VENTURA COUNTY — Nate’s Place, A Wellness and Recovery Center (Nate’s Place), a 501c3 nonprofit who’s unique “recovery recipe” program is designed to support teens and young adults at risk of substance use and/or mental health disorders, earned itself a place in the national spotlight recently, with a feature in People Magazine.
VENTURA COUNTY — In a national partnership with NBCUniversal and inspired by the theatrical release of WICKED, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) youth led the creation of “The WICKED Kindness Challenge” – an online experience that explores what kindness really means, for oneself, their family and friends, and the greater community.
Fifteen BBSVC youth participants of all ages from across the county came together for four full days to brainstorm ideas on what kindness looks like, and how to teach and inspire others to make kindness an everyday part of their lives. They worked closely with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Learning and Development Team, playing a BIG part in structuring, developing, and creating the content and messages for the script and videos for the challenge. A film crew met with youth to create the videos that were featured in the challenge. Everything for the ongoing challenge was organized at the BBSVC@Ventura Youth Room at the Pacific View Mall.
Opening night for Nos Traen Cortitos 2024 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!
Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.
VENTURA — Sustainably harvested white and red “silver tipped” fir trees from Northern California will be available for pickup on Saturday, Nov. 30 during “Christmas On The Ranch” at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd.) in Ventura. Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will support Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Ventura County.
The hand-harvested trees are 6’ to 10’ tall. Trees are available for pick-up and purchase from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 30. Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served.
THOUSAND OAKS — Celebrating three decades of arts and culture at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, TOArts held its quinquennial CURTAIN UP!fundraising event on Oct. 25, marking the 30th Anniversary of this iconic venue. The event raised an impressive $583,600, with $291,700 in donations matched 1:1 by TOLD Foundation. With a total match challenge of $350,000, TOLD Foundation has pledged to match an additional $58,300 raised.
Rod Gilbert, President of TOLD Foundation expressed his support, saying, “TOLD Foundation is honored to support TOArts in their mission to make the arts accessible and transformative for all in our community. We are thrilled to play a role in helping TOArts reach new heights with their Sparking Joy! campaign.”
Dear Neighbors,
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11/13 at 6:30 pm for those impacted by the Mountain Fire. The CalFire Incident Management Team, the County of Ventura and the City of Camarillo will host the meeting at the Rancho Campana High School Performing Arts Center located at 4235 Mar Vista Drive in Camarillo.
Please stay informed about the situation at www.vcemergency.com and www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 2,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $990 million in revenue.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
Ever inspired by nature, artist Joanne Julian’s solo exhibition, “Nature’s Spirits,” is a meditation on nature’s miracles, from birds, insects, and botanicals found in the garden to clouds, stars, and nebulae witnessed in the night sky.
A Note of Thanks from our Executive Director
As we welcome November and embrace the shift toward shorter days (and change in general) there’s also something reflective and revitalizing in the air as we approach Thanksgiving season.
As I choose to focus on gratitude and hope, I’d like to start by thanking our long time VMF’s supporters and sponsors, the VMF Board of Directors, and sister organizations with whom we have forged new and renewed collaborations. In 2024 so far we have received funding from VCCF, the City and County of Ventura’s Arts & culture divisions who have supported VMF with generous grants to augment our music and educational offerings for the entire Community. To them we extend a deep gratitude for spending our tax dollars wisely to enrich our culture in so many ways.
Have a Food-Safe Thanksgiving Holiday
In a few weeks, loved ones will come together around delicious meals. Take some steps to ensure your food is prepared safely.
n award-winning video series Research in 60, Tania Israel, a professor in the Department of Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology, discusses strategies for navigating conversations in a divided nation.
SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light recently hosted its third annual “Unite to Light the Night” art festival and fundraiser at the Community Arts Workshop in Santa Barbara on October 18th and 19th. This vibrant event brought together over 50 artists and performers who used light as either their medium or inspiration, showcasing creativity and innovation in illuminating ways.
Have you heard the buzz about Teatro De Las Americas’s spectacular production of Nos Traen Cortitos 2024? It’s an event you absolutely can’t miss! Secure your seat today by grabbing your tickets online. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
Port of Hueneme “Goes Electric” receiving an impressive $42,287,893 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funding critical to the Port’s goal of zero emissions by 2030.
Read our latest Press Release on how we plan to invest the $42M EPA grant to step towards our Zero Emission goal!
UCSB has again been named as a Fulbright HSI Leader for its strong engagement, as an Hispanic-Serving Institution, with the Fulbright Program.
SANTA PAULA — Over 680 children and family members attended the Todos Juntos Por Los Niños Children’s Festival held at Glen City Elementary in Santa Paula on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event hosted by the Isabella Project was designed especially for children ages 0 to 5, creating a joyful space for hundreds of families to connect, play and learn about the vast array of support services available to them.
The MultiCultural Center and UCSB’s Early Childhood Care and Education Services partner on a community-based Dia de los Muertos celebration for children and families.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated the grand opening of its new Pride Center on October 30. The Pride Center functions as a dedicated, inclusive space for LGBTQ students and allies on the college’s Santa Maria campus.
“As we open the doors of our new Pride Center, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our goal is to foster a community that not only embraces diversity but actively ensures that every student feels safe and valued.”
Great news! A new project is laying the track for new passenger trains to Santa Barbara County – literally.
$22 million in State grant funding has been awarded to construct the Ortega Siding, which will significantly increase the capacity of the LOSSAN rail corridor – which is the second busiest in the United States.
If you’ve ridden the Pacific Surfliner recently you may have noticed that often trains are held at Seacliff or the Santa Barbara Station. The Ortega siding project will change that, by allowing for bi-directional movement that lets trains pass one another.
Farm Day 2024
Saturday, November 2
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Experience over 15 Ventura County farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations as they open their doors for Ventura County Farm Day! Visit the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula for Master Gardener-led tours, a selfie station, and a stand from the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market. Plus, don’t miss a special talk at 11:00 a.m. by VC Poet Laureate and Community Activist Luzmaria Espinosa, who will share her experiences as a farmworker.
