Category: Family

Oct. 1 — Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project Free Nature Play Day to be held in Santa Barbara

Calling all families! Come enjoy a Saturday, OUTSIDE, with staff and friends of Wilderness Youth Project, Storyteller Children’s Center, and The Oaks Parent-Child Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Oak Park in Santa Barbara.

Wilderness Youth Project will be hosting a FREE Nature Play Day with engaging activities and facilitated earth-based skills such as fiber arts, fire by friction, and earth paints. 

Oct. 2 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Rising Star of American Music Charley Crockett

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Rising Star of American Music  Charley Crockett, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct.2 at the Arlington Theatre

Crockett’s concert kicks off the opening week of A&L’s 2022-2023 season of performances and special events, and is followed by Ukrainian rock band Dakha Brakha, Lindy hop sensation SW!NG OUT, CNN analyst David Gergen, and more than 40 additional events.

An authentic and prolific songwriter, Crockett has released five albums of original material since 2020, culminating with September 2022’s The Man from Waco. His latest single, “I’m Just a Clown,” blends classic country craftsmanship with the soulful sounds of Memphis-style horns and reverb-drenched blues guitar. 

Oct. 6 — Larkin, a contemporary fashion designer and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, has opened (IN)LARKIN

 UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) is proud to present an evening of Ukrainian culture featuring DakhaBrakha. From Kyiv, DakhaBrakha creates a world of unexpected new music, weaving ancient folk melodies into a subversive musical tapestry that embraces indie rock, pop, hip hop, the avant-garde and traditional instrumentation from around the world. At the crossroads of folklore and theater, DakhaBrakha has honed an evocative musical approach that “brings a beguiling blend of music from an anguished nation” (The Boston Globe). Prepare yourself for a sonic feast that celebrates the spirit and determination of Ukraine. 

Oct. 6 — Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric Zoom webinar

The Community Environmental Council in Santa Barbara is hosting the free Zoom webinar “Get Charged: Everything You Need to Drive Electric” on all things electric vehicles to help you make the switch to driving electric from noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6.

You’ll learn the basics of charging, what’s available on the used and new markets, and how to make the best use of local, state, and federal incentives.

Please join us for a primer on making the switch to driving electric. You’ll hear from current EV drivers and walk away knowing everything from the basics of charging to what’s available on the used and new market. We’ll also cover how to access and make the best use of local, state, and federal incentives on the horizon—and how to get support in your EV journey from the Community Environmental Council and others.

Oct. 8 — Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022

Join 2nd Story Associates on Saturday, October 8th from 10 AM – 2 PM at De La Guerra Plaza for Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022. 

This annual free public event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers.

At the event, there will be 30+ community agencies and service providers, informative housing working shops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information, music and entertainment, local food vendors and activities for kids and families.

Oct. 8 — 5th Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day presented by 2nd Story Associates brings Affordable Housing Resources and Fun to De La Guerra Plaza

Santa Barbara County residents are invited to attend the 5th annual Housing Santa Barbara Day 2022 on Saturday, October 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at De La Guerra Plaza. This annual free public event is dedicated to connecting community members with local affordable housing non-profit agencies and service providers.

At the event, there will be informative housing workshops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information, music and entertainment, local food vendors and activities for kids and families. 

Oct. 12 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Sacre by the contemporary circus troupe Circa at Campbell Hall

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents Sacre by Circa on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Campbell Hall. Poetic tenderness. Raw emotion. Physical strength. Ten acrobats from the critically-acclaimed Australian ensemble Circa bring Stravinsky’s seminal Rite of Spring to the circus stage. Pulsating with tension and infused with dark humor, this distinctive production from Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz confronts humanity’s interconnectivity, our inherent sexual desire and relationship with divinity. At the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, Circa pushes the boundaries of the art form, blurring the lines between movement, dance, theater and circus. (Recommended for ages 12 and up.)

