Community Calendar

The Cold War era, an international bi-polar competition between the Soviet Union and the United States made the world we live in today. This power rivalry unfolded in the aftermath of the Second World War and finally concluded with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Although the Soviet Union no longer exists, the consequences of its fifty-five-year struggle with the United States still influences modern global politics. Ultimately, the postwar competition pitted advocates of state socialism against the champions of free market capitalism. The superpowers never directly fought each other but clashed in a series of bloody proxy wars across the developing world. This timely and informative course will offer an in-depth discussion covering the roots of the Cold War, its causes, and most importantly, its relevance for understanding the current global crisis. Truly, today’s wars in Iran and the Ukraine, the U.S.- China rivalry and conflicts over hegemony in Cuba and Latin America, to name just a few, can all be traced to the Cold War.

This course takes place on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm (PT) on Zoom and at the Thousand Oaks campus.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Grab your costumes and treat bags for The Collection's beloved Candy Crawl. Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat their way through The Collection, visiting participating merchants for candy and Halloween spirit.

No RSVP is required to join the fun, but guests won't want to miss out on the Candy Crawl treat map. Sign up for The Collection's email newsletter by Oct. 26 to get the map straight to your inbox and plan your route through the merchant stops. Join The Collection Insiders here: https://thecollectionrp.com/visit/#loop

The fun doesn’t end with the candy crawl. Guests are also invited to head over to Collection Park for an afternoon of music and magic for the Glow Party in the Park. Strike a pose at Selfie Booth 805, dance to tunes spun by Ventura DJ and capture the moment through photo ops with the Spellbound Sisters — the perfect way to add extra fun to your Halloween outing.

Plus, fill those treat bags up even more with treats and activities hosted by the Oxnard Police Activities League, YMCA of Camarillo, First 5 of Ventura County and Scouting America, Ventura County Council.

The community is invited to The Collection’s Día de los Muertos Altar, presented in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). Join the opening reception on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. for live dance performances and special guest speakers as this year's multi-tiered altar adorned with candles, marigolds and ofrendas (offerings) is unveiled. The altar will be on display through Nov. 2, located between The Cheesecake Factory and Larsen's Grill.

The Collection would love to honor your loved one at the altar. Submit a photo of a deceased loved one by Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. and they will be included in the digital frame at the community altar. Photos can be submitted to https://form.jotform.com/252556264111148

Join us October 1-31, 2026 for an entire month of BRAND NEW vegan options all over Santa Barbara, CA!
During this time, restaurants throughout the Santa Barbara area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, review/rate menus, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered.

To view a list of current participants/menus visit veganchefchallenge.org/santabarbara

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 three centuries and under several forms of government, Russia has been the largest country in the world, steadily extending its rule over massive portions of Eurasian territory. Its repeated efforts to amass and maintain this sprawling dominion have led many to regard Russia as intrinsically, if not uniquely, expansionist. Is this fact? Stereotype? Or something in between? Explore this timely question in "Building the Imperium," which surveys the ebb and flow of colonial and hegemonic tendencies throughout Russian history, up to and including the Kremlin's illegal war against Ukraine.

This course takes place on Thursdays from 1:30-3:30pm (PT) on Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Salute to Scouting 2026
Scouting America – Los Padres Council will honor Central Coast leaders Bill MacFadyen, founder and publisher of Noozhawk.com, and the Borgatello Family of MarBorg Industries at the annual Salute to Scouting celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at the Santa Barbara Club in Santa Barbara.
MacFadyen will receive the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA), while the Borgatello Family will be presented with the Los Padres Council Legacy Award for their longstanding leadership, philanthropy, and community service across the Central Coast.
The annual evening event brings together business, civic, and community leaders to celebrate leadership and support youth development programs serving more than 3,000 young people throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Proceeds benefit Scouting programs, leadership development initiatives, and outdoor education opportunities, including Camp Rancho Alegre’s Outdoor School.
To RSVP for the event, call 805-967-0105, email carlos.cortez@scouting.org, or visit https://scoutingevent.com/053-116001

The community is invited to The Collection’s Día de los Muertos Altar, presented in partnership with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Nonprofit (OPAC). Join the opening reception on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. for live dance performances and special guest speakers as this year's multi-tiered altar adorned with candles, marigolds and ofrendas (offerings) is unveiled. The altar will be on display through Nov. 2, located between The Cheesecake Factory and Larsen's Grill.

The Collection would love to honor your loved one at the altar. Submit a photo of a deceased loved one by Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. and they will be included in the digital frame at the community altar. Photos can be submitted to https://form.jotform.com/252556264111148

Voices Rock Adult Choir Comes to Westlake Village

Love to sing? Voices Rock California is launching a new no-audition adult rock and pop choir at Aspire Dance Studio in Westlake Village.

Led by vocalist and music educator Savannah Koenig, Voices Rock welcomes experienced singers as well as people who haven’t sung in years or aren’t sure they consider themselves singers. No auditions and no need to read music. Just come sing, meet people and have fun.

Thursdays, 7:45–9:00 p.m.
Beginning September 10
Aspire Dance Studio
5700 Corsa Ave., Suite 106
Westlake Village, CA
Information and registration: voicesrockcalifornia.com

Join us October 1-31, 2026 for an entire month of BRAND NEW vegan options all over Santa Barbara, CA!
During this time, restaurants throughout the Santa Barbara area will feature special vegan menu items. Diners have the opportunity to go out, enjoy meals, review/rate menus, and post photos of the delicious vegan meals they have ordered.

To view a list of current participants/menus visit veganchefchallenge.org/santabarbara