Farm Day is self-guided — explore the locations on the Farm Day Trail Map at your own pace, and we hope you put us on your map for the day! For more information, click HERE.
In Rome, Schooler will present alongside research colleague Madeline Gross, assistant project scientist. Together, they are investigating how art can induce a state of cognitive openness, allowing viewers to approach the world with greater mental flexibility.
Booking your tickets for our upcoming events has never been easier! Visit our website now to quickly secure your seats for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—book your tickets online today!
Warm regards,
Teatro De Las Americas
Jackson Muhirwe, chief information security officer and director of information assurance, is a seasoned higher education leader with over two decades of experience in information technology and security.
Artwork by Cole Creativity Center adult students (clockwise from top left) Jessica Haggard, Robin Briceño, Chelsey Hoslett, and Aaron Benner. “The First Annual Cole Creativity Center Art Show” and Supply Shop Launch Party Saturday, October 26, 2024 • 4 PM to…
For affordability, social mobility, research impact, academics and other metrics, the campus is again considered among the nation’s — and the world’s — top universities, according to myriad recent rankings.
Lark, Roman & Meyer
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
8:00 PM
The Soraya
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA
Master of the upright bass and five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Edgar Meyer is joined by two like-minded artists to pluck and bow original contemporary compositions by Meyer paired with Bach favorites.
Explore the art of nicho-making with Elisa Torres, a featured artist in our InnoVision exhibition. In this workshop, you’ll create a nicho, which is often used to honor loved ones, particularly during Día de los Muertos. Elisa will guide you through crafting your own unique nicho.
Elisa Torres’s work blends Mexican and Latinx traditions with a deep celebration of community and collective memory. Her art transforms cultural identity into tangible expressions of heritage. This rare opportunity offers insight into Torres’s creative process, where participants can explore the significance of turning ideas into meaningful, spiritual creations.
“As we celebrate our 22nd year, our first-ever Homecoming signals a milestone in the maturity of our campus,” said Vice President for Advancement Ritchie LeRoy. “With over 26,826 alumni, this moment is about more than just nostalgia—it’s about building on tradition and deepening the connection between our alumni, our mission, and our students.”
SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum) is pleased to announce its most ambitious project to date which is commissioning Thomas Dambo, a world-renowned Danish artist who specializes in creating large, whimsical trolls made
from recycled materials, to build his first
permanent troll in California. Dambo who is celebrated for his imaginative and colossal sculptures, breathes new life into discarded resources, showcasing the boundless potential hidden within the world’s trash cans. The recycling artist chose to install his first permanent troll in Solvang, the Danish Capital of America, at the California Nature Art Museum. With the community’s help, this troll, whose name, back- story, and design will be kept a mystery until “she” (the only clue that has been revealed to date) will be constructed and installed in the latter half of January 2025.
VENTURA — National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26 and the Ventura Police Department urges parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about the rules of the road and how safe driving saves lives.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 years old in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022, despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.
October 19 —
HUD-Approved Homebuyer Workshop
Online
9:00am – 3:00pm
October 22 —
Personal Loan Program – Advancing Communities Orientation
Online and In-person
6:00pm – English
Programa de préstamo personales: orientación de Comunidades Avanzando
En línea y en persona
7:00pm – español
October 26 —
HUD-Approved Homebuyer Workshop
Bakersfield
10:00am – 3:00pm English
10:00am – 3:00pm Español
Play Date in the Children’s Garden
Friday, October 25
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids can learn about Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo which is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts. 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! Adult supervision required, register at no charge HERE!
Tasked with uniting efforts across campus to enhance “servingness” — an HSI model that goes beyond enrollment numbers to truly support the success of Latiné — Fematt characterized the establishment of the new role as a “significant step forward” for the campus.
CAMARILLO — Registration is open for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Fall II session, which includes a memoir writing workshop, the tangled roots of the Russia-Ukraine war, secrets to longevity, six famous assassinations, and much more.…
LOMPOC — As another spectacular summer fades into a crisp, cool fall, there’s no better time to explore the adventurous side of Lompoc! Get your adrenaline pumping with an exciting array of activities in and around the city. Start planning a trip packed with excitement, including skydiving, horse safaris, kitesurfing, and more!
Written by: Alvaro Saar Rios
Directed by: Alina Ceñal
Imagine the Chinese legend Hua Mulan set in the world of lucha libre—Mexican wrestling. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.
While working at reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia, Kai Kopecky found that the network of coral skeletons left in place by bleaching events caused critical processes to break down, ultimately preventing reefs from recovering.
VENTURA COUNTY — Over 15 farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors to the public for the 12th Annual Ventura County Farm Day, Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who attend will experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours and learn about the origins of their food.
“We often don’t think about what it takes to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the market,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) executive director. SEEAG is the nonprofit that hosts Ventura County Farm Day each year. “Hundreds of dedicated farm workers are behind every piece of fruit or vegetable we buy at the store.”
The award is part of the NIH’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program. Montell will use the funds to test a new treatment her group is developing for cancer and other diseases, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
OXNARD — Take a break, rejuvenate, and get creative with ¡ÁNDALE!: Wellness + Creativity for Everyone, a new monthly series presented by OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, focused on supporting mental health and wellness through artistic expression and self-care. The event is offered bilingually, free and open to all, creating space where relaxation, creativity, and community connection come together.
The first event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1-3 PM at Community Center Park East (located behind the Oxnard Performing Arts Center). Each session features three different activities designed to engage participants in creative and calming experiences. This month yoga, sound baths and art-making will be offered. Attendees will spend 30 minutes at each activity, for a total of two hours of immersive wellness.
DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: NETWORK SECURITY REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE
October 8 @ 10:00 am
With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Experience the magic of a live performance! Reserve your tickets for Muero por Vivir. Don’t miss out on the excitement—book now and treat yourself to an unforgettable event.