Oct. 14 — Iconic Boots & Brews Country Music Festival Announces Its Closing Ventura Performance with Award-Winning Superstar Tim McGraw

CBF Productions, one of California’s largest traveling festival production companies for over 13 years, announced the return of its Boots & Brews Country Music Festival with dates in Ventura, Santa Clarita, and Morgan Hills. The festival season kicks off in Ventura on August 20th withCole Swindell, followed by Brad Paisley in Santa Clarita on September 3rd. Brothers Osborne will be headlining the festival in Morgan Hills on September 10th, and awarding country music star Tim McGrawends the season on October 14th with his debut Ventura performance. These family-friendly outdoor affairs will each feature tasty food vendors, local craft brews, and music from today’s most sought-after country artists with live in-person performances under the stars.

Oct. 15 — Halloween Fun At Simi Valley YMCA’s ‘Trunk or Treat’

The Simi Valley Family YMCA is hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat, Saturday, October 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. YMCA Child Care Staff decorate their car trunks with a fun theme and pass out candy. The event is free and open to the public. The Simi Y is at 3200 Cochran St.

In addition to more than 15 decorated cars, there will be a haunted laboratory, spooky yoga, a pumpkin decorating contest, thriller dance moves and a photo booth. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes.

Oct. 16 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County presents Annual Fundraiser

Learn about the food desert in Ventura County and our efforts to address its impact! Join us for our Annual Fundraiser as we learn about the unincorporated community of Saticoy.

Building Food Access in Saticoy

Saticoy is a federally-recognized food desert with inadequate access to fresh and healthy food.

Despite these obstacles, leaders such as Sierra Doehr have stepped up to create a farmers market with the goal of establishing access to economic opportunities and a variety of fresh and healthy food options.

Oct. 16 — Social Justice Fund for Ventura County’s Annual Fundraiser presents ‘Building Food Access in Saticoy’

Mark your calendar and join us for our annual fundraiser!Our annual fundraiser this year will focus on the efforts to build access to food in the unincorporated community of Saticoy.

Oct. 17 — Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Honors 17 Graduates for Achievements by Housing Authority in Presidio Springs

This year, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is honoring 17 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates on October 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Presidio Springs community room located at 721 Laguna Street.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS) is a voluntary five (5) year program in which an Individual Training and Services Plan is developed with each participant to design a clear path of specific goals and objectives in order to achieve living wage employment and gain economic self-sufficiency.  It is available to families who are part of the Section 8 Housing program.

Oct. 17 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Aeolus Quartet Chamber Music Concert

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present Aeolus Quartet Chamber Music Concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.

Formed in 2008, the Aeolus Quartet has performed in venues ranging from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Lincoln Center’s Great Performers Series to Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, to Dupont Underground, a subterranean streetcar station in DC’s Dupont Circle. They were the 2013-2015 Graduate Resident String Quartet at the Juilliard School and are currently Quartet-in-Residence at Musica Viva, NY. In addition to extensive touring throughout the United States, the 2021-22 season includes a Morgan Library performance as well as a feature on the Violin Channel.

Oct. 26 — The Collection hosts spook-tacular trick-or-treat event

Attention superheroes, witches, ghosts and goblins, princesses, pirates, and pumpkins! On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, The Collection at RiverPark is hosting a night of trick-or-treating fun from 5-7 p.m.

Stop in for a spell and collect tons of fang-tastic treats. The Collection’s merchants dress up and decorate for the occasion. Be sure to stop by as many locations as possible for tons of fun surprises and special offers.

“This annual event is one of our favorites,” said The Collection’s Marketing Director, Jill Almonia. “We love seeing all the clever, cute and creepy costumes, and it brings us so much joy watching families in our community come together to have fun. Whether this is your first year stopping by the event or you’ve already made it a Halloween tradition, you definitely won’t want to miss it.”

Oct. 30 — Museum of Ventura County to present Día de los Muertos Celebration at The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

We are thrilled to partner once more with the Santa Paula Art Museum and Pierce Brothers Cemetery to present a community-wide celebration of Dia de los Muertos for the city of Santa Paula! As one of three celebration sites located in the city, the Agriculture Museum will host cultural dance performances, display ofrendas created and contributed by people in the community, and provide fun craft activities and face-painting. We will also be serving horchata and have pan de muerto!

