First Thursday Food Trucks at Plaza Park — Over a dozen trucks, Electronic Dance Music, shopping — and food starts at 5PM! Lineup:
Downtown Oxnard — Outdoor events season is heating up…
Category: Events
UCSB — The Current — ‘The atmosphere’s growing thirst is making droughts worse, even where it rains’ and more news, events
Warmer air can suck up more moisture in dry regions and dump more rain in wet regions. New research reveals that the atmosphere’s drying capacity is outpacing increases in rainfall.
FREE pet adoptions this Saturday only! Camarillo & Simi Valley Shelters
FREE ADOPTIONS this Saturday! Ventura County Animal Services is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide pet adoption event organized by CalAnimalsand sponsored by the ASPCA! The event is this Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.
All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home. Each adopter will receive a special FREE Adoption Gift Bagcourtesy of Supervisor Janice Parvin!
2025 marks Santa Barbara Earthquake Centennial Commemoration to be held through September
SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44 am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, taking the lives of eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history that brought the community together, sharing resources and space to support one another through the aftermath, and out of the debris emerged the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of today’s Santa Barbara.
Many City residents spent the rest of the summer sleeping outdoors in fear of the aftershocks that rolled periodically through the city. Meanwhile, City officials looked for ways to use this tragedy to improve Santa Barbara. Stricter building codes were enforced on new construction, and commercial buildings on State Street were required to conform to a Spanish-Moorish Revival style of architecture. The headline of the day was, “Spanish Architecture to Rise from Ruins.” The results of their efforts are evident in the distinctive look that has made Santa Barbara a popular tourist destination ever since.
Registration is open for free YMCA Safety Around Water Classes
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Registration is open for the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) classes. The free, seven-session program provides water safety and basic swimming skills to youth and adults ages 5 and older with little or no water experience.
Weekly classes run from June 16 through August 9. Lessons are held during the late afternoon and early evening. SAW classes take place in the Simi Valley Family YMCA (3200 Cochran Street) and Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village) indoor swimming pools.
May 30 Palomazo Highlights in Oxnard
La Marcha Sound
This past Friday, we wrapped up the 4th Annual Palomazo Music Series with an unforgettable performance by La Marcha. It was truly epic—filled with incredible conversations, heartfelt stories, and even a little dancing! Huge thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this final Palomazo so special.
County of Santa Barbara June 2025 Newsletter
Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County: Gather, Reflect, Celebrate
Discover local Juneteenth events that commemorate history and celebrate Black culture.
Click to find events happening near you and be part of the celebration.
Women’s Economic Ventures celebrates collective impact at community event and launches 2024 Impact Report
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together WEV clients, elected officials, donors and local partners at its Community Impact Event on May 22, 2025 at The HUB in downtown Santa Barbara. The event celebrated the transformative achievements of 2024 and unveiled the newly released WEV 2024 Impact Report. Highlighted was WEV’s far-reaching support of women entrepreneurs and a reaffirmation of its mission to advance economic equity across the Central Coast.
“Economic equity is about building healthy and thriving communities for everyone,” said Irene Kelly, WEV’s Associate Director of Community Engagement, as she opened the program. “Our clients remind us that feeling financially stable, confident and excited about the future is a shared dream we can achieve together.”
Mystic Whaler welcomes graduating Oxnard Union High School District seniors for a special photo opportunity
OXNARD — The educational tall ship Mystic Whaler was honored to have welcomed graduating seniors from the Oxnard Union High School District to Mystic Whaler for a Class of 2025 portrait. The students arrived in their graduation finery and posed for a variety of photos to celebrate the graduates of 2025. Accompanying them, and proudly standing beside them, was OUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy.
Guest contribution — Planned Parenthood California Central Coast Workers announce two-day strike over unfair labor practices
CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST – Frontline Healthcare workers at six Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) clinics in Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo, have announced they will go on a two-day strike on June 10 and 11 in response to management’s continued unfair labor practices and refusal to address a deepening staffing crisis. The announcement follows nine months of attempted bargaining and a unanimous vote to authorize the strike earlier this month.
“We don’t want to go on strike, but we feel like we have to,” said Emily Medal, a Clinician at Planned Parenthood Santa Barbara. “We need management to stop bargaining in bad faith so that we can finally address short staffing. Our patients wait for weeks for an appointment, rearrange their whole day, often arranging childcare or missing work, and they can’t even get seen, or are rushed through. That’s not care. That’s a crisis.”
