The Music Academy of the West is proud to welcome Untitled, Head, a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko, now installed on the Academy’s Fé Bland Plaza. Standing 13 feet tall and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the cast bronze work rests atop a stainless-steel base, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Kaneko’s artistry up close before it takes center stage in two major Music Academy performances at The Granada Theatre.
Now in its third year, Lavender Graduation has become a beloved tradition that fills students and employees alike with anticipation. The ceremony and afterparty reception, hosted in a rotation among the three colleges, was initially created in the 2022-23 academic year to be an inclusive graduation celebration that honors the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district. Since its inaugural year, the event has continued to draw a guest list of graduates, continuing students, and their supporters, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community members and allies employed by the district as faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.
It is painful when we accompany someone who is in emotional pain. To some extent, we carry their pain along with them as they suffer. Watching someone we love or care about in the depths of hopelessness, worry or despair is emotionally taxing for us. This is compassion, something that the late Pope Francis tried to instill in us.
There are right ways and there are wrong ways to try helping someone who is in emotional pain.
LAST CHANCE to visit … Closing May 11!
Exhibitions
MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY
What is Beauty? Rethinking Women’s Portraiture in Art
What is Beauty? invites us to explore diverse perspectives on beauty through fourteen portraits by Ventura County artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Spanning works created between 1939 and 2011, this exhibition showcases a range of styles—from vibrant realism to minimalist simplicity—challenging traditional standards shaped by art, media, and society.
Artists featured in the exhibition: Carlisle Cooper / Hiroko Yoshimoto / Johanna Spinks / John Nava / John Nichols – featured in exhibition logo / Kitty Botke / Lis Schwitters / Michael Ward / Neal Barr / Omar d’León / Robert Clunie.
Stay connected—sign up for alerts now to be prepared ahead of the upcoming emergency alert system test.
I’m excited to share that we’re just a couple of weeks away from the 1st Annual District 2 Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence Awards—a signature event recognizing some of the most inspiring and impactful leaders in our community.
The event will take place Wednesday, May 21 from
5:00–7:00 PM at Amgen in Thousand Oaks.
This inaugural celebration will honor the “Great Navigators” of District 2—exceptional individuals who have demonstrated leadership in Public Safety, Education, Prosperity & Economy, Conservation & Environmentalism,and Community Leadership. These honorees have gone above and beyond to serve others and strengthen Ventura County.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars has already raised over $122,000 for Lumina Alliance—and the competition is just heating up. As the three-night event kicks off tonight at the Pavilion on the Lake in Atascadero, guests will continue “voting” for their favorite dancers by donating—each dollar a vote of support for local survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
Local stars have been hard at work fundraising, with County Supervisor Heather Moreno leading at nearly $35,000, followed by Rob Garcia of Corvus Wealth Advisors with $32,000, and Mary Verdin of Verdin Marketing at $24,000. Fellow dancers Eric Yun (Community West Bank), LeBren Harris (Downtown SLO), and Jennifer Idler (Idler’s Home) are also lighting up the stage with passion and purpose.
volunteer for the 31st Annual Love Run, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, which will take place on Sunday, June 1, in Westlake Village.
One of the largest 5K/10K events in the Conejo Valley, the Love Run, draws more than 2,000 participants and 500 spectators annually. Volunteers are essential to making the event a success, helping raise funds to provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors through Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels program.
“Volunteers are the heart and driving force behind the Love Run,” says Andrea Gallagher, president of Senior Concerns. “Event volunteers do more than just help on race day- they ensure thousands of meals reach homebound seniors throughout the year. That impact is priceless.”
CARE Act Town Hall Meeting on Mental Health and Support Services
Join the County of Ventura and the Ventura County Superior Court for an upcoming *CARE Act Town Hall Meeting* to learn about a new program offering voluntary support and treatment for individuals facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.
This informative session will cover eligibility, the petition process, and how the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act is being implemented locally to connect people with the care they need.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ventura County Government Center
Hall of Administration – Lower Plaza Assembly Room, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009
Or Join via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 814 194 7530
Passcode: 484640
Download Zoom at: zoom.us/download
**Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Speakers include representatives from the Ventura County Superior Court, County Counsel, Public Defender’s Office, and Behavioral Health, all working together to support residents through this new state program.
