
Members of a single Colombian family each carry a mutation linked to accelerated development of the sticky plaques that, in addition to tangles of a misfolded structural protein called tau, are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

LOMPOC — Step into history at one of California’s most extensively restored missions – La Purisima Mission State Historic Park! The Mission offers visitors a remarkable historic journey to life in the 1800’s. Within minutes of downtown Lompoc, you can explore the grounds of this meticulously preserved mission, and find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of California’s past. From the imposing adobe walls to the tranquil courtyards, every corner of La Purisima Mission resonates with history.
Visitors can wander through the well-preserved buildings, including the chapel, living quarters, workshops, and gardens, gaining insight into the daily lives of the Spanish missionaries and the indigenous Chumash people who once inhabited this site.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The YMCA’s Model United Nations for middle schoolers will begin in the Conejo and Simi valleys on March 6. Students in grades sixth through eighth are eligible. The program is sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
The program, which runs from March 6 through April 28, enables participants to come together with peers from across California to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life-enhancing skills and make new friends. These students will become “delegates” and be assigned to one of two program areas, each focusing on improving the international community.

“Art About Agriculture” is a group exhibition presented by the Ag Art Alliance, a collective formed in 2007 by Santa Paula photographer John Nichols and Santa Paula painter Gail Pidduck. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

SANTA BARBARA — A capacity Arlington Theatre audience thrilled to a surprise appearance by Oprah Winfrey at last night’s UCSB Arts & Lectures Speaking with Pico event. Winfrey came out to celebrate the success of her friend Dr. Abraham Verghese, whose novel The Covenant of Water was an Oprah’s Book Club pick in 2023 and has been on the New York Times fiction bestseller list continuously since its release.

Janna Ireland’s photographic practice is primarily concerned with the themes of family, home, and the expression of Black identity in American culture. In 2016, she began photographing structures designed by legendary Black architect Paul R. Williams. A collection of 250 of these photographs was published in the major 2020 monograph, Regarding Paul R. Williams: A Photographer’s View. These multiple aspects of Ireland’s work will be featured and interwoven across both venues.

VENTURA —The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Arts Council, has announced the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity to support Ventura County-based arts and culture organizations and independent artists.
A total of $800,000 in funding will be available through this program, making it one of the largest arts and culture specific grant programs offered by local government in Ventura County. Of this funding, a total of $700,000 is available to nonprofit art organizations, independent artists, and arts projects. The remaining $100,000 will be dedicated to providing matching funds from the County to support arts and culture organizations applying for grant opportunities where a grant match is required.

Explore the complex life of Napoleon Bonaparte in a new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®. As a charismatic leader, military strategist, and political figure, Napoleon rose to power during the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in his journey, from the forces that propelled him to prominence, his marriages, and his entwined destinies with other global leaders. Through George Stuart’s intricate creations, experience Napoleon Bonaparte’s significant impact on the course of history.

CAMARILLO — The CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus will be alive with two Latina/o cultural celebrations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, and the public is invited to join in.
Just as it is customary to honor a Latina’s 15th birthday with a grand celebration including music, dancing, food, tiaras and elaborate gowns, the Chicana/o Studies program is celebrating its 15th birthday with a big party in the Grand Salon with longtime Chicana/o activist Carlos Montes and his daughter, artist/activist/educator Felicia Montes, as keynote speakers.
“The quinceañera in Latina/o culture marks an important time of transitioning from a girl into a woman,” said Professor of Chicana/o Studies José Alamillo. “It’s acknowledging the next stage of life and the fact that the young woman will be doing big things. Our department is also becoming more mature and we’re also going to do some big things involving social justice and scholarship.”

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are taking early registrations for their summer camps. Camp is from June 17 to August 16 through the Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 10 to August 8 through the Simi Valley 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.

Art & Aperitifs: “Art About Agriculture”
?Saturday, February 10, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$35 per person
Have plans Saturday evening? Spend it at the Santa Paula Art Museum during our all-new Art & Aperitifs event from 4 PM to 6 PM! Enjoy the current “Art About Agriculture” exhibition while sampling locally grown and made wine and cider from Santa Paula Cellars and Anna’s Cider. Listen to live music by Santa Paula chanteuse Shay Moulder, and watch a live painting demonstration by “Art About Ag” artist Gabriel Islas.

SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Center successfully hosted its 25th Annual Festival of Hearts. This year’s seaside-elegance themed, Silver Jubilee celebration took place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the stunning Rosewood Miramar Beach, located across the street from Friendship Center at 1759 S Jameson Lane, Montecito.
Dr. Cynder Sinclair, Board President & David Moorman, emcee.
Special honorees included member “Sir Robert” who was featured in a video about his 6 years of coming to Friendship Center and how it improves his quality of life. Shianne Motter spoke passionately about her family and father with dementia and how Friendship Center was a lifesaver for her as a younger caregiver.

