SANTA PAULA — “On the Ranch” is a joyful solo exhibition by Santa Fe artist (and longtime Ventura County resident) Andrea Vargas. Featuring 40 mixed media paintings and drawings, the exhibit honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: the ranches and valley of Santa Paula, and the open spaces near Ventura’s Arroyo Verde Park where her parents’ home survived the Thomas Fire in 2017.
Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!
Mountains to Sea Jubilee
FAMILY FAIR
?Saturday, October 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee, a FREE all-day family event culminating in a music festival! The Family Fair features food trucks, kids’ zone, community stages, pumpkin patch, Exhibit opening: Ventura County, The Place We Call Home, and MORE! Get the details HERE.
Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., began her new role as SBCC Superintendent/President on Tuesday, Aug. 1, marking her return to SBCC (she was the Dean of Career and Technical Services from 2000 to 2009). Most recently she served as Superintendent/ President of Pasadena City College since January 2019.
“My first week back at SBCC has been wonderful,” said Dr. Endrijonas. “I had my sights set on returning to SBCC for over a decade, and I am still pinching myself that my dream became a reality. I have started to meet folks here on campus — some for the first time, some I haven’t seen in 14 years — and it does feel like I have come home. I look forward to the next few weeks on campus as we launch our Fall 2023 semester and as I start to meet members of our local community who hold a special place in their hearts for SBCC.”
OXNARD — Oxnard College celebrated major investments in its arts programs and facilities on Thursday. The campus held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Art + Design complex, which includes upgraded classrooms, state-of-the-art studios and a myriad of new art supplies to serve students beginning this fall.
The day’s festivities highlighted the contributions of alumni through the dedication of the college’s most recent mural, designed by alumni artists and located in the campus Outdoor Amphitheater. The piece, entitled the Community of Resilience Mural, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic by honoring those who were lost and celebrating the community’s resilience. The day also included the opening of a new Alumni Art Exhibition in the McNish Gallery of Art set to run through September 27.
LOMPOC — With cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the ideal season for a road trip to Lompoc! Sip award-winning wines from Sta. Rita Valley wineries, warm up with a pumpkin latte in one of our cozy coffee shops, take a lazy drive on our scenic country roads or relax at Jalama beach, catch a rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB, and stay at one of our comfy hotels!
Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, the comfortable weather conditions clear the way for outdoor activities like these:
This week’s Feature:
The BLUE BBQ Basket
Donated by Love & Care
Take a load off this summer, we’ve done the work for you! So go ahead and *Thrill* your Grill Master with this flaming hot basket that packs a punch of FLAVOR! Loaded with savory seasonings and solid tools to get the grilling done right and serve your masterpiece fresh off the grill in style!
*** Come bid on this Blue BBQ beauty at the Wine Down ***
The new issue of Written Names Fanzine, which chronicles occurrences of hyper-localized, unsanctioned public writing, features found names stuck in bubblegum in San Luis Obispo.
This month we’ve been looking back, and looking ahead, and celebrating all that’s brought us to the milestone of serving our communities for 53 years. Much has changed, and much has been accomplished since three local volunteers came together around a common mission to serve their community, and eventually form our organization to carry it out and magnify. What’s not changed is the need for creating many more affordable housing opportunities, and coming alongside those among us who are struggling to meet basic needs, in support of our community’s most vulnerable.
SANTA BARBARA — As part of Maroon 5 One805 Live! Concert happening September 22nd, 2023, One805 has launched an exclusive online auction ideal for music and rock and roll enthusiasts as well as unique “experiences” for a lucky few!
All proceeds raised through the concert and auction go to essential equipment needs for first responders, as well providing crucial counseling services for every firefighter in Santa Barbara County.
Santa Paula Art Museum Curator of Creativity Gabriel Islas has curated an all-new lineup of classes to experience at the Cole Creativity Center in September! We are excited to welcome you into our new ceramics studio with Wheel Throwing and Hand Building clay courses for all levels. With the kids going back to school, we’re also introducing our new After School: Art and After School: Ceramics programs. Islas himself will be teaching the new Intro to Oil Painting course for total beginners, while the 21-and-over crowd can enjoy Art After Dark, and so much more!
Check out all of our September classes below. All supplies are provided in every class, and preregistration is required.
