Category: Youth

Early Summer Day Camp Registration Begins At Southeast Ventura County YMCA Branches

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2023 • Comments Off

Southeast Ventura County YMCA branches are taking early registrations for their summer day camps. Camp is from June 20 to August 18 through the Yarrow Family YMCA and from June 5 to August 4 through the Simi Valley Family YMCA.

Campers in TK to 5th grade can attend full-time (four to five days a week) or part-time (two to three days a week) for the entire camp session or selected weeks. Leadership-In-Training camp is for 6th to 8th graders (full-time only).

Onsite activities include sports, swimming, arts and crafts and in-person shows based on the campers’ age group. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended care hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at no additional charge.

By Strengthening Their Relationship, Parents Can Improve Outcomes for Children

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

“Strengthening your relationship can not only improve your personal happiness, but improve the overall wellbeing of the family,” said Alison Espínola, Family Service Agency’s Health & Human Services (HHS) Grant Manager. “Research shows that children are safer, healthier, and more likely to thrive when adults in their lives have healthy relationships—whether or not they are married or romantically involved.”

Maintaining any relationship requires on-going effort. The good news is that there are tools available to help couples achieve their goals in relationships and with their family.

Santa Paula Art Museum — It’s Our Anniversary

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

The Santa Paula Art Museum will celebrate its thirteenth anniversary on Valentine’s Day—an auspicious date, as this Museum runs on a whole lot of love. We hope you’ll join us for the Museum’s 13th Anniversary Party on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The event is one of SPAM’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Enjoy an exciting evening of art, live music by Studio C featuring Sophie Holt, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and more. Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include two complimentary drink tickets. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Submit a nomination for the 80th annual ‘Person of the Year’ awards

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Nominations are open for the 80th Annual Person of the Year awards. The Santa Barbara Foundation invites the community at large to nominate an individual, couple, or family. Nominations are accepted now through 5pm on February 24, 2023. Nominations will be accepted online at https://www.sbfoundation.org/person-of-the-year-nominations/.

Considered one of the Santa Barbara area’s most prestigious awards, the Person of the Year awards honor Santa Barbara area individuals, couples, or families whose extraordinary service represent a meaningful commitment to the community; address a real community need or enhance the quality of life; or has demonstrated exemplary acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation in the Santa Barbara area. Recipients are selected from a wide range of candidates nominated by community members.

2023 Ventura County Mock Trial Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2023 • Comments Off

Trinity Pacific Christian School is the winner of both the high school and middle school divisions of the 2023 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Twenty-one high schools from throughout Ventura County participated in Mock Trial this year. Here’s how the eight highest-scoring high school teams ranked:

Trinity Pacific Christian School, Silver Team
Oak Park High School, Black Team
Westlake High School
La Reina High School
Trinity Pacific Christian School, Blue Team
Santa Susana High School, Troubadours
Newbury Park High School, Gold Team
Santa Susana High School, Teal Team

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Groundbreaking Voice’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2023 • Comments Off

Author and professor Cherríe Moraga will receive the 18th annual Luis Leal Award.

Westlake, Thousand Oaks, and Channel Islands High Schools Take Top Spots in 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held in person over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony today at Oxnard High School. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Thousand Oaks High School
3rd Place: Channel Islands High School
This is the third consecutive year that Westlake High School has placed first overall. Complete individual and team results in all of the various categories are available at this link.

OPAC + El Concilio announce a COVID-19 Poster Art Contest with $1,500 in cash prizes!

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) and El Concilio Family Services have teamed up for a COVID-19 Poster Art Contest which is accepting submissions now through March 3, 2023. There are two categories for entries: Grades K-5 and 6-12. Prizes will be offered for the top 3 winners in each category: 1st place – $500 cash prize, 2nd place – $200 cash prize, and 3rd place a $50 Target gift card. Prize Sponsor is The Children’s Workshop and funding is provided in part through the California VA58 Campaign.

COVID-19 took a devastating toll on our community and we’re still dealing with the virus and its impacts. We need your help to make sure our friends, family members, neighbors, and peers stay protected because the virus has not gone away.

Local youth in Grades K-12 are encouraged to create posters that remind people about COVID-19 safety and the importance of vaccines. Posters can show how COVID has affected students or their community. They can also be more general and encourage mask-wearing, getting the vaccine or getting boosted.

