The County of Santa Barbara’s 175th Anniversary Video Series’ next video is here. This video honors the rich history of the county’s indigenous population.
County of Santa Barbara April 2025 Newsletter
Category: Entertainment
UCSB — The Current — ‘How feminist witch studies redefine magic and power’ and more news, events
In “The Witch Studies Reader,” scholars Jane Ward and Soma Chaudhuri introduce feminist witch studies, exploring how witchcraft functions as a site of power, persecution and decolonial critique.
April’s full of fun activities downtown Oxnard
First Thursdays retunrs April 3rd with amazing eats, sweet treats, and good vibes as some of the best local food trucks roll in! @thesoulrevival_band will entertain with a soulful R&B set. Also participating is a group of CSU Long Beach grad students hosting a Community Resource Booth featuring free info, coffee & pasteries, and prize drawing! Learn about local services and share your thoughts on what matters to you and your family.
Thurs, April 3rd, 5 PM – 9 PM at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street
Bilingual report — Ventura Music Under the Stars tickets go on sale May 6
“This year, we’re introducing a few changes to our annual concert series, all aimed at enhancing the experience for everyone,” said Recreation Manager Rebecca Ellis. “As part of our efforts to streamline all our recreation programs, we are now aligning ticket prices with our standard resident and non-resident fee structure. Additional changes to this year’s program include eliminating printed and mailed tickets with a streamlined check-in service on the day of the event.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Hop Into April with Us!
You’re all welcome to join us on April 3rd for a FREE painting workshop with artist Champagne Smoke!
Champagne Smoke is an artist, author and educator bringing creativity to life through storytelling and immersive art experiences. As the visionary behind Lotus Dynasty, she merges African American and Asian influences, unveiling untold stories from the past and present. Through her work, she invites audiences to explore a world where culture, history, and imagination collide. Follow Champagne Smoke on Instagram @vivrantbloom to see more of her work!
Peppermint Parlor is across from Sephora!
Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Celebrate Earth Month with Us!
Connect with a community of activists.
Join us on the first Friday of each month, when local climate activists, students, and community members gather to exchange information about regional climate issues and opportunities for action. This month, Santa Barbara organizations will share Earth month actions that the community can take part in, including Sable pipeline advocacy opportunities.
Friday, April 4, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
8 things you can only do in Lompoc on California’s Central Coast
LOMPOC — Tucked away on California’s stunning Central Coast, Lompoc is the kind of place that surprises you—in the best way possible. From sipping some of the world’s best Pinot Noir to watching rockets blast into space, this charming town is packed with unexpected adventures. Ready to explore? Here are 8 amazing things you can only do in Lompoc.
Official artwork revealed for 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival
OXNARD — Helen Reyes’ winning artwork for the 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival was revealed at an April 1 gathering of dignitaries and festival sponsors at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2025 festival celebration taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
Reyes takes home a $2,000 grand prize and VIP tickets to the festival.
Applications open for Ventura’s Special Event Grant Program
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is now accepting applications for its Special Event Grant Program (SEGP), designed to support community events for local residents. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in the City of Ventura with 501(c)(3) status.
April at the Santa Paula Art Museum
15th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser
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Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$125 per person
Join us Saturday evening for our 15th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser! We’re celebrating 15 years of the Santa Paula Art Museum, and raising critical funds for our community arts education programs. Enjoy live music by Angelo Divino, a petite art auction, delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktail, and more. We will also present the 2025 Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson Visionary Award to David Schwabauer. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Cocktail attire is encouraged.
Don’t Delay – El Concilio accepting nominations for the 35th Latino Leadership Awards
OXNARD — El Concilio Family Services will celebrate the 35th El Concilio Latino Leadership Awards at the “50 Years of Strengthening America: Bridging Communities, Building Dreams Gala Celebration. The event is slated for September 25th, 2025. More information to follow. Stay tuned for details.
El Concilio Family Services, founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide direct assistance and educational programs to the underserved Latino Community. The Latino Leadership Awards were established in 1990.
They were established by El Concilio to recognize Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution above and beyond their realm for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.
Music Academy of the West names Nicholas Walls as Chief Advancement Officer
Beginning on March 31, Walls will lead the Academy’s advancement efforts to support its mission of training the next generation of great musicians and engaging the community through innovative musical experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas to our leadership team,” said Shauna Quill, President & CEO of the Music Academy. “His deep expertise in philanthropy, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising will be invaluable in advancing the Academy’s vision for the future and ensuring the success of our programs and initiatives.”
Spring Guide to visiting Lompoc on California’s Central Coast
LOMPOC — Spring has is in the air in Lompoc, California, and with it comes welcoming warmer weather and a wide array of activities sure to satisfy the outdoor adventurers, wine lovers, history buffs and thrill seekers. From Insta-worthy flower fields to scenic hiking trails and breathtaking vinewyards, travelers discover that Lompoc is the place to explore.
Runners Dash to the finish in year two of the Port/City 5k, highlighting fitness and wellness with free community fair
PORT HUENEME — Building on the success of its inaugural year, the City of Port Hueneme and the Port of Hueneme once again teamed up to host their second annual 5k race over the weekend.
