Category: Locales

March 22 — Bilingual report — FREE WEBINAR: Weathering the Economic Storm – Helping Small Business Owners Feel Prepared

How would a recession impact my business? What do I need to know about inflation? This webinar will provide some of the answers. The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) have partnered to offer a FREE WEVWorks webinar. The webinar aims to provide small business owners with guidance on how to prepare their businesses for periods of inflation and recession. The webinar will begin with an economic overview from Dr. Peter Rupert, founder of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, followed by small business-specific guidance from Dr. Ray Bowman and Gonzalo Fernández of the EDC Small Business Development Center. Nicki Parr of WEV will moderate the session, and a Q&A session will follow.

A live translation will be available for Spanish speakers during the webinar!

Join us March 22 @ 12:00 pm!

CLICK HERE to register

April 14, 15, 16 — Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Three Free Performances of Tres Souls

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back with its next free community event. Relive the vintage sounds of the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema with three free performances by the musical trio, Tres Souls. Viva is a collaboration…

May 15 — Bilingual report — County of Ventura Elections Office seeking community leaders for Language Accessibility Advisory Committee

The County of Ventura Elections Office seeking community leaders to serve on a Language Accessibility Advisory Committee Committee (LAAC) in Ventura County.

You are cordially invited to participate in the quarterly LAAC meeting as we prepare for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Your voice matters!

The next quarterly meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 15. We will be conducting the meeting via the Zoom web conference platform.

Topic: LAAC Quarterly Meeting to discuss language preparation for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election

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

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

May 23 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works to Host over 1,300 Local Students

For this year’s National Public Works Day on May 23rd, more than 1,200 students in Ventura County will visit the Ventura County Public Works Agency! National Public Works Day is an opportunity for kindergarten through high school students to learn about the world of public works. PWA provides water, sanitation, vertical construction, survey, grading, roads, transportation systems, controlling and conserving storm waters, and working as first responders for major events. This year’s theme, “Connecting the World Through Public Works,” highlights how public works professionals connect us through infrastructure, planning, and building.

VCPWA will transform the “G” lot at the Government Center into a display of heavy equipment and booths demonstrating the agency’s work. Local students will participate in interactive demonstrations focused on science, technological innovations, illustrations of current engineering projects, career opportunities, and more.

June 1 — Bilingual report —Experts Share How to Prepare for Upcoming Heat Waves

entura County is warming faster than any other county in the contiguous U.S., with neighboring Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties not far behind. Higher temperatures put the health and well-being of the most vulnerable—including agricultural workers, youth, and the elderly—in serious jeopardy. 

On Thursday, June 1, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will bring together local and national experts who are on the frontlines of developing solutions to safeguard community members when temperatures soar. 

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

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

Click on images for more information.

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

Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

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

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

June 27 — Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) in Santa Barbara presents free bilingual community webinar on financial incentives and programs available to make going electric more affordable

On Tuesday, June 27,  the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will host a free, interactive webinar, offered in English and Spanish, from 12 to 1:15 p.m. PST that will review the tax credits and incentive programs available to make going electric affordable, and describe how homeowners can combine these financial incentives to make their homes more efficient and climate friendly. Participants will also learn how to access CEC’s newElectrify Your Life service, which walks individuals through the process of determining their eligibility and applying for financial incentives.

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

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

Click on images for more information.

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

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

Click on images for more information.

July 8 — Bilingual report — California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) to present free ‘Clean Slate Clinic’

The California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. (CRLA) will host a free-of-charge “Clean Slate Clinic” record clearing clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at E.P. Foster Library at 651 E Main St, Ventura.

For more information and to make an appointment, contact: 805-902-CRLA (2752) or contact reentry@crla.org

July 13 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Upcoming Uplift Central Coast Community Convenings

Join the Uplift Coalition for community meetings across the region for an opportunity to learn about the Community Economic Resilience Fund planning process and project progress, meet with community members and organizations engaging in the work and voice your experiences and insight on both the issues and challenges that face our communities and the opportunities and possibilities that are in the future of our Central Coast region.

Your participation is critical to the success of the project as Uplift works to develop an understanding of the barriers to economic opportunity across the diversity of Central Coast communities and builds a plan to invest in possible solutions into the future.

Refreshments provided. Meeting is open to the public until capacity.

Registration is required.

Check Where Your Nearest Community Convening Is Below:

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

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

Click on images for more information.

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

Presented in English/Spanish and Mixteco.

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

Aug. 11-12 — Teatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening night for Entre Pancho Villa y una mujer desnuda?

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg!