Check your mailbox, Vote-by-Mail ballots and voting materials will be reaching Santa Barbara County community members in the next few weeks.
Featured prominently in Getty’s Art + Science Collide-themed initiative, Rosalena discusses computational craft, a hybrid practice between analog and digital techniques, in a recent episode of UCSB’s video series, “Research in 60 Seconds.”
Studio Spotlight: InnoVision Artist Workshop with Jasmine Delgado
Sunday, October 6
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Stamp! Print! Repeat! A workshop exploring the infinite possibilities of pattern and color through the creation of hand-carved stamps. Each participant will learn the steps to create a unique hand-carved stamp inspired by a variety of source materials, such as found text, signage, the natural world, and popular culture. Come and learn how to create unique stamps using a variety of methods! Qualifying members, $60, Non-members, $65; plus $12 materials. Space is limited, sign up today HERE!
Workshop Instructor – Jasmine Delgado is an InnoVision Exhibition artist as well as an Associate Professor of Art and Design at CSUCI.
OXNARD — After a successful Malibu run in the 2010s and a pandemic pause, Fireball Tim’s Wheels & Waves is back, in its second month and better than ever—this time at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Car enthusiasts, families, and community members are invited to experience this lively, free-to-the-public event, held on the first Sunday of each month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in front of the Museum at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard.
You are cordially invited!
Opening celebration: Sunday, October 6, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
12:15 pm – Exhibition walkthrough with curatorial team and artists
1:00 pm – Welcome
1:30 pm – Reception
2:00 pm – Live music by Banda de Viento San Jorge Río Frijol
The exhibition is made possible through a lead grant from Getty as part of the PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative. Additional funding is provided by the David Bermant Foundation, and Randy & Sofia Greif.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
653 Paseo Nuevo, The Arts Terrace, Santa Barbara, California
Free Family Day
?
Sunday, October 6, 2024 • 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
Join us for Free Family Day inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center on Sunday, October 6, 2024! Drop in anytime between 12 PM and 3 PM to make fun, fall crafts with your whole family, including skeleton scarecrow “paper dolls,” watercolor spray leaf art, painted mini-pumpkins, and more. Admission is free, all are welcome, and all materials are provided.
And don’t forget, admission to our current exhibitions is also free on the first Sunday of every month!
The brain’s gray and white matter shift across gestation, according to first-of-its-kind research that scanned the brain of one first-time mother every few weeks, from before pregnancy through two years postpartum.
PORT HUENEME — Over 10,000 attendees went Banana’s at the Port’s 11th Annual Banana Festival celebrated a diverse working waterfront. The Festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience one of the most efficient and effective working waterfronts on the West Coast.
The countdown to Clean Air day is on! Clean Air Day is a call to action—a chance for each of us to protect our environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same clean air and thriving nature we do. Every small change you make, whether it’s choosing to walk, bike, or use public transit, helps to preserve our planet.
This year’s spooky special Wine Down is sure to be a great time, but we host this event for a reason that goes beyond fun and celebration—it’s about the people we care for and the families who count on us. You never know when someone you love — a spouse, parent, a grandparent, a friend — might need the warmth and support that Friendship Center uniquely offers. …
By supporting Wine Down, you’re helping us continue answering our WHY with professionalism, compassion, and respect. You’re helping families breathe a little easier, and giving older adults the chance to feel seen, heard, and cherished.
LOMPOC — Discover the festive spirit in and around Lompoc with family-friendly fall harvest events, pumpkin patches, seasonal shopping and spooky Halloween activities! Here’s our roundup of a few favorites to try this season! www.explorelompoc.com
OXNARD — OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is excited to announce its annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a two-part event that will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 4-9 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
This year, the celebration extends with a month-long Día de los Muertos Community Altar at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, running from October 1 – November 2, 2024. This vibrant display titled “Recuérdame” (Remember Me) is hosted in partnership with The Collection and will be located between Lazy Dog and the Cheesecake Factory. The community is invited to honor their loved ones by participating in a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed.
Hello friends of VMF and music-lovers! As I come to the end of my first year with the festival, I’m reflecting on this past 29th season with gratitude. From the foot-stomping bluegrass of Michael Cleveland to the smooth sounds of Anderson & Roe, this year was something truly special: a “first” for me and a “last” for our twenties. As we turn our attentions to the holidays (and onward into our 30th Season) I’m excited to announce the final concert of the year: The King’s Singers will close Season 29 this December with an a cappella holiday performance!
We are excited to invite John Maier, CEO at Bose Professional to be our next guest in our Forward Together webinar series.
Discover how Maier turned his passion for music and the gear used to create, record, perform and broadcast it into a career in business. More recently, he has led the carveout of Bose Professional from Bose Corporation and will discuss the unique challenges of separating a division from an established business and re-branding that business.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department would like to share with the community a variety of exciting activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the fall and winter seasons. Whether you’re looking to get involved, enjoy the festivities, or give back to your community, there’s something for everyone.
Upcoming Events:
Booking your tickets for our upcoming events has never been easier! Visit our website now to quickly secure your seats for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—book your tickets online today!
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you well! I am excited to share some important and exciting events happening in the coming weeks that I believe will benefit our community.
I especially want to highlight our Home Insurance Town Hall, taking place on October 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Ventura County Fire Headquarters. This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the ever-changing landscape of home insurance, especially in areas impacted by wildfire risk. I’ll be joined by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, State Deputy Insurance Commissioner Julia Juarez, fire officials and members of the Conejo, Simi and Moorpark Realtors Association. We encourage you to attend and get your questions answered directly from the experts.
As always, my office is here to serve you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. My sons and I are pictured at the Wings Over Camarillo Festival. The highlight was the STEM center my son Steven really enjoyed.
Here’s to staying informed and prepared as we continue to strengthen and support our community together!
