Category: Seniors

Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — 2024 Fall Prevention Forum to be held at CLU

VENTURA —The annual Fall Prevention Forum – co-hosted by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging – will return on Friday, September 27 at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

The 2024 forum – “All Aboard the Fall Prevention Train” – will be held at CLU’s Gilbert Sports & Fitness Center (130 Overton Court).

The event is free to attend, but participants are urged to pre-register by filling out the registration form at www.vcaaa.org/falls, or by calling the VCAAA at 805-477-7300. The 2023 Fall Prevention Forum had a near-overflow crowd at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Oct. 17 — Family Service Agency presents 33rd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara

The long-running Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is back again in 2024, occurring in Mid-October this year.
Expect this year’s Expo to provide the same exciting array of health screenings, flu shots, exhibits, and fun activities for seniors and those who care for them.

With free packing and $5 admission, the Senior Expo is still the best ticket in town for Santa Barbara’s seniors and caregivers.

Nov. 16 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present free Holiday Market Showcasing Lynda Weinman and other Women Artisans of Santa Barbara

Kick off your holiday shopping with a curated shopping event featuring one-of-a-kind items with an emphasis on art, design and style by local creative women who have taken their art to the next level. Featured are 3D printed designs by Lynda Weinman, leather handbags from Barbara Flanagan, puzzles and notecards by the collage artist Athena Philippides, and edible delights from Marley Confections. 

Nov. 26 — Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26th, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic, downtown First United Methodist Church. This year’s theme is“Transforming Trauma into Hope.”

The Greater Santa Barbara Area Clergy Association includes clergy and religious leaders from over 100 local faith communities. We come together for an evening of song, prayer, and praise to celebrate and reflect upon unity, peace, hope, and blessings from our diverse religious traditions.

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

Sip ‘ n Shop

Everyone welcome to attend

Friday, December 6

5 – 7 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuing — Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program to present new Men’s Grief Support Group

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program announces a new Men’s Grief Support Group. The group is for men grieving the death of a loved one. It will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, via Zoom. If interested, please contact us at 805-389-6870. For more information, visit LMVNA.org

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program support groups are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. We also offer individual, couple, and family grief counseling in English and Spanish. 

Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offering free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offers free monthly classes for those with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes. Learn about meal planning, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication management, and new developments for living with diabetes.

Continuing — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice presenting Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups

CAMARILLO — Bereavement counseling can offer the support you need to help you through your grief. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program offers both individual (one-on-one) counseling with trained bereavement counselors/therapists and group counseling.  

All support groups are free for the community.

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging announces Fall Prevention Classes resume in January

VENTURA — Sign-ups are now available for a new series of Fall Prevention classes that will begin in January. These award-winning classes are put on by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency.

Four classes, with 12 sessions to choose from, will be offered in five Ventura County cities. The January offerings include:

Bingocize (Fillmore Active Adult Center)
A Matter of Balance (Simi Valley Senior Center, VCAAA office in Ventura)
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance (HELP of Ojai, Oxnard Public Library, County of Ventura California Room in Ventura, Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura, Ventura Church of Christ, Buenaventura Mobile Home Estates in Ventura)
Walk With Ease (Fillmore Active Adult Center)

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) receives $5,000 Gift from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County for its Emergency Assistance Fund

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received $5,000 from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County as a part of the Foundation’s ‘Opportunity to Thrive Initiative’. 
This generous award will support PSHH residents in San Luis Obispo County through the Emergency Assistance Fund, which will provide emergency financial support for medical, food and utilities to residents in deep need. Funds are utilized when all other potential resolutions and community resources have been exhausted. Each year, thousands of dollars are distributed to those facing urgent financial emergencies. 

“Our thanks go to The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County,” said Ken Trigueiro CEO & President, “With this incredible gift, residents can feel safe and secure at home and within their neighborhoods no matter what challenges they may be facing.”  

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

2023 State of the County: A Triumph in Safety and Progress
Celebrating 150 years as a County, on November 2nd, community members gathered at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the State of the County address by CEO Dr. Sevet Johnson. In a visionary speech, Dr. Johnson delivered an update on the County’s programs, initiatives and future endeavors.

Dr. Johnson also proudly highlighted the County’s achievements and distinction as not only fiscally healthy but as the “safest large county in the State of California.”

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) — 2023 LEGACY Award Winners Announced

VENTURA — The 2023 LEGACY Awards, which recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents and organizations that dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to live optimally, were presented on Wednesday morning at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council meeting.

