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Learn all about the ancient plants garden design of the ancient Romans. Explore the mythology behind plants used by the ancients and learn how to turn your own backyard or patio into a modern-day Roman garden. As a bonus, there will be an opportunity to tour the Roman Gardens at the Getty Villa, space will be limited.

Scott Jones is a retired naval officer and businessman with broad experience in national security, foreign relations, and politics. Scott is also a docent at the J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Villa) where he leads tours in the Greek and Roman Galleries, special exhibitions, Roman architecture, and Roan gardens. He teaches for a few lifelong learning programs in the area.

This course explores the relationships between genocide and religion in both its institutional and theological frameworks. It begins by introducing the literature on religion and political violence and American slavery, before then turning to Biblical sources and scriptural passages with relevance to genocide studies. Next, it highlights a key theme in Holocaust and genocide studies, namely the role of churches in facilitating rescue efforts. Finally, the latter portion of the course considers historical and contemporary examples to ascertain whether there are religious components to their genocide.

Jason Hensley (Ph.D.) teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a member of Civic Spirit's teacher education cohort, and the award-winning author of 10 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.

By many accounts, the American Catholic Church is dying – from the sexual abuse scandal, to lack of priests, and a massive loss of members -- the future of the Church can seem tenuous at best. Except for one thing – the Latino Catholic population has grown and is the source of numerous, vibrant church communities. In this context, one would think that Church leaders would be eager to cement Latinos’ place in the Church, if for no other reason than survival. Instead, there is a consistent pattern of neglect and disregard that is beginning to drive Latinos away from the Church. Why is this happening? This two-part lecture will cover how the history, organization, and culture of American Catholicism complicate the acceptance and integration of Latinos as equal members and leaders within the Church.

Kiku Huckle (Ph.D.) is an assistant professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. Her research addresses how culture, values, and identity intersect and ultimately affect political beliefs and patterns of engagement, with an emphasis on race, racial resentment, and religious affiliation. Her book project, “Reluctant Evolution: Latino Communities and the American Catholic Church” examines the institutional barriers to the full inclusion of Latinos within the American Catholic Church. Other projects examine the relationship between race, racial resentment, and policy issues such as gun control and immigration, as well as vote choice.

The history of immigration to California goes back to the 17th century when European explorers arrived in California. Immigrants (documented and undocumented) account for over one-quarter of the state’s population and form a third of the entire labor force. They are an integral part of the state’s diverse communities. They make extensive contributions to our communities that benefit all.

This two-part lecture will examine the humanity and economic value of immigrants, regardless of their legal status. We will explore the socio-economic status of undocumented immigrants in Ventura and Santa Barbra counties, including the economic impacts of undocumented immigrants in various industries and groups. Additionally, we will examine the strength of independence between undocumented immigrants' social and economic interests and the entire community.

Jamshid Damooei (Ph.D.) is Professor and Director of Economics Program and Executive Director of the Center for Economics of Social Issues at California Lutheran University. He served as Director General of the Department of Economic Studies and Policies of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance of Iran. He worked as a Senior Economist for the United Nations Development Program and also as a Senior Consultant for the UN After leaving UNDP. Dr. Damooei frequently comments on the ongoing economic and political matters around the world with a focus on the Middle East and Iran in VOA, BBC and other international media. In 2017, he was recognized by Huffington Post as an Iranian American for seminal contributions to his field of study.

Dr. Damooei has conducted more than 100 studies and written reports in various forms ranging from peer reviewed to research projects commissioned by many for and non-profit organizations and foundations. In the last 20 years his research has been focused on economics of social issues; what he calls economic studies with a human face. He is the recipient of the President Award for Teaching Excellence in 2006, the Provost Distinguished Scholar Award in California Lutheran University in 2018, and the Outstanding Achievement in the Area of Research from the Advisory Council of the School of Management in 2021.

Both the science of genetics and the biotech industry have shaped and prolonged human life greatly. This two-part lecture will cover topics related to the progression of this field of study, starting with Mendel and Darwin’s seminal work that inspired early geneticists and the beginnings of what is called the Modern Synthesis of Genetics. We will then talk about the misuses of genetics in topics such as eugenics. We will continue by looking at the start of the modern molecular biology age in the 1970s, the explosion of biotechnology in the last twenty years, cutting edge technological advancements, and finally, what potentially lies ahead for us.