The jewels in the crown of the collection held by the Art, Design & Architecture Museum — plucked from the coastal forests and deserts of California Modernism — are its nearly 290 archives of architects, landscape architects and industrial and graphic designers practicing in Southern California.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will be holding a series of family-friendly pop-up celebrations across the county in celebration of the 150thAnniversary of Ventura County. The pop-up celebrations will be held at larger festival events and will feature community organizations that will provide opportunities for adults and children to interact and learn more about the rich history and traditions of Ventura County. These community partners will provide opportunities for residents to participate in arts and crafts activities, enjoy performances, and learn more about Ventura County’s heritage both past and present. A full calendar of events can be found at www.venturacounty150.com
SANTA BARBARA — American Indian Health & Services (AIH&S), at 3227 State St. Santa Barbara, will be celebrating National Health Center Week (NHCW) with other community clinics across the country.
Health centers provide preventive and primary care services to over 30 million people and are the first to respond with wrap around care during disasters and health emergencies. Community Health Centers lower health care costs to the tune of $24 billion a year reducing the rate of chronic diseases and stimulating local economies.
For nearly 30 years, American Indian Health & Services has been serving the Central-Coast’s healthcare needs. At AIH&S we provide medical, dental, optometric, behavioral health, and community cultural services to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and members of the community.
Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!
The event will feature LIVE music with several wines from our local regions, local craft beer and locally brewed coffee, all paired with a mouthwatering array of delicious hors d’oeuvres.
Your contributions raise funds for LEAP, our Life Enrichment Activity Program, providing music, movement and excursion programs for seniors with dementia, led by local entertainers and instructors, engaging our members in mind, body, and spirit.
Recovering the knowledge of the past and the future
Lum Art Talk | In Conversation: Sarah Rosalena and Sandy Rodriguez
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Friday, July 28
5–7pm
Exhibition Tour with Sandy Rodriguez:
Sandy Rodriguez — Unfolding Histories: 200 Years of Resistance
Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UC Santa Barbara
Saturday, July 29
12pm–2pm, Tour begins at 12pm
Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection
Just in time for summer, come be inspired by the ever-changing coast captured by our regional artists.
From plein air painting to photography, the mutable coast provides an endless supply of inspiration. Art helps us admire, respect, and revere our region, reminding us of our own place in the natural world. Proximity means a closeness in space, time, or relationship. These artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection bring us closer to the water, both visually and in feeling.
This exhibit is made possible by the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund, the Paul and Anne Leavens Family Fund and the Bonita McFarland Fund
LOMPOC — Planning a weekend away that caters to the interests and ages of everyone in your family can be a challenge, but have no fear! Lompoc, situated on California’s Central Coast, offers a wealth of fun experiences that will leave the whole family with smiles. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures or educational explorations, join us as we uncover 7 fun things to do in Lompoc that are perfect for families.
SANTA PAULA — The Arte & Cultura Collective of Santa Paula, a vibrant community organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating cultural arts, is excited to announce its upcoming Mission & Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to bring together artists, organizations, and individuals committed to various forms of artistic expression from the local community to collectively shape the future of our cultural arts scene.
The Mission & Vision Workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 1st at the Train Depot located at 200 N. 10th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060 from 4:45PM-7:00PM. Artists, organizations, and individuals of all backgrounds and disciplines are invited to attend and actively participate in this collaborative event.
CAMARILLO — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) has opened nominations for the 56th annual Camarillo Top Ten Community Awards.
Any person, business or nonprofit whose deeds and actions have contributed to the betterment of Camarillo’s community is eligible to be nominated. The online nomination form with award descriptions is available at https://bit.ly/toptenawards23 and is also available as a downloadable PDF that can be emailed or mailed to the WVCBA.
LOMPOC — The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.
SANTA BARBARA — Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp will welcome approximately 40 enthusiastic campers at the UCSB Recreation Center. Funding from the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation allows all campers to attend the week for free.
The annual camp provides sports and recreation skills development for children, youth, and young adults between the ages of 6 to 21 years old who can use a wheelchair to participate in sports and recreation activities. This year more than 50 volunteers will assist the campers.
