The Oxnard Harbor District proudly celebrated Earth Day along side the MERITO Foundation at the Ventura Earth Day Festival in downtown Ventura.
The Port continues its charge to Zero Emissions by 2030 as we utilize electric cargo handling equipment, solar arrays, emissions capture barges, and real-time air quality monitoring.
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.
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.
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.
On Saturday, April 25 (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) and Sunday, April 26 (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Alameda Park will come alive for the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, one of the longest-running Earth Day gatherings in the country. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and CarpEvents, this free festival is a reminder of the reason we started this work 56 years ago: to empower our communities to take meaningful local action for the future of our Central Coast.
This year’s theme — Our Power, Our Planet — calls on all of us to stand together in support of clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and a thriving planet for generations to come. Amid federal rollbacks and climate challenges, this message resonates louder than ever.
Festival-goers can also enjoy live music, a plant-forward Food Court and Beer Garden (featuring reusable cups), a Kids Zone, and over 200 eco-friendly exhibitors throughout the festival. We invite you to step into the action and find the CEC team at:
More than 50 years ago, a devastating oil spill off our coast sparked a powerful movement.
In 1970, our community came together to organize one of the first Earth Day celebrations — and the Community Environmental Council was born.
This weekend, we will gather again.
Earth Day is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to demand change and build solutions.
But today, we are once again facing efforts to expand fossil fuels and roll back progress.
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.
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
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.
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.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Over 300 teens and their parents selected free prom attire at Prom Closets at the two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Prom Closets were held at the Simi Valley Family YMCA and Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village. Both Prom Closets were filled with donated, gently used and new formal wear for use by high schoolers at their prom.
For the past three years, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its branches have partnered with the Simi Valley Soroptimist Club to hold a Prom Closet at both YMCA sites.
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.
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.
SANTA BARBARA — The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB) is proud to announce the 12th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the accomplishments of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community. President Dr. Mary Jean Vignone and President-Elect Annika Jensen will be co-hosting an engaging luncheon to honor nine incredible winners.
The event will take place on April 30, 2026, at The Leta Hotel (Tapestry Collection by Hilton) in Goleta. This year’s theme, “Business in Bloom”, celebrates the remarkable growth, resilience, and impact of the women in the Santa Barbara community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Researchers in Ania Bleszynski Jayich’s lab use a mechanical resonator to enable greater entanglement for potentially more powerful sensors.
Read more about the diamonds
SANTA BARBARA — Following a multi-year effort to gather images of paintings by one of Santa Barbara’s best known and most beloved plein air painters, Sullivan Goss is proud to announce the publication of the first hardbound monograph devoted to the art of MEREDITH BROOKS ABBOTT.
Beautifully bound in sage green linen with soft gold debossed type and with 145 full color plates plus assorted illustrations, the gallery hopes that the book will be as treasured as the artist has been over her long career. Almost six decades of painting are represented.
The time you all have been waiting for has arrived!
The Arte Del Pueblo Application is now OPEN. Click the link HERE to access it.
Friendly reminder.
– Please read the application in its entirety before submitting.
– Make sure all your information is correct. What ends up being submitted is what we will end up printing on your artwork’s label.
– Completing this application DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in the exhibition. You MUST drop off your artwork on a drop off date.
LOMPOC — Colorful murals, crave-worthy wines, and fresh-air adventures—all without breaking the bank.
Set between rolling hills and the Pacific, Lompoc is your launchpad for adventure. Explore the charming downtown, sip local wines, hike scenic trails, or catch a rocket lighting up the sky from nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Things to Do That Won’t Break the Bank
Lompoc offers plenty of memorable experiences that don’t require a big budget. From outdoor adventures to local culture, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy.
Historic and Cultural Experiences: La Purísima Mission
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park is one of California’s most fully restored Spanish missions, set amid rolling hills and oak-studded landscapes.
Support CoLAB – Become a Sponsor!
Help support THE non-profit organization
that advocates tirelessly for you, your business,
and the residents of Ventura County
Purchase your sponsorship today!
OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will officially launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant public celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District—bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic kickoff event on Wednesday, April 1 at the Oxnard Transit Center.
Hosted by the City of Oxnard, Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will transform the Transit Center into a lively hub of creativity. Attendees will experience interactive art activations, live performances, and a special lowrider on exhibit—alongside refreshments and opportunities to connect with the artists and organizations shaping the district.
First Thursdays Food Trucks rolls back into Plaza Park on April 2nd, launching the 2026 season with an all-out, big hair, new wave, neon night, ’80s-throwback party featuring live music by The Beta Macks. The food truck lineup is a savory and sweet fleet of the best mobile eats in the 805. And don’t forget to hit up the makers market – imagine it like The Galleria Mall – you’ll see all your friends there!
The organization has elected Shelly Gable, David Morrison, Javier Read de Alaniz and Kelly Caylor to its 2025 class of fellows.
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) at our Earth Month events to jump into the local climate movement, connect with your community, and take meaningful action together. From festivals and celebrations to lectures and workshops — there’s something for everyone. Browse the full April events line-up below.
County of Ventura appoints new Director of the Health Care Agency
Dr. John Fankhauser has been appointed Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Fankhauser has served as the Interim Director for the Health Care Agency since January 2026. Prior to his role as Interim Director for the Health Care Agency, Fankhauser served as Chief Executive Officer for the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and Santa Paula Hospital since 2019, a role he continued to hold while also serving as the Interim Director.
“Dr. Fankhauser has consistently shown a deep commitment to public service, paired with the depth of expertise needed to lead complex medical systems,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “His leadership in managing large-scale health care operations and his deep commitment to addressing community needs positions Dr. Fankhauser to make a meaningful and continued positive impact on our health care system. His record of strong health care leadership and experience make him exceptionally well-prepared to serve as the Director for the Health Care Agency.”
