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Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS affect millions, with limited treatment options. But what if we could repair or even replace damaged brain cells? In this lecture, we’ll explore the science of stem cells and their potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Learn how stem cells work, the latest breakthroughs in research, and the challenges of translating discoveries into real-world therapies. We’ll also discuss ethical concerns, clinical trials, and the future of regenerative medicine. This lecture will provide a clear understanding of how stem cell technology is shaping the future of brain health and aging.

Wesley Tierney 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 seven years ranging from social psychology, entomology, regenerative medicine, virology, and neuroscience.

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.

Dorothea Lange produced an astonishing body of photographic work in a career that lasted from the 1920s, when she ran the most successful portrait studio in San Francisco, to her death in 1965. Best known for her Depression-era documentary work—including the world-renowned “Migrant Mother”—Lange brought the humanity of the poor into sharp focus.

Avril Angevine is an arts aficionado, teacher, and presenter with an interest in all things California. She has lived in the state since the age of 8 and is a proud graduate of California public schools, including the University of California, Berkeley. As an undergrad at UCLA and Berkeley, she studied English, several foreign languages, and art, and received an MA in Comparative Literature from UCB in 1977. Over a long career, she has alternated between teaching and publications work. She has taught English, French, and Humanities at numerous local colleges and universities, public and private, and in between, worked as a freelance graphics designer and as art director of the State Coastal Conservancy’s magazine, Coast and Ocean.


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.

Every city has a particular feel about it, defined by its architecture, demographics, geography, climate, and the people and cultures that have shaped the city from its founding to its current status. From historical to contemporary structures, these lectures will explore the iconic structures that identify various American cities and how they came to be. A variety of architectural styles are discussed, as well as the sociopolitical context in which these buildings were created.


San Francisco, the City by the Bay: From the establishment of the Presidio and Mission Dolores by Spanish missionaries to the growth of the city brought about by the Gold Rush, San Francisco boasts beautiful Victorian mansions, luxurious hotels, and many fascinating and historic structures such as the Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Prison.


New York, The Big Apple: From its establishment by Dutch settlers to its modern skyscrapers, New York is a study in architectural styles. In America’s Gilded Age of the late 19th century, New York was a center of booming industry, reflected in the elegant mansions of the wealthy industrialists. Inspirational churches, sophisticated hotels, and noteworthy museums add to the cachet of this celebrated city.


Eleanor Schrader is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world. She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts.

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.

On Saturday, April 12 at 7pm and Sunday, April 13 at 6pm, Santa Monica Playhouse is excited to present the world premiere of Cabrina Peer’s delightfully intriguing It’s Just a Wedding to support the Save the Main Stage Campaign.

Step into the wonderfully chaotic world of "It’s Just a Wedding," a black comedy that captures the essence of a generation navigating love and friendship during the early 2000s recession. Follow a tight-knit group of college friends as they reunite and untangle the complexities of their relationships. With an unexpected engagement sparking waves of chaos, the countdown to the wedding becomes a rollercoaster of calamities and surprising revelations. In a world where nothing seems certain, alliances shift and secrets unravel. Who will stand as friend or foe?

Written by Cabrina Peer. Directed by Oliver Klein. Featuring Theresa Croft, Ari Kraiman, Vansh Sha, Alyssa Gonzalez, Avery Barrett, Eve Cuccaro, Jay Whitmore, Matthew Flynn, Charlie Trepany, Sagar Surana, Joel Lingaur, Andrew Phillips, Myles Brown.

Rated: 16+

The beautiful Main Stage was destroyed in a water damage disaster in July 2024. Wonderful support is helping us make major inroads towards the rebuild - but we need your help! Please join Cabrina Peer, Oliver Klein and their wonderful company of artists in helping bring this iconic theatre back to life. Add a donation to your admission ticket or donate online at SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com.

Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous contributions from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS.

About the creatives:

Cabrina Peer was born and raised in Los Angeles. She studied theatre and child development at California State University Northridge and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Film and television credits include voice-over work for Lifetime movies (Cradles for Cash, Saving My Baby, Wrongfully Accused, etc.) and such television shows as Criminal Minds, Dirty John, and the Politician. A theatre advocate on both sides of the curtain, performances include two Agatha Christie murder mysteries, Neil Simon’s Rumors, Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Reginald Rose’s Twelve Angry Jurors. But always, Cabrina has loved writing and has decided to start contributing to the theatre world by doing just that.

Oliver Klein is a director, producer, and actor with over a decade of experience in the theater. His recent directing work includes Missionary, written and produced by Sarah Lazarus, as well as the short film Addict, which also wrote. Producing credits include Spring Storm by Tennessee Williams, All My Sons by Arthur Miller, and Tom Stoppard’s translation of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. Klein is the founder of Intuitive Artists, a production company dedicated to creating dynamic theater, film, and music and supporting young and up-and-coming artists. He is currently in pre-production for Michelle, set to begin filming this year. Klein is an alumnus of the American Conservatory Theater YC, Interlochen Arts Academy, and the University of Michigan, where he earned his BFA with high honors.

