CAMARILLO — There was a time when Biology and Global Studies double major Patricio Ruano, 19, didn’t think he was college material. “Neither one of my parents went to college,” said Ruano, the youngest of four. “My mom went for one…
Author: Community Contributor
Bilingual report: Free immigration legal clinic on June 1
OXNARD — OneJustice’s Justice Bus Project®, El Concilio Family Services, and Oxnard Adult School are partnering to hold a free legal clinic from noon to4 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at Oxnard Adult School, 1101 W. Second St., Oxnard At the…
Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) presents Meritorious Service Award to PVHS School Psychologist Erica Castro
SANTA MARIA — The Central Coast Association of School Psychologists (CCASP) has awarded the Meritorious Service Award to Pioneer Valley High School Psychologist Erica Castro for the 2018-19 school year. The recognition highlights Castro’s service to students, teachers, administrators, parents,…
Bilingual report: County Invites Public to Learn and Comment at Community Open Houses for the Preliminary Public Review Draft of the 2040 General Plan
VENTURA — The County’s Planning Division will host a series of open houses where the public will have the opportunity to learn about the Preliminary Public Review Draft 2040 General Plan. The General Plan is a long-range planning document that…
Fifth Grader From McKinna Elementary School Selected Winner of 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest
OXNARD — Out of 1,076 entries from kids in kindergarten through sixth grade throughout Ventura County, the creative strawberry design by 10-year-old Alan Sanchez from McKinna Elementary School in Oxnard was selected as the grand prizewinner of the 36th Annual…
Meet the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year: Jan-Erik Sand from Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula
VENTURA COUNTY —The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce that Jan-Erik Sand of Isbell Middle School in the Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) is the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Sand and his…
Ventura County Champions of Career Education Honored at 2019 Pathfinder Awards
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County businesses and educators who are leading the way in advancing career-related education were honored today in Camarillo at the 2019 Pathfinder Awards. The awards were presented by VC Innovates, a program of the Ventura County…
Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley high school business students recently attend ‘Defining Her Power’
SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley High School business students recently attended “Defining Her Power,’’ a conference geared towards empowering and supporting women interested in pursuing businesses. The event, which was hosted by the Cal Poly Women in Business…
SBCC’s Scheinfeld Center Enters National Small Business Week with New Ventures from the Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge
SANTA BARBARA — Local student entrepreneurs dazzled both the judges and the packed SBCC Fé Bland Forum audience at the 9th Annual Scheinfeld New Venture Challenge business plan and pitch competition on Friday, April 26. Students from Santa Barbara City…
Bilingual commentary: Negative Americans
By David Magallanes • Guest contributor David Magallanes We Americans inhabit the “Land of the Free,” the “Land of Liberty” and the “Shining City on the Hill.” We live under halcyon skies and grow our food—and that of much of the…
Senator Jackson Applauds Governor’s Updated Budget Proposal
Governor’s revised budget addresses challenges facing working families, wildfire prevention SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, issued the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal based on the latest revenue estimates, today: “I applaud Governor…
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) Benefit from the Sam Querrey Classic
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCCGV) recently benefitted from the Sam Querrey Classic hosted by the North Ranch Country Club in Thousand Oaks. The event included live ball sessions with Sam Querrey, ranked 65…
Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom
VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $10,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony May 8 in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 14 IMPACT II grants to 23…
Finalists Are Set for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival’s ‘Berry Blast Off’ Recipe Contest
OXNARD — Two finalists were selected during the semi-finals round of the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival‘s “Berry Blast Off” Recipe Contest.” The finalists will now compete for top honors during the festival taking place at Strawberry Meadows of College…
Tourism Continued to Support Oxnard’s Economy in 2018
Travel Industry Thrives in Oxnard/Ventura County and Across California OXNARD — Oxnard and Ventura County continued to thrive from visitor spending in 2018. According to Dean Runyan Associates, visitor spending in Ventura County reached $1,801.9 million and supported 17,360 jobs, a…
Two Santa Maria High School FFA judging teams won state championships Saturday and will now represent the local area at the national level.
