Events in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas, including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Somis, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ojai, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Port Hueneme.
Find events in Ventura County and surrounding areas in this section, by category at this link and in the Events Calendar. Community events of broad public interest can be submitted at this link for possible inclusion in this section (at our discretion).
We encourage posting of other events, activities, fundraisers, classes, workshops, sales, shout-outs, etc. directly to the COMMUNITY FORUM section!
Hugs 4 Hearts Fest at 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley will have with music, vendors, food, kids stuff and a silent auction. It is Sunday, May 7, from 10 am to 6 pm, Attendance is free. A booth is $50 plus a donation to the charity's silent auction. Harrison Hugs helps place AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in schools and donates them to schools as well. www.harrisonhugs.org
California Lutheran University’s dramatic Sankta Lucia Festival, in which a student wears a crown of lighted candles, will be held at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in Samuelson Chapel.
Undergraduate students select five female and five male representatives whose depth of character and faith make them leaders in the Cal Lutheran community. In the festival, Lucia, her attendants and their escorts enter to the accompaniment of an ancient hymn and read an adaptation of the legend. Attendants then light the candles in Lucia’s crown.
The Swedish ceremony pays homage to the Christian martyr who died at the stake on Dec. 13, 304 A.D. and symbolizes the spirit of a centuries-old legend of Christian service. The tradition, which was brought to America by Swedish immigrants, has been part of the university’s holiday celebrations since its early years. The festival honors the character traits of mercy, humility and purity of heart, as seen in the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew.
The Office of Campus Ministry at Cal Lutheran is sponsoring the free event.
The chapel is located at 165 Chapel Lane on the Thousand Oaks campus. Additional parking is available in the lot at the corner of Olsen Road and Mountclef Boulevard. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lohr-Myers at campusministry@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3228.
California Lutheran University is hosting its annual Hanukkah celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5.
Organized by students in the university’s Hillel club, the event will be held in Lundring Events Center on the Thousand Oaks campus.
The ceremony will feature the lighting of the candles on the menorah. The community can also join faculty, staff and students in enjoying traditional food and activities.
For the first time this year, participants are invited to bring a toy and assemble holiday packages during the event for children served by Many Mansions. Hillel members are volunteering for the nonprofit throughout the year.
This year Hanukkah takes place from sundown on Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. Every year, Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the army of the Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanies and won their religious freedom.
Hanukkah is referred to as the Festival of Lights because, according to tradition, a rekindled menorah burned for eight days although it only held enough oil to burn a single day. The holiday is a reminder to rekindle our spiritual lights and shine for the world.
Although Cal Lutheran has long hosted Hanukkah celebrations, the Hillel club in recent years has organized more events for the campus and the nearby community. In 2012, Rabbi Belle Michael took over as the adviser for Hillel and became the first Jewish member of the university’s Campus Ministry staff. The Oak Park resident also began helping to lead chapel services.
The number of Jewish students at Cal Lutheran is growing and currently stands at about 150. Hillel, led by president Briana Shneyder of Encino, provides a community for the Jewish students and opportunities to explore their identity with one another and community members. Celebrations draw students from many faiths and perspectives, and club members participate in the campus’s interfaith activities as well as social justice events. The club recently put together an advisory board made up of community leaders, parents, alumni, faculty and staff.
Lundring Events Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard.
Cal Lutheran’s Office of Campus Ministry is sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Shneyder at bshnede@callutheran.edu or Michael at bmichae@callutheran.edu.
Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks presents the following Menorah Lighting Hanukkah events this upcoming 2016 holiday season:
Tuesday, Dec 27: Thousand Oaks Chabad Center celebrates the 4th night of Hanukkah with a candle ceremony from 5:30-7:30pm. Event will include traditional Jewish music and food, sizzling hot latkes, free entertainment, kids' craft activity and face painting. Giant 18 foot menorah will be illuminated at 6:30pm.
Wed, Dec 28: Temple Etz Chaim will host the 5th night of Hanukkah candle ceremony.
