Category: Entertainment

Habitat Ventura and volunteers honor Military and Veterans at 4th Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America

by  •  • Comments Off on Habitat Ventura and volunteers honor Military and Veterans at 4th Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America

VENTURA — More than 150 volunteers and community partners gathered to honor Veterans at Bank of America’s Corporate Office for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s Fourth Annual Playhouse Build Blitz, presented by Bank of America. Teams of volunteers worked side by side for 5+ hours painting and decorating children’s playhouses, each tailored to the interests of a local military family. By the afternoon, families arrived to receive their new playhouses, complete with themes ranging from dinosaurs and gardens to princess castles. In all, 18 families and their children experienced the joy of receiving a playhouse built just for them.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Vast collection of historic American music released via UCSB Library partnership with Dust-to-Digital Foundation’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Vast collection of historic American music released via UCSB Library partnership with Dust-to-Digital Foundation’ and more news, events

Thousands of rare and uniquely American songs from the Jazz Age and the Great Depression are available for free listening.

Read more →

Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases 13th Ventura Voices episode highlighting community sustainability programs. Hosted by Alejandra Belalcázar

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — City of Ventura releases 13th Ventura Voices episode highlighting community sustainability programs. Hosted by Alejandra Belalcázar

VENTURA — The City of Ventura has released a new episode of Ventura Voices titled “All Things Sustainability: Ventura’s Community Programs in Action.” Hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar, the episode explores how Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division has evolved from its early recycling initiatives in the 1990s into a multifaceted team leading communitywide efforts in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.

Read more →

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Thrive Together: Entrepreneurs Supporting Youth in Ventura County

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Thrive Together: Entrepreneurs Supporting Youth in Ventura County

Join City Impact for their Thrive Together Fundraising Event to celebrate local entrepreneurs driving change and enjoy a powerful art show created by the young artists within the community. This event is more than a gathering. It’s a commitment to uplifting entrepreneurs, empowering youth and strengthening the community.

Your presence supports opportunities that spark innovation, fuel creativity and build a brighter future.

Location: Sterling Hills Golf Club, 901 Sterling Hills Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010
Date and time: Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Pricing: $85

For more information, CLICK HERE

Read more →

75th annual Santa Paula holiday parade honors hometown Veteran, youth sports coach Rey Frutos on Nov. 28

by  •  • Comments Off on 75th annual Santa Paula holiday parade honors hometown Veteran, youth sports coach Rey Frutos on Nov. 28

SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula’s cherished holiday tradition returns as the 75th Annual Santa Paula Holiday Parade lights up Main Street on Friday, November 28, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM — one of the only nighttime parades in Ventura County with nearly 50 floats and vehicles lit up with holiday cheer. This year’s parade honors Grand Marshal Rey Frutos, known in the community for his lifelong dedication, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Santa Paula youth. His leadership and commitment to service embody the true spirit of the holidays — giving back and lifting others.

Read more →

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season

by  •  • Comments Off on Join Hospice of Santa Barbara in celebrating 42nd annual Light Up a Life ceremonies, honoring loved ones this holiday season

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is honored to invite the community to its 42nd Annual Light Up a Life ceremonies. This cherished holiday tradition returns to offer a warm, uniting space for the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria to remember and honor the loved ones whose absence is felt during the holiday season. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it frequently stirs a complex mix of feelings. For individuals navigating this time while grieving a loss, the emotions can be especially raw. HSB understands that this period requires both remembrance and support, which is why we proudly host Light Up a Life annually to honor those who are deeply missed.

Read more →

Community Invited to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery on Nov. 11

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Invited to the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery on Nov. 11

This year will feature the first ever performance of “The Veteran,” by Barry De Vorzon. De Vorzon is an American composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He co-founded recording studio Valiant Records and made a name for himself as a film and television score composer, becoming a Grammy Award winner, Academy Award nominee, and a six-time Daytime Emmy Award winner. His tune, “Nadia’s Theme,” was released by A&M Records for the television soap opera The Young and the Restless, hitting No. 8 on the U.S. Top 40 that year. The title “Nadia’s Theme” was given to the song after the ABC television network used it in a montage of gymnast Nadia Com?neci’s performances during the 1976 Olympics. He later composed the tune, “It’s Christmas Once Again in Santa Barbara,” in honor of the town and the people he learned to love after moving to California from New York City. The song was later re-recorded with various other city names, including San Diego and San Francisco.

