Author: Community Contributor

Oxnard Salsa Festival update for May 16

Reserved Seating on Sale Now! 25th Oxnard Salsa Festival July 28-29, 2018 @ Plaza Park 500 S B Street, Oxnard CA 93030 GET CLOSER TO THE MUSIC! Reserved Table Seating and Club Salsa!  Enjoy premium seating near the Festival dance floor and stage. Enjoy…

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County celebrates its biggest Golf Classic in 45 Years!

VENTURA COUNTY — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) on May 7 held its most successful Golf Classic since the first tournament in 1973, by grossing over $250,000. The Golf Classic is already BBSVC’s top-performing signature fundraising event, which delivers…

Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 15

Livable Communities Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 46 May 2018 Quick Links – See the Current State of the Region Report – Last Quarter’s Newsletter   Join us at the Ventura County Civic Alliance! Welcome to Our Spring 2018 Livable Communities Newsletter!  This…

CSUCI’s international profile rises with Peace Corps recognition and Model UN awards

CAMARILLO — After graduating from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in 2017 with a degree in Psychology, Karina Casarez is now with the Peace Corps, living in the Bago region of Myanmar in a small town called Paungde. “Sometimes it’s still incredible for me…

Dr. Sarah Otterstrom Named Nonprofit Winner at 2018 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards

As an Ashoka Fellow, conservation scientist, and nonprofit founder, Dr. Sarah Otterstrom is no stranger to entrepreneurship. VENTURA — Paso Pacifico Founder and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Otterstrom won the 2018 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Award at the annual event…

Summer Adventures for Adults Right Here at Home; Registration Now Open at SBCC School of Extended Learning

SANTA BARBARA — If a grand expedition or safari is out of the question this summer, SBCC School of Extended Learning is the perfect spot for adult students, professionals and retirees to fill their summer bucket lists. The benefits of…

Jackson Applauds Fire Recovery and Prevention Funding in Governor’s May Revise

Governor’s Revised Budget dedicates funds to backfill property tax losses from Thomas Fire, and an additional $96 million for forest management SACRAMENTO –  State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), , who represents the area that was devastated by the Thomas Fire and chairs the…

Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 11

DAO DOAN — IN REMEMBRANCE Dao Doan Memorial Please join us in celebrating the life and works of our friend and comrade, Dao Doan, at the office of Mainstreet Architects on Friday evening, May 18, 2018 We will share stories…

Local Business is Surprised with Opportunity to Get Their Product on Walmart Shelves

Oxnard’s Primal Essence will Pitch Savory and Sweet Infused Coconut Oils at Headquarters of World’s Largest Retailer During Open Call Event OXNARD — One local small business was surprised May 10 by Oxnard Walmart store manager Christy Wolff with the news that…

Bilingual commentary: The Failed Oxnard Recall

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

Local Boys & Girls Club Receives National Honors – BGCOP given Merit Award for Program Excellence

OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of America recently honored the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme with a national merit award for program excellence. The Club also received $2,500. BGCOP won an award in…

Legislation by Assemblymember Irwin to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Passes Assembly

SACRAMENTO – One of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) key pieces of legislation this session, AB 2770,  which will help prevent future sexual harassment in the work place passed the Assembly earlier this week. This bill, sponsored by the California Chamber…

Winners of the VC Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards Announced

CAMARILLO — VC Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards on May 10 were presented to this year’s most innovative educators, business and community partners for their support of Career and Technical Education. Twenty-five award recipients selected by each of the education partner school…

Governor’s Wildfire Proposal Clears Path for Jackson Bill

SB 1260 Proposes Paradigm Shift in Forest Management in Age of Climate Change SACRAMENTO — Following the release of the Governor’s Executive Order on May 10,  State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), who represents the area devastated by the Thomas Fire, released the following statement:…

Santa Paula Art Museum update for May 10

Encourage Creativity Support Scholarships for Arts Education in Our Community A creative community is a stronger community. Did you know that 72% of today’s business leaders say that creativity is the number one skill that they are looking for when…

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $13,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 22 IMPACT II grants to 30 teachers from 12…

Moms will bring home newborns sporting red hats for a cause

The Children’s Heart Foundation Joins Forces with the American Heart Association Little Hats, Big Hearts Efforts in the Central Coast CENTRAL COAST — In honor of Mother’s Day, the American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation brings Little Hats,…

Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau is Recognized by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at 68th Annual Community & Business Awards Luncheon

OXNARD — The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was recently recognized by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at their 68th Annual Community & Business Awards luncheon held on Friday, April 27 at Levity Live at The Collection at RiverPark.…

Florence Nightingale is Alive and Well at GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care

In honor of National Nurses Week from May 6th to May 12th, GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care is excited to highlight the contributions of Director of Resident Care Patricia Garcia CARPINTERIA — GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care nurse Patricia Garcia…

Santa Paula Art Museum update for May 5

SANTA PAULA ART MUSEUM Join Volunteer Donate Website Every First Sunday is Free at Santa Paula’s Museums! Free First Sunday Sun., May 6: 12pm to 4pm Admission to the Museum is free every first Sunday of the month. Gather up…

Museum of Ventura County update for May 4

Major funding for these programs is made possible by the City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura. Kids Enjoy Music and Drawing at Museum’s Main Street Location Join us for Free First Sunday,May 6, at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E.…

May is Military Appreciation Month

VENTURA —  Military Appreciation Month is a time for Americans to recognize those who have answered the call to serve their country. The country’s military personnel and veterans have endured difficult conditions to protect the United States and many have…

CSUCI student among 18 across the nation chosen for American Committees on Foreign Relations program

CAMARILLO — A CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) graduating senior is among 18 students nationwide who were chosen to participate in the American Committees on Foreign Relations (ACFR) Young Leaders Initiative in June. Communication major/Psychology minor Alexis Mumford, 22, will travel to Washington D.C.…

Student Entrepreneurs Impress at the 8th Annual Scheinfeld Center New Venture Challenge

SANTA BARBARA — Local student entrepreneurs dazzled both the judges and the packed SBCC Fé Bland Forum audience at the 8th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on Friday, April 27. Students from Santa Barbara City…

Bilingual commentary: The Never-Ending Quest

Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes local guest columns, letters to the editor and other submissions from our readers. All opinions expressed in submitted material are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Amigos805. By David Magallanes •…

United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund Receives $200,000 from Jack Johnson Benefit Concert

CENTRAL COAST — The Jack Johnson and Friends, a Benefit for the Community, concert has raised $200,000 for the United Way Thomas and Fire Flood Fund, with 100 percent of the donations going to support those in communities affected by the…

Jackson Bill to Prevent Domestic Violence Homicides Passes Senate Floor

B 1331 expands law enforcement training in domestic violence cases SACRAMENTO — Legislation by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)  to help identify domestic violence victims whose lives are in danger and connect them with support services, passed off the Senate Floor today with…

First 5 Ventura County Celebrates 20th Anniversary at State Capitol on May 2nd

F5VC Executive Director and Program Manager join three legislators in receiving awards for backing bills benefitting young kids SACRAMENTO — First 5 Ventura County celebrated the 20th anniversary of the statewide First 5 network with a Family Fun Day and awards presentation…

Ventura County Civic Alliance update for May 2

Connecting the Dots Conference This thought-provoking conference will tie together important themes and trends from the Civic Alliance’s 2017 State of the Region report and explore potential solutions to Ventura County’s future challenges. The highly respected 2017 State of the Region report…

Boys & Girls Club Announces New Director of Major Gifts & Resource Development and Director of Operations

OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme announce two new employees, Nicole Eads is the new director of major gifts and resource development; and Ashley Lyden is the new director of operations. “Nicole and…

Finalists Are Set for the 35th Annual California Strawberry Festival’s “Berry Blast Off” Recipe Contest

OXNARD — Two finalists were selected during the semi-finals round of the California Strawberry Festival 35th Anniversary Celebration’s “Berry Blast Off” Recipe Contest.” The finalists will now compete for top honors on Saturday, May 19 during the festival taking place…

Second Grader From Art Haycox Elementary School Selected Winner of California Strawberry Festival 35th Anniversary Celebration Youth Art Contest

OXNARD — Out of 1,633 entries from kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, the creative strawberry design of 8-year-old Allison Chavez from Haycox Elementary School in Oxnard was selected as the grand prizewinner of the California Strawberry Festival 35th Anniversary…

