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!
19th Annual YMCA Prayer Breakfast at Cal Lutheran on Thursday, May 3, 2018
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Join us for the 19th Annual YMCA Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker, Cody Jones, USA Paralympian and California Lutheran University graduate. Our goal is to bring people of all faiths together to pray for the nation and reflect on, discuss and celebrate our many blessings.
Last year’s Prayer Breakfast was attended by nearly 400 community members, and we expect another great turnout this year with an inspiring program and theme: Pray for America - UNITY.
Participants will include spiritual and community leaders from Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.
We hope you will join us for this special event. To reserve your seat on May 3, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/ymca-prayer-breakfast-2018-tickets-41479427083
Ventura County Serve Day on May 12, 2018
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Serve Day is a day designated for churches, businesses, and agencies to serve together across Ventura County. ACTION finds needs within our communities and helps match volunteers to local projects. In 2017, 1,850 volunteers served with us in over 500 projects at transitional living centers, mobile home parks, schools and homeless shelters in their neighborhoods.
Save the Date… Serve Day is coming to Simi Valley Saturday, May 5th and countywide Saturday, May 12th! Learn more at actionvc.org/serve-day-2018.
2018 Moorpark Rotary Blue & Gray Civil War Reenactment in Moorpark on March 17-18
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The Blue & The Gray Civil War reenactment in Moorpark is the largest battle reenactment on the West Coast. Now in its 17th year, the event will take place March 17 and 18 at Hitch Ranch (100 West High St., Moorpark, entrance adjacent to the Moorpark Post Office).
Hundreds of re-enactors from all over the country come to Moorpark each year to participate.
Activities include four battle reenactments (with cannon and musket fire), Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, solider and civilian encampments, Confederate army surrendering to the Union army and period dancing and music. The featured battle this year is the Battle of Gettysburg. Presented by the Rotary Club of Moorpark, the event is designed to educate the public about the historical significance of the Civil War and its effect on the United States including the abolishment of slavery.
Hours: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Admission: $20/adults (online, $22 at the gate), $15/ages 6 through 17 (online, $17 at the gate), free/ages 5 and under. Bleacher seats: an additional $4 per person, per battle. Parking: $5 per car. A free shuttle will take visitors to the event site. Discount packages are available online. For more information: go to www.MoorparkCivilWar.com, CivilWar@MoorparkRotary.com, 805-279-5253.
Upcoming Programs at Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center in Ojai
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Here's the lineup of summer programs planned at the Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center in Ojai in 2017. $3 for adults; $2 for age 5-12. Under 5 are free.
May 20 – 11:00am – Luzonica Birds of the World - Join Erin Koski, Director of Luzonica, as they share their love and conservation of all bird species. Luzonica will bring a variety of birds to share and show outside of the Visitor Center.
May 27 – 11:00am – Nature Walk with Julie Tumamait - Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait will teach and show local plants around Wheeler Gorge Campground. She will explain how to use native plants for food, medicine and with Chumash games.
June 10 – 11:00am – Hiking: Be Prepared - Dr. James Caballero will draw from over 20 years of local hiking to talk about practical hiking tips. These tips will help to keep you safe while on the trails and what to look for on the trails. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, you will benefit from the knowledge gained.
June 17 – 11:00am – Humane Society Surprise Program - Dawn Riley, Education Department of the Ventura County Human Society, will share her insight and experiences in this surprise presentation. She talk could cover a pesky cat or dog or maybe even a cockroach. Dawn is full of surprises and these programs are loved by all who attend.
June 24 – 11:00am – REI Takes the Mystery Out of…. - REI specialists will take the mystery out of backpacking in California’s Central Coast as we share our knowledge on how to enjoy this activity with your family. REI will cover backpacking essentials, including choosing a pack or child carrier, selecting proper clothing and the right footwear and food solutions for different age groups. No experience necessary.
