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and our team. You may know our Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, Elena Brokaw, but you may not know us, the development team. We’re the ones who call to thank you for your donations, send your tax letters, answer your membership questions, and most importantly, build and sustain the funding plan for the Museum of Ventura County.
Our small but mighty team wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. Each quarter, we’ll send an email like this one highlighting wins that you, our MVC community, made possible.
‘Let Us Entertain You Seaside’ with free live music all month long at Ventura Harbor Village
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is setting the stage for a menagerie of free, family-friendly, live weekly music throughout April 2026 on the seaside Promenade Stage at the waterfront. The ongoing music series showcases a dockside selection of top-notch musicians who present a variety of genres, including Pop, Rock and coastal surf rock.
Enjoy the perfect coastal day with live music from 1 – 4 PM. Relax by the water as talented local musicians set the scene with a mix of lively and
laid-back tunes.
Whether you’re dining at a waterfront restaurant or simply soaking up the ocean breeze, the vibrant music adds the perfect soundtrack to your visit.
Bilingual report — Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Report: Potential storm water runoff contamination
VENTURA — As part of the Ventura County Ocean Water Quality Monitoring Program, the Environmental Health Division (Division) is providing the following precautionary information to the public. Rainfall that is significant enough to result in runoff can flow into storm drains, channels, creeks, and rivers that empty onto the beaches of Ventura County. In general, 0.2 inches (2 tenths of an inch) of rainfall may be enough to create significant runoff conditions.
Santa Paula Art Museum — Celebrate 16 years with us: Anniversary party & fundraiser on April 18
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Plein Air Anniversary Party on the outdoor patio at Parque 1055! Celebrate 16 years of art, community, and creativity as we honor the Shively, Clark, and Gunderson families for their incredible longstanding support.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails while watching live painting by several of our Cole Creativity Center teaching artists, and bid on their original works in a silent auction. All proceeds support the Museum’s arts education programs, which provide 1,600 hours of arts instruction to more than 6,000 K-12 students every year.
Bilingual report — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara x DJ Javier Tee Dropping Soon
Hi Friends!
I have a cool announcement for you!
In honor of DJ Javier’s exhibition San Milano Drive, we are so happy to be launching our very own MCASB x DJ Javier t-shirt!
This tee will only be available for $35 at pre-sale, so make sure to get yours now.
Pre-sale ends April 20th, price will go up to $45.
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Final Call: Spring Climate Stewards Course starts this Wednesday!
The Central Coast is counting on people like you to step up for a climate-safe future. CEC’s Climate Stewards Certification Program, in partnership with the University of California Environmental Stewards program, gives you the tools to launch and lead climate solutions in your neighborhood. Starting this Wednesday, April 15, join a cohort of community members, professionals, students, and retirees who are done waiting on the sidelines and ready to lead.
Bilingual report — Santa Paula City Council opts not to advance cannabis ballot measure
SANTA PAULA — At a Special Meeting held on April 6, 2026, the Santa Paula City Council convened at the Community Center to consider the feasibility of placing a potential ballot measure before voters related to the regulation of commercial cannabis activities within the City. Ultimately, the City Council voted 4-1 not to place the measure on the upcoming November ballot.
The discussion was aligned with the City Council’s Strategic Goal of Economic Development, as permitting commercial cannabis activities, specifically retail storefronts, would provide opportunities to increase the City’s revenue base, create local jobs, and activate vacant commercial spaces.
Bilingual report — Ventura’s Music Under the Stars tickets go on sale May 12
VENTURA — Music Under the Stars returns to the Olivas Adobe Historical Park this summer with eight outdoor concerts on Saturdays from July through August. Tickets go on sale May 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST.
The City encourages people to purchase tickets online, as many concerts sell out quickly. While tickets are also available by phone or in person, please note that customer service may not be able to accommodate all requests promptly due to high demand. Purchasing tickets online ensures the fastest and most reliable way to secure seats.
Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) — From the Fields to Fair Pay: New report demands change
SANTA MARIA – Alianza Campesina (on April 8) held a press conference to unveil new statewide research. The report builds on years of organizing led by Central Coast farmworkers fighting for living wages and safer, more dignified workplaces.
