Category: Events

Community Environmental Council Announces Earth Day 2022 at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday, April 23

For the first time since 2019, Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting Santa Barbara Earth Day in person. The one-day event, in and around the Arlington Theatre, features a wide array of activities to generate the inspiration and motivation needed for building community support to tackle climate challenges. 

Local Thousand Oaks non profit celebrates International Women’s Day 3/8 in Uganda with women the serve

Honoring the achievements of women worldwide on International Women’s Day is a special cause for celebration to The Greater Contribution,  a Thousand Oaks non-profit founded in 2006 by women who wanted to make a greater contribution to the world by helping those most in need.

For the past 16 years, the organization’s grassroots fundraising has empowered thousands of women in remote villages of Uganda, Africa, with micro loans so that they can start their own businesses and lift their families out of poverty. Coming from a place of dignity and respect, the two-year program includes literacy and business skills training, along with mentoring and peer counseling to create a life-changing impact. 

West Ventura County Business Alliance announces annual Award of Excellence recipients

The West Ventura County Business Alliance, the chamber of commerce serving Camarillo and Oxnard, is pleased to announce the annual Chairperson’s Award of Excellence recipients.

Honorees will be celebrated at the WVCBA’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Directors on Friday, March 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Courtyard By Marriott in Oxnard. Tickets to the luncheon are $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Registration is available online at wvcba.org or by calling (805) 738-9100.

These six, dedicated individuals were selected by outgoing Chair of the Board Tracy Perez, Market Manager – ManpowerGroup, and represent leaders who made significant contributions to the success of the WVCBA.

Wildling Museum announces second annual Earth Day poetry competition open to county adults and youth, Climate Change: Our Impact, in collaboration with CEC

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its second annual Earth Day poetry competition with this year’s theme, Climate Change: Our Impact. Santa Barbara County writers of all ages are invited to use poetry to interpret the effects of climate change and our role in a variety of ways, with separate judging categories for youth (ages 17 and younger) and adult writing submissions. The competition is intended to honor Earth Day while highlighting the importance of standing up to protect the planet’s dwindling natural resources and working against the threats of climate change. The deadline to submit work for consideration is Monday, March 21, 2022 at 5 p.m.

What’s on at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Featuring work by Patricia Ayres, Simone Forti, Miguel Angel Payano Jr.,
Paul Mpagi Sepuya, and Gabriela Ruiz, This Basic Asymmetry is now on view through Sunday, April 17, 2022. Click here to read more about this exhibition.

Visit us today! Admission to all exhibitions at MCASB is free. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11 am–5 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8:00 pm. Sunday 12-5 pm. Visitor information >>>

Santa Paula Art Museum — Happy Valentine’s Day to you, and happy anniversary to us!

February 14 always feels extra special at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Today marks the Museum’s twelfth anniversary! For our staff and board, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate our donors, members, featured artists, and volunteers. They are the heart of this Museum.

Thank you for twelve years of care and support of SPAM’s mission. Here are some highlights of what our supporters have enabled the Museum to achieve in that time:

Museum of Ventura County — Let’s get up close and personal

The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present the next Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with famous photographer Harry Benson. In this popular series, author, journalist, and investigative reporter Ivor Davis speaks with a rotating guest list of extraordinary individuals. Click here to watch the trailer for the documentary Harry Benson: Shoot First now available on Hulu.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Earth Day Mural 2022 | Call For Entries

Calling artists living and working in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties!

Following the success of the first Earth Day Mural, unveiled on April 24, 2021, the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), and Paseo Nuevo are partnering once again to identify a local artist, or artist group, to paint a large public mural inspired by Climate Leadership and Earth Day.

2022 Ventura County Academic Decathlon Winners

The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held virtually over the past few weeks. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School Team A
2nd Place: Westlake High School Team B
3rd Place: Adolfo Camarillo High School

SBCC — The Bridge – February 2022

The Santa Barbara City College District (SBCCD) Board of Trustees seeks the public’s input as it moves forward with a process to evaluate and adjust the boundaries of the seven trustee areas of the district, a process known as redistricting. Read the press releaseand visit the Redistricting webpage.

Visit San Luis Obispo — Enjoy a two-night midweek escape to San Luis Obispo, receive $100 in gift cards

Now’s the time to plot an escape to the city of San Luis Obispo, the charming walkable town along California’s Central Coast. From February 1-March 31, 2022, the first 500 visitors who book a two-night consecutive stay at a participating San Luis Obispo “SLO-tel” will receive a complimentary gift card bundle worth $100. 