LEARN MORE
First Thursdays celebrates Cinco de Mayo with over a dozen trucks, DJs, and a local makers marketplace. Food starts at 5pm at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $1.7 million from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. Both grants are from the State of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 5 for Homeless Prevention, and Rapid Re-Housing. This funding will bolster key programs, including Home Safe which aims to place homeless and keep them housed as well as the countywide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners. By recruiting and retaining landlords willing to assist, the program seeks to prevent and end homelessness in the community.
VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Roger Robinson as the new director for the Ventura County Human Service Agency. Robinson was selected following an extensive recruitment process, which included both internal and external candidates. He steps into the role following the retirement of former director Melissa Livingston this month.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village is thrilled to announce the Seaside Vacay Giveaway for 2025! One lucky winner will receive a coastal getaway experience at Ventura’s seaside playground – Ventura Harbor Village valued at over $1,000, and packed with seaside fun, a two-night harbor stay, waterfront dining, shopping, and on the water adventure.
Hancock will host the 2025 Folklórico Invitational concert and dance performance on May 1-3 at 7 p.m. in Boyd Concert Hall (bldg. F) on the Santa Maria campus. Performers include Hancock students, as well as talented dancers from Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria high schools, as well as members of the community. Tickets are $10 each and are available at https://www.hancockcollege.edu/pathways/creative-arts/tickets.php.
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Presents
The 2025 Art Awards
Mary Heebner
Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin
Gabriela Ruiz
Manjari Sharma
Diana Thater
Spring into homeownership – this is the season of renewal and growth and we’re pleased to share exciting updates and opportunities that support your path to homeownership. This month’s newsletter highlights important program changes, upcoming events, and valuable resources available to individuals and families throughout the communities we serve. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for support to take the next step, VCCDC is here to help guide and empower you every step of the way!
Cultural historian Lisa Jacobson’s new book tells the complicated and fascinating story of how alcoholic beverages morphed from disreputable habit to ubiquitous facet of American life.
Premiere Party:
“Plein Air Visions”
Presented by the California Art Club
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members, $10 Non-members
The prestigious California Art Club was established in 1909 by early California Impressionists to promote the practice of traditional fine arts in the fields of painting, drawing, and sculpture. “Plein Air Visions” will feature 35 contemporary plein air paintings by two dozen current CAC members. The group exhibition celebrates the immediacy and spontaneity of the plein air technique in capturing the ever-changing light, colors, and moods of the California landscape. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.
This Arbor Day, let’s get planting! Whether you plant a tree, grow native plants, or start a community garden, every green effort helps create cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and thriving ecosystems.
Ready to make an impact?
“In 1969, the devastating images of a massive oil spill from an oil platform off Santa Barbara’s coast galvanized California into action and caught the attention of the rest of the nation, including Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, who visited Santa Barbara shortly after the spill. The resulting swell of outrage and concern gave rise to the first Earth Day in 1970” (and our colleagues at the Community Environmental Council).
CAMARILLO — High school or community college students who would like to learn more about data collection and analysis are invited to a free “Datathon” at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.…
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College welcomed more than 200 students, educators, industry leaders and community members to its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit on April 18 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
The event, a first of its kind for the college, brought together experts from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, LinkedIn, Cal Poly, Moorpark College, Berkeley College and Hancock for a day of engaging discussions, keynote presentations, breakout sessions and panel conversations. Topics included AI trends, practical applications, ethical considerations and how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, employment, and everyday life.
SANTA BARBARA — Following the powerful momentum of the recent Hands Off! action, local organizers are calling on residents to come together again—this time to deepen connections and organize at the community level.
On Saturday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, simultaneous Community Gatherings will be held in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Isla Vista. These events are designed to create space for real conversations, grassroots strategy, and mutual support as we build a stronger, people-powered movement.
RSVP today at https://t.ly/apr19 to join one of the gatherings.
MOORPARK — Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, announced his affiliation with the national Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS) network, an initiative of Excelencia in Education—the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education. The network comprises presidents and chancellors who have committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive.