Wesley Tierney (M.S.) is currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Arizona State University. He studies the mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus infection of neurons. He has worked in various research labs for eight years ranging from social psychology, entomology, regenerative medicine, virology, and neuroscience.

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and CarpEvents will co host the 2023 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival—which is free to attend—at Alameda Park Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The 2023 festival will bring our community together for our first large festival since we were last in Alameda Park in 2019. Join us to connect the dots between climate change and the solutions we can implement locally for a climate-resilient future with two full days of live music and speakers on three stages, sustainable food, a wine & beer garden, opportunities to connect dots between climate change & solutions, a Kids Corner with fun activities planned organized by LearnDen and Ecology Action, a Green Car Show with an electric car and bike test drives, Environmental Hero Awards, and 200+ exhibitors. More at sbearthday.org!

People have been tending carefully to the remains of their loved ones for millennia. Tradition has dictated the manner of that care, but often tradition finds its roots in religious beliefs.

On February 28th, the Ventura County Interfaith Community (VCIC) will offer the first of a two part series dealing with funeral and burial practices and the beliefs that underpin them. Leaders from the Bahá’í community, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Muslim community will present.

This event will also be the first of what we hope will be several “hybrid” presentations. That is, you’ll be able to choose between participating in a live presentation or joining a livestream online. The live presentation will take place at 7:00 PM at the Church of Scientology. The Church of Scientology is located at 2151 Alessandro Drive, Ventura, 93001. As an alternative to the live presentation you may also join on Facebook by pointing your browser at 7:00 PM to https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCountyInterfaith.

Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, this musical tapestry depicts an African-American family, a Jewish immigrant family, and a wealthy white suburban family in turn-of-the-century America, who collide in pursuit of the American Dream. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards® including “Best Musical,” and winning for “Best Original Score” and “Best Book of a Musical,” Ragtime is a powerful portrait of life during the turn-of-the-century, exploring America’s timeless contradictions of freedom and prejudice, wealth and poverty, hope and despair.

Down Time is an LA based indie rock band that has created a diverse body of material ranging from low key bedroom ballads to dense psychedelic grooves. at the core are timeless rock songs guided by the imaginative and soul baring lyrics of front woman, Alyssa Maunders. The songs are close and intimate while also producing thorns. They capture the complexities of the human spirit, the best and worst of our kind.

As the snow fell on the Rockies and an angry mob of vigilante rioters stormed the capital in Washington DC, Down Time recorded a group of songs to tape that would later become Spirit. From start to finish it was written, performed and produced by the band in a small room with blankets stapled to the walls.

Some songs capture the flame of loss while others hold the solitude of a quiet meadow. That is the beauty of Maunders’ lyrics; they are somehow specific and poetically adaptable at the same time, creating an effect that is deeply relatable, all with a vocal delivery akin to Adrianne Lenker. The vocals float on top of solid grooves provided by the band’s secret weapon, David B. Weaver (drums/bass) and melodic flourishes from Justin Camilli (guitar/keys) which take it to another sonic plane. In an age where rehearsal space is prohibitively expensive and laptop-pop reigns supreme, Down Time is succeeding at keeping the band together.

The Carpinteria Valley Historical Society and History Museum will host its popular Marketplace on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the museum grounds at 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria.

“We had to forego our previously scheduled Marketplace due to the much-needed rain, so we are really looking forward to seeing our visitors and vendors again,” said Jayme Yahr, executive director and curator of the nonprofit organization.

As always, the Marketplace will be filled with a treasure trove of handcrafted gifts, toys, antiques, furniture, jewelry, clothing, plants, musical instruments, household items including quilts, kitchenware, and chinaware, among other items. Of special note are the 25 cent and $1 tables at Granny’s Attic, the booth operated by the museum.

One of Marketplace’s unique vendors is Randy Axcell, owner and operator of EDC Mobile Sharpening. He will be onsite providing sharpening services, which include repairs, cleaning, and sanitizing for a price of $5 each.

EDC Mobile Sharpening can be reached at edcmobilesharpening.com or (801) 657-1056. Learn more at Facebook/EDCmobilesharpening and Instagram.com/edc_sharpening_.

The free admission to the Marketplace also includes music by the Sweet Strings Sisters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. playing folk, traditional, oldies, and original tunes. Find more information at facebook.com/sweetstringsisters. Mavis Hansen and the Ukulele Jammers will play from 1:15 to 3 p.m.

Hot dogs, cold beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the museum at (805) 684-3112 or visit carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org. The next Marketplace is scheduled for March 25.