GUEST Tickets ($50) Wed., May 1
Category: Local
May 1 — CLU School of Management to present New Venture Fair
The New Venture Fair (NVF) is a valuable part of Cal Lutheran’s entrepreneurial education experience, in which student teams share their innovative startup projects in a competitive environment. The NVF is a dynamic and exciting event where the community gets its first look at Cal Lutheran’s exceptional student entrepreneurs and vote for their favorites.
May 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents renowned forest ecologist Suzanne Simard at UCSB Campbell Hall
As the world’s foremost forest ecologist, Suzanne Simard has reshaped the way we understand the life and growth of plants. In her groundbreaking work Finding the Mother Tree, Simard explained how trees interact and communicate using below-ground fungal networks. Her research established the existence of “mother trees” that play an important role in the flow of information and resources in a forest. The concepts she developed have influenced everyone from earth scientists to artists – think James Cameron’s Avatarand Richard Powers’ The Overstory. Join Simard for a dazzling journey through the unseen world going on above our heads and under our feet.
May 1 — CLU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship presenting variety of upcoming events
May 2 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Port of Hueneme 11th Annual World Trade Week Event
Join us for a celebration of global trade at the Port of Hueneme’s 11th Annual World Trade Week Event, celebrating its pivotal role in international trade. Ranked as California’s #4 seaport and excelling in handling fresh produce and automobiles, the Port stands as a cornerstone of global connectivity. Join us for enlightening discussions on logistics, technology and the profound impact of strategic partnerships on regional, state and national economies, as we unite importers, exporters, logistics providers and government agencies in fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.
May 2 — Cottage Center for Orthopedics presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event
May 2 — Save the Date — World Trade Week at the Port of Hueneme
May 3 — Bilingual report — Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing to Select Housing Element Update Rezone Sites
May 4-5 — Santa Barbara Fair & Expo continues at the Earl Warren Fairgrounds
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is an annual celebration of fun, entertainment, and cultural experiences that unites the community for a memorable event. Committed to providing a diverse array of attractions and activities, the fair strives to create lasting memories and traditions for attendees of all ages.
May 4 — “Project CI” springs onto the stage with dance, theater, art, multimedia and more
“This will be a multimedia spectacle using animation, art, dance and theater,” Castillo said. “With the technological tools we have in our hands, students are learning to collaborate and create pieces with various media, video backdrops, dancers, actors, animation and writers who are coming up with scripts to integrate everything,” Castillo said.
Through May 5 — Ventura Harbor Village hosting variety of seaside events and live entertainment
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors alike to partake in an array of events and activities set against the picturesque backdrop of the California coast. Along with a variety of dining options and great spring finds at coastal shops, Ventura Harbor Village has on the water rentals, wine tasting, pampering services, and more to explore on the waterfront.
May 6 — Oxnard Film Society to present screening of ‘IO CAPITANO’
In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a “reverse shot” of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.
May 7 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents marine biologist and policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson at UCSB Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in conversation with K. Corley Kenna on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Marine biologist, policy advisor and writer Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet. Her forthcoming book, What if We Get It Right? offers answers to the crucial question: What would the future look like if we forged ahead with all the solutions to actually address the climate crisis? With grace and humanity, Johnson encourages us to step away from hopelessness and envision possibility.
May 8 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department Hosts ‘Wellness Fair’ to Empower Seniors
“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Renee Bell, Recreation Coordinator – Senior Services of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Through this Wellness Fair, we aim to connect seniors with resources that promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.”
May 8 — UCSB Reads presents a FREE event with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross authors of the 2024 selection, ‘Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us’
Can visiting a museum help someone conquer feelings of loneliness, or even stave off the advent of dementia? In Your Brain on Art, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross explore the wide variety of connections that contemporary neuroscience has established between artistic practice, aesthetic experience and optimal cognitive functioning. Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University. Ivy Ross is the vice president of hardware design at Google.
May 9 — County of Ventura Building & Safety Division joins International Code Council for the celebration of Building Safety Month 2024
“Building Safety Month is a critical platform for promoting measures to safeguard lives and property from preventable disasters caused by inadequate construction practices,” stated Jason De La Torre, one of the District Managers for the Building & Safety Division and current president of the International Code Council’s Ventura Region Chapter. “With a commitment to fostering a culture of safety across the construction industry, Ventura County is honored to join hands with the ICC to champion this vital cause.”
May 9 — SBCC presenting Panel on ‘Advancing Sustainable Development in an Era of Housing Growth’
SANTA BARBARA — Join Community Environmental Council, the Santa Barbara Independent and Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning for a thought-provoking panel discussion at CEC Environmental Hub (1219 State Street) on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The discussion is about advancing sustainable development in an era of unprecedented housing growth. Learn more about the challenges such significant growth poses to advancing goals for sustainable development, and hear possible solutions that can inform further community discussion. This is an effort to understand the impacts and planning of nearly 15,000 housing units on the South Coast by the County of Santa Barbara and its incorporated cities over the next eight years. Register for the panel discussion.