Entre Pancho Villa y una mujer desnuda
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

Aug 11th 2023, 7:00 PM
Aug 12th 2023, 7:00 PM

Sept. 6 — Bilingual report — Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop to be held in Camarillo

VENTURA — Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, at the Camarillo Health Care District.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

Sept. 8, 9, 10 — Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Launches 2023-2024 Season with Three Free Performances by Grammy-Nominated Perla Batalla

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back with the first event of its spectacular 2023-2024 season. The season will launch with a free community performance by grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla. A collaboration between UCSB Arts & Lectures, The Marjorie Luke Theatre, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and the Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association, Viva is dedicated to bringing  the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County students and community members.

Sept. 23 — Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department Presents the 10th Annual Mariachi Dinner: A Night of Live Music, Dining, and Community Support

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the 10th Annual Mariachi Dinner, a captivating evening of cultural celebration, live music, and dining. Hosted by the City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department, this event promises a memorable experience for all attendees, young and old.

The 10th Annual Mariachi Dinner is an opportunity for the community to come together, show support for a noble cause, and revel in the joy of shared moments. This year’s event will be held at the Parks and Recreation Community Center Auditorium located at 530 West Main St., Santa Paula, CA 93060 on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Sept. 26 — Bilingual report — Cottage Virtual Care Hosts Free Virtual Event in Spanish ‘Stay Healthy: When and Where to Go for Medical Care’

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Virtual Care will host a free virtual event in Spanish titled “Stay Healthy: When and Where to Go for Medical Care” on Tuesday, September 26, from 6-7 p.m. This event will feature Maria Rivera, Nurse Practitioner with Cottage Virtual Care, and Cottage Health experts who will be available to share their expertise on different health care options.

During the event, Cottage will provide valuable insights into the differences between healthcare options such as urgent care, virtual care and the emergency department and why understanding these healthcare options is critical to seeking appropriate care. Attendees will gain the knowledge to help make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — COAST to present A Ventura County Town Hall “Facing Down Fentanyl’

VENTURA — County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) will present A Ventura County Town Hall “Facing Down Fentanyl” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. Free event. Dinner provided.

County leaders will discuss the ongoing opioid crisis in our community, and what you need to know about fentanyl to protect the health and safety of your family.

Brought to you by Ventura County’s Behavioral Health Department, in cooperation with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cesar Morales, attendees at this Town Hall event will hear from panelists:

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko
Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young
Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin
Sheriff Jim Fryhoff
Behavioral Health Division Chief Raena West

30 de septiembre — ‘Empoderamiento Financiero’ de WEV, en persona en Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA — “Empoderamiento Financiero” de WEV, en persona, el 30 de septiembre, de 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

En esta clase gratuita de 3 horas el sábado, aprenderás a:

Tomar el control de tus finanzas personales: comprende tu “mentalidad de dinero” y crea nuevos hábitos financieros para aumentar tu confianza financiera y resiliencia
Establece metas financieras significativas: crea un presupuesto, paga deudas, administra tu dinero y logra tus metas financieras a largo plazo.
Conviértete en un(a) dueño(a) de negocio más efectivo(a) y financieramente seguro(a).

Oct. 1 — Bilingual report — Half a Century of Hope: Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Santa Maria Families

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency is thrilled to announce Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center’s (SMVYFC) 50th anniversary celebration, marking half a century of dedicated service to the Santa Maria Valley community. The Santa Maria Family Festival takes place on Sunday October 1st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Teresa Machado Plaza, located at the corner of North Pine Street and West Chapel Street.

“We invite the entire Santa Maria Valley community to come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of SMVYFC and the countless lives it has positively impacted,” said Arcelia Sención, Chief Strategy and North County Programs Officer. “We anticipate many more years of promoting hope, strength and stability to children, families, and seniors in Santa Maria.

Oct. 7 — Bilingual report — Camarillo Animal Shelter to hold ‘Playgroup Rock Star Adoption Event’

Watch our dogs run, jump, and play as we participate in the nationwide, “Playgroup Rock Star Adoption Event”  on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, from 1PM-3PM at the Camarillo Animal Shelter.  Come watch our dogs play, see who stands out to you, have private play time with them, and adopt them if a match is made!  We are waiving adoption fees for all shelter dogs one (1) year or older on this day only!

As always, promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet.  All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license, if applicable.

Oct. 13, 14, 15 — Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Presents Three Free Performances of Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles

SANTA BARBARA — The nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, will hold three free public performances in Santa Barbara County October 13-15, 2023. The performances are a part of ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva), a program dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County students and community members. 

Oct. 21 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites the Community to Join Together for a ‘Santa Paula Beautiful Day’ Volunteer Event

SANTA PAULA — As summer gracefully transitions into autumn and the season of decorating our homes begins, the Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to announce “Santa Paula Beautiful Day.” This community volunteer event aims to unite residents of all ages once again in a collective effort to engage in civic beautification.

Join us on this special day as we embark on a project to prepare Santa Paula for thousands of Ventura County residents who will be visiting Santa Paula on October 21, 2023, for the County’s “Mountains to Sea Jubilee & Music Festival” to celebrate the County’s 150th Anniversary.

