Category: News

Oct. 9-11 — NatureTrack Film Festival Postponed

SANTA BARBARA — After careful consideration and consultation with multiple stakeholders, the NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) has made the difficult decision to postpone our March 20-22, 2020 event to October 9-11, 2020. Our primary concern is the health, safety and…

Oct. 10 — TEDxSantaBarbara and Community Environmental Council Host COUNTDOWN Event to Spotlight Local Environmental Experts, Building on International TED Climate Initiative

TEDxSantaBarbara, a locally organized offshoot of the international TED nonprofit, in conjunction with the Community Environmental Council (CEC), presents COUNTDOWN. This two-part, full-day event includes a local panel of experts that launches a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action. The free online event takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (global speakers) and 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (local speakers).

To attend, register at TEDxSantaBarbara.com or tune in at Facebook.com/TEDxSantaBarbara on Saturday, October 10

Oct. 14 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Disrupting the Industry Technology Left Behind’

We are excited to invite the cofounders of Packform, Philip Weinmanand Preston Geeting (Cal Lu Alumnus ’02), who created an online marketplace that is revolutionizing the distribution industry. In this moderated event, Weinman and Geeting will share how they developed and successfully implemented technology in an industry left behind by technology. Packform was designed to change and disrupt the current landscape by consolidating all suppliers and customers into a single marketplace with the distributors forming part of the supply chain, rather than controlling it.

Oct. 17 — Bilingual report — Girl Scouts Today. Scientists Tomorrow. Celebrating the Future of our Girls!

Girl Scouts of the USA invites you to celebrate our girls and their bright futures during Hispanic Heritage Month. This FREE virtual and interactive event will teach girls about citizen science and what it means to observe and engage in the world around them as it relates to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), a critical component of success in the 21st century. 
 
During the one-hour interactive session conducted entirely in Spanish, girls will have the opportunity to learn dance moves from Broadway actors, have fun with games while learning about the scientific method, meet some surprise guests, and have the chance to win prizes such as a tablet. In addition to dancing, playing, and learning about the fun and magic of science, these events also serve as an opportunity to get a taste of what it means to be a Girl Scout – lots of adventure, learning, friendships, and fun at every turn.

Oct. 17, 18 — SBMA celebrates Dia de los Muertos virtually and live from Oaxaca

For over 30 years, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has celebrated the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with music, dance, art activities and altar displays. This year, SBMA is bringing the festivities to you virtually via Zoom and live from Oaxaca for a behind the scenes glimpse of the artisans and art that are central to this deeply moving holiday.

Oct. 22 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – ILLUMINATE Kicks Off with Roshi Joan Halifax

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara is also adjusting to the new realities that come with COVID-19. One way the organization is transitioning to serve is to provide helpful resources to our community and beyond as they relate to COVID-19. Fresh on the heels of their successful speaking engagement with Pico Iyer, Hospice of Santa Barbara is presenting a new free  Speaker Series — ILLUMINATE.   

Oct. 26 — FREE Santa Barbara Museum of Art virtual discussion with artist Marshall Brown on 10/26!

Working through the intertwined histories of art, architecture, and photography, Marshall Brown’s collages create new connections, associations, and meanings among disparate architectural and photographic sources. This talk focuses on collage making as a transgressive medium that embraces multiple histories, formal impurities, and uncertain visions for the future.

Oct. 29 — EDC Partner Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

SPANISH: WEV SEMINARIOS DE EDUCACIÓN FINANCIERA: COMO ORGANIZAR TUS FINANZAS CON QUICKBOOKS 

Oct. 29 — 3rd Annual Housing Santa Barbara Day

According to a recent survey distributed by the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), tenants and landlords are interested in becoming better educated on housing priorities and issues unique to our region. The hot-button topics includes tenant rights and responsibilities, resources for rent and mortgage relief during the COVID-19 economic downturn, rental mediation and workforce housing. To address these and other important housing matters, 2nd story will host the 3rd annual Housing Santa Barbara Day, which has been expanded to a  

5-day virtual event with workshops on Saturday, October 24th, Monday the 26th, Tuesday the 27th, Wednesday the 28th and Thursday the 29th. All workshops are free with online registration; to sign up, click here. 

Oct. 29 — Bilingual report — Community Food & Farming Discussion Series: Food Access and Food Security / Acceso a Los Alimentos y Seguridad Alimentario

How do we (and how can we better) meet the basic food needs of our entire community and ensure fair access to local food resources?

This discussion will highlight current efforts to support and care for our County’s vulnerable populations by ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food, and opportunities to scale and deepen these efforts.