Guests can take advantage of this offer by booking a two-night stay, Sunday through Thursday, at a participating hotel or inn. Travel must be booked and completed by March 31, 2022. Once the booking is confirmed, guest will then need to email their confirmation to info@visitslo.com to see if they are one of the first 500 to qualify for the offer. Blackout dates and certain rules and regulations apply, including valid for new bookings only and bookings made after February 1, 2022. Booking confirmations must be sent prior to arrival. Additional rules and restrictions can be found at visitslo.com.

‘Teen Talk’ Educates Local Teens About Sexual and Reproductive Health

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced a new, comprehensive sexuality education series with Planned Parenthood California Central Coast created to ensure teenage girls have the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy. The weekly series, called ‘Teen Talk,’ will be offered virtually to members of the Eureka! program for college-bound girls and is part of the organization’s ongoing outreach efforts around healthy sexuality.

An evidence-informed and LGBTQ+ inclusive program, Teen Talk will educate girls about sexuality and sexual health, while providing information about healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control, anatomy and physiology, and encouraging parent and trusted adult communication.

Teatro de las Américas announces Santa Paula Theater Center Auditions

FRIENDLY VALLEY will play from April 8th-April 24th, 2022 with performances on Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 PM. No appointments necessary, cold readings from the script. This is a non- equity production. THERE IS NO PAY. Inquiries about auditions and play may be directed to Elixeo Flores at elixeo@gmail.com.

*All personnel, including actors, must be vaccinated to enter the theater.

Museum of Ventura County — Blast off into February!

This month, celebrate Black History Month by learning about the contributions of African-American scientists and doing your own fun experiments: commemorate one of the first African-American female chemists, Bettye Washington Greene, by making your very own slime. You can make your slime glitter, glow-in-the-dark, foam, or maybe even a combination! Then, test how fast your eyes adjust to different images thanks to the discoveries of ophthalmologist, inventor, and UCLA professor, Dr. Patricia Bath.

Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Going to LOVE February

Join teaching artist Mariann Romero at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center for our most heartfelt $5 Craft Nightyet! We’ll supply everything you need to create adorable, stuffed felt hearts. Give them away as valentines, or string them together to make a cute garland decoration! Space is limited and preregistration is required.

Ventura Port District Inks Deal with Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc. for New Ventura Harbor Village Entertainment & Restaurant Venue

A state-of-the-art family entertainment venue, managed by Aarmark Beer Gardens, Inc., will join the seaside attraction mix at the Ventura Harbor Village with the approval of a multi-year lease on January 19, 2022 by the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners.  The 5,736 square foot venue, with plans to open in 2023 and its official name still to be announced, will specialize in artisan food, top-rated international beers, a legendary wine list, and multitude of entertainment activities. 

Early Bird Registration: CERF Ventura County Forecast Event rescheduled to March 8

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast will be back in person! This premier networking and forecast event will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup and Featured Speaker Danielle DiMartino-Booth. See www.clucerf.org for more details.
 
Early bird ticket price – $75 until March 4th, $95 after March 4th or at event; free with CLU ID. For more information, contact Victoria Young or Ashley Freas at vyoung@callutheran.edu or freas@callutheran.edu.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — TAC IS BACK

MCASB’s Teen Arts Collective (TAC) is a hands-on program that makes the contemporary art world accessible for Santa Barbara students ages 15-18. Over the course of the program, TAC members develop visual literacy skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and begin cultivating their own creative networks through exposure to practicing artists and arts institutions in the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas.

This will be accomplished through:
Meeting with locally and internationally acclaimed leaders in the arts
Field trips to local galleries, artists’ studios, and distinguished regional arts institutions
Workshops and discussions in weekly, after-school meetings
Planning and curating a culminating exhibition of TAC participants’ artwork

New three-year Arnhold A&L Education Initiative fosters education, entertainment and inspiration

The major gift to UCSB Arts & Lectures from UCSB alumnus John and his wife Jody Arnhold will support residencies with world-renowned artists, which in the 2021-2022 season include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and more

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

The Day of Service this month, dedicated to volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, is especially germane for us to acknowledge and celebrate here at People’s Self-Help Housing. Daily, our organization and residents benefit from the numerous and compassionate efforts from volunteers throughout the Central Coast. They include those who serve alongside us at our learning centers, at events, support us in public settings, and serve to guide our governance.
 
You continually inspire and encourage us in your volunteerism, and that same spirit in turn runs through the personal lives of many of our employees. Team members volunteer on other nonprofits boards, support youth groups, and participant in community events. They serve on city councils, planning commissions, local service clubs, as well as in their places of worship. 

