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Connect with nature through a guided nature tour and hands-on restoration activity at sites around the Campus Lagoon. Join UCSB Reads 2025 and the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration in the ongoing effort to restore Campus Point, transitioning it from a monoculture of iceplant to a diverse coastal bluff.

You’ll have the chance to plant native species in soft, sandy soils and learn more about the Campus Point Restoration Project. The tour will also highlight the wildflowers blooming on Lagoon Island following the recent prescribed burn. Additionally, you’ll be introduced to the campus labyrinth, another mindfulness experience to enhance your well-being as part of this tour.

Meeting location: Campus Point (specific directions will be provided in advance)
Parking is available in Parking Lot 6
Planting: 2:30 - 3:15 PM
Tour: 3:15 - 4:00 PM
Guests are welcome to attend either part of the event or the entire session.

This event may be photographed or recorded.

Renowned Western artist Joe Milazzo’s intricate pen-and-ink and charcoal drawings will be on display at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum beginning October 11. The title of the show is “Blessed: The Western Way of Life." Milazzo’s drawings depict ranch life, historical figures, and sweeping landscapes. His subjects range from cowboys and horses to iconic Western scenes. Milazzo’s artwork has been showcased in prestigious locations, including the Ronald Reagan Center in Santa Barbara. The October 11 opening reception with the artist is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The museum will be open to the public on Sunday, October 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Milazzo in attendance. A limited number of Milazzo’s works will be on sale. For tickets to the opening reception, go to www.santaynezmuseum.org/joe-milazzo-art-exhibition-sale.

Experience a traditional European festival at the 4th Annual Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts from 60 artisan vendors in a festive, family atmosphere. The Festive Garden and Le French Quarter feature traditional European foods and beverages, including bratwurst, soft pretzels, French pastries, Glühwein warm mulled wine, mimosas, apple cider and hot cocoa. The Kris Kringle Village with Kris Kringle and Mrs. Kringle, includes face painting, Art Trek specialty crafts, a holiday train and a Village Bear Scavenger Hunt. Carolers and live music will entertain visitors throughout the day. Admission and parking are free. The Marketplace is presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village and hosted at The Oaks (W. Wilbur Rd. and W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. parking lot) in Thousand Oaks. Proceeds support local nonprofits. For more information, go to http://www.HolidaysInTheVillage.org or email info@holidaysinthevillage.org.

The Ojai Film Festival (OFF) celebrates 24 years of “Enriching the Human Spirit through Film” November 2 through 19. The live event kicks off with free opening night festivities Thursday, November 2 at Libbey Bowl. Music by Spencer The Gardener welcomes patrons starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by Diane Ladd accepting the 2023 Distinguished Artist Award at 6:30 p.m., accompanied by a screening of her latest film “Isle of Hope.”

OFF moves to the Ojai Art Center for the next four days, November 3 through 6, to present 86 short and long films, including narratives, documentaries, and animations, plus seminars.

"Over the last 24 years, the Ojai Film Festival has been a source of joy and cultural enrichment for our community,” Artistic Director Steve Grumette said. “We're proud of the impact we've had and look forward to many more years of bringing people together through the power of cinema."

Many of the films examine people’s relationships. Short films "Bound" and "Shadow Brother Sunday" explore strained bonds between brothers. On the other hand two documentary features depict brothers collaborating. In "Live at Mister Kelly’s" two brothers transformed a family coffee shop into an entertainment empire. "The Canote Twins" shows identical twins who’ve played music together for most of their 70-plus years.

Several other films revolve around music as well. "Called to the Mountains" documents a Japanese bluegrass band. In "The Orchestra Chuck Built" a lawyer-turned-conductor sets out to rectify the reality that blacks comprise less than two percent of professional orchestras. The short "Career Day" shows how a depressed accountant finds new hope when he resurrects his former identity as a singer in a boy band. In "First Chair" a gifted clarinetist struggles with rivalry.

Music also found its way into the Gold Coast program which spotlights filmmakers from the region surrounding Ojai on Monday, November 6. Peter Fox, a longtime fixture in the Ojai theater community, directed "Good Vibrations" a short about a girl who becomes bewildered when her music teacher suddenly retires. Bookending OFF’s first weekend with Spencer The Gardener, "More Than Just A Party Band" chronicles the colorful life of Spencer Barnitz.

Sprinkled throughout the weekend festival goers will find special events, including speakers and panels on film related topics. Mary Duda will shed light on how “AI is Changing Filmmaking.” Author Harry Medved will discuss “Hidden History of Hollywood West: Ojai and Ventura County’s Classic Movie Locations.”

"Our planned seminars and special events are designed to enrich the festival experience by offering an informative complement to our film selections,” Grumette said. “They provide a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights."

