Attend and get a HUD Certificate to help you access first-time homebuyer loans and down payment assistance programs
Category: Family
March 24 — Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks to present Purim Carnival
THOUSAND OAKS — Temple Etz Chaim welcomes you to its annual Purim Carnival from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24 at 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.
Enjoy a festival of food trucks, carnival games, inflatables and prizes.Bring the whole family to celebrate this festive holiday with arts and crafts, hamantashen and knishes … and more!
March 30 — Bilingual report — Cesar Chavez March to be held in Oxnard
April 4 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Paint At Paseo’
Join us to celebrate life with Easter and spring season by painting at Paint at Paseo with Ita-Ink, a Santa Maria-based artist who loves to spread art in his community. By inspiring others to express themselves creatively, Ita-Ink will lead you through a 90-minute acrylic painting session designed for all ages and skill levels. All materials, including canvases, paints, aprons and brushes, are provided. Best of all, this monthly event is free!
April 5 — Museum of Ventura County present ‘Play Date in the Garden’
Explore your creative expression at our third Play Date in the Garden! In partnership with Filipina/x cultural organization, Pinaysphere, we will have eco-friendly arts and crafts to help you reconnect your heart and soul with the wonders of nature. Join us in this unique blend of creativity and nature appreciation, forging lasting memories and rekindling the joy of imaginative play. Adult supervision required. Free with registration.
April 8 — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Therapeutic Recreation Services presenting Outlook Speaker Series: Understanding Vision Loss
This month, presenters from the Braille Institute will discuss common vision loss conditions and free resources available through the Braille Institute for anyone with low vision or blindness. Resources include low-vision evaluations for optical devices, technology training, orientation and mobility, library services, classes, support groups and more. Learn how you can access services for yourself or a loved one.
April 8 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College Athletics hosting third annual golf tournament
“The Final Fore Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to celebrate the success of our athletic programs here at Allan Hancock,” said Hancock Athletic Director Kim Ensing. “We were thrilled about the support we received at the event over the last two years and are excited to continue building on that this year. We’re looking forward to providing an environment that will allow people to take a break from their daily grind, enjoy the outdoors, and rally around the goal of supporting our efforts to provide a meaningful experience for these athletes.”
April 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents renowned chamber ensemble Danish String Quartet at Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Danish String Quartet on Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. at Campbell Hall. The Danish String Quartet is joined by Finnish cellist Johannes Rostamo for the eagerly-anticipated capstone to their international Doppelgänger Project. In part IV, the Danish pairs Schubert’s String Quintet, frequently cited among the greatest of all works of chamber music, with a new piece titled Wreath – For Franz Schubert by renowned British composer Thomas Adès. Part III of the project was heralded by The New York Times as “ensemble music at its purest – a consensus interpretation, rendered selflessly in service of the group as instrument.”
April 12-14 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces Fee-waived dog adoptions
Fee-waived dog adoptions, April 12-14 at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters. Preview our dogs at www.vcas.us/dogs. Learn about our adoption process at www.vcas.us/adopt. Questions? Please contact us at info@vcas.us or (805) 388-4341. Thank you for your support! Ventura County Animal Services
April 12-13 — Lumina Alliance Shines Bright with ‘Dancing with Our Stars’ Fundraiser
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is thrilled to announce its upcoming fundraising event, Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars, set to captivate audiences on Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. The event, presented by BHE Renewables, promises to be a dazzling night of entertainment, all while supporting a noble cause.
Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars is a unique and exciting showcase that brings together local celebrities, community leaders, and prominent figures who will pair up with professional dancers to compete for the coveted title. The evening will be filled with sensational dance performances, laughter, and camaraderie, all in the spirit of raising funds for Lumina Alliance’s critical services that are facing significant government funding cuts in the coming year.
April 12, 13 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College’s dance program presents Dance Spectrum performances
SANTA MARIA — Students in Allan Hancock College’s dance program are ready to entertain audiences of all ages during their annual Dance Spectrum performances this April.
The 2024 Dance Spectrum is a dynamic, high-energy showcase of the college’s talented dance program students, who are both performing and choreographing many of the show’s performances. The show will feature a wide range of music and dance styles, as well as cameo performances from Hancock’s full-time and part-time dance program faculty.