Kind regards,
Jeff
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Youthwell are pleased to announce a new slate of suicide prevention workshops called QPR that will teach participants three steps to help save a life from suicide. Last year, over 580 Santa Barbara County residents received this free, two-hour training.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu
Members-Only Event
Thursday, September 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
In honor of the unveiling of the Museum of Ventura County’s newest upcoming exhibition, we invite our valued MVC Members to join us for a private preview and chance to meet the artists.
The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Members, please register for this event HERE. If you are interested in becoming a member, click HERE.
OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is excited to announce a new partnership with the Zachari Dunes hotel, located just over a mile from the museum’s home in Channel Islands Harbor. This collaboration, beginning on September 17, 2024, brings a unique maritime experience to hotel guests with the installation of a spectacular tall ship model exhibit in the hotel’s lobby. The first ship to be displayed is the San Felipe, a famed Spanish galleon that sailed from 1690 to 1705, offering a glimpse into that captivating period of maritime history.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Westpark Skatepark Expansion Project. On Friday, September 13, City officials, local dignitaries, and project partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The skatepark at 450 W. Harrison Ave will officially close for construction on Monday, September 23, with completion slated for Spring 2025.
IN-PERSON EVENT: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS FOUNDATION
September 26 @ 6:00 pm
Join the City of Port Hueneme and EDC Small Business Development Center Advisors Luisa Arzate & Miguel Alfaro! Learn how to establish a business in Port Hueneme, create a powerful brand identity by defining your mission, vision and values, craft a cohesive visual and verbal identity and so much more! Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 250 N Ventura Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Does your arts or culture organization or group have a project for which you’d like to apply for a grant, or do other fundraising, but lack 501(c)(3) status? Fiscal sponsorship may be an option.
Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative programs and fund development officer Adrienne De Guevara will present this FREE, 1-hour virtual workshop. Registration required.
Register now
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Don’t miss the premiere of Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10” on Saturday, September 14! Over the past two years, as Pidduck found herself approaching her 74th birthday, the Santa Paula artist gave herself the goal of creating 74 new paintings, 40 of which she selected for this show. With no restrictions as to subject matter, Pidduck let the dimensions of the paintings, 8 inches square, provide the unifying ingredient. Meet the artist and enjoy beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres during the premiere party from 4 PM to 6 PM.
“8² + 10” will be on view through January 12, 2025. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announced the successful completion of the Harvard Boulevard Infrastructure Improvement Project at a community ribbon-cutting ceremony held August 31, 2024. This transformative project, which spanned nearly two years, marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring reliable services for its residents.
The proclamation, introduced by 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann and co-sponsored by 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps, acknowledges the critical issue of diaper need – the inability to afford enough clean diapers. It highlights the adverse impact this has on the health and well-being of children and families. National surveys conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) indicate that nearly one in two families struggle with diaper need, with many parents being forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply.
DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ECONOMICALLY IMPACTED BY THE JULY LAKE FIRE
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) declared a disaster on September 4 for damages to businesses resulting from the Lake Fire, which occurred from July 5 – August 4, 2024. This is an opportunity for business owners to apply for working capital for those who were economically impacted by the Lake Fire. The deadline to apply for economic injury is June 6, 2025.
Counties Impacted by the Disaster Declaration
SBA assistance is available in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and San Luis Obispo counties.
SANTA BARARA — One805 is excited to announce the launch of its One805Live! 2024 auction. This year’s auction features an extraordinary selection of exclusive items and unforgettable experiences.
Bids and donations will benefit Santa Barbara County’s First Responders, and will help provide essential safety and life-saving equipment, along with vital mental wellness counseling, ensuring our local heroes are well-equipped to manage the challenges of their demanding roles.
The online auction is now open for bidding and can be accessed via www.One805.org.
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Setting to work on her newest series of paintings in 2023, longtime Santa Paula artist Gail Pidduck found herself with a childlike desire to “just make art.” Her adult sensibilities insisted on a focus. Pidduck compromised with the decision to use 8″ x 8″ panels as the constraint for her paintings, while allowing herself to paint anything she wanted. Thus, “8².” The “+ 10?” 8² + 10 = 74, Pidduck’s age when the exhibit hangs, and her goal to produce 74 new paintings from which 40 will be exhibited. Join us for the premiere of Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10” on Saturday, September 14. The exhibit will be on view through January 12, 2025. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.
Taste of History Dinner
Thursday, September 12
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Journey back in time for a classic evening of refined taste and unexpected histories. This open-air dinner will transport diners to an elegant mid-century supper club with a three-course meal and wine pairing. The decadent evening, with Al Lowe as emcee, will begin with a cocktail hour and red carpet followed by dinner, an art auction, and entertainment including a live jazz quartet, cooking demonstration, historic artifact gallery, and an oral history reading. Tickets are available HERE!
SANTA BARBARA — In celebration of Latino Conservation Week, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is excited to host a range of bilingual events from Sept. 14 to Sept. 22, 2024. These events are an invitation for the Latino community and others to enjoy the outdoors together and participate in activities that help preserve our natural resources. In 2014, the Hispanic Access Foundation, through its Latino Conservation Week celebration, has recognized the Latino community’s vital contributions to conservation and environmental stewardship while expanding opportunities for outdoor engagement.
“We understand that the community is eager to start enjoying the Sports Park, and we share that excitement,” said Greg Barnes, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Santa Paula. “It’s essential that we open the park when the facilities are in the best possible condition. The additional time spent ensuring the health of the turf and finalizing other details will pay off in the long run, allowing residents to fully enjoy the space without concerns about damaging newly installed turf.”
SANTA BARBARA — One805 is excited to announce the launch of its One805Live! 2024 auction. This year’s auction features an extraordinary selection of exclusive items and unforgettable experiences.
Bids and donations will benefit Santa Barbara County’s First Responders, and will help provide essential safety and life-saving equipment, along with vital mental wellness counseling, ensuring our local heroes are well-equipped to manage the challenges of their demanding roles.
The online auction opens for bidding on September 4, 2024 at 4 pm and exclusive items will be unveiled at One805’s preview party that same day. The auction can be accessed via www.One805.org.
