Category: Events

Santa Paula Art Museum’s Annual Art Auction Fundraiser on Nov. 9 Is Virtual This Year

For the first time in its ten-year history, the Santa Paula Art Museum’s annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser will be hosted online this year. Online bidding will open Monday, November 9, 2020, and will close Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The Museum’s annual art auction is the nonprofit organization’s biggest fundraiser each year. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum and the thousands of children, families, and adults that the Museum serves through its educational programs every year.

Museum of Ventura County is Reopening to Members!

Dear Community,

The Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula are reopening to members only beginning on Saturday, October 31! We have a new reservations and ticketing system in place to regulate the amount of traffic in the galleries, as well as limited operational days and hours.

Members, please click here to make your reservations.

We have extended our exhibits through the end of the year. Please read on to learn about what exciting things you’re about to see in our galleries as you return to the museum.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Museum of Ventura County, and thank you for all that you do during these unprecedented times. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see you at MVC.

*Please read our visiting guidelines at the end of this email.

Santa Barbara City College — The Bridge — 2019-2020 Report to the Community

Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present the 2019-2020 Report to the Community, an informative and beautifully illustrated account of the college’s events, activities and accomplishments during this past academic year.

Everyone in the community is invited to flip through the online version to learn more about student success, athletic highlights, artistic triumphs, outstanding faculty and staff, awards and accolades, community connections, and how the college adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and conversion to delivering instruction and services remotely.

VCCCD Supports Undocumented Students with Action Week

Ventura County Community College District joins California Community Colleges (CCC) and its partners across the state for Undocumented Student Action Week, October 19-23, to advocate and provide support services for undocumented students in California. This year’s action week, while virtual, serves as an opportunity to highlight the challenges undocumented students face in today’s political climate and amid COVID-19. The week serves as a vehicle to advocate to Congress about the financial and moral actions needed to ensure the safety of undocumented students.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) launches free, bilingual Financial Education Webinar Series

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has launched a series of Financial Education webinars to empower small business owners and increase their financial literacy during COVID-19.

The series focuses on both personal and business finance and each session will offer simple tools and strategies to help participants manage the pandemic’s impact on their finances. The free webinars will be available in both Spanish and English. For information and to register for the upcoming webinars:

During closing of Hispanic Heritage Month, OC Live presents ‘The Music of Hermanos Herrera: Behind the Scenes’

In this special presentation hosted by Oxnard College Music Professors Scott Wolf and Jorge Herrera, we go behind the scenes to discover the creative passion that drives Mexican music artists Hermanos Herrera. Hermanos Herrera are a unique family group of musicians based right here in Southern California. They play various styles of traditional Mexican music including Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, and musica Norteña. They perform with an aggressive and energetic style that is both passionate and exhilarating.

Museum of Ventura County — Vote Early at MVC + Día de los Muertos Events + More!

In celebration of Días de los Muertos, the Museum of Ventura County invites you and your family to pick-up a Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bag at the Ventura Museum (100 E. Main St., Ventura) on Saturday, October 17, 2020 @ 10AM (while supplies last) and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula (926 Railroad Ave.) on Sunday, October 18, 2020 @ 12PM (while supplies last).

The MVC and AG Grab ‘n Go Day of the Dead Craft Bags include:

• Día de los Muertos mask-making kit
• Instructions on how to build your own at home altar (English and Spanish)
• Materials and instructions on creating Papel Picado
• Materials and instruction on creating tissue paper marigolds
• Recipe for baking Pan de Muerto

Drive-ups only, please. You will be met curbside by our friendly staff members. Gloves, masks and social distancing practices will be in place.

Ventura Harbor Village Unleashes Top 5 Ways To Partake in a SPOOKtacular Seaside Halloween

Be-spooked, bewitched and bedazzled at Ventura Harbor Village! This popular seaside attraction offers five great ways to celebrate Fall and all things Halloween safely. 

Spooky season may look a little different this year, but there is still plenty to get you in the spirit both virtually and in person at Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Village is open Halloween weekend (and every day), so come show off your costume seaside with the little ones or your furry friends (complete with a mask of course)! There will be pop up photo ops to enjoy at your leisure as well. We ask that you keep a safe distance from others and follow seaside safely guidelines.