Ventura Music Festival — ON SALE: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Joshua Redman, more!
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Opening Act: The Barrelhouse Wailers
Friday, July 25th at 6:00 PM
The Ventura College Sportsplex Stadium
West Campus Way, Ventura, CA
El Concilio Family Services issues call for nominations — Deadline is June 1!
UCSB — The Current — ‘Gender-sensitive data brings more depth to marine spatial planning’ and more news, events
New research shows that, globally, men and women tend to use the ocean in different ways, with implications for how marine spaces are used and valued.
Ventura County Public Health, VC-ASH, and Tobacco Cessation Programs Mark World No Tobacco Day 2025 on May 31
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Health, in partnership with Ventura County Action on Smoking and Health (VC-ASH) proudly joins the global community in recognizing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. This day, established by the World Health Organization, raises awareness about the health and environmental harms caused by tobacco use and highlights efforts to promote tobacco-free living.
The 2025 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” focuses on exposing the tactics tobacco companies use to attract youth through flavored products and marketing strategies. These deceptive appeals contribute to tobacco’s status as the leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide.
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness worldwide,” said Vicky Gonzales of Ventura County Public Health. “We are committed to empowering Ventura County residents with the information and resources they need to quit and to protect our youth from the harmful influence of tobacco and nicotine products.”
Ventura County Public Works Agency completes El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project. Ribbon cutting on June 2
VENTURA — Supervisor Kelly Long’s Office and the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvements Project on Monday, June 2 at 12:00 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of El Rio, 2857 Cortez St., Oxnard.
The pedestrian improvements – which began in July 2024 — closes sidewalk gaps within the El Rio community, providing accessible pedestrian walkways along three residential roadways: Stroube Street, Walnut Drive and a portion of Cortez Street.
Guest contribution — Urge Newsom: Stop Sable Oil Pipeline, protect May 29 at Gaviota State Park
SANTA BARBARA — Amid growing outrage over Governor Gavin Newsom’s silence regarding Sable Offshore’s oil operations, community members and student activists will gather for a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 AM at Gaviota State Park.
Sable Offshore has begun pumping oil from offshore platforms that were abandoned for more than a decade, and pipeline work at Gaviota State Park is expected to finish this week. Environmental advocates say the silence from the Governor’s office—and the waivers granted by State Parks and Fire Marshal agencies—suggest tacit approval from the highest levels of state government.
June at the Santa Paula Art Museum
Kids’ Art Fest
?
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Free for all ages
We’re kicking off a summer of creative fun with Kids’ Art Fest on Sunday, June 1! This free, outdoor celebration is packed with hands-on art activities for all ages, plus face painting, giant bubbles, live art demos, yummy food vendors*, community performances, and more.
Don’t miss folklórico and mariachi performances by young artists from Oxnard’s Inlakech Cultural Arts Center from 12 PM to 1 PM. Kids’ Art Fest 2025 is sponsored by Calavo Growers, Brianne McGrath, and Rotary Club of Santa Paula.
*The cost of food is not included, but everything else is!
UCSB — The Current — ‘Murphy Niu receives NSF CAREER award for quantum computing innovation’ and more news, events
The physicist and computer science assistant professor explores a hybrid approach to scalable, error-resilient quantum machines.
Bilingual report — Mestizo Folklórico Dance Co. celebrating 44th year with two performances at Oxnard College on May 31, June 1
The dance company has represented the college throughout the community performing for civic and school events as a way of celebrating the cultural and artistic traditions of México. The group takes pride in educating audiences about the music, dances, and traditions that have existed for generations and offers programs that demonstrate discipline and dedication, combined with a love of performing before appreciative audiences. As a unit, the Mestizo Folklórico Dance Com[any aims to transmit the elegance, joyfulness, and vibrancy of Mexico’s culture to their audiences.
Bilingual report — City of Oxnard joins Memorial Day Ceremony
OXNARD — Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Council 750, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Plaza Park (500 South C Street) starting at 11 a.m.
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation announces free Memorial Day Ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery to honor military service
SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 have announced the details of their popular annual Memorial Day ceremony taking place on May 26th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.
This free event honors men and women who have proudly served in the United States military. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early in order to secure a seat. Plenty of free parking will be available on-site. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. sharp near the cemetery’s main flagpole. This year’s program will feature presentations and performances by local groups such as the UCSB ROTC Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band, David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, and The Prime Time Band.