6 Generations 200 Years Later
Saturday, February 17
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Join us for a screening of “6 Generations,” followed by an insightful Q&A session with Chumash elder Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto and Professor Kristina Foss. There will also be a curated display on the 1824 Chumash Revolt, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Chumash history.
Discover the untold stories, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the shared heritage of the Chumash people. Cost: $10 non-members, free for members at Individual/Family level or higher. Includes admission to the Museum. Made possible, in part, by the Bauer Foundation. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Music Academy of the West is delighted to announce the appointment of Nate Bachhuber to the position of Chief Artistic Officer. Nate is recognized for his collaborative and strategic approach to artistic planning with prestigious performing arts organizations including the LA Phil, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He takes up this new post on February 26, and looks forward to engaging Santa Barbara’s vibrant communities through music and, with his colleagues, expanding the Music Academy’s future artistic impact.

CAMARILLO — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates “Nuestra Quinceañera” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Grand Salon at CSU Channel Islands.
Join us to mark our 15th year milestone! You are cordially invited to Nuestra Quinceañera: 15 Years of Chicana/o Studies at CSU Channel Islands. This fundraising dinner and celebration will honor the impact of Chicana/o Studies at CI and beyond. We will be featuring live music, delicious food, and engaging speakers. Taking place on February 10, 2024 (Saturday) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Grand Salon, CSUCI.

Art & Aperitifs: “Art About Agriculture”
Saturday, February 10, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$35 per person
Elevate your taste in art and beverages during Art & Aperitifs, an all-new event at the Santa Paula Art Museum! Experience a new appreciation for the Museum’s current “Art About Agriculture” exhibition while sampling locally grown and made aperitifs, including wine and cider by Santa Paula Cellars and Anna’s Cider. Enjoy live music by homegrown Santa Paula musician Shay Moulder, and a live painting demonstration by “Art About Ag” featured artist Gabriel Islas.
Advance ticket purchase is required and space is limited. (Please note, this event is for 21-and-overs only.)
MORE INFO + GET TICKETS

SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF), a nonprofit that supports music education and scholarships for local students, is hosting a luncheon to gather input from Santa Barbara-area music organizations, schools and teachers.
The event, which is by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the La Cumbre Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Invitations have been sent to more than a dozen schools, colleges, teachers and music education groups involved in training junior instrumental, adult instrumental and adult vocal students.

LOMPOC — Dive into the New Year in Lompoc! From now until December 31, 2024, we have a calendar brimming with fun events. Throughout the year, immerse yourself in the small town charm of Lompoc while you indulge in local cuisine, explore vibrant flower fields, discover history and art, find unique festivals and more. Whether you’re exploring the craft of winemaking or taking a step back into history, the Lompoc Valley has it all.
Here’s a sneak peek into some of the standout Lompoc events of 2024. Check our event calendar for all events and the most current information.

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles
Thursday, January 25
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members Zoom. Registration and information can be found HERE.

“Border Crossings: Exile and American Modern Dance 1900-1955,” opening Jan. 25 at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum, “rests on the idea that the immigrant, the asylum seeker, the exiled artist, shaped the language of dance modernism.” Performances by Jose Limón Dance Company, Santa Barbara Dance Theater and UCSB Dance Company, as well as a symposium, complement the exhibition.

This coming Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors we will discuss a report showing that our County has a higher-than-average jail incarceration rate compared to the rest of California, and hear an update on efforts to better manage the population of the jail. The most basic service in government is public safety, but it does not make us safe when some people are ending up in jail, or coming back to it, because of a lack of mental health services. We have a moral imperative to improve the situation. But we also have a financial need as well.

Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”
Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members
Meet a new generation of California artists during the premiere of “30 Under 30” at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 20! The group exhibition features 30 diverse California artists between the ages of 18 and 29, who are pushing the boundaries of traditional fine art and heralding an exciting new chapter for California’s art scene. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.
MORE INFO

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County extends heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant community for its unwavering generosity, allowing us to offer free admission throughout 2023. As we look ahead to the new year, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura location, will undergo a transition in its admission policy beginning February 1, 2024. The grant that has sustained free admission will conclude, necessitating a shift to a sustainable funding model.
Starting February 1, 2024, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura, will implement the following admission fees:

VENTURA — The 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is seeking corporate sponsors and commercial exhibitors. The festival is taking place May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura.
Last year, the family-friendly festival drew more than 57,000 visitors from throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.

VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja.
Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks. For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com. The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception Thursday, January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

CAMARILLO — Chicana/o Studies at CSUCI celebrates “Nuestra Quinceañera” at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Grand Salon at CSU Channel Islands.
Join us to mark our 15th year milestone! You are cordially invited to Nuestra Quinceañera: 15 Years of Chicana/o Studies at CSU Channel Islands. This fundraising dinner and celebration will honor the impact of Chicana/o Studies at CI and beyond.

Thursday, February 22 | 8:00 AM (PT) | Lundring Events Center
Join, explore, and participate in discussions on the social and economic challenges faced by undocumented families in California and their irreplaceable value for the entire state, organized by the Center for Economics of Social Issues. Register now!

Join us for a captivating book talk on “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast” by Colleen M. Delaney. As a professor of anthropological archaeology at California State University-Channel Islands, Delaney skillfully unravels the untold stories of the resilient women who shaped this historical ranch.
In this event, we’ll explore the rich cultural tapestry of Rancho Guadalasca through archaeological discoveries, historical records, and captivating oral histories. Delaney’s expertise and engaging storytelling bring to life the challenges and triumphs of the women who left an indelible mark on this last ranch of California’s central coast.