Paint at Paseo
MCASB, Paseo Nuevo, De la Guerra Place
Celebrate summer with @omepache, a local Mexican muralist living the Chicano experience in Santa Barbara! Join a 90-minute acrylic painting session, perfect for artists of all ages. Supplies—canvases, paints, aprons, and brushes—are provided. Best of all, this monthly event is free for everyone to enjoy!
OXNARD — The Downtown Oxnard Improvement Association (DOIA) and Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) are thrilled to announce the installation of a new mural titled “Don’t Forget The Neighborhood,” created by renowned Santa Barbara-based muralist D.J. Javier. This striking mural, located under the Third Street Bridge in Downtown Oxnard, serves as a powerful visual representation of the city’s diverse and dynamic community and will be installed Monday through Friday, August 25-30, 2025.
County of Ventura to hold public listening session on Request for Proposal for local ambulance services
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, the County Executive Office will conduct an in-person and online listening session to solicit comments from stakeholders and the public on the initial draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Exclusive Emergency Ground Ambulance Transport and Related Medical Services Provider. Written and verbal comments will be considered in the final draft submitted to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.
Your voice is important and your port wants to hear it!
Join us next Tuesday, August 27 at the Port of Hueneme 333 Ponoma St. from 12PM – 6PM for the Port’s final draft presentation for feedback before adoption of the plan.
To comment and review the draft visit: https://www.portofhueneme.org/10-year-strategic-plan/
United Way thanks all who made this a spectacular evening!
We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.
Learn more about Women United, VITA, United to End Homelessness VC, Stuff the Bus, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!
Please hit play to take a look!
This month, PSHH is celebrating 54 years of changing lives and strengthening communities on the Central Coast! To make a gift in honor of our anniversary, visit pshhc.org/buildingtogether.
SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light, the Santa Barbara-based non-profit, continues its mission to shine a light in the darkest corners of the globe, and in our community! Just when you thought Santa Barbara couldn’t get any brighter, Unite to Light the Night, the organization’s flagship fundraising event, is back for a third year, ready to outshine itself. Guests will experience Breathing Space, where your breath becomes one with the planet, by Jonathan Smith, Alan Macy, and Tai Rodrig. Carlos Grasso’s COLORSPACE uses simple changes in light to upend your perception of reality, while Louise Gerber’s Colored Shadows will make you rethink the power of a simple shadow. Mark your calendars for October 18th and 19th, 2024 for this two-day event.
MCASB presents Cassandria Blackmore: Khioni Diptych, on view through September 29, 2024 in the museum’s window box gallery – 24 hours a day.
Blackmore’s paintings are reverse painted shattered glass. The shattering creates a vortex quality to the surface of the painting that draws the viewer in. At times one is seeing the painting through the transparent surface while later one might see the reflection of the environment around it thus obscuring the artist’s physical mark. In the artist’s own words: “It’s the essence of breaking down an image and restoring it to another version of itself that intrigues me.”
Cassandria lives and works in Santa Barbara, CA. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Crocker Art Museum, Racine Museum of Art, Fitchburg Art Museum, Oakland Museum, Portland Art Museum, The Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and The Imagine Museum. She is a recipient of the Hauberg Fellowship for painting on glass. Cassandria Blackmore is a Trustee on the Board of The Pilchuck Glass School founded by Dale Chihuly.
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
Have you ever wondered what happens when you call 9-1-1 in a time of need?
Santa Barbara City Fire Chief Chris Mailles told an incredible story today about what used to happen when he was a 9-1-1 dispatcher some years ago. Dispatchers had to take the calls of those in distress, write furious notes, thumb through filing cabinet drawers to locate an address, carefully read maps, and then decide which department to hand off the dispatch request to based on where the emergency was taking place.
While today computers have made this process faster, the closest ambulance or fire truck is not always the one sent to your emergency. Which side of a boundary your emergency is at still determines which department responds, costing precious seconds of time that can make the difference between saving lives or being too late.
Now all that is changing. This Wednesday we celebrated the graduation of the first-ever class of emergency dispatchers from the County’s Regional Fire Communications Center Dispatch Academy.
This impressive group of 18 graduates is well-trained to the highest emergency standards.
They can provide life-saving instructions over the phone, including CPR and cardiac arrest procedures while emergency personnel are en route.
We all owe a great thanks to the Fire Chiefs of our local departments and districts, who have taken the lead to improve this system. In doing so, they are showing us that regional cooperation is the answer.
Learn More
What a 2024 festival it was! For its 29th season the Ventura Music Festival opened at the city’s most historic outdoor party site. In the high-walled adobe courtyard where the Olivas family hosted a celebration for the election of President Abraham Lincoln came another Kentucky-Indiana resident, Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper. A full house of patrons picnicked, danced and drank from our new cantina to the amazingly intricate strings of the Bluegrass Fiddler and Group of the Year. New to bluegrass and bluegrass cognoscenti alike exclaimed it was an extraordinary night to hear America’s unique brand of folk music combining old-time?mountain music, square dance fiddling, blues, gospel, jazz, and popular music!
Saturday, August 17, 2024 • 3 PM to 5 PM
$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17. Bid on beautiful works by historic California artists like Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, and Ralph Holmes, and contemporary pieces by Bert Collins, Susan Petty, Gary Ray, and more. Click here to preview the 20 live auction artworks online.
The 2024 Fine Art Auction Fundraiser is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula, Rotary Club of Santa Paula, and the Santa Paula Art Museum Board of Directors and Docent Guild.
In each of our quarterly Livable Community Newsletters written since the publishing of the 2023 State of the Region Report, we have spent major effort to dive into specific topics offered. For this quarter we decided to look into the State of the Region through the lens of the livable community’s 3 Es, and stress the coordination of key topics that must integrate to truly understand the functioning of our complex county. We believe that each topic must be explored in a “give and take” approach that is required to produce long term results.
Let us know what you think about this.
Thanks,
Stacy Roscoe
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.
One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.