37th Annual California Strawberry Festival Call for Applicants: Makers of Unique, Quality Handcrafted Artwork and Craft items

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival is accepting applications from individual makers of quality, handcrafted works by artists and crafters for this year’s festival taking place May 20 and 21 at the festival’s new location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The deadline to submit an application is February 13.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura announces new scholarship for EV workforce development

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) and Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5) are pleased to announce the “Power Your Future” Scholarship, open to all state-certified general electricians in the central coast tri-county region.

Ventura County Arts Council — See Ventura County Employee, Retiree & Family Art Show Winners

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2023 • Comments Off

Congratulations to the winners of our annual, all-ages competitive art show for Ventura County employees, retirees and their family members. The show is hosted in partnership with the County of Ventura and is generously sponsored by the National Arts Program.

You can see the show now through Friday, February 3, 2023during business hours in our Atrium Gallery inside the Ventura County Government Center Hall of Administration located 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.

Ventura College Foundation Provides $776,264 in Direct Student Support During 2021-2022 Academic Year

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $776,264 in direct student support during the 2021-2022 academic year and another $1.24 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 department and divisions.

Of the $776,264 in direct student support, $756,908 was in the form of scholarships. “The student scholarship distribution is our largest ever,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “A growing community donor based helped us reach the $1.24 million mark to support Ventura College programs.”

Moorpark College to Launch Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biomanufacturing

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2023 • Comments Off

The biotech field is expected to grow faster than average through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Area biotech companies report struggling to fill positions for well-trained staff on their production teams. To meet this need, Moorpark College will offer a bachelor’s degree in applied biomanufacturing, expanding on the college’s proven track record of its associate degree in biotechnology.

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors granted Moorpark College official approval of the degree on Jan. 23. Students can begin the program with the fall 2024 semester.

“Students who earn this degree will be well-equipped to pursue careers in the growing biotech industry,” said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. “Moorpark College aims to provide our community with educational opportunities that lead to careers that help them build wealth — not just a living wage — and salaries that lift students out of poverty into solid middle-class professional jobs.”

Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Today, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Probation Officer Gina Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective January 29, 2023. Chief Deputy Johnson will serve in this role while the County of Ventura continues its search for the permanent Chief Probation Officer. Chief Deputy Johnson succeeds Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela who is retiring from County service on January 28 after 34 years of service, the last 13 of which he served as Chief Probation Officer for the Agency.

“We look forward to welcoming Interim Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson to this important leadership position for the Probation Agency and I want to thank her for being willing to serve during this time of transition,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We thank Chief Varela for his many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated work at the Probation Agency and within the community. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to working with Interim Chief Johnson.”

Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program Announces New Group for LGBTQ+ Community

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week grief support group program for our LGBTQ+ community. The group will meet every Tuesday from February 7th through April 11th. The group will meet in person at our Camarillo Grief Center. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.

UCSB ‘The Current’ — ‘Igniting Change Through Art’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

A new library installation attempts to spark serious thinking about human impacts on the environment.

Santa Paula Police Explorers Earn an Award in First-Ever Chandler Tactical Competition

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2023 • Comments Off

In January, Santa Paula Police Department Explorer Post #2350 embarked on its first-ever journey to participate in the Chandler Tactical Competition. Explorers representing 45 law enforcement agencies from across the nation participated in the highly competitive event in Chandler, Arizona. The Post returned to Santa Paula with a Third Place Award in the “Unknown Alarm Response” Scenario.

The Chandler Police Department in Arizona has hosted this annual event for the past 25 years. Not only does the trip involve continuous training throughout the year, but it also requires strong leadership and mentorship by our Post’s advisors. Participation in this prestigious competition required a lot of logistical planning and a high level of supervision by the adult advisors consisting of volunteers, professional staff, and sworn officers. Interim Police Chief Don Aguilar attended the event to support the explorers and advisors.

Museum of Ventura County — New Exhibit ‘Finding the Light’ Now Open, upcoming events

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2023 • Comments Off

Finding the Light:

Works from MVC’s

Permanent Collection

Now Open

at the Museum of Ventura County

Finding the Light explores how artists use light not only to influence shape and color, but also to impart deep meaning. The exhibit, featuring works by renowned and diverse regional artists including Guy Webster, Andrea Vargas, Henry Chapman Ford, and Susan Petty, is the first exhibit installed in the new Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Gallery.

This gallery has been created through a generous endowment from the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund and is designed to showcase the Museum of Ventura County’s permanent collection.

Learn more about Finding the Light here.

Bilingual report — Congresswoman Julia Brownley presents $640,000 to the County of Ventura for Oxnard Family Justice Center services and resources

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2023 • Comments Off

On Monday, January 23, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented a check for $640,000 to the County of Ventura to expand crime victim services and resources in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The money will help with the expansion of the Ventura County Family Justice Center, a program administered by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, at a new location in Oxnard.