Read more →

Bilingual report — Donate gifts to Ventura’s Santa to a Senior program

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Donate gifts to Ventura’s Santa to a Senior program

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to help spread holiday cheer by participating in the annual Santa to a Senior program. Beginning Thursday, November 13, through Wednesday, December 10, 2025, community members can donate gifts to help brighten the season for local seniors aged 60 and above who are connected to the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Senior Nutrition Program.

Read more →

SEEAG’s “Christmas On The Ranch” fundraiser offers fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern California to support youth agriculture programs

by  •  • Comments Off on SEEAG’s “Christmas On The Ranch” fundraiser offers fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern California to support youth agriculture programs

“We know it’s a financially difficult time for many families,” said Caitlin Paulus Case, SEEAG executive director. “While the costs of Christmas trees are going up everywhere, we wanted to offer trees at a lower price, so they are more affordable.”

Read more →

Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Halloween Disco was a success because of YOU!

by  •  • Comments Off on Friendship Center Adult Day Services — Halloween Disco was a success because of YOU!

success! With nearly 120 guests, Halloween Disco was a night to remember, filled with incredible dance moves, tasty treats, fun company, and the best costumes around. Because of your generosity we were SO close to reaching our goal, in the end raising $56,239 to directly support our programs.

Know that it is not to late to donate during our Fall Fundraising campaign! It could be YOU who closes our gap to goal, ensuring our compassionate and engaging care for seniors living with dementia continues strong! If you did not get a chance to donate yet this season, or had a blast booging the night away at Halloween Disco DONATE HERE.

Read more →

Time is running out to get your tickets for Port Hueneme’s Casa De Vida 20th anniversary fundraising dinner on Nov. 8

by  •  • Comments Off on Time is running out to get your tickets for Port Hueneme’s Casa De Vida 20th anniversary fundraising dinner on Nov. 8

Just Days Away — Celebrate 20 Years of Hope!” Time is running out to be part of this special evening! Join us Saturday for Casa De Vida’s 20th Anniversary Dinner & Silent Auction at Ventura Missionary Church. Your support helps…

Read more →

Santa Paula Art Museum — Free Family Day: Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Paula Art Museum — Free Family Day: Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2

Sunday, November 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at three locations in downtown Santa Paula on Sunday, November 2! Visit the Santa Paula Art Museum, Santa Paula Cemetery, and the Agriculture Museum and enjoy hands-on crafts, altar and art displays, face painting, and much more. Admission is free and all materials are provided. Hours and activities vary by location. Follow the link below for full details.

Free Family Day at the Santa Paula Art Museum is sponsored by Gold Coast Health Plan and The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund.

MORE INFO?

Read more →

Port of Hueneme Dock Talk October 2025

by  •  • Comments Off on Port of Hueneme Dock Talk October 2025

The Port of Hueneme was proud to support the Farmworker Health and Wellness Fair at Oxnard College on October 10th, connecting our local farmworker community with essential health resources, wellness services, and support programs.

Read more →

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Nov. 4 Board of Supervisors Meeting

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara Nov. 4 Board of Supervisors Meeting

The next regular meeting of the
 County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, 4th Floor
105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Read more →

Bilingual report — Preserve the past, inspire the future at the Olivas Adobe

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — Preserve the past, inspire the future at the Olivas Adobe

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites residents to attend the Olivas Adobe Volunteer Open House on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Olivas Adobe Historical Park, located at 4500 Olivas Park Drive. Admission is free.

Volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the history of the Olivas Adobe, Ventura’s only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Rancho era. At the open house, attendees can explore a variety of volunteer opportunities and learn how to help bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

Read more →

Bay Area Xicanx artist Melanie Cervantes brings ‘Protect Your Spirit’ exhibit to CSUCI through Dec. 12

by  •  • Comments Off on Bay Area Xicanx artist Melanie Cervantes brings ‘Protect Your Spirit’ exhibit to CSUCI through Dec. 12

CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) will host Bay Area Xicanx artist and cultural worker Melanie Cervantes for a solo exhibition, “Protect Your Spirit: Visual Lexicons of Resistance,” from Oct. 23 through Dec. 12 in the second-floor gallery of the John Spoor Broome Library.

