Category: Events

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, — Ry Rocklen & Labor Day Flash Sale

We’re delighted to share “Torch Cafe”, an art award and edition produced by Ry Rocklen for the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. This ceramic object uses a photograph from the Metropolitan Museum of Art of an ancient “torch holder” that has been glazed to one side. Its back has become a carrier of a form from our modern times, a stack of disposable coffee cups. “Torch Cafe” is a synthesis of ancient and contemporary objects that plays with the tropes of trophies and awards. It’s is a vehicle for remembering, recognition, and celebration.

West Ventura County Business Alliance seeking nominations for inaugural WVCBA Business Awards

“Throughout the year, we’ve focused on bridging the communities we serve through thoughtfully curated events and panel discussions,” says WVCBA President & CEO Andy Conli. “We’re very excited for 2025 to culminate with a fun, heart-warming awards show to celebrate businesses, organizations, and individuals who are having a positive impact in our business community!”

Museum of Ventura County unveils its exciting September events lineup

VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is thrilled to present a series of engaging, educational, and family friendly events throughout September across our Ventura and Agriculture Museum (Santa Paula) locations. From a nostalgic agricultural celebration to deep dives into local history, our lineup fosters community connection and celebrates our region’s cultural heritage.

The Oaks celebrates September with a food festival & community-focused events and programs

THOUSAND OAKS  — The Oaks is bringing families and community members together this September with a lineup of exciting events. From culinary celebrations and family-friendly entertainment to school support initiatives, The Oaks continues its commitment to creating experiences that enrich the broader Conejo Valley community.

Celebrating El Concilio’s 50th Anniversary — Sponsorship and 2025 Booklet advertisement available

… We invite you to join us as a sponsor for our 50th Anniversary Gala & The Latino Leadership Awards, a milestone event that will bring together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate our legacy and raise vital funds to continue our work. The event will be held on September 25th, 2025, at the beautiful Museum of Ventura County. 

This is our only annual fundraiser, and its success directly impacts our ability to serve thousands of individuals and families seeking a path to legal residency, citizenship, and a better future. Your sponsorship will not only support this critical mission but will also provide your organization with visibility among influential leaders and community members who share a commitment to social impact. 

Bilingual report — Aug. 26 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting. Topics Include: Retail Food Facility Fees, County Support for State Legislation Prohibiting Masking and Requiring Identification Displayed of Law Enforcement Officials, Open Space Element

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria 
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

The latest news from County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell

Dear Neighbors,

As a new school year begins, I want to wish our local students and families a wonderful start and remind everyone to stay safe on the roadways. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, resources, and details about upcoming community events—I hope you’ll join me.

Warm regards,
Jeff

Jeff Gorell, Ventura County Supervisor, District 2
SupevisorGorell@ventura.org

Museum of Ventura County — Tractors, Traditions & Family Fun This Labor Day!

Join us for the Agriculture Museum’s 10th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair on September 1st, immediately following the Santa Paula Parade. This beloved community event celebrates Santa Paula’s rich agricultural heritage with family-friendly activities, live music by the Van Allen Twins, captivating presentations and tours, and a deep appreciation for our local farming culture.

The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.

People’s Self-Help Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary

CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) celebrated 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, staff gathered to reminisce on past achievements and to look forward to the next half century. 
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.” 

Canine Adoption and Rescue League returns to Ventura Harbor Village for 25th Annual Pooch Parade on Aug. 24

VENTURA — Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) says “howdy” to dog lovers from across Ventura County and beyond and invites them to the 2025 C.A.R.L. Pooch Parade. This year’s theme is “Rescue Roundup,” so attendees and their four-legged friends can wear western-themed costumes, including bandanas and cowboy hats. The 2025 Pooch Parade takes place at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura (grassy area) on Sunday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Environmental Council (CEC) — There’s still time to join CEC’s next Climate Stewards cohort starting Sept. 9!

You’re not the only one ready to take action for our planet’s future — and you don’t have to do it alone. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course equips everyday people with the knowledge, tools, and network of activists to lead equitable climate solutions right where they live.

This is your chance to find your place in the climate movement. Through the 8-week course, you’ll explore the science and psychology of climate change, participate in hands-on field trips, and design a custom Stewardship Project that’s meaningful to you and supports climate resilience.

Bilingual report — New students get a warm welcome at ‘Hancock Hello’

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,800 new students to attend a “Hancock Hello” orientation event on Aug. 12 at the Santa Maria campus.