Organizers introduced a fresh look for the event, now called the Sea Splash Color Dash. The update brings exciting new features including a 1k kids’ run and expanded offerings to the free health and wellness fair.
Jess Lopez, Port Hueneme Mayor Pro Tem, stressed how this new tradition, which attracted more than 750 participants, helps encourage residents to prioritize their health. “I’m inspired to see so many people come together to enjoy the sun and get in some exercise,” he said. “Spending time outdoors, moving our bodies, and being by the beach boosts both our physical and our mental health. It’s a win on every level.”
Bilingual report — Santa Paula Cruise Night is back! 2025 Season kicks off in April
SANTA PAULA — One of Santa Paula’s most cherished traditions, Cruise Night, is officially set to return for the 2025 season, bringing classic cars, great food, and community spirit to the heart of downtown. The Santa Paula City Council recently approved a sponsorship to help cover a portion of event costs, ensuring the continuation of this signature event.
Hosted by the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce, Cruise Night will take place on the first Friday of each month from April through October along Main Street between 8th and 10th Streets. This event, which attracts thousands of visitors from across Southern California, has been a staple of the community since 1998 and continues to provide a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts dance, rodeo, film and family events March 27 through April 11
These community events include a performance by the college’s Commercial Dance Team, a two-day rodeo event, movie screenings and a family-friendly “Spring Fling” hosted at Hancock’s Lompoc Valley Center (LVC) campus.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — We can’t wait to see YOUR work at MCASB!
Annual Call For Entries: MCASB Satellite at Riviera Beach House. Open call to all artists from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area!
Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West announces 2025 Summer Music Festival & School
The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, offers an unparalleled blend of world-class performances and musical discovery with the 2025 Summer Music Festival & School themed “Soundtrack to Summer.” The Festival showcases international artists performing alongside 150 of the Academy’s gifted young musicians and 60 esteemed teaching artists in 120 one-of-a-kind performances, including orchestral and chamber performances, a full-scale opera, plus masterclasses, competitions, and groundbreaking new works — a must for classical music lovers.
Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Invited to Our 15th Anniversary Gala & Fundraiser!
Join us inside the Museum for an afternoon of art, live music, a petite live auction, and the presentation of the 2025 Mary Alice Orcutt Henderson Visionary Award to David Schwabauer.
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Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $125 per person and include two complimentary drink tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. All proceeds from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and its community arts programs.
Fresh Air & Fresh Plans: Your Guide to Spring Events at the Museum of Ventura County
Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration
Sunday, March 23
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces Videoarte Latinoamericano screening on March 21, Los Tranquilos Mini Concert on March 29, more events
Description:
Artists born during the era of the Free Trade Agreement, amidst financial crises, and under the rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. Each of the creators featured here inhabit the rugged landscapes characteristic of the sacrifice zones in the global south. We will move away from the tropical paradise and the fantasy of ancestrally, focusing instead on a critique of hyper-consumption and the fetishization of the concept of nature.
Santa Paula Arts Museum — Anne Ward’s ‘Painted Seasons’ opens this weekend
Premiere Party: Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons”
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?Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of Ojai artist Anne Ward’s “Painted Seasons” on Saturday, March 15! Ward, who grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, is obsessed with light, color, shape, and pattern. It was while working in France as an assistant to the director on the film “French Kiss” that Anne realized her love of painting outdoors. Primarily self-taught, Ward has been painting and exhibiting her work for over 30 years. The exhibition features 55 paintings bursting with hope and joy and painted in oil, acrylic, and gouache. The majority of the artworks will be available for purchase.
“Painted Seasons” will be on view from
March 15, 2025, to July 6, 2025.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Award-winning documentary explores the unfinished tale of DDT’ and more news, events
The film details Professor David Valentine’s discovery and investigation, with Los Angeles Times reporter Rosanna Xia, of toxic waste dumping off the Southern California coast.
Read more about “Out of Plain Sight”
UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta M. Billeci honored by Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce honored Celesta M. Billeci with their Visionary Arts Leadership Award on Friday, February 21, as part of the Regional Business Awards Gala. Hundreds of local leaders gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for the annual event, which honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses that continue to make a significant impact in the local community. The Chamber recognized nine honorees for their outstanding contributions to the region’s business community, including seven organizations and two individuals.
Bilingual report — Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara returns with three free performances by Las Guaracheras on March 14, 15, 16
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with another exciting free community event. Enjoy three free exhilarating performances from female salsa sextet, Las Gauracheras.
Las Guaracheras
THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, March 14 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, March 15 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, March 16 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
Las Guaracheras, originally from the Colombian city of Cali, embrace improvisation as an unpredictable musical tool, weaving it into the fabric of each song. This improvisational approach, inspired by Latin jazz, is woven throughout their performances, offering each instrument a chance to shine.
Teatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening night for Regreso a mi CUBA opening March 7
Opening night for Regreso a mi CUBA is almost here and we’d love for you to join us! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with you!
International Women’s Day March, Dance Party to be held in Santa Barbara on March 8
SANTA BARBARA — The International Women’s Day March, Dance Party will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara.