July 1 – 11:00am – Reptiles with Southwestern Herpetological - Southwestern Herpetological Society will present live and impressive lizards and snakes and give advice on reptiles as pets along with being able to answer any questions you might have about reptiles.
July 8 – 11:00am – Saving the California Condor - What issues face this most endangered species and can they truly be returned to the wild to live on their own? A presentation and items displayed by members of the Friends of the California Condor.
July 15 – 11:00am – Volcanoes in Story and Science - Learn from gifted storyteller Richard Wade, scientist, artist and educator, the science of how volcanoes erupt and grow. He will also entertain children and adults with legends and lore. Volunteers make a model volcano erupt! Get a free piece of lava.
July 22 – 10:30am – Trees Are Tremendous - Discover the native and non-native trees that live in Wheeler Gorge on this short and very educational walk led by Los Padres National Forest Botanist Lloyd Simpson. The walk begins at the Visitor Center and continues into and around the campground before finished back at the Visitor Center. This is a Cub Scout Required Program.
July 22 – 1:00pm – Into the Woods - Gordie Hemphill, LPFA Ojai Chapter President, leads a program that covers forest trees and plants and how mankind and animals use them. See how mankind and animals depend on them. Reservations required (Wheeler@LPForest.org)
July 29 – 11:00am – Humane Society Surprise Program #2 - Dawn Riley, Education Department of the Ventura County Human Society, will share her second surprise presentation featuring our domesticated friends.
August 5 – 11:00am – Last Days of the Dinosaurs - Richard Wade, scientist, artist and educator will present a hands-on, fun-filled presentation about how dinosaurs lived and died, even the sounds they made. Hold a real meteorite and replicas of fossils. Appropriate for all ages.
August 12 – 11:00am – Earth Rocks! Geology - Discover from Jennifer Flittie how volcanoes, mountains, caves and geysers are formed. Learn how rocks and minerals are used in metal, glass, jewelry, and in building homes. Make a Moh’s scale of hardness kit. Start a rock and mineral kit. Reservations required (Wheeler@LPForest.org)
August 12 – 1:00pm – Into the Wild (Naturalists) - Join Alexa Hohensee as she covers in this program respecting and protecting wildlife in our local forest. You will also learn about birds and their flyways, venomous snakes, poisonous plants and how to identify them. You will learn about food chains and ecosystems and how humans have changed the balance of nature. *Reservations required, $3.00 fee to cover material costs. Reservations required Wheeler@LPForest.org)
August 19 – 11:00am – Strange & Exotic Critters - This hands-on experience lets you meet some unusual animals up-close and personal. Learn about the benefits of having pets, some special considerations for living with animals and meet some amazing ambassadors including the softest bunny ever, a hairless guinea pig, a boa constrictor, tarantula and a miniature chicken.
August 26 – 11:00am – Wonderful World of Bees - Scientists estimate that one-third of the world’s food crops and four-fifths of its flowering plants depend on some form of insect pollination, mainly by bees. Yet honeybees are native bees around the globe are declining in numbers. Discover the fascinating world of bees and its impact on the ecosystem. Join University of California entomologist Anna D. Howell in a talk about the wonderful world of bees.
September 2 – 11:00am – Amazing World of Bears - Kelley Swedlow, Wheeler Gorge Docent, will present information about our brown and black bears, and the many other types of bears found around the world.
September 9 – 11:00am – Rescuing Ocean Animals - Wildlife rescuer Ron Barrett, with the Channel Island Marine and Wildlife Institute, will present information and insights on sea lions, seals, otters and other animals found sick or injured. What you should do and not do when you find an animal stranded on the beach?
September 16 – 11:00am – Reptiles with Southwestern Herpetological - Southwestern Herpetological Society will present live and impressive lizards and snakes and give advice on reptiles as pets along with being able to answer any questions you might have about reptiles.
