The County of Ventura and Board of Supervisors will host a public event to raise the Progress Pride flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The event is open to the media and the public.
SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.
The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).
Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.
Sustaining the Seas Summit
The Port of Hueneme will host four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day. The presenters and topics showcased during these sessions will highlight individuals whose organizations, projects and initiatives align with the port’s mission of promoting a blue economy while simultaneously protecting and preserving one of the most crucial components of our biosphere.
June 8th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA 93035
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
MCASB is honored to present a Poetry Night in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture as part of our First Thursday events. The Laureate Series features local poets Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, and special guest Solange Aguilar, hosted by Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).
MCASB tiene el honor de presentar una Noche de Poesía en colaboración con la Oficina de Arte y Cultura del Condado de Santa Bárbara como parte de nuestros eventos del Primer Jueves. La Laureate Series cuenta con poetas locales: Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, y la invitada especial Solange Aguilar, presentada por Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).
Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.
“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”
Mayor John C. Zaragoza is pleased to announce that the City of Oxnard, along with members of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750, Gold Star Mothers, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme, Ben Moreell Sea Cadets Color Guard, Oxnard High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band, will jointly host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Plaza Park starting at 11 a.m.
On Friday, May 19, 5,283 students from across the Ventura County Community College District were celebrated for their accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.
Among the colleges’ cohorts, the class of 2023 earned 7,321 associate degrees and 4,467 certificates. Many VCCCD students earn multiple degrees and certificates when they graduate, taking with them skills and expertise as they launch their careers or transfer to four-year institutions.
“I commend all of our graduates for the perseverance and hard work it took to reach this impressive milestone,” said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. “Commencement is a wonderful tradition that simultaneously celebrates academic achievement and marks the beginning of a new journey. I wish each of our graduates the very best wherever their next pursuits may lead them. We are all proud and delighted to have been a part of their journey.”
Calling all community organizations in Ventura County! We want your help to create a timeline game for the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebrations that represent our county.
We’re searching for historical photos that highlight the people, places, events, and accomplishments that define and celebrate your community. Your photo could be selected to appear in the Ventura County Timeline Game, which will be played at our pop-up tent during five community celebrations throughout the county, from June 23 to November 2, 2023. If you have a photo that could help tell the story of Ventura County over the past 150 years, we want to hear from you!
Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!
As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.
With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.
For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.
No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.
Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:
Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day
Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required
Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.
Thirty-three trainees from the 60th Ventura County Regional Training Academy will graduate May 26 and join the Ventura County and City of Ventura fire departments as probationary firefighters.
Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the ceremonies and demonstrations.
· WHO: Firefighter trainees, executive staff, elected officials
· WHAT: Academy 60 Graduation
· WHERE: VCFD’s Regional Training Center, 104 Durley Ave., Camarillo, CA 93010
· WHEN: May 26, starting at 1 p.m.
· WHY: To celebrate their accomplishments and assign them to their first fire stations
El Concilio Family Services is asking for nominations for the 33rd Annual Latino Leadership Awards, “ Leadership in Action” scheduled for September 27, 2023.
The awards will be given to Ventura County individuals, organizations or businesses that have made outstanding contribution, above and beyond their call of duty or extraordinary efforts for the betterment of Ventura County’s Latino Community.
Link to the Nomination form can be found at:
https://forms.gle/XLmGzzobzStCNM2d7
and on El Concilio’s website at www.elconciliofs.org
OUTHERN CALIFORNIA— Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is proud to present the upcoming online screening of The Shoeshine Boy, a film that tells the inspiring story of a young boy who grew up in the streets of Guatemala and defied all odds to become a renowned biologist, writer, and author. Directed by Harold Bucaro and René Corado, this film is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.
Through May 15th, audiences can enjoy the raw talent of true indie filmmakers from the comfort of their own homes via Vimeo On-Demand.
SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.
Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean.
Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal
Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.
8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm
Martes/Tuesdays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Jueves/Thursdays. May 30, June 6, 13
Costo/Fee: $75
Desarrolla habilidades en texto, movimiento, voz e improvisación que todo actor debe tener.
¡Sé una fuerza sobre el escenario!
Develop skills in text, movement, voice and improvisation every actor should know.
Be a force on stage!
VENTURA, Calif. – Embodying an idyllic coastal setting, and bright sunshine days, Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be seaside this Spring. Add to the mix a fresh lineup of new midweek/weekend events/entertainment, and the perfect getaway awaits. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/…
The 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will feature 10 days of carnival rides, food, live entertainment and line dancing. Dates are June 15 through June 25 (dark June 19 and 20) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.
The Collection at Riverpark is offering free, family-friendly fun at the Kids Club, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Kids Club events are open to all children and families. Don’t give the little ones a chance to say they’re bored this summer.
