Category: Events

Nov. 11 — FSA’s First Annual Pickleball Tournament – Play for a Cause to be held in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA  — Family Service Agency is thrilled to announce the inaugural FSA Annual Pickleball Tournament, set to take place at the beautiful Montecito Club courts on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the agency’s senior programs and youth mental health, two crucial programs serving Santa Barbara County residents.

Tournament Director Natalie Collins-Smith, a Pickleball Pro at the Montecito Club and an expert in organizing successful pickleball events, guaranteeing an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.

Nov. 12 — Temple Etz Chaim to present Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb

Gottlieb is a masterful guide for helping us rewrite the narratives that keep us stuck. Her TED talk was one of the Top 10 Most Watched of the Year, her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone has sold over a million copies (and is currently being adapted for television), and she’s the author of The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” column.

Nov. 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants with Robin Wall Kimmerer

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures announces two exciting new additions to the 2023-2024 season: Mustafa Suleyman, author of The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma on Thursday, October 5 and Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants on November 14. 

Nov. 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer featuring Rakesh Chaurasia performing music from their 2023 album As We Speak

SANTA BARBARA —  UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer with Rakesh Chaurasia on Wednesday, November 15 at 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Tabla and bansuri meet acoustic bass and banjo in this musical adventure. On their new album, As We Speak, this one-of-a-kind quartet made up of musicians Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia combines the cerebral complexity of Indian ragas with the gut-level groove of a funky bass line. In concert, they fulfill the promise of the album’s title with brilliant performances that strike an exquisite balance between compositional rigor and conversational improvisation.

Nov. 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Adam Grant in a public conversation titled Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Adam Grant in conversation on Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. In this paradigm-shifting conversation, organizational psychologist and Penn Wharton School of Business professor Adam Grant offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Grant is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Originals. His new book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, explores how to build the skills and structures to achieve greater things, and how to create opportunities for those who have been overlooked. We can all improve at improving – and when opportunity doesn’t knock, there are ways to build a door.

Nov. 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures Just Announced: Tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova to moderate Adam Grant’s conversation on Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a conversation with Adam Grant on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. In this paradigm-shifting conversation, organizational psychologist and Penn Wharton School of Business professor Adam Grant offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations from his new book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (just released on Oct 24, 2023). 

Nov. 18 — ‘Celebrate the Magic’ – Charity Wine Auction Gala

CAMARILLO — The Meadowlark Service League is hosting the 16th Annual Charity Wine Auction Gala on Saturday, November 18th at Las Posas Country Club.  

Tickets are available online only at MeadowlarkServiceLeague.com and are priced at $150 each. Join us for the 2023 Wine Auction Gala. This special event will kick off an evening of great wines and food. Guests will enjoy good friends and sips starting with champagne, as well as tastings from the Gala Official Winery Strey Cellars. A gourmet dinner with wines will be featured. The exciting live & silent auctions will offer rare & fine wines plus unique trips and events. Live music will be provided for your enjoyment. Sponsorships available. 

Through Nov. 18 — CSU Channel Islands Performing Arts presents ‘The Lightning Thief’

CAMARILLO — Percy Jackson is just 12 years old and faced with pursuing a villain across the United States to retrieve the original weapon of mass destruction – the lightning bolt of the Greek god Zeus.

The public is invited to join in on the adventures of the young hero in the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Performing Arts department’s musical production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”

Through Nov. 19 — Cal Lutheran Presents Radium Girls

THOUSAND OAKS — The California Lutheran Theatre and Dance Department is presenting its production of Radium Girls, a play by D.W. Gregory based on a book of the same name by Kate Moore. Performances will be in the Preus-Brandt Forum on the Cal Lutheran campus in Thousand Oaks and will be directed by drama professor Kenneth Gardner.

Radium Girls is set in Orange, New Jersey, during the 1920’s when the radioactive element radium was common in the products of daily life. The main character is Grace, a 14-year-old girl who gets a job at a watch factory that uses radium-based paint to make its products glow in the dark. Grace falls ill with radium poisoning; she and other workers who get sick sue their employer, raising awareness of their plight as they fight for justice.

Nov. 20 — Mariposa Series returns to the Music Academy

The Music Academy presents the Mariposa Series: three concerts welcoming our community to Hahn Hall this fall.

Launched in 2022, these homecoming concerts bring Music Academy alumni, teaching artists, and our community to Miraflores for an intimate recital experience.

Post-concert receptions offered to meet the artists, including an introduction to new Music Academy President & CEO Shauna Quill.

Nov. 21 — Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association to present annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday, November 21st, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church.

The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association, sponsor of this event, includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities. We come together to celebrate and reflect upon unity, peace, hope, prayers and blessings from our diverse religious traditions.