Below chronicles ways to uncover a safe time by connecting either online or on the waterfront at Ventura Harbor Village this October:

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Oct. 13 — COVID-19 Testing Available – No cost. No appointment needed

Weekday Drive-Through Sites – Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm
Moopark College, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

Weekend: Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. The site is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Walk-In Site – Monday Through Friday 9 am to 6 pm
Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W. Harbor Blvd in Ventura, Enter Gate 2.

MCASB is reopening on October 22!

We are delighted to reopen our doors to the public starting Thursday, October 22, 2020, and invite you to experience our current exhibition Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In. This exhibition has been patiently waiting for your return, and we are excited to share the experience with you.

3C-REN Recognizes National Energy Awareness Month with Activities for Residents and Businesses in Central Coast Region

3C-REN, the Tri-County Regional Energy Network – a partnership to transform building efficiency to develop economic and environmental resilience in the region – is offering a range of programs during October in recognition of National Energy Awareness Month. 3C-REN’s ongoing, year-round programming offers residents and professionals in the building industry opportunities to learn about and adopt energy efficiency practices that save money, reduce energy use, and protect the environment.

Call for Santa Barbara County Creators!

Calling all Santa Barbara County performers, writers, musicians, poets, dancers, and artists! On the Verge is looking for local creators to contribute to our exploration of Santa Barbara’s history. We’re seeking pieces that dive into your personal relationship with Santa Barbara, and what it means to be a part of this community. Latinx and Indigenous creators are especially encouraged to participate!

Santa Paula Art Museum Reopens Oct. 14

We are so excited to announce that the Santa Paula Art Museum will reopen Wednesday, October 14, 2020, as part of Ventura County’s reopening plan! Both of our summer exhibitions have been extended. Visit the Museum to enjoy Inspiration and Influence featuring sculptor Duane Dammeyer and painter Rima Muna, and Santa Paula Sojourn, a solo exhibit by painter Shannon Celia. Guests will also be able to preview the 20 gorgeous works of art that will be available in our November online art auction, including artworks by Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, Susan Petty, Gail Pidduck, and more.

Museum of Ventura County — You’re Invited to A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Oct. 14

The Days of the Dead season is here, and it’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. The Museum of Ventura County invites you to join us for a A Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

Calling All “Zoom-bies!” It’s That “THRILLS & CHILLS” Time of Year! You’re Invited to the 1st World-Wide Halloween Dance Fest with World Dance for Humanity!

After seven months of battling COVID-19 and dealing with the unrelenting fallout affecting the economy and the rhythm of daily life, everyone around the world could use some good news. Halloween has not been canceled! You’re invited to virtually attend the safest, “creepy-cool” party of the year! The “THRILLS & CHILLS” Halloween Dance Fest is the first of its kind, global celebration sponsored by World Dance for Humanity (WD4H), a non-profit organization with headquarters in Santa Barbara California. The Zoom-based festivities begin with a THRILLER dance event on Saturday, October 24th at 3:00 PM (Pacific time), followed by a Halloween Costume Dance Party on Saturday, October 31st at 3:00 PM.

Museum of Ventura County — Día de los Muertos Events + Norse Mythology Virtual Learning + More!

The Days of the Dead season is here! It’s time to honor the lives of our dearest departed and send them love. You are invited to join us for a Zoom Workshop: Creating Family Altars with Dr. Roberto Vargas on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:30PM—7:45PM. In this free, family-friendly Zoom experience, Dr. Vargas will teach viewers how to celebrate Días de los Muertos by remembering their loved ones and creating a Family Altar, or ofrenda.

Additionally, viewers will learn the meaning of Días de los Muertos as a tradition to honor family and departed loved ones, and Dr. Roberto Vargas will review how to facilitate a simple Dias de los Muertos celebration in the home. This is a great opportunity to bring the household together for an evening of interactive learning and fun.

RISE and Restorative Partners team up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and two local agencies, RISE and Restorative Partners, are working together to bring awareness to an increase in domestic violence during this time of the global pandemic. RISE provides emergency crisis counseling, shelter, advocacy and therapy for local survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.

Restorative Partners provides a continuum of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of people impacted by crime, including those in custody and returning from incarceration.

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Extends Gold Ribbon Campaign to Oct. 15th Raising Funds for Families Who Have a Child with Cancer during a Pandemic

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has campaigned all September for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for children facing cancer during COVID-19. They are only $15,000 away from meeting their Gold Ribbon Campaign (GRC) goal and they have extended their campaign to Oct. 15th to help meet it. 

