Category: Local

Sept. 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces Attention all Tech Businesses: FATHOMWERX Summit Registration is now open!

FATHOMWERX Summit is an inclusive two-day event filled with tested technology expositions, demonstrations, tours, innovators, networking, a keynote speaker, industry and Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders. With participation from ANTX Coastal Trident and Venture Ventura, the two-day event explores the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy.

Sept. 18 — Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening!

Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units are designated for No Place Like Home households. 

Sept. 19 — Museum of Ventura County to present Members-Only Private Reception for The Curse of the Vampire

The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Registration is open to MVC Members only.

Sept. 19 — Bilingual report — Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder to deliver the annual State of the City Address

“Our State of the City Address is a great opportunity to connect with the community, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “I encourage everyone to join us and see firsthand how we’re driving meaningful progress and building a stronger, more resilient Ventura.” 

Sept. 20 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

Sept. 20 — NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council to hold hybrid meeting

Meeting highlights will include an update on the designation process for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, a presentation on restoration projects from the Refugio Beach Oil Spill Trustee Settlement, and an overview of the Ocean Protection Council’s 30×30 decision making framework. 

Sept. 21 — Ventura Harbor Village Continues Its Fun Seaside Movie Nights With ‘Hook’

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Villages celebrates the last of its movie nights as part of its free 2024 Summer Seaside Movie Nights Series.  With a stellare movie on the big screen, movie-goers are invited to bring chairs or blankets, purchase some freshly popped kettle corn/refreshments, partake in pre-movie festivities, and enjoy outdoor cinema at its best against a picturesque harbor backdrop for Saturday September 21, 2024.  Parking and admission to the movie nights are complimentary.

“The Seaside Movie makes for an epic California summer evening experience with family and friends as you watch your favorite films along the waterfront at Ventura Harbor Village,” said Jennifer Talt Lundin, Marketing Manager at Ventura Harbor Village.

Sept. 21 — 60th Anniversary Southeast Ventura County YMCA Gala

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s 60th Anniversary Gala is Saturday, September 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The event features a reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, surprises throughout the evening and an afterparty.

Larry Persons, board chair of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, will be honored for his decades-long commitment and support to the YMCA. Emceeing the night is actor Neal McDonough.

Sept. 21 — District 216 announces Live Music! ‘The Great Divide: A Tribute to Phish’

Live Music: “The Great Divide: A Tribute to Phish”

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 6pm to 10pm (Live Music at 6:45pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

6:00 PM

Doors Open
Enjoy snacks and beverages
6:45 PM – 10:00 PM

Set 1
Set Break
Set 2 + Encore
In Advance: $12

Day Of / At the Door: $20

Sept. 23 — Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A with CSUCI’s Professor Dr. José M. Alamillo

Dr. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!

Sept. 24 — Cottage to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor Understanding Epilepsy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event on Tuesday, September 24, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., featuring Dr. Michael Gibbs, MD, an epileptologist and the medical director of the Cottage Epilepsy Center. Dr. Gibbs will provide valuable insights into how new techniques are improving outcomes for patients living with epilepsy.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and available treatments for epilepsy. The event will include a Q&A session, during which attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by Dr. Gibbs.

Sept. 24 — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College announces grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat

MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is excited to invite the community to attend its grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat, a state-of-the-art exhibit that promises a safe and enriching habitat for its beloved tigers, Neil and Karma, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Teaching Zoo located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.

Sept. 24 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces 2024 Innovation Day

Join Connect for the 3rd Annual Innovation Day, returning to the iconic Petco Park in San Diego. Innovation Day symbolizes and highlights extraordinary breakthroughs and inventive brilliance. Prepare to dive into a day filled with electrifying talks, cutting-edge exhibits and enlightening panels. Discover the allure of innovative pitches, spellbinding performances and the vibrant fusion of immersive arts and culture.

Sept. 26 — Want to learn how to podcast? Sign up for this free workshop series at Workzones

SANTA BARBARA — Did you know in the next 6 years Podcast Listeners are predicted to grow from approximately 100 million people (that’s 1/3 of the USA Population) to 160 million people (1/2 the USA population). Having a Podcast is one of the least expensive ways to market your business and become known as an expert in your field.