Oct. 30 — Ghosts, goblins and scary fun is coming to a drive-through Trick-or-Treat event at Pioneer Valley High School

Ghosts, goblins and scary fun is coming to a drive-through Trick-or-Treat event at Pioneer Valley High School on October 30 (Friday).

The school’s FFA officers will join forces with clubs such as K-Pop, AVID 2020, NAMI and SHARe from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to transform part of the campus into a “thriller” experience.

Nov. 1 — Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corp. (OPAC) to present Día de la Muertos, Covid-19 edition

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is proud to announce the first-ever Día de Los Muertos Celebration – drive-in style! The public is welcome to roll up to the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 9 pm for this free evening of art, entertainment, and community remembering those we have loved and lost.

Nov. 1 — Celebrate Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with OPAC!

Featuring performances by:
Club Flor Bonita + Grupo Folklorico Fusion Mexicana

Followed by a screening of Coco!

This family-friendly event is a safe and socially-distanced drive-in event in our parking lot. Enjoy live performances and a movie from the comfort of your car (or bring chairs to sit outside your car!).  Our restrooms will be open and cleaned throughout the event.

Nov. 1-2 — ERHS Latinos Unidos club’s Day of the Dead

Covid-19 and distance learning will not keep SMJUHSD students from bringing to life an ancient, indigenous tradition from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov.1-2.

Students from the ERHS Latinos Unidos club are collaborating with SMHS, DHS and PVHS students and teachers to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), in remembrance of loved ones and community members.

Nov. 5, 11 — CLU School of Management upcoming events

NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Oct 28, 1:00 pm (PDT)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Nov 4, 1:00 pm (PST)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Nov 11, 1:00 pm (PST)
Vulnerable Communities Speaker Panel, Thurs, Nov 12 (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Nov 18, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)
NexGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Dec 2, 1:00 pm (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Dec 2, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)
NextGen Mentoring Forum, Wed, Dec 9, 1:00 pm (PST)
Forward Together Webinar, Wed, Jan 27, 12:00-12:45 pm (PST)

Nov. 5 — CERF’s 2020 Ventura County Economic Forecast

The California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) Annual Ventura County Economic Forecast LIVE WEBCAST will include an in-depth analysis of the county’s economic performance and an assessment of its economic and demographic future. The program will also include detailed analysis and forecasts for the United States and California economies. Speakers will include: CERF Executive Director, Matthew Fienup; CALmatters opinion columnist Dan Walters, who will analyze California election results and the impact on the state’s political landscape; and a panel of innovative leaders in our community, who will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 and the various policy responses and discuss Ventura County’s road to recovery. 

Nov. 11 — CLU School of Management upcoming events

For our next Entrepreneur Speaker Series event, we are excited to invite the founder of Pashion Footwear, Haley Pavone, who created the world’s first fully convertible high heels and an accompanying brand that strives to empower women, one step at a time.

Nov. 12 — Homes with Heart VC Invites all Businesses with Heart to Virtual Seminar to Support Youth in Care and their Families

Business with Heart VC is a four-year-old initiative, of Homes with Heart VC, responsible for helping many families. Originally set up as a program comprised of business members that helped resource families and youth with discounts from each of the local businesses, the program has grown to become an exciting way to provide internships and jobs for our older youth, that will be expanding to biological families and all other families in need. The core of the program is to also help businesses with additional foot traffic and recognition through website, social media exposure, and new signage.

Nov. 14 — United Way of Ventura County — Join Us for Virtual HomeWalk 2020

We invite you to join United Way of Ventura County’s team for Virtual HomeWalk 2020!

The virtual event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020. You can spend the day doing your own 5K run/walk/ride, share photos and videos using the #HomeWalkAtHome, then come back at 5 p.m. for the virtual program that includes live entertainment with the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, players, Coach Sean McVay and much more. This is a fun opportunity to engage friends and family who are near and far!

Nov. 16 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Cyber Response, Planning and Execution,’ other workshops

Jesse Hillman
VP, Security and Compliance
LightBox

In this virtual presentation, Jesse will discuss the complex entanglements that a data breach and the associated business and legal factors create. In addition, he will help you revisit your organization’s cyber response plan to ensure all appropriate government, legal and corporate stakeholders are considered.

Nov. 16 — EDC Weekly Webinar Schedule

The economic environment in 2020 has caused many unexpected challenges for the small business community as they navigate through times of financial uncertainty. Many business owners are facing decisions around cutting expenses, adjusting business models and finding new sources of revenue. Join financial expert from U.S. Bank, Morris Jackson as he discusses these topics and with Deluxe’s Amanda Brinkman and expands on advice and guidance he provides to small businesses in season five of the hit series, Small Business Revolution.

