OXNARD — El Centrito Family Learning Centers unveils a refreshed website that highlights the agency’s mission “to create a multicultural community of excellence by inspiring the children, youth and families of Ventura County to learn, lead and reach their greatest potential.”…
Author: Community Contributor
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau Appoints New Executive Director
OXNARD — The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Joshua Travers. Travers brings a diverse background in program management, strategic planning and community engagement to the Bureau. Over the past two…
Fall Enrollment now open for Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation
PASO ROBLES — All children between the ages of 5-18 are invited to enroll for a wide variety of free after school visual and performing arts classes. Students do not need to be residents of Paso Robles. Parents planning to enroll…
Local PODS® Lends Services to 24th Annual Ventura County Stand Down
VENTRA COUNTY — For many veterans, daily amenities and other services can be hard to come by, but combining that with trying to assimilate back into a regular routine can be the biggest hardship of all. On July 29-31, local…
Union Bank donation makes local ‘Tools for School’ Event possible
SANTA BARBARA — While the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) provides innovative housing and services in the community, its nonprofit affiliate, 2nd Story Associates, helps fill gaps to help local families succeed. Thanks to a generous donation…
Gold Coast Health Plan Turns 5
Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan to Celebrate 5-Year Anniversary CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) is celebrating its five-year anniversary on Friday, July 29 with a fun event that will recognize the contributions of the Plan’s employees. GCHP went live on July…
Vans Donated to United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County Help Local Kids In Need
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) recently donated two used vans to a local non-profit, United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. The vans will be used to help with furniture and…
Testing for TCE at SLO county airport underway
SAN LUIS OBISPO — Independent contractors began testing at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport this week to determine if airport property is the source of toxic chemicals found in nearby groundwater. Roux Associates, an environmental consulting and management…
Local Contractors Recognized for Energy Efficient Projects
CENTRAL COAST – The Tri-County-operated emPower program has recognized several local contractors for their dedication to affordable, energy efficient home upgrades. emPower teams with qualified contractors to assist interested homeowners in completing projects that will make their homes more comfortable,…
Bilingual commentary: Centers of Peace
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Welcomes Peter Jordano as Honorary Chairman of the Wings of Honor Committee
SANTA BARBARA — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation welcomes Peter Jordano as Honorary Chairman of the Wings of Honor Committee. He brings his years of experience in the business sector as well as service in the Marine Corps to the committee.…
Rabobank Donates $7,500 for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Youth Education Program
CENTRAL COAST — Rabobank has presented Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) with a $7,500 grant in support of the nonprofit’s Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP), focusing on improving the literacy, English and math skills of student residents. Rabobank regularly supports nonprofit…
Assemblymember Irwin Pushes Two Bills to Benefit Military Personnel at Home
Two bills proposed would encourage improved mental health practices and provide legal assistance to members of military SACRAMENTO – Two assembly bills authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) have been approved by Senate committees and await further review. The first,…
Wildfire Danger Important Reminder of Disaster Preparedness for Pets
SANTA BARBARA —In times of emergency, it is important to not only prepare your family for evacuation, but also keep in mind the safety of your pets, big and small. The recent Sherpa Fire forced the evacuation of animals from homes…
Ventura County CDC receives $60,000 from the Citi Foundation to help local families achieve homeownership and financial stability
VENTURA COUNTY – The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) was recently awarded a $60,000 grant by the Citi Foundation to support its Changing Lives through Homeownership Program which provides homebuyer education and counseling services to low-to-moderate income families in Ventura…
“Breaking News–How to Get Your Local Story Covered” – Local News Moguls Share Important Tips at July PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
CENTRAL COAST — What makes a news story pitch perfect? Local broadcast media managers focus on this and other aspects of getting stories into the news at the next PRSA Gold Coast Chapter meeting, July 27. Mark Danielson, General Manager,…
St. Francis Foundation Elects Kathleen Baushke as New Board President
SANTA BARBARA — St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara is proud to welcome Kathleen Baushke as its new Board President. As Executive Director of Transition House for 15 years, Baushke brings a deep understanding of the landscape of solutions for…
Down & Dirty: Troubles with Attics & Crawlspaces
By Javier Saucedo, emPower Central Coast Energy Coach Squeeze your way into a home’s attic or crawlspace and you’ll know why I often come out covered in a combination of spider webs, dirt, dust and more. As an emPower Energy…
Computer Camp Prepares College-Bound Foster Youth
VENTURA COUNTY — 20 local transitional-aged foster youth have been selected to participate in a digital literacy computer training seminar, taking place July 15 and 16 at the County of Ventura Human Services Agency. A powerful collaboration between the Ventura…
Bilingual commentary: Lessons From the Story of Dory
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
CSU Channel Islands, University Preparation Charter School and Oceanview School District Receive Grant to Prepare a New Generation of Teachers
