Oct. 22 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Día de los Muertos’ Free Family Day

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present a “Día de los Muertos” Free Family Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

For the 34th year, the Museum honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in the Museum’s outreach programs and community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered on the Front Terrace and in the Family Resource Center. New this year, end the event at 3:45 pm with a procession down State Street to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) with Latinx Indigenous immigrant community members and traditional dances and music from the Mixtec and Zapotec region of Oaxaca.

For the procession, costumed participation (Catarinas, Calaveras, and skull or skeleton and human and animal inspired designs) is encouraged.

Oct. 24 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Self-Portrait En La Cherry: In Conversation with Artist Narsiso Martinez’

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Self-Portrait En La Cherry: In Conversation with Artist Narsiso Martinez” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

In conjunction with the exhibition Inside/Outside, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is pleased to welcome back Narsiso Martinez for a public presentation. Martinez takes the produce boxes from grocery stores and paints portraits of the agricultural laborers many of whom are undocumented and subjected to terrible working conditions. These poignant images bring to the fore all the unseen labor that supports agribusiness and come from his experience as a worker in the fields up and down the West Coast.

Oct. 26 — Plática with Manuel Unzueta at Santa Barbara City College

SANTA BARBARA — A Plática with Maestro Manuel Unzueta hosted by ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Santa Barbara City College.

Internationally acclaimed artist Manuel Unzueta will discuss his career as a muralist, educator, and community activist by highlighting the “Metamorphosis of Reality” mural he painted on Santa Barbara City College’s East Campus Center building in 1976 with SBCC students.

Oct. 28 — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) would like to cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, for an evening where we honor our ancestors through the ancient indigenous Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos that celebrates death as part of the cycle of life. The evening will feature performances by Ópera Mixe and Ballet Folklórico Nueva Antequera, as well as a selection of artisanal vendors, free community altars, and more!

Oct. 28 – Bilingual report — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to present Día de Muertos — In Concert

OXNARD — Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) invites the public to attend its Day of the Dead concert celebration in collaboration with Oxnard College on October 28, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. We are incredibly honored to be able to host this fantastic event in person for the first time in a few years! Joining us tonight is the incredibly talented Ópera Mixe, an ensemble made up of María Reyna and Joaquín Garzón, as we commemorate the indigenous celebration of death as part of the cycle of life. 

Oct. 30 — Julieta Venegas to peform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

OXNARD — Julieta Venegas to peform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center on Monday, Oct. 30, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m.

Venegas is one of the greatest exponents of Latin pop music. Composer, singer and Mexican musician, she has established herself as a Latin reference worldwide.

Her great versatility and talent have led her to perform in biggest stages and festivals worldwide, obtaining the recognition of Gold and Platinum Disc in countries such as Mexico, USA, Italy, Argentina, Brazil and Spain.

Nov. 1 — Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and Garcia Mortuary to present 42nd annual ‘Dia de Los Muertos Monarch Butterfly Celebration’ in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and Garcia Mortuary will present the 42nd annual “Dia de Los Muertos Monarch Butterfly Celebration” from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Cemetery, 2242 E. Pleasant Valley, Oxnard.

A FREE Family Event.

The event includes ofrendas / altars honoring the dead, guest speakers, entertainment by Luzma Espinoza, Danza Tonantzin and California State University Channel Islands’ Teatro Dept.’s “El Gran Fandango de la Muerte.”

Call 805-469-9303 for more information.

Nov. 2 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Welcome Back! Bienvenidos de vuelta!’

Featured in the MCASB exhibition This Basic Asymmetry
Strongly influenced by growing up in LA’s San Fernando Valley to immigrant parents from Mexico, Ruiz’s practice is a reflection of the DIY work ethic she was raised under, the vibrancy of Mexican cultural and artistic traditions, and her exposure to subculture and fantasy at a young age as a means to escape the realities of daily life.

Nov. 2 — Oxnard College to present Día de los Muertos celebration

OXNARD — Oxnard College will present a Día de los Muertos celebration from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.

A FREE Family Event!

