Category: Family

May 11 — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County to host another guest immersion experience

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) will host their fourth annual Compassion Campaign on May 11, 2023, from 5PM-9PM, in-person at the Museum of Ventura County. Sponsored in part by Ventura County Credit Union, this year promises to be another memorable evening as guests of COMPASSION CAMPAIGN – HOME MADE: FUND IT + BUILD IT + LIVE IT are invited to stroll through three powerful exhibits showcasing how safe, equitable, and affordable homes are funded, built, and lived in within Ventura County. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org/2023cc-tickets

May 11 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Víkingur Ólafsson at Hahn Hall

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents Víkingur Ólafsson on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m at Hahn Hall. Icelandic virtuoso Víkingur Ólafsson combines out-of-this-world musicianship with an unusual gift for programming. His concerts are carefully calibrated compositions; each segment comments on those that come before and after. At Hahn Hall, Ólafsson will perform a Mozart & Contemporaries program that sheds light on lesser-known figures such as Domenico Cimarosa and Baldassare Galuppi and illuminates obscure, daring works by Mozart and Haydn. This intimate recital offers a rare opportunity to explore unheard depths and connections among music’s greatest composers.

May 12 — Ventura College to present Ventura Chamber Music’s ‘Music for a May Night’ with director Ashley Walters

On Friday, May 12, Ventura College Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its talented chamber music students in organically-formed ensembles collaborating to perform highly varied repertoire spanning the classical era to present day. The program for this concert features music by composers including Clara Schumann, Henri Duparc and Francis Poulenc. One performance only!

May 13 — Dreams Bloom at Family Service Agency Fundraiser

Join Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, as it turns compassion into action at its spring fundraiser, Dreams in Bloom. The event takes place on May 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood. Proceeds benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park. 

Dreams in Bloom celebrates the resilience and growth of the 28,000 people served by the nonprofit each year. The event features a cocktail hour, music, dinner, auction, and flowers galore! Last year, FSA’s spring fundraiser raised over $150,000 to support the agency’s provision of basic needs assistance, family support, and mental health counseling programs countywide.

May 13 — ‘Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch’ Opens at Santa Paula Art Museum

The Santa Paula Art Museum is pleased to present “On the Ranch,” a solo exhibition by Santa Fe artist and longtime Ventura County resident Andrea Vargas. Featuring over 40 all-new paintings and drawings, “On the Ranch” honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: her familial homes in Santa Paula and Ventura, California. Meet the artist during the exhibit premiere party on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere reception is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “On the Ranch” will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum from May 13, 2023, to September 10, 2023. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

May 20 — Take a Road Trip to Lompoc To Experience Sheep Shearing Day At La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Travelers to Lompoc can witness Sheep Shearing Day at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc, California on May 20, 2023 from 10AM to 2:00 PM with times subject to change! 

Visitors from near and far can watch as the sheep get their annual hair cut and learn all about wool production. 

Additionally, there will be fun activities for the entire family.  These include touring the historic Mission grounds, visiting the La Purisima Visitor Center, viewing exhibits that cover the history of the Mission, and exploring 25 miles hiking trails.

May 20-21 — 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds

After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 37thAnnual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21. For the first time, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. The festival features artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on two stages, Strawberryland for kids and “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake.

May 20 — Bilingual report — Health & Wellness Resource Fair to be held in Fillmore

n recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Fillmore Health and Wellness Resource Fair aims to showcase the many health, wellness, safety, social services and educational resources that are available to residents of Fillmore and the Santa Clara Valley, for everyone from young children to seniors to be healthy, stay engaged and to thrive. 

May 24 — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department presents “Wellness Fair” for Seniors

The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the upcoming “Wellness Fair” for seniors, which will be held on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Parks and Recreation Community Center – Cultural Arts Building, located at 530 West Main St. This free event is taking place along with the regular monthly luncheon and is open to all seniors in our community and will feature a BBQ lunch, music, and various booths focused on promoting health and wellness.

May 27 — Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) returns to Oxnard Performing Arts Center

OPAC is proud to partner with Pinaysphere, a Filipinx Arts Mentorship nonprofit, to present the Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Festival, Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 12 noon to 5 pm at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event is in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month which recognizes the contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. OPAC’s event amplifies the narratives of our AAPI community by spotlighting local talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and grassroots leaders. 