An opening reception open to the public will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library. Cervantes will also provide an artist talk for CSUCI students on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon, at the Broome Library.

Cervantes’ work offers a powerful visual language of resistance against social injustice and systemic oppression. Her art explores stories of struggle, resilience and triumph within marginalized communities and invites reflection on the role of art in social movements.

“There is both an ephemeral and a timeless nature to Cervantes’ art,” said CSUCI art historian Theresa Avila. “In this era of increased repression and surveillance, the type of art that Cervantes creates is needed now more than ever.”

Read more →

Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore’ on view through Nov. 9, more upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Santa Paula Art Museum — Inbox Art Exhibit: ‘Celebrating Nature: Paintings by Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore’ on view through Nov. 9, more upcoming events

Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore was founded in the early 1990s to support and promote the hard-fought conservation of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, established in 1978. The SMMNRA encompasses over 156,000 acres that stretch east to west from Griffith Park in Los Angeles County to Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County. With 46 miles of scenic coastline, over 500 miles of trails, and a vast array of native flora, fauna, and culturally significant sites, the SMMNRA is the largest urban national recreation are in the world, bordering the second-largest city in the United States.

Read more →

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Save Art Save Democracy

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Save Art Save Democracy

MCASB Launches Future Fund
in 50th-Anniversary Campaign

Art and free speech are essential to a healthy democracy—Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) calls on our communities across Santa Barbara and the Central Coast to help safeguard the region’s only dedicated, free contemporary art museum. Once again communities are in crisis—and this time, artists and art institutions are on the front line standing up against authoritarianism. Join us!

Read more →

Retired Allan Hancock College instructor Nancy Jo Ward selected for XV Florence Biennale

by  •  • Comments Off on Retired Allan Hancock College instructor Nancy Jo Ward selected for XV Florence Biennale

SANTA MARIA — Retired Allan Hancock College Graphic Design Professor Nancy Jo Ward has been selected to exhibit her mixed-media work at the XV Florence Biennale in Florence, Italy, Oct. 18–26, 2025.  

Ward, who recently concluded 27 years of service at Hancock, will present three works— titled Anna-Louise, Katerina and Selia—at the prestigious international exhibition. Her invitation places her among an international roster of more than 500 artists and designers more than 80 countries. 

Ward’s practice blends digital technology with traditional materials to explore psychological portraiture, memory, identity and the aesthetics of post-internet culture, an approach that aligns with the Biennale 2025 theme, “The Eternal Union Between Light and Darkness.”  

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Novel membrane gel from UCSB offers new tool for breast cancer research’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Novel membrane gel from UCSB offers new tool for breast cancer research’ and more news, events

Researchers created an algae-based gel for studying mammary epithelial cells, which form milk-producing ducts and glands in healthy breast tissue and can transform into cancer cells.

Read more →

Allan Hancock College English instructor publishes new thriller novel ‘Sea of Glass’

by  •  • Comments Off on Allan Hancock College English instructor publishes new thriller novel ‘Sea of Glass’

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College adjunct English instructor Patrick Shattuck has published his latest novel, Sea of Glass, a contemporary thriller infused with elements of magical realism.  

The book tells the story of Shannon Delaney, a teenager overshadowed by her brilliant twin sister and caught in a web of secrets, shifting loyalties and a mysterious glowing glass orb that reveals haunting visions of love, loss and truth. 

“I’ve always been a storyteller—I was that kid in class who everyone wanted to hear read first,” said Shattuck. “Now, as both a teacher and writer, I still love creating stories that keep readers turning the pages and looking for what comes next.” 