“This money will help to provide funds for bilingual victim advocates, help children who have been victims of domestic violence by funding youth programs, and it will provide onsite civil legal services at the Oxnard Family Justice Center,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Congresswoman Brownly has been a steadfast champion of public safety and crime victims. We thank her for continuing to standup for Ventura County’s most vulnerable.”

Explore Lompoc Announces 2023 Events In Lompoc

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2023 • Comments Off

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.

SBCC’s The Bridge Newsletter — January 2023

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Newly elected trustees Ellen Stoddard and Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore (pictured in center, left to right) were sworn into the SBCC Board of Trustees by their retiring predecessors, Dr. Peter Haslund and Kate Parker, at the Dec. 15 meeting of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term. Additionally, Jonathan Abboud (left) and Dr. Anna Everett (right) were elected president and vice president of the Board, respectively.
Read about the new trustees on the SBCC Board of Trustees web page.
Read the press release on the new Board appointments.

Meadowlark Service League Hosts a Spring Charity Luncheon and Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Join the Meadowlark Service League (Meadowlarks) at Las Posas Country Club on Monday, March 6th, for their annual Spring Charity Luncheon, accompanied by a Tennis and Pickleball Tournament, as well as Silent and Live Auctions. The boutique features a great variety of vendors and is open to the public at no cost.

The ladies of the Meadowlark have been working hard to continue to create opportunities to raise funds that benefit the many charities that our events support. “This is the 25th anniversary of the Charity Luncheon and Tournament and it continues to give the women of Ventura County a chance to enjoy friendships, sport and special time to themselves,” noted longtime Meadowlark member and event chair, Gwen Speakes, “and we are so excited to host this year’s fun event. Join us for “Magical Moments.”

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

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2023 • Comments Off

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.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

Ventura Harbor Village: Take To The Great Outdoors With Island Packers Winter Whale Watching & Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has recently announced daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village, and is now offering Winter Whale Watching Excursions through April 2023. Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com.

Also, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/ for more information.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jumps into Second Gymnastics Session

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the year with a new session of gymnastics classes, following the success of its first programming session that launched in September. The 10-week program, offered on Thursday afternoons for students in TK-5thgradate, is currently serving 32 girls.

Girls Inc. Gymnastics Coach Kendall Clark stated that internal skills were a high point in the previous session, with participants displaying an increased level of mind-body connection, rotation disciple, and self-confidence. Participants also work on foundational skills including conquering successful cartwheels, handstands and back handsprings.

January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

At PSHH, we are not afraid to ask questions.

Now in our third year of DEI training, we have more than just poked at the edges; we have gone deep into the DNA of our fifty two year old organization. Marked with further and significant investments of funds and time, the next twelve months will see our staff-led initiatives continue to explore where we are, where we are going, and humbly, where we want to be.

Our continued progress is thanks to the authentic participation of our 200+ team members who have vulnerably shared their feelings and with conviction embraced new opportunities.

Teatro de las Américas announces Kids Workshop, Auditions, Taller de Cine

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Kids Workshop

Adventures in Theater with Ms. Alina

WHEN:

Wednesdays

January 18 – March 22, 4:30pm – 6pm

(Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, Mar 1, 8, 15)

(No class Feb 15 and 22)

Show: Mar. 22, 5:30pm

Ventura County Academic Competitions Seek Volunteers

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are returning in person this year, but we need the support of community volunteers to present these events for local students. The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Science Fairwill be taking place over the next several weeks. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see below for additional information and links to our online volunteer registration forms.

Local expert’s guide to evaluating statistics among OLLI classes

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

The Spring I 2023 session of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) features several new instructors, including a local expert who will explain how to separate the truth from the hype in “Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.”

Registration is open for the all-new slate of classes for students aged 50 and up. Classes run from Jan. 23 through March 3.

Singers of all ages and vocal ranges encouraged to audition for the CSUCI University Chorus

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Auditions are now open for singers who would like to join the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) University Chorus and be part of the Spring 2023 “Choral Spectacular!

Anyone wishing to audition is invited to send an email to University Chorus Artistic Director KuanFen Liu at downbeatplus@gmail.com to make an appointment for an audition from now until January 20.

Auditions are open to singers of all vocal ranges, ages 18 and up, and anyone on the CSUCI campus or in the surrounding community is welcome to audition. Liu is especially hoping to add more male singers to give the chorus more tenor, bass and baritone.

