May 11 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Víkingur Ólafsson at Hahn Hall

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents Víkingur Ólafsson on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m at Hahn Hall. Icelandic virtuoso Víkingur Ólafsson combines out-of-this-world musicianship with an unusual gift for programming. His concerts are carefully calibrated compositions; each segment comments on those that come before and after. At Hahn Hall, Ólafsson will perform a Mozart & Contemporaries program that sheds light on lesser-known figures such as Domenico Cimarosa and Baldassare Galuppi and illuminates obscure, daring works by Mozart and Haydn. This intimate recital offers a rare opportunity to explore unheard depths and connections among music’s greatest composers.

May 12 — Ventura College to present Ventura Chamber Music’s ‘Music for a May Night’ with director Ashley Walters

On Friday, May 12, Ventura College Chamber Music (Ashley Walters, Director) presents its talented chamber music students in organically-formed ensembles collaborating to perform highly varied repertoire spanning the classical era to present day. The program for this concert features music by composers including Clara Schumann, Henri Duparc and Francis Poulenc. One performance only!

May 13 — Dreams Bloom at Family Service Agency Fundraiser

Join Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, as it turns compassion into action at its spring fundraiser, Dreams in Bloom. The event takes place on May 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood. Proceeds benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park. 

Dreams in Bloom celebrates the resilience and growth of the 28,000 people served by the nonprofit each year. The event features a cocktail hour, music, dinner, auction, and flowers galore! Last year, FSA’s spring fundraiser raised over $150,000 to support the agency’s provision of basic needs assistance, family support, and mental health counseling programs countywide.

May 13 — ‘Andrea Vargas: On the Ranch’ Opens at Santa Paula Art Museum

The Santa Paula Art Museum is pleased to present “On the Ranch,” a solo exhibition by Santa Fe artist and longtime Ventura County resident Andrea Vargas. Featuring over 40 all-new paintings and drawings, “On the Ranch” honors the places at the heart of Vargas’ life and art: her familial homes in Santa Paula and Ventura, California. Meet the artist during the exhibit premiere party on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the premiere reception is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for non-members. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. “On the Ranch” will be on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum from May 13, 2023, to September 10, 2023. All of the artworks are available for purchase.

May 14 — Ventura College Symphony & Chamber Orchestras to present ‘The Sounds of Springtime’ with director Ashley Walters

This mother’s day join Ventura College Instrumental Ensembles for a very special concert. The Symphony & Chamber Orchestras will perform music including Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings; Copland’s Rodeo, plus music by Duke Ellington. VC is proud to present Juan Pablo Conteras’s Mariachitlán. The composer has been working with VC’s student musicians on this piece and plans to join us for the concert.

May 15 — Bilingual report — County of Ventura Elections Office seeking community leaders for Language Accessibility Advisory Committee

The County of Ventura Elections Office seeking community leaders to serve on a Language Accessibility Advisory Committee Committee (LAAC) in Ventura County.

You are cordially invited to participate in the quarterly LAAC meeting as we prepare for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. Your voice matters!

The next quarterly meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 15. We will be conducting the meeting via the Zoom web conference platform.

Topic: LAAC Quarterly Meeting to discuss language preparation for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election

May 20 — Take a Road Trip to Lompoc To Experience Sheep Shearing Day At La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Travelers to Lompoc can witness Sheep Shearing Day at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc, California on May 20, 2023 from 10AM to 2:00 PM with times subject to change! 

Visitors from near and far can watch as the sheep get their annual hair cut and learn all about wool production. 

Additionally, there will be fun activities for the entire family.  These include touring the historic Mission grounds, visiting the La Purisima Visitor Center, viewing exhibits that cover the history of the Mission, and exploring 25 miles hiking trails.

May 20-21 — 37th Annual California Strawberry Festival to be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds

After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 37thAnnual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21. For the first time, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. The festival features artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on two stages, Strawberryland for kids and “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake.

May 20 — Bilingual report — Health & Wellness Resource Fair to be held in Fillmore

n recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Fillmore Health and Wellness Resource Fair aims to showcase the many health, wellness, safety, social services and educational resources that are available to residents of Fillmore and the Santa Clara Valley, for everyone from young children to seniors to be healthy, stay engaged and to thrive. 

May 21 — Wildling Museum’s 2023 Wilderness Spirit Brunch to honor Beth Pratt & P-22

The Wildling Museum is pleased to announce that tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Wilderness Spirit Brunch, taking place Sunday, May 21st at Craft House at Corque in Solvang. This year’s Wilderness Spirit Award recipients are Beth Pratt and cougar P-22. 

VIP ticket holders will enjoy a pre-reception mixer with Pratt before savoring a delicious brunch buffet, complete with a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Attendees will also enjoy a spirited live auction supporting the Wildling Museum with opportunities to bid on getaways, including a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan cruise, Santa Ynez Valley experiences, one-of-a-kind artworks, and more. 