During the event, the new Bulldog students and their parents were able to learn more about Hancock and the programs and support services the college offers. Attendees met faculty and staff, learned more about college departments and student clubs, and took campus tours.

“I really like Hancock Hello because you get to see all these new faces and help them feel welcome,” said Jaci Rayas, a Hancock student ambassador who worked the event. “It’s great for students and their parents to see everything that’s here for them and see that they have a support system here.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — The Art Auction is Saturday, Aug. 16!

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the Santa Paula Art Museum’s 15th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16! Dozens of stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists will be up for bid, including museum-worthy pieces by Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more. Plus, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055 while you browse.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Some young suns are aligned with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted’ and more news, events

“All young stars have these disks, but we’ve known little about their orientations with respect to the spin axis of the host stars,” said associate physics professor Brendan Bowler, senior author of a study published in Nature.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara announces the Call for Entries Winners 2025-2026!

Congratulations to:

Godofredo Astudillo & Dannah Mari Hidalgo 

Their exhibition will be on view at our satellite location, The Riviera Beach House. We look forward to share their powerful and evocative work with the public. 

El Concilio Family Services — 50th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Price ~10 days left

Don’t miss your chance to secure the early bird price for a seat at our upcoming Fundraiser, celebrating our 50th Anniversary and the 35th Latino Leadership Awards! Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and community. Act now—early bird pricing ends soon!

Single tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 66th season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2025-2026 season go on sale Tuesday, August 19 at 10 a.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Let’s come together (Aug. 9) to make change!

In our ongoing effort to foster a safe and inclusive platform for artists and the community, we invite you to our second Assembly on August 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. This gathering will build on our previous conversations, with the goal of developing tangible projects that strengthen connections between the artist community and the broader public.

Given the current political climate, which disproportionately impacts the arts and immigrant communities, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges. As part of MCASB’s commitment to accountability, this Assembly will focus on the unsafe conditions faced by our immigrant community.

Museum of Ventura County — Savor the Stories Ventura County’s Past

Sept. 4 — Join us for a cocktail hour and three-course fundraising dinner on the Plaza, followed by an oral history presentation from Elena Brokaw, the Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer.

Step into a captivating journey back to the Gilded Age, a time of remarkable transformation in Ventura County. All proceeds support the museum’s educational and history preservation initiatives.

DRESS CODE: The Gilded Age/Cocktail Attire
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR TICKETS!

August is hot with live entertainment and food experiences in Downtown Oxnard…

On the menu Thurs, Aug 7th:
Rice Balls of Fire 
Passion Empanadas 
Coyote Elote
Little Tony’s Wood Fired Pizza 
Wrapped California 
Juarez Tacos 
Takumi 
Happy Place 
El Maíz 
Cheesecake Plugg Caffe 
J&K Catering 
Pupusería La Llama 
Jimbo’s Funnel Cakes 

Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! celebrates 20th season with exciting 2025-2026 lineup of renowned Latine artists

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking 20 years of celebrating community, culture, and connection through the arts. This milestone season features an outstanding lineup of Latine performers guaranteed to captivate audiences throughout Santa Barbara County.

Viva will present five acclaimed acts that exemplify the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Latin America, in a special year commemorating Viva’s 20th season, with multiple opportunities for the community to celebrate together throughout the year.

Upcoming artists include: Grupo Bella, Gabby Moreno, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Las Cafeteras, Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande

Moorpark College Theatre Arts announces auditions for Angels In America: Part One — Millennium Approaches

MOORPARK — This fall, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department will present Angels in America: Part One — Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner’s landmark play exploring politics, identity and the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. Auditions will be held August 12-14 at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center.

The production calls for a large, versatile cast and offers a range of challenging roles that span gender, race, and age. All lead roles will likely be double cast, and auditions are open to Moorpark College students and the wider community. Rehearsals begin August 18, with evening rehearsals held Monday through Thursday.

Music Academy of the West celebrates 2025 Winners of Duo Competition and Marilyn Horne Song Competition

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West is proud to announce the winners of its two premier summer competitions: the Duo Competition and the Marilyn Horne Song Competition, recognizing the extraordinary artistry and collaboration of its 2025 fellows. These cornerstone events of the Summer Music Festival & School offer young musicians a platform to shine through world-class performance, interpretation, and musical partnership.

August at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

?
Saturday, August 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM

$15 SPAM Members • $20 Non-members

Take home a rare piece of California art while supporting the Santa Paula Art Museum’s arts education programs during our Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16. Bid on stunning artworks by historic and contemporary California artists, including Meredith Brooks Abbott, Jessie and Cornelis Botke, Robert Clunie, Paul Grimm, Douglas Shively, and many more.