Visit www.janssmarketplace.net.
CI celebrates Day of the Dead with ofrendas, sand murals, and dancers
CSU Channel Islands (CI) students will help professional artist Sergio Hernandez create a sand mural in front of the John Spoor Broome Library as part of CI’s 8th Annual Day of the Dead celebration.
Hernandez and the students will begin designing the sand mural in a 4-foot by 8-foot frame at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 so it will be ready for the celebration, scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m.
The public is invited to the event, which will begin with a traditional Aztec blessing, followed by a performance from Danza Tlaloc Ollin, an indigenous Aztec dance group made up of CI students.
Roberto Rodriguez of the Mexican Consulate will be among the guest speakers. He will provide an overview of the meaning, history and differences in the way the Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in various regions of Mexico.
Celebrated throughout Mexico and parts of Central and South America, the Day of the Dead is an opportunity for families to remember family and friends who have passed, and to support them on their spiritual journey. It is an ancient tradition that was transformed when the Spanish explorers arrived in Mexico more than 600 years ago.
“When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, they tried to replace the old traditions with traditions they brought from Spain,” Rodriguez said. “The celebration became a combination of the old Aztec tradition with All Saints Day, part of Spanish Catholicism.”
Ofrendas, or “offerings” describe homemade altars in homes that will contain common elements such as flowers, water, photos, and cherished articles from the deceased.
“Every article has meaning,” Rodriguez said. “And the elements are different in different parts of Mexico. In Ecatepec, for example, they prefer candles. In Michoacan, the 1st of November is dedicated to the elders and the 2nd of November is for the children.”
The CI celebration will include colorful ofrendas created by CI’s Art program. Guests are invited to view them on display in the John Spoor Broome Library Gallery.
Rodriguez explained that the Mexican states closest to the U.S. border tend to combine Halloween with the Day of the Dead, mixing jack-o-lanterns with traditional sugar skulls and the ubiquitous “La Calavera Catrina” or just “Catrina.”
Catrina is a zinc etching done in the early 1900s by a Mexican printmaker depicting a female skeleton in an elaborate hat. Catrina became synonymous with Day of the Dead.
The event is sponsored by CI’s Art program, Intercultural Services, and the Mexican Consulate.
Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.
About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.
On Saturday, August 6, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host Family Fun Day at their Big Rock Nature Preserve from 10 a.m. - 12 Noon. This free, family-friendly, open-to-the-public outdoor event will include nature-themed crafts, an environmental scavenger hunt and a biologist-led hike along the banks of the Ventura River.
“It has been several months since our generous volunteers helped us plant the 500 trees that are taking root at our Big Rock Preserve and we are eager to show off our work,” said Derek Poultney, VHC Executive Director. “We invite the public to explore our preserve, learn about the delicate habitat along the Ventura River and the importance of preserving it.”
The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust that has operated in the Ventura region since 2003 and currently manages nearly 80 acres of the Ventura River. In addition to preserving and restoring natural areas, VHC provides outdoor education programs where school students and community residents can learn about important environmental issues in our community.
Family Fun Day is appropriate for people of all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees should wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Please note that the trails at Big Rock Preserve are not stroller friendly. There is no cost to attend but reservations are strongly encouraged. To RSVP, visit www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab.
VHC is seeking support for future outdoor educational programming. For more information, contact VHC Development Director, Adrienne Stephens at: (805) 643-8044 or adrienne@venturahillsides.org.
The Downtown Ventura Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 30th birthday on Saturday, June 4, 2016 with a community event complete with all types of fun activities for all ages. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the farmers’ market area and also throughout the Main Street Mini Park, located on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets, south of the 300 block of Main Street. A special presentation will beheld at 8:30 a.m. to thank the original visionaries and participants who brought the market into Downtown Ventura.