May 22 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a conversation with Jonathan Greenblatt at Campbell Hall

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents a conversation with Jonathan Greenblatt on Monday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. As the chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, the world’s leading anti-hate organization, Jonathan Greenblatt has created innovative approaches to carry out what has been ADL’s mission since its founding in 1913: to fight the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. His recent book, It Could Happen Here, warns that hate and systemic violence are gathering momentum in the U.S. Drawing on ADL’s decades of experience in fighting hate through investigative research, education programs and legislative victories, as well as his own personal story and his background in business and government, Greenblatt offers a bracing primer on how we can strike back against hate.

May 23 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works to Host over 1,300 Local Students

For this year’s National Public Works Day on May 23rd, more than 1,200 students in Ventura County will visit the Ventura County Public Works Agency! National Public Works Day is an opportunity for kindergarten through high school students to learn about the world of public works. PWA provides water, sanitation, vertical construction, survey, grading, roads, transportation systems, controlling and conserving storm waters, and working as first responders for major events. This year’s theme, “Connecting the World Through Public Works,” highlights how public works professionals connect us through infrastructure, planning, and building.

VCPWA will transform the “G” lot at the Government Center into a display of heavy equipment and booths demonstrating the agency’s work. Local students will participate in interactive demonstrations focused on science, technological innovations, illustrations of current engineering projects, career opportunities, and more.

May 26 — Oxnard College’s Athletic Department Hosts Second Annual Hall of Fame Banquet

The Oxnard College Athletic Alumni Association is hosting its second annual Hall of Fame Gala on Friday, May 26, at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center. Former athletes, alumni, and the general public are invited to attend the reception and dinner to honor two Oxnard College Athletic Alumni superstars, Randi Walters (2006-2008) and Jeremiah Massey (2001-2003). 

Honoree Randi Walters was voted the Western State Conference Player of the Year during her athletic career at Oxnard College and was also named first-team All-Ventura County. During her time at Oxnard College, Walters also played on the college’s inaugural softball team. She was later recruited to play soccer at the University of Hawaii-Hilo for her sophomore and junior years, where she was second team All PacWest conference selection. Walters then transferred to Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she was voted MVP by her teammates.   

May 24 — City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department presents “Wellness Fair” for Seniors

The City of Santa Paula Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the upcoming “Wellness Fair” for seniors, which will be held on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Parks and Recreation Community Center – Cultural Arts Building, located at 530 West Main St. This free event is taking place along with the regular monthly luncheon and is open to all seniors in our community and will feature a BBQ lunch, music, and various booths focused on promoting health and wellness.

May 27 — Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) returns to Oxnard Performing Arts Center

OPAC is proud to partner with Pinaysphere, a Filipinx Arts Mentorship nonprofit, to present the Second Annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Festival, Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 12 noon to 5 pm at Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard. The event is in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month which recognizes the contributions and influences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. OPAC’s event amplifies the narratives of our AAPI community by spotlighting local talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and grassroots leaders. 

Through May 27 — Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) will present DIS CONNECTION

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) will present DIS CONNECTION, a program of visual and performing art in the Blackboard Gallery through May 27. The exhibition has been Curated by SCIART Artist-in-Residence Elana Kundell, featuring the work of eight contemporary female artists who have a family history of displacement by global events. The exhibition includes paintings, installation artworks, photography and sculpture responding to the personal impact of losing one’s home and community, one of the most consequential topics of our time.

May 29 — Join the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation as we remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for our country

This Memorial Day, join the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) at the Santa Barbara Cemetery as we remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice for our country. This free event will be Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11:00 am sharp at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive., Santa Barbara, CA 93108. 

May 29 — Save The Date – San Luis Obispo Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony with Lunch and Special Museum Exhibit

Join us for an annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony taking place outside at the Veterans Memorial Building in San Luis Obispo on Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. located at 801 Grand Avenue, near the Cal Poly entrance.  Co-hosted by American Legion Post 66 and Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum. San Luis Obispo County residents and visitors of all ages will come together on this special day, to honor and remember all who lost their lives making the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our country.  

May 29 — City of Oxnard to hold Memorial Day Ceremony

Please join the City of Oxnard on Monday, May 29, 2023, for a Memorial Day Ceremony in Downtown Oxnard at Plaza Park (500 South C Street), starting at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American Armed Forces. We welcome the Oxnard community to participate in honoring and remembering our fallen service members.

May 31 — Compassionate Care of Carpinteria Luncheon to Remember Those We’ve Lost

Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) will host its 5th Annual luncheon, The Light Shines Ahead on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in person, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Rincon Beach Club, located at 3805 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria, CA. This year’s event will have a special focus on remembering loved ones who have passed away and their impact on our lives. Guests will be provided with an opportunity to donate and support the wonderful work of CCC in the name of their loved ones, helping bring programs and services, completely free of charge, to adults, children and seniors who are struggling with grief or life-threatening illness. Guests are also invited to bring a photograph of their loved ones to place at their table.

