Category: Local

Dec. 2 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘MEGALOPOLIS’

MEGALOPOLIS is a Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.

Dec. 3 — Tango ‘Holiday Party’ at The Greek Mediterranean Restaurant, Ventura Harbor Village

Along with our hosts “The Greek,” we will be celebrating the season with a special
Tango “Holiday Party” on the first Tuesday in December, 12/03 …

6:00 – 9:00 pm = same time, same place as our usual Tuesday Nights — plus:

Dec. 3 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Medal of Freedom recipient and Homeboy Industries founder Father Gregory Boyle at UCSB Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Father Gregory Boyle speaking on the topic of Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.Over the past 30 years, Father Gregory Boyle has transformed thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the world.

Dec. 4 — District 216 presents ‘Psychedelics & Courage: Taking a Leap of Faith!,’ more news

Description: Kat shares her personal journey with psychedelics and how they helped her face her fears, awaken her intuition, become an entrepreneur and start over from scratch to build a new, inspired life.

When: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker 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.)

Dec. 4 — Renowned Economist to Present at WVCBA’s Business & Economic Outlook in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA), the chamber of commerce advocating for businesses in Camarillo and Oxnard, is proud to present renowned economist and public speaker Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founder of Beacon Economics, at the Business & Economic Outlook on Wednesday, December 4.

Dec. 4 — Ventura County Taxpayers Association next Breakfast Club meeting — Spotlight on Fillmore

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Taxpayers Association next Breakfast Club meeting — “Spotlight on Fillmore” will be held at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Marie Callender’s, 185 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo.

Dec. 4 — Ventura County Environmental Health Division to host Phase 2 Debris Removal Application Workshop for homeowners affected by the Mountain Fire

VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (EHD) and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will host a workshop for homeowners with partially or fully destroyed properties who wish to participate in the County-led Debris Removal Program or the Private Debris Removal Program (Phase 2). Homeowners will receive a detailed overview of each program and step-by-step guidance on completing “Right-of-Entry” (ROE) forms that are required prior to the start of the County-led debris removal process.

Dec. 5 — LEAP to hold ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc’s Children’s Center

LOMPOC — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for Lompoc Children’s Center at 11:30 .m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at 500 E. North Ave, Lompoc.

Program

11:30am: Speeches and Ribbon Cutting. Speakers include LEAP’s Executive Director Lori Goodman, Trinity Church of the Nazarene’s Lead Pastor Travis Caldeira, and elected officials.

12:00pm: BBQ Lunch and Children’s Center Tours

Dec. 5 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the West Coast Premiere of Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Tap and jazz take on Tchaikovsky in Dorrance Dance’s vibrant version of this beloved holiday classic. The renowned tap company boogies, slides, struts and dives through the magical story of a young girl and her fantastical Christmas adventure. Taking their cue from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary reinterpretation of The Nutcracker Suite, Michelle Dorrance and co-choreographers Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into a slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, while the “March of the Toy Soldiers” becomes a swinging “Peanut Brittle Brigade,” featuring live music.

Dec. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents bluegrass guitar phenomenon Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at UCSB Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA —  UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Friday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. A multi-talented songwriter and vocalist, Molly Tuttle’s spellbinding lyrics and exquisitely-crafted sound have garnered her a Best New Artist Grammy nomination and unprecedented back-to-back wins for Best Bluegrass Album in 2023 and 2024. She is lauded as “one of the world’s best guitar players” by American Songwriter and is the first woman ever named Guitar Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Together with her band Golden Highway, Tuttle weaves modern folk, bluegrass and Americana into an eclectic yet seamless musical fabric that stretches from Del McCoury to Jefferson Airplane and beyond.

Dec. 6 — Museum of Ventura County announces upcoming Sip ‘n Shop and Small Business Saturday events

Sip ‘ n Shop

Everyone welcome to attend

Friday, December 6

5 – 7 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

Join us at the Museum to sip champagne and browse a curated collection of unique gifts. You’ll also have the chance to gift a Museum membership for 2025, sharing the experience all year long! MVC members receive a 10% discount.

Dec. 6 — Farm Bureau of Ventura County shares information on Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series

As the Mountain Fire continues to affect parts of Ventura County, we want to make sure you have the latest resources and support available to protect your operations, workers, and property. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, and we’re here to assist however we can.

Partnering with local organizations like VC CoLAB, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA, and Thomas Fire victims, and more we have initiated a series of webinars for the ag community to get updates, ask questions, and support eachother in a speedy recovery.

Dec. 7 — 3rd Annual Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace to be held in Thousand Oaks

Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts from 60 vendors in a festive, family atmosphere. The Marketplace features traditional European foods and beverages including bratwurst, soft pretzels, Aebleskiver and other pastries, warm mulled wine, apple cider and hot cocoa.

