Category: Events

February at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2025 • Comments Off

Happy almost February! February is our anniversary month at the Santa Paula Art Museum (we’ll celebrate 15 years on Valentine’s Day). We think you’ll love our program offerings in the month ahead. Bring the whole family to make Valentine’s Day keepsakes on February 2. Register you and your Valentine or Galentine for a wheel-throwing ceramics course starting February 14. Hear more about currently featured artist Joanne Julian and her love of art on February 22. Find the details for all of our February programs below.

Ventura Music Festival — The 2025 Lineup is Here!

by Community Contributor • January 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Our 30th Season kicks off with Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with The Beatles in March, with more special events coming in May. Then join us for a full weekend of music in both July and October. Read on to hear about the latest news, community collaborations, and our full 2025 lineup!

CSUCI Conference for Social Justice in Education on March 1 to feature Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/author Sonia Nazario

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — In order to fully experience the perils of a young migrant’s journey from Honduras to the U.S., Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario rode 1,600 miles clinging to the top of seven trains – twice. Her experience turned into a series in the Los Angeles Times, followed by a 2006 book entitled “Enrique’s Journey.”

Nazario will draw from her experience retracing the steps of the young Honduran refugee when she speaks at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s 2025 Conference for Social Justice in Education, scheduled for Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CSUCI’s Grand Salon.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Professor David Tilman awarded National Medal of Science for revealing the importance of biodiversity’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2025 • Comments Off

“It feels special because it’s my nation saying that my life’s work is appreciated. And that is an amazing feeling,” said Tilman, a distinguished professor at Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.

LEAP Announces 6th Annual LEAP Awards Honoring Local Community Leaders

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are thrilled to recognize these inspiring leaders who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that LEAP stands for,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Fitzgibbons, through her exceptional medical leadership and education efforts at Cottage Hospital, and Ernesto Paredes, with his unwavering commitment to accessible transportation and community advocacy, have positively impacted countless lives. Amir Abo-Shaeer, as our Distinguished Alumnus, represents the transformative power of LEAP’s programs, and we are proud to celebrate his journey and contributions.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Leah Stokes receives the prestigious Schneider Award for Outstanding Science Communication’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — VCCDC’s Homebuyer Workshops are here to guide you every step of the way in 2025!

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Choose a date that works for you:

Saturday, January 25th (online)
Saturday, February 1 (online)
Sábado, 8 de febrero (Oxnard)
Saturday, February 22 (online)
To reserve your seat, simply click below to sign up. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dream of homeownership!

2025 Events & Festivals announced In Lompoc, On California’s Central Coast

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2025 • Comments Off

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!

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Last Chance to Register: CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College students return for Spring classes

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2025 • Comments Off

“It’s always exciting when we get to see students back on campus for the start of classes,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Our entire team of faculty and staff are dedicated to helping make their college experience as rewarding as possible.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘Sara Miller McCune Arts Library opens for study, research and learning resources’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Culminating a multiyear effort to unite library collections and services in a central, state-of-the-art space, the newly opened facility also represents the vision of its namesake, a longstanding donor to campus

Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara kicks off the New Year with three free performances (Jan. 24, 25, 26) by La Santa Cecilia

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘UC Santa Barbara heads to State Street’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Intending to have a larger presence in the downtown area, and to support the revitalization of Santa Barbara’s primary business corridor, the university will acquire property on State Street.

Read more about the university’s plans

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival seeks sponsors

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Campus events honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s struggle for equality’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Back-to-back events will kick off celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including a free documentary screening and a silent march through campus.

Free, online “Fearless Femme Summit” from Feb 3 to 6 offers career-boosting advice for women in STEM

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

County of Santa Barbara January 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

Storms can still happen even during a drier winter season. Know your risk and be ready for a change in weather.

Teatro de las Américas — Taller de Cine 2025 | Vision Board | Kid’s Workshop

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2025 • Comments Off

¡Comenzamos el 11 de enero!
Taller de Cine 2025
Proyecto cooperativo en español para realizar un corto de ficción de aproximadamente 15 minutos de duración en el que los participantes idearán, escribirán, actuarán y producirán una película original a lo largo de 12 sesiones semanales

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Official Community Update

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Program addresses need for bilingual and culturally responsive school psychologists’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

UCSB — The Current — ‘It’s all about expression’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Professor Soojin Yi leads a study of how gene expression in the human brain reveals cell types becoming more specialized, not just more numerous.

Open Call for Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura County Artists: A Woman’s Place: Visual Voices

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2025 • Comments Off

“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.

LAUNCH, Korean Cultural Center issues ‘Call for Artists’ in Southern California for upcoming exhibit

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2025 • Comments Off

“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.

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival call for applicants: Makers of unique, quality handcrafted artwork and craft items

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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

January at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Mountain Fire Burn Area Town Hall on Jan. 7, 2025

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Museum of Ventura County — Double the Art, Double the Inspiration – Don’t Miss Out!

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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!

Nautical Night of Lights Gala Shines Bright at Channel Islands Maritime Museum

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE MEDIA RELEASE OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) proudly hosted its sold-out Nautical Night of Lights gala on December 14, 2024, and the evening was nothing short of extraordinary. Set against the festive…

See Kaiser Permanente 2025 Rose Parade® Float, ‘More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years’ on Jan. 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • January 2, 2025 • Comments Off

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.