Nov. 18 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Speaker Series – ILLUMINATE Presents Frank Ostaseski

As local nonprofits are adapting to find new ways to serve their clients and causes, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating their ILLUMINATE Speaker Series – a series which not only addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also offers help to those struggling to understand their place in this new reality. 

Nov. 18 — SBCC Atkinson Gallery to present artist talk with Amanda Ross-Ho

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present an Artist Talk by Amanda Ross-Ho via Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 4:00 p.m.

Ross-Ho, who works and lives in Los Angeles, appropriates images and ephemera that she encounters to construct installations, stage photographs and build sculptures where everyday experiences are transformed into sites of layered meaning. In her own words, she aims to, “investigate the anatomy and life cycle of creative production.” For the 2008 California Biennial, she transported the actual walls of her then-East L.A. studio into the galleries of the Orange County Museum of Art; she later re-created the installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, in 2010.

Nov. 19 — Bilingual report — OPAC presents: A Town Hall on the Pending Eviction Crisis

OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, will host a virtual Town Hall on the Pending Eviction Crisis on Thursday, November 19 from 4 to 6 pm on Zoom. The event is part of a two-year project called “CLOSE TO HOME: A Community Conversation Spotlighting the People, Places, and Perspectives Surrounding Homelessness.” 

Nov. 19 — Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation hosts virtual variety show fundraiser

On Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation is hosting its “Evening of Hope Virtual Variety Show,” a fundraising event that will stream on Facebook Live through @VCFJC.Foundation. All are welcome to join the fun.

The virtual variety show will feature performances from REO Speedwagon, Tower of Power, Ignition, special guest Gregg Bissonette and The Reddcoats, and more.

Through Nov. 22 — The 10th Annual (Online) Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

This year, we’re bringing our art auction to you! The Santa Paula Art Museum’s 10th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser will be hosted entirely online. Online bidding will open Monday, November 9, 2020, and will close one artwork every minute beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22.

Dec. 1 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Artificial Intelligence and Art: The Case of Harold Cohen A Conversation with Justin Underhill’ (via Zoom)

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Artificial Intelligence and Art: The Case of Harold Cohen A Conversation with Justin Underhill” (via Zoom) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.

This talk explores the work of Harold Cohen (1928 – 2016), a pioneer of art made by artificial intelligence. Cohen taught for decades at UC San Diego and wrote the art-making computer program AARON in the 1970s.

Dec. 3 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘What Matters is Boldness: Mexican Modernism in Context’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “What Matters is Boldness: Mexican Modernism in Context” Art Matters Lecture (via Zoom) with Mark Castro, Jorge Baldor Curator of Latin American Art, Dallas Museum of Art at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

Dec. 6 — Meadowlark Service League Hosts Charity Outdoor Holiday Boutique

Shop til you drop!  Join Meadowlark Service League on Sunday, December 6, for a “Outdoor Holiday Boutique” at a private home overlooking Santa Rosa Valley. The Meadowlark Service League, like all nonprofit organizations and businesses, has been hit very hard by the pandemic, and have had to face the cancellation of their major fundraising events. Despite the obstacles, the Meadowlark members have been hard at work to create opportunities that will continue to raise funds to benefit the many charities that their events support. “We have been resilient over the past several months, from a ‘Virtual Taste of Camarillo’ to creating decorative succulent pumpkins to raise funds for charity,” noted longtime Meadowlark and event host, Gwen Speakes,“ and we are excited for this event, not only for the many charities we support, but to help support the many local businesses who depended on Meadowlark events over the years and have limited venues now.”

Dec. 9 — CLU School of Management to present ‘Why can’t we just eat our coffee?’

We are excited to invite the co-founder of Eat Your Coffee, Johnny Fayad, to share his story from day one in their dorm room making 10 bars/hour to graduating college having sold over a million of the original naturally caffeinated snack bar. He’ll also share a bit on how they’ve had to remain nimble over the years and how they’ve adapted during the current pandemic.

Through Dec. 11 — SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery hosts webinar lecture and outdoor exhibition by Muna Malik

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College is pleased to host an exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Muna Malik, “Blessing of the Boats,” Oct. 23 – Dec. 11, 2020. Since the interior space of the Atkinson Gallery is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, the installation will be presented on the Gallery’s outdoor sculpture terrace so that it may be viewed remotely from Pershing Park and other locations around the city.  

Dec. 13 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Kwame S. Brathwaite in Conversation (via Zoom)’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Kwame S. Brathwaite in Conversation (via Zoom)” at 11 a.m Sunday, Dec. 13.