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CI), the University Preparation Charter School (UPS) at CSU Channel Islands (CI) and the Ocean View School District have been awarded a grant by the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation to expand practice-based training for new K-8 teachers…
MICOP hiring a Project Coordinator to identify and recruit; train and mentor Clubes de Oriundos (Townhall Associations)
OXNARD — MICOP is currently hiring a Project Coordinator to identify and recruit; train and mentor Clubes de Oriundos (Townhall Associations), to strengthen their organization and leadership capacity. S/he will inspire and support Clubes de Oriundos (Townhall Associations) leaders to design and submit a “community project-program plan” that…
Ventura County Public Works Agency announces $7 million in cost avoidance from Lean Six Sigma program over six years
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) announced that using Lean Six Sigma efficiency programs provided nearly $2 million in cost avoidance this fiscal year, and almost $7 million in cost avoidance over the past six years.…
State Budget Includes $22 Million for Assemblymember Irwin’s UC Innovation Initiative
SACRAMENTO — $22 million in funding for the UC Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative proposed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) has been included in the 2016-17 budget signed by Governor Brown. Irwin’s legislation, which has been touted as a “Job Creator”…
Bilingual commentary: Caring Enough to Vote
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Welcomes 14 Entrepreneurs into the World of Business
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 22 women and men who have successfully completed WEV’s Santa Maria-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at the United Domestic Workers (UDW)…
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) Welcomes 11 Entrepreneurs into the World of Business
SANTA BARBARA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recently celebrated the accomplishments of 11 women and men who successfully completed WEV’s Ventura County-based Advanced Spanish Self-Employment Training (SSET) course with a graduation ceremony held at National University in Oxnard. After 14…
Bilingual report: Mohammed Hasan’s ‘Drought Is Not a Four-Letter Word’ has been translated into Spanish
VENTURA — “Drought Is Not a Four-Letter Word,” a 52-page book that describes the state’s water issues, has been translated into Spanish, according to author Mohammed A. Hasan. “Sequia: La realidad sin frontera: La guía ciudadana sobre nuevas agues” comes at an important…
Teatro de las Américas to hold light design workshop on Aug. 6
OXNARD — Teatro de las Américas announces this exciting workshop: “Science and Art of Dealing with Lights I” This workshop is for directors, producers, high school teachers, tech kids, photographers, actors, students. It is particularly helpful for “talking to light…
Vietnam Veteran Recognized for His Outstanding Service
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) selected Richard F. Camacho of Camarillo as the 44th District ‘Veteran of the Year’. His extraordinary bravery and accomplishments as a warrior at home and overseas exemplify the core American values of service, community, and compassion.…
Biólogo René Corado de Oxnard presenta libro bilingüe ‘Las Aventuras de René Corado El Lustrador’ el 6 de agosto en Santa Mónica
SANTA MONICA — Biólogo René Corado de Oxnard presenta libro bilingüe “Las Aventuras de René Corado El Lustrador” a 2 a 5 p.m. sábado, el 6 de agosto en el Santa Mónica Library, Pico Branch, The Annex Room, 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa…
MICOP to present ‘Night in Oaxaca Quinceañera 15’ on Aug. 20
OXNARD — The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project will present “Night in Oaxaca Quinceañera 15” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Genevieve Flores-Haro at…
Foodbank Needs Your Help to End Summer Hunger
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Seeks Donations by June 30 to Reach $100K Matching Grant SANTA BARBARA — Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is approaching the end of its End Summer Hunger campaign, a month-long campaign to raise $100K to help feed…
321 Ways to Love: Local couple dedicates 35 years of service to Ventura County children and youth
VENTURA COUNTY — When Barbara and Edward Williams became a foster family in 1981, they couldn’t have foreseen the love that would fill their home. Recently honored by Foster VC Kids and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, the Williams…
Ventura County Public Works Agency announces Michaela Brown as new Director of Water and Sanitation Department
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency has named Michaela Brown as the Director of the Agency’s Water and Sanitation Department. Brown is scheduled to start on June 20. Brown brings more than 25 years of in-depth engineering…
Santa Barbara Humane Society New Website is a Communitywide Resource for Pet Owners and Adopters
SANTA BARBARA – As a provider of animal welfare services since 1887, the Santa Barbara Humane Society continues to adapt to the needs of today’s community with its new website, featuring a fresh user-friendly and mobile responsive design and expanded resources…
Ventura County Public Works Agency Appoints J. Tabin Cosio New Central Services Director
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Public Works Agency appointed J. Tabin Cosio as Director of Central Services. Cosio replaces Janice Turner, who served the VCPWA for 35 years and retired earlier this year. As director of the Ventura County…
Jensen Design & Survey Engineering Los Angeles Rams Facilities Under Extreme Deadlines
THOUSAND OAKS — Jensen Design & Survey (JDS) announced that the engineering firm is completing the planning, survey, engineering and permitting for new temporary athletic facilities for the Los Angeles Rams football team, which is returning to Southern California and…
A Different Point of View Propels Youth into Aviation Careers
SANTA BARBARA — Local aviation nonprofit A Different Point of View (ADPOV) gave youth hands-on training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) during its Aviation Career Program that ran June 24-26. This uniquely focused program, held at the Santa…