Dec. 7 — Have Breakfast with Santa And Shop For Christmas Trees At Simi Valley Family YMCA

SIMI VALLEY — The Simi Valley Family YMCA will host its annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, December 7, featuring a fresh-cooked breakfast, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, a snow play area and holiday crafts. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Families can then select a newly-arrived Christmas tree at the YMCA’s Christmas tree lot operated by the Simi Valley Y’s Men’s Club.

The breakfast costs $20 for YMCA members and $25 for nonmembers, with children 3 and under admitted free. Advance registration is required at www.sevymca.org/breakfast-santa.

Dec. 7 — European-Style Holiday Marketplace Returns to Thousand Oaks for Third Year

Sixty vendors will offer unique gifts ranging from handcrafted candy and crepe paper flowers to organic seasonings, glass art, ornaments and curated gift baskets.

“Holidays in the Village is where to find that perfect gift for a special family member or friend,” said Matt Midura, event co-chair.

Dec. 7 — Bilingual report — SBCC Extended Learning presenting 2024 Arts & Crafts Fair

SANTA BARBARA —  Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, more than 50 arts and crafts faculty and students from the SBCC School of Extended Learning will be selling their wares at Wake Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Dec. 8 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Parallel Stories Why Empathy Matters: A Conversation with Dario Robleto and Emily Rapp Black’

Artist Dario Robleto, whose work invites us to consider the questions above, is joined in conversation by award winning author Emily Rapp Black, whose searing, unblinking story dealing with death and grief combines an essayist’s willingness to lay herself bare on the page, a theologian’s search to plumb the mysteries of life told with a poet’s precision. Together they explore the Golden Record as the Washington Post described “as both a vessel of science and a leap of faith.”

Dec. 9 — Ventura County Heritage Board to present Speaker Session and Q&A with Dr. Frank P. Barajas —  ‘A Shared History: Diverse Voices Across Ventura County’

The topic is Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy in Ventura County. Parts of my talk will cover material from my next book project on the Chicano Movement in Ventura County after 1975, specifically farmworker struggles against camp evictions at Cabrillo Village in Saticoy and Rancho Sespe between Santa Paula and Fillmore, Barajas said.

Dec. 10 — Bilingual Report — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting — Senior Mobile Home Park Conversion Interim Urgency Ordinance Extension, more

The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

Dec. 11 — District 216 to present Jordan Richardson’s ‘The 12 Tenets of Talent Management,’ other upcoming events

The District House is a benefit of District216. Come by for a portion or all of the evening, meet amazing members + guests, and interact with speakers on a variety of topics.

Topic: “The 12 Tenets of Talent Management”

Description: What is talent? For Jordan Richardson, whose first career was in Hollywood talent management, it’s what leaders in any industry can discover, draw forth, liberate, and celebrate in every employee, aka ‘talent’. In this inspiring talk, Jordan brings to life the idea of leadership as ‘talent management’, with a series of compelling stories from his years managing entertainment projects and learning from iconic celebrities like superstar Snoop Dogg, actress and comedian Nicole Richie, and Rock and Roll legend Steven Tyler. The 12 Tenets of Talent Management is a perfect reminder for any employer, any employee… anyone.

Dec. 12 — California Coastal Commission Hearing Considering Approval of a County of Santa Barbara Local Coastal Program Amendment

SANTA BARBARA — The California Coastal Commission will hold a hybrid public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 9:00 AM to consider certification of the County of Santa Barbara’s Housing Bill Implementation Ordinance into the County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Agenda Item Th12a).

The Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the Housing Bill Implementation Ordinance, Ordinance No. 5204, into the County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance on February 13, 2024. Please see the February 13, 2024 Board meeting details for the staff report, adopted ordinance, and additional materials. On June 4, 2024, the Board authorized the submittal of the ordinance to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification. Please see the June 4, 2024 Board meeting details for the Board letter and resolution authorizing the submittal to the California Coastal Commission. 

Dec. 13, 14 — Holidays Sparkle with a Candy Land Twist at the 48th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks

VENTURA — Ventura Harbor is delighted to announce the 48th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks, a holiday tradition filled with color and dazzling displays, on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th at 6:30 pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 pm. This year’s theme, “Candy Land,” will transform the waterfront into a sugary spectacle, with vibrant boats and holiday cheer lighting up the night sky. Join us for this sweets-inspired event featuring live entertainment, delectable treats, and a spectacular fireworks finale (weather permitting). Boater applications are now open, and it is free to participate in the boat parade, which includes prizes and awards for boaters – captains can sign up on venturaharborvillage.com/pol-boaters/

Dec. 13 — British Actor Duane Henry Joins KEYT-TV Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth to Host Unity Shoppe’s Annual Holiday Telethon

SANTA BARBARA — The Unity Shoppe’s 38th Annual Holiday Celebration and Telethon, held on December 13, 5-8 p.m. and will be aired on KEY-TV. The telethon will feature appearances by Kenny Loggins, Brad Paisley, and Michael McDonald, along with other celebrity surprises.

Joining KEYT-TV News Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth as a host this year is British actor and Santa Barbara local Duane Henry. Duane is best known for his roles in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “NCIS” (2016-2018). 