April 13 — Southeast Ventura County YMCA Hosts Free Healthy Kids’ Day
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The two branches of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA are holding “Healthy Kids’ Day,” a free community event to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer. The Simi Valley Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day is Saturday, April 13 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Yarrow Family YMCA Healthy Kids’ Day in Westlake Village is Saturday, April 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
April 13 — Bilingual report — Cottage Health announces Car Seat and Booster Check event
April 13 — Spring 2024 Local Authors Showcase at the Oxnard Main Library
OXNARD — The Oxnard Public Library announces the return of their Annual Local Authors Showcase on April 13th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Main Branch (251 S. A St., Oxnard).
This year’s event will fill the Main Library’s second floor with authors selling and signing their books. Aspiring authors of all ages can also participate in the Library’s new panel discussions with authors who write within the three major age demographics (Adult, Young Adult, and Children). Engage with published authors and learn about the writing process and how one gets published.
April 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents legendary jazz keyboard player Herbie Hancock at The Arlington Theatre
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Herbie Hancock on Wednesday, April 17 at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. Experience a night under the spell of Herbie Hancock, jazz’s most versatile and influential keyboard player. As pianist for Miles Davis in the mid-1960s, Hancock helped pioneer a groundbreaking new sound in jazz. A trained engineer, he was among the first bop players to explore the potential of electric instruments and combine jazz with funk and rock. Hancock has garnered a Kennedy Center Honor, an Academy Award for his Round Midnight film score and 14 Grammys, including a prestigious Album of the Year for his 2007 tribute River: The Joni Letters.
April 19 — CSUCI annual State of the University address will review enrollment, new construction, the Santa Barbara Zoo partnership, and more
CAMARILLO — Plans for a new conservation center at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) – to be built in partnership with the Santa Barbara Zoo — are progressing quickly with the conceptual design already complete.
Construction progress also continues for Gateway Hall, along with several other new initiatives, programs, and partnerships that CSUCI President Richard Yao will review on Friday, April 19 during the annual State of the University address, sponsored by the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA).
April 20 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents violin virtuoso Randall Goosby at Hahn Hall
April 20 — Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser this Saturday, April 20, 2024! In honor of the Museum’s Limoneira Building turning 100 this year, we’re going to party like it’s 1924! Join us inside the Museum for a Roaring ’20s evening of art, live music by Sophie Holt and Studio C, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special painting demonstration, and more.
April 20 — Bilingual report — CSU Channel Islands to present Children’s Day/Día de los Niños
This free event is for all families, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for a day of activities, games, reading. Our special guest is children’s book author James Luna. James will be reading his The Runaway Piggy/El Cochinito Fugitivo book. The first 150 guests will receive a free copy of the book as well!
April 20 — The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula to present ‘3rd Annual Ventura County Wildflower and Weed Show’
April 26 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosting 25th anniversary celebration for Lompoc Valley Center
“The Lompoc Valley Center was built to respond to the critical need to serve students in the Lompoc Valley, and 25 years later it continues that important mission,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G Walthers, Ph.D. “This celebration is an opportunity to honor the LVC’s past and look forward to its future.”
April 27 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet at Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA – – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kronos Quartet | Five Decades on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. For 50 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has challenged and reimagined what a string quartet can be, centering its work around the key issues of our time. Kronos has commissioned, performed and recorded works that engage with topics such as war and destruction, the climate crisis, social injustice and spirituality. Now, the multi-Grammy Award-winning quartet marks its anniversary with a program of new commissions, signature works from its vast repertoire and pieces from its Fifty for the Future project.
April 27-28 — Bilingual report — Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Announces This Year’s Highlights & Schedules
SANTA BARBARA —The Community Environmental Council and its long-time festival partner, CarpEvents, are thrilled to bring the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival back to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 2024. Now in its 54th year, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, and is one of the largest on the West Coast. Spanish-speaking staff will be on-hand (identified with “Hablo Español” name badges) to provide information and resources on electric vehicles, home energy eciency upgrades, how to become a climate activist, and more.
CEC’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is FREE for attendees. Detailed information including maps and stage schedules are available online at www.SBEarthDay.org or in the Santa Barbara Independent Earth Day Festival Guide to be published on Thursday, April 25.
April 28 — Bilingual report — Oxnard College to Host Third Annual Family Festival
“We’re excited to welcome the community to our third annual OC Family Festival,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “This yearly tradition invites friends of Oxnard College to visit our beautiful campus for a day of fun and to learn about our award-winning programs. We are also looking forward to helping attendees consider their plans for attending college.”