Celebrate your Power!
Protest for your Rights!
Dance up State Street!
Presented by World Dance for Humanity, Santa Barbara Women’s March, Indivisible Santa Barbara, UCSB Women’s Center and the SB Women’s Political Committee.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Spanish-language writers and the making of a U.S. literary tradition’ and more news, events
Professor Emeritus Víctor Fuentes’ new book, “Florilegio,” traces centuries of Spanish-language literature in the U.S. — spanning from the 16th to the mid-20th century — revealing a deep and often overlooked literary tradition.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — It’s time for a recap!
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara hosted the Nobody Owns The Beach – 10th Anniversary by David Horvitz Shop last Friday, February 21, 2025 at The Culver Hotel.
The celebration was filled with laughter, music and shopping throughout the night to raise critical funds for MCASB. It was a lovely sight seeing many people from different places come together for the purpose of celebrating the 10th anniversary of this amazing piece!
We want to thank those who came and supported us at the event. The museum appreciates you all for showing up in a time like this when the Los Angeles Arts Community needs us the most.
A special thanks to: The Culver Hotel, Bibi Ji and Ysidro
Museum of Ventura County — New Beginnings & Lasting Legacies
Have you ever wondered what 1920s fire engines looked like? Or what kind of festivities made up a parade in the year 1900? Discover interesting histories of Ventura County through MVC’s digitized archives—browse thousands of photographs, documents, and oral histories.
Visit the Digital Archives HERE.
UCSB ‘The Current’ — ‘Avocado cultivation’s ancient origins hold lessons for a changing climate’ and more news, events
Anthropologists Amber VanDerwarker and Doug Kennett present new research about the history of avocado domestication, highlighting a popular tree crop of major economic importance.
March 2025 happenings in Downtown Oxnard
Make Waves and Shell-Ebrate Ocean-Inspired Adventure at the 10th Annual “March Is Mermaid Month” at Ventura Harbor Village
Throughout the month of March 2025, visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical, water-inspired world featuring live entertainment, ocean-themed treats, and exclusive seaside shopping specials. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ventura Harbor coastline, this annual event invites mermaid enthusiasts, pirates, and ocean lovers alike to dive into a sea of unforgettable experiences.
Costuming students from Moorpark Theatre Arts Program stitch together employment and industry accolades
MOORPARK — The Moorpark College Theatre Arts and Film, Television, and Media Arts programs recently hosted their annual advisory board meeting, where industry professionals and college faculty collaborate to ensure programs align with industry and workforce needs. During the meeting, faculty member and professional costumer Haleh Risdana proudly highlighted the industry successes and recognitions of several outstanding students: Marina Wagner, Evelyn Rogers, Rhiann Olshane, Kristen Fernandez, and Noa Walker.
Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery presents retrospective exhibition of Kam Jacoby photographic works
Spanning 40 years of Jacoby’s career, the exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey from his early days as a student to his evolution as a professional photographer and educator. Jacoby’s work reveals a boundless curiosity, capturing beauty in everyday moments, patterns in nature, and the quiet dignity of historical or abandoned spaces.
“These groups of work are selections from over 40 years of photography,” said Jacoby. “Some projects were completed in a matter of hours or days, while others have developed over years. With each project, I set simple parameters—like camera choice or geographic area—to create a framework for exploration.”
UCSB — The Current — ‘Empathic education’ may unlock STEM learning success for all and more news
Professor Sharon Tettagah demonstrates how considering learner preferences for receiving educational content can create a more inclusive and effective educational experience.
March at the Santa Paula Art Museum
Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
The Santa Paula Art Museum will mark the start of spring with the premiere of “Painted Seasons,” a stunning solo exhibition by Ojai artist Anne Ward. Ward, who grew up in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, is obsessed with light, color, and pattern. It was while working in France as assistant to the director on the film “French Kiss” that Anne realized her love of painting outdoors. Primarily self-taught, Ward has been painting and exhibiting her work for over 30 years.
The upcoming exhibit features over 50 paintings teeming with life and joy and painted in oil, acrylic, and gouache. The majority of the artworks will be available for purchase. “Painted Seasons” will be on view from March 15, 2025, to July 6, 2025.
Teatro de las Américas — Regreso a mi Cuba | Improvisadas | Movie Night
Regreso a mi Cuba
Cuba: My Return
Obra en español con subtítulos en inglés / Play in Spanish with English subtitles.
Una inmigrante regresa a su patria después de 54 años de ausencia.
An immigrant returns to her motherland after being gone for 54 years.
TOArts welcomes new officers and celebrates Matthew Burke appointment to its Board of Directors
Al Lowe has been appointed as the new Board Chair, succeeding David Mead who remains an active board member, while Keith Wintermute steps into the role of Treasurer. Kyle Rohrbach continues his leadership as Vice Chair, and Janet Scherr remains in her position as Secretary. Each officer brings a wealth of experience and commitment to advancing TOArts’ mission of enriching the cultural vitality of Ventura County and the surrounding community.
Teatro de las Américas — Heard the buzz about our production of Regreso a mi CUBA? — March 7-15
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Regreso a mi CUBA? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!