Category: Events

Museum of Ventura County to present Las Posadas on Dec. 17 in Santa Paula

The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum will present Las Posadas procession starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17 in Santa Paula. The celebration is in partnership with De Colores Multicultural Folk Arts.

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 (9) days), an Innkeeper gave Mary and Joseph shelter in a stable as there was no room at the inns.

Museum of Ventura County — Stuff. Those. Stockings

We are so excited to present our fun new Museum gift shop items, including one of a kind puzzles with rare historical images from the Research Library! If you’re a fan of Arte Para la Gente: The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia come get your own magnet with her beautiful artwork on it. Popular as ever are our MVC paintbrush pens, collect all four! Find these special items at the Museum of Ventura County or the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, while supplies last. Both Museums are open from Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm.

Local PODS® Announces Its Tenth Year of Support for Food Share CAN-tree Food Drive to Help Local Community

 Local PODS Moving and Storage will once again support Food Share Ventura County’s CAN-tree event December 9-12 at Figueroa Plaza – Downtown Ventura. This year marks a special 10-year anniversary celebration.  

“We’re proud to partner with Food Share for this annual event to help stock the food bank shelves with the extra canned food donations needed to help families through the holidays,” said Steve Yapp, owner of local PODS Moving and Storage. “Food Share helps thousands of food insecure families every holiday season, and we consider it an honor to be able to support their cause.”  

PODS local have been supporting Food Share CAN-tree event programs since its origination in 2011. Each year, the community gathers to build a “forest” of can trees built from donated food that will soon be distributed to families for the holidays.  

Museum of Ventura County — Santa came early to Ventura County!

MVC Gallery Marketplace & Gift Shops
Where you get to bring the Museum home!
Online, at the Museum of Ventura County, and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

10% off for Museum Members!

We are so excited to present our updated online MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

Museum of Ventura County — How do you bring your Museum home, you ask?

We are so excited to present our updated MVC Gallery Marketplace collection! Browse and purchase artworks by local artists Charlene Spiller, Ed Terpening, Gail Faulkner, Jacqueline Woods, Nash Rightmer, and Scott Gordon. The MVC Gallery Marketplace was created to help regional artists sell their works to collectors. The Museum has selected notable artists working in many media, who represent some of the finest work in our county.

To receive your new artwork we offer convenient “Pick-Up” or “UPS shipping” options. After you have made your order, a Museum staff member will contact you the next business day to make arrangements for either option. If you need the piece shipped, we will generate a shipping quote for you after receiving your mailing details.

Thank you for choosing to support the Museum of Ventura County and the talented artists of Ventura County!

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Gift Studio 2021 | Holiday Pop-Up Market

Shop for unique holiday gifts crafted by artists and designers at MCASB’s Gift Studio Pop-Up Holiday Market.

This two-day event will feature FREE hands-on holiday craft workshops for the whole family, hot cocoa, and a guided tour of Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 4:00-6:00 PM when you can shop with spiked festive drinks in hand, accompanied by a curated DJ set.

FEATURING: Augie’s Tequila – Camille K Jewelry – Demi Boelsterli – Monica Epstein – Madeleine Ignon – SlingShot Art Studio – SWEETZER Gourmet Popcorn – Yellow Rat – Rhys Zemeckis Read more >>

UCSB Arts & Lectures presented A Very She & Him Christmas Party featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward

UCSB Arts & Lectures proudly presented She & Him: A Very She & Him Christmas Party on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Pacific at Arlington Theatre. The performance is part of the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative.

Drawing inspiration from a shared love of vintage pop, “subtle and sophisticated” (Pitchfork) super-duo She & Him pairs indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel. Usher in the holiday season with the twosome’s “old-school studio-pop sensibility” (NPR) and Deschanel’s “perfectly airy and retro vocals” (Paste) as they celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2011 album A Very She & Him Christmas.

Kaiser Permanente’s 2022 Rose Parade® Float Celebrates ‘A Healthier Future’

 Kaiser Permanente’s 2022 Rose Parade® float theme, “A Healthier Future,” celebrates the dedication and talents of our health care heroes and the possibilities that exist when passionate people come together to use their expertise for the greater good. The float embodies the 2022 Tournament of Roses® parade theme, “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” a celebration that childhood dreams become careers that make the world a better place. 