A new workshop series offered by local coworking space Workzones in partnership with video and audio production company Hypecats promises to teach participants how to harness the power of podcasting for business promotion and brand building.

Sept. 26 — Free LightGabler LLP Employment Law Webinar: ‘Close Out 2024 In Style’

The final quarter of 2024 brings opportunities for businesses to get ahead for 2025 and a few potential pitfalls to avoid. In this informative 90-minute webinar, LightGabler LLP employment attorney Kathy Fellows will discuss what businesses can look forward to over the next few months, projects to begin now to get a head start for the new year and best practices for year-end events.

Sept. 27 — Meet and Greet event to be held for Thousand Oaks City Council Candidate Connie ‘Tie’ Gutierrez

THOUSAND OAKS — A Meet and Greet event for Thousand Oaks District 5 City Council Candidate Connie ‘Tie’ Gutierrez will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at Dover Hendrix Park, Picnic Table 2, Thousand Oaks.

Through Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — County of Ventura to host first-of-its-kind statewide Government and Disability Summit

VENTURA — The County of Ventura is proud to announce the groundbreaking Government and Disability Summit, the first statewide event of its kind. This historic conference, taking place September 24th – 27th, 2024 represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of more inclusive and accessible communities. The conference will bring together stakeholders from across the state to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and foster collaboration towards a more inclusive future.

During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including transportation, voting accessibility, emergency preparedness, collaboration, technology, and more. Through collaborative dialogues and shared experiences, attendees will work towards developing practical solutions to address access barriers and promote disability inclusion.

Through Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — Mexican Consulate in Oxnard/Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) presenting ‘LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE: The Photography of Bob DeBris — a Celebration of Mexican Wrestling’

OXNARD — In coordination with The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is pleased to announce its next visual arts exhibition, LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE, curated by Rafael Perea de la Cabada. This solo exhibition features work shot in the early 90’s, and continues to the present day, photographed throughout Southern California by photographer Bob DeBris. The show includes images of some of the greatest Mexican wrestling icons of the 1980’s and 90’s. The work also includes profiles of the new crop of luchadores both male and female in the Lucha Libre scene.

Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — 2024 Fall Prevention Forum to be held at CLU

VENTURA —The annual Fall Prevention Forum – co-hosted by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging – will return on Friday, September 27 at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

The 2024 forum – “All Aboard the Fall Prevention Train” – will be held at CLU’s Gilbert Sports & Fitness Center (130 Overton Court).

The event is free to attend, but participants are urged to pre-register by filling out the registration form at www.vcaaa.org/falls, or by calling the VCAAA at 805-477-7300. The 2023 Fall Prevention Forum had a near-overflow crowd at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Sept. 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services presenting $10 Rabies Vaccine Clinic (9/28 at Fairgrounds)

Our final $10 Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be this Saturday, September 28th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, at 10 W. Harbor Blvd.  This is a cash-only clinic and no appointments are needed.  Dogs and cats must be three (3) months or older and pet licensing will be available.  Please ensure dogs are on-leash and that cats are in carriers.

For questions, please contact VCAS at (805) 388-4341 or info@vcas.us.  Thank you for keeping your pets healthy and happy!

Sept. 28 — Join the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros 5k Stampede!

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) invites community members to participate in the Vaqueros 5k Stampede on September 28, 2024, starting at 9 a.m. PDT. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to support the SBCC Vaqueros Athletic Trust, with all proceeds dedicated to enhancing athletic programs and facilities.

The event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly activity. Join us for a fun-filled day of fitness, community spirit, and supporting SBCC athletics! The course starts at the world famous La Playa Stadium track. Thank you to event sponsors UCLA Health and Jordano’s. 

Oct. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Grammy Award-winning instrumental collective Snarky Puppy at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Snarky Puppy on Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. Rousing solos set amidst a deep rolling groove will give the audience plenty to shout about as this powerhouse ensemble shows what has made them a festival favorite worldwide. Known for forging a new path through the thickets of the music industry, Snarky Puppy has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working and most sophisticated proponents of jazz and funk. Dueling drummers and a rotating roster of elite soloists keep the rhythmic fires burning whenever these imaginative musicians come to town.

