Discover the work of local artists inspired by life in Southern California at Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries art exhibit, now on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.). 

The collection, made up of more than 180 original paintings from over 60 local artists, features art pieces depicting diverse sceneries of nature, cityscapes, florals and more. The exhibit is hosted by OC Parks, in partnership with Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the tradition of plein air painting. The collection will include plein air pieces and original artwork of all sizes and mediums. In addition, the exhibit will feature art pieces from local students from the Orange County School of Arts. Artwork in the gallery is available for purchase, with sales going directly to the artists. 

“Orange County is home to so many talented individuals,” said Vicente Sarmiento, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “It is wonderful to have a place in the heart of the County, at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, to display the work of local artists where others can be inspired and introduced to a new art medium.”

Plein air, the French term for “open air,” is the practice of painting outside which provides artists a dynamic artistic experience to capture the spirit and essence of subjects while being outdoors. In addition to focusing on plein-air painting, SOCALPAPA’s objectives include bringing artists together, promoting arts education and supporting local conservation efforts that protect our natural landscape.

Members’ paintings are also on display year-round in the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center located at OC Parks’ Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The artwork in the center often illustrates parks, wilderness areas and coastal spaces, similarly to what is showcased in the Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries exhibit.

Admission to Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries exhibit is free and open to view at the Old Orange County Courthouse gallery Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March 13. Metered parking is available at the on-site lot and surrounding street parking. Additional parking is available at lot P8 (301 W. 5^th Street). Parking fees apply. 

For information about Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries art exhibit and the Old Orange County Courthouse, please visit ocparks.com/historic-sites/old-orange-county-courthouse. 

Credit: OC Parks.

Introducing Project WeCare: The #LAStrong Collection 

Project ReWear—LA’s go-to for stylish, sustainable, pre-loved fashion—has launched Project WeCare, a long-term initiative dedicated to providing real, tangible support to wildfire victims in Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades.

 How? By turning upcycled fashion into direct aid.

On February 12th Project ReWear launched their #LAStrong Collection—a series of one-of-a-kind, upcycled t-shirts, denim jackets, and hoodies, all featuring an inspiring piece of artwork: the retro blue VW camper van that miraculously survived the Palisades fire. This van, owned by LA surfboard artist Megan Krystle Weinraub, became a viral symbol of hope, strength, and resilience, standing completely untouched amidst the destruction. Now, the van is the heart of Project ReWear’s design, with the word “Magic” emblazoned on its license plate—a tribute to the unshakable spirit of LA.

Shop the #LAStrong Collection here

 100% of profits from every purchase will be donated to:

•  California Community Foundation – Providing direct aid to wildfire victims
•  Pasadena Humane – Helping displaced & injured pets find safety
•  LAFD Foundation Emergency Wildfire Fund – Supporting LA’s brave firefighters

More Than Just a T-Shirt—It’s a Statement of Solidarity

Each item in the #LAStrong Collection features the slogan #WeAreAllInThisTogether, serving as a powerful reminder of LA’s resilience, unity, and commitment to helping neighbors in need.

 Every dollar counts:

• Tees are priced between $20-$30, with $15 from every shirt sold directly supporting wildfire victims, displaced pets, and first responders.
• Project ReWear is underwriting all production costs so that 100% of the profits from this collection go straight to those in need.

But this isn’t just a one-time fundraiser—it’s an ongoing movement. Unlike fast fashion-driven campaigns that sell out and move on, Project WeCare will evolve seasonally, with new upcycled pieces carrying the same #LAStrong design to keep the support going long after the headlines fade.

 Fashion That Helps People & the Planet 

Project ReWear’s founder, Kimberly Lau, is on a mission to redefine the way we shop while creating real change in the world. With a background in wealth management, she left corporate life behind to make sustainable fashion accessible for families through high-quality, secondhand fashion. Since launching, Project ReWear has already saved over 3,000 pounds of clothing from landfills! 

With the #LAStrong Collection, Kimberly and her team are proving that fashion can do more than just make a statement—it can make a difference. Each piece is sourced from thrift stores and handpicked for quality, ensuring that:

•  No two items are alike—every purchase is one-of-a-kind
•  The collection is truly sustainable—no new materials are produced
•  Every dollar spent goes toward wildfire relief—100% of profits go directly to charity

And the impact doesn’t stop there.  With every high-quality, pre-loved garment sold, the #LAStrong Collection helps prevent hundreds of pounds of clothing from entering local landfills while also saving thousands of gallons of water—a resource critical to California’s ecosystem.

Learn more:

•  Project ReWear Website

Credit: Project ReWear

A winter whale watch excursion is the perfect way to gather with family and friends to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island. http://islandpackers.com https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/whale-watching/

“This mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles continues to remain a major attraction in Southern California,” said President Cherryl Connally of Island Packers.  “Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, we invite visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience soon as part of their fun for the entire family Spring Break activities. “

Winter whale watch excursions are available now thru mid-April from Ventura  Harbor Village and/ or Channel Islands Harbor departing at 9:30 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m.  Rates for half-day trips are $47 for adults, $43 for seniors, and $34 for children 3-12. Children 2 years old and younger ride free.

The Pacific Gray Whales are now traversing the newly-designated Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), one of only eleven whale heritage areas found around the world. This prestigious designation is a testament to the region’s commitment to marine conservation and ocean education through whale watching and wildlife cruising opportunities.

Sightings of the Southern migration start with the Pacific Gray Whales and also include occasional sightings of Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and even orcas. Common Dolphin is enjoyed year-round from the catamaran, delighting passengers as they surf with the boat, and ride the bow and stern waves.  The half-day Winter Whale Watch Cruise with Island Packers provides stunning views of the Ventura coastline or the Channel Islands; depending on where the whales may be sighted. 

Island Packers is excited to share their daily marine mammal sightings with mainlanders on the Island Packers website Marine Mammal Sightings. Here guests can see in real time what Island Packers crew and captains view in the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.

In addition to an excursion with Island Packers, travelers can immerse themselves in  Ventura Harbor Village’s idyllic sun-kissed playground, pairing their time at sea with some “dine and drink” options at some of the best waterfront eateries including fresh seafood and a variety of cuisines, as well as coastal-inspired boutiques. www.venturaharborvillage.com

Credit:  Island Packers and Ventura Harbor. For more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or call 805-477-0470.  Follow and share your adventures using #VenturaHarbor.