April 28 — Ventura Charter School hosts 13th annual EcoFest!
In support of Earth-friendly practices Ventura Charter School’s EcoFest welcomes the community to head to the campus utilizing a variety of transportation options. Bicycle to event and receive bike valet services sponsored by Bike Ventura County. Through Gold Coast Transit District’s Youth Ride Free Program, students and children 18 and under ride free with no identification required. There will be a variety of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a kid zone, an EV car exhibit, live music and dance and plenty more.
May 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents renowned forest ecologist Suzanne Simard at UCSB Campbell Hall
As the world’s foremost forest ecologist, Suzanne Simard has reshaped the way we understand the life and growth of plants. In her groundbreaking work Finding the Mother Tree, Simard explained how trees interact and communicate using below-ground fungal networks. Her research established the existence of “mother trees” that play an important role in the flow of information and resources in a forest. The concepts she developed have influenced everyone from earth scientists to artists – think James Cameron’s Avatarand Richard Powers’ The Overstory. Join Simard for a dazzling journey through the unseen world going on above our heads and under our feet.
May 2 — Cottage Center for Orthopedics presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event
May 3 — Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing to Select Housing Element Update Rezone Sites
May 4-5 — Santa Barbara Fair & Expo continues at the Earl Warren Fairgrounds
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is an annual celebration of fun, entertainment, and cultural experiences that unites the community for a memorable event. Committed to providing a diverse array of attractions and activities, the fair strives to create lasting memories and traditions for attendees of all ages.
May 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in conversation with K. Corley Kenna on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Marine biologist, policy advisor and writer Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet. Her forthcoming book, What if We Get It Right? offers answers to the crucial question: What would the future look like if we forged ahead with all the solutions to actually address the climate crisis? With grace and humanity, Johnson encourages us to step away from hopelessness and envision possibility.
May 8 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department Hosts ‘Wellness Fair’ to Empower Seniors
“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Renee Bell, Recreation Coordinator – Senior Services of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Through this Wellness Fair, we aim to connect seniors with resources that promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.”
May 8 — UCSB Reads presents a FREE event with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross authors of the 2024 selection, ‘Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us’
Can visiting a museum help someone conquer feelings of loneliness, or even stave off the advent of dementia? In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross explore the wide variety of connections that contemporary neuroscience has established between artistic practice, aesthetic experience and optimal cognitive functioning. Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University. Ivy Ross is the vice president of hardware design at Google.
May 9 — SBCC presenting Panel on ‘Advancing Sustainable Development in an Era of Housing Growth’
SANTA BARBARA — Join Community Environmental Council, the Santa Barbara Independent and Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning for a thought-provoking panel discussion at CEC Environmental Hub (1219 State Street) on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The discussion is about advancing sustainable development in an era of unprecedented housing growth. Learn more about the challenges such significant growth poses to advancing goals for sustainable development, and hear possible solutions that can inform further community discussion. This is an effort to understand the impacts and planning of nearly 15,000 housing units on the South Coast by the County of Santa Barbara and its incorporated cities over the next eight years. Register for the panel discussion.
May 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance at Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie, a New York-based b-girl with extensive training in ballet and modern dance, returns to reveal and explore the complexities of street and social dance forms. ODEON brings together and remixes street and club dances including breaking, hip hop, house and vogue, set to a mix of early 20th century romantic music and popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
Ephrat Asherie Dance | Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018 (Jacob’s Pillow)
May 16 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria hosts the 6th Annual The Light Shines Ahead Luncheon to Bring Awareness and Raise Funds for its Free Services in Carpinteria
The Light Shines Ahead luncheon will feature special guest speaker Jessica Clark, owner and founder of The Connected Co. Clark’s dedication to her community was forged through both triumph and tragedy. After enduring the loss of her first husband and her father within a year to cancer, she found solace and strength in the support of her community. This profound experience ignited her commitment to giving back. She went on to establish, manage, and sell multiple restaurants in the region, and has recently ventured into business coaching and consulting. But beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Clark is deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering community support and empowerment.
May 18, 19 — California Lutheran University to celebrate 50th anniversary of Scandinavian Fest
THOUSAND OAKS — What began as a golf game conversation in the early 1970s, has become the largest Nordic festival in Southern California. The Scandinavian Festival — the legacy of the late Professor Armour Nelson and the late John Nordberg — will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 18 and 19. Held at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, the family-fun festival honors the founding of the university and the history of the Conejo Valley, which Norwegians settled in the 1890s.