“We are truly ecstatic that we have come so close to our goal this year,” said Eryn Shugart, Interim Executive Director, TBCF. “We knew, because of the constraints of the pandemic, that we were up against a challenge this year and we are so grateful to our supporters to ensure we close the gap.  We feel confident that extending this campaign will put us over the top.” 

OC Live — The Show Must Go On (Line)!

This week we go virtual and get real with WeSpeak, the program where students speak their own truth through the stories of their lives. Click below to hear from OC alumnus Vance Garcia, who brought us his incredibly inspiring story about rising above life’s most challenging circumstances.

Santa Paula Art Museum — You Make All of Our Work Possible

A lot has changed this year. What hasn’t changed at the Santa Paula Art Museum is our commitment to our mission and our desire to serve, uplift, and inspire everyone in our community.

While the Museum’s indoor galleries have been closed since March, our staff has been working to provide our community with a wide variety of virtual programming, as well as outdoor art classes, free classroom art kits, and over 1,800 free Art To-Go Bags. Click here to see what your continued support has helped the Museum to accomplish over the past 6 months.

Bilingual report — COVID-19 Update for Sept. 25

Good afternoon, There are 51 new cases today (4 (7.8%) of which have a lab collection from September 18th or earlier), 833 additional people tested, and 3 additional deaths (68 year old female, 37 year old female, and 99 year old male, all with comorbidities). The current doubling time was 121.4 days.

Ventura County is currently in the purple tier which they have designated as widespread transmission as of September 22. Our current data published as of September 22 is 7.4 (purple tier) for the case rate and 3.8% (orange tier) for the positivity rate for the measurement period ending September 12; this will keep us in the purple tier until the next measurement which will be on September 29.

Commentary — No time to stop filling out U.S. Census form, registering to vote

The year 2020 will go down as one of the most challenging years this nation has faced. A continuing pandemic, large nationwide demonstrations for civil rights, a contentious election campaign season — all during a time when the nation was attempting to complete the 2020 Census.

Now, there is word that the Sept. 30 deadline to complete the Census may be pushed back to its original Oct. 31, 2020 pandemic-altered deadline: Please see — CNN —  Federal judge orders nationwide 2020 census counting to continue through October 31.

But since the ruling is subject to appeal, and nothing else appears predictable during 2020, it would be best to continue to fill out those Census forms as quickly as possible.

Commentary — Community comes together to urge Latinos to complete Census, register to vote

From children performing from the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and email messages from El Concilio Family Resources, both in Oxnard, to a commentary by the co-founder of the Acuna Art Gallery and Community Collective, the Latino community is coming out to support the twin goals of completing U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your vote counts in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election.

“… So we must all vote, and get every one that is of voting age to vote. We must be guardians of the poll booths to assure that no intimidation of our people is taking place. Must by any means necessary be present at the poll booths to assure that any one that has the right to vote, can exercise that privilege! If you vote by mail it is, of course, imperative that you mail your completed ballot as quickly as possible so that every vote can be counted,” wrote Armando Vazquez, of the former Café on A Street / Acuna Art Gallery, in a column this week on Amigos805.

Museum of Ventura County — A Zoom Conversation with Dolores Huerta on Sept. 21+ Weekly Mural Livestream + More!

The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to present the first installment in its series of conversations with Changemakers: Dolores Huerta, Founder & President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, civil rights activist and community organizer, will join longtime activist and civic leader Jorge Corralejo, documentary film producer and farmworker activist David Damian Figueroa, and Chief Curator Anna Bermudez for a Zoom Conversation onMonday, September 21, 2020 @ 6:30—7:30PM.

Admission to Changemaker Series: A Zoom Conversation with Dolores Huerta, Jorge Corralejo, David Damian Figueroa, and Anna Bermudez is free with registration.

RSVPs must be received before Monday, September 21, 2020 8AM.

County of Ventura — Interim Halloween Guidance

As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives. The Ventura County Department of Public Health would like to share information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year, consider some safer alternatives that are listed below.