May 31 — Free LightGabler Webinar: ‘There Must Be Fifty Ways to Leave Your Employee-Handling Employee Terminations’

Employment law firm LightGabler is presenting a free employment law webinar, “There Must Be Fifty Ways to Leave Your Employee: Handling Employee Terminations.” The webinar is Wednesday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

California is an at-will employment state, and yet it also has the highest number of wrongful termination cases in the nation. Avoiding employee lawsuits (even when they are frivolous) requires that employers effectively and lawfully handle employee terminations.

June 1 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present N PERSON EVENT: Broadband for All, Digital Equity and BEAD Regional Planning Workshop

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are hosting a workshop to seek input on the development on the State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) and the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.

EDC, SBF, CDT and CPUC are working to close the digital divide and ask community members from all walks of life to take part by sharing their experiences with connectivity and adoption issues, device access and knowledge/training about how to use devices.

June 1 — Bilingual report —Experts Share How to Prepare for Upcoming Heat Waves

entura County is warming faster than any other county in the contiguous U.S., with neighboring Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties not far behind. Higher temperatures put the health and well-being of the most vulnerable—including agricultural workers, youth, and the elderly—in serious jeopardy. 

On Thursday, June 1, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) will bring together local and national experts who are on the frontlines of developing solutions to safeguard community members when temperatures soar. 

June 3 — First Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Debuts in Thousand Oaks

The first annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival will take place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists.

Performers set to appear include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated CAM, and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies (straight from the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth).

Through June 5 — Bilingual report — Alternative Action Programs (AAP) presenting 12-week Community Workgroup Series ‘Parenting Groups’ in Oxnard, Ventura

Alternative Action Programs (AAP) in Oxnard will present a 12-week  Community Workgroup Series Parenting Groups through June 5 in Ventura and Oxnard. 

Click on images for more information.

June 5 — VITA E-bus coming to Ventura County to help those with low-moderate incomes to file for Available Tax Credits through VITA Program

Due to the winter storms the tax filing deadline for Ventura County has been extended and now low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents can have their state and federal tax returns prepared and e-filed for free on June 5th when the United Way E-bus tour comes to Ventura County. Residents can put more money back in their pocket with the help of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offered by United Way of Ventura County and the County of Ventura Human Services Agency.

June 7 — Bilingual report — Dementia Friendly Ventura County One-Stop Shop

Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks.

The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.

June 8 — The Port of Hueneme invites you to our World Oceans Day Sustaining the Seas Summit

As stewards of the water, the Port of Hueneme is hosting a series of four short sessions on June 8th, seeking to inspire change and celebrate World Oceans Day! The Presenters and topics will showcase individuals whose organizations, projects, and initiatives align with the port’s mission of growing a blue economy while protecting and preserving one of the most critical pieces of our biosphere.

June 9 — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley to present After Dark Comedy Event

On June 9, we will be hosting a night of laughter and entertainment with some of the best comedians in the business. Our event will be held at the John L. Notter Family Boys & Girls Club, and all proceeds will go directly to supporting our programs and services for youth in our community.

Tickets are available at: funnygirlevents.com

June 10 — Promoting LGBTQ+ Youth Pride in Santa Clara Valley

Join us as we launch the 2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Youth Pride in Santa Paula as a community gathering and resource fair, celebrating PRIDE Month ? in a welcoming space to engage and empower LGBTQ youth and their allies from the Santa Clara Valley. Rainbow Breakfast is presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, Coalition for Family Harmony, and the Museum of Ventura County and will include Santa Paula’s first openly gay City Council Member Pedro Chavez as emcee along with special guests.

June 10 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice to Honor Terri & Mark Lisagor at 75th Anniversary Celebration

 Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (LMVNA) will pay tribute to community leaders Terri & Mark Lisagor at its upcoming 75th anniversary celebration. The event, Soirée at the Ranch, will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the exclusive Petersen Ranch in Somis. The evening will feature live music and dancing and honor the Lisagors for their lasting contributions to Livingston and their commitment to serving the community.

June 11 — Temple Etz Chaim in Thousand Oaks to host acclaimed Jewish musical groups

Temple Etz Chaim is proud to announce it will host two critically-acclaimed music groups, Nefesh Mountain Band and Mostly Kosher, on June 11 for a community concert, Cantor Kenny & Friends: An Entertaining Evening Celebrating Jewish Music. 

Cantor Kenny Ellis, who will emcee the event,  has been a cantor for over 30 years, serving at numerous synagogues in the Los Angeles area. Cantor Kenny produced Hanukkah Swings!, the world’s one-and-only big band Hanukkah album. He has performed at West Point and Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center. He has played a rabbi on many shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Law and Order.

The concert will be held Sunday, June 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Temple Etz Chaim at 1080 East Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. The concert will be held in the temple’s newly re-opened state-of-the-art sanctuary and social hall. 

June 14 — Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice holding training for Life Story program

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice is bringing back its beloved Life Story program. This program is designed to provide both community members and hospice patients the opportunity to record their personal memoirs. Helping one share their personal story, which might be lost if not passed along to the next generation, is a valuable gift that our Life Story volunteer provides. Volunteers will get the opportunity to record and edit these stories that members of our community can share for years to come.