Dec. 14 — Ventura Music Festival — The King’s Singers “Christmas Time is Here”

The King’s Singers

“Christmas Time is Here”

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Concert at 4:00 PM (Doors 3 PM)

Ventura Center for Spiritual Living

101 South Laurel Street, Ventura

Join us for a holiday concert this Dec 14th! The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years.

Dec. 14 — Ventura County Community Development Corp. (VCCDC) announces last Homebuyer Workshop for 2024

In this interactive session, you’ll gain valuable insights on key topics, including:

Understanding the do’s and don’ts of homebuying
Exploring financing options and mortgage types
Learning about down payment assistance programs
Managing your finances effectively
Building or improving your credit
Tips for navigating the real estate market

Dec. 14 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art presenting Talk, Book Signing, and Reception with Mary Tonetti Dorra ‘I Am a Portrait’

Join us for a talk, book signing, and reception for I Am a Portrait: Flash Fiction and Other Short Stories by Mary Tonetti Dorra.

In her newest book, a collection of short stories, Dorra has amassed a group of characters based in part on her own real friends and relatives who interact with those which are purely fictional. Some of the stories are told from the point of view of the works of art themselves and are based on pieces that have been in the Dorra collection over the years.

Dec. 15 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art features artist Edie Fake in Artist Talk

Edie Fake’s Suasion is a dazzling painting currently on view in the SBMA exhibition Friends and Lovers, an exploration of LGBTQ artists currently installed in the Loeb Gallery through March 2, 2025. In this artist talk, Fake will share insights into a widely respected and varied practice that includes drawings, paintings, installations, comics, books, and zines.

Dec. 15 — Museum of Ventura County Announces Intertribal Storytelling Winter Solstice

From 1:00-2:30, experience captivating storytelling from Chumash Elder Dennis Garcia, Kat High of the Hupa tribe, and Alan Salazar, a Fernandeño Tataviam and Ventureño Chumash Elder. Bring the little ones to our Kids’ Corner, where they can stay busy with playful puppets and coloring while you enjoy the storytelling!

Dec. 16 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘LA COCINA’

La Cocina captures the frenetic energy of the lunch rush at The Grill, a bustling restaurant in Manhattan’s Times Square. When money goes missing from the till, suspicion falls on Pedro (Raúl Briones), an undocumented cook who dreams of a better life and is in love with Julia (Rooney Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, the restaurant owner, has promised to help Pedro obtain legal status, but a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral into an act that threatens to shut down one of the city’s busiest kitchens once and for all. The film is a comic and tragic tribute to the invisible people who keep our restaurants running and our stomachs full, all while chasing an elusive version of the American dream.

Dec. 17 — County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors to discuss Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act Community Forum on immigration

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.

The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.

Dec. 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Pink Martini’s 30th Anniversary Tour Holiday Show featuring China Forbes at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performing a joyful Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Pink Martini brings its signature blend of jazz, classical and pop music. With a dozen musicians and songs in more than a dozen languages, “this multi-denominational, multicultural jubilee overflows with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family” (NPR). Performing classics like “White Christmas” alongside Chinese New Year tunes and a samba-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne,” as well as fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums, this joyous, globetrotting concert is sure to make you merry.

Dec. 20 — First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara to present annual Living Nativity

SANTA BARBARA — As the holiday season reaches its peak, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.

Living Nativity takes place on December 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, this distinctive display features live animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.

Dec. 21 — Tis’ The Season To Make Merry at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Re-kindle the magic and add a little glee to the holiday season for the annual family fun Santa Paddle at 11 AM and Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace at Ventura Harbor Village from Noon – 4 PM  on Saturday, Dec. 21.  This popular seaside playground hosts Santa both on the water and with his live reindeer throughout the course of the day.  

First up,  join Santa as he trades in his sleigh for a light workout on the paddle board as part of Ventura Harbor’s annual Santa Paddle 2024 from 11 AM – Noon.  Visitors can join in on the water to ring in good holiday vibes with a scenic one-hour paddle procession from Ventura Harbor Village bay in front of Ventura Boat Rentals through the marina to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and back. 

Through Dec. 24 — This Holiday Season There’s Something for Everyone at The Collection in Oxnard

OXNARD — The first crisp days of fall bring the air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of festive activities to look forward to. From The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Photos with Santa to the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Merry Vibes Market, and of course Black Friday shopping there’s plenty of fun for everyone.

Through Jan. 1 — Celebrate The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Festive Holiday Events & Sun-kissed Seaside TIde-Ings at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA — Immerse in the wonder and spirit of the holiday SEAson at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside playground along Central California’s scenic Highway 101.  With a spectacular line-up of 2024 events, paired to sparkling seasonal décor, come celebrate by the water!  Enjoy  Small Business Saturday on November 30, the sensational Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 13 & 14, Santa Paddle 2024 on December 21, followed by the family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2024, December 21.  venturaharborvillage.com/events