May 18-19 — 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held at Ventura County Fairgrounds
VENTURA — Strawberry nachos, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry kabobs are just some of the tasty treats offered at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival also features over 150 artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake and more.
May 19 — One805 to host its annual One805Live! Sunstone Winery event in support of Santa Barbara County First Responders
SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its annual Sunstone Winery One805Live! Concert with headliner Steve Postell & The Night Train Music Club on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 2 – 7 pm at Sunstone Winery, 125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460.
Experience an amazing afternoon of music, food and fun as groove to the best session and touring musicians in the world. And as always, be prepared for surprises.
The lineup also includes: Tariqh Akoni, Josh Groban’s Music Director, and multi-talented artist who has played with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Weezer and LeAnn Rimes and John Mayer; Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the heartbreakers, Average White Band, and played with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Mick Jagger and many more; Leland Sklar, Bassist for “The Immediate Family”, has performed with Phil Collins, James Taylor, Toto, and Billy Cobham; Russ Irwin, vocalist who has performed with Aerosmith, Sting, Jeff Beck and John Fogerty; Elliot Easton from The Cars, and surprise guests.
EVENT POSTPONED — May 22 — Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening
EVENT POSTPONED —
Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households.
Through May 23 — New Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center
CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th), Healing Grief Through Art (April 4th through April 25th), and Anticipatory Loss (March 4th through May 23rd). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
May 23 — City of Ventura invites community members to attend workshops for the Santa Paula Branch Line “Rails with Trails” project
VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.
Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered.
“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”
May 27 — SLO Veterans Museum — Memorial Day Ceremony and BBQ
June 1 — Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) to take part in first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day
“We are proud to be joining the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day,” said Nicky Gore-Jones, SPARC’s Development Director. “We encourage our community to help us find loving homes for our pets and to raise awareness about the issues of overcrowding in animal shelters. We look forward to this being a very special adoption day for many of our dogs and cats and for our volunteers and staff.”
June 1 — Bilingual report — Department of Child Support Services collaborates to co-host inaugural Fatherhood Summit
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Department of Child Support Services, in partnership with the Rio School District, First 5 Ventura County, and Hope & Comfort will host the inaugural Fatherhood Summit. Registration is encouraged, and additional information is available online at bit.ly/Fatherhood_Summit.
Through June — County of Ventura Older-Adult Art Show on display at the Hall of Administration Atrium Gallery
June 4 — SB Human Resources Association’s half-day workshop offers training on how to master emotional intelligence
SANTA BARBARA — In a world fraught with chaos and uncertainty, it can be hard to keep ourselves together emotionally as we navigate the pressures of life and work.
A half-day workshop on June 4 presented by licensed psychologist Relly Nadler will offer strategies and tools for mastering emotions and rising above chaos to achieve success in any situation. Titled Unleash your Performance Edge: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Success, the workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Workzones coworking space at 351 Paseo Nuevo in the Paseo Nuevo mall. Tickets start at $89 (or $79 for an additional attendee).
June 5 — Bilingual report — Next Dementia Friendly Ventura County event t be held at the Gobble Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks
The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, which may include adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.
June 8 — Cancer Support Community’s 6th Annual Hope Walk in Westlake Village
CSCVVSB’s Hope Walk is a family-friendly, community event that promotes awareness and education about cancer while raising critical funds in support of CSCVVSB’s mission to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Music, health and wellness booths, refreshments, and kids’ activity tables will also be on-site.
June 8 — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovators
VENTURA — Two new exhibits opening at the Museum of Ventura County highlight the county’s rich artistic legacy with a focus on Master Artists and Young Innovator.
Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection
(June 8, 2024 -January 5, 2025)
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InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch
(June 8, 2024 – May 11, 2025)
June 14 — Yarrow YMCA in Westlake Village presents ‘Parents’ Night Out’
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Parents can have an evening out or spend a quiet evening at home while their kids have fun under supervised care at the Yarrow Family YMCA, Friday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Y’s Parents’ Night Out is open to YMCA members and nonmembers.
The evening will have a Hawaiian theme. Kids will take part in a Hawaiian Luau Party featuring games, arts & crafts, a themed game room and free play. All activities are monitored/led by YMCA staff. Kids must be age 4 through 11 and be able to use the restroom on their own.