Kaiser Permanente has a total of 39 hospitals and 730 medical offices across its eight operating markets, including Market Street Medical Offices in Ventura, California.

United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) partners with She & Him and UCSB Arts & Lectures to launch United Way’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.  

Each year, UWSBC partners with community members and organizations to provide gifts to local children and families during the holidays. This year, they will be partnering with She & Him, a music duo that consists of holiday songs from indie-folk artist M. Ward and actress/singer-songwriter Zooey Deschanel and UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Serves Record Number of Families for ‘Project Turkey’

Every year, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) kicks off the their Season of Hope campaign by requesting various in-kind donations for Project Turkey, Project Christmas and Holiday Drive-Thru parties to spread cheer and needed resources to local families battling pediatric cancer.

“We seek to provide extra support to our families during the holiday season as they are under extreme stress. From trying to keep up with their child’s doctor and chemotherapy appointments, medical and household bills, to having enough gas to get to and from their appointments, they are often exhausted and planning celebrations for the holidays as well as the expenses included in holiday shopping can be extremely overwhelming. TBCF, along with our generous volunteers and donors, works together to deliver a holiday season many of our families would otherwise not have this year,” says Tessa Boyce, Community Outreach Manager and cancer survivor.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More

Get Vaccinated, Including a Booster Shot if You’re Eligible

Vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic and they prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They’re safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get vaccinated.

Museum of Ventura County — Gobble this up! A New Exhibit & Journal Flashback

Arte Para la Gente explores artist Margaret Garcia’s vast body of work that captures and encapsulates culture, family, and urban life. Over the past four decades, Margaret Garcia has been a leader in the L.A. Chicano Art Movement, championing women, community, and those individuals who are marginalized by society. As a teacher and mentor, Margaret has inspired and encouraged artists to challenge their talents. Her students are encouraged to reach into their souls and create art that is authentic to self, and reflects their passion for the subjects they are painting. Many of those artists have emerged and found their unique voices in their artwork. Her most recent works, many shown here for the first time, were painted in Ventura County. Arte Para la Gente is on display at the Museum of Ventura County from November 11, 2021 to Spring 2022.

Northern California Fresh-Cut Silver-Tip Fir Trees Now On Sale; Proceeds Fund Ag-Education For Kids Through SEEAG

Fresh-cut silver-tip fir trees from northern California will be sold on Saturday, November 27 at Petty Ranch (11971 Darling Rd., Saticoy). Tree pre-orders are now being taken for pick up on November 27 or for delivery. Proceeds will help fund ag-education and healthy eating programs for kids through Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The goal is to raise $20,000. November 27 tree lot hours are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free cookies and samples of hot cocoa and cider will be available.

New Bowlero Center Opens in The Collection at RiverPark with grand opening on Nov. 13

Bowlero Corp, the world leader in bowling entertainment, is excited to unveil its stunning new location at The Collection in RiverPark. Bowlero’s new venue, the 43rd in the state of California, will offer the ultimate entertainment experience featuring the brand’s signature blacklight bowling, interactive arcade games, and extensive food and beverage offerings.  

The state-of-the-art, 32,000 square-foot venue has been built into a sleek, one-stop entertainment destination where bowling is just the beginning. Immediately upon entry, guests will be in awe of the elevated retro-inspired interior design with intricate details like vintage light fixtures, rich Herringbone-patterned floors, and dramatic wall graphics.  

Ventura County Arts Council — CALLS TO ARTISTS: Don’t Miss these Exhibition Opportunities!

Ventura County Arts Council invites you to submit proposals for art to be displayed in Ventura storefront windows.

What does a face reveal? What might it hide? How has masking affected our relationships? Portraiture explores identity through the lens of its time. Our long period of masking has unleashed new feelings and habits. Do we see ourselves and each other in new ways? “UNmasking” will take a look at portraiture now and what it can express representationally or abstractly.

Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.

Each window will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist, or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist. The location of the exhibition space is on a busy section of Victoria Ave. at Moon Dr. in Ventura.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura November 10, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update
Since Monday, there are 302 new COVID-19 cases reported and 9,663 new tests performed. There are 35 people hospitalized, 2 in the ICU. There has been 1 additional death of a 94 year old male. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community member.