Premiere Party: California Art League’s “The California Scene”
Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
The Santa Paula Art Museum is the place to be on Saturday, July 15! Join us as we unveil our newest exhibition, “The California Scene,” showcasing 59 quintessential California scenes in a variety of media by 44 artists from the long-established California Art League (CAL). The show is CAL’s 2023 Gold Medal Exhibition and multiple awards will be announced during the premiere party. Mingle with the artists, grab a glass of wine, and find out which artwork is named “Best in Show.”
“The California Scene” will be on view from July 15 to November 5, 2023. Many of the artworks are available for purchase.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes Jenna Hamilton-Rolle as Director of Education & Community Engagement. Hamilton-Rolle was the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, and brings substantial experience with community outreach, K-12 field trips, hands-on educational programming, and site-specific experiential learning to her new role with Arts & Lectures.
“I believe everyone in our community deserves access to engaging, high-quality educational opportunities. In alignment with UCSB Arts & Lectures mission, my career goals revolve around inspiring, educating, and engaging an increasingly diverse public” said Hamilton-Rolle. She also said that she has “admired A&L’s commitment to excellence, cogent programming, and dedication to accessibility” since her time as a graduate student at UCSB.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura and Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library (FOTM) are presenting the History Is Now, 2023 photography and art exhibition at the County of Ventura Government Center – Hall of Administration, Atrium Gallery, located at 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura. Open now through September 5, 2023 as a part of the County’s 150th Anniversary events, the exhibit celebrates the many artists who have made an impact in Ventura County over the past 150 years.
SANTA PAULA — On Nov.16, 2022, the City of Santa Paula announced that Chevron, in partnership with its affiliate Union Oil Company of California, made a generous offer to donate the historic former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City. This donation would include the building, a $2 million grant to facilitate necessary maintenance, and select memorabilia displayed in the museum. Since December, staff has been conducting due diligence and negotiating a transfer agreement which would establish the City as the permanent owner of the property. In addition, the City established an ad hoc committee to assist in the evaluation of the property transition and future use of the facility.
“The donation of the former Union Oil Company of California headquarters is a remarkable opportunity for the City of Santa Paula. We are grateful to Chevron and Union Oil Company of California for their commitment to preserving our history and supporting the revitalization of our community,” stated Mayor Andy Sobel.
To ensure community involvement in shaping the future of the property, the City has planned two Community Workshops & Tours led by David Yoshitomi, Arts & Culture Manager of the County of Ventura.
SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS
July 10 @ 10:00 am
Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to LADO@SBA.GOV at least 7 days in advance.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
OXNARD — Community Roots Garden, at 1801 Joliet Pl. in Oxnard, will host some beautiful collective workshops and conversations guided by some wonderfully talented individuals. These workshops are geared towards healing and connecting by sharing knowledge of ancestral ways of being through storytelling and cultural art practice shares. All workshops start at 10 a.m. with options to stay to help paint the mural after each workshops.
We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.
Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!
Please hit play to take a look!
Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry
Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!
Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.
This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union
LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.
For middle schoolers who love science, registration is open for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s summer STEM Club in Simi Valley and Westlake Village.
The one-week programs each have a specific theme. The robots workshop is July 10 through 14 at the Simi Valley YMCA (3200 Cochran Street, Simi Valley) and July 17 through 21 at the Yarrow Family YMCA (31105 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village). The engineering session is from July 31 through August 4 at the Simi Y. There is a waitlist for the session at the Yarrow Y (August 7 through 11).
On view now through July 9, 2023
Closing soon: “Shadow and Light” is a 30-year survey of Central Coast artist Bruce Everett’s magnificent landscapes in oil. Characterized by bold and often dark compositional forms, dramatic effects of light, and a sense of solitude, Everett’s paintings combine both smooth and expressive brushwork and include large studio pieces and small plein air scenes depicting locales from Los Angeles north to San Luis Obispo.
While we highly recommend experiencing Bruce’s art in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at Everett’s exhibit in your inbox!
SANTA PAULA — As residents begin to plan their Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Santa Paula reminds the community that all fireworks, including those commonly referred to as “safe and sane,” are illegal within the City. Santa Paulans are invited to celebrate in other ways and review the City’s municipal code pertaining to fireworks.
“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Andy Sobel. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other opportunities and ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities such as biking or hiking, or attending the annual Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula fireworks display.”