Click here for the entire media release en español SANTA MARIA — An Allan Hancock College piano faculty member is taking her talents to one of the world’s most prestigious stages after winning an international music competition with a fellow…
We are thrilled to announce that Arte del Pueblo is returning to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara for its third year and this summer, we are going bigger than ever.
Estamos emocionados de anunciar que Arte del Pueblo regresa al Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Santa Barbara para su tercer año ¡y este verano lo haremos más grande que nunca!
Led by UCSB researchers, a pioneering, multi-campus initiative brings natural history collections into the era of AI, big data and networked databases.
Read more about the Big Bee Project
Researchers join an international effort to better understand early biological influences on neurodevelopment.
ORT HUENEME — The City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme successfully hosted their third annual Sea Splash Color Dash 5K this weekend, drawing a vibrant crowd of community members for a day centered on wellness, connection, and coastal fun.
More than 800 participants gathered at Hueneme Beach before setting off along the coastal scenic beachfront course, running, walking, and celebrating as they were doused in colorful powder along the route. The high-energy event brought together families, local organizations, and visitors of all ages.
THOUSAND OAKS — From coastal landscapes to quiet family moments, 150 photographs submitted by residents across Ventura County and neighboring communities will debut this month in THRIVE: Ventura County, a community photography exhibition exploring themes of hope, connection, and well-being across the region. Selected from more than 250 submissions by photographers of all ages and backgrounds, the exhibition offers a collective portrait of what it means to thrive in our communities.
Presented by TOArts in partnership with SeeingHappy, a global nonprofit that uses photography and positive psychology to foster belonging and well-being, THRIVE: Ventura County is designed as a true community collaboration—bringing together artists, residents, nonprofit organizations, libraries, local businesses, and cultural partners to celebrate creativity as a pathway to connection and well-being. The initiative is also TOArts’ first fully bilingual (English-Spanish) arts project, expanding participation and accessibility across the region’s diverse communities.
Groups move swiftly nationwide to remove images, honors for César Chávez, while others promote access to sexual assault and mental health counseling services
By Frank X. Moraga • www.Amigos805.com © 2025
OXNARD — Oxnard is joining other cities nationwide in renaming their annual César Chávez celebration in light of the sexual assault allegations linked to the late farm labor leader.
“March for Justice! March for Farmworkers rights! Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. The events starts at 3:30 pm.,” according to a Facebook post by Javier Gomez, founder of the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard.
Since early this month, cities across the nation either canceled or renamed their celebrations ahead of the labor leader’s birthday on March 31, 2026. Their actions followed news of a potential explosive story by a national publication that was first reported by the San Antonio Express-News on March 6, 2026. The reports focused on revelations of a “sensitive matter” involving Chavez.
Those reports were confirmed when an extensive story by the New York Times was published on March 18 detailing allegations of years of sexual abuse by Chavez of minors and sexual assault incidents involving farmworkers rights labor leader Dolores Huerta. Huerta confirmed those assaults in the story.
OXNARD — The Oxnard arts community will launch Arts, Culture & Creativity Month this April with a vibrant celebration of the newly designated Downtown Oxnard Cultural District, bringing together artists, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders for a dynamic public kickoff event.
Hosted by the City of Oxnard, the Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA), and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC), the event will take place at the John C. Zaragoza Transit Center is an inspired and accessible venue that reflects the district’s creativity through large-scale murals, interactive pop-up art experiences, and locally crafted offerings, including bespoke coffee from Dolce Vita.
At a partnership summit hosted by the nonprofit REACH, leaders from across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties convened on campus with an eye toward collaboration and innovation.
VENTURA — The Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is available online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide. Registration begins Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, Room 226, 501 Poli Street. Registration information and policies are on page 7.
The Museum of Ventura County’s Board of Directors and staff are proud to celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our organization and community. Dr. Sevet Johnson, MVC Board Member, and Elena Brokaw, MVC’s Barbara Barnard Smith CEO, have each been recognized as 2026 Women of the Year.
View in Browser Music Academy of the West announces 2026 Summer Music Festival & School American Mosaic: The 79th annual Summer Music Festival celebrates American voices, June 17–August 8 in Santa Barbara Subscriptions on sale April 9 Individual tickets…
“Mo(u)rning Earth,” featuring lead artist Vanessa Morrow, is one in a series of art exhibitions addressing mental health that is part of VibeWell Ventura County, a county-wide initiative that uses art and culture to raise awareness of mental health conditions. This show’s theme invites artists to consider the/their physical environment and the idea that processing grief or loss through arts can transform “mourning” into the “morning” of a new dawn/day.
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Manifest Destinitis? (The political comedy satire) is an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
Be the first to see our all-new exhibit on Saturday, March 14! Santa Paula artist Cornelis Botke (1887-1954) is best remembered as a master etcher whose work earned international acclaim and entered the collections of the California State Library, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Yet from childhood, Botke’s greatest ambition was to be a painter.
The first comprehensive museum survey of the Vietnamese American artist brings together more than 70 works spanning 25 years of research-driven practice.
Read more about the exhibition
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village announces a wave of new visitor amenities in 2026. Situated just off scenic Highway 1 and the 101 freeway, the waterfront destination invites locals and travelers alike to take in the views and soak up the waterfront lifestyle with expanded dining, new artsy retailers and wine releases, beauty collaborations and more, making Ventura Harbor Village a must-visit coastal hotspot.
“These exciting additions reflect the spirit of Ventura Harbor Village – creative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the coastal experience,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “In 2026, we’re delighted to offer even more ways for guests to eat, sip, relax, and enjoy the Harbor seaside.”