Oct. 1 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST In-Person Event: Federal Funding – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Tech Transfer (STTR)

Join the Golden State APEX Accelerator and the Economic Development Collaborative for an exclusive in-person event focused on securing federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. Learn a clear overview of the programs available to you, how to identify potential topics/ funding sources and what to know about the application process. This interactive workshop equips new and experienced participants with the tools they need to succeed in SBIR/STTR programs.

Oct. 1 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces NO-COST In-Person Event: Federal Funding – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Tech Transfer (STTR)

Join the Golden State APEX Accelerator and the Economic Development Collaborative for an exclusive in-person event focused on securing federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. Learn a clear overview of the programs available to you, how to identify potential topics/ funding sources and what to know about the application process. This interactive workshop equips new and experienced participants with the tools they need to succeed in SBIR/STTR programs.

Oct. 2 — District 216 presenting Christopher Solomon’s ‘Salvia Divinorum – The Misunderstood Healer,’ more events

Description: Join Somatic Salvia Guide, Christopher Solomon, for an informative and in-depth lecture about the powerful and often misunderstood plant medicine, Salvia Divinorum. Learn how he uses Salvia with his somatic therapy clients, how you can use Salvia as a pragmatic tool for healing, meditation, and exploring the deep realms of your psyche. This presentation will give you an understanding of how to work with low doses of the plant for therapeutic purposes.

Oct. 3 — Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Come Celebrate Start of Construction at Calle Joaquin

In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo, People’s Self-Help Housing is developing the former Motel 6 located at 1433 Calle Joaquin.

The project will bring 76 units to extremely low-income individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. Residents will have access to a community center, laundry room, outdoor recreational spaces, on-site property management, and supportive services.

This Project Homekey program was made possible through innovative funding from the California Department of Housing & Community Development.

Oct. 4 — UCSB Arts & Lectures and Ojai Music Festival present Olivier Messiaen’s HARAWI, an American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) production at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Olivier Messiaen’s HARAWI produced in collaboration with Ojai Music Festival on Friday, October 4 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. HARAWI, an American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) production, realizes Olivier Messiaen’s deeply-affecting song cycle for voice and piano in a newly physicalized and dramatized version directed by Zack Winokur that features acclaimed soprano, Julia Bullock; pianist Conor Hanick; and dancers Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber. 

Through Oct. 4 — Bilingual report — Tibetan monks return to Allan Hancock College to create sand mandala

Over a period of five days, the monks will create an elaborate sand mandala by hand with tools and skills that have been passed down for centuries. The monks will be creating the “Buddha of Compassion” sand mandala, which symbolizes loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity. 

Oct. 5 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents education technology pioneer Salman Khan at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Salman Khan, Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) on Saturday, October 5 at 4 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. The visionary behind educational nonprofit Khan Academy, Salman Khan seeks to remove the barriers to education that leave over 600 million children lacking basic math and reading skills. His free, world-class curriculum – available to anyone, anywhere – has made a massive impact, with its videos reaching over a billion views. Now, Khan is using the power of AI to make education even more accessible. With the introduction of the revolutionary Khanmigo, he’s giving every student around the world an AI-powered personal tutor that The Washington Post calls “the best model we have for how to develop and implement AI for the public good.” Author of the new book Brave New Words, Khan offers a uniquely prescient and practical look into how we can use AI to enhance HI: “human intelligence, human potential and human purpose.”

Oct. 5 — Bilingual report — Wilderness Youth Project to hold 25th anniversary Community Celebration at Santa Barbara City College

SANTA BARBARA — The Wilderness Youth Project will hold its 25th anniversary Community Celebration at Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara.

Come celebrate WYP’s 25th Anniversary with us!

Celebrate 25 years of Wilderness Youth Project at an all-ages festival on October 5th, 2024, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Santa Barbara City College’s Great Meadow. Enjoy a day filled with nature-inspired activities, live music, delicious food, and crafts. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day for the whole family!