For the third year in a row OFF continues its Diversity & Inclusion Program, sponsored by Panavision, with two panels on Saturday, November 4 at 4 pm. Luis Ramón Quintero, a director, writer and producer from Pacoima, will lead a dialog about “Latin Filmmakers in America.” Rosa Costanza, whose various roles ranges from producer to screenwriter and director, will moderate a panel on “Growth for Female Filmmakers.”

The female vibe runs strong through this year’s OFF. Two women celebrities, both subjects of documentaries, plan to make appearances. After "Unveiled: Joyce Tenneson & the Heroine’s Journey" on Friday, November 3, photographer and author Joyce Tenneson will sign books and exhibit photos at a reception in the Art Center courtyard. ‘Hot Tamale’ Susan Feniger, star of "Susan Feniger. FORKED.," will bring her food truck on Sunday, November 5.

Online streaming of films begins Tuesday, November 7. While the virtual festival takes place in cyberspace until November 19, some live events will continue in Ojai. The highly anticipated follow up to the global hit “Kiss the Ground,” Big Picture Ranch’s “Common Ground,” screens at Matilija Auditorium on Saturday, November 11, 4 p.m.

Tickets come as single entry, four or six packs, or VIP passes. All seniors, students, active military, and groups of ten or more receive discounts. Ticket prices go up on November 1.

Stay tuned to https://ojaifilmfestival.com for updates on other events and to read descriptions of all festival films.

Congressional leaders and top security officials say the U.S. Capitol will be well-prepared for a far-right rally expected for the area this Saturday.

The Big Ten and Pac-12 have canceled their football seasons this fall, but other college conferences said they're determined to play — and they believe they can do so safely.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe and Holly Anderson, co-host of the Shutdown Fullcast, discuss the unusual college football season.

SBCC School of Extended Learning, Older Adults Basic oil painting skills are explored through practice and demonstration. This course seeks to coordinate the creative process with the fundamental skill set necessary to make successful oil paintings. Special emphasis is placed on the social interaction and critical thinking aspects inherent in group studio arts classes. The pace of demonstrations and lectures are suited to the needs and abilities of individual students including frequent review of new concepts. Peer critique helps maximize social interaction and encourage problem solving. Beginning Oil Painting: For Older Adults takes place on Tuesdays March 15 through May 10. Classes will be held 6:00 PM – 8:50 PM. Course number: CRAO NC101 (CRN 68221) Date: Tuesdays, March 15 - May 10 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:50 PM Format: In-Person Location: Wake 7 Class cost: Free Contact: Register online at https://www.sbcc.edu/ExtendedLearning. For assistance with registration, call (805) 683-8205. About SBCC School of Extended Learning The School of Extended Learning responds to the diverse learning needs of the adult population in the Santa Barbara community by advancing career and life skills, and building bridges to credit. SBCC Older Adults courses are offered tuition-free to community members and offer a wide variety of topics taught by skilled professionals in each subject. Our classes are specifically designed for adults age 55 and over, and offer a welcoming and engaging environment for students of all levels. Students develop mental acuity and physical dexterity while learning and honing new skills in a variety of topics.

“Bridge of Spies” is a 2015 historical film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg.

Set during the Cold War, the film tells the story of lawyer James B. Donovan (played by Tom Hanks), who is entrusted with negotiating the release of Francis Gary Powers, a U.S. Air Force pilot whose U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. Powers was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and his only hope for release was through Donovan. Powers’ son, Francis Gary Powers Jr., is the author of several books including “Spy Pilot,” and consulted on the film. During the program he will discuss misinformation in the movie, talk about being on set and working with the cast and crew, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what motivated Spielberg to make the film. Schedule: 5:30 p.m.: Commentary with Francis Gary Powers Jr. 6-8:15 p.m.: Film screening 8:15-8:40 p.m.: Audience Q&A A book signing will take place before and after the program. Books will be available for purchase. Admission is free, but registration is required at bit.ly/2V5iNR6.

The event is sponsored by Cal Lutheran’s Artists and Speakers Series. For information about the event, contact David Nelson at dnelson@CalLutheran.edu. To see a trailer for Bridge of Spies, visit bit.ly/3zTeQOd. Please visit callutheran.edu/events before attending to verify details because event information may change. Please check callutheran.edu/visitors for the latest visitor policies before visiting campus.

Me, Myself, and Other is a sharp, funny, and unexpectedly moving solo performance about identity, disability, and the messy middle between who you were told to be and who you actually are.

A first-gen American grappling with the feeling of being “othered” throughout her life is forced to confront and embrace her true identity after a life-altering diagnosis. Humorous, heartfelt, and unflinchingly honest, this show takes one on a timely and poignant journey through cultural contradictions, societal expectations, and the resilience it takes to rewrite your own narrative.