Oxnard Film Society — Vietnam Exhibit closes with screening on May 30
VENTURA COUNTY — The last day of the WE REMEMBER exhibit is May 30 when at 2 pm we will present a 8 minute work-in-progress documentary on Deported Veterans followed by We Remember: End of Innocence a 47 minute doc on Ventura County veterans on their Vietnam experience. A Q/A with veterans and director George J. Sandoval will follow.
The John Spoor Broome Library at CSU, Channel Islands is open from 9am to 4pm Tuesday – Friday and unfortunately is closed on Memorial Day.
Bilingual report — Community Organizing Gatherings continue across Santa Barbara County on May 24
Looking to take action in your community? Join the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network for a countywide day of community organizing this Saturday, May 24th, from 12 to 2 PM in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista.
Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) — Power of Purpose — May 2025
… In this time of nonstop headlines and uncertainty, I invite us not to lose sight of the good we are creating together. There are so many examples, including the meaningful and inspired leadership of the recent graduating class of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, where Cohort 30 raised more than $20,000 to help support neighbors who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire. I wish I could have bottled up their joy as they presented the check last week – it was such a beautiful thing to witness!
UCSB — The Current — ‘Ceramic artist connects Taiwan and California with Mingei folk art traditions’ and more news, events
Meiya Sidney ???, a fourth-year College of Creative Studies and art honors student, shares her ceramic practice shaped by summers in Taiwan.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents free event, webinar schedule
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC MAY AND JUNE EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today! Plan ahead! Our full EDC and partner event schedule is updated…
UCSB — The Current — ‘Community science helps reveal population growth among SoCal’s endangered giant sea bass’ and more news, events
Photos from the diving community document around 1,200 adult giant sea bass as the species slowly recovers from decades of overfishing.
Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula to host State of the City event
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula welcomes all Santa Paula residents, business owners, partners and supporters, to attend the annual State of the City event on June 5th. The event will take place at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum, located at 926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula, CA 93060.
This year’s event, themed “Feel the Progress,” offers a chance for residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to hear about the City’s recent accomplishments, ongoing efforts, and what lies ahead. Join us to explore Santa Paula’s current priorities and community focused initiatives shaping our future.
Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art’s ‘Arte de Pueblo’ frop off date is May 22. Calling All Artists!
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Contemporary Art has announced the wildly popular and critically acclaimed exhibition “Arte de Pueblo” returns for another year! with an opening Party & Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara.
The Juror-free All-Are-Welcome Group Show is currently seeking artists.
Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Happy World Trade Month!
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize World Trade Month. This month celebrates how international trade unlocks new business opportunities, creates jobs and helps strengthen the United States and global economy.
The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
• Start-up guidance
• Marketing and Branding
• International Trade
• E-commerce and Social Media
• Manufacturing Assistance
• Legal Compliance
• Strategic Planning
• QuickBooks and Accounting
• And MORE!
County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 20 to discuss Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Prohousing Designation, Public Safety Realignment Plan, Grand Jury Epidemic Response
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — Art Adventures in LA with MCASB on May 24, more news, events
There are still a few spots left to join us on Saturday, May 24, departing Santa Barbara at 9:00 am.
Our LA adventure begins with a studio visit with artist Luz Carabaño. From there, we will experience an exhibition preview of Tony Cokes at Hannah Hoffman. Then we will end the day at The Brick where we will see Elizabeth Paige Smith Unshade me of You.
We hope you join us on a very full and rewarding day of art and ideas – register here!
Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks honors 150 Family Caregivers at annual recognition event
THOUSAND OAKS — On Tuesday, May 6, Senior Concerns hosted 150 family caregivers at Caregiver Recognition Day at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.
This at-capacity event, themed “Invigorating Your Caregiver Power,” offered a restorative and empowering experience for attendees, who are often the silent heroes behind the health and well-being of aging loved ones. Caregivers enjoyed a complimentary lunch, motivating presentations, and thoughtful gifts.
“So many family caregivers noted that they arrived feeling overwhelmed and fatigued,” said Martha Shapiro, director of programs at Senior Concerns. “At the end of the event, most attendees reported feeling inspired and appreciated. This event is our way of wrapping them with care and giving them tools and encouragement to keep going.”
Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save up to $12,000 on an EV—Get Free Help Applying!
Through August, CEC is offering FREE in-person and virtual DCAP application assistance sessions. During the sessions, CEC associates will provide one-on-one support to help you complete your application.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Making automation more human through innovative fabrication tools’ and more news, events
With support from a new NSF CAREER Award, Jennifer Jacobs is developing more intuitive, human-centered digital fabrication tools.