Nov. 3 — UCSB Arts & Lectures co-presents Jack E. Davis, author of The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents Jack E. Davis, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Gulf and now the author of The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird, on Thursday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Fleischmann Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Davis’s The Bald Eagle is a sweeping work of cultural and natural history that asks us to reconsider the story of America through the lens of our relationship to the natural world. Using spectacular stories of founding fathers, rapacious hunters, heroic bird rescuers and the lives of bald eagles themselves, Davis demonstrates how one bird’s wondrous journey provides inspiration today, as we grapple with environmental peril on a larger scale. 

Nov. 5 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation’s 25th Annual Military Ball

Join Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation for the Silver Anniversary 25th Annual Military Ball to honor local veterans and active duty service members. The ball will be held Saturday, November 5th from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. 

The evening will be filled with live music, dancing, a wonderful three-course meal, and stirring presentations. The Military Ball is a sell-out event each year. Enjoy mingling with old friends, dancing to a live band: The Replicas, enjoying a beautiful dinner, and the pomp and circumstance of the program. 

Nov. 5 — Trekking Ambassadors 5k Fun-draising Trail Run-Hike

oin Trekking Ambassadors for their 5k Fun-draising Trail run-hike on November 5th, 2022 to support local Santa Barbara Organizations on their mission to deliver critically needed solar lights and reading eyeglasses to remote villagers in the Mount Everest region! 

This 5k trail run-hike is set in the beautiful foothills of Santa Barbara following the San Antonio Creek Trail which meanders up a fast, well shaded trail for a big portion of the course. Great for first timers and fun for those with experience that want to challenge their PR on a 5k.

Nov. 5 — 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day ‘Meet All The Hands That Feed You’

On Saturday, November 5, more than 15 Ventura County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will invite the public to experience a day of free agricultural activities and tours during the 10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day. This year’s theme is “Meet All The Hands That Feed You.”

Visitors can map out their day by selecting locations from the Farm Day Trail Map at https://venturacountyfarmday.com/map. Each site offers tours and produce and other giveaways. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some locations require reservations.

“Agriculture is Ventura County’s largest industry. Farm Day is the opportunity to see how fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and then shipped to stores for sale,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. “You’ll come away with an appreciation of the hard work that goes into growing each piece of produce.”

Nov. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present Jennifer Egan in Conversation with Pico Iyer

UCSB Arts & Lectures will present Jennifer Egan in Conversation with Pico Iyer at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 at Campbell Hall, Isla Vista. …

Jennifer Egan is a novelist, short story writer and journalist whose innovative literary fiction routinely makes the New York Times bestseller list. Her works include the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Visit From the Goon Squad, Manhattan Beach and her latest, The Candy House. Egan’s rare combination of imaginative daring and comprehensive understanding has made her a favorite of both popular audiences and other authors. Funny, fierce and unafraid of contradiction, Egan brings wit and humor to a wide range of subjects including music, technology, memory and love. Expect fireworks as Pico takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of Egan’s colorful life and fascinating work.

Nov. 10 — Cottage Center for Orthopedics announces Virtual Meet the Doctor Seminar ‘Shoulder, Hip and Knee Health in the Aging Athlete’ With Dr. Jervis Yau, Orthopedic Surgeon

When joint pain becomes unbearable it can interfere with daily activities and prevent people from doing the things they love. An expert affiliated with the Cottage Center for Orthopedics will discuss treatment options, from pain relief to joint replacement, at a free virtual Meet the Doctor seminar on November 10, from 4-5 pm.

Dr. Jervis Yau, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Cottage Health, will provide a virtual presentation on “Shoulder, Hip and Knee Health in the Aging Athlete.” He will discuss causes and symptoms of joint pain, as well as strategies for prevention and treatment. There will be time for questions following the presentation.

Nov. 11-13 — The Shared Crossing Pathway Seminar: Accompanying Loved Ones Through a Beautiful End of Life Presented by William Peters, M.Ed, M.A, LMFT

Join William Peters M.A., M.Ed., MFT for his upcoming event “The Shared Crossing Pathway Seminar: Accompanying Loved Ones Through a Beautiful End of Life” online seminar on November 11-13, 2022. 

Nov. 16 — Bilingual report — Fallen Firefighters to be Remembered at Ventura County Memorial

The fire agencies of Ventura County will honor firefighters who lost their lives in service to our community during the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial remembrance Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m.