May 29 — Save The Date – San Luis Obispo Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony with Lunch and Special Museum Exhibit

Join us for an annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony taking place outside at the Veterans Memorial Building in San Luis Obispo on Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. located at 801 Grand Avenue, near the Cal Poly entrance.  Co-hosted by American Legion Post 66 and Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum. San Luis Obispo County residents and visitors of all ages will come together on this special day, to honor and remember all who lost their lives making the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our country.  

May 29 — City of Oxnard to hold Memorial Day Ceremony

Please join the City of Oxnard on Monday, May 29, 2023, for a Memorial Day Ceremony in Downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park (500 South C Street), starting at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American Armed Forces. We welcome the Oxnard community to participate in honoring and remembering our fallen service members.

May 31 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria Luncheon to Remember Those We’ve Lost

Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) will host its 5th Annual luncheon, The Light Shines Ahead on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in person, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Rincon Beach Club, located at 3805 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria, CA. This year’s event will have a special focus on remembering loved ones who have passed away and their impact on our lives. Guests will be provided with an opportunity to donate and support the wonderful work of CCC in the name of their loved ones, helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. Guests are also invited to bring a photograph of their loved ones to place at their table.

Through June 5 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Parenting Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week  Community Workgroup Series Parenting Groups through June 5 in Ventura and Oxnard. 

Click on images for more information.

June 7 — Bilingual report — Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop

Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, at the Goebel 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, including 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 — The Port of Hueneme invites you to our World Oceans Day Sustaining the Seas Summit

As stewards of the water, the Port of Hueneme is hosting a series of four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day! The Presenters and topics will showcase individuals whose organizations, projects, and initiatives align with the port’s mission of growing a blue economy while protecting and preserving one of the most critical pieces of our biosphere.

June 10 — Promoting LGBTQ+ Youth Pride in Santa Clara Valley

Join us as we launch the 2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Youth Pride in Santa Paula as a community gathering and resource fair, celebrating PRIDE Month ? in a welcoming space to engage and empower LGBTQ youth and their allies from the Santa Clara Valley. Rainbow Breakfast is presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, Coalition for Family Harmony, and the Museum of Ventura County and will include Santa Paula’s first openly gay City Council Member Pedro Chavez as emcee along with special guests.

June 10 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice to Honor Terri & Mark Lisagor at 75th Anniversary Celebration

 Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (LMVNA) will pay tribute to community leaders Terri & Mark Lisagor at its upcoming 75th anniversary celebration. The event, Soirée at the Ranch, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the exclusive Petersen Ranch in Somis. The evening will feature live music and dancing and honor the Lisagors for their lasting contributions to Livingston and their commitment to serving the community.

June 14 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice holding training for Life Story program

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice is bringing back its beloved Life Story program. This program is designed to provide both community members and hospice patients the opportunity to record their personal memoirs. Helping one share their personal story, which might be lost if not passed along to the next generation, is a valuable gift that our Life Story volunteer provides. Volunteers will get the opportunity to record and edit these stories that members of our community can share for years to come.

June 21 — Bilingual report — Discover Limitless Career Opportunities at Local Youth Job Fair

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties are hosting a job fair this summer to help local youth discover limitless career possibilities and connect with top employers. The WDBVC provides over 5,000 services to job seekers annually, and they want to provide the local youth with the opportunity to make connections and find an abundance of career opportunities.  Local employers hiring youth and are interested in participating are encouraged to sign-up here https://workforceventuracounty.org/events/ 

June 22 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to present An Evening with Simon Spalding ‘Food at Sea from Ancient to Modern Times’

Simon Spalding presents a sweeping panorama of food at sea, based on his book “Food at Sea – Shipboard Cuisine from Ancient to Modern Times.” Simon offers tantalizing stories of maritime culinary history, from the ingredients and practices of ancient Argonauts and Vikings through Renaissance explorers, sailing navies and merchant ships, steamships, ocean liners, cruise ships, and submarines.

June 23 — VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center accepting appointments

VCCDC’s Virtual Loan Center gives you the opportunity to obtain a free no-obligation pre-qualification session with VCCDC or one of our partner loan experts. You can walk away one step closer to purchasing your home by being ready to go when that perfect house comes along or find out what you need to do to prepare to be mortgage ready in the future.

June 24 — United Way of Ventura County’s 18th Annual Spirit Awards

VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) will host its 18th annual Spirit Awards Gala, where it will present awards for volunteerism, community impact and corporate citizenship to local community champions. The event will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, located at 2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard.

This year, Dr. Lisa L. Buono will be recognized with the Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism. She is receiving this award for her efforts as a volunteer leader with a focus on education and building strong communities.