Oct. 6 — The Global Truth Center in Westlake Village hosts Holiday Gift Boutique

The beautiful Water Court Complex will be filled with a multitude of vendors featuring unique jewelry, delectable desserts, handcrafted wreaths, candles, jams, ceramics, art & home decor, and more. Adding an international flair, an array of handmade creations from Uganda courtesy of The Greater Contribution will also be among the items available for purchase. 

Oct. 7 — Oxnard Film Society to present screening of ‘CLOSE YOUR EYES (Cerrar los ojos)’

Set in contemporary Madrid, an aging filmmaker named Miguel Garay is called upon to recount his memories of working on his final and still unfinished film, “The Farewell Gaze.” During its production, the lead actor and Miguel’s close friend, Julio Arenas, disappeared without a trace, leaving in his wake a mystery that would haunt the lives of everyone associated with the film. Miguel never directed another project, instead living a quiet life as a writer by the coast. He remained reluctant to unravel the mystery surrounding Julio until approached by an investigative television program reviving the case decades later. With careful reflection, he reconnects with the film’s crew, former lovers, and Julio’s daughter, seeking closure for the disappearance and what it meant for all of their lives. From Master Director Victor Erice.

Oct. 8 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a special double bill Mavis Staples and The War and Treaty at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mavis Staples and The War and Treaty on Tuesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. A chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer, civil rights icon, National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient and Kennedy Center honoree, Mavis Staples delivers roof-raising performances with youthful vigor and commanding maturity. Called “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace” by NPR, she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. Combining traditional folk, country, R&B and spirituals into a dynamic blend that’s all their own, The War and Treaty (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter) were the first Black artists ever nominated for Duo of the Year by the Country Music Association. Taking the stage separately, Staples and The War and Treaty promise an unforgettable evening of deep soul and heart-wrenching gospel passion.

Oct. 8 — Bilingual report — Community members invited to Ventura’s State of the City Address presented by Mayor Joe Schroeder

“The State of the City Address is a special opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate what we’ve achieved, and share our vision for the future,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “I’m proud of how staff, nonprofits, and local agencies have come together with optimism and innovation to tackle new challenges. As we look ahead, I want to recognize the tireless efforts of City staff, whose dedication brings our vision to life. There’s so much to be proud of, and I encourage everyone to join us and see how we’re building a stronger, more resilient Ventura.” 

Oct. 9 — Bilingual report — Join the movement: Ventura invites families to walk and roll to school

“National Walk and Roll to School Day offers an amazing opportunity for families to practice safe active transportation habits,” said Principal Transportation Engineer Jeff Hereford. “This event not only promotes pedestrian safety and advocates for safer routes for walking and biking to school but also underscores the importance of boosting physical activity among children and prioritizing their safety. It’s a wonderful way to come together and make a positive impact on our children’s well-being.”

Oct. 9 — Allan Hancock College hosts Chicano art exhibit, free community arts event

“Nuestra Vida en Arte” is a remarkable collection curated by renowned collector Tomas Sánchez and highlights the pivotal role of Chicano art in shaping both cultural identity and popular culture. The collection features work from several iconic artists who have been a quintessential part of the Chicano art movement including Frank Romero, Diane Gamboa, Roberto “Tito” Delgado, and more. 

Oct. 9 — District 216 presenting Conscious Connections Roundtable ‘Addressing Challenging Psychedelic Experiences’ and more news, events

Topic: “Addressing Challenging Psychedelic Experiences”

When: Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm (Conversation at 6:30pm)

Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)

Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.

Guests Welcome to purchase $15 tickets (discounted from $50) to The District House evenings.

Format: Networking & Roundtable Conversation. We will be discussing as a group in an open format in the room.

Note: We will *not* be filming this week’s conversation. Refreshments provided.

Oct. 10 — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC)’s 4th Annual Awards Celebration to highlight Ventura County Community Development Corp.’s 23rd year

 “VCCDC will recognize the contributions made by four individuals and one organization who are committed to improving the lives of families and individuals through investment of time, resources, and advocacy, thereby underscoring community engagement, visionary leadership, and lifetime of excellence,” said Executive Director Bertha Garcia. “Named after individuals who contributed immensely to VCCDC’s beginnings, our awards recognize the impact they and others have made that help create over 3,400 new homeowners and helped preserve homeownership since 2001.”