“We are fortunate that no new names are being added to the list of the fallen this year,” Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “And we continue to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while working to keep others safe.”

The outdoor ceremony at the Ventura County Government Center recognizes all firefighters who died in the line of duty, whether from traumatic injury or job-related illness. The memorial represents all seven fire agencies serving the county, including Ventura County, Oxnard, Ventura City, Federal Fire, Fillmore City, CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service.

Nov. 29 — UCSB Arts & Lectures present Watkins Family Hour at Campbell Hall

UCSB Arts & Lectures present Watkins Family Hour at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Campbell Hall.

Get ready for a lively evening of authentic Americana as brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins bring a special 20th anniversary edition of their bluegrass musical variety show to town. Get tickets for Watkins Family Hour on Nov 29, 2022 at Campbell Hall in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures.

Dec. 1 — SBMA’s Art Matters Lecture looks at Impressionism and Climate Change

Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Art Matters Lecture looks at Impressionism and Climate Change with Harmon Siegel, Ph.D., Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Impressionism has, from the beginning, been seen as an art of nature. Today, however, in the moment we call the Anthropocene, when human projects have transformed every corner of the planet and threaten to make it uninhabitable, this commitment may seem hopelessly naive. In fact, however, impressionist paintings illuminate our condition, revealing the entanglement of nature and society. In so doing, they help us overcome nostalgia for a lost nature and recognize our responsibility for shaping the world we inhabit.

Dec. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jake Shimabukuro at The Granada Theatre

UCSB Arts & Lectures to present Jake Shimabukuro at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara.

Drawing on signature favorites, a vibrant catalog of holiday classics, and selections from his recent album, Jake Shimabukuro’s merry live show Christmas in Hawai’i is sure to make spirits bright. Get tickets for Jake Shimabukuro on Dec 1, 2022 at The Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara. Presented by UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures.

Dec. 3 — 38th Annual Memorial Program Light Up A Life to be held in Camarillo

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice’s “Light Up A Life” event provides comfort, solace and an opportunity for those who have lost someone to honor their loved one’s memory. For those we’ve lost near or far, recently departed or long ago, “Light Up A Life” is a thoughtful and heartfelt way to honor their memories and spread some joy this holiday season. The date and time for this year’s Light Up event is:

Constitution Park, Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010 Saturday, December 3rd from 4:30 pm – 5:30pm

Dec. 3 — Breakfast with Santa and Simi YMCA Christmas Tree Lot Opens

A longstanding holiday tradition that dates back to the 1970s, the Simi Valley Family YMCA Y’s Men’s Club will be once again selling Christmas trees at the Y this year. Trees are available from December 3 through December 17.

Also taking place on December 3 is a Breakfast with Santa. Kids and families can get their pictures taken with Santa, enjoy breakfast, hot cocoa and play in real snow. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There will be inflatables, a snow slide, holiday activities, a tree raffle and face painting. The cost is $10 per child (15 and under) and $5 per adult (children 2 and under are free). Register for the breakfast at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.The YMCA is still looking for sponsors for this event.

Dec. 4 — 2nd Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace, Westlake Village

The 2nd Annual Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, which celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season–all with a European flair, will take place Sunday, December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village.

Dec. 6 — Community Environmental Council Climate Action Webinar: ‘How the Momentum of Recent Climate Policy is a Win For You’

The Community Environmental Council Climate Action Webinar: “How the Momentum of Recent Climate Policy is a Win For You,” will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 via Zoom.

Want to know why the recent wave of federal and California climate legislation is so exciting – and how it can help your pocketbook? Join us to learn how these tremendous policy developments are catalyzing climate momentum like never before. Better yet, get the inside scoop on how they will help you maximize savings on energy upgrades with the latest local, state, and federal consumer tax credits and rebates. Ask your burning questions, and get inspired by the wave of climate progress on the horizon!

Dec. 10, 11 — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 39th Annual Light Up A Life

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara back in person for their 39th Annual Light Up A Life. This beloved community tradition takes place to remember and honor those you miss this holiday season. 

This year, Light Up a Life is back in person and will host four ceremonies, featuring speakers and special guests, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. Guests can also hang one or more stars in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living.