September 23 – 11:00am – Storytelling of the Chumash with Julie Tumamait - Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait will share stories of death and resurrection, stories still alive today with lessons reinforced by a look in the night skies or a walk in the wilderness. Particular sharing will be The Story of Anucwa and The Boys Who Turned to Geese. Hear stories of woodpecker, blue jay, coyote and others. Learn to look at plants and stones in different ways. Julie is an amazing and engaging storyteller.
Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center is located at 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. Call (805) 640-9060 or visit lpforest.org/wheeler for more information.
36th Santa Monica Mountains Trail Days in Point Mugu State Park, April 28-30, 2017
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The Santa Monica Mountains Trail Council is looking for volunteers to help improve local trails Friday through Sunday, April 28-30, 2017. No experience required.
Trail Days is a weekend for individuals and groups to build new trails and restore old ones. And help restore native plants. Volunteers can either meet on Saturday/Sunday morning and work for the day or alternatively, the park service is providing free camping on Friday and/or Saturday nights at the Danielson Multi-use Area located under the sycamores and oaks in the heart of Point Mugu State Park.
In addition to providing a great public service, volunteers will also obtain a better understanding and appreciation for local trails and plants, a chance to meet and work with some great local people and some outstanding exercise in the outdoors!
Bring lunches, beverages, snacks and water. Tools are provided but you can bring your own. There's also a Saturday night barbecue free for volunteers. RSVP for camping reservations requested by April 24th.
Campers will meet on Friday/Saturday late afternoon/early evening on the Newbury Park side of Point Mugu State Park (off of Reino/Potrero) and others will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday/Sunday mornings. Additional details and register online at www.smmtc.org/maint/traildays.php.
Contact the SMM Trails Council for more information at 818.222.4531 or visit www.smmtc.org.
2nd Annual Camarillo Rotary "Biking, Brews & BBQ" on Saturday, September 12th
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Join the fun at the 2nd annual Camarillo Rotary “Biking, Brews & BBQ“ on September 12. There are courses for all levels: 20, 56 and 100 miles. Starting at Freedom Park near Camarillo Airport, the event is open to individuals, families and teams with rest stops and full SAG support. The post-event celebration dinner will feature local micro-brews a nd a BBQ. Proceeds support local charities through the Camarillo Rotary Foundation. For more information and to register, visit www.active.com or www.camarillorotaryridingforserviceaboveself.com.
Rotary International is a volunteer service organization of business and professional leaders. Rotarians volunteer locally and internationally to alleviate hunger, improve health, provide education, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”. Camarillo has two Rotary clubs that meet Wednesday noon
6th Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival in Agoura on Saturday, April 25th
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The 6th Annual Santa Monica Mountains Science Festival, sponsored by the National Park Service in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the Children's Nature Institute, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, UCLA LA Kretz Center for CA Conservation Science, and NatureBridge. will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 10 am to 4 pm at Paramount Ranch.
There are activities for people of all ages, including talks, hands-on demonstrations, nature walks, family activities, live animal displays, and a chance to meet and talk with the scientists. Food vendors will be on site.
Come out and explore the natural and cultural resources within the Santa Monica Mountains and learn about the scientific research that helps us all better understand and protect those resources!
Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills
Directions
From 101 Freeway, exit Kanan Rd. Go south towards the ocean. Make a left on Cornell Road. Continue for 2 miles. The entrance to Paramount Ranch is on the right.
More info at www.nps.gov/samo/sciencefestival.htm
19th Annual Camarillo Hospice Spring Garden Tour on Sunday, May 3rd
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The 19th Annual Camarillo Hospice Spring Garden Tour takes place on Sunday, May 3rd from noon to 4pm. Event includes beautiful gardens, boutique, opportunity drawings, music, art and more!
Tickets available from Camarillo Hospice, 400 Rosewood Avenue, #102, at locations highlighted at www.camarillohospice.org/gardentour.html or by contacting the hospice at 805.389.6870 or www.camarillohospice.org. The Camarillo Hospice is a volunteer hospice and grief support center.