May 9 — 5th Annual Compassion Campaign invites guests to reimagine the future of affordable housing
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced on April 9 that its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, a private nonprofit organization created by the State Legislature in 1988 to help provide housing that is sustainable and affordable for working families, homeless, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals.
May 10 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents award-winning conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier at Campbell Hall
May 11 — Bilingual report — Public is Invited to Attend the Santa Paula Police Memorial Event
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Police Memorial will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Police Memorial Monument located at the intersection of Santa Barbara St. and Mill St. The Memorial is part of the recognition of National Police Week, May 12 through May 18. The public is invited to attend and the event is free.
The annual ceremony pays tribute to Santa Paula Police Officers and all peace officers who were killed in the line of duty. The event is sponsored by the Santa Paula Police Memorial Committee and the Santa Paula Police & K9 Foundation.
May 11 — Santa Paula Art Museum Presents Christopher Noxon’s ‘Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness’
SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum is pleased to present “Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness,” a solo exhibition by Ojai artist Christopher Noxon, opening Saturday, May 11, 2024, with a premiere party from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere event is $5.00 for SPAM members and $10.00 for non-members. “Greenbelt” will be on view from May 11, 2024, to September 8, 2024.
May 11 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Art Inspired Cooking with Pascale Beale
Join us for a special Mother’s Day weekend event at SBMA with food writer and chef Pascale Beale, who will share her love for art and how it inspired her 10 cookbooks and cooking career over the past 25 years. A special lunch and cooking demonstration from a few of her much-loved recipes will follow the talk. Attendees will also receive a gift subscription to her latest multi-media food memoir, 9′ x 12′ Culinary Adventures in a Small Kitchen.
May 15 — Luis A. Miranda Jr., father of ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, will sign his latest book ‘Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that is Transforming America’ at Barnes & Noble in Ventura
The book is essential reading from an expert voice: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better.
A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrants.
May 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance at Campbell Hall
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie, a New York-based b-girl with extensive training in ballet and modern dance, returns to reveal and explore the complexities of street and social dance forms. ODEON brings together and remixes street and club dances including breaking, hip hop, house and vogue, set to a mix of early 20th century romantic music and popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
Ephrat Asherie Dance | Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018 (Jacob’s Pillow)
May 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents acclaimed pianist Bruce Liu at Hahn Hall, Music Academy
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Bruce Liu on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hahn Hall, Music Academy. Following his win at the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu experienced a star-is-born moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall in March of 2022. Summoned at the last moment to join the Philharmonia Orchestra for an all-Tchaikovsky program, Liu called for the notoriously difficult Concerto No. 2 as a substitute for the more commonly played Concerto No. 1. After an astounding performance and glowing reviews, Liu found himself shifted to an even higher level of demand.
May 16 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria hosts the 6th Annual The Light Shines Ahead Luncheon to Bring Awareness and Raise Funds for its Free Services in Carpinteria
The Light Shines Ahead luncheon will feature special guest speaker Jessica Clark, owner and founder of The Connected Co. Clark’s dedication to her community was forged through both triumph and tragedy. After enduring the loss of her first husband and her father within a year to cancer, she found solace and strength in the support of her community. This profound experience ignited her commitment to giving back. She went on to establish, manage, and sell multiple restaurants in the region, and has recently ventured into business coaching and consulting. But beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Clark is deeply engaged in grassroots initiatives aimed at fostering community support and empowerment.
May 17 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘Xochitl Gonzalez — Latinx Voices Are American Voices’ at Campbell Hall
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
May 17 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Community Update
Community Update
Uplift Central Coast is having a Community Update available in both English and Spanish on Zoom on May 17 at 12:00 pm!
During the session, Uplift Central Coast will cover:
Updates on ongoing community engagement efforts
Input and information learned from Roundtables and Listening Sessions across the region
Progress and plans on strategy Regional Plan Part II
Opportunities for discussion and input from community members
Register for the community update HERE!
May 18, 19 — California Lutheran University to celebrate 50th anniversary of Scandinavian Fest
THOUSAND OAKS — What began as a golf game conversation in the early 1970s, has become the largest Nordic festival in Southern California. The Scandinavian Festival — the legacy of the late Professor Armour Nelson and the late John Nordberg — will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 18 and 19. Held at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, the family-fun festival honors the founding of the university and the history of the Conejo Valley, which Norwegians settled in the 1890s.
May 18 — District 216 announces upcoming events
May 18-19 — 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held at Ventura County Fairgrounds
VENTURA — Strawberry nachos, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry kabobs are just some of the tasty treats offered at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival also features over 150 artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake and more.
May 19 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Jacob Collier and Band at the Arlington Theatre
May 19 — The Greater Contribution Celebrates Hope For Women in Uganda
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks.
In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.
Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth
May 19 — One805 to host its annual One805Live! Sunstone Winery event in support of Santa Barbara County First Responders
SANTA BARBARA — One805 will host its annual Sunstone Winery One805Live! Concert with headliner Steve Postell & The Night Train Music Club on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 2 – 7 pm at Sunstone Winery, 125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460.