Dec. 20 — 31st Annual Living Nativity to be held at First United Methodist Church, Santa Barbara

For 31 years the congregation of the First United Methodist Church has offered a beautiful seasonal gift to the community by staging a re-creation of the Holy Night for three nights just before Christmas. Under a redwood tree and adjacent to the church, a grassy area is transformed into a humble wooden stable, complete with a serene Mary, Joseph and tiny baby Jesus asleep in the manger. Three majestic kings stand by with their gifts to the Holy Child, attentive angels appear nearby, and lowly shepherds tend to their flocks. Live camels, sheep, donkeys and goats surround the manger taking in the wonder of it all. It is a silent and beautiful scene to behold.

Tickets on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert on Dec. 31 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Tickets are now on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

Click here for tickets.

Hosted by Steve Perez of KRUZ 103.3, with an opening set by Dr. T and The Blues Criminals, doors open at 6 p.m.

Multi-platinum selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for over four decades before millions across the globe. The long list of hits includes “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” and many more.

Museum of Ventura County — Last chance as we move into 2022…

Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County –

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your support!

If you haven’t, please consider that a gift can help us serve this community with:

Virtual and in-person school tours
Free events
Virtual and in-person discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Exhibits
Support programs
Free admission to both sites
and much much more!

Bilingual report — Prepare for Heavy Rains

With forecasts calling for a series of rainstorms through much of the week, the Ventura County Fire Department encourages residents to prepare for the possibility of localized flooding and mudslides, especially in areas burned by recent fires. 

“It’s not too late to prepare. A quick survey of your residence and property can identify potential problems before the next set of storms begin,” Chief Mark Lorenzen said. “Simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and protecting your home.” 

One area of particular concern is La Conchita, which has received 5.9 inches of rain in the past two weeks. Up to 2 inches of rain are forecast for that area from the storm expected to arrive Wednesday night, which could approach mudslide potential.  

Bilingual report — Submissions now accepted for participation in March 1-31 virtual ‘Women Scream Festival’ (Grito de Mujer)

Submissions are now being accepted for participation in the March 1-31 virtual ‘Women Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival’ (Grito de Mujer), said Simi Valley resident Teresita Calderón, poet, a writer, and a volunteer coordinator for the Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival.

Born in the Dominican Republic, The Woman Scream Poetry Festival is an annual international chain of cultural events during March that compiles all arts and unifies diverse voices of the world against women violence. It has been celebrating since 2011.

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021 Holiday Gift Drive Supports Over 200 Children this Holiday Season

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) 2021 Holiday Gift Drive supported?over 200 children?throughout the county this year. Workplaces and individual donors adopted students and fulfilled each child’s unique wish list. In addition to receiving gifts from workplaces and individual donors, gifts were also received from various events (such as UCSB Arts & Lectures concerts at the Arlington and Women United Holiday event). All?presents were provided to families in need that were identified by participating schools and organizations. 

Earlier this week, at Franklin school, UWSBC met a young student named Alexa who is one of 7 children. Her family currently rents part of a living room in an apartment. Her dream is to attend Harvard Law School and become a lawyer. One of her wish list items was a Harvard sweatshirt which she received thanks to one of the donors. 

Santa Paula Art Museum — You’re Definitely on Our Nice List!

Happy holidays to you and yours from all of us here at the Santa Paula Art Museum. Our partners at Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley helped to get us in the spirit with their recent Christmas cactus art project! (Our museum educators teach weekly art lessons at the club’s three sites in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru.)

Thank you for making partnerships and programs like this one possible in 2021. Here’s to a new year full of art, joy, and trips to the Museum! Speaking of, check out our upcoming classes and 2022 exhibition lineup below.

The Santa Paula Art Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, but will be otherwise open as usual (face masks are required).

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — ’tis the season of giving!

You’re the reason we are looking so merry and bright!

Thank you all for supporting contemporary art and the artists whose passion compels them to create. It is you who challenges our team to bring our best selves in service to our visitors and our community.  

We were inspired by so many enthusiastic visitors and supportive collaborators this year. Looking back brings as much wonder as it does gratification. Just take a look at our very first Earth Day Mural – it still takes our breath away!

The team at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) is working on some truly fantastic exhibitions, events, travel, and educational programs for 2022. MCASB prioritizes accessibility for all, and maintains a steadfast commitment to free admission. 

