Community Calendar

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

For the ninth consecutive year, Westerlay Orchids is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with the Carpinteria Unified School District. From August 24th to 29th, the family-owned orchid grower will donate 100% of all profits from its retail showroom directly to CUSD in support of local students and schools.

In 2025, the same initiative raised more than $26,900, and Westerlay is optimistic about matching or exceeding that amount this year. This community-driven effort continues to reflect Westerlay’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting community and education in Carpinteria and the surrounding areas. In the past this fundraiser has helped to make field trips happen, STEM programs at Aliso School, library upgrades at Canalino School and purchasing equipment for a cutting edge engineering program at Carpinteria High School.

Proceeds from the week-long fundraiser will help fund vital enrichment activities for field trips throughout the year for Carpinteria Middle School students.

Westerlay Orchids’ showroom, located at 3504 Via Real in Carpinteria, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers will find an array of exquisite orchids, including Westerlay’s signature cascading and bramble arrangements.

To learn more about Westerlay Orchids’ environmental sustainability efforts and dedication to community outreach, visit www.WesterlayOrchids.com.

About Westerlay Orchids:

Based in beautiful Carpinteria, California, Westerlay Orchids is proud to serve as Southern California’s largest commercial orchid grower. The company annually distributes over 4 million orchids directly to customers and local and national supermarket chains, as well as florists and designers. Westerlay Orchids is a pioneer in environmental and sustainability practices and regularly contributes to local schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community causes. Visit www.Westerlay.com to learn more about the second-generation, family-run company.

Need an excuse to adopt the furry friend you’ve always wanted? This is your sign to take home a loyal companion!

Clear the Shelters is an adoption campaign put on by shelters around the country, where adoption or clinic fees are reduced or waived to give a little help to cats and pups looking for their forever homes. At HSVC we are offering a very special deal to give our four-legged friends the boost they deserve in finding a loving family.

Important What to Expect When You Adopt:

- FREE adoptions for all available dogs and cats of all ages
- Food and other goodies to help with settling in
- A few extra surprises to celebrate your new family member

Jorge “Chucho” Hernandez, a Chula Vista-born artist and former Santa Maria resident, will open “Perspective,” a solo exhibition at Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez, on Thursday, August 27.

Working in oil on canvas and wood, Hernandez creates elaborate narrative paintings that use unexpected viewpoints and forced perspective to place viewers inside scenes involving cultural memory, spirituality, popular culture and contemporary life. Some of his major pieces take two to three years to complete.

The opening reception will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibition continues August 28 through September 20, with an artist’s talk on Saturday, September 19 at 3 p.m.

Hernandez is available for an interview, and high-resolution artwork, installation photographs and additional background materials are available.

Indah Gallery
2190 N. Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, California
https://chuchoart.com
https://www.indahgallery.org/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88f8cin41cXNEOVSTbYgM5_IQ1nPheC/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for considering this local arts story.

SPEAKER SERIES
BUILDING A LIVING MUSEUM: THE JOURNEY OF THE SANTA YNEZ CHUMASH MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER

James Bier, Director of the Chumash Museum & Cultural Center

During his presentation, James Bier will share his journey to becoming the museum’s director, the vision behind the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center, and the story of its evolution from concept to one of California’s newest cultural destinations.

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

America's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament is coming to Camarillo! Join players of all ages for a fun-filled weekend of basketball, food and music, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo and Casa Pacifica. Whether you're playing, cheering or volunteering there's something for everyone at this exciting family-friendly event!

Looking for players as well as volunteers. Join us today!

For the ninth consecutive year, Westerlay Orchids is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with the Carpinteria Unified School District. From August 24th to 29th, the family-owned orchid grower will donate 100% of all profits from its retail showroom directly to CUSD in support of local students and schools.

In 2025, the same initiative raised more than $26,900, and Westerlay is optimistic about matching or exceeding that amount this year. This community-driven effort continues to reflect Westerlay’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting community and education in Carpinteria and the surrounding areas. In the past this fundraiser has helped to make field trips happen, STEM programs at Aliso School, library upgrades at Canalino School and purchasing equipment for a cutting edge engineering program at Carpinteria High School.

Proceeds from the week-long fundraiser will help fund vital enrichment activities for field trips throughout the year for Carpinteria Middle School students.

Westerlay Orchids’ showroom, located at 3504 Via Real in Carpinteria, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers will find an array of exquisite orchids, including Westerlay’s signature cascading and bramble arrangements.

To learn more about Westerlay Orchids’ environmental sustainability efforts and dedication to community outreach, visit www.WesterlayOrchids.com.

About Westerlay Orchids:

Based in beautiful Carpinteria, California, Westerlay Orchids is proud to serve as Southern California’s largest commercial orchid grower. The company annually distributes over 4 million orchids directly to customers and local and national supermarket chains, as well as florists and designers. Westerlay Orchids is a pioneer in environmental and sustainability practices and regularly contributes to local schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community causes. Visit www.Westerlay.com to learn more about the second-generation, family-run company.

Need an excuse to adopt the furry friend you’ve always wanted? This is your sign to take home a loyal companion!

Clear the Shelters is an adoption campaign put on by shelters around the country, where adoption or clinic fees are reduced or waived to give a little help to cats and pups looking for their forever homes. At HSVC we are offering a very special deal to give our four-legged friends the boost they deserve in finding a loving family.

Important What to Expect When You Adopt:

- FREE adoptions for all available dogs and cats of all ages
- Food and other goodies to help with settling in
- A few extra surprises to celebrate your new family member

Jorge “Chucho” Hernandez, a Chula Vista-born artist and former Santa Maria resident, will open “Perspective,” a solo exhibition at Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez, on Thursday, August 27.

Working in oil on canvas and wood, Hernandez creates elaborate narrative paintings that use unexpected viewpoints and forced perspective to place viewers inside scenes involving cultural memory, spirituality, popular culture and contemporary life. Some of his major pieces take two to three years to complete.

The opening reception will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibition continues August 28 through September 20, with an artist’s talk on Saturday, September 19 at 3 p.m.

Hernandez is available for an interview, and high-resolution artwork, installation photographs and additional background materials are available.

Indah Gallery
2190 N. Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, California
https://chuchoart.com
https://www.indahgallery.org/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88f8cin41cXNEOVSTbYgM5_IQ1nPheC/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for considering this local arts story.