Experience an amazing afternoon of music, food and fun as groove to the best session and touring musicians in the world. And as always, be prepared for surprises.
The lineup also includes: Tariqh Akoni, Josh Groban’s Music Director, and multi-talented artist who has played with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Weezer and LeAnn Rimes and John Mayer; Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the heartbreakers, Average White Band, and played with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Mick Jagger and many more; Leland Sklar, Bassist for “The Immediate Family”, has performed with Phil Collins, James Taylor, Toto, and Billy Cobham; Russ Irwin, vocalist who has performed with Aerosmith, Sting, Jeff Beck and John Fogerty; Elliot Easton from The Cars, and surprise guests.
May 19 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present FREE Talk and Book Signing of ‘The Butterfly Wood House’ by Architect Robert Ooley
Join us for a presentation and signing of the book The Butterfly Wood House by Robert Ooley, FAIA. Robert has been an architect for the private and public sector on the Central Coast for over 25 years. He is an author, playwright, and the Director of Facilities for SBMA.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Butterfly Wood house opens the door into one of the architect’s last commissions of his Prairie Style and is the only example of that time in his career on the west coast of the United States. Located in the secluded enclave of Montecito, California, at the corner of Hot Springs and Summit Roads is this 4,500-square-foot redwood treasure. This story weaves together the family that wanted a coastal retreat, a world-renowned embattled architect, and the house they made together.
May 20 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘The Monk and the Gun’
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
May 20 — Free LightGabler LLP Employment Law Webinar: ‘Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California’
CAMARILLO — Employment law firm LightGabler LLP is presenting a free employment law webinar for employers, “Protect My Job, I Might Come Back! A Map Through the Maze of Leave of Absence Laws in California.” The webinar is Monday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
California has the most leave of absence laws of any state. To avoid costly litigation while maintaining functional business operations, employers must understand what leaves are available, know when a leave is appropriate for a particular employee, correctly apply available rights for covered employees, and manage what employee obligations can or cannot be enforced.
EVENT POSTPONED — May 22 — Bilingual report — People’s Self Help Housing announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening
EVENT POSTPONED —
Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households.
Through May 23 — New Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center
CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th), Healing Grief Through Art (April 4th through April 25th), and Anticipatory Loss (March 4th through May 23rd). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
May 23 — City of Ventura invites community members to attend workshops for the Santa Paula Branch Line “Rails with Trails” project
VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.
Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered.
“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”
May 23 — Event rescheduled to May— UCSB Arts & Lectures to present ‘José Andrés — Changing the World Through the Power of Food’
SANTA BARBARA — Due to unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, José Andrés is unable to join the UCSB Arts & Lectures series this Sunday. Mr. Andrés’ ongoing commitments to World Central Kitchen as they mourn the loss of their team members have made his attendance at the event impossible at this time.
We have worked closely with his team to reschedule his appearance for Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 PM at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. We offer our sympathies to José Andrés and the entire World Central Kitchen organization during this incredibly challenging time.
May 24 — District 216 to present SPECIAL EVENT! Shane Mauss, Psychedelic Comedian
Through May 26 — ‘Serenity and Revolution’ at SBMA
Artists today struggle with the question of what kind of art to make in light of contemporary issues. A century ago, artists faced similar questions. This exhibition looks at how artists negotiated the extraordinary changes and tragedies of the early 20th century: the mass casualties in the First World War, economic despair because of worldwide depressions, colonized people struggling for freedom, and the rise of communism, fascism, and totalitarian dictatorships.
May 27 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 will Pay Tribute to Those Who Died Serving at Free Memorial Day Ceremony
SANTA BARBARA — The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 will remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for their country on Memorial Day. This free event is open to the public. Join PCVF on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:00 am sharp at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.
The open air ceremony includes presentations and performances by the UCSB ROTC Color Guard; Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band; David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, The Prime Time Band, and a flyover by The Condor Squadron. 150 White doves will be released during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
May 27 — SLO Veterans Museum — Memorial Day Ceremony and BBQ
May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Planning Division and Cultural Heritage Board to host Preservation Awards Ceremony
VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.
May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura PD hosts Tip-a-Cop fundraiser to support local Special Olympics athletes
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department, in collaboration with Finney’s Crafthouse, is excited to announce the return of the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, supporting the inspiring athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The public is invited to join officers for this community event on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Finney’s Crafthouse, located at 494 E. Main Street in Downtown Ventura.
May 29 — ‘Latina Characters & Women’s Voices’ featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held at Timbre Books in Ventura
Through May 30 — Tall Ship Mystic Whaler To Sail Into Ventura Harbor Village
VENTURA — Make your Memorial Day plans to venture seaside to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ship Mystic Whaler makes its voyage into Ventura.
Made possible by Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation (CCOAF), the 110-foot schooner will make its journey up the Santa Barbara Channel along the California coast.
During its visit to Ventura Harbor Village, the ship will dock at Ventura Harbor Dock-C, (near Ventura Boat Rentals, in front of Brophy Bros and On the Alley restaurants) through May 30, 2024, and coincides with Ventura Harbor Village’s ongoing Spring seaside events/activities throughout May. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/