Search results for

UCSB Library is pleased to present Jonathan Schooler (Psychological and Brain Sciences) in the Pacific Views: Library Speaker Series for Spring 2025. This event is in conjunction with the UCSB Reads 2025 book The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay, a genre-defying collection of short lyrical essays that celebrate the small, ordinary wonders in the world around us.

Children routinely experience wonder in everyday events, however, as we get older we can lose that childlike curiosity, and the pleasures that it affords. In this talk, Schooler will describe a smartphone-based intervention that his lab has been developing to promote curiosity through daily behavioral activities and “mindful curiosity” practices, which promote an inquiring stance towards everyday experiences.

Schooler’s preliminary research results reveal that app users showed significant increases in perceptual curiosity, meaning in life, and creative behaviors, presence of meaning, mindful awareness, and reduced boredom proneness. These findings suggest that curiosity and its benefits can be cultivated through targeted interventions, particularly when combining attitudinal and behavioral strategies.

Jonathan Schooler is a Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UCSB, Director of UCSB’s Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, and Acting Director of the Sage Center for the Study of the Mind. His research intersects philosophy and psychology, including the relationship between mindfulness and mind-wandering, theories of consciousness, the nature of creativity, and the impact of art on the mind.

Schooler’s research has been featured on television shows including BBC Horizon and Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, as well as in print media including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Nature Magazine. With over 250 publications and more than 40,000 citations he is a five-time recipient of the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science™ Highly Cited Researcher Award and is ranked by Academicinfluence.com among the 100 most influential cognitive psychologists.

Schooler’s approximately 45-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

This event may be photographed or recorded.

UCSB Library is pleased to present Jonathan Schooler (Psychological and Brain Sciences) in the Pacific Views: Library Speaker Series for Spring 2025. This event is in conjunction with the UCSB Reads 2025 book The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay, a genre-defying collection of short lyrical essays that celebrate the small, ordinary wonders in the world around us.

Children routinely experience wonder in everyday events, however, as we get older we can lose that childlike curiosity, and the pleasures that it affords. In this talk, Schooler will describe a smartphone-based intervention that his lab has been developing to promote curiosity through daily behavioral activities and “mindful curiosity” practices, which promote an inquiring stance towards everyday experiences.

Schooler’s preliminary research results reveal that app users showed significant increases in perceptual curiosity, meaning in life, and creative behaviors, presence of meaning, mindful awareness, and reduced boredom proneness. These findings suggest that curiosity and its benefits can be cultivated through targeted interventions, particularly when combining attitudinal and behavioral strategies.

Jonathan Schooler is a Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UCSB, Director of UCSB’s Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential, and Acting Director of the Sage Center for the Study of the Mind. His research intersects philosophy and psychology, including the relationship between mindfulness and mind-wandering, theories of consciousness, the nature of creativity, and the impact of art on the mind.

Schooler’s research has been featured on television shows including BBC Horizon and Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, as well as in print media including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Nature Magazine. With over 250 publications and more than 40,000 citations he is a five-time recipient of the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science™ Highly Cited Researcher Award and is ranked by Academicinfluence.com among the 100 most influential cognitive psychologists.

Schooler’s approximately 45-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

This event may be photographed or recorded.

The life and artistic work of Channing Peake will be celebrated at a March 22 tribute at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. A discussion of the renowned artist and his time at Casa Del Herrero in Montecito and beyond will be led by curators Elizabeth Raber and Ava Robles, and Cheri Peake, offering a personal perspective. Guests will learn how ranch life inspired Peake’s work and about his strong ties with local, Santa Ynez Valley history. Ticket prices are $20 per person ($10 for museum members). To purchase tickets, go to www.santaynezmuseum.org/channing-peake-art-and-influence-at-casa-del-herrero. For more information, call 805-688-7889 or email info@santaynezmuseum.org. An exhibit of Peake’s work that explores his time as a cowboy and rancher is currently on display at the museum through May 31.

The Watershed Stewards Program in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division invites you to join for a fun, hands-on restoration event at Adams Elementary on March 22nd!

We're coming together to address the impacts of stormwater runoff that affect our community and nearby creeks. This volunteer event will focus on reducing flooding and improving water quality by tackling stormwater runoff issues at Adams Elementary.

We’ll be restoring a stormwater swale and planting native plants to help absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, and prevent water pollution. Not only will these efforts make Adams Elementary safer, but they’ll also help improve the health of local watersheds and support endangered species like the Southern California Steelhead Trout that rely on clean creeks for their survival.

This event is an exciting opportunity to help make a positive change right in our own community! Come get your hands dirty and help us build a better, greener future for our local creeks, school, and community. Volunteers will be provided with all necessary materials, and no prior experience is required.

Location: St. Michael’s Community Garden, 6586 Picasso Rd, Goleta, CA 93117

RSVP in advance.

Join the UCSB Library and the Edible Campus Program for a peaceful afternoon of literature, nature, and reflection in the garden. In celebration of the 2025 UCSB Reads selection, The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, we invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of St. Michael’s Community Garden while enjoying a communal reading of select passages from the book.