Read more →

Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara announces upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Friendship Center Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara announces upcoming events

PURCHASE  TICKETS DID SOMENONE SAY PRIZES!? Be ready to enter the silent auction and raffle drawing at the Halloween Disco! Prize opportunities include: ?? 1 RAFFLE TICKET: $25 ?????????? 5 RAFFLE TICKETS: $100 ????? SILENT AUCTION: PRICES VARY DEPENDING ON…

Read more →

Oxnard College marks 50 years of service to Ventura County with new programs, academic milestones and campus celebration

by  •  • Comments Off on Oxnard College marks 50 years of service to Ventura County with new programs, academic milestones and campus celebration

OXNARD —Oxnard College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this academic year, reflecting on five decades of empowering students, shaping careers and strengthening Ventura County. The milestone was marked on September 25 with the unveiling of a new campus mural by alumna Elisa Torres and her team of student artists.

Funded by the Oxnard College Foundation, the mural depicts the people, places and traditions that have defined Oxnard and the college’s role in the community over the last half-century. The college first opened its doors in 1975 after local families, community leaders and activists came together to advocate for equitable access to higher education in Oxnard.

Read more →

Ventura County Arts Council — CALL TO ARTISTS: “Journey Through the Mind” at the Atrium Gallery

by  •  • Comments Off on Ventura County Arts Council — CALL TO ARTISTS: “Journey Through the Mind” at the Atrium Gallery

View in Browser CALL TO ARTISTS: “Journey Through the Mind” at the Atrium Gallery Exhibition Dates: Oct. 23 – Dec. 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Oct. 30, 2025 “Journey Through the Mind,” featuring lead artist Andrew Rodriguez, is one in a…

Read more →

Partners sought for ‘Hope Grows Wild’ mural unveiling on Oct. 25 at LoDo Studios in Santa Barbara

by  •  • Comments Off on Partners sought for ‘Hope Grows Wild’ mural unveiling on Oct. 25 at LoDo Studios in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Join us at LoDo Studios for the “Hope Grows Wild” Mural Unveiling, where we celebrate growth, resilience, and the beauty of community art from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara.

Read more →

Fall Into Fun By The Sea: October events at Ventura Harbor Village

by  •  • Comments Off on Fall Into Fun By The Sea: October events at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village kicks off October seaside sunshine and embraces the spirit of the season with a full lineup of events. From an EV Car Show, to hallowed-themed family activities with witches, and doggies, and zombies, Ventura Harbor Village sets the stage for plenty of options to participate this October for a sparkling and spooktacular good time!  venturaharborvillage.com/events

Read more →

Fall Highlights: Events, Exhibits & More at Museum of Ventura County

by  •  • Comments Off on Fall Highlights: Events, Exhibits & More at Museum of Ventura County

Historic Prints for Your Home, Office, and Gifts
Celebrate the history of Ventura County with beautifully reproduced images from the Museum’s archives. Choose from wall art, desk art, keepsakes, photo albums, and greeting cards. Each piece captures a moment in local history. Bring the past home or share it as a meaningful gift.

Read more →

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Supper Club pre-sale tickets this weekend only!

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Supper Club pre-sale tickets this weekend only!

View this email in your browser Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Supper Club Presents Dia De Los Muertos x Diwali Wednesday, October 22, 2025 A one night only collaboration celebrating 500 years of culinary exchange between Mexico and India…

Read more →

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — DJ Javier San Milano Drive now open!

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — DJ Javier San Milano Drive now open!

Hello Community!

We had a blast spending time with you all this past Sunday at the opening reception of San Milano Drive! We want to thank you all for bringing the good vibes!

Big shoutout to our vendors who kept us fed, hydrated, and kept the jams flowing. Also a HUGE thanks to the amazing volunteers that made this event possible.

Special thanks to our media partners Santa Barbara Magazine, KCLU, and LUM Art Magazine.

If you haven’t seen Santa Barbara Independent’s Fall Arts Preview, read more about the exhibition.