Don’t miss your chance to see Birthday Party Fundraiser! Tickets are still available, but they’re selling fast. You can skip straight to the front of our line and secure your tickets by visiting our website.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is excited to announce the reopening of Buenaventura Golf Course on Friday, May 2, 2025. The course has been closed since January 2023 as a result of extensive storm damage to buildings, equipment, and golf course features. The opening represents the first phase of a larger plan to design and integrate flood mitigation improvements that will protect the course from future flood events.
Last month, the Isabella Project was delighted to unveil our murals at Glen City Elementary to the Santa Paula community. The art celebrates the importance of highest-quality early childhood education in our community, and we are so grateful to everyone who joined us for such a special occasion. Watch the highlight reel and view the photo gallery below!
THOUSAND OAKS — Vendor slots are now available for the 69th annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), June 19 through June 29 (dark June 23 and 24) at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Rd./23 Freeway) in Thousand Oaks. The deadline for vendor application submissions is June 1.
CVD is accepting applications from local businesses and craftspeople wanting to show off their products or services in booths along CVD’s Main Street
This annual fundraising event supports Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels Program, which provides over 65,000 meals per year to over 450 homebound seniors in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, and Agoura Hills.
Travel from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles with our MCASB Team & Supporters like you! Immerse yourself in a curated tour of the LA Arts Scene and make new friends. $250/ person, transportation & box lunch included.
We will depart from Santa Barbara at 9am & return 5pm.
Special Ventura pick-up & drop off for our friends in Ojai/Ventura/Oxnard.
vor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Paul Harris
Thursday, April 17
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Enjoy a captivating evening featuring legendary photographer Paul Harris, interviewed by Ivor Davis. Doors open at 6 PM for refreshments.
From presidents to movie stars, rock legends to eccentric geniuses, Paul has been behind the lens for history-making moments. Now, he’s ready to share the fascinating inside stories behind his photographs.
?Tickets are on sale: free for members, $10 non-members, $5 non-member Zoom. For more information and to purchase tickets to this event, click HERE.
The Topa Vista Villas development will provide 111 units of affordable housing with over a third of the units being allocated for formerly unhoused individuals. The development is a collaboration between Homes & Hope, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), and the Santa Paula Housing Authority (SPHA). Homes & Hope will serve as the Administrative General Partner, CEDC will oversee property management, and SPHA will provide support for long-term affordability.
The Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival will return to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 2025. Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Pickleball is thrilled to announce the return of its signature annual event—now rebranded as Kenny Loggins’ “Pickleball in the Danger Zone” Tournament. Celebrating its eighth year, this highly anticipated tournament was formerly known as the American Riviera Classic Pickleball Tournament and has grown into what may be the largest amateur athletic event in the city.
Set to draw over 400 registered players, the tournament will feature men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions, showcasing top-tier amateur competition in a vibrant community atmosphere.
The Grand Opening Celebration will offer a full afternoon of fun and excitement for the whole family. Guests will enjoy live drills and demonstrations by Santa Paula’s talented youth softball and soccer teams, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit. A live band will take the stage at the new amphitheater, filling the park with music and energy.
Food lovers can grab a bite from a selection of local food trucks, while kids explore the Parks & Recreation equipment displays or hop aboard a charming kids’ train ride. The celebration will also feature interactive booths hosted by community-based organizations, offering educational resources and hands-on activities.
Now in its 55th year, the community-organized festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and produced by longtime festival partner, CarpEvents, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival continues to serve as a beacon for environmental advocacy and education.
We get it. The daily barrage of bad news punctuated by heartbreaking environmental crises is enough to make anyone want to shut down.
But the Community Environmental Council’s team of 28 Board and Staff members are not tuning out. We are still very much in this — working every day to ensure that the California Central Coast is a tangible, real-world model of what healthy, equitable, climate-safe communities can look like.
SANTA BARBARA — 805UndocuFund is proud to announce it has received a total of $32,000 in grant funding from The Fund for Santa Barbara to expand its immigrant rights advocacy and strengthen rapid response and disaster relief efforts across the Central Coast.