Inspired by Gay’s practice of noticing and appreciating small joys, participants will have the opportunity to craft their own personal “delight” entries, reflecting on moments of gratitude, connection, and wonder. Whether you come to listen, write, or simply enjoy the garden’s tranquility, we welcome you to slow down and savor the delights of the present.

Please note, this event may be photographed or recorded.

The Watershed Stewards Program in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division invites you to join for a fun, hands-on restoration event at Adams Elementary on March 22nd!

We're coming together to address the impacts of stormwater runoff that affect our community and nearby creeks. This volunteer event will focus on reducing flooding and improving water quality by tackling stormwater runoff issues at Adams Elementary.

We’ll be restoring a stormwater swale and planting native plants to help absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, and prevent water pollution. Not only will these efforts make Adams Elementary safer, but they’ll also help improve the health of local watersheds and support endangered species like the Southern California Steelhead Trout that rely on clean creeks for their survival.

This event is an exciting opportunity to help make a positive change right in our own community! Come get your hands dirty and help us build a better, greener future for our local creeks, school, and community. Volunteers will be provided with all necessary materials, and no prior experience is required.

Palomazo Music Experience: Celebrating Music & Culture

Oxnard, CA – Pipiripau is excited to announce the return of the Palomazo Music Series for its 4th annual season, kicking off with three intimate jam sessions this May, building toward the debut of the Palomazo Music Festival on June 14th. Together, these events make up the Palomazo Music Experience all happening in Downtown Oxnard at the Heritage Square.

Continuing the success of last season, the Palomazo Music Series returns this year, bringing a unique music experience to the heart of Oxnard, where the audience doesn’t just listen to music—they connect with the artists and their stories. The series runs Friday nights—May 2, May 16, and May 30—from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Set outdoors under the stars in an intimate setting, the event spotlights talent from across California, including Thee Almighty Majestics from Long Beach and Santa Ana, blending rock n' roll corridos and románticas; Grupo Bella from Los Angeles, featuring Grammy-winning Vanessa Ramirez, offering a fresh take on contemporary Mexican folk; and closing out the series, La Marcha from Bakersfield, delivering a rhythm-driven Latin dance set.

As the Palomazo Music Series wraps up, the first-ever Palomazo Music Festival will launch on June 14th, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The festival features an eclectic lineup of artists from Oxnard, Los Angeles, and the Coachella Valley. What makes it even more special is that every band performing has previously taken the stage at the Palomazo Music Series. With an eclectic mix of Cumbias, Rock, Funk & Soul, Psychedelia, Boleros, and more, the festival is a celebration of music and culture. Starring Los Xiqueños, Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, Maria Sanchez & The Midnight Groove, Grupo Monitor, and Mariachi Quinto Sol.

Tickets for the Palomazo Music Series are priced at $15—space is limited. Tickets for the Palomazo Music Fest are $25, with VIP booths available for a premium experience. Purchase your tickets now at pipiripau.com before they sell out!

For tickets and more information, visit pipiripau.com

"Mat Kearney is a Multi-Platinum songwriter and producer; has performed live on TODAY Show, Ellen, The Tonight Show, Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live!; and has garnered raves from USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, People, Billboard, PARADE and Marie Claire.

He also has an incredible touring history, sharing the road with everyone from John Mayer to NEEDTOBREATHE. Explore his collection of music videos on Youtube here.

-----

OXNARD, CA: The U.S. Coast Guard released its latest summary of statistics for boating incidents, revealing 3,844 accidents that involved 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries and approximately $63 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Where cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Not surprisingly, 74 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters take a boating safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards before they go boating.

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Boat America course is an introductory boater certificate course designed for the novice boater. The 1-day course on Saturday APRIL 19 in Oxnard, CA. consists of seven core lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for boating safety. Coast Guard Auxiliary civilian instructors are experienced recreational boaters with in-depth knowledge of boating safety and skills. Topics include Introduction to Boating, Boating Law, Safety Equipment, Safe Operation and Navigation, Boating Emergencies, Trailering, and Sports and Boating tips.

This Boat America course provides the knowledge needed to obtain a California boating certificate. The Boater Card, issued from the state Division of Boating and Waterways, is required this year for ALL persons.

Class date is Saturday APRIL 19 , 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Location is Coast Guard Recruiting Building, 4202 S. Victoria Ave. Oxnard, CA. Cost is $32.00. Checks payable to: “USCG Aux Flotilla 72”. RSVP by APRIL 14 is required, seating limited. Contact Auxiliarist Robert Hamming, rhamming@sbcglobal.net, (805) 701-7216.

Join the Environmental Defense Center on June 8th, 2025, for Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration! Taking place from 2:00-5:30 PM in the beautiful gardens at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta, CA, EDC’s biggest fundraiser of the year brings together around 500 guests from across the tri-county region. Green & Blue will have a silent auction packed with unique items, an exciting live auction, food by Duo Catering, and local wine and beer. The event will conclude with a short program to honor EDC’s 2025 Environmental Hero. Various sponsorship opportunities are available as well as individual tickets with a sliding-scale option. Hope to see you there!
To get more info, check out our website: https://www.environmentaldefensecenter.org/gb/