Sponsored by The Port of Hueneme, Oxnard College, the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center, Vida Newspaper and the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Nov. 4 — The 42nd annual ‘Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte’ to be held in Camarillo

CAMARILLO — The 42nd annual “Día de los Muertos — The Grand Fandango De La Muerte” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.

The event is FREE to the public.

Presented by Conejo Mountain and the Inlakech Cultural Arts Center in Oxnard, the event will feature, 50 vendors, ofrendas-altar- art exhibitions, lowrider car showcase, art workshops for the community, Prizes for the best depiction of the spirit of the dead, and cultural performances by performing artists, including Caliente 805, In Stone, and the Inlakech singers. CSUCI students will be performing a theatrical production called “El Gran Fandango de La Muerte.”

Danza Azteca Tonantzin will lead a ceremonial procession honoring those buried at the cemetery with the public participating in the spiritual walk. Guest and relatives will be encouraged to adorn their burial plots with food, prayer and love.

Nov. 30 — “Los Braceros De Buena Vista” mariachi musical coming to CSU Channel Islands

CAMARILLO — A mariachi-style musical about the Mexican guest worker bracero program of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s will be staged at CSU Channel Islands’ Malibu Hall on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

“Los Braceros Buena Vista” follows a young man who travels from Mexico to the United States in the 1950s, at the height of the bracero program, which was established by executive order in 1942 and lasted until 1964. The federal program allowed seasonal laborers from Mexico to come to the U.S. to work in agriculture or with the railroads.

Animo Theatre Company Director Miguel Orozco had been directing “El Bracero” by Rosalinda Verde through his nonprofit community theater, and was inspired to write and direct his own version of the show centered on the Buena Vista Bracero camp in Oxnard. It was the largest in the nation, and at its peak, housed about 5,000 workers. Orozco’s aim was to reflect the braceros’ journey, including the struggles they faced.

Dec. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mariachi Sol de México on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre.Led by one of the foremost masters of mariachi music, José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de México returns for a festive celebration of Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Experience holiday magic in a performance that includes elements of Las Posadas alongside traditional Christmas carols. Mariachi Sol de México has performed for five U.S. presidents and shared the stage with artists ranging from the Beach Boys to Lady Gaga.

Bilingual report — UCSB Arts & Lectures announces Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara FREE public performances return to Santa Barbara County for Jan.- May 2023

 ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back in 2023 for the first time since 2020! Since its establishment as a free community arts program in 2006, Viva has brought together people of diverse backgrounds from across Santa BarbaraCounty to celebrate the music and dance of Latin America.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar 

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES! 

Friday,Jan 13 | 7 PM | Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta 

Saturday, Jan 14 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Guadalupe 

Sunday, Jan 15 | 7 PM | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® Float Showcases ‘All of us for all of you’

Kaiser Permanente’s 2023 Rose Parade® float theme, “All of us for all of you,” celebrates the impact that a connected, compassionate care team supported by research, technology, and innovation, can have on individuals and communities. This theme is depicted through the inspiring stories of the float participants riding and walking alongside the float. They are a combination of dedicated Kaiser Permanente physicians, nurses, and employees, and Southern California patients who have overcome health challenges. 

This year, Kaiser Permanente’s 17th annual float entry embodies the 2023 Rose Parade presented by Honda theme, “Turning the Corner.” The parade theme celebrates the potential that each new year brings as we prioritize health. The 55-foot-long float features a series of real-life vignettes highlighting the ordinary and extraordinary moments made possible by next-generation care:

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Your support is needed!

For over twenty years, our caring supportive service teams have responded with compassion, expertise, and a friendly smile to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to be at their best. Whether it’s a visit from a social worker, help with homework, or connections to the community, our counselors, educators, and advocates are alongside in moments of need.

Explore Lompoc — The Four Best Places To Watch a Sunset on the Central Coast in Lompoc California Off Of Scenic California Highway 1

With the winter solstice debuting this month, what better time than now to take a midweek/weekend getaway to view a spectacular winter sunset on California’s Central Coast. 