The first award—a $10,000 Emergent Needs Grant from The Fund for Santa Barbara—will provide general operating support for the 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network, which monitors and responds to immigration enforcement actions across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
The second award—a $12,000 Donor Advised Grant, also from The Fund for Santa Barbara—provides additional general support for the Rapid Response Network, further sustaining the network’s capacity to verify ICE activity, deploy trained legal observers and community responders, and provide emergency assistance to impacted families.
OXNARD — The Ventura County Ethnic Studies Downtown Oxnard Walking Tour will be held from9 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 18.
Led by Professors José Alamillo and Frank Barajas, the 2.5 mile tour of the historic and cultural sites of downtown Oxnard will be followed by lunch and conversation.
A driving option is available for those with mobility issues.
RSVP to Patty Colman (pcolman@vccd.edu) by Wednesday, April 16 as space is limited.
Everyone deserves clean air, safe water, and a healthy community – no matter your race, income, or zip code. But right now, low-income communities and communities of color are still being hit first and worst by pollution and climate change.
Environmental justice means we don’t just survive – we thrive. It means organizing, speaking out, and demanding bold changes that put our health, our safety, and our futures first. And this month, you’ve got three powerful ways to take action with our community:
Speak Up at the State Lands Commission – Monday, April 14
“Education is at the core of SBMA’s mission,” states Eichholz Family Foundation Director Amada Cruz. “The new expanded space for classes and workshops at the Museum is a game-changer. From the minute you walk into the light-filled white ART LEARNING LAB, you are immersed in a space for art-making with colorful pencils, crayons, sketch pads, and drawings on the wall.”
While strawberry-themed foods and beverages are a big draw for the nearly 50,000 people who attend each year, the festival is well-known for unique handcrafted works by artists and crafters. Over 150 artisans showcase their original items including paintings, ceramics, children’s toys, wearables, photography, outdoor furniture, jewelry and specialty foods. Many incorporate strawberries into their creations.
“For many festivalgoers, their first stop is the arts and crafts booths to see what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths. “Meeting the artists at the festival makes the experience special. You learn about their inspiration and the creation process and appreciate what goes into every item.”
Join us for an evening of Cochineal Dye Demonstrations, Mezcal Tasting, and Delicious Oaxacan Cuisine at Sangre De Nopal artist Porfirio Gutierrez’s Studio in Ventura.
Funds raised will provide critical support for museum exhibitions and programs like Sangre de Nopal currently on view.
For further questions email hello@mcasantabarbara.org
Saturday, April 26 | 3-7 PM | 1060 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo
Want to join the fun at the 2025 Builder Games? Reserve your spot now!
Cheer on teams as they race against the clock and face fun challenges to build one-of-a-kind playhouses for children. Enjoy Santa Maria style BBQ, local wine, beer, and music! All funds raised benefit the Supportive Housing and Camino Scholars programs of PSHH.
Are you ready to lead grassroots climate action?
CEC’s Spring Climate Stewards Course begins April 16.
CEC Climate Stewards are leading a groundswell of Climate Action across California’s central coast. If you are looking for ways to have a positive impact in your community, CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program can equip you with the skills and confidence to take individual and collective action.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Continuum of Care has reported a 15.6% decrease in homelessness as part of the 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count. Conducted on January 22, 2025, the count identified 1,990 individuals experiencing homelessness, a reduction of 368 people compared to 2024. Since 2023, the overall decrease stands at 18.5%.
This progress reflects successful investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and enhanced supportive services across the county to promote housing retention. The count, which adheres to federal definitions of homelessness, includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing.
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Lumina Alliance has launched the Light the Way lifeline campaign, a bold three-year, $5 million fundraising initiative to ensure that survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County continue to have access to life-saving resources. With nearly half of the organization’s funding at risk due to potential federal funding cuts, vital services—including emergency shelter, therapy, and crisis intervention—are in jeopardy.
“For thousands of survivors in San Luis Obispo County, Lumina Alliance is their only lifeline,” said Jennifer Adams, CEO of Lumina Alliance. “Without urgent funding, we risk losing the essential services that help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.”