Read more →

Teatro de las Americas — Upcoming events

by  •  • Comments Off on Teatro de las Americas — Upcoming events

Clases de danza en dos estilos/?
Dance classes in 2 styles:

Folclórico
Con/with Ms. Xochitl

Movement
Con/with Mr. Javier

Niñas y niños de 7 a 14 años / Ages 7-14
(Dependiendo de la cantidad de inscripciones, las clases podrán ser separadas por edad / Depending on enrollment, ages can be divided)

Read more →

Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announcing new Summer Festival Structure launching in 2026

by  •  • Comments Off on Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara announcing new Summer Festival Structure launching in 2026

The Festival will open with a new two-week High School Intensive (June 14–25) for accomplished musicians ages 14–18, followed by the celebrated six-weekFellowship Institute (June 27–August 8) for pre-professional musicians ages 18–34. Together, the High School Intensive and Fellowship Institute create a dynamic eight-week Festival filled with concerts, recitals, special events, and educational offerings that position the Music Academy as a leader in training the next generation of classical musicians.

Read more →

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Thank you for supporting local climate action at CEC’s Green Gala

by  •  • Comments Off on Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Thank you for supporting local climate action at CEC’s Green Gala

We are so grateful to those who joined us last Saturday at CEC’s Green Gala, an inspiring evening of resilience, strength, and climate action.

Together, we raised more than $100,000 to help implement and accelerate bold, equitable solutions to the climate crisis, including wildfire resilience, climate leadership, community safety, and environmental advocacy.

Your partnership strengthens our resolve to meet the climate challenges ahead and propels our dedication to building a safe, resilient, and just world for generations to come.

Read more →

UCSB — The Current — ‘Historic cabins from the early days of Mammoth now serve scientists and students’ and more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on UCSB — The Current — ‘Historic cabins from the early days of Mammoth now serve scientists and students’ and more news, events

The Valentine Reserve team has launched a restoration effort to preserve the camp’s century-old cabins, ensuring they remain a resource for education, research and environmental stewardship well into the future.

Read more →

Museum of Ventura County — Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, more news, events

by  •  • Comments Off on Museum of Ventura County — Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, more news, events

Join us for a vibrant Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids dive into Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo! A bahay kubo is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts, made from natural materials like bamboo and coconut fibers, showcasing Filipino ingenuity, sustainability, and community spirit. This playful activity celebrates the simplicity and creativity of these iconic homes, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. Led by Pinaysphere, an organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women and youth through art and culture, this event will be filled with fun, learning, and creativity as we explore the beauty of Filipino heritage together! Register online HERE.

Read more →

Port of Hueneme — Banana Fest makes Waves!

by  •  • Comments Off on Port of Hueneme — Banana Fest makes Waves!

PORT HUENEME —The Port of Hueneme’s 12th Annual Banana Festival set a new attendance record this past Saturday, welcoming more than 13,000 community members for a day of music, food, tours, and family fun.This year’s theme, “Making Workforce Waves Through Global Trade,” spotlighted the people who turn ships and cargo into local careers and opportunity.

Festivalgoers enjoyed banana-inspired treats, live performances from Instone Live, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Savor, and The Brandon Ragan Project, and family-friendly activities like the kids’ zone and pie-eating contest. Land and sea tours offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse to the Port’s operations, showing firsthand how bananas, cars, and other global goods move through Ventura County’s only deep-water harbor.

Read more →

100 artists unite for OPAC’s 2025 Día de los Muertos with El Velorio. Opening reception Oct. 2

by  •  • Comments Off on 100 artists unite for OPAC’s 2025 Día de los Muertos with El Velorio. Opening reception Oct. 2

OXNARD — This year’s altar is inspired by the monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of the soul, transformation, and migration. In a city shaped by immigrant stories, the theme highlights the beauty and resilience of movement across borders. In Mexican tradition, the monarchs’ annual arrival in central Mexico each fall is believed to carry the spirits of departed loved ones back to earth, making them a cherished emblem of Día de los Muertos. Community members are invited to submit a photo of a departed loved one to be lovingly displayed. The Opening Reception will feature a ceremonial Aztec blessing and dance and a performance by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College. 

Read more →

Pre-sale tickets (ending Oct. 1) now available for Panteón Fest in Oxnard

by  •  • Comments Off on Pre-sale tickets (ending Oct. 1) now available for Panteón Fest in Oxnard

This year, with the help of Allee and Sue, we’re excited to present Vuelo de las Almas—an art gallery showcasing works by over 20 artists, each created on a wooden monarch butterfly canvas. The gallery will be held inside the Chapel, with a meet-and-greet hosted by Allee and Sue at 5 PM.

Read more →