Santa Paula Art Museum — You Should Probably Write This Down

September is National Literacy Month and we’ve got books on the brain here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. You’re definitely going to want to book it to our next Art To-Go Bag giveaway featuring lots of fun art and bookmaking activities for the kids (see below). And be sure to read on for information about our upcoming, outdoor art classes. Speaking of reading, a few years ago we came across an article in the old Santa Paula Chronicle about the making of a very special painting, and we’d love to tell you the whole story.

Trace the history of civil rights, explore ancient Pompeii and laugh with the Marx Brothers with CSUCI’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

When he was a child growing up in New York, actor/comedian Nicholas Santa Maria loved to listen to his parents laugh about the antics of Charlie Chaplin or the Marx Brothers.

“I realized they seem to enjoy themselves most of all when their friends and contemporaries would come over and they would talk about old movies,” Santa Maria said. “I always felt more comfortable in that old movie world.”

EDC Free Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to offer the following webinars at no-cost.
Space is limited. Register today!

SEPTEMBER EDC WEBINAR SCHEDULE

Museum of Ventura County — Outdoor Exhibit: Arte Forastero + New Ivor Davis Zoom Talk!

Open now through November 30, 2020, the Museum of Ventura County and the Ventura Botanical Gardens are thrilled to host 14 regional artists in their first collaboration, Arte Forastero. Sculptures and installation works have been installed in the Botanical Gardens nursery and lower trails and in the Museum’s outdoor Plaza along Main Street in Downtown Ventura.

Prominent Black actors to participate in an online read-a-thon produced by CSUCI Performing Arts faculty every Friday

African American actors Phylicia Rashad, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Roy Wood Jr., are among 34 renowned Black actors from stage and screen who will join in an online weekly reading marathon of W.E.B. Du Bois’ “Black Reconstruction In America” beginning on Friday, Aug. 28. “The ReadIn Series” is produced by CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Performing Arts/Dance Lecturer MiRi Park with assistance from Associate Professor of Performing Arts/Dance Heather Castillo.

“African American history is American history and I think a lot of people don’t realize that,” Park said. “A lot of it has been written out of our textbooks and relegated to something that is ‘other.’”

Metrolink Announces Kids Ride Free Weekends Beginning Saturday, Aug. 29

After months at home, SoCal families are looking to add some enjoyment to their weekends, and Metrolink has just the ticket – a free ticket for kids. Beginning Saturday, August 29, Metrolink is introducing Kids Ride Free on weekends anywhere Metrolink travels across six Southern California counties.

“After being cooped up we know folks are ready to change their routines with fun, yet safe, activities for the entire family,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey. “When you ride the train, the journey is a part of the experience and we want families to enjoy a special and affordable train experience as they explore the many outdoor activities we all love about Southern California.”

2020 RISE Up Award Winners Announced

The RISE Up Awards recognize excellence in community service supporting RISE’s sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence programs; the 2020 RISE Up Award winners are Megan Baliterra, Amber Hollarman, the Portola Inn, Cal Poly’s Safer, and Heidi Spencer.

RISE will present the awards at the 6th Wine Women & Shoes on September 13th at 1pm, online. Wine Women & Shoes is a wine and food tasting, boutique shopping experience complete with raffles, silent and live auctions, a fashion show, and the presentation of the 2020 RISE Up Awards.

Santa Maria Joint Unified School District announces non-traditional back to school

School starts August 17 in a non-traditional way at SMJUHSD, as COVID-19 forces the continuance of distance learning at least until December when a re-valuation of returning to school safely occurs.

“I want to wish everyone the best year considering the circumstances,’’ said school board president Amy Lopez. “It will be different, but staff are working hard to make learning engaging for our students. We all want our students to return, but it must be safe for them to do so.’’

Teatro de las Américas presents ‘Yo Cuento (I Tell)’ Zoom workshops on Aug. 18, 25, Sept. 8, 15

YO CUENTO (I TELL) continues..
with James Donlon

Tuesdays: 
August 18, 25,
September 8, 15 
7-8PM 

Learn basic storytelling, acting, directing, and staging to produce an original Teatro work using your own personal stories.

James Donlon: actor, director, and playwright presenting his original performance work internationally for 5 decades. 
Film coach to Oscar winners.
Pre-registration required, no fees
info@teatrodelasamericas.org

SEEAG And Growers Take Farm Day Virtual With Series of Agricultural-Focused Features

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and local growers are creating a series of short videos highlighting agriculture in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In-person Farm Days tours that were to take place in September in Santa Barbara County and in November in Ventura County have been canceled due to the continuing pandemic. In their place will be “Farm Day Features,” 10-minute videos designed to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at agricultural issues facing farmers and the types of produce grown in the area.

