Jan. 6 — SBMA presents Special One-Day Lecture Series on Flowers, Gardens, and Self-Reflection in Chinese Painting

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) will present a special one-Day lecture series on Flowers, Gardens, and Self-Reflection in Chinese Painting from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

In conjunction with the exhibition Flowers on a River: The Art of Chinese Flower-and-Bird Painting, 1368–1911, expert art historians offer detailed glimpses into some of the many facets of the flower-and-bird genre in Chinese painting and reveal how these images of intimate nature can be thresholds to worlds rich with beauty and private emotions. Each talk will be approximately 30 minutes with a Q&A following. 

Through Jan. 8 — John Galan’s ‘Remedios’ at the Santa Paula Art Museum

Remedios (Remedies), a solo exhibition by Conejo Valley artist John Galan, on view through January 8, 2023.. John Galan is a high school art teacher by day, and an internationally exhibited artist by night. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit explores the connections between mind, body, nature, and healing.

Jan. 8 — Oxnard Film Society presents’ Fallen Leaves’

NYTImes Critic’s Pick Award-winning filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki (Le Havre, The Other Side of Hope) makes a masterful return with FALLEN LEAVES, a timeless, hopeful and ultimately satisfying love story about two lonely souls’ path to happiness – and the numerous hurdles they encounter along the way. Set in contemporary Helsinki, and shot through with Kaurismäki’s typically playful, idiosyncratic style and deadpan humor, this tender romantic tragicomedy is a timely reminder of the potency of movie-going from one of cinema’s living legends. Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Jan. 10 — Allan Hancock College hosting ‘Winter Promise’ Workshops

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is giving high school seniors and current Hancock students a helping hand preparing to apply for spring classes and filling out their financial aid applications at a series of free workshops in December and January.

During Hancock’s Winter Promise workshops, students and their parents will be able to get assistance applying to attend Hancock, applying for scholarships through the Santa Barbara Foundation and preparing and submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) and Dream Act applications.

The workshops are free and will be available in English and Spanish.

Jan. 13 — NATIVE PLANT FEST 2024 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center features ‘Plant Listening’ Station, ‘Saging the World’ screenings and filmmaker Q&A

OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corp. (OPAC) is proud to present its 3rd Annual NATIVE PLANT FEST on Saturday, January 13 from 11AM-4PM. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and brings together our community to celebrate and showcase local plant-inspired culture, food, traditions, and creativity! This festival is community-led by plant enthusiasts of diverse backgrounds who will share their plants, services, artwork, culinary creations, products, and educational resources.

Through Jan. 14 — Santa Paula Art Museum presents ‘The Art of George Lockwood’

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Art Museum is pleased to present “The Art of George Lockwood,” a solo exhibition by Santa Barbara County artist and Santa Paula native George Lockwood. The exhibition, which is the second show Lockwood has created for SPAM, features over 35 paintings representing scenes and subject matter from Santa Paula to the Central Coast to the Pacific Northwest. “The Art of George Lockwood” will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum to January 14, 2024. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

Jan. 14 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Parallel Stories to present ‘Seeing From the Rupture: A Reading and Conversation with Jenny Xie’

In this conversation, Jenny Xie opens up, as US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera described, “multiple terrains of seeing.” With longing and memory, nuance and subtlety, the “anxiety of bilingualism,” and the unknowability of the self, Xie takes us deep into what is irreducible with pure piercing beauty.

Jan. 17 — Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council’s Workforce Committee to hold Job Fair

VENTURA — Older adults seeking employment can make plans to attend a Job Fair that will be held in tandem with the 2024 Wellness Fest that will take place at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, January 17.

The Workforce Committee of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council is putting on the Job Fair, which will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

Employers who are confirmed to be at the event include:

America’s Job Center of California
Boys & Girls Club
City of Thousand Oaks
Conejo Valley Unified School District
County of Ventura
Villa Esperanza

Jan. 17 — District 216 presents Alton Sander’s ‘The Role of Mushrooms in Reaching Oneness with Self’

SPEAKER BIO

Alton Sanders

It is my sincere privilege to present the Spiritual Fitness and Bodywork Center to all who search for a higher quality of life. My name is Alton J. Sanders, and I pleased to introduce you to a new world of physical, spiritual, and mental fulfillment at levels you my not have thought were possible. Seeing all the pain and suffering in the world around me, has given me the tremendous passion to do everything within my power to help others realize and experience health of the body, mind and spirit, as well as, full physical potential. I’ve been actively pursuing this goal since I began in Bodywork, Massage, Reiki and Yoga since 1998. Since then, I’ve developed a true love for helping other Beings feel wonderful from the inside out.