Scouting America to Honor Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose at Prepared for Life Gala
VENTURA COUNTY — Scouting America, Ventura County Council (SAVCC) — formerly Boy Scouts of America — proudly announces its Prepared for Life Gala, scheduled for May 31, 2025, at Camarillo Ranch, at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo. The event will honor two outstanding community members, Patrick Maynard and Patrick Rose, recognizing their significant contributions to Ventura County.
Patrick Maynard, Director of Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services, will receive the Good Scout Award for Public Safety and Service. Maynard has demonstrated exceptional leadership through numerous local emergencies, including wildfires, mudslides, oil spills, the Borderline mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic. His strategic, calm and compassionate approach embodies the values of preparedness, leadership and community service central to Scouting America’s mission.
Santa Barbara City College welcomes community to 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is proud to announce its 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 23, at 5 p.m. at the college’s La Playa Stadium. This cherished event marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement, and SBCC warmly welcomes the community — including families and friends of graduates — to join in this special celebration.
SBCC will confer more than 3,833 degrees to around 1,535 graduating students across a wide range of disciplines, recognizing their academic accomplishments and resilience. The ceremony will include inspiring speeches, student recognitions and heartfelt moments as graduates cross the stage.
Bilingual report — Community members urged to use shuttles and off-site parking for Strawberry Festival
VENTURA — With thousands expected to attend the California Strawberry Festival at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 17-18, 2025, the Ventura Police Department advises visitors to expect traffic congestion throughout the weekend. Attendees are encouraged to use off-site parking, the free Strawberry Express Shuttle system, or rail services to avoid delays and enhance pedestrian safety.
“While the City of Ventura is not the host of the Strawberry Festival, the event has a significant impact on our streets and neighborhoods,” said Traffic Unit Supervisor Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our role is to help ensure public safety by managing increased traffic, preventing collisions, and providing for pedestrian safety.”
Ventura County Civic Alliance May 15, 2025 Livable Communities Newsletter
We are continuing to look at the dire housing crisis in Ventura County and the need for affordability in the real estate market. This quarter’s articles focus on identifying different housing needs and a variety of approaches used to fill them.
The actualized projects presented by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation and California State University Channel Islands each address the needs of specific groups in different but effective ways. The third segment discusses a project that has initial approval and is working its way through the system in Ventura.
It is clear that creativity in design, amenities, location and financing, along with process flexibility, are key
UCSB — The Current — ‘Jason De León to speak on May 15,’ and more news, events
The scholar and National Book Award-winning author explores the human consequences of U.S. immigration policies and shares stories of hope and resilience from the border.
Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches taking Summer Camp sign-ups
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Signups for summer camp at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are underway. Camp runs from June 9 to August 7 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA and from June 16 to August 15 through the Yarrow Family YMCA.
Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend day camp full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks.
Activities include sports, swimming (under the supervision of Red Cross-certified YMCA lifeguards), arts and crafts, dance, cooking and weekly themed activities based on the campers’ age group. The child-to-counselor ratio is 14 to 1.
Museum of Ventura County — Pardon our dust – A fresh exhibit (and fun events!) are on the way
BEHIND-THE-SCENES – Stories of Hearst Castle
Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Join MClub & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with Architectural historian Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon— examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst.
Victoria Kastner was the official historian at Hearst Castle for nearly three decades. In addition to her new biography about its talented architect (Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect), she has also written three volumes chronicling its fascinating history: Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House; Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land; and Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy. Ms. Kastner has a Master’s Degree in Public History with a specialty in architectural history from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Management from George Washington University. She has also published works on the Beverly Hills Hotel, Bernard Maybeck’s Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the novels of Charles Dickens. Purchase your tickets HERE.
39th Annual California Strawberry Festival (May 17-18) — Strawberry Treats And Family Fun
… Every year, strawberry lovers look forward to the festival’s tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages while enjoying a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.
Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve a variety of treats, including strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, and strawberry margaritas and beer. Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience where they can build their own berry dessert for $7.
Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Estate Planning, Down Payment Assistance and More
13th Annual Homeownership Conference – Saturday, June 28th
We’re proud to present the 13th Annual A New Way Home Homeownership Conference, our premier event dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their path to homeownership, now back in person! This year, we bring together industry experts, community leaders, and local resources to provide invaluable insights, workshops, and tools that can help you achieve the dream of owning a home. If you want to ditch rent and become a homeowner this conference is for you!