75.8% of Ventura County’s population 12+ are fully vaccinated.
82.1% of Ventura County’s population 12+ has received the first dose.
83.4% of Ventura County’s population 18+ has received the first dose.

Public Health vaccination clinics and state testing sites will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Other providers also offer testing and vaccines. More infomration: www.vcrecovers.org.

Children ages 5 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Talk to your child’s doctor or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to make an appointment.

Find a vaccine site and filter by vaccine type at www.vaccines.gov.
Get a digital copy of your vaccine record: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Booster Information | Booster Questions & Answers

Santa Paula Art Museum — ‘Art About Agriculture’ Is BACK! and other upcoming events

Join us for the premiere of The 13th Annual Art About Agriculture exhibition, featuring 66 fresh works of art by 61 distinct artists. Art About Agriculture is presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance to promote awareness of agriculture through art. Admission to the premiere party is free for everyone (face masks are required, but reservations are not). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be available for purchase. Art About Agriculture will be on view and online through March 6, 2022.

VCCCD Highlights Retiree Health Benefits and Expanded Learning Opportunities Across Ventura County

Ventura County Community College District will preserve retirees’ comprehensive health benefits, while saving taxpayers $53 million, and Spanish speakers can learn English in Piru, thanks to two of the many actions recently taken by the board of trustees. The board also passed a measure to receive contract funding for workforce development.

The taxpayer savings was noted in the 2021 Actuarial Study of Retiree Health Liabilities from Total Compensation Systems, Inc., which illustrates how the recent transition of purchasing retirees’ medical benefits through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) saves taxpayer dollars today and into the future through a substantial reduction of the District’s Net Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability.

City of Thousand Oaks Announces Emergency Grants for Local Arts Groups

The City of Thousand Oaks has made a commitment to the Arts and Culture organizations of the Thousand Oaks area by setting aside $500,000 to be used for emergency COVID-19 relief.  

“Access to the arts is a critical part of a well-rounded community. We understand how much the pandemic seriously affected many arts organizations. We want to help our wonderful arts groups get back on their feet, so that our community can experience the soothing and healing beauty of the arts again” says Thousand Oaks Mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña. 

Fall II OLLI Session Offers In-Person and Live-Streamed Classes

After almost two years of offering only virtual classes, CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is now holding in person and simultaneously live-streamed courses for its Fall II session.

OLLI will be using state-of-the-art streaming technology that improves the experience for those watching classes virtually.

“The technology is called ‘Hy-Flex’, and it’s really cool.” said Jeff Zisken, OLLI Marketing & Program Coordinator. “The camera is motion-sensored and follows the speaker around and is capable of zooming in and out.”

OLLI members can choose to attend in person or join online. Classes are also recorded and can be played back at a student’s convenience.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Free Giveaway: Art To-Go Bags on Oct. 30 and more upcoming events

We’re celebrating Día de los Muertos with our community with an extra special, free Art To-Go Bag Giveaway. Drive by the Museum this Saturday at 9 a.m. to pick up free bags filled with fun art making materials (while supplies last). Kids will receive everything they need to create festive art projects at home likepapier maché sugar skulls, papel picado, calavera puppets, paper flowers, and more!

OPAC’s Dia de Muertos on Nov. 5 welcomes the Filipinx Community

OPAC will put an inclusive spin on its annual Dia de Muertos Celebration which will be held this year on Friday, November 5th from 5 to 10 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Co-curating this year’s festivities is a new art collective, Oxnard Art Studio.

“We’re thrilled to partner up with OPAC on what may be the first Filipina/x/o and Chicana/x/o organized Dia De Muertos or Araw Ng Mga Patay in Oxnard. We’re excited to bring many emerging artists and cultural traditions to the festivities, including paying homage to the Filipino tradition. We love to see more endeavors of intercultural unity within our community!,” reflects the collective’s John del Rosario.

Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Columbia Memorial Space Center Kick Off This Year’s STEM Club For Middle Schoolers

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the Columbia Memorial Space Center will begin their STEM Club for local middle schoolers. Meetings begin in November and run through December 16.