Kids Club will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the grass at Collection Park and take place on the following Wednesdays: July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9.
Bring the kids and a picnic blanket to the grass at Collection Park for a fun-filled morning of entertainment, crafts and fun surprises. Each Kids Club program is unique, so families should return throughout the summer to get the most out of each experience.
Chumash Plant Knowledge
Sunday, May 7, 2023
2:00PM—4:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
Free Admission, Registration Required
Dr. Jan Timbrook’s informative, illustrated talk, Chumash Ethnobotany: Life Before Costco, will provide a glimpse into the fascinating plant world of the Chumash, including the complex interrelationships between the first people of our region and the environment in which they lived.
EXHIBIT PREMIERE
“Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch”
Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members
On Saturday, May 13, meet Santa Fe artist and California native Andrea Vargas at the premiere of her all-new, solo exhibition, “On the Ranch.” Featuring over 40 original paintings and drawings, “On the Ranch” honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: her familial homes in Ventura and Santa Paula, California. All of the artworks will be available for purchase. Beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.
“Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch” will be on view from May 13, 2023, to September 10, 2023, at the Santa Paula Art Museum.
LEARN MORE >>
It was March 3, 2020 when the winner of the year’s California Strawberry Festival poster contest was officially announced. Sixteen days later, the festival was canceled because of the pandemic. Finally, after three years, artist Kimberly Duran’s winning poster will be the center point of the festival set for May 20 and 21 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).
“We’ve been waiting to show off Kimberly’s design for three years,” says Dean Kato, festival chairperson. “She’s a gifted artist and her design captures the wonderful community spirit that’s always present at the festival.” Duran’s artwork was chosen from more than 60 entries.
Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking nonprofit organizations to exhibit at the festival at no charge. The festival will be held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.
“We’re setting aside 10 booth spaces for nonprofit organizations at the festival,” says Mary-Catherine McBride, Wild Oaks co-chair. “The booths are 10×10 and are at no cost. It’s a great opportunity to reach festivalgoers with your organization’s message.”
Major new antibiotics research has significant implications in the fight against bacterial resistance.
After a rainy winter, folks are flocking to see California’s superblooms. But, experts say, smart management strategies will be required if we want to continue enjoying these spectacular events in the future.
IN-PERSON EVENT: SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP
April 27 @ 6:30 pm
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a FREE in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills! Address: Train Depot, 200 N. 10th St Santa Paula, CA 93060.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
On Thursday, April 20, County Executive Officer, Dr. Sevet Johnson, was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the Top 50 Women in Business. The event, which was held at the Hilton Waterfront Hotel in Santa Barbara, honored women leaders in business from across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Dr. Johnson was the keynote speaker for the evening.
“It was an honor to be recognized among this incredible cohort of women business leaders who have shown up and excelled in their own unique ways,” said Dr. Johnson. “Their efforts have left an indelible mark on their industries and wider communities. Through unparalleled leadership, tenacity, and resilience, they have paved the way for other women and young leaders, such as our daughters, to have role models to look up to and follow in their footsteps.”
A new app from Cottage Health provides patients with easy access to their health information. The Cottage Health MyChart app helps users easily manage health information and care for themselves and their family. App services include accessing test results, managing and pre-registering for appointments, and communicating with physicians. Consumers can also use the tool to find a physician, locate nearby healthcare services, and access 24/7 Virtual Care and Urgent Care appointments with just a click.
“The Cottage MyChart app provides patients secure online access to their health record in one location,” said Sheri Ribeiro, Chief Information Officer, Cottage Health.
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 7 pm – 10 pm
Teatro de las Américas
321 W. 6th Street, Oxnard, CA
Presentado por/Hosted by:
Araceli Collazo & Juliana Acosta
VENTURA — The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival makes its debut at the Ventura County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21 with strawberry-themed food, beverages and contests, live entertainment, rides and activities. This year marks the first time the festival is being held at the fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days.
For strawberry lovers, the California Strawberry Festival is two days of strawberry heaven. Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve such treats as strawberry pies, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos, strawberry beer and smoothies. Festivalgoers can build their own strawberry shortcakes, piling on as many strawberries and whipped cream as possible.
The recently completed Interactive Learning Pavilion is the campus’s first new dedicated classroom building in more than 50 years.
Ventura County Plants to Know and Grow
Saturday and Sunday
April 22-23, 2023
11:00AM—3:00PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Ag for a 2-day celebration of Ventura County’s native plants, including tours of our native gardens, a native plant sale, fun family activities, and lectures on pollinators and plant identification! Check our website for more details on activities for each day. The Agriculture Museum is proud to offer this program in partnership with the County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures Office, the Ventura County Weed Management Area, the U.C. Cooperative Extension of Ventura County, the California Native Plants Society – Channel Islands Chapter, and the U.C. Master Gardeners. Find out more information here.