Jan. 18 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present a Conversation with Artist Keith Mayerson and Curator of Contemporary Art James Glisson

Keith Mayerson has long swum in the sea of mass media that we exist in and reframing them by painting them, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art recently acquired his painting,Someday we’ll find it, the Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me (2023). Whether now-iconic photographs of the Stonewall Riots in the summer of 1969, a view of the Grand Canyon, the crenellated skyline of Manhattan, or the Muppets, Mayerson takes subjects we already know—or think we know—and then personalizes them, filtering them through his choice of color and mark, highlight and shadow. We see them through Keith’s eyes and in so doing see them anew.

Jan. 20 — Ventura County Grand Jury to hold informational sessions

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Grand Jury will be holding information sessions for members of the public interested in becoming Grand Jurors. This is an opportunity to tour the Grand Jury Chambers, meet current Grand Jurors and get deeper insight into what it means to serve.

The informational session will take place on:

Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to noon

Jan. 20 — County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) to host Pop-Up Resource Fair in Oceano

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) proudly announces a family-friendly pop-up resource fair for Veterans and their families in Oceano. “The County of San Luis Obispo’s VSO is pleased to announce a benefits resource fair in Oceano sponsored by Alignment Health to connect our South County’s Veterans with access to resources that support a healthier, more resilient Veteran Community,” said Morgan Boyd, the County Veterans Services Officer. The event will occur on January 20th from 10 am-2 pm at the Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Dr, Oceano.

Jan. 20 — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Documentary Premiere of The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales of 100 Years of Architecture, Triumph, and Tragedy’

This film includes over 20 gorgeous Hobson Heights properties and their fascinating stories of Hollywood movie stars, secret speakeasies, Olympic gold athletes, ghosts, ground-breaking firsts, and the heartbreaking story of the fire that almost destroyed it all. Step into the 1920s with “The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales.” Join us for a free premiere showcasing a century of captivating stories, Hollywood history, and iconic architecture! Enjoy the documentary, meet the filmmakers and residents, and explore a pop-up exhibit with vintage maps and paintings by local artists. Sip on drinks for a cause – all proceeds support the Museum of Ventura County. Dress to impress in your best 1920s attire! Registration and information at https://venturamuseum.org/events/

Jan. 22 — Oxnard Film Society presents screening of ‘THE CRIME IS MINE’

Paris in the 1930s — a playground for industrial heirs and debonair architects, but the City of Lights does not shine evenly for all. Struggling actress Madeleine (Nadia Terezkiewicz) and her best friend Pauline (Rebecca Marder), an unemployed lawyer, live in a cramped flat and owe five months’ rent. Opportunity knocks after a lascivious theatrical producer who made an inappropriate advance towards Madeleine turns up dead. Madeleine stands trial for murder and ascends to decadent stardom, with Pauline serving as defense counsel and media circus ringmaster. A new life of fame, wealth, and tabloid celebrity awaits — until the truth comes out.

Jan. 25 — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles’

Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles Revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via Zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members zoom. Registration and information at https://venturamuseum.org/events/

Jan. 24 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) – Join Us for a NO-COST Webinar Series on AI

Join EDC, Women’s Economic Ventures and SCORE for a NO-COST webinar series on how you can use AI to leverage your business! Spanish interpretation will be available.

AI for Business 101: How to Leverage AI to Accelerate your Business Growth

January 24 @ 12:00 pm

AI for Small Business Marketing: Supercharge your Social Media Content Creation with the Power of AI

February 28 @ 12:00 pm

Explore the real-world applications of AI. Don’t miss out on unlocking the potential of AI for your business success.