One of the main highlights of the event is a chef demonstration by award winning chef, author and farmers’ market advocate, Amelia Saltsman who will demonstrate recipes utilizing the theme, ‘Making the Most of the Summer Market’. Saltsman is the author of the award-winning ‘The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook: Simple Recipes, and Stories from the Market and Farm’ and ‘The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen,’ her latest release. She will use recipes from both books in her cooking demonstration. Saltsman is passionate about helping everyday cooks make the connection between small-farmed foods and real-life meals. In her warm style, she streamlines today’s desire for healthier, sustainable foods. The chef demonstration will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Mini Park.
Along with the chef demonstration, the celebration will feature a customer appreciation booth with free giveaways, a children’s area with face painting and activities, community information booths and tasty birthday cake, which will be given out while supplies last. Special food offerings will include a tri-tip BBQ from the Busy Bee Café and several food trucks including Scratch, a local favorite.
Gene West, toy maker will also be on hand to share his handmade wooden toy creations. Now 85, West, known as the ‘Toy Man’ has allowed children all over the county to play with his nearly 700 handmade wooden toys. A retired mechanical engineer and an Oxnard resident for more than 40 years, West started his toy making during his retirement and continued delighting young and old alike, still active today.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Jerry McWorter and the Hot Roux Band from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hot Roux is very well known in southern California with a Louisiana flavored blues and swampy rock & roll sound. Musician and band leader, Jerry McWorter comes from a rare tradition of ‘singing drummers’ such as Levon Helm, Sam Lay and Buddy Miles. The Ventura County based band features Jerry McWorter on drums/lead vocal, Brent Harding on bass/backup vocals, Ed Berghoff on guitar/backup vocals and Frank Goldwasser on guitar.
The Environmental Sustainability Division for the City of Ventura’s Public Works Department will provide attendees with information on food waste prevention, edible food recovery and backyard composting. In addition, the community can also learn how the farmers’ are adapting to the drought by viewing a continuous screening of ‘Water Woes: We Plan for Your Eating’, a film by Diana Rodgers, a small farmer and farmers’ market manager. The film will provide a look at the implications of the drought for both farmers & consumers and provide information on how the drought is affecting the local food supplies.
About the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association
The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association serves the community of Ventura with two weekly markets -- Wednesdays at the Pacific View Mall, front west parking lot on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays in Downtown Ventura on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Thousand Oaks Farmers’ Market is held Thursdays at The Oaks Shopping Center at the east end parking lot, Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard from 1:30 to 6:00 p.m. Santa Clarita Farmers’ Market is held on Sundays at the College of the Canyons, parking lot 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
For more information on the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association, visit www.vccfarmersmarkets.com or call 805-529-6266.
In celebration of sustainable living, global awareness, and the joy of nature Food for Thought, Oak Grove School, Ojai Valley Green Coalition, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy are teaming up again to host this once-a-year community event – Earth Day 2016 – Trees for our Valley – 11:00AM – 4:00PM. Speaking at this year’s celebration is world-renowned eco-activist Vandana Shiva. The day will include local school involvement, environmental exhibits, arts and outdoor activities for all ages, live entertainment, world foods and more. Everything takes place under the trees on Oak Grove School’s 150-acre campus, 220 W. Lomita Avenue, Ojai. Admission is free. Visitors will also have ample opportunities to find ways to live greener and appreciate the natural wonders we all share. Earth Day 2016 will be filled with color and creativity. Exhibitors will share their earth-friendly products and services, provide hands-on activities, and present informational and interactive displays. Free rides available from Ojai Trolley to the event. See you there! www.ojaiearthday.org.
Join us on May 14th for our exciting fundraiser hosted by Blue Moon Betties!
Where? Bombay Bar & Grill (143 S California St. Ventura)
When? May 14th 11 am – 2 am
Tickets? Tickets at the door/all ages!
What? There will be music performances (daytime children bands and nighttime entertainment), cars, children’s activities, exhibits, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and much more yet to be announced!
Conejo Valley Guide covers events, activities and things to do throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas.
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