Since 2018, the Advisory Council’s Optimal Aging Committee has annually presented LEGACY Awards to a local business/organization, to Dementia Friendly business/organizations, and to community members/volunteers.

The 2023 winners are:

Bilingual report — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s HICAP Available to Help With Medicare Open Enrollment

VENTURA — With the Medicare Open Enrollment period about to begin, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) – part of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the Human Services Agency – will again be providing countywide resources and help.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to the public.

In October, November, and December, HICAP counselors — who are registered with the California Department of Aging —  will be all around the county, hosting 37 One-Stops to provide individual counseling sessions, as well as 13 “2024 Medicare Changes” presentations.

Jiffy Lube, Meals on Wheels Team Up to Support VCAAA’s Meal-Delivery Programs

VENTURA — Jiffy Lube and Meals on Wheels have created a partnership that will benefit the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s meal-delivery programs to homebound older adults during the month of October.

From now until October 31, Jiffy Lube customers who receive oil changes, tire rotations, or other vehicle maintenance will have the opportunity to donate $1, $3, $5 or more to Meals on Wheels at checkout. Those funds will be used to support the meal-delivery efforts of the VCAAA, which is a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency.

Participating Jiffy Lube locations in Ventura County include:

11th Annual Heroes of Hospice Luncheon Honored Santa Barbara Foundation, Charlie Zimmer, and HSB’s Patient Care Services Team

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) 11th Annual Heroes of Hospice (HOH) luncheon was held on Sunday, September 10th at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort.  This year, HOH raised a record-breaking $215,000 in funds, which will support the wonderful work of HSB in helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. 

The luncheon had a special focus on Celebrating Those We Love and their ongoing impact in our lives, and honored the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. The demand for HSB’s services continues to grow and fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach more community members. 

Friendship Adult Day Care Center — This week’s feature: LIVE auction packages – Wine Down Tomorrow, September 14th (4-7)

Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!

The funds raised from Wine Down benefit Friendship Center’s daily programs offering social, physical, emotional and cognitive stimulation to dependent adults and seniors. These programs, which include music, art, educational offerings and excursions, are uniquely designed to honor and celebrate the remarkable life stories of our Center’s members. Let’s come together, raise our glasses, and elevate lives through the magic of togetherness and giving.

Friendship Adult Day Services — Wine Down fundraiser to be held Sept. 14

Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!

CSU Channel Islands Health Science faculty member will use national fellowship to research needs of local aging population

CAMARILLO — Ventura County’s senior population (age 65+) is expected to increase 14% this year to 224,812, outpacing the overall growth of the county population, which is projected to increase just 2% to 884,148 in 2023. CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)…

Friendship Center — This week’s feature: The Blue Bar-B-Que Basket – Wine Down: Thursday, September 14th (4-7)

This week’s Feature:
The BLUE BBQ Basket
Donated by Love & Care

Take a load off this summer, we’ve done the work for you! So go ahead and *Thrill* your Grill Master with this flaming hot basket that packs a punch of FLAVOR! Loaded with savory seasonings and solid tools to get the grilling done right and serve your masterpiece fresh off the grill in style!

*** Come bid on this Blue BBQ beauty at the Wine Down ***

Registration opens Aug. 7 for CSU Channel Islands’ OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Fall Session I classes

CAMARILLO — The season is changing, and we look to new opportunities.  OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University Channel Island is offering ten new classes in Ventura County.

Fall Session I is your opportunity to explore the Dawn of the easiest humans.  Examine fossil evidence of early members of humans dating from 2.8 million years ago to 300 thousand years ago.  

Edgar Allen Poe dreamt dreams that no mortal even dreamt to dream before.  Learn more in our class on his life and writings.

Be an armchair traveler to Australia in our class “the Land Down Under” and learn about the history, geography and culture of this far-off land.

Learn how a rush for glory and riches brought Europeans to Afric

One Month Left to Nominate for Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) LEGACY Awards

VENTURA COUNTY — NominatIons for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) LEGACY Awards are now being accepted,

Consider nominating an exceptional business, organization, or individual that exemplifies commitment to service for:

Older Adults
People with Disabilities
Caregivers

Friendship Center — You’re Invited! Wine Down on Sept. 14

Friendship Center is looking forward to our 11th Annual Wine Down to be held Thursday, September 14th, 2023, from 4 to 7pm outdoors at our Montecito Center’s courtyard. This delicious and delightful event brings us together to enjoy an evening of great local wines and beer, along with hearty hors d’oeuvres and live music, all for a good cause!