Nov. 30 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Audra McDonald in Concert at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Audra McDonald in Concert on Thursday, November 30 at 7 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, Audra McDonald is as stunningly eloquent in song as she is acting a role. She’s been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts for “her rich, soulful voice [that] continues to take her audiences to new heights.” Enjoy an intimate evening with a national treasure as McDonald performs works from Broadway, the Great American Songbook and more.

Dec. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Seong-Jin Cho, piano, at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Seong-Jin Cho on Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Pianist Seong-Jin Cho returns with an eclectic program demonstrating his remarkable range and subtle approach to the repertoire. Cho captured the world’s attention in 2015 when his flawless performances earned First Prize at the Chopin International Competition in Warsaw. His thoughtful yet assertive style drives an impressive natural sense of balance. His latest solo album, The Handel Project, was released in February 2023.

Dec. 3 — Trinity Church Camarillo is presenting its ‘Christmas Craft Fair’

CAMARILLO — Trinity Church Camarillo is presenting its “Christmas Craft Fair” fro 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2304 Antonio Ave, Camarillo.

We are hosting this Craft Fair/ Tree Lighting as an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon for all! Booths are free for artists, crafters, vendors with a 10 percent donation to MEAL SHARE CAMARILLO recommendation from anything sold. 

Dec. 6 — Bilingual report — Next Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop

VENTURA — Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, at Oxnard Family Circle.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

Dec. 7 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Edo Pop: Woodblock Prints and Popular Culture in Premodern Japan

With their crisp outlines, unmodulated colors, and surprising vantage points, Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) from the 18th and 19th centuries seem as fresh and captivating today as when they were produced. Sensuality, fashion, decadent entertainments and urban pastimes all reflect the popular tastes of young sophisticates in the premodern era. Matthew Welch will provide an overview of the social milieu of Japan’s “floating world” and the artists who immortalized it through their prints. He will also discuss several contemporary artists whose works reference the ukiyo-e tradition.

Dec. 14 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Prof. Caroline Arruda speaking about ‘Making Art and Living the Authentic Life’

In conjunction with the SBMA exhibition Inside/Outside(on view until February 18), Prof. Caroline Arruda will give a talk that combines philosophy with art to think about how artists show us what a life well lived might look like. Contemporary culture sees artists as being authentic because many pursue their creative goals above all else, sacrificing family or a stable life to realize their dreams. While few of us doggedly pursue our goals with this intensity, artists still do have something to teach the rest of us about living authentically and living well.

15 de diciembre — Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas — ‘Nuri’, corto cinematográfico de nuestro Taller de Cine

Cortometraje en español con subtítulos en inglés realizado durante el Taller de Cine del Teatro de las Américas.

Short Film in Spanish with English subtitles made during the Film Workshop of the Teatro de las Américas.

Dec. 15 — ‘Three Cheers For The Holidays’ – New Art City Theatre’s Song, Dance & Comedy Celebration in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS — Heart-warming holiday songs, laughs for all, and world-class tap-dancing are part of New Art City Theatre’s “Three Cheers for the Holidays,” on Friday, December 15 at the Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks. Award-winning veterans of Broadway and London’s West End, David Burnham (Wicked, Light in the Piazza), Beverly Ward (Anastasia, Epic Proportions) and Kirby Ward (Show Boat, Crazy For You) perform their special brand of cheer for a holiday celebration for the whole family. A silent auction will precede the 7:30 p.m. performance to benefit the New Art City Theatre, a Ventura-based pioneering theatre company dedicated to the development of new theatrical works.

Dec. 20 — One805 to host Alan Parsons and Friends Birthday Tribute Concert at the Lobero Theatre Benefiting Local First Responders

One805 will host a tribute concert in honor of Alan Parsons’ 75th Birthday to raise funds for Santa Barbara County First Responders on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Lobero Theatre (33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).

The lineup includes Alan Parsons OBE, Michael McDonald, Al Stewart, Joe Bonamassa, Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), David Pack (Ambrosia), magicians Stetson and Bill Cook, as well as special guests in an all-star musical and magical tribute concert to Alan on his 75th birthday. 

Dec. 21, 22 — First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara to present 32nd Annual Living Nativity

SANTA BARBARA — First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara will  present its 32nd Annual Living Nativity at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 22 at 305 E Anapamu St (at Garden), Santa Barbara.

Once again the congregation of the First United Methodist Church presents its beautiful Seasonal gift to the community by staging a silent re-creation of the Holy Night. Under a redwood tree and adjacent to the church, a grassy area is transformed into a humble wooden stable, complete with a serene Mary, Joseph and tiny baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Three majestic kings stand by with their gifts to the Holy Child, attentive angels appear nearby, and lowly shepherds tend to their flocks. Live camels, donkey, sheep and goats surround the manger taking in the wonder of it all.