Oxnard single-mom fosters nine teenagers in addition to her own sons, and shares her story for Foster Care Awareness Month in May

Oxnard Mother Answers the Call – Celebrating Foster Care Month. Aspiranet partners with families to provide support through foster care and adoption to help ensure success at home, at school and in the community. VENTURA COUNTY — It begins with “the call”…

United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Funding Assists Habitat for Humanity Rebuilding Lost Homes

SANTA BARBARA — As families vowed to rebuild their homes following the horrific Montecito mudslides, many were met with another tragedy: finding themselves under insured. Volunteers, community organizations and donors from around the globe have stepped in to help meet…

Long Time Contributor to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Takes the Helm

AGOURA HILLS — Driven by a need and passion to serve others, long-time contributor to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley, and local philanthropist, Linda Catlin now assumes the position of Board Chairman for the organization. Catlin’s participation…

Hospice of Santa Barbara Hosts Compassionate Care of Carpinteria Community Breakfast

SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara recently had the privilege of inviting its supporters and community members to its Compassionate Care of Carpinteria (CCC) Community Breakfast on April 26. Compassionate Care of Carpinteria is a new program that offers…

Two VCOE Educators Honored for Leadership

VENTURA COUNTY — Two Ventura County Office of Education administrators are being honored for their leadership by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 13. Dr. Tiffany Morse, Executive Director of Career Education and Kenny Loo, Principal of Court and…

June — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Grief Walk & Talk

SANTA BARBARA — Join this easy-paced walking group that provides informal support as we walk together through grief. Presented by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Santa Barbara. Fridays in May & June, 10:00 –11:00 AM Facilitated by Dairine Pearson, LCSW Call…

June — Livingston Memorial to present free community education classes

VENTURA COUNTY — As Ventura County’s only non-profit Home Health and Hospice provider, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of our services, we host free monthly education classes throughout the county, which…

June 9 — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Heritage Potluck

SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Bereavement Class – Heritage Potluck. Prepare your loved one’s favorite dish at home & join us for a special potluck in remembrance of those we have loved and lost. Presented by Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Santa…

June 10 — 32nd Ojai Wine Festival Combines Craft Beer and Fine Wine for Local Relief Efforts Benefiting Thomas Fire Victims

OJAI — For 32 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West and its numerous philanthropic endeavors that serve to enhance lives both locally and internationally. To date, the…

June 11 — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Invite the Community to ‘Swing into Action’ at the 9th Annual Golf Classic

MOORPARK — Golfers are invited to participate in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s 9th Annual Golf Classic while helping raise funds for local youth on Monday, June 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Moorpark…

June 15 — Free Job & Career Workshops in Oxnard

OXNARD — Free Career Workshops For Job Seekers – presented throughout June 2018 by the America’s Job Center of California with support from the Workforce Development Board, EDD Workforce Services and the Human Services Agency of Ventura County. Career Shop topics include…

June 16 — League of Women Voters of Ventura County to Hold its Annual Meeting and Luncheon

VENTURA — The League of Women Voters of Ventura County (LWVVC), a nonpartisan political organization will be holding their Annual Meeting and Luncheon on Saturday, June 16 in the Ventanas Room at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, 600 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036. This is a…

June 16 — Ventura County Genealogical Society to present FREE Family History Program

CAMARILLO — THE VENTURA COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY presents a Free Family History Presentation, Saturday, June 16, 2018, at the Camarillo Library Community Room, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 1:00 P.M. SHIPS OF OUR ANCESTORS SPEAKER: HAL BOOKBINDER During the active years…

Through June 17 — Setting the Scene Exhibition to Show Paintings by Hollywood Artists from the Historic Santa Paula Civic Collection

SANTA PAULA —The Santa Paula Art Museum is going Hollywood with its exhibit, Setting the Scene, continuing through June. 17. The exhibit will feature paintings by famous background artists who worked for film studios like Disney, MGM and 20th Century Fox during the…

June 19 — Oxnard College is launching its first Mariachi Ensemble class

OXNARD — Oxnard College is launching its first Mariachi Ensemble class, under the leadership of Maestro Jorge Herrera, of the acclaimed Hermanos Herrera group. The Mariachi Ensemble (MUS R126) is a one-unit, CSU transferable lab course and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to…