SANTA MARIA — Two Santa Maria High School FFA judging teams won state championships Saturday and will now represent the local area at the national level. Both the Milk Quality & Dairy Products and Poultry Judging teams dominated the state during…
UPDATE – Oxnard Cultural Arts Commission Announces Summer 2019-2020 Grant Rollout
OXNARD — The City’s Cultural Arts Commission is announcing the rollout of the 2019-2020 Arts in Public Places (AIPP) Cultural Arts Grant Process with the release of the annual request for proposals (RFP) in the summer of 2019. The previous release…
Bilingual report: Sheriff’s Office urges drivers and bicyclists to ‘Share the Road’
CAMARILLO — May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers and bicyclists to share the road safely not just for the month of May, but every month of the year. “It is not just cars…
More than 72 Percent of Properties Eligible for State Debris Removal Program Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 72 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations…
SBCC offers free career skills courses this summer
SANTA BARBARA — Summer may be the time to relax and enjoy the beach and backyard barbeques, but it’s also the perfect time to take advantage of tuition-free career-building courses through SBCC’s School of Extended Learning Career Skills Institute. The Career…
Fresh Strawberries Kick off the Summer Season in Oxnard with Fun Events for the Whole Family
OXNARD — With the California Strawberry Festival about to take center stage on May 18-19, the summer season is also right around the corner and Oxnard is ready to welcome visitors with its many special events taking place throughout the city.…
Bilingual report: Teatro de las Américas sets sights on future home
Your monthly news & updates I plan to send an occasional newsletter to keep you updated on what Teatro is doing. Margaret Cortese www.teatrodelasamericas.org 319 W. 6th St. Oxnard Future home of Teatro de las Américas We are busy looking…
Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America Chapter recognized for participation, ontributions to the March of Dimes and Government Awareness Projects
SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria High School Future Business Leaders of America Chapter was recently recognized for their participation and contributions to the March of Dimes and Government Awareness Projects during the California FBLA State Leadership Conference at the Sacramento…
SBCC Dual Enrollment helps high school students jump start college careers
SANTA BARBARA — Every year, over 1,000 high school students register for classes at SBCC during the summer and take classes to meet high school and college requirements under SBCC’s Dual Enrollment Program. Registration is now open for two summer sessions:…
Take 5 And Read To Kids! Campaign Coming to a Library near you!
VENTURA COUNTY — The fourth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids campaign, a partnership between the Ventura County Star and First 5 Ventura County to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy is coming to Ventura County…
Community Partners to be Honored May 8 at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 96th Annual Awards Celebration
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has announced the nominees for their 96th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Hosts Art Reception for Architectural Paintings by Tom Kress
SANTA BARBARA — Tom Kress’s career as an artist and building designer has taken him around the world, working on architectural design projects including the Santa Barbara Airport, the Transamerica Building, and even the White House. On Tuesday, April 30th,…
Bilingual commentary: Routine Maintenance In Our Lives
By David Magallanes • Guest contributor David Magallanes Some of us describe ourselves as “creatures of habit.” Habits can be beneficial, or they can devastate us over time. A reading or exercise habit will not have the same outcome as…
Museum of Ventura County update for May 2 — Women Beyond Borders Opening Reception + Weekend Events!
Join us at the Museum of Ventura County this Friday, May 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and be among the first to view the new exhibit, “Women Beyond Borders.” This extraordinary exhibition displays boxes created by women…
CalCIMA Files Lawsuit Seeking to Protect Mineral Resources
SACRAMENTO — The California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (“CalCIMA”) filed a lawsuit in Superior Court seeking to set aside Ventura County’s approval of a sweeping, first of its kind, wildlife corridor zoning designation impacting thousands of acres of land. The…
‘Rooster Keeping’ Ordinance adopted by Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Bilingual applications available
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has adopted the Rooster Keeping Ordinance (VCO §§ 4494.1-5), the intent of which is to curtail game fowl crowding, address the public noise and odor nuisance associated with game fowl farming…
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara update for May 2 — May 2019 at MCASB
Click here for the entire e-newsletter UPCOMING EVENTS MAY SCREENINGS READERS, 2017 Sunday, May 19, 2019 | 3 pm | MCASB RSVP here » Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 6:30 pm | MCASB Join MCASB for a special evening screening…
Oxnard School District bans Glyphosate
OXNARD — Adding to the growing momentum in Ventura County for better protections from pesticide use, the Oxnard School District (OSD) has banned Glyphosate—the toxic ingredient in RoundUp. To a cheering May 1stcrowd, the district’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution…
SBCC Seeks Community Volunteers in search for new Superintendent/President
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees is seeking community members to serve on a Screening Committee for the hiring of its new College Superintendent/President. The Board is seeking two (2) volunteers to represent the community-at-large…
May at The Marjorie Luke Theatre!