Oct. 21 — Bilingual report — Mountains to Sea Jubilee to celebrate Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary

VENTURA COUNTY — Join us at the Mountains to Sea Jubilee in the city of Santa Paula! The event kicks off with a FREE family-friendly festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Museum of Ventura County’s Agricultural Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula.

The Mountains to Sea Jubilee is the culmination of the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary celebration and will feature performances and participation from community partners and organizations from across the County. Through a collaborative partnership, the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County have commemorated the sesquicentennial anniversary of the County with a series of public events.  

Oct. 28 — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) would like to cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, for an evening where we honor our ancestors through the ancient indigenous Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos that celebrates death as part of the cycle of life. The evening will feature performances by Ópera Mixe and Ballet Folklórico Nueva Antequera, as well as a selection of artisanal vendors, free community altars, and more!

Oct. 28-29 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services announces Halloween Bunny Adoption Promotion

We’re celebrating Halloween with a FEE-WAIVED bunny adoption promo, this weekend from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Camarillo Shelter. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. Visit www.vcas.us/rabbits to view rabbits, submit an application, and schedule an appointment.

Rabbits leave VCAS spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Each adoption comes with a FREE bag of hay, grass mat and complimentary vet visit. All other items needed can be purchased at our on-site Bunny Boutique!

Looking to add a second rabbit to your home? Email the Bunny Brigade to schedule a bunny date! Questions? Contact us at VCASBunnyBrigade@gmail.com or call (805) 388-4341.

Oct. 28 – Bilingual report — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

OXNARD — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) invites the public to attend its Day of the Dead concert celebration in collaboration with Oxnard College on October 28, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. We are incredibly honored to be able to host this fantastic event in person for the first time in a few years! Joining us tonight is the incredibly talented Ópera Mixe, an ensemble made up of María Reyna and Joaquín Garzón, as we commemorate the indigenous celebration of death as part of the cycle of life. 

Nov. 4 — 4 de noviembre — Bilingual report — Free Citizenship Fair in Thousand Oaks / Feria de ciudadanía gratuita en Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS — Free Citizenship Fair, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, Hispanic Ministry of Saint Paschal Baylon, 155 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Free assistance on:

filling out your citizenship application (N-400)
DACA Renewal
Residency Renewal
Please RSVP at: (805) 395-6870, no walk-ins

Nov. 17 — Bilingual report — Community Workshop in Guadalupe To Share First-Ever Continuous Air Quality Data For the Region

SANTA BARBARA — In September, wildfire smoke from as far away as Oregon impacted California’s Central Coast, prompting the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to issue an Air Quality Alert for Santa Barbara County. An air quality monitoring system established last year in Guadalupe recorded unhealthy levels of particulate matter for sensitive groups and ensured that the data was available to the community for the first time ever via the Guadalupe Community Air Project website.

Dec. 2 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Join us in Santa Maria this Saturday!

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON

Homebuyer Workshop

Saturday, December 2 – In-person, Santa Maria (in partnership with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara)

Friday, December 8 – Virtual

Saturday, December 16 – Virtual

If you want to learn what it takes to buy a home of your own and what resources are out there, our HUD-approved Homebuyer Workshops is a class you won’t want to miss! There is no cost for you to attend and you’ll enjoy hearing from a variety of expert speakers who will give you the latest and greatest on credit, money management, real estate, mortgage loans, insurance and more! Register for FREE today!

Dec. 2 — Bilingual report — SBCC School of Extended Learning’s Arts & Crafts Fair a must for holiday shoppers

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. 2. Community members are encouraged to stop by and view and/or purchase one-of-a-kind works including ceramics, jewelry items, fabric arts, cards, glass art and more — crafted by their very own friends and neighbors.
Shoppers can also enjoy a catered lunch during the Fair, available for purchase by Chef Rene’s Cuisine.

Dec. 6 — Bilingual report — Next Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop

VENTURA — Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, at Oxnard Family Circle.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

Dec. 12 — Bilingual report — Cottage to Host FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor Cardiovascular Disease in Women: How Far We Have Come and Where We Are Going

SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Heart and Vascular Center will present a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event with Dr. Bina Ahmed on Tuesday, December 12, from 4 – 5 p.m., on cardiovascular disease in women. The event will be offered in English and Spanish.

Advances in women’s heart health have improved the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. This event will offer attendees insight into how women can proactively care for their hearts, from preventative measures to intervention and explore what breakthroughs may shape the future of cardiovascular health.

Dr. Bina Ahmed is an Interventional cardiologist and structural heart disease specialist with a strong interest in advancing women’s heart health. Her career path has included specialized training focusing on better understanding sex-based differences in cardiovascular diseases. She hopes to use her interest and expertise to enhance all aspects of cardiovascular care in women, from prevention to intervention.