The first of a series of events celebrating the campus’s newest crop of graduates shined a spotlight on CCS, the “graduate school for undergraduates.”
Last Thursday, a significant milestone has been achieved that has been in the works the entire time I’ve been Supervisor. With the opening of Fire Station 27, Our most remote community has finally received the Fire Station it deserves. As Supervisor for Cuyama, I always strive to ensure equitable services and emergency response for every part of the County. This project has been made possible through the active participation of many dedicated Cuyama community members. I want to give a special shoutout to Mrs. Fursteinfeld’s 6th Grade Class who joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony. I am certain that there are some future first responders among this great group of students!
For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Museum of Ventura County, will host a family-friendly community event to mark the kick-off of 150 days of celebration in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. The event will be held at the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura and will feature museum exhibits, games, food trucks, and music.
SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo is returning after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2023.
Organizations have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers and network with more than 100 booths focused on the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community. Exhibit space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and is expected to sell out early.
“The Expo is the only event of its kind on the Central Coast. Attendees receive great information on the plethora of services resources available to them,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, and the help of more than 50 volunteers, we are really proud to be able to bring the Senior Expo back to the community this year.”
Dear Valued Port Friends and Partners,
The Port of Hueneme is excited for this year’s 10th Annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival. We host the Banana Festival annually as the banana is one of our port’s main imports, bringing in over 5 billion bananas a year! We will have live music, tasty eats, and shopping, thanks to the help of our sponsors and vendors.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Tomorrow marks the official launch of The County’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Be on the lookout for an “all things 150” preview newsletter!
The Promise Scholar is graduating as a double major and is next set to join the university’s intensive Teacher Education Program on a full ride.
VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor. Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.
UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, announces its 2023-2024 season of live events. Series subscriptions go on sale Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Single tickets go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2023-2024 – from fascinating talks by today’s thought leaders to command performances by some of the world’s premier dance companies, actors and musicians – at venues from UCSB to downtown Santa Barbara and beyond. The 2023-2024 season includes the U.S. premiere of a work co-commissioned by Arts & Lectures for the Danish String Quartet, along with West Coast and California premieres and multiple Santa Barbara debut performances. Additional events, including the Justice for All programming initiative, Thematic Learning Initiative and more, will be announced throughout the season.
Come enjoy the sounds of summer and fall with a series of free, family-friendly concerts at The Collection at Riverpark. These live outdoor shows will be held on Wednesday nights and will feature everyone’s favorite rock and pop classics performed by popular tribute bands.
Save the dates for Rock The Collection:
Aug. 23
Sept. 6
Sept. 20
Oct. 4
Between the overlapping arrangement of two lattices, physicists find some interesting material behaviors that have never been seen before
Kids’ Summer Art Camps inside the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center begin Monday, June 12, 2023. Teaching artist Roxanne Casas (pictured above performing a clay demonstration at last weekend’s Kids’ Art Fest) will be starting us off with Intro to Ceramics for ages 9-12.
We’ve got over a dozen art camps to choose from in June, July, and August. Let your kids get their hands dirty and exercise their creativity as they learn to paint, draw, craft, sculpt, and more! All camps are $160 for five half-days of camp. Scroll down to see all of our available camps in June.
En este campamento de verano, niñas y niños podrán acercarse a la expresión escénica de una manera divertida en un entorno bilingüe, de la mano de la experimentada actriz y maestra Alina Ceñal. Al final del curso, el grupo presentará la obra Charlie y la fábrica de chocolates para mostrar lo aprendido en esta divertida aventura en que pondrán en juego todo su talento.
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In this summer camp, girls and boys will be able to approach scenic expression in a fun way in a bilingual environment, led by the experienced actress and teacher Alina Ceñal. At the end of the course, the group will present the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to show what they have learned in this fun adventure in which they will put all their talents into play.
No matter how, why, or where you choose to launch (or end) your very own Lompoc Sweet Tooth Tour, it helps to have a solid rundown of some sweet spots in and around Lompoc.
That’s what we’re here for. Bon appétit and savor sweet!
The Ventura County Fairgrounds is excited to announce its 2023 Ventura County Fair Entertainment Lineup for this summer, which includes a mix of genres from Country to Classic Rock, Hip Hop, and Soul.