Here are Lompoc California’s Top 4 Picks to view a tranquil one-of-a-kind winter sunset:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network is Ahead of the Curve

Last month, food systems took the global stage as a legitimate solution to the climate crisis. For the first time ever, COP27 hosted a Food and Agriculture Pavilion where local, national, and global farmers and food system stakeholders convened to develop solutions for how we can ensure the path from farm to table is more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. 

Top line solutions included funding and financing, inclusive policy-making, and innovative approaches implemented by a diverse group of food producers. While global leaders play catch-up, SBCFAN is already helping implement these solutions by: 

connecting food system projects to accessible, affordable, and equitable funding and financing opportunities
facilitating food policy coordination, navigation, and advocacy
supporting the development of new and innovative food system projects by a diverse group of stakeholders

Museum Ventura County — Thank You

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following names in bold are those being honored or memorialized,
while the names underneath them are the generous donors giving to
?the Museum of Ventura County in their name.

Wrap up 2022 with a gift to your local Museum!

Dear Friend of the Museum,

If you have already made a contribution to the Museum of Ventura County – THANK YOU for your support!

If you would still like to give a gift, thank you for helping the Museum serve our Ventura County community with:

In-person and virtual school tours
Free events for ALL of the community
In-person and virtual discussions and interviews
Historical articles, lectures and videos
Innovative exhibits
FREE ADMISSION at the Museum of Ventura County downtown and at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

VCCCD Installs Three Trustees and Elects Board Leadership

Longtime Ventura County resident and educator Lou Lichtl joined the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees during the District’s Annual Organizational Meeting on Dec. 13. Lichtl was installed with trustees Joshua Chancer and Gabriela Torres, who were re-elected in November. 

At the meeting, Trustee Bernardo M. Perez, who has served on the board of trustees since 2010, was elected board chair. Torres was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.  

“I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to continue our commitment to bettering the lives of students at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges and strengthening our partnerships with the community,” said Perez, who is serving his fourth term as chair over his 12 years on the board. He has a long history of dedication and involvement in Ventura County, having served previously as mayor of the City of Moorpark and a member of the Moorpark City Council. 

The five-member board of trustees, which also includes Trustee Stan Mantooth, works collaboratively to adopt policies that oversee all activities relating to the business of the District and Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. Student Trustee Azure Heirshberg advocates on behalf of VCCCD students. 

Bilingual report — Dedication of the ‘Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room’ to be Held Dec. 29, 2022 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration

The Wedding Room in the Ventura County Clerk and Recorder’s office was officially named in honor of retiring County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn, following the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ approval this month. The public and media are invited to commemorate the dedication of the “Mark A. Lunn Wedding Room” on Dec. 29 at the Ventura County Government Center – Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.

Supervisor Matt LaVere, chair of the Board of Supervisors, made the recommendation to name the wedding room in honor of Mr. Lunn at the Board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

Bilingual report — Happy Holidays from Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

All of us at the EDC are wishing you and your families a happy and safe holiday season! We are grateful to have worked with you over the last year and are excited to connect with you again in the new year.

The EDC will be closed on:
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26
Monday, January 2

Need business assistance? CLICK HERE to register for a phone call appointment!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — free January webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

January 3 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! This will be an intro to small business certification programs. Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success. This event will take place online, please register for the log on information. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CSUCI Computer Science faculty member with connections to nuclear fusion lab’s groundbreaking discovery explains what it means

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Computer Science Scott Feister, Ph.D., heard that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) had achieved “fusion ignition” — a significant step toward clean energy —he sent congratulatory emails to the scientists, many of whom he has known and worked with for years.

“I know the people involved,” Feister said. “I’ve been involved in the wide net of all these people around the world working on these kinds of projects. I think it’s cool that the groups I am associated with are the ones that crossed the threshold.”

Feister has been visiting LLNL in Northern California for years, either to conduct academic research or to observe. And for the last two years, he has led a group of CSUCI undergraduates in a research project funded by one of the major figures at Livermore’s National Ignition Facility (NIF).

Commitment to High Standards and Continued Use of BestPractices Results in Consecutive Win for the Port of Hueneme

For a 12thconsecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the Oxnard Harbor District with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, received this award for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021.