Bilingual commentary: First-Generation College Students
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Ventura College Launches New Programs this Fall
VENTURA — Ventura College is offering several new programs this fall, including a Diesel Mechanic Program, Workplace Competencies Program and Social Media Marketing. Registration opens to all students July 11 for the fall 2016 semester at Ventura College. Current students,…
Braille Institute Santa Barbara Hosts Expert Presentation on the Latest Research Using Stem Cell Therapy for Severe Sight Loss
UCSB and USC lead multidisciplinary collaboration on clinic trial for Tri-County area SANTA BARBARA — Healthcare providers and community members gathered at Braille Institute Santa Barbara for a free presentation on the Future of Stem Cell Therapy. Amir Kashani, M.D.,…
Local PODS Moving and Storage Offers Tips for Summer Moves with Children
CENTRAL COAST — As June marks the unofficial start of summer, more families are looking at how to help their children handle the stress and uncertainty of packing, moving and relocating to a new home. To help during the summer…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson honors La Hermandad Hank Lacayo Youth and Family Center as her Non-Profit of the Year
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) honored La Hermandad Hank Lacayo Youth and Family Center in Oxnard as her 2016 Non-Profit of the Year in the first annual California Nonprofits Day today in Sacramento. La Hermandad provides free legal services,…
Channel Islands YMCA Association chosen to be honored at first-ever California Nonprofits Day celebration
SACRAMENTO — On Wednesday, June 22, Channel Islands YMCA Association, with branches in Camarillo, Ventura, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and Lompoc, will be honored as a Nonprofit of the Year at a celebration of California Nonprofits Day at the…
Bilingual commentary: Flowers and Daughters
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Hospice of Santa Barbara Extends Bereavement Support in Wake of Orlando Shooting
SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara is deeply saddened by the nightclub shooting in Orlando and extends it heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and members of the LGBT community impacted by this senseless tragedy. “It’s…
Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care Welcomes Dr. Christopher Thrash to the Board of Directors and Heather Stern to the Senior Leadership Team
SANTA BARBARA — Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care (VNHC) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Christopher Thrash to our Board of Directors. Dr. Thrash is a private practice physician in Santa Barbara. His prior experience includes Internal Medicine Hospitalist…
The David Geffen Foundation Joins Rona Barrett Foundation to Support Affordable Senior Housing
SANTA BARBARA — The David Geffen Foundation is the newest “Golden Star” to support the Rona Barrett Foundation Golden Inn & Village, a model solution to community-based housing for low-income seniors. The Golden Inn & Village is near completion as the…
Five Local Youth Attend Prestigious Boys State Program in Sacramento
SANTA BARBARA — Five local youth are among the 1,000 male high school juniors in the state of California selected to attend the American Legion California Boys State 79th Session held at California State University in Sacramento from June 18-25.…
Women’s Economic Ventures seeking full-time bilingual program assistant
CENTRAL COAST — WEV is hiring a full-time bilingual Program Assistant to work out of its Santa Barbara OR Ventura office beginning in June. Position’s Purpose: A bilingual (English/Spanish), enthusiastic, detail-oriented and helpful individual acts as the first point of…
Ventura Music Festival presents Sergio Mendes in concert on July 22
OXNARD — Salsa Festival fans, we wanted to share with you a rare opportunity – SERGIO MENDES is coming to the Oxnard PAC for one night only on Friday, July 22 @8PM! Plus a pre-concert dance party in the PAC Courtyard with DJ Prra…
Bilingual commentary: Daughters’ Connection with Nature
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Promotes Anna Vela-Villicana to Housing Specialist
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing is proud to announce the promotion of Anna Vela-Villicana to Housing Specialist for the Home Ownership Department. Vela-Villicana is stepping into the vital new role as PSHH continues to expand to meet the still growing demand…
Oxnard School District Funds Summer Writing Camp for English Language Learners in Partnership with South Coast Writing Project of UCSB
OXNARD — Oxnard School District (OSD) added a final stamp of approval at last Wednesday’s Board meeting to another way of supporting its English learners – a summer writing camp. The summer program is in partnership with Young Writers Camp,…
Montecito Family YMCA Celebrates Father’s Day – a Tradition Started at the YMCA
MONTECITO — On Sunday, June 19, the Montecito Family YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. The Y, a leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth…
Dads To Receive A Range Of Gifts For Father’s Day That Can Be Found At Centerpoint Mall
A recent National Retail Federation survey shows total spending is expected to reach $14.3 billion, highest in the survey’s 13-year history OXNARD — It’s neckties, sporting goods and greeting cards, among other great gifts for Dads as shoppers head to Centerpoint Mall…
Just Being Healthy in Today’s Mobile World
Just Being Healthy (JBH) will participate in the 5th annual Global Wellness Day, an international day to celebrate wellness and healthy living, by working to improve a person’s total body wellness caused by the stressors of life, and in many…
Lompoc Family YMCA Receives National CDC and YMCA Grants to Develop Self-Service Bicycle Repair Station
LOMPOC — The Lompoc Family YMCA will receive $2,000 in total grants awarded to the Channel Islands YMCA to develop a public self-service bicycle repair station, helping empower local residents with more healthy physical recreation opportunities. The grant will support…
Bilingual commentary: Pessimism and Marriage
Editor’s note: Amigos805 welcomes 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 / Guest contributor David Magallanes…