SCORE: STARTING A BUSINESS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
August 17 @ 10:00 am
This is a valuable workshop if you are considering starting a new business or have recently started one. Starting a Business: What You Need to Know cuts through the confusion and chaos of what you need to do and think about to start a business. In just 2 hours, you will gain a clear understanding of all the legal requirements for a start-up business, as well as actions that are simply smart to do. Some of the key topics covered include naming your business, licenses and taxes, insurance, financing sources, elements of a business plan and marketing considerations. You will also hear how SCORE can help you succeed in your new venture.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
“Vaccinations are essential to protecting young lives,” said CenCal Health Medical Director Patty Auchard, MD. “Immunization from harmful, infectious diseases is one of the most important ways we can secure the health of our children and our communities. Vaccination is simple, safe and effective, and has helped people of all ages live healthier lives.”
We hope you have been enjoying your summer thus far. We would like to share some exciting news with you:
MCASB is closed for summer holiday and for installation of our upcoming exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Art opening on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 – 4:00 pm.
Please note MCASB offices will reopen on September 3, 2024.
LOS ANGELES — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Community Benefits Grant. The grant program, a partnership between CPA and Calpine Community Energy, has once again increased funding to support local nonprofit organizations working to advance clean energy goals within CPA’s service area. This year, $325,000 in funding will be made available to 12 to 15 organizations – the largest amount since the grant was launched in 2021. Last year, $288,000 was distributed to 12 organizations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Team up with your child’s school staff this year to make a positive impact on your children and their learning environment. Get tips on staying involved in what happens at your child’s school.
CAMARILLO — A divided populace, immigration problems and attacks on political and legal institutions. Sound familiar? Yes, that’s the current political climate in the U.S., but it’s also very similar to that of the Roman Empire just before 27 B.C., according to Getty Museum docent and retired U.S. Navy captain Scott Jones.
Scott Jones.
“All of those hot button issues in Rome are hot button issues for us today,” Jones said.
Jones, an expert on the Roman empire, is one of the experts teaching one of the 11 classes offered in for the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)’s Fall semester. Each class meets once a week for six weeks, either virtually or in person or a combination of both.
Drake will step down from his role at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, after five years leading California’s world-renowned public research university system.
9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair
Monday, September 2
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 2nd, immediately following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s diverse agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by Whole Hog, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture. Thank you to Topa Topa Flywheelers for helping make this event possible. For more information click HERE!
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, 2024 Summer Music Festival, which kicked off June 12 and runs through August 3 at the Music Academy’s idyllic campus — and throughout the stunning setting of the American Riviera in Santa Barbara, California — has featured nearly 130 live events including the Academy Festival Orchestra, Bizet’s opera Carmen, public masterclasses, and world-renowned competitions in solo piano, duo, and song.
Last month, PSHH students participated in College Signing Day, an event where their friends, family, and educators celebrated next steps into higher education. Congratulations to our 60 hardworking students who graduated this year!
July 31 – August 11
Open 12pm to 12am daily
Gates open at 11am on Tuesday, August 6 only.
Upcoming entertainment includes:
• Aug. 4 — Los Tucanes De Tijuana is a Mexican Norteño & Corrido band from Mexico. Establishing themselves as one of the country’s most popular Norteño groups with hits like La Chona, El Centenario, El Tuanazo and La Ley 57.
• Aug. 5 — Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy) is an American stand-up comedian and actor, having produced several comedy specials for television, including I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy.
MORE!!!
Over the past few years, you may have heard me talk about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), our regional electricity provider, and our realistic plan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
There is an important way that we can all help meet that goal, and have more control over our energy costs and usage at home.
3CE just launched our Residential Battery Rebate Program, which can earn customers on-average $3,900 to purchase and install a home battery. That’s not to mention that over the lifetime of the battery, customers with solar are estimated to see $9,000 in savings on their bills.
Initially, the program is anticipated to allow for the deployment of 400 battery systems per fiscal year. The rebates will be available to residential 3CE customers, regardless of whether they have a solar system or not.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 65th anniversary season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024-2025 season go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m.
The Fall Activity Guide offers a diverse range of classes and programs for all ages, including Beginner Ceramics, a Bus Tour to see Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre, Aikido, and a collection of classes in fitness, art, aquatics, sports, pet wellness, and more.
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
“Each year, we host a gala to support the YMCA’s ‘Find My Genius,’ Safety Around Water,’ ‘Youth & Government’ and scholarship programs,” says Ronnie Stone, YMCA president and CEO. “This year is extra special because we’re also celebrating the YMCA’s 60th year serving our community. The YMCA was founded in Thousand Oaks in 1964 by a group of dedicated local leaders who saw a need for a YMCA in the area.”
Join us at the 1st Annual Government & Disability Summit taking place September 24 – 27th here in Ventura!
We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation and a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. Rebecca served at the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts. Don’t miss her keynote speech at this groundbreaking event!
SANTA BARBARA— The Music Academy of the West recently elected two distinguished community leaders to its Board of Directors: Montecito residents Andrea Hein, a retired entertainment industry executive, and Harrison M. (Mac) Bains, Jr., a retired banking and finance executive.
Let’s all give our collective praise to our firefighters and emergency personnel, who have made significant progress fighting the Lake Fire. As of yesterday evening, the Lake Fire is now 38% contained.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have lifted the Air Quality Alert in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Air Quality Watch will remain in place countywide, and air quality conditions are forecasted to be good to moderate throughout the county
A number of evacuation orders and warnings have been canceled. When returning home, it is important to exercise caution, as public safety and utility vehicles continue to perform operations in the area.
“We wanted to give our audience a great mix of entertainment across the musical spectrum, with rock ‘n’ roll at its core,” said Kirsten Cavendish Weston Smith, One805 Co-Founder and CEO. “The Santa Barbara Symphony will be a spectacular addition to the evening, as they accompany selected artists with the depth of sound an orchestra brings.“ said Cavendish Weston Smith. “Our audiences will see unique performances that have literally never been done before, nor are they likely to ever see again.”