“Just a week ago, California took a step in the right direction, identifying March 31st as Farmworker Day, but now that everyone has collectively recognized the importance of celebrating farmworkers across the state, we need to follow up with action because farmworkers need more than just celebration. They need a living wage, and that is why we are gathered here today, to demonstrate that implementing a living wage is viable and is long overdue,” Erica Diaz Cervantes, Associate Policy Director with CAUSE.
Bilingual commentary — Humanoid Robots and the Future of Work
We are all generally aware that the explosion of AI in our lives represents both a blessing and a threat. Some of the dangers are real, and some are imagined. We might also be conscious of the currently outsized impact that AI is having on white-collar careers such as computer programming.
But whereas the college-bound and college graduates are particularly acutely aware of the disruptive nature of AI, it’s beginning to dawn on many of us that the threat we’re sensing is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
Santa Barbara Education Foundation — How student grants keep cultural traditions alive through dance
SANTA BARBARA — For Santa Barbara High School student Ofelia Jarabo, dance is more than just a performance. It’s a celebration of culture, history, and community. When she stepped into the role of president of the Baile Folklórico Club, she was determined to keep the tradition alive on campus.
But with the need for traditional skirts and transportation funding for performances, the challenge seemed overwhelming. That’s when Jarabo discovered the Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s Student Grants program.
Thanks to the grant, the club was able to purchase traditional skirts that not only enhance performances but also deepen students’ connection to their cultural heritage. For Jarabo, the impact goes beyond just costumes.
Bilingual report — County of Ventura marks Mountain Fire recovery milestone with first rebuilt home cleared for occupancy
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has issued the first certificate of occupancy for a home rebuilt following the Mountain Fire, marking a significant step forward in the community’s recovery. The fire, which started November 6, 2024, burned through unincorporated Camarillo and surrounding areas, destroying 182 homes and damaging additional structures. The disaster displaced hundreds of residents and launched a long-term recovery effort involving multiple county agencies and community partners.
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) announces 2026 Environmental Heroes ahead of Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival (April 25-26)
SANTA BARBARA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) has announced its 2026 Environmental Heroes, honoring Megan Birney Rudert and Assemblymember Gregg Hart for their leadership and innovation in advancing climate solutions. The awards will be presented at the 56th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, returning to Alameda Park April 25–26, 2026.
One of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country—and among the largest on the West Coast—the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is a beloved community tradition that brings together thousands of attendees for a weekend of environmental action, education, and celebration. The free, two-day event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
UCSB — The Current — ‘To advance quantum technology, miniaturization is the name of the game’ and more news, events
UC Santa Barbara’s Top News & Featured Events
April 9, 2026
? Top News
Daniel Blumenthal in his lab
To advance quantum technology, miniaturization is the name of the game
Daniel Blumenthal’s research group is working to shrink large lasers, optical components and quantum optical light-matter experiments down to the size of a deck of cards.
CLU School of Management — 2026 Housing Conference Coverage now available
CESI’s 2026 conference, “California’s Housing Crisis: Roots of the Problem and What Lies Ahead,” is now fully available—bringing together opening remarks, cutting-edge research, a dynamic panel, and candid Q&A throughout.
Explore three short highlight videos tackling housing affordability, economic inequality, and the mounting pressures facing communities across California.
This is more than a recap—it’s a call to action. Join the conversation, challenge the status quo, and help drive the long-overdue change Californians deserve.
ReFrame 2026: A Day of Inspiration, Advocacy, and Skill-Building for Ventura County’s Creative Community to be held April 12
CAMARILLO — Ventura County’s artists, cultural leaders, and creative entrepreneurs are invited to gather for ReFrame, a one-day convening designed to strengthen the region’s creative economy and support the people who power it. The 3rd annual event is taking place Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIArt) in Camarillo. It brings together creatives from across the county to learn, connect, and explore how arts and culture can drive both community wellbeing and economic vitality.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — The Art World Can’t Stop Talking About This Essay
In case you missed it,
The art world has this essay on repeat, have you read it? Would love to hear your thoughts.
“American art is suffering a polycrisis that combines a lack of belief in and support for its artists born after 1975, the structural de-centering of artists in the art industry, and the subsequent stagnation and possible breakdown of formal innovation in art.” New York Real Estate and the Ruin of American Art by Josh Kline