Category: Women

Museum of Ventura County — Pardon our dust – A fresh exhibit (and fun events!) are on the way

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

BEHIND-THE-SCENES – Stories of Hearst Castle

Tuesday, June 3
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura

Join MClub & Museum of Ventura County for an informative Lunch & Learn with Architectural historian Victoria Kastner. Kastner will share many behind-the-scenes stories about Hearst Castle at San Simeon— examining its buildings, gardens, swimming pools, and glamorous guests. She will also reveal new information about Julia Morgan—its talented architect—and Julia’s unique collaboration with her influential client, William Randolph Hearst.

Victoria Kastner was the official historian at Hearst Castle for nearly three decades. In addition to her new biography about its talented architect (Julia Morgan: An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect), she has also written three volumes chronicling its fascinating history: Hearst Castle: The Biography of a Country House; Hearst’s San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land; and Hearst Ranch: Family, Land, and Legacy. Ms. Kastner has a Master’s Degree in Public History with a specialty in architectural history from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Museum Management from George Washington University. She has also published works on the Beverly Hills Hotel, Bernard Maybeck’s Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, and the novels of Charles Dickens. Purchase your tickets HERE.

Speak Out on May 13 to Support Climate Action and Ensure Oil Drilling Has an End Date

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, May 13, the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors will hear a staff presentation on the potential to prohibit new oil drilling and phase out oil operations in Santa Barbara County. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for a cleaner future for the California Central Coast.

By pledging to phase out oil drilling, Santa Barbara has the chance to be a climate leader and demonstrate a clear commitment to a healthier, cleaner county for all. Help us ensure oil drilling in our county has an end date.

To learn more about the hearing, explore the agenda here and the staff report here. Our agenda item, Address Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations, is the eighth and final item on the agenda. See the Learn More section below for additional background information and resources.

Bilingual report — Santa Paula Councilmember Jenny Crosswhite appointed SCAG Second Vice President

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula proudly announces the appointment of Councilmember and former two-time Mayor Jenny Crosswhite as Second Vice President of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the largest metropolitan planning organization in the United States. Crosswhite’s appointment was formally confirmed at SCAG’s General Assembly on May 1, 2025.

39th Annual California Strawberry Festival (May 17-18) — Strawberry Treats And Family Fun

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

… Every year, strawberry lovers look forward to the festival’s tasty strawberry-themed food and beverages while enjoying a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts and other activities. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.

Over 50 food and beverage vendors will serve a variety of treats, including strawberry-themed nachos, chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry kabobs, strawberry popcorn, and strawberry margaritas and beer. Festivalgoers can visit the Strawberry Shortcake Experience where they can build their own berry dessert for $7.

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) — Estate Planning, Down Payment Assistance and More

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

13th Annual Homeownership Conference – Saturday, June 28th

We’re proud to present the 13th Annual A New Way Home Homeownership Conference, our premier event dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their path to homeownership, now back in person! This year, we bring together industry experts, community leaders, and local resources to provide invaluable insights, workshops, and tools that can help you achieve the dream of owning a home. If you want to ditch rent and become a homeowner this conference is for you!

Port of Hueneme Community Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

The Port of Hueneme proudly acknowledges April as Autism Acceptance Month. The Board of Harbor Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing this important month, which was received by the Autism Society Ventura County (ASVC).

We were also honored to sponsor the 13th Annual Aut2Run on April 27th — a meaningful event hosted by ASVC and attended by over 3,000 people. Aut2Run promotes awareness and acceptance for autistic individuals and their families.

SEEAG’s Gill’s Onions’ ‘Double Your Impact Challenge’

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Gill’s Onions will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) through the end of May as part of SEEAG’s 6th Annual Double Your Impact Challenge.

All proceeds benefit SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab program in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The program builds awareness and appreciation among grade schoolers for agriculture and the importance of eating healthy. It combines classroom learning with farm field trips and hands-on learning that includes water, plant, and soil science activities—all at no cost to students, teachers or schools.

“The Double Your Impact Challenge helps keep our program free,” says Caitlin Paulus-Case, SEEAG’s executive director. “Gill’s Onions’ generosity and all those who donate during May will help ensure our ability to provide the no-cost program during this coming school year.”

Ventura EcoFest 2025 draws thousands to celebrate Earth Day and sustainability

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

“We’re grateful to our incredible community for showing up and showing heart,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director, Ventura Charter School. “EcoFest is more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of how small actions, taken together, can shape a more sustainable future.” Guests of all ages enjoyed a rich array of experiences, including:

From free film screenings and public talks to advocacy meetups, Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub is a space where community members can gather, learn, and lead

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

Immerse yourself in an evening of Wild Hope.

Through captivating storytelling, the PBS series Wild Hope

explores bold climate solutions, showcases nature’s resilience, and sparks renewed hope for the future of our planet. We invite you to join us for special screenings and an evening of inspiration, emceed by local author and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Humes.

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) announces ‘When Light and Sound Become Form’ on May 10, other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Saturday, May 10th, 2025
10:00am PST // 1:00pm EST

COLOR, LIGHT, MOTION, EPISODE 28

Co-presenters Frederick Janka and Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin will be discussing four objects from the David Bermant Foundation Collection: Nam June Paik, Participation TV, 1969; Otto Piene, Light Ballet I; Marcel Duchamp, Rotorelief (optical discs) 1935-1953, edition c. 1965, and Alejandro & Moira Sina, Spinning Shaft 1978, 1983.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces Mountain Fire Debris Removal Fully Complete for Properties Enrolled in the County-led Debris Removal Program

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

“Our Environmental Health Division team, along with our hired contractors and State partners, approached this effort with great care as we managed the program and supported property owners throughout the process”, said Charles Genkel, Environmental Health Division Director. “This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about helping people take an important step toward healing and recovery. As we move into the rebuilding phase, the County remains committed to supporting property owners every step of the way.”