Explore Lompoc — The Four Best Places To Watch a Sunset on the Central Coast in Lompoc California Off Of Scenic California Highway 1

With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast. 

Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:

Santa Paula Art Museum Presents Mary Neville’s ‘Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation’

The Santa Paula Art Museum presents “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation,” a solo exhibition by Ojai mixed media artist Mary Neville. Featuring all-new abstract paintings and works on paper, “Field Trip” tells the story of Neville’s recent, month-long artist residency at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, once home to legendary artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Meet artist Mary Neville during the exhibit premiere on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere reception is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation” will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum from January 14, 2023, to May 7, 2023. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase.

Museum of Ventura County presents Las Posadas Dec. 17 at Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula. See other events here

Las Posadas
?Saturday, December 17th from 6-8pm
at the Agriculture Museum
Free
Las Posadas (The Inns in Spanish) is a Latinx traditional holiday that commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and a safe refuge for Mary to give birth to Jesus. After nine days of searching for lodging (Las Posadas are celebrated December 16th through 24th, representing the nine days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.

20th Annual Chanukah Festival Celebrates Sculpting & Lighting of Six-Foot Ice Menorah, Snow, Treats & More At Ventura Harbor Village on Dec. 25

Gather together with the entire family to celebrate the eighth night of Chanukah at the 20th Annual Chanukah Festival on Sunday, December 25, 2022, from 2:30-4:30pm at the Ventura Harbor Village presented by Chabad of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ojai, and Ventura. Kids of all ages can bring their hats, gloves, and scarves and enjoy tons of snow and warm up with sizzling hot latkes. Plus, the festival features a live demonstration ice sculpting a six-foot ice Menorah, with the “coolest” lighting at 4:00pm.  Visitors to the Chanukah Festival can also enjoy a Judaica Boutique and musical entertainment all while spending time by the seashore at Ventura Harbor Village.

UCSB Arts & Lectures announces Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara FREE public performances return to Santa Barbara County for Jan.- May 2023

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back in 2023 for the first time since 2020! Since its establishment as a free community arts program in 2006, Viva has brought together people of diverse backgrounds from across Santa Barbara County to celebrate the music and dance of Latin America. The program, which has been on hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, returns in 2023 with FREE performances and community outreach events from four stellar ensembles, including Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar (Jan. 13-15), Grandeza Mexicana (Mar. 17-19), Tres Souls (Apr. 14-16), and Las Cafeteras (May 19-21).

“At Arts & Lectures, we are thrilled to resume the exciting and deeply rooted ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! program at multiple locations throughout the region,” says Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta M. Billeci. “These free community events wouldn’t be possible without our partners The Marjorie Luke Theatre, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and the Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association, and the many community coordinators and volunteers. From Carpinteria and Santa Barbara to Isla Vista, Lompoc, Guadalupe and New Cuyama, people will again enjoy the best ensembles from Latin America and the rich traditions they represent.”

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. Spreading Holiday Cheer with Annual Toy Distribution

Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. will continue its annual holiday tradition to distribute toys to its pediatric patients during this year’s holiday season. This year Clinicas plans on distributing approximately 4,500 toys for its patients.

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for families in need and Clinicas is happy to help support the community. This annual tradition is very meaningful to Clinicas because it offers staff an opportunity to not only thank patients but also help create joy and contributes to patients’ health and well-being.

Bilingual report — Metrolink’s Tips for Holiday Train Travel with Kids

Traveling with children is an adventure in itself, so this holiday season Metrolink is sharing a few tips for smooth travel with children on our trains.

Plan where you’ll go in advance. There are many holiday event destinations accessible by Metrolink trains. The EXPLORE page on our website shares many of this season’s best. Pro tip: Metrolink has free and convenient connections to many transit agencies throughout our service area, including L.A. Metro, making it easy to travel car-free.
Purchase tickets with ease. Download the Metrolink mobile app to a smart phone to easily access routes, schedules, fares and stress-free purchases all in the palm of your hand. Pro tip: up to three kids ride free on weekends with a paying adult, and with the Weekend Day Pass, the adult fare is just $10 all day, anywhere we go.

Ventura County Community Development Corp. celebrates 2nd annual awards ceremony

We recently held a very special celebration at Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo to honor four important leaders who have inspired our work and four award winners who are making significant contributions in our community. Together with our friends and supporters, we enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with heart-warming stories and inspirational award presentations.

