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On the night of December 16, 1916, a group of conspirators murdered Grigori Rasputin, Russia’s “Mad Monk”. While meant to strengthen the Romanov dynasty, merely two months later this murder brought on their downfall and ushered in a year of two revolutions that ended with the Bolshevik takeover of Russia and the eventual murder of the Tsar and his family. In many ways, Russia and the rest of the world are still dealing with the consequences of that murder.

Most narratives in books, films and even songs about the murder of Rasputin focus on the victim, whereas this course will shed new light on the perpetrators of the crime. Our story will take us not only to the magnificent Yusupov Palace in Saint Petersburg, but also to the Yusupovs’ estates outside of Moscow and in Crimea, as well as to Oxford, Malta and Paris.

This course takes place Wednesdays 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.

Welcome Back to Moorpark Women’s Club. Our speaker is Jenny Calcoen who spent twenty-six years in corporate leadership, including seven years running a global single-family office for a billionaire family, before leaving to build a private practice for women moving through the transitions that success doesn't prepare them for. She is the founder of Inner Earthquake, and she works privately with women at turning points in their lives and their careers. Her talk is called “The Other Woman in the Room”. It is about leadership, and about the women sitting in the room.

Lunch: Boxed Lunch from Corner Bakery, with five options.

⚠️ One bad decision turns an ordinary life into a nightmare.

On Sunday, September 13, the Ojai Art Center Film Branch presents Pitfall (1948), a gripping film noir about temptation, consequences, and how quickly a comfortable life unravels.

Dick Powell stars as a seemingly respectable family man bored with his predictable routine. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman, played by Lizabeth Scott, offers the excitement he thinks he wants, but one reckless choice sets off a chain of jealousy, deception, and danger.

And lurking in the shadows is Raymond Burr, delivering a chilling performance as a private investigator whose obsession takes an increasingly sinister turn.

🖤 A noir about temptation and moral compromise
🎥 Dick Powell, Lizabeth Scott & Raymond Burr
⚡ Suspense that proves criminals aren't the only ones that find themselves trapped
✨ Even better on the big screen with fellow classic-film lovers

They’re young. They’re in love. And they’re running out of time.

On Sunday, August 30, the Ojai Art Center Film Branch presents They Live by Night (1948), a hauntingly romantic film noir about two young lovers trying to escape a world that seems determined to pull them back in.

After escaping from prison, Bowie dreams of starting over. Then he meets Keechie, and for a brief moment, a different life seems possible. But with the law closing in and the past never far behind, their chance at happiness becomes increasingly fragile.

Directed by Nicholas Ray in his feature-film debut and starring Farley Granger and Cathy O’Donnell, They Live by Night brings tenderness and vulnerability to the dark world of film noir. Its influence is felt in generations of lovers-on-the-run movies that followed.

🕵️‍♂️ Two undercover agents. One dangerous assignment. No room for mistakes.

On Sunday, September 6, the Ojai Art Center Film Branch presents T-Men (1947), a hard-edged film noir that plunges viewers into the shadowy world of undercover Treasury agents.

Two U.S. Treasury officers assume new identities to infiltrate a ruthless counterfeiting ring—but the deeper they go, the more dangerous the deception becomes. One wrong word could expose them…and cost them everything.

Directed by Anthony Mann, T-Men is especially celebrated for the stunning black-and-white cinematography of John Alton, whose dramatic lighting, deep shadows, and striking compositions helped define the visual language of film noir.

At 2:30 PM on Sunday, August 30th, the Ventura County Interfaith Community will gather in the chapel at the Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park, and Crematory (2052 Howard Rd, Camarillo, CA).

There, representatives from several faiths will discuss what happens to an individual following death up through the final committal in their communities.

This promises to be a fascinating afternoon. As always, there is no charge for this forum and all are welcome, so feel free to pass this information along to family and friends who might be interested.

Image Attribution: “My Fathers Funeral” by sridgway is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Welcome to Xochipilli de Santa Barbara’s 2026 Folklorico Showcase, Herencia Sin Fronteras - A Legacy Beyond Limits! We invite you on a folkloric and cultural journey through music, dance, and color, across states & regions, and beyond any line drawn in the sand. Prepare to be taken in by all the culture, the spins, the revelry, cheers and smiles. We have a great show in store for you that will be so much more than just dance! We hope you enjoy what we have in store, and enjoy all the rhythm and color Mexico’s folklorico has to offer here in our beloved community!

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

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.

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.