
The associate professor, an expert in energy, climate and environmental politics, was recognized for her exceptional contributions and public engagement.

LOMPOC — Lompoc is gearing up to welcome 2025 with a lineup of exciting events! From now until December 31, 2025, immerse yourself in the small-town charm of this vibrant community. Explore the unique festivals and experiences that make Lompoc Valley stand out. Wine lover or history buff, Lompoc Valley has something extraordinary to offer for every type of adventurer!

When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.

La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners.

he Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy …
Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.

VENTURA — The California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors for its 39th annual event, scheduled for May 17-18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The family-friendly festival drew more than 40,000 visitors from across Southern California in 2024, including attendees from Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.
Festival attractions include more than 40 strawberry-themed food and beverage vendors, nearly 150 fine arts and crafts booths, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a children’s Strawberryland and a build-your-own strawberry shortcake tent. Organizers estimate visitors consume 1.5 million locally grown strawberries during the two-day event.

SANTA BARBARA — More women than ever are working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but they’re still vastly outnumbered by men. For many women professionals that can lead to a feeling of isolation, as well as problems with discrimination, unconscious bias and a lack of role models and support.
Leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. From Feb. 3 to 6 she will be hosting the second annual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” The free event, which will be held entirely online from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders.
Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com. Participants can also sign up for a paid group coaching program and individualized emotional intelligence assessments that include free access to Fearless Femme Summit speaker videos.

Due to strong winds and heightened wildfire conditions, the City of Santa Paula is experiencing weather-related power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). We want to ensure our community stays safe and informed during this time. Below are essential tips, resources, and important updates to help you navigate these conditions.

Facing a nationwide shortage of school psychologists and a growing need for services for increasingly diverse student bodies, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education launches a new effort to train bilingual school psychologists.
Plus: Chicana and Chicano studies scholar discusses her new book, “The Children of Solaga: Indigenous Belonging across the U.S.-Mexico Border,” in this Interdisciplinary Humanities Center event.

“A Woman’s Place: Visual Voices” is a tribute to the profound impact of women’s narratives. This exhibition, in celebration of Women’s History Month, serves as a platform for artists to amplify stories that have often been overshadowed or marginalized. It provides a space where the rich tapestry of women’s experiences can be vividly depicted and shared in a manner that crosses language and cultural barriers.

“Edge of Now” invites artists to submit works that capture personal, cultural, and global transformations We seek works that explore the rich tapestry of contemporary life where multiple cultures intersect, where personal and collective experiences are shared, and where the celebration of self, community, and place unfolds alongside the challenges we all encounter.

VENTURA — The 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10.
The festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors, features dozens of different kinds of foods and beverages made from fresh strawberries. About 150 artisans from throughout California showcase their original works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods

Saturday, January 18, 2025 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members
Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 18, for the premiere of “A Brush with Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives,” an exhibition featuring Santa Clarita-based artists Sandy Fisher, Mardilan Lee Georgio, and Charlotte Mullich. Together the three artists present three impressions of nature, from landscapes and seascapes to flora and fauna, using three distinct mediums: oil, pastel, and watercolor. All of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Although this meeting is designed to support Mountain Fire victims, emergency preparedness is vital for everyone in our community. Disasters can strike unexpectedly, and taking steps now can make all the difference. I encourage you to visit ReadyVenturaCounty.org to access valuable resources and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for whatever may come.
The Mountain Fire left a lasting impact on our community, and I know the path to recovery can feel overwhelming for many community members. Please know that you are not alone. At the recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, I directed Staff to bring forward a measure—one that I proudly voted for—to waive fees and streamline processes to assist Mountain Fire victims in their rebuilding efforts. Click here to learn more.

Opening Reception: What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
Friday, January 17
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for the Opening of What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art in the Wachtell Gallery at the Museum of Ventura County. This exhibition 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. Featured artists Carlisle Cooper, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Johanna Spinks, John Nava, John Nichols, Kitty Botke, Lis Schwitters, Michael Ward, Neal Barr, Omar d’León, and Robert Clunie offer eclectic interpretations of women’s portraiture.
Experience the beauty of the evening with live music from Ventura Music Festival, beer and wine for sale, and an atmosphere sure to inspire. Register free of charge by clicking HERE!

PASADENA — Kaiser Permanente (which operates Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura) 2025 Rose Parade® float theme, “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years,” will appear at the 136th annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2025.
The theme represents Kaiser Permanente’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to live their best, healthiest life every day. The float celebrates total health – body, mind, and spirit – and how Kaiser Permanente supports the health and wellbeing of its members and communities.
This year, Kaiser Permanente’s 19th annual float entry embodies the 2025 Rose Parade presented by Honda theme, “Best Day Ever,” celebrating life’s best moments. The float symbolizes a day of healthy living, featuring a sun at one end and a moon at the other, with various healthy activities in between. The float includes depictions of nutritious foods, physical activity, and mental wellness for people of all ages and abilities.

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Friday, January 24 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Saturday, January 25 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe, CA
Sunday, January 26 | 6 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara
La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms including cumbia, bossa-nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz and klezmer music. Their unique sounds and the experience of their colorful, passionate performances continues to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners.

Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning icon Lila Downs brings her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence to a vibrant celebration of Día de Muertos. Raised in Minnesota and Oaxaca, Downs blends traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music with folk, jazz, blues and originals in a deeply personal interpretation of Día de Muertos. This festive evening will also feature mariachis and dancers, evoking the rich spirit and color of Day of the Dead on both sides of the border.

Join us at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center as we honor the lives of our ancestors and loved ones. The celebration is set to feature community offrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles. Learn about the meaning of the Day of the Dead through community story tellers and guest speakers who posses a deep understanding of this ancient holiday.

The Simi Valley Historical Society invites you to their 11th Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum.
Event to include music, entertainment, craft vendors, crafts for kids, face painting, food and more. Costumes encouraged. New in 2025: Chips & Salsa Competition!

OXNARD — Oxnard College will present its ‘Día De Los Muertos’ celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 in front of the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building.
This is a vibrant community and campus celebration honoring the cultural tradition of creating colorful altars for loved ones who have passed.
The event brings together local schools, non-profits, the OC Foundation, and the Port of Hueneme in a meaningful collaboration featuring Latino culture, music, and family-friendly activities.