We were honored to have Lourdes Castro Ramírez, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, as our keynote speaker. Also joining us for the festivities were our emcee David Cruz, a longtime TV and radio host, and Jasmine Padilla, VCCDC homeowner and board member, who delivered a powerful client testimonial. The crowd gathered included many VCCDC sponsors, our four award recipients and their friends and families, and family members of those honored with the naming of the four VCCDC leadership awards.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Announces Book Launch and Celebration for Newest Literary Work from Author and Tribal Elder Alan Salazar on Feb. 4

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a celebration and book launch on Saturday, February 4, 2023, for the new book Coyote Saves Hawk by local author and tribal elder Alan Salazar “Puchuk Ya?ia?c.”

Coyote Rescues Hawk is based on a Chumash story dating back at least 300 years. Mr. Salazar brings humor and insights from twenty-five years of experience in bringing back the traditional Chumash canoe culture to a tale sure to delight readers of all ages. Mr. Salazar will be on hand for storytelling and book signing, followed by time for questions and answers from the audience.

Registration now open for inaugural World AIDS Day Program & Candlelight Vigil in Santa Paula on Dec. 1

Registration is now open for the inaugural World AIDS Day Program & Candlelight Vigil in Santa Paula from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula, 740 E. Main St., Santa Paula.

Presented by the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County and sponsored by Caliber Home Loans, Diversity Collective Ventura County and GILEAD.

Rotary Club of Montecito awards grants to 11 community organizations

 The Rotary Club of Montecito Foundation has awarded a total of $11,000 to support the work of 11 Santa Barbara-area nonprofit organizations.

The grants awarded under the Foundation’s annual Community Grants Program were $1,000 each and go to organizations benefitting a wide range of constituents, including children, seniors, low-income families, and animals. All grants are funded by bequests and ongoing contributions from Rotary Club members.

“Rotary Club members are committed to raising funds for good causes, and supporting activities and projects that make our communities stronger,” said Montecito Rotary Club Foundation President Bruce McRoy. “These grants allow us to support a wide variety of services to our community and are a great example of the cooperative spirit that’s an essential part of Rotary’s work.”

Bilingual report — Oxnard Announces Community Meeting Dates (Dec. 12; Jan. 7, 23) for Customers to Learn About Water Supply, Operational Costs, Rate Adjustments and Long-Term Reliability

The City of Oxnard is hosting a series of public meetings and City Council meetings for the community to learn more about local water supplies, the cost of water, rate adjustments and long-term water reliability needs. The meetings will review the City’s water supplies, water operations and long term needs to ensure water rates keep pace with increasing costs to provide safe, reliable water.

Oxnard’s water utility is funded through its water rates, which it invests into operations, supplies, maintenance, repairs, infrastructure, and its long-term capital improvement program (CIP) projects.

Museum of Ventura County — Will you join us this holiday season?

The Agriculture Museum will once again partner with De Colores Multicultural Folk Art, Inc. on their traditional Las Posadas procession. As the last stop of the night, the Ag Museum will host a nativity scene and musical performance before inviting everyone inside to enjoy refreshments and piñatas!

Santa Paula Art Museum — December @ SPAM: Champagne & Shopping, Holiday Craft Nights, and More

SHOP & SUPPORT

Champagne and Shopping

Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 10 AM to 4 PM

Free admission for all ages

Grab a glass of bubbly and shop for unique gifts during Champagne and Shopping at the Santa Paula Art Museum! Browse beautiful, handmade items by a dozen local artist vendors, including original art, handmade jewelry, bags, ceramics, decor, and more. The Museum’s popular gift shop will also be filled with new items to explore. Plus, enjoy live holiday music and festive treats. Admission is free for everyone. Reservations are not required.

CLU School of Management — Check out our 3 upcoming events on Nov. 30, Dec. 5, 9

YOU’RE INVITED
to join us at our three upcoming events before the end of the year
 
ForwardTogether webinar with alumnus Paul Rosenberg on
“Managing Your Presence: Showing Up Strong”.
Wednesday, November 30    |   12:00 pm   I    Virtual

Paul Rosenberg is an award-winning and sought-after leadership coach, business developer, and speaker. Join us virtually. 

Rebozo Festival awards $20,000 to selected recipients

The Rebozo Festival Inc. is pleased to announce that grants of up to $20,000 were awarded to qualified non-profit organizations that focus on the cultural, social and/or educational needs of the Ventura County community.

The 2023 Rebozo Festival Inc. grantees are Amino Theatre Company and Parents Against Santa Susana Lab-PSSFL (Fiscal Sponsor: Physicians for Social Responsibility, LA Chapter). The grantees will be honored at the 19th annual Rebozo Festival on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Camarillo Ranch.

Friendship Center — A Message From Heidi Holly — Fall Appeal 2022

Thank you for considering sharing your bounty with our members – your financial gift goes a long way in making a difference for elders in our community experiencing dementia and other cognitive and physical challenges. We thank you for contributing to their quality of life in this most meaningful way.