Kwame Samori Brathwaite speaks with Charles Wylie, SBMA Curator of Photography and New Media, about the groundbreaking art of his father, the renowned photographer Kwame Brathwaite. With family and friends, Kwame Brathwaite created a multi-faceted cultural movement in 1950s and 60s Harlem from which the affirmative personal and political statement “Black is Beautiful” arose. Inspired by Pan-Africanism and attuned to the central role of mass media in contemporary society, Brathwaite forged a new visual and cultural identity for African Americans via photography, fashion, and performance whose influence is still being felt. 

Through Dec. 13 — New Virtual Shop Local Market makes it easy to support women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, hosted by Women’s Economic Ventures

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) annual Celebration of Small Business is launching a Virtual Shop Local Market to safely bring shoppers to local small businesses this holiday season. The marketplace will feature more than 50 local, women-owned and minority-owned small businesses who are part of the WEV community.   The 26-day, dynamic online shopping portal will be open online from November 17 – December 13 and can be accessed by visiting WEV’s website at www.wevonline.org

Dec. 16 — Hospice of Santa Barbara Virtual Light Up A Life

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) will hold their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance to honor the many that are missed this holiday season, online via Zoom with an event featuring emcee Catherine Remak Wednesday, December 16th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm PDT.

Through Dec. 20 — CSUCI Choir performs first virtual winter concert

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s first-ever virtual winter concert will celebrate women composers, whose work goes largely unrecognized by larger American orchestras. 

“I’m promoting women composers because I’ve always used music specifically to speak to social justice issues such as underrepresented racial or LGBTQ groups,” said CSUCI Chorus Artistic Director KuanFen Liu, who holds a doctorate in musical arts.  

Beginning on Friday Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., guests can visit the Channel Islands Choral Association at www.cicachoir.org and listen to “Celebrate Women Composers in Choral Music.” The winter concert will be available online through Dec. 20.  

Dec. 24, 27 — KEYT to Air Two Special Showings of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 37th Annual Light Up a Life

This year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) filmed their traditional celebration of reflection, special speakers, poetry, musical entertainment, and the lighting of their Tree of Remembrance, featuring emcee Catherine Remak that will be aired Thursday, December 24th at 11:30 am and Sunday, December 27th at 2 pm on KEYT. 

The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season without cherished loved ones, this time of year can be even more difficult and HSB honors them every year with Light Up a Life. Light Up A Life is an opportunity for all to join together as communities unite for one heartwarming ceremony to remember and honor the many that are missed this holiday season. 

Dec. 31 — ‘A Toast Heard ‘Round the World’ Livestream Event

Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) is extremely excited to announce a new livestream event component of its annual global celebration, “A Toast Heard ‘Round the World” on New Year’s Eve. 

On December 31st from 12-Noon to Midnight PGIAA and partners will LIVESTREAM a variety of entertainment, including Live Music performances, Poetry Readings, Dream Tending, Meditations, and more.

Jan. 5 — Ventura County Board of Supervisors Holding Special Meeting

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting on January 5, 2021 at 1 pm. The meeting will be live streamed at www.ventura.org/bos and on the County Facebook page @CountyofVentura. The meeting will include an update on coronavirus response efforts and the proposed process and timeline for the appointment of a District Attorney.

Jan. 12 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents groundbreaking author Ta-Nehisi Coates as part of its acclaimed Race to Justice virtual series

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents groundbreaking author Ta-Nehisi Coates in a virtual presentation as part of its acclaimed Race to Justice series on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. Pacific. This presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A moderated by Terrance Wooten, professor in the UCSB Department of Black Studies. Ticket holders will be able to replay this event for one week.

Museum of Ventura County — Virgencitas Now Open, Call for Volunteers, Free First Sunday, and more!

Call for Volunteers! January 24—26, 2020 We are excited for the recently announced Albinger Archaeological Museum’s 40th Anniversaryevent scheduled for Friday, January 24th — Sunday, January 26, 2020. Come celebrate our county’s history and become a part of our museum…

Bilingual poetry of Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda selected for display at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of Mexico City

Courtesy photos. Photo credits: Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior SRE) Binational Congress Dic 5, 2019, ClaryArts – Clara Victoria Martínez Rojas SANTA MARIA — The bilingual poetry of Santa Maria High School Spanish Teacher Enedina Castañeda was recently selected and…

Ventura County Board of Supervisors approve extension of contract for County Executive Officer

VENTURA — On Tuesday, December 17, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend the contract for County Executive Officer, Mike Powers, through December 2024.  Each of the five Board members commented on the excellent work of Powers, citing…

City of Oxnard announces closures, reminders for Christmas, New Year’s Day Holidays

OXNARD — Residents and businesses are reminded that City Hall and many City departments will be closed for the upcoming holidays. The holiday office hours are listed below. HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS AND CLOSURES Tuesday, Dec. 24:     City Hall and…