Through June 25 — 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days

The 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days is set for June 15 through June 25 (dark June 19 and 20) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks. 

Festival goers can enjoy carnival rides from Kastl Amusements plus midway games for all ages along with traditional fair and specialty foods. CVD features live rock and country bands including the Colette Lovejoy Band and 805 Social Club, and line dancing led by instructor Kristal Lynn.

June 25 — Oxnard Guelaguetza Festival 2023!

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is inviting the public to attend its annual Oxnard Guelaguetza Festival on June 25th, 2023, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m at Plaza Park in Oxnard: 500 S. C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030.  

MICOP (Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project) was founded in 2001 “to support, organize and empower the Indigenous immigrant community in California’s Central Coast.” MICOP serves over 12,000 unduplicated Indigenous migrant men, women, and children annually. MICOP organizes and trains the indigenous migrant community to become self-sufficient and successful members of the broader community. MICOP programs and advocacy in California’s Central Coast have created the state’s most advanced network of services available to indigenous farm workers.

June 29 — Cottage Center for Orthopedics to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor: Joint Pain Seminar

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Center for Orthopedics will present a free Virtual Meet the Doctor event on Thursday, June 29, from 4 – 5 p.m., featuring Dr. Chris Birch and Dr. Danielle Thomas, orthopedic surgeons affiliated with Cottage Health, who will discuss how to keep joints healthy.

Doctors Birch and Thomas will provide information on joint pain relief, joint replacement, joint preservation surgery, and partial knee replacement. They will also review causes and symptoms, strategies for prevention and treatment, advanced treatment options as well as offer a Q&A session.

July 1 — Ventura County Animal Services, Santa Barbara Animal Services present Dual-County Pet Adoption Event

Ventura County Animal Services and Santa Barbara Animal Services are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at finding loving homes for animals in need. In an unprecedented move, both organizations have joined forces to organize a fee-waived pet adoption event that will take place simultaneously across all five (5) shelters along the south coast. This occasion marks the first of its kind, showcasing the dedication and commitment of both organizations to the welfare of animals.

July 2 — Music At Portside — Chamber music concerts by the sea at Ventura Harbor

Music At Portside, a new classical concert series in Ventura County, offers monthly chamber music recitals, played by brilliant local and international musicians.

Our opening concert features classical duo Nicole Taylor, soprano and Natasha Marin, piano — performing an intimate program on the different seasons of love, with beautiful songs by Brahms, Rachmaninov, R. Strauss, Chausson, and Hahn.

This is classical music in an intimate, informal, “come as you are” setting, perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon, a few steps away from the sea at Portside Ventura Harbor. If you are a classical music lover or if you don’t know very much about classical music, but want to learn more… Come and listen!

Doors open at 5:15PM. The exact location at Portside Ventura Harbor will be shown after ticket purchase.

July 4 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Invites the Community to a Free Patriotic Outdoor Concert featuring Santa Barbara’s Beloved Prime Time Band and a Special Performance by Hula Anyone

SANTA BARBARA — Celebrate Independence Day with Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation’s free outdoor concert featuring Santa Barbara’s beloved The Prime Time Band, Vandenberg Space Force Base Honor Guard, and a special performance by Hula Anyone. The concert will take place on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens (1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101).  

Through July 6 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting a 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Anger Management Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

OXNARD — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week Community Workgroup Series Anger Management Groups in Oxnard, Ventura.

Click on images for more information.

Through July 7 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting a 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Grief Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

OXNARD — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week Community Workgroup Series “Grief Groups” in Oxnard, Ventura starting April 21 in Oxnard, April 24 in Ventura and April 25 in Zoom. on Zoom and April 27 in Ventura.

Click on images for more information.

July 14 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Alien at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: “Out of This World.” The series continues with Ridley Scott’s feminist space horror classic, Alien, at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 pm.

July 15 — July @ SPAM: California Art League, Fused Glass, Florals in Oil, and More

Premiere Party: California Art League’s “The California Scene”

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

Join us at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of “The California Scene,” a spectacular summer exhibition showcasing 59 quintessential California scenes in a variety of media by 44 artists from the long-established California Art League (CAL). The show is CAL’s 2023 Gold Medal Exhibition and multiple awards will be announced during the premiere party. Meet the artists and delight in a diversity of California scenes: from beaches to barns, from wildflowers to waves, to vineyards, the desert, the High Sierra, and more. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase.