NOW ENROLLING: KIDS’ SUMMER ART CAMPS Encourage your kids to exercise their creativity this summer with Kids’ Art Camp at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center! Choose from a variety of weeklong, half-day camps led by our talented…
The productivity of brine flies is tied to overall health of salt lake ecosystems; both are in decline.
Research in Moorea shows the presence of coral skeletons influences reef recovery after bleaching.
Book Launch
Fillmore
Images of America Series
Saturday, April 8, 2023
1:00PM—2:30PM
@ Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula
Free Admission
Come to the Agriculture Museum to hear author Carina Monica Montoya read from her book Fillmore, from the Images of America series. A native Californian, Montoya has written several books, including Santa Maria Valley, Pacific Coast Highway in California, and Ventura County. After the reading, Montoya will answer questions and there will be a book sale where she will sign purchased books.
Find out more information here.
Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, taking place June 3, is seeking volunteers to help at the event. The festival is being held at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.
Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available. The morning shift begins at 7:00 a.m. and the evening shift ends at 10:00 p.m. Volunteers will receive a Wild Oaks t-shirt, water and light snacks. Before or after their shift, volunteers can enjoy the festival.
The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education is awarded a record grant for K-12 mental health services.
The community of Nyeland Acres celebrated the start of National Public Health Week on Saturday April 1st, 2023. The Spring Health Fair took place at the Nyeland Acres Community Center. At the event, various health agencies set up a series of booths and distributed educational materials. All residents had the opportunity to receive free health screenings from Westminster Free Clinic, including glucose and blood pressure testing. Residents also had the opportunity to participate in a fun Zumba class. Every family that attended received a box of berries donated by Reiter Affiliated Co. and bananas donated by The Port of Hueneme. There were about 220 residents that attended the health fair.
We’re grateful to all our friends and supporters who came out to celebrate the Museum reopening in January, and to visit us over the past three months. Big thanks for your belief in our potential and for your trust of our stewardship of this important community and regional resource. There’s more to come!
While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.
On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.
Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.
Doctoral candidate Elizabeth Driscoll Smith receives a dissertation fellowship to research the impact of transportation on midcentury American folk art.
After a two-year pause, the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation recently welcomed more than 400 guests to its annual black-tie gala, the Tiara Ball, held March 25, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. This year’s event raised over $500,000 to benefit emergency, trauma and critical care services at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Organized by a 15-member committee of community volunteers and hospital staff, the event designers converted the resort ballroom with metallic spheres and dance floor, a celestial gold and blue color-theme, and ethereal floral arrangements. Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich co-chaired the event, also known as The Party of the Year.
Spring is in bloom, and The Collection at RiverPark is celebrating the season with family-friendly activities to keep your little bunnies hopping with egg-citement! All are welcome to come together to fill your baskets and enjoy classic spring pastimes as a community. From family photos with the Spring Bunny to a basket giveaway, there’s fun for all ages at The Collection.
The City of Santa Paula is kicking off the spring season with several exciting events for the community to enjoy. These events provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the beautiful Santa Paula weather. Whether you’re interested in celebrating holidays or simply spending quality time getting to know your neighbors, there is something for everyone in Santa Paula. The City encourages all residents to get involved and mark your calendars for a season of fun and community spirit.
“Community events like Cruise Nights and the ones put on by the Parks and Recreation Department are an essential part of our City’s fabric and provide a unique opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a shared experience,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Barnes. “These events not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also strengthen the bonds between neighbors and promote a sense of civic pride.”
We are excited to announce several added events and opportunities this spring. From National Poetry Month to Mother’s Day, there are many opportunities to gather, to share, to laugh, to reexamine and to rejoice.
Please also note that masks are no longer required in the auditorium, however they are strongly recommended for all guests. Read more about our health and safety policies.
American Idol winner for 2021 and rising country music star Chayce Beckham will perform at the Wild Oaks Country Music Festival, June 3, in Thousand Oaks. Beckham joins a lineup of country performers from Nashville and local favorites.
Beckham’s hits include “23”, “Tell Me Twice” and “Keeping Me Up All Night.” He was named a “2022 Artist to Watch” by Country Now, Country Swag, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville. He is currently on a nationwide tour.
Also taking the stage is country chart-topping Craig Morgan, Grammy-nominated CAM, and Southern California locals Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelley. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.
Ivor Davis:
Up Close & Personal
with
Malcolm McDowell
Saturday, March 25, 2023
6:30PM—8:00PM
@ Museum of Ventura County
?
MVC Member In-Person: Free
MVC Member Zoom: Free
Nonmember In-Person: $10
Nonmember Zoom: $5
Join us for the next installment of Ivor Davis: Up Close & Personal with legendary actor and raconteur extraordinaire, Malcolm McDowell.