Ventura County Arts Council — Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings, Art in the Community

Greetings! A new year has begun, and though we collectively find ourselves facing new challenges and closures due to the pandemic, there are still many arts opportunities to enjoy in our community. Below you’ll find various events, news, grants and educational resources for artists, arts organizations and arts supporters. We hope you are continuing to make, enjoy and support art!

OPAC receives prestigious Nat’l Endowment for the Arts grant

OPAC has been approved for a $35,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support OPAC Studios, a new initiative that provides a creative space for underserved Oxnard teens, including BIPOC, indigenous, at-promise, and those experiencing homelessness. Under the framework of Creative Youth Development, this program offers ongoing free classes that are well-rounded, in-depth experiences in a variety of visual artistic mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile arts, and more. 

The #BettyWhiteChallenge comes to Ventura County Animal Services and NBC4! Jan. 14-16

Betty White was a national treasure. She broke barriers and entertained millions spanning multiple generations. In addition to her illustrious career in entertainment, Betty White was a staunch supporter of animal rights. She was an advocate for the fair treatment of animals both domestic and exotic. Thus, it is only fitting that the #BettyWhiteChallenge focus on support for local animal welfare organizations who care for stray and surrendered animals.

Ventura County Animal Services is a proud participant in this challenge and your $5.00 donation will help us care for the thousands of animals who enter our shelter each year!

Please consider being a part of this movement and donating today at www.vcas.us/donate. In celebration of Betty White’s life and legacy, we are also sponsoring all pet adoption fees from January 14th – 16th.

Teatro de las Américas — Casting Call- High Street Arts Center in Moorpark

The High Street Arts Center in Moorpark
Click Here
is currently looking to cast several roles in their production of
In the Heights
Kevin Rosario – Baritone (to E4) – Late 30’s to early 50’s.
Abuela Claudia – Alto belter (F#3 to C5) In her late 60’s to 70’s, but can be played by a younger actor in 40s-50s and aged up to look older.
Also casting, Men’s dancing ensemble ages 18-30s.

Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To the Channel Islands National Park 

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale Watching excursions.  Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com. 

A winter Whale Watch 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 National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island continues through April 23, 2022. Thismammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California. 

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More

I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.

“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”

The Collection offers law enforcement discount at The Annex Food Hall

In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, The Collection at RiverPark is offering Ventura County law enforcement a 20% discount on food and beverages at the Annex Food Hall. This month-long program to recognize and thank law enforcement for their many contributions to the community will begin on Jan. 9 and continue through Feb. 9, 2022.

All law enforcement employees from any police department, sheriff’s office or highway patrol office in Ventura County are invited to take advantage of the discount with proof of employment at any of the participating locations at The Annex.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters | Final Days

There are only four days remaining to view Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters at MCASB before it’s gone.  Join us for the final days of this exhibition! 

It has been an honor to host Rosha Yaghmai at MCASB and we are so grateful to our community for welcoming this exhibition. Thank you to all who have visited in person; your continued support makes it all possible. Click here to view our hours >>>  

We are looking forward to seeing you at our next exhibition!

Bilingual report — Update: Jan. 4, 2022 — At Home Test Kit Distribution

Good Morning – While supplies last a limited amount of COVID-19 home testing kits will be distributed at no cost by Ventura County Public Health today.

What: Drive through at home Covid-19 testing distribution
Where: Freedom Park, 275 E Pleasant Valley Road, Camarillo 93010 (Enter at Freedom Park Dr past the baseball fields)
When: Tuesday, January 4 from 1-3 pm
*Supplies limited *No cost

There will be NO distribution at Solar Drive in Oxnard. Only for Ventura County residents. Please be prepared to show ID.

Museum of Ventura County — New Year, New Museum Happenings

MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 3: Lucy Hicks Anderson
Friday, January 7, 2022 @ 10am
On Facebook Live

Get to know your local trans icon and trailblazer Lucy Hicks Anderson! Lucy was the first trans woman in history to fight for marriage equality in court, was an award winning baker, and ran a bordello here in Ventura County. That’s just in a nutshell– you won’t want to miss this MVC Insider! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook for the next five Fridays at 10am. Check out all upcoming MVC Insiders here.

Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. celebrates Annual Toy Distribution 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, we look back at the immense challenges we’ve all faced this year. This year has without a doubt been difficult and a little different for everyone. Keeping in mind the patients and their families who put their trust in Clinicas; we recognize that creating joy during the holiday season is just as important as providing quality health care to our community.