OXNARD — Hip, Hip, Hooray for Hot Summer Days! The Collection at RiverPark will be the location of various summertime events and family-friendly activities, including Kids Club, outdoor concerts and even a fan night for The Dallas Cowboys. These events are open to the community, and offer opportunities for residents to turn the coming months into a memorable summer.
SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT
July 16 @ 10:00 am
Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever considered corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps, and Sponsor Concierge’s CEO. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the incredible power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Calling all Ventura County artists! What is your passion? Artists might produce art that IS their passion, such as painting or sculpture, but also aspects of life such as the outdoors represented in landscape paintings, car cruising, bird watching, etc. This show invites you to present works that convey your passion! This is a juried show that will award monetary prizes to the first, second, and third place winners.
The professor’s expertise drives impactful research on marine contamination and oil spills. Here he discusses his work behind the headlines, balancing science, policy and people.
PORT OF HUENEME — The 4th annual Hueneme Beach “Show and Shine Car Show,” held on June 10, 2024, was a special event that brought together car enthusiasts from the Central Coast to enjoy an afternoon of live music and a stunning array of more than 100 classic, modern, lowrider, and exotic cars. This free showcase of unique vehicles served to benefit the Port Hueneme Police Explorers who organized and hosted this daylong event.
McCartney Tea Fundraiser – With Ivor Davis (July 13), Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage (July 14), Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage (July 20) and more events
VENTURA — The Ventura Fire Department, in collaboration with the Ventura Fire Foundation, proudly invites local first responders and community members to participate in a Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza, located at 450 E. Harbor Boulevard.
This event commemorates a 110-story climb, mirroring the height of the World Trade Center towers, as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who responded to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The stair climb is designed to accommodate participants of all fitness levels, allowing each individual to honor the fallen heroes at their own pace.
SANTA BARBARA — One805 is thrilled to announce that 13-time Grammy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner, recording artist, songwriter, musician, and record producer Alan Parsons O.B.E. will be the Musical Director for the One805Live! Fall Concert. Headlining the concert at Kevin Costner’s estate in Carpenteria is Pink and Dallas Green performing as the duo Me + You. The concert will feature additional performances from Grammy Award winners Kenny Loggins and Richard Marx.
Join us this Summer for music and fun!
Two Sessions & Scholarships Available
July 22-26 at NAMBA Arts, Ventura
July 29-August 2 at Ojai Underground, Ojai
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Daily Sessions)
Ages: 11-20, Groups: Intermediate & Advanced
For over 100 years, the Museum of Ventura County (MVC) has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of our region. We believe that these stories have the power to spark curiosity, inspire compassion, and foster connection in everyone they reach.
We ask you to consider making a donation to MVC so we can continue championing these stories. Whether that is a sustaining monthly donation or a one-time gift, we hope your donation empowers you to find agency within and beyond MVC’s doors.
Together, we can transform curiosity into action, compassion into change, and inspire a future where every individual feels empowered to share, learn, and grow.
Thank you for your support of the Museum of Ventura County. We look forward to seeing you soon!
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution in Thousand Oaks is on the move to empower women in remote villages in Uganda.
A special “Move 2 Empower” online fundraiser July 7-20 kicks off a vital mission to help provide micro loans and training to women in remote villages, so they have the tools and support needed to provide for their families.
If that sounds personal, it is. More than 31,000 micro loans have been issued since the non-profit was founded in 2006 by Thousand Oaks resident Karon Wright. Thousands of lives have been changed, and with a loan repayment rate of 98%, future generations share in each success.
SBA: WOSB – OFFICE HOUR FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFIS)
July 2 @ 8:30 am
The Women-Owned Small Business Program has a new webinar series: WOSB Office Hour for RFIs! This series is intended for applicants who have applied to the become WOSB/EDWOSB certified who have received a Request for Information (RFIs) but are unsure of how to move forward in responding to the RFI. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum on how to respond to RFIs from members of the WOSB staff. Sessions will be held virtually every Tuesday and Thursday of each week at 11:30 am until 1:00 pm EST.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Premiere Party:
“Douglas Shively and Friends”
Saturday, July 13, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
Join us for the premiere of “Douglas Shively and Friends” at the Santa Paula Art Museum! The exhibition features over 50 original artworks by historic Santa Paula artist Douglas Shively and friends, a group of painters who epitomize the Southern California fine art scene of the 1920s and ’30s, including Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, John Cotton, Lawrence Hinckley, Ralph Holmes, George Demont Otis, Paul Sample, F. Grayson Sayre, and Nell Walker Warner.
“Douglas Shively and Friends” will be on view from July 13, 2024, to November 3, 2024.
VENTURA — With the official beginning of Summer Solstice this month, visitors can now board an Island Packers vessel to experience cruises and specialty trips as part of the company’s full transportation schedule to the Channel Islands National Park, in addition to popular Summer whale watching. To book, visit www.islandpackers.com and visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/
Trips from Ventura Harbor are offered on select days and Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Park, recommends that visitors make a reservation in advance.
The Board of Trustees of MCASB invite you to celebrate the next chapter of the 48 year old institution with the announcement of our new executive leadership – Dalia Garcia and Fabián Leyva-Barragán as Co-Executive Directors.
SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 77th Summer Music Festival season which runs through August 3, has awarded Music Academy alum Corin Lee the 2024 Alumni Enterprise Award (AEA) for his innovative endeavor VR Practice.
The AEA, among the Music Academy’s robust alumni efforts, supports and funds innovative projects in artistic expression, audience development, education, community engagement, social justice, and technology.
McCartney Tea Fundraiser –
With Ivor Davis
Saturday, July 13
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a Museum of Ventura County fundraiser that offers an extraordinary afternoon with Ruth and Angie McCartney, interviewed by renowned author Ivor Davis. Enjoy authentic English tea service as we hear enchanting stories about the life of Paul McCartney. The event will feature a captivating Q&A session, offering you the chance to connect directly with our special guests. Don’t miss this unique blend of British charm and rock ‘n’ roll history!