The event will feature LIVE music with several wines from our local regions, local craft beer and locally brewed coffee, all paired with a mouthwatering array of delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Your contributions raise funds for LEAP, our Life Enrichment Activity Program, providing music, movement and excursion programs for seniors with dementia, led by local entertainers and instructors, engaging our members in mind, body, and spirit.

Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Earns Two National Mature Media Awards

VENTURA — The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a department of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, was honored twice in the 32nd annual National Mature Media Awards.

The 2022 edition of LIVEWell received Gold honors in the magazine category. It’s the fourth consecutive year that the publication has been recognized, but the first time it has received Gold status after being Bronze in 2021 and 2022 and Silver in 2020. LIVEWell, an annual publication that provides articles and resource listings, is the premier resource guide in Ventura County for individuals 60 and older, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

Friendship Center names Katheryn Westland as its New Executive Director

SANTA BARBARA —

Friendship Center is Pleased to Announce Katheryn Westland as its New Executive Director. She brings extensive experience, focused passion and innovative vision to her work in the senior care space.  

Kathryn previously served as the Friendship Center’s Program manager and is excited to join the organization in the capacity of Executive Director. 

Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is Back! Exhibitor Registration Opens June 15

SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo is returning after a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The deadline to register as a sponsor or exhibitor is August 1, 2023.

Organizations have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers and network with more than 100 booths focused on the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community. Exhibit space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, and is expected to sell out early.

“The Expo is the only event of its kind on the Central Coast. Attendees receive great information on the plethora of services resources available to them,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “With the support of our sponsors and exhibitors, and the help of more than 50 volunteers, we are really proud to be able to bring the Senior Expo back to the community this year.”

SLO Veterans Museum — Reminder: Join us on Memorial Day in SLO on May 29

This Memorial Day, join us in San Luis Obispo as we give special honor and recognition to the individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving their country.

DID YOU KNOW? The San Luis Obispo Memorial Day remembrance event was originally offered at the San Luis cemetery in 1885 by the Civil War veterans of the Fred Steele Post 70 of the Grand Army of the Republic.  At that time celebrations included a patriotic parade beginning at Higuera and Chorro streets, ending at the San Luis Cemetery. 

Friendship Center Special Announcement – Heidi Holly Retires after 38 Years!

This message goes out to our staff, our Board members, members of our Center, caregivers, volunteers, patrons, grantors, donors, artists and community partners: It takes a village to care for our cherished elders and their caregivers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served our community!

Thank you everyone for being such an important part of my 38 FABULOUS YEARS serving seniors at Friendship Center! 

With much love and gratitude, 

Heidi Holly
Executive Director

Lompoc Announces Guide to 2023 Summer Events & Festivals

As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.

With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.

For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.

No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.

Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer  https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:

Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — A Message From Heidi Holly — Spring Appeal 2023

Our beautiful city of Santa Barbara has recently been quenched with abundant rains, and spring pokes through the mantle of soil with colorful new life. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it is a perfect time to reflect on the nurturers in our lives, whether they be past or present. In the spirit of connectedness, we can express our gratitude for the motherly figures who provided love, care, food, support and guidance. Won’t you please consider a gift to Friendship Center in honor of your mother, which benefits the elderly mothers we care for here every day?

Friendship Center’s Heidi Holly to Leave Organization after 38 Years One Of Santa Barbara’s Most Beloved Executive Directors is Stepping Down

Heidi Holly, Executive Director of the Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara for over 38 years is planning to retire in July.  The adult day program provides services for aging and dependent adults and respite for their caregivers. Friendship Center brings social activities to enhance seniors’ quality of life, promote self-esteem, and increase their ability to continue living at home.  

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Approves Move Aligning entura County Area Agency on Aging as Division of HSA

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday (April 25) to approve a change in the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s administrative reporting structure, which will see the VCAAA become a division of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. The move is intended to better align the county’s older adult services.

The VCAAA will retain its current organizational structure, and there will be no change to the existing services provided by the VCAAA, or how clients access these services.

A newly formed Aging and Disability Department will oversee both the AAA functions and programs, and in a phased manner, will assume oversight of four programs currently managed by the HSA: In-Home Support Services (IHSS), IHSS-Public Authority, Adult Protective Services, and Public Administrator.