Applications sought for Santa Barbara County Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation

by Community Contributor • January 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Calling all vocalists and musicians. The deadline to apply for the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation’s annual awards competition is fast approaching.

Formed in 1982 to provide financial aid to deserving vocal and instrumental students with professional performance potential who live or study music in Santa Barbara County, PASF has announced a deadline of midnight Friday, March 3, for applications.

Auditions will be held April 7 and 8 at Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road in Santa Barbara. The competition is set for 3 p.m. on April 23 at the Academy’s Lehman Hall in the Marilyn Horne House.

California Strawberry Festival is Back – at a New Venue

by Community Contributor • January 11, 2023 • Comments Off

After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 2023 California Strawberry Festival will take place May 20-21. For the first time ever, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

“We are thrilled to relaunch the California Strawberry Festival in 2023 at the Fairgrounds,” says Dean Kato, Chairman of the California Strawberry Festival Board of Directors. “We realized that the event had outgrown the available space at our longtime venue, Oxnard’s College Park. It’s our ‘comeback’ year – and we want to come out bigger and better than ever.”

Aera Energy and Ventura College Foundation establish endowment to award scholarships to students studying STEM and pursuing energy careers

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Aera Energy, a longtime leader in the California energy industry, and the Ventura College Foundation (VCF) are excited to support young adults interested in pursuing future careers in energy, through a new endowment that provides STEM scholarships.

The Aera Energy STEM Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to students studying and seeking a degree in STEM disciplines and interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The endowment was launched through an initial $25,000 donation from Aera in December. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student every April.

“The future of reliable, safe and affordable energy for this and future generations of Californians relies, in part, on investment in our future workforce. These students are tomorrow’s engineers, teachers and geologists. That’s why Aera supports education in the communities where we operate,” said Amy Fonzo, external affairs advisor at Aera-Ventura. “We’re proud to help the VCF support young adults who are pursuing STEM education. These energy workers of the future will help power our state while innovating new technologies to meet the state’s climate goals.”

Happy New Year from MVC!

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Behind the Curtain
George Stuart Historical Figures®
New videos series!

The “Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®” exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to investigate each of George Stuart’s figures closely so that they can decide if they’re works of art, historical objects, or something else entirely. This new video series offers viewers the very same opportunity from the comfort of home. Watch more here.

Students Create the Future at Hackathon by the Sea

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

More than 100 students from 40 different high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education and the Hacker Fund, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

UCSB — The Current — ‘A Multifaceted Sensation’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Researchers reveal an added layer of nuance in our sense of smell.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) celebrates National Mentoring Month with Starbucks

by Community Contributor • January 9, 2023 • Comments Off

January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is celebrating by recruiting mentors through Starbucks locations across the county for the 80 Littles on their waitlist.

All month long, QR codes placed at over 15 Starbucks locations will connect patrons to a video where a waiting Little shares what they hope to do once they are matched with a Big. These QR codes are displayed with an item representing a waiting Little’s interests – like a miniature bike to represent Madeline, who wants to ride bikes with her future Big Sister.

Cottage Health Welcomes New Year’s Baby

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed the first babies of the new year.

Por Soua (PAW-SHOO-UH) and Grayson Peters of Goleta welcomed their first child, a daughter, named Rose, into the world at 3:33 am today at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Rose weighed 6 pounds, and was 18.75 inches in length.

Ventura Harbor Village (Ventura Port District) Recognized With Jewel Key Award for Beautification At Ventura Chamber of Commerce 25th Annual Poinsettia Awards in Ventura

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura Port District has been honored with the prestigious Jewel Key Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Poinsettia Awards for beautification of the Ventura Harbor Village. The Chamber selects the recipient of this significant annual award based on overall improvements over the past year.

Accepting the award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce was Ventura Port District General Manager Brian Pendleton and Ventura Port District Board Chairman Chris Stephens.

Santa Paula Art Museum — New Year, New Everything!

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Exhibit Premiere

Mary Neville’s “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation”

Premieres Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM Members / $10 Non-members

Meet Ojai artist Mary Neville at the Santa Paula Art Museum on Saturday, January 14, for the premiere of her solo exhibition, “Field Trip: 30 Days at a Higher Elevation.” With all-new mixed media paintings and works on paper, Neville unpacks her recent, month-long artist residency at Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico, once home to legendary artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.

“Field Trip” will be on view January 14, 2023, to May 7, 2023. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase.

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

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2023 • Comments Off

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.