“We couldn’t be more grateful to the Gainey Foundation for this remarkable gift,” said PHP CEO, Erica Flores. “They have been a dedicated supporter of our mission for many years and we appreciate them supporting us for this unplanned and unanticipated need.”
SANTA MARIA — On Sunday, March 30, the Santa Maria community peacefully rallied alongside farmworkers and allies, standing firm to demand dignity—not just for their labor but for their humanity. Everyone, no matter where they were born, deserves respect, fair wages, and the opportunity to live without fear.
“We are all here today united to use our voices to fight back against the deportations. We are fighting for our kids; we are fighting for ourselves because we are all essential and deserve the right to live safely, without fear,” said Gabriela Vivar, Farmworker Leader with Alianza Campesina.
The event, part of a nationwide protest movement, will take place at De La Guerra Plaza from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with pre-rally sign-making starting at 12:00 PM. It is co-sponsored by Indivisible Santa Barbara and Women’s March Santa Barbara, and is part of a coordinated response to what organizers call an “ongoing crisis of power and greed” from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other billionaire elites.
“This program marks a groundbreaking advancement in emergency medicine,” said Chief Gardner. “By equipping our rescue ambulances with whole blood, our firefighter-paramedics can deliver life-saving transfusions at the scene—significantly improving patient outcomes when every second counts.”
The County of Santa Barbara’s 175th Anniversary Video Series’ next video is here. This video honors the rich history of the county’s indigenous population.
OXNARD — The annual César Chávez Memorial March & Citizenship Fair will be held April 6, 2025 in Oxnard.
Sponsored by the Port of Hueneme, the City of Oxnard and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, marchers will gather at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 6 at Cesar Chavez School, 200 N. Juanita Ave., Oxnard, to begin the march to La Colonia Gym, 195 No. Marquita St., Oxnard.
“We will visit the César Chávez Memorial site (Childhood Home),” organizers reported.
First Thursdays retunrs April 3rd with amazing eats, sweet treats, and good vibes as some of the best local food trucks roll in! @thesoulrevival_band will entertain with a soulful R&B set. Also participating is a group of CSU Long Beach grad students hosting a Community Resource Booth featuring free info, coffee & pasteries, and prize drawing! Learn about local services and share your thoughts on what matters to you and your family.
Thurs, April 3rd, 5 PM – 9 PM at Plaza Park, 500 South C Street
March was a month of exciting growth here at Friendship Center!
We welcomed several new faces to our incredible team, bringing us to nearly 25 staff members strong. And the momentum doesn’t stop there— we’ve just completed the second month of offering our new transportation service, and we’re two weeks into offering programs at the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub!
These new offerings are a direct response to what you, our families and community, have told us you need. We’re building not just with our hearts, but with intention and care—because we believe in doing what works, and doing it with love.
“This year, we’re introducing a few changes to our annual concert series, all aimed at enhancing the experience for everyone,” said Recreation Manager Rebecca Ellis. “As part of our efforts to streamline all our recreation programs, we are now aligning ticket prices with our standard resident and non-resident fee structure. Additional changes to this year’s program include eliminating printed and mailed tickets with a streamlined check-in service on the day of the event.
Connect with a community of activists.
Join us on the first Friday of each month, when local climate activists, students, and community members gather to exchange information about regional climate issues and opportunities for action. This month, Santa Barbara organizations will share Earth month actions that the community can take part in, including Sable pipeline advocacy opportunities.
Friday, April 4, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CEC’s Environmental Hub
1219 State St., Santa Barbara
As Federal climate leadership stalls, cities, states, and local organizations are taking action to build climate resilience from the ground up. In this vein, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) remains committed to fostering grassroots climate action along California’s Central Coast.
This month, CEC is proud to co-host the 55th annual Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, an opportunity to educate, advocate, and mobilize around climate action. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
LOMPOC — Tucked away on California’s stunning Central Coast, Lompoc is the kind of place that surprises you—in the best way possible. From sipping some of the world’s best Pinot Noir to watching rockets blast into space, this charming town is packed with unexpected adventures. Ready to explore? Here are 8 amazing things you can only do in Lompoc.