As the founding document of this country, the Declaration of Independence holds a position in American history that is nearly unrivaled. However, how many people could explain the declaration? How many could quote it, beyond the first few lines regarding “Life, Liberty, & the pursuit of happiness”? But, more than just quoting the document, how many could explain what it meant? This series of lectures will delve into the text and will discuss, in the context of the late 1700s, what the document meant to its signers and what it means to American citizens today.

Jason Hensley, PhD (Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Dmin (Biblical Studies), 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 higher-education ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations, and the award-winning author of 12 books.

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.

Join the Ventura Improv Company as we celebrate singles, doubles and everyone in-between. We’ll explore the ups and downs of love — in scenes made up on the spot! We will provide chocolate to all audience members, regardless of romantic status (or lack thereof.)

Prepare yourselves for an uproarious night of non-stop laughter and spontaneous entertainment! Ventura Improv Company proudly presents a high-octane blend of quick-witted short-form scenes, interactive games, and live music that will leave you in stitches and begging for more.

Step into the world of Ventura Improv Company, where a talented collective of improvisers comes together to hone their craft and co-create unforgettable moments. We’re not just performers; we’re passionate artists dedicated to enriching lives through top-notch improv education and side-splitting shows.

​More info: http://venturaimprov.com
Ventura Improv Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network presents

The State of Fire; Why California Burns
Talk & Book Signing
with Award Winning Author Obi Kaufmann

Thursday, February 20, 6:30–8:30pm, 2025, FREE

Location: Fe Bland Auditorium/BC Forum
SBCC West Campus, 800 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Joined by a panel of Community Members &
special guest: Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, Melinda Palacio

Please join Santa Barbara Permaculture Network on Thursday, February 20, for a special evening with naturalist, illustrator, and award winning author Obi Kaufmann, sharing his timely book The State of Fire, Why California Burns.

From the creator of The California Field Atlas, Obi Kaufmann shares a book of stewardship, resilience, and hope. Fire is an essential part of California’s ecology and humans have been using it to shape the California landscape for thousands of years. But today many Californians’ relationship to fire is primarily one of fear.


The free event takes place at the Fe Bland Auditorium/BC Forum on the Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) West Campus on Thursday, February 20, 6:30–8:30 pm. For more information, www.sbpermaculture.org, margie@sbpermaculture.org, 805-962-257.

Community Panel Members include:
Ray Ford, Santa Barbara County backcountry author, photographer & journalist; Betty Seaman, Natural Builder, Spirit Pine; Cooper Lienhart, Nature’s Design & SLO Beaver Brigade;
Em Johnson Community Environmental Council (CEC) Director of Climate Programs

https//www.sbpermaculture.org

Cosponsors: Community Environmental Council (CEC); Santa Barbara Beaver Brigade; SBCC Environmental Horticulture, & Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
https://www.facebook.com/1600387994176548/

As a cornerstone and principal songwriter, banjo player and guitarist in the Colorado transcendental folk group, Elephant Revival, Sage Cook penned some fan favorites like “Go On,” “Cosmic Pulse,” and “Down to the Sea.” Embarking on a subsistence farming adventure in 2013, Sage and Aera moved to Kansas in hopes that deepening their connection to the land would also lead to greater self-realization. During this period of self-reflection and isolation, they co-founded indie atmospheric folk-pop band WE DREAM DAWN with local drummer Weston Hill. In 2023, rejuvenated and inspired by their work with the land, Sage & Aera chose to strip away all the superfluous layers and lay their hearts bare as a purely acoustic duo. Emerging from their self-imposed isolation is purposeful pure creativity, organically rooted and cosmically inspired folk music for the modern era.

It’s BFF ’24 in ’25, the 9th Annual BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Feb 25 - April 4, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering 30 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. Today, the perfect Friday afternoon event for kids and their folks or grand-folks after a long week at school. Pick up the kids, get a snack, and then head on over to Santa Monica Playhouse for a wonderful hour of fun and frolic!

"Sesame Street" meets Broadway...Mr. Rogers meets musical theater...music, dance, poetry, and fun for the whole family (including grown ups!) Your hostess, eight-time Broadway actress (The Prom, Spongebob, Mary Poppins) Vasthy Mompoint, will take you on a musical theater adventure combining live performance with virtual production for kids to engage with the arts in a way like no other. Get ready to sing, dance, and play. Vasthy says, “We promise you will leave with a smile on your face.”

Written & Performed by Vasthy Mompoint. Producer/Performer Leanne Gadow. Musical Director Alyson Snyder. Keyboards Moko. Performers Larry Sapperstein, Carly Hughes, Amanda Kloots.

The BFF celebrates the range and depth of the human condition and the idea that theatre arts experiences are vital, transformative, and must be available for all. Special thanks to generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS.

Ozomatli, the multi-genre band born in Los Angeles, is a cultural force blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global sounds into a vibrant musical experience. Celebrating 30 years in 2025, the ensemble of six founding members includes Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion). With roots in Boyle Heights and a history of community activism, their dynamic energy spans generations, uniting diverse audiences through music. From Grammy wins to global tours, Ozomatli's sound represents unity, resilience, and the spirit of celebration.