Port of Hueneme Community Newsletter
The Port of Hueneme proudly acknowledges April as Autism Acceptance Month. The Board of Harbor Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing this important month, which was received by the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC).
We were also honored to sponsor the 13th Annual Aut2Run on April 27th — a meaningful event hosted by ASVC and attended by over 3,000 people. Aut2Run promotes awareness and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families.
Ventura EcoFest 2025 draws thousands to celebrate Earth Day and sustainability
“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:
From free film screenings and public talks to advocacy meetups, Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub is a space where community members can gather, learn, and lead
Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.
Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope
explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.
Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting of May 13 to discuss environmental health service fees, options to address emissions from oil & gas operations
The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles to perform free season finale concerts May 24, 25
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles will cap off their 2024/25 season with a pair of FREE community concerts. The community is invited to witness the talent and dedication of more than 100 student musicians across three orchestra levels, ranging in age from 9 – 18.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) announces ‘When Light and Sound Become Form’ on May 10, other upcoming events
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
10:00am PST // 1:00pm EST
COLOR, LIGHT, MOTION, EPISODE 28
Co-presenters Frederick Janka and Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin will be discussing four objects from the David Bermant Foundation Collection: Nam June Paik, Participation TV, 1969; Otto Piene, Light Ballet I; Marcel Duchamp, Rotorelief (optical discs) 1935-1953, edition c. 1965, and Alejandro & Moira Sina, Spinning Shaft 1978, 1983.
Santa Paula Art Museum — California Art Club’s ‘Plein Air Visions’ opens Saturday, May 10, other upcoming events
Premiere Party: California Art Club’s “Plein Air Visions”
?
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members
We didn’t quite plan for the entire Museum to be filled with art by members of the California Art Club, but we’re not mad now that it has happened! On Saturday, May 10, join us for the premiere of “Plein Air Visions,” featuring two dozen current CAC members. You’ll also enjoy CAC Signature Artist Anne Ward’s solo exhibition, “Painted Seasons,” and a mini-exhibit of works by historic CAC members Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke.
UCSB — The Current — ‘Bridge to a Bright Future Undergraduates walk FUERTE’s wild path toward environmental careers’ and more news, events
Building future careers in STEM, students in the FUERTE program travel to the Eastern Sierra to explore nature, gain field experience and learn from top scientists.
Read more about FUERTE in this special multimedia feature.
Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West announcing the arrival of Jun Kaneko’s Monumental Sculpture
The Music Academy of the West is proud to welcome Untitled, Head, a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko, now installed on the Academy’s Fé Bland Plaza. Standing 13 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the cast bronze work rests atop a stainless-steel base, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Kaneko’s artistry up close before it takes center stage in two major Music Academy performances at The Granada Theatre.
UCSB — The Current — ‘New frontiers for well-being in Antarctica and isolated spaces’ and more news, events
Media Arts and Technology doctoral students are helping to pioneer AI tools supporting mental health in Antarctica and other extreme environments.
Community Colleges of Ventura County Uplift LGBTQIA+ graduates at third annual Lavender Celebration
Now in its third year, Lavender Graduation has become a beloved tradition that fills students and employees alike with anticipation. The ceremony and afterparty reception, hosted in a rotation among the three colleges, was initially created in the 2022-23 academic year to be an inclusive graduation celebration that honors the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district. Since its inaugural year, the event has continued to draw a guest list of graduates, continuing students, and their supporters, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community members and allies employed by the district as faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.
LULAC commemorates Cinco de Mayo by calling on all Americans to defend the Constitution and uphold civil rights
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.
Big Things are Blooming at the Museum of Ventura County this Spring
LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.
Ventura County DA joins West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) forum on public safety
CAMARILLO – OXNARD — West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, will host an important conversation about public safety at its quarterly Statement Series luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Staybridge Suites Oxnard River Ridge. WVCBA’s Statement Series is designed to bridge the communities with overarching topics that are relevant to both.
Bilingual report — May is National Bicycle Safety Month: Ventura PD encourages safer streets for all
To help protect bicyclists and pedestrians, the Ventura Police Department will conduct a focused traffic safety operation throughout the month, aimed at addressing violations that endanger people walking and biking. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, and stop sign or red light violations.
County of Santa Barbara May 2025 Newsletter
Stay connected—sign up for alerts now to be prepared ahead of the upcoming emergency alert system test.