Register today!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUude-trz8sHNRmYCUJx5uVPyyyTn22J-cV#/registration

Canceled — Jan. 25 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo at The Granada Theatre

Special note:

We regret to announce that, due to circumstances beyond our control, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s January 25 performance at The Granada Theatre has been canceled. There is no reschedule date at this time.

Ticket purchasers may apply the value of their tickets toward a ticket exchange for another event in the 2023-2024 season, donate the value of their tickets to Arts & Lectures (tax-deductible), or receive a refund to their original form of payment. 

We appreciate your patience as we work through ticket holders’ replies and requests. 

Questions? Contact us at (805) 893-3535 or info@artsandlectures.ucsb.edu, Mon-Fri, 10 AM-5 PM. 

Sincerely, 
Arts & Lectures

Jan. 26 — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, Contractors State License Board to present ‘Senior Scam Stopper’ in Oxnard

Come learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Discuss legislation and topics relating to scams concerning construction, identity theft, email/texting, foreign lotteries, insurance, and mail fraud. Please RSVP online here or by calling (805) 485-4745.

Spanish interpretation will be available/ Habrá interpretación en español disponible.

Jan. 27 — Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

OXNARD — Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard.

Come check out the new Dreamhouse Living Tour with exclusive merch only available on the Barbie Truck Tour! ruck will be located on Collection Blvd. between Copper Blues and Bowlero.

Jan. 28 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Zlatomir Fung, cello

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Zlatomir Fung and Benjamin Hochman on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. at Hahn Hall. The youngest musician ever to win First Prize in the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, Zlatomir Fung is poised to become one of the preeminent cellists of our time. Astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 24-year-old has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. Fung teams up with acclaimed pianist and conductor Benjamin Hochman for a breakout recital that promises to be a season highlight.

Jan. 28 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Densmore — ‘The Doors Unhinged’

Beloved by artists across the decades for his fierce, uncompromising dedication to art, John Densmore occupies a rarified space in pop culture. His musicianship landed him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His writing consistently earns accolades and has appeared in a range of publications including the Los Angeles Timesand Rolling Stone. As his friend and American novelist Tom Robbins recently advised him, “If you keep writing like this, I’ll have to get a drum set.”

Jan. 29 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency Invites Public to Community Meeting for El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) invites the public to attend the second community meeting for the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project. The meeting will be held at the Rio del Valle Middle School Gymnasium in Oxnard on Jan. 29, 2024, at 6:30pm. The El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project encompasses the installation of sidewalks, accessible ramps, crosswalks, drainage improvements, and more. These improvements aim to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents.

Jan. 30 — Bilingual report — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) — Broad Street Place Grand Opening Celebration

Located at 3720 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, this new construction development is comprised of 40 units with three commercial spaces available. Residents will have access to a community center, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, laundry facilities, bike storage, playground, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations. 

Jan. 31 — Bilingual report — City of Santa Paula Invites Community Members to Coffee with the City Manager and Interim Police Chief

This unique gathering offers residents an opportunity to connect with the City Manager and Interim Chief of Police in a relaxed and intimate setting. Whether you have specific questions about the community or just want to stay informed about local happenings, this event is the perfect occasion.

Jan. 31 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College hosts ‘Hometown Heroes’ basketball games

SANTA MARIA — The Allan Hancock College men’s and women’s basketball programs will honor local first responders, veterans, and active-duty members of the military at the college’s inaugural Hometown Heroes Night on Jan. 31.  

The event will feature two basketball games as the Bulldogs host Ventura College for a Western State Conference rivalry showdown. The men’s team will tip off first at 5 p.m., followed by the women’s game at 7 p.m. Both games will take place inside the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium at the college’s Santa Maria campus.  

Jan. 31 — District 216 presents Kyle Nicolaides (Musician/Author) ‘How Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines Can Heal Depression’

  Topic: “How Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines Can Heal Depression”Date: Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 Times: 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Interview at 6:30pm) Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Please only park across the street on the Office…

Continuing Grief Support Groups at Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center

CAMARILLO — Livingston’s Camarillo Grief Center is adding new grief support groups that cater to specific bereavement needs this coming January. These close-ended support groups are Adult Loss of Parent (February 6th through March 26th), Parent Loss of Child (March 7th through May 9th), and Adult Loss of Sibling (March 26th through May 7th). For reservations, contact 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited. 