Students can sign up to meet in person at the Yarrow Family YMCA after school for 8 to 10 weeks. Students meet on Tuesdays with an additional voluntary meeting on Thursday afternoons.

Seasons Catering prioritizes employee family time during peak holiday season

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, especially for those in the hospitality industry. This isn’t stopping Seasons Catering Chef and Owner Gabrielle Moes from prioritizing her employees this Thanksgiving. Emphasizing the importance of time with family, Moes is choosing to forego booking traditional Thanksgiving caterings, which keep her employees away from their own families, and instead bringing back Seasons’ popular chef-crafted, heat and serve Good2Go Thanksgiving meals. Pre-orders are open now through November 15th with meal pick- up on November 24th.

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation to present special guest speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. at the 24th Annual Military Ball on Nov. 6

 Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is proud to present special guest speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. on Saturday, November 6th at the 24th Annual Military Ball to be held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. He is the best selling author of Spy Pilot and a leading authority on Cold War history.Known for his #1 New York Times bestseller, the subject of the acclaimed major motion picture Bridge of Spies, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks. 

Museum of Ventura County — The 7 New Installations Throughout Downtown Ventura

The Museum of Ventura County is excited to announce a new installation; Women’s Qualities by New York-based artist Ghada Amer. The artwork can be viewed throughout historic Downtown Ventura (see below for detailed list of installations and locations). Women’s Qualities was originally commissioned for Desert X 2021 by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-curator César García-Alvarez and was installed at Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage in the Coachella Valley.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters

Saturday, October 23, 2021
Member + VIP Walkthrough | 5-6 PM (Not a member? Click here to signup!)
Public Opening Reception | 6-8 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Upper Arts Terrace

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is pleased to announce a solo exhibition of artist Rosha Yaghmai, entitled Drifters, on view from Saturday, October 23, 2021, to January 9, 2022.

Visual distortion and disorientation evoke sensations of altered perception in the work of Rosha Yaghmai in which she mines her personal, familial, and cultural histories to unearth embedded meaning. Her sculptural practice posits the generative ability of ambiguity to stimulate recall, epitomizing the expansive and transformational promise of psychedelia. Experimentation with materiality and representation constructs an uncanny universe informed by Persian miniatures, ancient Iranian myths, trippy blacklight posters, and 1990s surf aesthetic.

United Way of Ventura County — Nomadland author announced as keynote speaker

We’re excited to announce that the keynote speaker for our 2nd annual homelessness symposium will be Jessica Bruder, author of Nomadland—the book that is the basis for the Oscar-winning film. Please save the date for Friday, February 4, 2022 for this important virtual event.

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is just around the corner, but thanks to your continued generosity, your United Way has been able to navigate this incredibly challenging year. Because of your generosity, our programs have continued to serve those in need. Because of your generosity, our homelessness initiative has exceeded expectations since its launch almost two years ago—supporting individuals, families, seniors, and veterans. Our housing successes include: a veteran undergoing chemotherapy, a single mother seven months pregnant, a senior about to celebrate his birthday after spending the last several birthdays without a home, a mother one month away from reunification with her young son, and a family of six living in a car for months with a medically compromised child.

Bilingual report — Teatro de las Américas to present ‘Cumbia de mi corazón’ Oct. 29 through Nov. 14

Cumbia de mi corazón, written by Toby Campion and directed by Robert Sánchez, offers an unflinching, intimate glimpse into the world of the beyond. Heriberto, an 80-year-old fisherman, although not condemned to punishment, has deprived himself of heaven for love, patiently waiting in purgatory until he reunites with his beloved wife, Maruca.

Is Ventura County Ready for the WALKtober 5,000 Challenge?

Oct. 11th, 2021 –This October, the Ventura County community is invited to join the WALKtober 5,000 Challenge. The City Center, Local PODS® Moving & Storage, KVTA, and KCOP are challenging the Ventura County community to join them in a daily 5k run or walk to raise funds for Ventura County homeless children and families. Participants are encouraged to get family or friends to sponsor them and donate via www.gofundme.com/thecitycenter.

 “This is a fantastic opportunity to set some fitness goals while also helping local homeless children,” said Tom Spence of NewsTalk 1590. “No child should be homeless. Ever.”