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Santa Paula Art Museum — California Art Club’s ‘Plein Air Visions’ opens Saturday, May 10, other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Premiere Party: California Art Club’s “Plein Air Visions”

?
Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM members, $10 Non-members

We didn’t quite plan for the entire Museum to be filled with art by members of the California Art Club, but we’re not mad now that it has happened! On Saturday, May 10, join us for the premiere of “Plein Air Visions,” featuring two dozen current CAC members. You’ll also enjoy CAC Signature Artist Anne Ward’s solo exhibition, “Painted Seasons,” and a mini-exhibit of works by historic CAC members Jessie Arms Botke and Cornelis Botke.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Bridge to a Bright Future Undergraduates walk FUERTE’s wild path toward environmental careers’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Building future careers in STEM, students in the FUERTE program travel to the Eastern Sierra to explore nature, gain field experience and learn from top scientists.

Read more about FUERTE in this special multimedia feature.

Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West announcing the arrival of Jun Kaneko’s Monumental Sculpture

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

United Way of Ventura County announces author Sharrell Jackson as Women United Luncheon keynote speaker on May 30

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — We’re thrilled to announce Scharrell Jackson, celebrated author with over 25 years of executive leadership experience, as our keynote speaker for the Women United Education Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 30th at Cal Lutheran University. Scharrell is a champion of United Way’s collective community impact work, and we are honored to have her join us! Get your tickets today!

CSUCI Class of 2025 Commencement ceremonies set for Saturday, May 17

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will celebrate the graduating Class of 2025 during two ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Almost 1,500 of the 2,198 students eligible to graduate will participate during one of the ceremonies. Students will participate in either the morning or afternoon ceremony depending on their academic major. Over 550 students will graduate with academic honors.

UCSB — The Current — ‘New frontiers for well-being in Antarctica and isolated spaces’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Media Arts and Technology doctoral students are helping to pioneer AI tools supporting mental health in Antarctica and other extreme environments.

Community Colleges of Ventura County Uplift LGBTQIA+ graduates at third annual Lavender Celebration

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

LULAC commemorates Cinco de Mayo by calling on all Americans to defend the Constitution and uphold civil rights

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual commentary — Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Big Things are Blooming at the Museum of Ventura County this Spring

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

County of Santa Barbara May 2025 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

Stay connected—sign up for alerts now to be prepared ahead of the upcoming emergency alert system test.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — ou’re Invited to Celebrate Our Community’s Great Navigators – Limited Tickets Remaining!

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Lumina Nights: Dancing with Our Stars Raises Over $122,000 for local survivors—and the Dancing Isn’t Over Yet

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — The latest news from the County of Ventura

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Downtown Oxnard — Fiesta time is here!

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Bilingual report — Don’t Miss Your Flight! Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate to Apply for a REAL ID or Passport

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion is reminding residents that starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights.

To apply for a REAL ID or passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship—most commonly, a certified copy of their birth certificate. This must be obtained from the county where the individual was born.

United Way of Ventura County secures $1.7 million in funding to address homelessness

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

CSUCI awards area business and non-profit partners during Connections Breakfast

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Representatives from area businesses, the non-profit sector, the health industry, and a faculty member from the campus were recognized as valuable partners to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) during the annual CSUCI Connections Breakfast.

The sold-out event took place on campus where participants had a chance to mingle and look over student research projects on display before sitting down to breakfast and welcome remarks from CSUCI Vice President for Advancement Richard LeRoy and President Richard Yao.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura appoints Roger Robinson new Human Services Agency Director

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

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 County Students Dazzle at Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 middle and high schoolers from throughout Ventura County marveled industry professionals last Thursday with their innovation and technical talent at the first annual Industry and Education: Student Project Showcase in Camarillo. The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to highlight the ingenuity of local youth and the importance of providing educational opportunities that can lead to local manufacturing careers.

Ventura Harbor Village launches Seaside Vacay Giveaway 2025

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report Allan Hancock College hosts art, music, dance and film events (and ?Folklórico Invitational Concert) May 1 through 19

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Strawberries Rule at 39th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — More than a million and a half strawberries will be eaten over two days during the 39thAnnual California Strawberry Festival, May 17 and 18 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds(10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

Many of the 50 food vendors at the festival will serve strawberry-themed offerings. Festival goers can treat themselves to such treats as chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer, margaritas and smoothies.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — The Art Awards Are Back on July 13, more news

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara Presents
The 2025 Art Awards

Mary Heebner
Dr. JoAnn Kuchera-Morin
Gabriela Ruiz
Manjari Sharma
Diana Thater

Ventura County Community Development Corp. Community Matters Newsletter – April 2025

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

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!

UCSB — The Current — ‘Alcohol marketing ushered in a golden age of drinking in America’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

May at the Santa Paula Art Museum

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Samara Harris joins Reicker, Pfau, Pyle and McRoy

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2025 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Samara Harris, a corporate and real estate attorney with experience working on a variety of complex transactions, recently joined the premier, full-service law firm Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy.

Harris joined Reicker Pfau on March 17 as an associate in the firm’s Transactions Department. Her practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and general contract and corporate matters.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Harris has represented a wide range of clients, including private equity funds, public companies, developers, individuals, and hotel companies in connection with complex real estate deals. These transactions have included the acquisition, disposition, financing, leasing, land banking and franchising of diverse real estate assets, such as multifamily and residential developments, student housing, mixed-use developments, retail centers, hotels and single-family homes.

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