Feb. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents radiant soprano Renée Fleming in recital at the Arlington Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Renée Fleming on Thursday, February 1 at 7 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. Santa Barbara. Radiant soprano Renée Fleming’s lustrous voice is the stuff of legends. Affectionately called “America’s Diva,” only she can claim to have sung at the Super Bowl, Buckingham Palace, a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and a presidential inauguration, in addition to all the world’s major opera houses – not to mention boasting five Grammy wins, an indie rock album and a Tony-nominated Broadway appearance. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear “one of the truly magnificent voices of our time” (Los Angeles Times) lend her trademark warmth and sensitivity to a rare recital program.

Feb. 3 — Friendship Center — Save the Date & Secure Your Rank for the Festival of Hearts

The Festival of Hearts, Friendship Center’s premier annual fundraiser now in its 25th year, celebrates caregivers and raises funds for low-income seniors living with dementia to enjoy our specialized programs that uniquely provide social, physical and cognitive engagement.

Since the first Festival of Hearts in 2000, the heart and soul of the event has been the heart-art sold at silent auction, and created by local artists and celebrities, including Jeff Bridges, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Askew and Rod Lathim. Provided with a blank three-dimensional papier-mâché heart, the imaginative “heart-ists” paint, sculpt, and decorate in various ways to create their unique works.

Feb. 3 — Bilingual report — Build-A-Bed event at VC-Animal Services

Over 200 dog beds were donated by community supporters and we need help putting them together!  If you’re interested and available, you’re invited to our Build-A-Bed event on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.

Feb. 3 — Friendship Center to host 25th Annual Festival of Hearts Luncheon

SANTA BARBARA — Friendship Center returns to Rosewood Miramar Beach this February to host the 25th Annual Festival of Hearts. This year’s seaside-elegance themed, Silver Jubilee celebration will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the stunning Rosewood Miramar Beach, located across the street from Friendship Center at 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA. 

Friendship Center’s Festival of Hearts honors all the caregivers, past and present, who have supported an aging loved one through their final voyage. This fundraiser enables Friendship Center to continue to stay true to its mission of providing care and companionship to seniors and adults living with dementia.

CANCELED — Feb. 4 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a live taping of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage with Kathy Mattea at The Granada Theatre

Due to the evacuation order issued by the county for parts of Santa Barbara, as well as the warning issued today by the National Weather Service, Mountain Stage with Host Kathy Mattea has been canceled. There is no reschedule date at this time.

As reported by KEYT, “The National Weather Service announced a high risk for life threatening and damaging flash flooding in all of Santa Barbara down to Los Angeles, and stressed the importance of preparation and avoiding flooding roadways.”

Feb. 4 — Five Cities Orchid Society! Discover to present Orchidfest 2024 in Nipomo

Explore a variety of orchids from vendors like Orchid Design, CalCoast Orchids, Sunset Valley Orchids, and more. The event takes place at Nipomo High School, 525 N. Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444. For additional details, visit www.fcos.org or contact Jeffrey Parham, FCOS President, at 360-271-3971. Don’t miss this orchid extravaganza!

POSTPHONED — Feb. 5 — Oxnard Film Society presents ‘Monster’

Due to reports of heavy rain and possible flooding the next few days we have decided to postpone Monday’s film and reschedule to Monday, Feb 12. Thanks, George

“One of the director’s finest, its thematic scope and emotional power growing with each new revelation.” MONSTER screening Monday, Feb 5. Directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu. A NYTimes Critics’ Pick.
?Our Film Series screens (usually) two films each month, on the first and third Mondays at 3:30pm and 6:30pm at Plaza Cinemas in downtown Oxnard.
We will continue our mission of providing the best of world cinema to the Oxnard and Ventura County community and supporting local filmmakers.
Thanks and stay safe. George J. Sandoval, Executive Director

Feb. 6 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents head of TED Chris Anderson at Campbell Hall

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a FREE Thematic Learning Initiative event with head of TED Chris Anderson, discussing his new book Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading on Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. As head and curator of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. With his new book, Infectious Generosity, Anderson looks at one of humankind’s defining but overlooked impulses – generosity – and how we can super-charge its potential to build a hopeful future.