Museum of Ventura County — Archival Exquisite Corpse Project + “Hard Day’s Night” discussion with Ivor Davis

The Museum partnered with Ventura College photography professors Brian Paumier and Jessie Groves for a new take on the exquisite corpse concept. Students were asked to use the Museum’s online photograph archive to find inspiration for a final project.
Presented are the original photograph screenshots the students selected and the images they created based on those selections.

Outdoor Art Classes at the Santa Paula Art Museum

While the Santa Paula Art Museum’s indoor galleries remain closed, its art classes have moved outside! All classes are being taught within the Museum’s outdoor courtyard to allow for art making while social distancing. Space is extremely limited as class sizes are being kept small, and preregistration is required. Register for class and read more about the Museum’s new policies for maintaining a safe learning environment on our website: www.santapaulaartmuseum.org/creativity.

Bilingual commentary — County of Ventura to hold virtual community forum on the intersection of race and law enforcement on Aug. 5

On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.

The August 5th Community Forum will be moderated by Monique Nowlin, County of Ventura Diversity and Inclusion Task Force representative and Deputy Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Panelists will include:

Teatro de las Américas’ ‘Pláticas on Wednesday’ with actor/director James Donlon to be held July 28

James Donlon: actor, director, and playwright presenting his original performance work internationally for 5 decades. Film coach to Oscar winners.
.
Pre-registration required, no fees
Sign up now, send email to info@teatrodelasamericas.org

SMILE! Free Professional Headshots by Christian Ramirez at OPAC on Aug. 6

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is teaming up with Oxnard photographer and filmmaker Christian Ramirez of Mezz Studio to offer a day of free professional headshots for those on the jobseeking trail. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 6 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. 

A professional headshot plays an important role in creating a positive first impression and can be used in many ways: email accounts, email signatures, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, personal websites, portfolios, guest blogs, resumes, and more. Sixty percent of employers research job candidates via social media and OPAC wants to ensure that community members who have lost work due to COVID-19 are supported and equipped in their career search.

2020 Census Caravan to Parade Through Guadalupe, Rally Residents

The Little House By The Park and the Guadalupe Community Changers will lead a 2020 Census Car Caravan on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to rally residents to complete the census. More than one dozen vehicles will participate in the caravan, including cars from the Guadalupe Fire Department, Catholic Charities, Dignity Health, Mechanics Bank, and City Council member Liliana Cardenas. Residents are invited come out and cheer on the caravan, and then attend a Census Clinic at the Little House By The Park, at 4681 11th Street, from 2 to 5 p.m., where they can complete the 2020 Census questionnaire.

Islands Packers in Ventura Harbor Village Announces Summer Whale Watching Trips to The Channel Islands Now Through September

With summer upon us, Island Packers is happy to announce that Summer Whale Watching excursions have been added to their existing scheduled trips to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.  Visitors to Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura’s top seaside attraction, can now board an Island Packers whale watching vessel (the boat departs  adjacent to Ventura Harbor Village) and travel from Ventura Harbor through the Southern California waters off Santa Barbara Channel, known for their marine mammal diversity, to see breathtaking mammals that cavort in waters off of the Channel Islands.  Summer whale watching is available through August 30, 2020.  Cost is: Adults (12-54 years) $68,  Seniors (55 years and older) $62, and Children (3-12 years) $55. 

New MVC Insider + New Quizlet and more!

Welcome to episode 5 of “MVC Insider.” In this episode,
Elena Waller, Agriculture Museum Manager,
discusses the history of tilling in Ventura County and showcases a number of tools that eventually led to the invention of the tractor! 

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — New and upcoming at MCASB!

Join us for a 2-part virtual conversation with artist Genevieve Gaignard and MCASB Curator Alexandra Terry to learn more about MCASB’s current exhibition Bloom Projects: Genevieve Gaignard, Outside Looking In.

In the first session, Genevieve and Alexandra will discuss the logistics of making an exhibition from inception to opening. They will share insights from the early stages of planning through to the physical installation of Genevieve’s exhibition.