March/April 2023 Friendly Finch Friendship Center’s Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Dear Friends & Supporters,

You made my heart go pitter patter!! The 24th Festival of Hearts held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in February was by far the most successful… in part due to your participation!!! Thank you for putting your “heart and soul” into making this event fly by sponsoring, making donations, bidding on live auction items and heart art, purchasing tickets… and just showing up! A shout out to the amazing events committee, board of directors, staff, “heart wrangler” Sharon Morrow, and many volunteers. Fundraising events support our operations and our seniors and families who matter most to us. Below is a brief video produced by David Harlow, our videographer extraordinaire, and some testimonials that come from the heart!

Bingocize Joins Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA)’s Fall Prevention Class Lineup

Bingocize, a nationally recognized evidence-based program, will join the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition’s award-winning lineup of classes next month.

Bingocize strategically combines the game of bingo, exercise and health education, according to the National Council on Aging. During the 10-week program, participants play a traditional game of Bingo twice a week, with each session also including exercises (range of motion, balance, muscle strengthening, and endurance) and health education questions.

Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022

Volunteers at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging contributed more than 7,000 hours of assistance in 2022, providing an estimated value of more than $250,000 in work to the agency.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in the VCAAA’s programs and services,” VCAAA Director Victoria Jump said. “A significant part of what we do for the community would not be possible without the commitment that our volunteers have shown over the years. We are very thankful for the contributions they have made to improving the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Ventura County.”

Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Grants available for Thousand Oaks seniors, households affected by the Thomas Fire

Join VCCDC and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to learn about grants that can help seniors living in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village and households impacted by the Thomas Fire with home improvements to prepare their home for wildfires including screening vents, clearing vegetation, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and more!

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 26th @ 6pm
LOCATION: Online (receive link once you register)

Explore Lompoc Announces 2023 Events In Lompoc

A new year brings new opportunities. And in Lompoc, there’s always something exciting, engaging, and new to discover and experience.

From heavenly cuisine to cursed pirates. From colorful days in flower fields to electric nights in downtown Lompoc. From winemakers to trendsetters. From now through December 31, 2023, you’ll find all of this and more right here in the Lompoc Valley. All year long.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura News for Jan. 20, 2023

Since the onset of the January 2023 storms, California has been working closely with federal partners to provide support to impacted communities. On January 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration, which was approved by President Biden on January 9, 2023, to include Ventura County. The Presidential Emergency Declaration provides state and local assistance to providing emergency services, such as protecting lives and mitigating damage.

Following the Emergency Declaration, Ventura County continued to sustain damage from the January 9-10, storms that impacted public and private property. Considerable efforts to collect damage reports and conduct field assessments with state and federal partners are currently underway. Residents and business owners are asked to submit reports of damage or requests for assistance in hopes that Ventura County may also be included in a designation for Individual Assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Friendship Center Festival of Hearts 2023 — ONLINE PREVIEW SALE coming Thursday!

New for 2023 :we are having a Preview Sale so that you can peek at the fantastic heart art created by local artists and purchase any must have pieces before the live event at a set price – haggle free!

Also, a chance to purchase great auction packages, even if you cannot attend the live event.

The link to the sale will be sent via email on Thursday morning at 10am and you will have 2 weeks to shop before the live event.

Please keep your eyes peeled for the link Thursday morning, and happy shopping!

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Year’s End Review

Throughout this year, we have witnessed modern-day war as there are continued attacks on Ukrainians and their sovereignty. We have all experienced the transition out of COVID-19 and continue to see its devastating effects on our mental, physical, and emotional health. This year we have also seen communities continuing to come together to work towards common goals, like the completion of the Randal Road Debris Basin. After two long years of a global pandemic, we finally gathered to celebrate fiestas, birthdays, and other community events. I have continued pushing and advocating for more housing and alternative transportation methods. As we enter 2023, I will continue to advocate for local community needs, help improve our infrastructure and stand up against injustice. Thank you for all your support. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from my family to yours.

March 1 — Bilingual report — Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop to be held at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging

Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next event in a series of one-stop workshops to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 at the office of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging.

The public is encouraged to stop by that day 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.

May 2 — Pacific Coast Futures Retreat brings together forward thinkers to navigate AI, Climate and Aging population

Artificial intelligence. Aging populations. The climate crisis. The world is changing more rapidly than any other moment in history, opening the door to both unprecedented volatility and unmatched innovation. The time to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges is now — and an immersive Santa Barbara conference is equipping future-forward thinkers to lead the charge. 

Hosted by Global Futurist and Innovation Keynote Speaker Robert. B Tucker, the Pacific Coast Futures Retreat will bring the nation’s leading minds to Santa Barbara for an immersive one-day exploration in innovation. Registration is now open for the May 2 retreat, which is limited to 60 future-minded attendees.