Please consider a year-end donation, which allows us to continue to bring you awe-inspiring, thought-provoking, and beautiful encounters with the art of our time. Our work is only possible because of your support.

Museum of Ventura County — There’s even more we have to give, for free!

MVC Insider Season 3
Episode 1: Erle Stanley Gardner
Starting Friday, January 24, 2022 @ 10am
Fridays @ 10am on Facebook Live

We are officially back with Season 3 of “MVC Insider”! Join us on Facebook Live for the first episode of MVC Insider this Friday, December 24, 2022 at 10am! Mark your calendars and tune-in on Facebook Live for the next five Fridays at 10am.

Krystell Jimenez, Project Archivist, uncovers relics from the John C. Orr Collection pertaining to the prolific novelist and Ventura County native Erle Stanley Gardner who wrote the popular Perry Mason series

United Way announces departure of President & CEO Eric Harrison to lead United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) announced (Dec. 21) that President and CEO Eric Harrison has notified the Board of Directors of his decision to resign from his role in order to accept the CEO position with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

Harrison joined UWVC in December 2014. He will continue to serve Ventura County in his current role through mid-February 2022. The UWVC Board of Directors are in the process of taking the next steps to identify a successor.

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists! Recharge | Online Entry Deadline Dec. 31

RECHARGE
Rejuvenate | Renew
Exhibition dates: Friday, January 12th to Tuesday, February 22nd

We are back to in-person art-on-walls exhibitions

Juried Competition, CASH PRIZES

Your opportunity to have your artwork in one of the largest and most visible art venues in Ventura County!

VCCDC Community Matters Newsletter – Dec. 2021 — Empowering Sylvia to Keep Her Very Special Home

80-year-old Sylvia Johnson has lived in her Paso Robles home for 27 years after building it from the ground up alongside her husband after her two children had flown the nest. Tragically, Sylvia’s husband passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 before the house was finished, leaving Sylvia to continue the build alone. “I was in there every day it was being built,” remembers Sylvia, “and because of losing my husband during that time my home is more special to me than anything.”

When it came to refinancing her home in September of this year, Sylvia felt a little nervous about the process and dreaded reading all the paperwork. When she spoke on the phone with Gaby, VCCDC’s Homeownership Specialist, her fears melted away.

The Expectation of Happiness and Joy are Part of the Paradox of This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and for many it’s not the happiest season of all.

While celebrations can bring positive feelings like love and connection, according to the American Psychological Association, 38% of Americans say their stress actually gets worse during the holidays, bringing about negative emotions like fatigue, anger and irritability, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings. And, even after the holidays, many experience a feeling of general disappointment and “let down”.

“One of the most beneficial things we can do leading into the holiday season is to reassess our expectations–our expectations of ourselves, and our expectations of others.  This will create a more realistic foundation from which to move forward through the season,” said Annmarie Cameron, CEO of the Mental Wellness Center. 

Planned Parenthood San Luis Obispo Health Center Goes Solar

Planned Parenthood California Central Coast celebrated its first solar electric system at its San Luis Obispo health center, as part of a regional plan to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. The system is expected to net $250,000 in financial savings over the next 30 years. The project was part of CEC’s Solarize Nonprofit program and was made possible by support from Asteri Solar.

CEC’s Solarize Nonprofit pilot program is designed to help local nonprofits go solar and run off renewable energy without an upfront cost. The program grew out of CEC’s residential Solarize program, which has helped 858 homeowners go solar. The installation at Planned Parenthood was completed in partnership with CEC, funded by Asteri Solar, and installed by local company Solarponics Energy Management Systems.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Dec. 17, 2021 – COVID-19 Update

Since Wednesday, there are 329 new COVID-19 cases reported and 15,732 new tests performed. There are 75 people hospitalized, 13 in the ICU. There have been 2 additional deaths of a 41 year old male and a 96 year old male. Our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the community members who passed away. The R-effective for Ventura County is .96 which means the spread is likely stable.

Get vaccinated at a site near you: www.vaccines.gov.
Find a COVID testing site at www.vcrecovers.org/testing
The County of Ventura’s indoor mask order remains in effect