LOMPOC — Reconnect with your besties and embark on the ultimate Girls’ getaway to Lompoc, California. From a leisurely breakfast to heart-pounding adventures and serene spa sessions, this itinerary promises a day of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
SANTA BARBARA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria proudly announces Fuel Her Fire, previously known as Women of Inspiration, to be held on April 4th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Girls Inc. campus. Fuel Her Fire is a fundraising and mentorship event designed to champion Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s STRONG, SMART, and BOLD mission, celebrating the remarkable contributions of community leaders who have ignited the passions and fueled the futures of girls in our community.
This year’s event will honor three outstanding individuals whose commitment and dedication have significantly impacted the lives of young girls in Carpinteria: Sonia Aguila, Tim Cohen, and junior honoree Ellie Lou Olvera.
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. Since 2010 the EDC has counseled over 3,000 women owned businesses and has helped generate over $22 billion in revenue. The EDC is dedicated in supporting women with achieving their business goals.
The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:
Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE
In December, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to take the first step by adopting the Housing Element Update, which contains over 30 programs and policies designed to create more housing opportunities. Some of them include:
Work to develop a local preference program so that those who live and work here have first priority for new housing
Requiring affordable housing in new rental projects
Creating housing for farmworkers and other local employees
Increasing housing and emergency shelters for the homeless
Lichtenstein’s latest book examines the former president’s expansive agenda, revealing why it was such ‘a fabulous failure’ and why its demise still haunts us today.
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CAMARILLO — According to Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), there are 13 million U.S. businesses owned by women, representing 42% of all American businesses. And a 2024 Wells Fargo Newsroom report indicated that women-owned businesses surged at almost double the rate of men’s from 2019-2023.
Local women business owners who are a part of this nationwide sisterhood or others in the business community who support women business owners can enjoy a day of inspiration and networking from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 8 on the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus at the inaugural “Women’s Business Conference 2024” co-hosted by CSUCI and the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA).
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Landlord Engagement Program has officially provided permanent housing for over 400 people with a 97.4% retention rate. This means 434 individuals, including 74 veterans, 54 seniors, and 153 children, now have a place to call home in our Ventura County community.
Homelessness and housing challenges are continuing to rise due to limited affordable housing supply, extremely low vacancy rates, and rising rents which all elevate the critical nature of this program. UWVC’s Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) advocates for and supports those prioritized for housing vouchers and housing subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners.
“In today’s competitive housing market, many people are struggling to find affordable places to live,” said Mitchel Sloan, president, and CEO of UWVC. “Our Landlord Engagement Program is helping provide a safe place to call home for our community’s most vulnerable individuals, families, seniors and veterans.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, a philanthropic organization founded 20 years ago by 12 local women, is proud to announce it will award a record-breaking grants pool of $1.125 million as part of its 20th Anniversary celebration. With this significant investment, the Women’s Fund continues improving the lives of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.
Over the past two decades, the Women’s Fund has donated nearly $10.5 million to 142 local nonprofits with impactful grants up to and exceeding $100,000. “We are thrilled to mark our 20th anniversary with this amazing grants pool and applaud the 1,300 women who made it possible with their generous donations,” said Jamie Dufek, Board Chair of the Women’s Fund. “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those most in need.”
Art & Aperitifs: “Art About Agriculture”
?Saturday, February 10, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$35 per person
Have plans Saturday evening? Spend it at the Santa Paula Art Museum during our all-new Art & Aperitifs event from 4 PM to 6 PM! Enjoy the current “Art About Agriculture” exhibition while sampling locally grown and made wine and cider from Santa Paula Cellars and Anna’s Cider. Listen to live music by Santa Paula chanteuse Shay Moulder, and watch a live painting demonstration by “Art About Ag” artist Gabriel Islas.
SANTA BARBARA — Chronic homelessness is a health and safety risk for an entire community, including those who are homeless. High concentrations of homeless persons often result in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, police intervention, incarceration and drug and sanitation issues. This is just one reason why organizations like DignityMoves are working to reduce homelessness by providing safe, dignified housing for homeless individuals and families. This service improves the lives of both the residents of DignityMoves housing sites as well as those living throughout Santa Barbara County.
“We do have many safety issues associated with where people are camped here in Santa Barbara County,” said Mark Hatwig, Fire Chief of Santa Barbara County. “Most of these homeless encampments are not safe living spaces. …
Last month, SJFVC participated in the Justice For All rally and march and held a Peer Grant Writing Workshop with our current and past Fellows. Being able to connect with and support our Fellows and local community has allowed for…
LOMPOC — Situated on California’s gorgeous central coast, Lompoc’s Jalama Beach is waiting to be discovered. With its wild beauty, rugged charm, and off-the-beaten-path location, this beach offers an authentic California experience unlike any other. Join us on a journey as we explore the allure of Jalama Beach and why it’s perfect for your next beach adventure. https://explorelompoc.com/jalama-beach/
The Wildling Museum is now the California Nature Art Museum
Venerable Solvang Mainstay Celebrates the Natural Beauty and Diversity of the Golden State through Art, Education, and Conservation
VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education. In 2022-23, Women United presented 14 education awards to local single mothers pursuing their education and has given out 69 awards since 2018.