Click here for the entire e-newsletter Michael Andrews speaks on The Luke Theatre’s impact on Santa Barbara’s youth and how the Boxtales Theatre Company have found a summer home in The Luke. Upcoming Events Don Quixote Saturday & Sunday,…
CSUCI named Tree Campus USA for seventh year in a row
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s dedication to planting and maintaining the trees shading the campus streets, sidewalks and buildings has earned the University a Tree Campus USA designation for the seventh year in a row. Tree Campus USA is a…
More than 300,000 Tons of Debris from Woolsey and Hill Fires Removed by State Contractors
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed more than 300,000 tons of debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from private properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since debris removal operations began on February 6, officials with the Debris…
SMHS French and Spanish Honor Societies team up for ‘Cultural Friday
SANTA MARIA — The SMHS French and Spanish Honor Societies will team up for “Cultural Friday” from 3:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on May 3, thanks to generous donations by The Fund For Santa Barbara. The non-profit community foundation supports organizations…
June 22 — Teatro de las Américas to present its 3rd Anniversary Gala
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas to present its 3rd Anniversary Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22, in Oxnard. Purchase tickets here *** Compre sus boletos aquí. Teatro de las Américas es una compañia de teatro bilingüe…
29 de junio — Planificando un Futuro Mejor
OXNARD — El seminario educativo “Planificando un Futuro Mejor,” Sábado, 29 de Junio, 10:30 a.m. — 12 p.m., en el Biblioteca Principal de Oxnard, 251 South A Street— Salon B, Oxnard.
29 de junio — El Consulado de México en Oxnard te invitan al ‘Día Conoce Tus Derechos’
OXNARD – – El Consulado de México en Oxnard te invitan al “Día Conoce Tus Derechos,” 10 am – 2 pm, Consulado de México en Oxnard, 555 S. A St., Suite 100, Oxnard. Talleres Conoce Tus Derechos Preparación de un…
Environmental Health Division supervisor assumes lead role in statewide association
VENTURA — Graciela Garcia, a registered environmental health specialist with the Environmental Health Department, was sworn in as the President of the California Environmental Health Association at the 68th Annual Educational Symposium held this year in Ventura. She has served for…
Bilingual report: Ventura County Fire reminds the public to clear brush ahead of fire season
CAMARILLO — Thousands of letters have been sent to homeowners and property managers reminding them to clear 100 feet of brush away from their properties by June 1, 2019. More than 18,400 parcels will receive Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP)…
Dr. Kim Hoffmans selected as Ventura College President
VENTURA —Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Chancellor Greg Gillespie is pleased to announce that Dr. Kim Hoffmans has been selected as president for Ventura College, effective June 1, 2019. Dr. Hoffmans has served VCCCD for the last 25 years…
Benefit Concert on April 27 at SLO Brew Rock to Support Local Survivors of Sexual Assault
RISE Up & Rock for a good cause on April 27! SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — In commemoration of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, RISE will be hosting an exciting, new event called RISE Up & Rock: A Benefit…
SBCC ranks in top 25 for degrees awarded to students of color
SANTA BARBARA — For several years, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education has produced a list of the “Top 100 Degree Producers” rankings of institutions that confer the most degrees to minority students. This year, SBCC ranked in the top 25 for…
Bilingual commentary: The Burning Cathedral
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 •…
Nearly 65 Percent of Properties Eligible for State Debris Removal Program Cleared of Woolsey, Hill Fire Debris
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA —State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from nearly 65 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently eligible to participate in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal…
Ceremony celebrates newly-tenured SBCC faculty
SANTA BARBARA — Twelve Santa Barbara City College faculty members became fully tenured professors at a ceremony held in the college’s Gourmet Dining Room on Monday, April 15. The annual gathering, hosted by Executive Vice President Dr. Pamela Ralston’s office,…
Carnegie Art Museum update for April 25 — Family Day on April 27
Click here for the entire e-newsletter ARTISTS’ GALLERY TALK To Live a Life Beneath, oil on Belgian linen, 48″ x 36,” by Alexandra Manukyan, 2018. Adonna Khare & Alexandra Manukyan Thursday, April 25 6pm $5 general/members free reservations appreciated…