The silent auction runs from 3 PM to 4 PM. The live auction runs from 4 PM to 5 PM led by professional auctioneers from California Auctioneers. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Parque 1055while you browse! All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

BROWSE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

YMCA Adventure Guides taking sign-ups in Simi Valley and Moorpark

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is taking signups for its Adventure Guides programs in Simi and Conejo valleys and Moorpark for the 2025-26 school year.

Adventure Guides (for Kinder-6th graders) is set up into parent-child groups called Circles. Parent-child pairs join a Circle with families in their neighborhood or the school in which their children attend. They usually meet once a month for games and crafts and other activities. Also planned this year are a Pinewood Derby, a trip to Descanso Gardens, camping at Big Bear and Lake Casitas, and taking part in a plant restoration community service project.

Movie Nights return to Ventura Harbor Village with a blockbuster lineup by the waterfront

VENTURA — Lights. Camera. Coastline! Evenings on California’s Central Coast at Ventura Harbor Village just got a lot more fun, as the waterfront destination unveils its highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Movie Nights – a 

cinematic experience that fuses beloved throwback films with coastal charm. This free movie series spans from Summer to Fall  2025 at Ventura Harbor Village. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

August 13 @ 8:30 am

Join  SCORE Ventura County, City of Thousand Oaks and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about insurance from somebody who is not trying to sell you something! Insurance contracts are written by attorneys, but not all insurance agents can explain them in simple terms. In layman’s terms, this workshop will briefly overview the types of coverages available and what most businesses need. Address: Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Announcing our 2025 El Concilio Awardees! Event sponsorship available

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate El Concilio Family Services’ 50th Anniversary—a legacy of empowering families, bridging communities, and building brighter futures through citizenship, immigration services, and youth leadership development. This special night will also honor the outstanding 2025 Latino Leadership Awardees who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership in our community. Good news! We’ve extended the Promotional Individual Ticket Price through August 18th—don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this milestone celebration.

Bilingual report — Mixteco / Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to present ‘Night in Oaxaca’ — Light of Resistance: Night of United Peoples

SANTA BARBARA — Since the start of the year, members of our indigenous community across the Central Coast, our relatives, friends, and neighbors, have been taken by ICE. The joy and vibrancy of community life were replaced by fear and silence. However, as indigenous people, we know that our simple act of existence is resistance.

At MICOP, we remain rooted in our mission to organize, support, and empower our indigenous migrant community. Night in Oaxaca will continue to honor the beauty of indigenous existence, and of our resilient communities. We are descendants of warriors, healers, and protectors. We speak the languages of the rain and the clouds. Our spirits carry the songs of the mountains and rivers, and the courage of ancestors who never surrendered, and neither will we.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign invites guests to RAISE THE ROOF for affordable housing

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature two guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University and Giorgio Angelini, Director of OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas. Angelini is currently developing a documentary adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted, produced by actor Chris Pine. The event will be held at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark on September 4th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit, www.housingtrustfundvc.org

Bilingual report — Find fall favorites in the Ventura Activity Guide

VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the release of its Fall Parks and Recreation Activity Guide! Registration begins Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and will be available online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street in Room 226. Registration information and policies are on page 43. Discover hundreds of upcoming classes, programs, and events scheduled from September through January at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ActivityGuide

Ventura Music Festival — Friends, are you ready?

The Ventura Music Festival is officially only ONE WEEK away! Now is the time to secure last-minute tickets as many of the concerts are filling up fast. Learn more about the upcoming shows below.

Can’t wait until next week? Join The Schwab Summer Orchestra this Saturday the 19th for Mahler Symphony No. 1: “The Titan” to get ready for our weekend of music.

The VMF July series will take you from the swing-revival rock of Ventura legends to smooth jazz shores, then around the world with piano, guitar, violin, and vocal artistry. There’s music for everyone, so don’t miss out!

Volunteers fill 650 backpacks with donated school supplies at Yarrow Family YMCA

Five hundred fifty backpacks will be distributed to participants in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program to support academic and social-emotional learning for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. One hundred backpacks will be given to children affected by the California wildfires identified through the YMCA’s California Strong initiative.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) — THANK YOU! 2025 Art Awards

View this email in your browser Congratulations to the 2025 Artists! Left to Right: Gabriela Ruiz, Manjari Sharma, Mary Heebner, Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin, Diana Thater. Photo: Ingrid Bostrom Photography. Thank You! Whittier Trust, Carter W. Thicke Sofia & Mark Greif…