?Cost is $80 per person, more details can be found HERE. All proceeds directly support MVC. Don’t wait, ticket sales end on July 9th! Have PayPal? Reduce service fees by purchasing tickets at MVC’s PayPal Link.
“The reopening of the Ventura Pier marks a celebratory moment for our community. I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District—Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” commented Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Their hard work has ensured the pier’s safety with effective emergency responses, debris clearance, and coastal mitigation efforts and helped preserve an essential piece of our local heritage. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”
OXNARD — OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit Corporation, is excited to announce the return of CHELITA: Art, Music and Micheladas Festival on Saturday, July 13 at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event features a Michelada Competition with 11+ competitors vying for the title of Best Michelada (Restaurant Category), Best Michelada Mix (Artisan Vendors), and People’s Choice. The big question is: Will last year’s winner, Jalisco’s Restaurant, maintain their champion status or will they be dethroned?
CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, interactivity, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
Researchers explore the connections, and disconnects, between public beliefs about climate change and climate action.
VENTURA — With the Fourth of July approaching, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members that all fireworks are illegal within city limits. This year, the department is implementing new technology to enhance community safety and enforce the fireworks ban.…
SANTA BARBARA — One805 is honored to announce that Grammy award-winning recording artist and professional songwriter Richard Marx is the newest addition to the One805Live! Fall concert line-up on September 20, 2024, at Kevin Costner’s estate in Summerland. The concert will also feature Pink and Dallas Green (City and Color), performing as the duo You + Me, and a performance with Kenny Loggins, 2024 Heart of the Community Award recipient for One805.
Let’s Celebrate our Friend
Margaret Cortese
Historic Director of Teatro de las Américas.
The party will be held Saturday June 29 From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. At Teatro’s facilities at
321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA
Please bring a dish to share
My heart was broken to hear of the death of one of our local youth as the result of a train strike last week. This is a horrifying accident, and as a parent, it deeply pains me to imagine the grief that this young man’s loved ones are going through right now.
The County Behavioral Wellness team is offering resources and supportfor anyone who is affected by this tragedy. The Community Wellness Team can be reached at 805-364-2750.
Saturday, June 22, 2024 • 12 PM to 1:15 PM
Free for everyone
Acclaimed Ventura artist and retired Ventura College art professor Hiroko Yoshimoto invites you to her free lecture on the history of Chinese characters from the Han period and how they derived from pictographs. The lecture will be hosted inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center (123 N 10th Street). Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
From the sunny skies to the good vibes, it was a glorious graduation weekend at UC Santa Barbara.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts. This year, a total of $11,000 has been awarded to four promising art students from Ventura County. Artworks by our four finalists are currently exhibited in MVC’s Helen Yunker Alcove, on view from June 8 to October 13.
MVC’s Fine Arts Committee selected four finalists and three honorable mentions from a competitive pool of applicants. The 2024 winning finalist portfolios belong to: Emmalynn Tsai (Oak Park), Audrey Abbe (Ventura), Jami Chambers (Ventura), and Wren Stepan (Ventura). Honorable mention portfolios belong to: Angel Gabriel Garcia (Oxnard), Gabriella Mortillaro (Oak Park), and Wylde Brandt (Ventura).
Professor and historian Giuliana Perrone discusses her new research in the context of Juneteenth and the latest from California’s reparations task force.
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize Pride Month. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to uplift and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. EDC is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ innovators and entrepreneurs and strives to provide equitable access to inclusive services year-round.
The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center.
This week the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 2024-2025 County Budget. Due to rising costs and lingering State budget challenges, we took a tough approach this year to limit new expenditures. Despite that, this budget contains a remarkable trend against borrowing from our future. That means continuing to fund our roads to maintain the quality index, continuing homelessness reduction programs, and investing in technology and environmental preservation initiatives to move us closer to meeting climate change goals. Making progress on all of these things will take more than just a couple years of work; they require sustained efforts. Check out the video above to see some of the highlights of the Budget.
Designed for highly motivated students, the first of its kind program in the UC system provides undergraduates with a clearly structured pathway to becoming credentialed K-12 teachers.
Read more about ÉXITO
On view now through Sunday, July 7, 2024
There are less than four weeks left to see “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done” at the Santa Paula Art Museum. PAC6 is a group of six women artists from Southern California who travel and paint together across the country. The artists are Linda Brown, Marian Fortunati, Nita Harper, Debra Holladay, Laura Wambsgans, and Sharon Weaver.
“As an OB nurse at SPH, I have witnessed numerous deliveries within 30 minutes of arrival,” said Carol Lundstrom, RN in the birthing center unit at SPH. “With our unit closed women risk unattended roadside deliveries while on the way to Ventura County Medical Center. There are so many things that can go wrong with a delivery such as pre-eclampsia and hypertensive crisis, where the pregnant woman could seize or have a stroke, or a postpartum hemorrhage where a woman can lose up to half the volume of their blood, or an infant who needs resuscitation. All of these scenarios, require immediate and intensive care by knowledgeable physicians and nurses with specializations in obstetrics.”
View this email in your browser Follow Us For Updates & Announcements! Copyright © 2024 CBF PRODUCTIONS, All rights reserved.
NOW OPEN — InnoVision: Ventura County
Artists to Watch
InnoVision is an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage, and changing land usage in Ventura County.
Highlights include An Evening with the legendary Yo-Yo Ma; Wynton Marsalis Ensemble performing live to LOUIS, a silent film; lectures by the inimitable Anne Lamott, online education pioneer Salman Khan, and bestselling cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi; dance performances by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Twyla Tharp Dance; the return of the Speaking with Pico series featuring bestselling authors Richard Powers and Yung Pueblo, and performance artist Marina Abramovi?; R&B titan Mavis Staples and the Grammy-winning blues powerhouse Larkin Poe; outstanding classical artists including Itzhak Perlman and Friends, the London Philharmonic Orchestra with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, and two performances by soprano Julia Bullock