July 16 — Temple Etz Chaim to present Jared Diamond at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks

Temple Etz Chaim is proud to host an annual speaker series for the local community. The 2023 Speaker Series is entitled “Our World Evolving: Global Thought Leaders in Our Community.” This is a series of socially relevant conversations with modern thought leaders, authors and scholars. Rabbi Averbach will introduce our speakers and moderate a Q&A with those in attendance after the speech. 

July 21 — The Apocalypse Is Here in New ‘King Lear’ at CLU

THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival (KSF) concludes its 26th season with “King Lear,” running Fridays through Sundays from July 21 through Aug. 6 on the California Lutheran University campus. A novel twist on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, which is set in a pre-Christian, pagan time and place, the Kingsmen production takes place in the near future, in an abandoned shopping mall after an apocalyptic event.

“We don’t know what this apocalyptic event is, or when it takes place,” said KSF co-founder and Artistic Director Michael J. Arndt, who is directing the play, “but there’s a sense of this person trying to maintain power in his ‘kingdom.’”

Through July 21 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting a 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Co-Parenting Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

OXNARD — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week  Community Workgroup Series “Co-Parenting Groups” through July 21.

Click on images for more information.

July 27 — Inviting Central Coast Korean War Veterans (and loved ones)

Dear Korean War Veterans (and their loved ones),
We are inviting our Central Coast Veterans who served during the Korean War Era to join us on July 27th from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo. In addition to good coffee sponsored by Coastal Peaks Roasters (local and veteran owned), breakfast treats, and conversation, we are offering the opportunity to sit for a free professional portrait photo to those who attend.

Thursday, July 27th, 2023, marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Some refer to it as the ‘Forgotten War’ but for those who served, their families, and all Americans, it should always be remembered.  Our museum’s mission is to honor our veterans from past and present with emphasis on those from the Central Coast of California. 

July 27 — Community Environmental Council to present Plastic Free July Expo

SANTA BARBARA — You are invited to the Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 2nd Annual Plastic Free July Expo featuring plastic-free information and activities. Meet local organizations working on plastic-free initiatives and learn how you can get involved. Join us at our brand-new CEC Environmental Hub for an evening of action, fun, and prizes!  Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited, RSVP is strongly encouraged.

July 28 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents The Fifth Element at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: “Out of This World.” The series continues with Luc Besson’s outrageous sci-fi adventure, The Fifth Element at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m. 

July 29 — Community Roots Garden in Oxnard will host free cultural art workshops

OXNARD — Community Roots Garden, at 1801 Joliet Pl. in Oxnard, will host  some beautiful collective workshops and conversations guided by some wonderfully talented individuals. These workshops are geared towards healing and connecting by sharing knowledge of ancestral ways of being through storytelling and cultural art practice shares. All workshops start at 10 a.m. with options to stay to help paint the mural after each workshops.

Through July 31 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice to present ‘Healing Grief Through Poetry’ group

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice to present ‘Healing Grief Through Poetry’ group.

This group will provide an opportunity for those seeking a creative and inspirational way to express feelings of grief through poetry. This grief support group meets every Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and will start on July 10th and end on July 31st. Registration is required.

Aug. 4 — Yarrow YMCA’s ‘Parents’ Night Out’ in Westlake Village

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Parents can have an evening to themselves while their kids have fun under supervised care at the Yarrow Family YMCA, Friday, August 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

While parents spend the event out, their kids will enjoy a night of carnival games, races, prizes, and basketball gym free play. All activities are led by YMCA staff.

Aug. 4 — Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to present twelfth annual Night in Oaxaca

On Friday, August 4th, the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will hold its twelfth annual Night in Oaxaca. Throughout the years, Night in Oaxaca has become the largest and most sought-after fundraiser that helps MICOP continue our mission of supporting, organizing, and empowering the indigenous migrant community on California’s Central Coast. 

Your attendance and participation during Night in Oaxaca enable us to provide vital resources to our community, including crucial services such as case management, system navigation, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Together, we can ensure our community’s voice is heard loud and clear. Let’s celebrate the vibrant indigenous culture and help us advance our important work.

Aug. 6 — Clinicas del Camino Real Inc. to present ‘National Health Center Week — Free Community Health Fair’ at Oxnard College

Presented in English/Spanish and Mixteco.

Enjoy live music, games, prizes and community resources. Get a complementary vision screening and information on other health resources. Find us near the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building!

Aug. 11 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Star Trek at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: Out of This World. The series continues with J. J. Abrams’ thrilling 2009 resurrection of the Star Trek franchise.