Sixty-four percent of single mothers in Ventura County do not earn sufficient income to meet their basic needs and a critical component is Education.
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception Thursday, January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — January 2024 marks the twentieth annual National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to this traumatic and dangerous crime. Stalking impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States but too often goes unrecognized and unaddressed.1 It takes all of us – advocates, legal representatives, victims/survivors and their friends and family, and YOU – to recognize and respond to stalking. This month, Lumina Alliance invites you to join our efforts to “KNOW IT. NAME IT. STOP IT.” – this year’s Stalking Awareness Month theme, and help raise awareness about stalking on the Day of Action on January 18th.
SANTA BARBARA — For women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, the world can be a lonely place. Only 30 percent of STEM professionals in this vital, high-paying field are women, and many report facing discrimination, unconscious bias and a general lack of role models and support.
A free, online summit in April organized by Santa Barbara-based leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. The “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM Fields”, to be held from April 1 to 4, is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is thrilled to announce its upcoming fundraising event, Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars, set to captivate audiences on Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, at Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach. The event, presented by BHE Renewables, promises to be a dazzling night of entertainment, all while supporting a noble cause.
Lumina Nights featuring Dancing with Our Stars is a unique and exciting showcase that brings together local celebrities, community leaders, and prominent figures who will pair up with professional dancers to compete for the coveted title. The evening will be filled with sensational dance performances, laughter, and camaraderie, all in the spirit of raising funds for Lumina Alliance’s critical services that are facing significant government funding cuts in the coming year.
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser this Saturday, April 20, 2024! In honor of the Museum’s Limoneira Building turning 100 this year, we’re going to party like it’s 1924! Join us inside the Museum for a Roaring ’20s evening of art, live music by Sophie Holt and Studio C, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special painting demonstration, and more.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks.
In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.
Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth
CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th), Healing Grief Through Art (April 4th through April 25th), and Anticipatory Loss (March 4th through May 23rd). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village, California’s sun-kissed seaside playground, celebrates the kick-off to summertime with an engaging lineup of events in June. Paired with relaxing moments to waterfront dine and wine taste, one-of-a-kind coastal boutiques, and boat rental options that glide visitors on the water, this seaside destination specializes in curating events and activities for time well spent with family and friends. Below is a roster of “must-SEA” happenings, accompanied bycomplimentary parking near the seashore. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Here’s a look at what’s trending seaside:
Created by the founders of Mujeres Makers Market, Mujeres Summit 2024 helps existing and potential small business owners learn from entrepreneurs’ experiences and challenges and share valuable and practical resources.
Get a Chance to Meet EDC Director of Strategic Relations Alondra Gaytán!
EDC Director of Strategic Relations Alondra Gaytán, will speak about insights on forging pathways to inclusive economic development.
Click Alondra’s image below to read her bio!
OXNARD — The All of Us Journey is headed your way. Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come.
The All of Us Journey traveling education exhibit will be held from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 18-19 at the Southwinds Youth Center, 300 W. Clara St., Oxnard.
OXNARD — The All of Us Journey is headed your way. Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come.
The All of Us Journey traveling education exhibit will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.
The Gala will honor three local heroes: Dr. Thomas Duncan, the Honorable Brian J. Back, and the Ventura County Community Foundation. The theme, Voices of Hope, shines a light on, and raises money for, victim support to improve the lives of those impacted by family violence and trauma in Ventura County. The evening will be filled with inspiration, education, music, a live auction, dinner, and more. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.vcfjcfoundation.org/
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi on Monday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Spend a delicious evening with world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi as he discusses his new book, Comfort, and prepares one of his dishes live on stage.
SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Anne Lamott in a talk titled Somehow: Thoughts on Love on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. An enchanting, lyrical writer, Anne Lamott takes on the most complex, intimate parts of life with grace and precision. Her novels and memoirs have won the most sought-after literary prizes and her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, explores the struggles of love and the transformative power of intimacy. Lamott’s trademark honesty and humor will be on full display as she discusses finding love late in life, the changing ways we love our children and the ways love can keep us going in a painful world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County residents are invited to participate in a community forum about a California law called the TRUTH Act and the access local governments may provide to federal immigration authorities. The meeting’s original scheduled date has been postponed by one week for the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda management.
The TRUTH Act Forum will take place during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the County Administration Building Board Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. The public may participate virtually, or in person. Information on methods of Participation can be found here.
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.
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
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season from your friends at United Way of Ventura County.
